Family Vacays

Try a summer adventure outside the box

When you live in the backyard of the world’s best theme parks it may be tough to impress your kids with other adventures. But We’ve found some gems that will create life long memories for your family and you can get there non-stop from SFB.

New Braunfels – San Antonio, Texas

This little town outside of San Antonio is perfect for slowing down and enjoying the country life. We traveled there as a family when the kids were little, renting a small farm house as our home base. Petting cows and enjoying local pastures while we sat on the front porch drinking coffee was what my city kids loved most. The Gruene Historic District has original 1800’s buildings. You may recognize the famous Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas, from the John Travolta dance scene in “Michael.” And even if your kids have been to every water park in Florida, Schlitterbahn is something else. The rides are fed with natural water from the local river! Tubing is a Texas rite of passage and your children will lose their minds as they snake through the underground limestone caves at Natural Bridge Caverns.

Prince Edward Island – Halifax, Nova Scotia

Live the life of “Anne of Green Gables” and enjoy one of the most beautiful national parks in Canada. The tiniest province in hosts the Green Gables Heritage Place where Lucy Maud Montgomery, the author of the 1900’s novel, spent her childhood. Prince Edward Island is one of eastern Canada’s maritime provinces, off New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. After your Green Gables tour check out the red-sand beaches, lighthouses and incredible seafood like lobster and mussels. You’ll fee like you have been transported back in town in Charlottetown, the capital, as you take in true Victorian architecture.

Torrence Barrens Dark Sky Preserve – Hamilton, Toronto or Ottawa

As city dwellers we rarely get to see a star gazing sky. Dark Sky Preserves are designated areas that prevent light pollution. You can see the milky way and if you are lucky, the Northern lights. It’s a beautiful drive from 3 of our non-stop Canadian destinations. Torrence Barrens offers campsites and wildlife including bears and beavers.

Mt. Ida Arkansas – Little Rock, Arkansas

Arkansas? Yes, Arkansas! This beautiful state has everything that a nature lover can dive into! If you have an outdoor loving family you will love the fact that Arkansas has some of the largest quartz crystal beds in the world. 600 million years ago a rift developed along the southern edge of the Northern American Tectonic Plate and now the Ouachita Mountains offer many family friendly gem finding expeditions. Also on the itinerary for active families, some of the best mountain biking terrain in the US.

Key West, FL

Yes, Key West tends to bring up images of adult bar hopping, but this historical treasure is an amazing history lesson for Florida kids. This military outpost and strategically placed international city is a great place to learn about the colonization of Florida. Plus Pirates are a big story and what kid doesn’t like pirates? Each history walking tour or trolley tour is worth it given the architecture and fun facts on every corner. And did I mention that a 6-toed cat is something a child will always remember. Mallory square at sunset is a must and if you are looking for a day trip that will fill your history and nature bucket book a boat trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, a civil war fort and snorkeling treasure all in one.