9 Fresh Family Vacation Ideas for a Memorable Summer
This summer brings more than warmer weather—it also offers increased COVID‑19 vaccination coverage and eased travel restrictions. Families can finally move beyond the stay‑cations of the past year and plan exciting vacations again.
While the biggest bucket‑list destinations may still be a few months away, Americans are eager to explore beyond their backyards. After a year of cautious road trips and backyard movie nights, it’s time to set the course for new adventures.
Summer Vacation Ideas for 2021
Safety remains a priority, yet the best family trips of 2021 blend adventure, comfort, and affordability. From scenic outdoor getaways to America’s most beloved theme parks, the following destinations promise fun for every age and budget.
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Hersheypark, located within a few hours of many Northeast cities, spans 121 acres of thrills, water fun, and wildlife. The park offers world‑class roller coasters, a water park, and Zoo America, making it easy to keep the whole family entertained.
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Thrill rides run side‑by‑side with gentle kiddie attractions, ensuring that both teens and toddlers stay engaged. Hersheypark’s early‑entry program lets ticket holders enjoy a complimentary evening of family fun before the official opening.
The park’s $150‑million expansion, Chocolatetown, introduces new dining options like Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor and the flagship Candymonium coaster—Hersheypark’s tallest and most powerful ride.
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After a sugar‑laden day, the Hershey Lodge offers upscale lodging with onsite dining, a chocolate‑themed menu, and an indoor water park featuring the Twizzlers Twists slides.
San Diego, California
California’s cautious approach to easing restrictions has culminated in a vibrant summer ready for family travel. San Diego’s endless coastline and kid‑friendly attractions make it a perennial favorite.
Fully vaccinated visitors can enjoy SeaWorld’s newest roller coaster, Emperor Dive, which reaches speeds over 60 mph on the state’s tallest floorless dive coaster. SeaWorld also hosts the only North American location where you can view Emperor Penguins in a natural setting.
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The San Diego Zoo welcomes guests to its new hummingbird exhibit, while dinner at Bali Hai transports diners to tropical flavors.
Consider a side trip to Carlsbad to explore the Flower Fields, LEGOLAND California, and the family‑friendly King’s Fish House for fresh seafood.
Nassau, Bahamas
A trip to the Bahamas offers families a slice of paradise without the complexities of long‑distance travel. Cable Beach’s Baha Mar is a sprawling luxury resort featuring oceanfront hotels from SLS, Rosewood, and Grand Hyatt.
Opening this summer, Baha Bay delivers a beachfront water park with 20+ slides, a wave pool, and a surf simulator. Food trucks and popular chains like Umami Burger add culinary variety, while an oceanfront gaming pavilion offers adults a tranquil escape.
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Vaccinated guests enjoy exemption from COVID‑19 testing, though a Bahamas Health Visa remains required upon arrival.
Branson, Missouri
Branson’s welcoming atmosphere, family‑friendly shows, and popular theme parks make it ideal for multigenerational trips. Silver Dollar City blends classic charm with thrills, featuring the wooden coaster Outlaw Run and the spinning coaster Time Traveler.
Silver Dollar City’s Star‑Spangled Summer celebration adds festive treats and entertainment, including Grammy‑winning artists and the Harlem Globetrotters.
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Historic Downtown Branson hosts the Branson Landing, a pedestrian‑friendly shopping and dining district. The Hilton Promenade offers walkable accommodations, while the Chateau on the Lake provides a resort‑style stay with spa and marina amenities.
Miramar Beach, Florida
Florida’s panhandle offers over 200 miles of pristine coastline. Miramar Beach blends a nostalgic beach vibe with modern comforts, making it a quiet alternative to Panama City Beach.
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Baytowne Wharf in Destin offers dining, shopping, and nightlife, with Rum Runners—known for dueling pianos—drawing crowds. Rental condominiums are plentiful and often within walking distance of local attractions.
The new Hotel Effie Sandestin boasts a rooftop pool with panoramic Gulf views, and celebrity chef Hugh Acheson showcases Gulf‑Coast flavors at the hotel’s restaurants.
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Set against the Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge offers Southern hospitality and a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which requires no advanced reservations.
Dolly Parton’s Dollywood, a 150‑acre theme‑park complex, features an amusement park, water park, and the Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa. The newest Wildwood Grove expansion and iconic coasters—Lightning Rod, Thunderhead, Mystery Mine, and Blazing Fury—draw crowds of all ages.
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Dollywood’s 36th season introduces a multi‑sensory Summer Celebration (June 25–July 31), featuring a 3D light show with drones, fireworks, and music. Dolly Parton’s Stampede offers a four‑course meal and live show in a 35,000‑sq‑ft arena.
Along The Island, the Margaritaville Island Hotel offers a rooftop pool, while the St. Somewhere Spa delights parents and the resident parrot Max keeps kids entertained.
Park City, Utah
Beyond its Olympic fame, Park City is a year‑round family destination. Summer brings renowned mountain‑biking trails—paved and gravel—for all skill levels, and Main Street offers over 50 restaurants and 100 independent boutiques.
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The St. Regis Deer Valley provides luxury mountain accommodations, including a split‑level pool, world‑class spa, and on‑site restaurants. Pet‑friendly services, such as turndown for dogs, make it a true family retreat.
Orlando, Florida
Theme‑park enthusiasts will find fresh excitement in Orlando’s top attractions. Universal Orlando Resort’s newest coaster, the Jurassic World‑themed VelociCoaster, thrills visitors, while Universal’s Volcano Bay offers an immersive water‑park experience.
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Universal’s Endless Summer properties—Surfside Inn & Suites and Dockside Inn & Suites—offer family suites at budget‑friendly rates. For a splurge, the Hard Rock Hotel’s rock‑star suite includes a dedicated red‑carpet room for kids.
Walt Disney World’s 2021 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival begins July 15. Although character interactions may be limited, the Disney PhotoPass Service partners with Snapchat to bring beloved characters to life.
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Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort returns this summer with renovated Moana‑inspired rooms. The Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs offers affordable family suites, an Oasis Aquatic Pool Playground, and convenient dining.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas welcomes tourists with competitive rates, outdoor activities, and family‑friendly attractions. Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart—an art exhibit, amusement park, and escape room hybrid—offers immersive experiences in the AREA15 district.
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Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, 30 minutes from downtown, features 30 + miles of hiking trails, including the scenic Calico Hills Trail.
For a restful stay, Mandalay Bay’s resort pool boasts a man‑made beach, lazy river, and wave pool, while the shark reef aquarium remains one of the country’s best.
