Kids are only young once
Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico
The Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico feature limestone geoformations, thousands of bats and one of the deepest limestone caves in the entire United States—making it an awesome place to take kids who like adventure. The caverns take time to explore, so arrive early to hike (which takes about an hour). The best time to visit is in the summer, when cave temps hold steady at a refreshing 56 degrees Fahrenheit.
Everglades National Park, Florida
Yes, those are alligators, and yes, you should totally take your kids to see them and hundreds of other wildlife species that live and lurk in the Florida Everglades. The best time of the year to visit is winter, when temps are mild and low water levels cause amphibious animals to gather in easy-to-spot areas. In addition to water tours, there are ample hiking, kayaking and diving activities available.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska
A trip to Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is one you and your children won't soon forget. This 25-million-acre UNESCO world heritage site in the remote wilderness offers visitors a chance to see one of the largest protected areas in the world. Witness giant glaciers that are thousands of feet thick, rainforests and snowy mountain ranges along with harbor seals, moose, wily mountain goats and more.
Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii
Nestled on the southeastern coast of Oahu is an expanse of beach and coral reef known as Hanauma Bay, open to visitors who want to experience the beauty of tropical marine life up close. Children will love the chance to snorkel in the calm, clear waters, and parents will love having the chance to teach their children about marine ecosystems while hanging 10 in scenic Hawaii.
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Hershey, Pennsylvania, offers a fun amusement park (Hersheypark), which boasts tons of different rides that accommodate every child from toddlers to teens. It also has Hershey's Chocolate World! Kids will love seeing how some of the most famous chocolates in the U.S. are made; plus, they can interact with chocolate fun (like tasting and making their own chocolate bars).
International Spy Museum, Washington, D.C.
A trip to Washington, D.C., is cool, but nothing will amaze older kids more than a visit to D.C.'s International Spy Museum, where everyone can learn about intelligence operatives, undercover agents and spy tools used throughout history. For children ages 10 to 13, the museum even offers a summer Spy Camp that teaches young "agents" how to have fun with secret missions and cool activities.
