If you’re thinking about taking a trip to your favorite state or city this summer, you might want to consider staying at the local inn instead of staying in a hotel. Why? Because rates at hotels can be much higher than the rates at the hotels listed in this article.
So you just finished up summer, flipped off the last of the summer session, and are about to start your first semester of college. If you are anything like me, the first day back on campus will leave you more nervous than you were before you set foot on campus. Why? Because you know that first day of school is filled with all the uncertainty of the first semester of college. I mean, will notes be here on time? Will the campus bus arrive on time? And most importantly, what are those first couple weeks going to be like? I can’t even imagine!
Before you break out the checkbook for that weekend trip, or take that much needed vacation, check out this list of the 10 best back-to-school weekend staycations in each state.
August always rings the sirens, signaling the impending return to the classroom. This is a signal for many families that it’s time to cram in one more excursion before returning to schoolwork and school activities.
However, with all of the preparation that returning to school necessitates, traveling too far may be inconvenient. Enter the concept of staycations. So pack your weekender bags and enjoy the final days of summer at these fantastic back-to-school weekend staycations around the country.
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Alabama
Huntsville is known as “Rocket City” because it is home to the United States Space and Rocket Center. However, if you believe the kids won’t be interested in visiting a museum just before school begins, you’re mistaken. With a Space Shot Simulator, G-Force Accelerator, Mars Climbing Wall, and Hyper Ship “motion based simulator,” they’ll have a good time.
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Alaska
It’s difficult to visit Alaska in the summer and not take advantage of the beautiful scenery (without freezing). So load up the vehicle and go to Denali National Park, where you may climb, trek, backpack, or cycle.
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Arizona
For good reason, the Grand Canyon is a popular family holiday destination. Even if you and your family have visited the Grand Canyon before, there are few sights as magnificent as it. At a different hour, go someplace fresh or soak in the magnificent sights. It’s remarkable how a dawn over the canyons can shift your perspective — and help you re-center yourself before returning the kids to school.
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Arkansas
Is the word “safari” the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Arkansas? Perhaps it should be. You may stay in a safari lodge, treehouse, or tent (or simply a suite, if you want) at the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge while viewing lions, tigers, and bears (and leopards, ligers and bobcats).
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California
In California, the possibilities for a staycation are almost endless. But the weather will start to drop down soon enough, so take one more excursion to the waterpark while the weather is still warm. Wet ‘n’ Wild Palm Springs offers slides, rafts, and family rides for kids of all ages to enjoy, while parents relax in a cabana at The Beach Bar.
mihailomilovanovic is the author of this image.
Colorado
The Cave of the Winds offers activities for all levels of explorers, both above and below ground. You may go on a cave tour, learn about spelunking, and listen to folklore and ghost tales. You can still go climbing, ziplining, or even take a virtual reality tour if you don’t want to go underground.
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Connecticut
Head to New Milford if you want your kids to enjoy the final few days of summer vacation before diving into books and pop quizzes. Take a kayaking or rowing trip along the Housatonic River, a boat ride through Candlewood, or a picnic in Young’s Field.
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Delaware
At Trap Pond State Park, take a canoe trip among the woods. This swamp was inundated almost 200 years ago and today supports a diverse range of animals, bald cypress trees, and wildflowers. While you’re in the neighborhood, stop by TaCaCo Alpaca Farm to meet, feed, and touch these adorable animals.
zrfphoto is the source of this image.
Florida
Have you and your children lately finished reading the Harry Potter series? Reward them with a vacation to the Harry Potter Wizarding World in Orlando. Okay, so that might be a prize for you as well. Sip some butter beer, visit Ollivanders wand store, then ride the Gringotts bank ride if you’re looking for a thrill.
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Georgia
The beautiful Barnsley Resort is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains’ foothills. Exploring the 3,000-acre grounds with your family will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. You may also partake in a variety of activities, such as golfing and horseback riding, as well as visiting ancient ruins and gardens.
bernardbodo is the author of this image.
Hawaii
When most people think of Hawaii, they probably picture days spent with their toes in the sand — and rightly so, since the state is home to some of the world’s most stunning beaches. However, there are lots of other things to see and do. Take the family to Maui’s Waimea Canyon to witness waterfalls and explore the Pacific’s biggest canyon.
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Idaho
Head to the little village of Island Park for some rest and leisure before the start of the new school year. Not only is the landscape beautiful, but there are plenty of leisure activities to keep the whole family entertained. Island Park is one of Idaho’s best hidden secrets, offering everything from hiking and fishing to a relaxing river float.
lisegagne contributed this image.
Illinois
The Du Quoin State Fair in Southern Illinois is an 11-day celebration of music, fun activities, and copious quantities of beer that runs from August 24th to September 3rd. Come for the grandstand performers, such as Buckcherry, Cheap Trick, Alien Ant Farm, and Phil Vassar, but stay for the truck and tractor pulls and the harness race.
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Indiana
What better way to celebrate the end of the summer than with a fun family competition? Take the Three-Dune Challenge at Indiana Dunes State Park, a 1.5-mile route with a vertical gain of 552 feet.
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Iowa
The Norwegian-American cultural center Vesterheim in Decorah commemorates more than 1,000 years of Norwegian culture and history. Even if you don’t have Norwegian heritage, your family will appreciate the museum’s open-air display, which includes a dozen houses and buildings constructed by Norwegian immigrants in the 18th and 19th centuries, including one cabin carved out of a single tree.
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Kansas
The Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead in Overland Park is a fun way to spend a day with the whole family. You may feed newborn goats and chicks, as well as meet bobcats and bison, to name a few of the farmstead’s 250 different species. Visitors may ride a pony or ride in a horse-drawn cart, or even go gold panning.
TerryJ. is the author of this image.
Kentucky
Explore the vast subterranean cavern system at Carter Caves campsite. A 30-foot subterranean waterfall and interactions with the native bat population are among the thrills. You may rent a cottage in the woods and spend the day kayaking or horseback riding above ground.
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Louisiana
Beautiful views of the bayou may be seen from Lake Martin Rookery, where exotic, colorful birds chirp amid the cypress trees and languid alligators. Finish your journey with a walk through ancient Vermilionville, which depicts the everyday lives of native Acadians living between 1765 and 1890.
Mark Kostich is the photographer behind this image.
Maine
From the top of a roller coaster, there’s no better way to say goodbye to summer. Take the kids to Funtown Splashtown USA in Saco for a day of excitement on attractions including the Excalibur wooden roller coaster, Dragon’s Descent drop tower, and Thunder Falls log flume. When the kids become too hot, take them to the water park for some refreshing pool dips and water slides.
Make sure your budget doesn’t take a hit as a result of a family trip by following these tips for saving money on travel.
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Maryland
Bring your kids to the National Aquarium in Baltimore to reintroduce them to learning. The beautiful tropical fish in the Atlantic coral reef display will wow you, and the youngsters will enjoy being surrounded by sharks in Shark Alley.
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Massachusetts
Take the kids to Cape Cod for one more beach vacation before the school year finishes. For unforgettable vistas, take a lighthouse tour, and when the kids get hungry, Red Barn Pizza and More in North Eastham offers food and entertainment, including an arcade and mini golf.
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Michigan
Take the kids to Zehnder’s Splash Village Hotel and Waterpark in Frankenmuth if you want to show them a good time without worrying about the weather. Indoor raft rides and slides, as well as pools and geysers, will thrill children of all ages. You may purchase day tickets or spend the night at the adjacent hotel, which is a pleasure in and of itself.
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Minnesota
A trip to the Mall of America may fulfill every family member’s aspirations for an end-of-summer getaway while also allowing you to do all of your back-to-school shopping. The Nickelodeon Universe theme park, the Minnesota Sea Life aquarium, the LEGO shop, an adventure golf course, and much more are among the attractions.
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Mississippi
Visit the Gulf Coast Gator Ranch in Moss Point with the kids for one last summer adventure. Take an airboat swamp tour to see gators in their natural habitat, or simply tour the ranch to safely see and learn about these magnificent creatures.
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Missouri
A trip to Kansas City’s Legoland Discovery Center is a fun way to end the summer in Missouri. The 30,000-square-foot room has over 2 million Lego bricks, and your children will enjoy admiring the intricate Lego creations before retiring to the play areas to construct their own.
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Montana
From boutique shopping to a museum of Western art to paddleboard lessons on Whitefish Lake, The Lodge at Whitefish Lake has something for everyone in the family, all set in the natural splendor of northern Montana.
gsbarclay is the author of this image.
Nebraska
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park in Nebraska is a great place for families searching for a short getaway. An swimming facility, indoor playground, hiking and biking paths, and an observation tower are among the many activities available to both children and adults.
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Nevada
Pyramid Lake’s changing blues and grays provide a stunning background for a family vacation. Camping, fishing, boating, swimming, and sunbathing are all popular pastimes on the lake’s west coast. You may also get a closer look at the lake’s name-giving pyramid-shaped rock.
sturti is the author of this image.
New Hampshire is a state in the United States.
Alpine Adventures in the White Mountains is a great place to get the family off the ground for a while. Alpine spans 300 acres in Woodstock and offers exciting zipline excursions through the woods, which provide a thrilling experience. The Thrillsville Aerial Park, which includes a treehouse, climbing tower, and stunt ramp, is also a hit with kids.
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New Jersey is a state in the United States.
Every year, the Raptor Trust in Millington rehabilitates nearly 6,000 wild birds, and your family can see some of them while learning about their importance in nature. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view owls, raptors, and other predatory birds up close.
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New Mexico is located in the United States.
Have you ever wondered who the quickest duck is? No? You may still find out during the 39th annual Great American Duck Race, which will take place in Deming from Aug. 23 to 26. The festival also includes duck dance (??? ), a softball competition, and a carnival. You’re doing something wrong if your family can’t enjoy a duck race.
thejmann is the author of this image.
New York
The biggest botanical garden in the United States is located in New York City, and the National Historic Landmark is well worth a family visit. Yes, the New York Botanical Gardens are lovely, but they also educate youngsters about science, ecology, gardening, and other topics. A Georgia O’Keeffe exhibit featuring the flora that inspired her is on display in the gardens through October.
ovidiuhrubaru is the author of this image.
North Carolina is a state in the United States.
Asheville has some real attractions to discover that will help you and your children unwind and forget about the looming back-to-school checklist. Visit the Pinball Museum or the world-renowned Biltmore Estate.
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North Dakota is a state in North America.
Take in some land art as you travel the 32-mile Enchanted Highway. It’s not just beautiful, but it’s also record-breaking: it’s the world’s biggest scrap metal sculpture, according to the Guinness World Book of Records. There are tin sculptures of birds, grasshoppers, and even a family. After the wonderful journey, be sure to check out The Enchanted Castle hotel, where you and your family fan may stay.
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Ohio
Cedar Point in Sandusky may be the best family vacation spot in Ohio. There are 18 roller coasters for thrill seekers, a water park to cool down in, and lots of dedicated kid’s sections at the country’s second-oldest amusement park, so there’s something for the entire family to enjoy.
AWeishLad is the author of this image.
Oklahoma
If you and your family have never visited the Science Museum of Oklahoma in OKC, now is the time to do so. There’s a lot to see and do here, from the gardens to the many exhibitions. Into the Fold: The Art and Science of Origami is now available. CurioCity, a 20,000-square-foot city inside the museum, will also be a hit with the youngsters.
Paha L is the author of this image.
Oregon
Visit the renowned Timberline Lodge, which you may know from The Shining’s exterior views of the Overlook Hotel. But don’t be alarmed: the vistas of Mount Hood, which is always snow-capped, are breathtaking, and there’s nothing horrifying about reclining back and relaxing in this traditional lodge’s beautiful wood and stone-carved interior.
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Pennsylvania
Learn about all things scientific at the Franklin Institute, one of the country’s oldest and most renowned museums. The Franklin Institute, named after America’s most famous scientist, Benjamin Franklin, has a fascinating electrical display, an aircraft exhibit, and even a brain exhibit.
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Rhode Island is a state in the United States.
Have you ever seen water on fire? Yes, there is such a thing. In Providence, go see the WaterFire exhibit. The final Saturday in August and three Saturdays in September are dedicated to full illumination.
Here are 11 tips for saving money on last-minute summer vacations.
danlogan is the author of this image.
South Carolina is a state in the United States.
The South Carolina Apple Festival marks the beginning of apple harvest season, and it’s an event you won’t want to miss. Not only will you be able to sample some delectable delicacies (fried apple pies, anyone?) but there is also much to do in Westminster, including whitewater rafting. The Apple Festival Parade, for example, is free for the whole family.
shironosov is the photographer that created this image.
South Dakota is located in the United States.
From Aug. 30 to Sept. 3, visit Huron for the South Dakota State Fair, which has six stages of free entertainment, carnival attractions, and more. You’re also in luck if you want to enjoy some live outdoor music before the winter weather arrives. Foreigner, as well as major stars in country music like Toby Keith and Gary Allan, will perform at the fair this year.
leopatrizi is the author of this image.
Tennessee
Why not attend a summer camp before returning to school? Camp LeConte, located near Gatlinburg, is a delightful retreat where you and your family may stay in a beautiful tree house with beds and other amenities and views of Mount LeConte.
NathanMerrill is the author of this image.
Texas
On Labor Day weekend, go to Kyle, Texas’ pie capitol, and partake in a variety of pie-related activities. Aside from the pie, this is the weekend to view the Hot Air Balloon Festival, when hot air balloons will light up the sky. On Friday and Saturday nights, as well as Saturday and Sunday mornings, the balloons will take to the air. The cost of a ticket ranges from $10 to $30.
sjlayne is the author of this image.
Utah
A trip up Little Cottonwood Canyon to Snowbird Resort is a great way to get away from the heat and smokey air. Oktoberfest, which runs every Saturday and Sunday from August through October, including Labor Day, is a wonderful time to be up there. There’s beer and excellent food, but the Alpine slide, Mountain Coaster, and zip line will keep the kids (and adults) entertained. Parking is $10 per vehicle and admission is free.
johnnya123 is the author of this image.
Vermont
Spend a weekend on the shores of Lake Champlain. Burlington, Vermont’s largest city, offers lots of low-cost family entertainment. Before the kids start school, take a trip to Ethan Allen’s old house, shop at Church Street Marketplace, or have a picnic at Waterfront Park.
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Virginia
The American Music Festival, an annual Labor Day weekend event along the beach in Virginia Beach, is a must-see. Ziggy Marley, Soja, The Goo Goo Dolls, and ZZ Top are among the headliners this year.
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Washington
Any of the state’s magnificent national parks are worth a visit. Hike Mount Rainier, an active volcano 14,410 feet above sea level, go whale-watching on San Juan Island, or join a Lewis and Clark River paddle-boat trip.
ryanjlane is the author of this image.
West Virginia is a state in the US.
Get your white-water rafting fix at ACE Adventure Resort in Minden, which has 1,500 acres of pristine wilderness. Looking for a more laid-back adventure? Visit ACE’s Wonderland Waterpark and play mini-golf or mountain bike around the park’s beautiful pathways.
ranplett is the author of this image.
Wisconsin
Take in one of Milwaukee’s Henry Maier Festival Park’s end-of-summer events, such as the Big Gig BBQ or the Katancha Rock, Rally & Roll, the city’s motorcycle festival.
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Wyoming
Finish the summer with some fishing, hiking, or horseback riding in Jackson Hole or neighboring Yellowstone and Teton National Parks, where you can see hot springs and geysers and float the Snake River.
This essay was first published on Policygenius.
AnujSahaiPhotography contributed to this image.
The best back-to-school weekend staycations in each state are often located in small towns. These small towns are often the perfect place to relax and recharge, especially with your family. The small towns offer family-oriented activities that are kid-friendly as well as activities that the whole family can enjoy together. The best back-to-school weekend staycations in each state are usually located in places that have a rich history as well as a sense of community.. Read more about best places for a staycation near me and let us know what you think.
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