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Non-Traditional Family Holiday Destinations in the USA



Balancing a work-home life can be a difficult task for any superwoman. By stepping away from your normal day to day life you can have fun and reconnect with your household family or extended family. Plus, it’s the ideal opportunity to build stronger family relationships and create everlasting memories together.

But where can you travel to? The obvious thought is probably a theme park. However, with 50 somewhat different states, the USA is an incredible country to discover and perfect for a family adventure. Forget about queuing for rollercoasters and watching parades in the always busy theme park. There is more to explore in your home country.

Discover some new family vacation spots in the USA with Gateway Travel. Let us know your favorite destination in the comments section below.


Huntsville, Alabama

Huntsville, Alabama

Do you or your kids love all things space? If so, Huntsville, Alabama is waiting for you. With family friendly attractions, incredible exhibits and simulators to experience, no one will have a moment of boredom.

  • Experience the Sci-Quest Hands -on Science Center

  • Learn to be an astronaut at the US Space and Rocket Center

  • See the colourful flowers at the Botanical Garden,

  • Visit the Children’s History Museum

  • Play in the Huntsville Park.


Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska

Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska

For something special, combine a trip to Anchorage or Fairbanks with a few days at Denali National Park. Get there via the scenic railroad. It’s your chance to create a lasting family memory by visiting North America’s highest mountain and exploring the natural world around it. Your Alaska adventure will include:

  • Learning about the Denali National Park Wildlife.

  • An adventurous 1.5-mile walk along the Horseshoe Lake Trail

  • Rafting down the Nenana River

  • Enjoying a wildlife tour

  • Watching a sled dog demonstration


San Diego, California Zoo

San Diego, California

For a city adventure take the family to San Diego. This Californian city is jam packed with activities for kids and the whole family, you will need more than 7 days to visit them all. Here are some of the activities available to you and your family:

  • Admire the animals at San Diego Zoo

  • Watch the San Diego Padres play Baseball

  • Visit the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum

  • Kayak the Sea Caves

  • Learn to Surf (For more beach fun read ‘30 Beach Activities for Everyone’)

  • Discover San Diego on a speed boat adventure.


Mackinac Island, Michigan

This charming island is a great place to have a physically active holiday as Mackinac Island, is free from cars. Therefore, your holiday adventure will begin with a ferry ride to the island. Continue the fun with:

  • Bike Rides and family walking trips

  • Ride a horse drawn carriage

  • Explore Fort Mackinac and the haunted theatre

  • Have a picnic and play in the Mackinac Island State Park,

  • Get a family pedicure at the local spa

  • Take part in an Mackinac Island community event.


St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine, Florida

Head to Florida for a mixed holiday of beach fun and culture, that is perfect for the whole family. Attractions to visit include, but are not limited to are:

  • Explore the castle, Castillo de San Marcos

  • Ride the zipline and befriend a lemur at the Alligator Farm Zoological Park

  • Swim with dolphins at Mairneland Dolphin Adventure

  • Take a walking tour around the Whetstone Chocolate Factory

  • Paddle a canoe or swim in the lakes in Anastacia State Park

Wherever you choose to go on your family vacation it is sure to be a memorable event. We would love to see your family snaps on Instagram. Share them with @GatewayTravelAgency and the hashtag #gatewayfamilyvaca

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