San Francisco is an awesome city for so many reasons. Not only does the city offer unique opportunities such as riding on cable cars and walking across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, there are plenty of nearby places you can visit in a day trip. We spent several days in San Francisco during a California road trip and loved every minute of it. Here are some suggestions for all ages of things to do in the San Francisco area, most which we were able to do during our three day visit.
*This post was updated March, 2023
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 Looking for a fun place to spend the day with teenagers in the DC metro area? Head to the National Aquarium in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. It’s a great day trip from the DC area, and it was the perfect activity for us to do over spring break, since we hadn’t been to the aquarium in a number of years. Not only is it located right on the water, there is plenty of shopping as well as a variety of places to eat all around the harbor. Here are 3 reasons why teens will enjoy the aquarium.
*This post was updated May, 2020  One thing I love about the US is that you can find unique cities from coast to coast. Each has its own charm, ranging from history, museums and local foods, to unique parks and playgrounds. Our family road trips have always included spending time in cities big and small combined with visiting attractions and National Parks. It’s an awesome opportunity to explore activities that you might not find in your home town. For this post, I reached out to family travel bloggers near and far to come up with a list of their top 3 things to do in cities around the United States. From coast to coast you’ll find many family friendly ideas, each linked to a more detailed post. Hope your favorite city is on the list!
*This post was updated May, 2021.  Everyone loves to start the New Year with a resolution, so this year I decided mine would be to work harder to keep in touch with extended family. When I saw that the weather was looking perfect the first weekend in January, my daughter and I decided to make a quick road trip to visit my 94 year old aunt, who lives outside of Philadelphia. It was also a great excuse to continue our search for the best cheesesteak in Philly!
*This post was updated October, 2021  As I put the finishing touches on this blog post, I hear the weatherman say that is going to be close to 70 degrees this weekend! All the more reason you should consider visiting DC during the colder months. Most tourists, as well as locals, tend to visit between March and October. But December and January are often wonderful times to see some of the more popular attractions like the National Archives Museum and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum because the crowds are much smaller (excluding the week between Christmas and New Year’s). With that said, the weather is never predictable, with 70 degrees temperatures one week and snow the next, so be prepared. You should always check before you go for any closings or late openings due to weather. Besides staying warm in all the free museums, here are five fantastic reasons to head to DC during the colder months.
When people think of visiting Philadelphia, places like Independence Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art come to mind. But did you know that one of Tripadvisor’s top attractions in Philadelphia is a prison? Not just any prison, but the historic, fortress-like Eastern State Penitentiary. Located in the Fairmount neighborhood, it’s just a short 5 or 6 blocks from the famous Philadelphia Museum of Art. My daughter and I decided to visit Eastern State during our recent road trip to Philadelphia. Please note, it’s not recommended for kids under the age of 7. Admission includes a free audio tour, best for ages 12 and up. Here's 3 reasons why you should consider taking a tour, and why I included it in Unique Philadelphia - 5 Places to Add to Your List. Plus it's definitely a fun thing to do with teens in Philadelphia.
*This post was updated December, 2021 
Boston is one of my favorite family-friendly cities to visit for several reasons. There are so many activities to do in the city, the food is delicious, and it’s easy to get around on foot. I had family in the North End for years, so our visits also included neighborhood markets and cafes. Sure, we walked the Freedom Trail, visited the New England Aquarium, rode the Swan Boats, took a Duck Tour, and visited Faneuil Hall. But what else is there to see on your next trip to Boston? Here are five suggestions for other fun things to do in and around town.
*Updated August, 2024 
Thinking about our travels through Washington and Oregon brings back so many special family memories. It was an area of the country my husband and I were eager to explore, even though it was not considered a hot vacation destination from the DC area. I planned an 1,800 mile loop from Seattle that was balanced between National Parks, big cities and small town attractions, with extra days spent in Seattle and Portland. It was easy to find awesome attractions that were unique to this part of the country, along with special activities that I knew would appeal to my kids. Here are 10 favorites in Washington and Oregon that are perfect for teens and tweens.
*This post was updated January, 2024  Amidst the dozens of museums in DC, you’ll find the National Geographic Museum quietly tucked away on 17th and M Street, NW. The museum hosts a wide array of traveling exhibits and live events, and when I heard an advertisement on the radio for Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology, I knew I had to take my family and go. I was excited to see how National Geographic would bring to life the popular movie series, so we headed into DC one recent afternoon. For all you Hollywood fans, explorers and adventurers, here are several reasons to check out this unique exhibit, and unleash your inner Indiana Jones.
 Summer is in full swing and as the days get hotter, it’s a wonderful time to visit what I consider to be some of DC’s most interesting attractions. As a bonus, they are all inside, so its perfect for those dog days of summer. Although the city is filled with the fabulous and free Smithsonian complex of museums, I think these three gems are worth the price of admission.
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