Shannon Jones is a Guest Writer with KeeKee’s Big Adventures

You don’t have to get on a plane or go far away to have a mini family vacation. Any time of year, you can set off on a family adventure with your car and one tank of gas.

It could be a day trip or one night away. The idea is to look at what’s within a couple of hours’ drive of you or within your 150 miles or less radius.

 

Here are some ideas to get your family planning your one-tank adventure.

Nearby Town

Most of us have a nearby town we’ve been meaning to explore. Make a day of it to take in the food, culture, and all it offers.

Museums

Family-friendly museums provide entertainment, culture, and education for the whole family. The kids especially enjoy children’s museums, aquariums, zoos, and planetariums.

Sports & Recreation

Take in a game or match with a national, regional, or local sports team.

Active recreation is a great way to spend a day. Indoor options like trampoline parks and game arcades are great year-round. Get outside when the weather is nice for fishing, hiking, tubing, horseback riding, kayaking, or miniature golf.

National, State & Local Parks

Parks are a great way to enjoy outdoor adventure. Hike the trails to great lookout points or waterfalls. Enjoy a boating day on the lake. Pack a picnic and games for a fun and relaxing day.

Historical Sites & Landmarks

There are over 2,600 National Historic Landmarks in the U.S., including historic buildings, sites, structures, objects, and districts. Each one represents an aspect of American history and culture. You can discover what’s near you on the National Park Service’s website.

Factory Tours

Learning and seeing how things are made is fun for the kids and adults. Whether it’s Hershey’s Chocolate Factory tour or a visit to the local winery or brewery, everyone can learn something and enjoy the surroundings (and sample any age-appropriate products).

AAA TripTik

To plan where to go and how to get there, you can also use the AAA TripTik. Search for your city, zoom out, then click on attractions to see what options there are, pick one of the options, then map your route. It will also show you other attractions along the way (as well as restaurants, fuel, and savings).
Create your TripTik

Get the Kids Involved

Let the kids help in the planning too. Take the list above and discuss what everyone would like to do as a family. They could also pick something to do at your chosen destination, like a restaurant, local store, or activity. Print the map out for the trip and let them follow along as you go.

To keep the kids engaged on the way to your adventure, check out these fun Family Road Trip Games.
Download KeeKee’s Games Now!

One-Tank Adventure Awaits!