Bowling Green, Kentucky
Why you'll love it: Bowling Green, located just an hour north of Nashville, is nestled among the rolling green hills of south-central Kentucky's Cave Country. It is home to Mammoth Cave National Park, the largest underground cave system in the world, and Lost River Cave, which offers Kentucky's only underground boat tour, as well as Chaney's Dairy Barn, a real working dairy farm that makes also the best ice cream. in Kentucky. Don't forget to visit the city's National Corvette Museum, where all the world's corvettes are produced.
Budget advice: Free summer activities include self-guided exploration of the national park and Chaney's “Ice Cream and a Moovie” outdoor movie series.
Where to stay: Fairfield Inn & Suites It features free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and fitness facilities including a swimming pool and exercise room. It is conveniently located just minutes from local Bowling Green attractions, such as Lost River Cave, Beech Bend Raceway and Park, Mammoth Cave, and the National Corvette Museum.
Denver, CO
Why you'll love it: A vibrant city with Wild West charm, Denver offers a wide range of kid-friendly attractions, including an aquarium, zoo, botanical garden, art museum with a fabulous hands-on project space, and the fascinating History Colorado Museum, all perfect for the family. holidays. Coors Field is right in downtown, making it easy to catch a Rockies baseball game with the family. And a free trolley runs through 16th Street, so you can leave your car behind while you explore all the great restaurants and shops lining the long pedestrian zone. If you have more time, consider embarking on a Road trip on the million dollar highway.
Budget advice: A Denver CityPASS gives you discounted access to the city's kid-friendly attractions, including the aquarium, zoo and museums, starting at $36 for children ages 3 to 11 and $43 for children. adults.
Where to stay: ALCYON, located in the charming walkable Cherry Creek neighborhood, has a rooftop pool, free garage with bikes and longboards, and free morning muffins and scones, plus snacks, coffee drinks and even wine and beer for mom and dad. from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at its “kitchen counter” check-in counter. It's also right around the corner from a Whole Foods, where you can buy picnic supplies, and one of the city's most beloved burger restaurants, The Cherry Cricket.
Hamilton County, Indiana
Why you'll love it: If you love trains, this affordable destination in the heartland, nicknamed Rail Country, should be at the top of your list. In the fall, board the Nickel Plate Express for scenic train excursions. When you're not riding the rails, stop at Conner Prairie, the Smithsonian-affiliated living history museum and park with hundreds of acres to explore, including interactive four-story treetop outposts and an 1836 outdoor Prairietown where kids can tour 1800s Indiana settlers, play games and learn a trade from local performers dressed in period costumes.
Budget advice: Spend some time outdoors (free) at Strawtown Koteewi Park, which features a canoe ramp on the White River for boating and fishing, nature trails for hiking or biking, equestrian trails, a fitness center archery and a tree course.
Where to eat and stay: For local fare, don't miss Bub's Burgers & Ice Cream in the town of Carmel, home of The Big Ugly, a one-pound hamburger eating challenge (eat the whole burger and you'll have your photo framed on the famous Bub's hamburger). wall). Return to your suite at Residence Inn by Marriott, which includes a fully equipped kitchen, a free hot breakfast buffet, an indoor swimming pool as well as an outdoor sports court and a terrace with barbecue facilities. Do not miss them top family travel destinations in every state.
