School’s out and the livin’ is easy—this summer, make travel a family affair

School’s out and the livin’ is easy—According to the travel editors at VacationIdea.com, picking the right vacation will allow you to bond with your kids, explore new places and who knows…maybe even relax! Here are some of their top suggestions:

Go Western Dude ranches in the United States and Canada offer many programs that children can enjoy, such as horseback riding, river rafting, fishing, swimming and wildlife watching. In the evenings, join a cookout while your kids roast marshmallows over a campfire. There are numerous ranches to choose from based on vacation activities and prices. You can find information about western ranches at the Dude Ranchers’ Association Web site at www.duderanch.org. This association only accepts ranches that pass its two-year screening process. You can look up ranches by state, read about activities offered at each ranch and compare prices. You can order a free dude ranch directory by calling (307) 587-2339. Another Web site you can use is www.ranchweb.com. This Web site lists ranches in the United States and Canada. It lets you find ranches that offer kid’s programs, luxury accommodations, golf, fishing and other activities.

Spout off Some of the best summer whale watching destinations are: Cape Cod, California Coast, Baja California and Vancouver Island. Many tour operators offer boat tours that last several hours during which you will have a chance to spot whales. Choose a boat tour that provides a whale specialist to tell you more about whales and answer your questions.

History lessons Whether you like camping or day trips, take a look at the National Park Service Web site to find parks near you. The Web site lets you search for parks by activity interests and location. You can also browse interactive maps of all U.S. states, view photo galleries of individual parks and find detailed information about getting there.

For family vacationers, it usually makes sense to purchase a National Parks Pass for $50. The pass will admit you and any accompanying passengers in a private vehicle. You can call (888) GO-PARKS or order the Pass online at the National Park Service Web site.

Bright lights According to the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA), travelers’ interest in visiting large cities is down 4% from last summer. This means that you should be able to find better hotel rates and fewer crowds. Large cities like New York or Washington, D.C. offer many museums, theater performances and famous sights. In New York, see a Broadway show, visit the Central Park Zoo and tour the American Museum of Natural History. For more information about visiting New York City and to browse summer savings’ packages, see www.nycvisit.com.

Source: VacationIdea.com.