10 Underrated Summer Travel Ideas for Families

Explore Fort Williams Park in Portland, Maine. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

When school lets out for summer, families love to hit the road (or the skies) and travel to new places. But while summer journeys can be glorious, they also come with the downsides of peak travel season—higher prices, heavy traffic, larger crowds, and longer lines.

But it doesn't have to be that way. There are plenty of places across the US that offer many of the things families look for in a summer vacation—beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, engaging museums, and more—but aren't as well-known. That means families can make amazing summer memories with far less hassle.

Here are 10 underrated summer travel ideas for families across the US. Our Family Travel Guide includes even more great summer vacation ideas, including our massive list of the 100 best family vacation destinations.

Legoland Florida: Everything to Know for a Great Visit with Kids

Legoland Florida is filled with rides, fun characters, and even a water park. Photos courtesy of Legoland Florida Resort

Orlando holds its own magic, and one of our family's favorite destinations is Legoland Florida Resort. Specifically designed for children age 2 to 12, Legoland Florida offers rides perfectly suited for my little ones and ensures a seamless experience for a full day of theme park fun with toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids alike.

We love the building and outdoor play opportunities at Legoland Florida, so kids can take a break from ride hopping and flex their creativity. Read on for the top things to do at Legoland Florida, including our favorite rides, places to eat, hours, tickets, and even top Legoland hotel options!

Best New Broadway Shows This Season Plus Can't-Miss Classics for Families

Hell's Kitchen is a cool coming-of-age piece loosely based on Alicia Keys' life story. Photo by Marc J. Franklin

Whether you're visiting NYC or live here year-round, taking in a Broadway show is a special family experience. Kids are sure to remember it vividly, and chances are parents won't soon forget the credit card bill. That's why it's important to pick a production wisely, especially when bringing young children to their first Broadway performance.

While Disney juggernauts The Lion King and Aladdin are popular options, there are other kid-friendly choices that aren't as obvious. We've rounded up our top Broadway shows for families and organized them by age appropriateness. Once you've picked a Broadway show, all that's left to do is book tickets. We've got you covered there, too, with these six ways to save on Broadway tickets.

If you're looking for more options, browse our Family Activity Calendar for family shows beyond Broadway, and bookmark our Guide to Children's Theater for reviews and recommendations.

36 Summer Festivals and Fairs in Philadelphia for Kids

Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is one of the Philadelphia Waterfront's favorite summertime traditions Photo courtesy of the Delaware-River-Waterfront

Summer fairs and festivals are back in Philly! If there's one thing this city loves besides a cheesesteak, it's a summer festival. Our summer calendar is chock-full of fairs, outdoor concerts, and cultural festivals to get you out and about while school's out. Read on for our top festival picks to keep Philly families partying all summer. 

For more summer fun, check out our Summer Activity Guide. Heading to the shore this summer? We've got you covered with 70 Things To Do with Kids at the Jersey Shore.

19 Summer Festivals and Fairs in Atlanta for Families

Celebrate the Fourth of July at patriotic festivals and parades across Atlanta. Photo by the author

Get hyped for the summer festival season in Atlanta as more fun events are announced every day! From yummy food and live music to bouncy houses and parades, there is something to keep every family member happy at these fun-in-the-sun summer festivals near you. We picked our faves to add to your summer calendar...don't sleep on the delicious Atlanta Ice Cream Festival, as well as lots of Fourth of July festivals, and the always popular Dragon Con!

36 Best Summer Festivals and County Fairs in San Francisco for Kids and Families

Find great fair food and fun in Napa this summer. Photo courtesy of the Napa Town and Country Fair

Summer festivals in San Francisco are the best way to enjoy those few months without any fog or rain. These outdoor festivals bring families and friends together to celebrate fabulous food, cool cultures, and loads of fun activities. There are county fairs, block parties, music festivals, and of course, plenty of events honoring the 4th of July.

From Ferris wheels and mini roller coasters at fests like the 33rd Bay Area KidFest in Concord to honoring our missing fog at Pacifica's Fog Fest, here we rounded up the best summer festivals in San Francisco and the Bay Area for kids and families.

For more fun things to do in the Bay Area every day of summer, check out our calendar of events. Plus, plan your summer road trips with our Weekend Getaway and Day Trips for San Francisco Guide

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