If your summer vacations to major malls, amusement parks and water worlds have left you searching for better ways to spend quality time with your family why not consider getting away to the great outdoors?
The United States’ national park system is one of the finest in the world. Not only do our country’s natural wonders provide an alternative to long lines and stomach-turning thrill rides they also offer an affordable way to escape from the chaos of everyday life and reconnect with the people that mean the most to you.
So, turn off your cellphones, unplug your iPods, say goodbye to handheld video games and get outside and enjoy all that nature has to offer.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
This South Dakota wonder is one of those places that everyone should visit at least once in their lives. The sheer size of the breathtaking sculptures can instantly put life in perspective. If you have time you should seriously consider joining a Ranger-led tour to the base of the sculpture to learn why the presidents on the mountain were chosen. Once the sun sets head to the Evening Lighting Ceremony for more lessons and the chance to take dramatic pictures of the memorial under the stars.
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial
No trip to St. Louis would be complete without taking the tram ride to the top of the famed Gateway Arch. But there’s much more to the memorial than most people are aware of. The Museum of Westward Expansion, located underneath the arch, takes you on a journey through the history of the American West and teaches you all you ever wanted to know about Lewis and Clark.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
My parents spent part of their honeymoon at this New Mexico gem. I know they didn’t sign up for the Evening Bat Flight Program, but your kids might love the chance to view the wing creatures in their natural habitat. The program runs from mid-May through October. You can take a guided tour of the park or hike it on your own, either way be prepared to stay for a while if you want to experience all the park has to offer.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
I grew up about 40 miles from this incredible park located on the Big Island of Hawaii. With so much to see I would set aside an entire day if you want to take it all in. Your best bet is to stay on Crater Rim Drive, which will take you past steam vents, sulphur banks, and recent lava flows. Then, park your car and hike through the fern forest, which leads to the Thurston Lava Tube. From there you can check out the Pu’uloa Petroglyphs, located a short hike off the Chain of Craters Road. Don’t forget to stop by the Jaggar Museum where you can make your own earthquake on the seismograph. I would also suggest having lunch at the Volcano House before heading down to the ocean to catch the nightly natural fireworks show where molten hot lava enters the cool Pacific waters and creates incredible explosions.
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