5 Destinations That Pack Adventure and Education
Take an ‘ed-venture’ to explore deep space, US history, and natural wonders with this curated list of family trip ideas
Ready for an ed-venture? Spend your family vacation exploring history, science, art, or even outer space. No need to travel far—your young explorers can visit Mars or meet a T-Rex without needing a space shuttle or time machine. We’ve handpicked the best destinations across the US to ignite curious minds.
US Space & Rocket Center
Huntsville, Alabama
Launch your trip in Huntsville, home of Space Camp! Otherwise known as Rocket City, this city is as close as it gets to exploring space without leaving Earth. Located two hours from Nashville and three hours from Atlanta, it’s located at the US Space & Rocket Center, one of the world’s largest space museums—a perfect setting for aspiring astronauts. Explore a re-created International Space Station, see an authentic Saturn V rocket, and marvel at the cosmos in the state-of-the-art planetarium.
Family Space Camp is a three-day experience that allows everyone to play astronaut—parents, grandparents, and siblings.
Make the Element Huntsville your base for exploration. Just 7 miles from Huntsville International Airport, the hotel also puts you close to the Huntsville Botanical Garden and US Veterans Memorial Museum.
Colonial Williamsburg
Williamsburg, Virginia
Step back in time with a visit to Colonial Williamsburg, where you’ll immerse yourself in 18th- century America at the largest living-history museum in the world. Take a carriage ride, watch artisans and tradespeople at work, and feast on Colonial-inspired cuisine. Costumed interpreters bring history to life through stories, music, and live reenactments.
Plan your visit around one of the special events or programs that celebrate a key chapter of American history—and bring your dog along. You can explore Colonial America with your leashed pup, though they’re not permitted inside historic buildings.
AAA members can enjoy exclusive rates at official Colonial Williamsburg Hotels that include two complimentary Colonial Williamsburg tickets.
US Capital Trip
Washington, DC
A national treasure on the Potomac River, Washington, DC, combines learning with adventure. Explore the White House, home to US presidents since 1800, and stroll the National Mall. With 17 free-admission Smithsonian museums, there’s something for everyone. (Don’t miss the Natural History Museum, Air & Space Museum and the National Zoo.) For a twist, explore the International Spy Museum for a fun dive into espionage (admission required). Also, try to time your trip during spring Cherry Blossom season when DC is transformed into a picturesque palette of pink.
Although White House tours are free, tickets must be requested through your US Representative or Senator’s office. Requests can be submitted up to three months prior to your desired date.
Choose from one of the DC hotels recommended by AAA that put you close to the action.
EPCOT at Walt Disney World
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Explore the world without jet lag at Walt Disney World. Disney’s EPCOT World Showcase lets you tour pavilions representing 11 different countries—all in a day! Taste your way across the globe, enjoy live shows, and interact with Disney Cast Members from around the world. In addition, EPCOT’s other three areas—World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature—provide Disney-inspired fun mixed with education focused on science, technology, culture, and exploration. Families will love the character interactions, aquariums, and immersive rides.
Plan your stay around one of EPCOT’s many festivals. In spring, the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival blooms to life.
Properties such as Disney’s Yacht Club, Disney’s Beach Club, and Disney’s Boardwalk resorts put you closest to EPCOT.
US National Parks
Multiple locations
You needn’t travel far to have a national park vacation. With 63 designated national parks scattered across the country, the opportunities extend far beyond the biggies such as Yellowstone, Acadia, and the Grand Canyon. In fact, there are 424 National Park Service sites that include National Monuments, National Historic Sites, and National Seashores—such as Assateague Island National Seashore, which stretches across Virginia and Maryland and beckons with windswept beaches and wild horses. Have a fourth-grader? US fourth graders and family members get free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks, for the entire year as part of the Every Kid Outdoors program.
Become a Junior Ranger! Kids (and adults) can participate in this self-guided, activity-based initiative that engages people in learning about national parks and their conservation. Complete a series of activities (scavenger hunts, puzzles, and more) to earn a Junior Ranger patch and certificate.
The Junior Ranger Pogram encourages children to explore, learn, and protect national parks, fostering a sense of stewardship and inspiring future conservationists through interactive activities and exploration of natural and cultural heritage.
Options abound. Speak with your AAA Travel advisor (it’s free) to help you craft a national park vacation to fit your travel style and budget.