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Family vacations are an annual tradition for many families. They provide opportunities to explore the world while strengthening family bonds and creating lifelong memories. But sometimes, vacations can be overly stressful and stimulating. This is especially true if you go to “tourist traps,” which are well-known vacation destinations that tend to be overcrowded and overwhelming.
If you’re on the hunt for vacation destinations that tend to be a little less busy, they can be hard to find. After all, most online searches for “family vacation” destinations intentionally deliver the most popular results. But with a little patience and perseverance, you can find what you’re looking for. Here are five non-touristy family vacation destinations that are fun, exciting, and rarely overcrowded. Consider visiting one or more of them with your family this year.
1. Small Nearby Towns
If you want the novelty of a new destination that’s not far from home, simply travel to a small, nearby town you haven’t visited before. Look for a quaint bed and breakfast or hotel to stay in while you explore the surroundings. If you have young kids, search online for nearby playgrounds in advance.
Even though you most likely have plenty of playgrounds in your own neighborhood, sometimes children like a taste of something familiar when exploring uncharted territory. They may feel more at ease if they have a chance to frolic on outdoor playground equipment while checking out a new town.
2. Under-Rated National Parks
Yellowstone, Zion, Great Smoky Mountains, and Grand Canyon National Parks are some of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. But that doesn’t mean you have to avoid all national parks to stay away from tourist traps this year. Many national parks are much less popular and offer exceptional views of scenery and wildlife with greater solitude.
Some of the least popular national parks include:
- Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
- Kobuk Valley National Park
- National Park of American Samoa
- Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
- Isle Royale National Park
Even though they’re less popular than other national parks, the destinations listed above are still beautiful to behold. Some are located in Alaska, which is one reason they’re less frequented. It may be harder to get to them, but the effort is well worth it if you’re looking for breathtaking beauty and seclusion.
3. Mountain Campgrounds
If you don’t mind “roughing it,” some of the best family vacation destinations include mountain campgrounds. Some of these may be busier than others, but in general, campgrounds tend to be more secluded than most tourist destinations. You can also save a lot of money on your family vacation by avoiding hotel costs and spending less money on entertainment.
When camping, you need to be creative about what you’ll eat and do. There most likely won’t be any restaurants nearby, so you’ll want to pack enough food to last your entire trip. You’ll also need a way to keep it fresh until you’re ready to cook or prepare it. As far as entertainment goes, hiking, bird watching, foraging, and playing card games are all great ways to avoid boredom while camping. If you’re camping near a body of water, you could also go fishing, kayaking, or swimming together.
4. Frederick, Maryland
Want to take your family somewhere rich in historical significance but not overcrowded? Frederick, Maryland may be the ideal destination. This fascinating city was a crucial trade crossroad between the early Virginia and Pennsylvania colonies. It has a well-preserved historic downtown area with museums, art galleries, restaurants, and quaint shops. Despite its historic significance, Frederick is far less tourist-packed than nearby Washington D.C. or Baltimore.
Some of the best sites to see in the area include the Francis Scott Key monument, the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park. If you have small children, they may enjoy visiting Summers Farm, Historic Downtown, and Rose Hill Manor Park & Children’s Museum. There are plenty of things for families of all ages and sizes to do in Frederick.
5. Broken Bow, Oklahoma
Oklahoma probably isn’t the first place you think of when brainstorming family vacation destinations. That’s exactly why it’s one of the best places to go if you want to get away from typical tourist traps. Most experts recommend visiting Broken Bow in October or November if you’re looking for mild and pleasant weather. Average temperatures during these months range from 50˚ F to 70˚ F. The summer months can be quite hot and muggy in the area.
Despite being a lesser-known vacation destination, Broken Bow has many notable family-friendly attractions. They include the Maze of Hochatown, Forest Heritage Center Museum, and Beavers Bend State Park. The Maze of Hochatown includes 29,000 square feet of twisting pathways to find your way through while searching for hidden stamps along the way. Children can also dig for gemstones and fossils at Beaver’s Bend Mining Company.
You don’t have to fight crowds and traffic to enjoy an exceptional family getaway this year. Take advantage of these lesser-known vacation destinations and prepare to create lasting family memories without getting caught in a dreaded tourist trap.