Choosing a destination to take your kids on vacation can be challenging. You want to find a location that not only engages your interests, but theirs as well. You want there to be plenty of activities to keep everyone excited, but still affordable so you’re not strapped for cash.

From gorgeous (and affordable!) islands to hot springs, here are some of the best summer destinations to enjoy with your family.

Mackinaw Island, Michigan

Mackinaw Island is a small island in the north of Michigan. The island is about eight miles in circumference and used to hold a colonial fort. No cars are allowed on the island, so you have to get around on foot, horse & buggy, or a bicycle. Thankfully, all these options are fun and affordable. Dive into military history and see reenactments in the fort or go for an adventure in the butterfly museum.

Bioluminescent Bay, Puerto Rico

Have you ever seen a body of water act as a light before? Well, thanks to the glow-in-the-dark plankton that inhabit this bay, you can! The region is rich with biodiversity, including easy-to-spot iguanas and plant life. If you want to get out and explore the bay at night, you can take a chartered boat. The trip will make you feel like you’re on another planet and is sure to give your kids a long-lasting memory.

Petrified Forest, Arizona

Step back in history by exploring this ancient forest. Almost like Medusa herself visited, the once wooden trees date back to the Triassic period and have turned to stone. Your kids will learn how the forest turned into a fossil. Nearby there are some cool museums and beautiful Native American paintings.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

As if straight out of the movie ‘Nemo,’ the Galapagos Islands are sure to be a hit. This trip is a bit more expensive than the rest on this list, but it will be a worthy endeavor. The local animals live in perfect harmony due to no natural predators. They’re not even afraid of humans. Your kids will be able to get great up close photos. If you want to splurge, you can take a 3-7 day environmental cruise through the islands.

Pacific Coast Highway Drive, California

If you’re brave enough to attempt a long road trip with kids, you’ll be handsomely rewarded on this highway. During the length of this entire drive, you’ll find world-class scenery. There are plenty of beaches along the way and small towns as well, making it perfect for day excursions between driving. If you need to stretch your legs, go for a nice hike on one of the many trails and enjoy the fresh air. The whole trip (with stops) will take about four days.

The Dells, Wisconsin 

The Wisconsin Dells are a difficult thing to fathom. There’s theme parks and then there’s theme parks that take up an entire city. This entire city is loaded with fun and goofy architecture (such as an upside down house), duck boat tours, and most importantly, cheese. You’ll find great restaurants in the city and enough activities to keep everyone excited.

Lava Hot Springs, Idaho

There’s bioluminescent bay’s, then there are geothermal pools. No matter how old it is outside you’ll be able to hop in the springs for a relaxing evening. When it’s cold the steam rises to envelop you, so you’re in your own cloud of anonymity. That’s not the only reason to go though, there’s also swimming pools and a big waterpark, inside and outside.

Mix things up this summer by heading to one of these perfect summer spots. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to swim, fun activities such as museums and boat tours, and you’ll be able to make memories that last a lifetime.

For vacation bookings, contact www.conciergestar.com, info@concergestar.com.