As the pandemic is beginning to wind down and the vaccine is being distributed at record levels, people are itching to get out and do something. Now that it’s May, we’re creeping later into spring and going to hit summer soon, and you may be thinking of going on a vacation in the next couple months and planning on where to go and what to see.
Family trips are a great way to bond with your family and kids, creating positive new memories, and broadening your family’s perspectives of the world. According to Parents.com, family vacations can have a long-lasting impact on kids. Family vacations are not only valued by you, but valued by children both in the moment and for a long while afterwards in their memory as well. Not only are they able to create treasured family memories, but traveling with your kids can also be beneficial to their brain development. Click here to read more about this.
As with anything else, when you have children, it’s important that you research kid-friendly destinations and activities when considering a trip to make sure they will have a fun yet safe time on your family trip.
When people in WNC think of getaways and places to go, their minds may go to one of several places including (but not limited to) Gatlinburg TN, Charleston SC, and Savannah GA. All of these locales are less than 5 hours away making them all ideal for a Covid-safe and kid friendly vacation in part because there’s no need for a plane ride. Of course, if you need some ideas as to where to take your kids locally, there are plenty of options that are within an hour-to hour and a half drive from Hendersonville, too such as Chimney Rock, or Lake Powhatan!
1. Gatlinburg, TN- A popular and relatively local getaway that is a little over two hours from here features beautiful mountainscapes, theme parks, an aquarium, mini golf, water park, and plenty of outdoor activity spots and restaurants that are perfect for families. Don’t let summer be the only time you visit, because there also happens to be a ski resort that is part of the amusement park and can keep families entertained through the fall and winter months too with winter activities. Click here to find more fun things to do in Gatlinburg.
2. Charleston, SC- Beach vacation more your style? No problem! Charleston is one of our favorites. This beachside city is quaint, featuring an aquarium that contains a sea turtle hospital, loads of history, superb restaurants, colorful buildings, ghost tours, and horse-drawn carriages through town. About 30 minutes from Charleston is Folly Beach which is a popular tourist destination featuring miles of groomed, beautiful beaches and a seaside town feel, complete with options for ocean kayaking tours and other outdoor activities. Click here to find out more fun things to do in Charleston.
3. Savannah, GA- Another popular beach town on the tiny coastline of GA is Savannah. Notorious for its hauntings and quite possibly the most haunted city in North America. Savannah has a rich history which is one of the better-known facts of the city, however, it also offers beaches, Islands, dolphins tours, ghost tours, an aquarium, a theatre that hosts plays, bicycle rentals, fountains that children can play in and museums, including a fun children’s museum that will entertain even the most curious of kids. To find out more about what Savannah offers, click here.