Kidding Around® Travel
Whether you are looking for the perfect day trip or planning a family vacation, we have a growing list of guides and stories to help you make those magical memories that you are wishing for!
UNIQUE TRAVEL GUIDES
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GUIDES BY STATE
Need some ideas about how to manage the kids in the car on a family road trip?
Here are 30 tips for taking road trips with kids.
North Carolina Vacations
Western North Carolina Nature Center – This popular science center in Asheville featured animals indigenous to the Western North Carolina area, including otters, bears, and mountain lions. The center also includes a petting farm, a walking trail, and a play area.
Biltmore Estates – The Biltmore Estates includes the restored 250-room home of George and Edith Vanderbilt and 2.5 miles of trail through gardens.
Visiting the Biltmore Estate with Kids – This article is full of useful tips for families wanting to take their children to The Biltmore Estates.
Asheville Adventure Park – This zip-line course in nearby Asheville provides fun for the entire family.
French Broad Chocolates – Every chocolate lover’s dream exists in this downtown chocolate shop. Beware the line can often wind far outside the door.
NC Arboretum – Do you have a little Lego fan? Maybe an art enthusiast? You’ll want to check out the NC Arboretum’s current exhibit, Nature Connects.
Mountain Play Lodge – This play venue in Arden is worth the drive for its unique and large indoor playground.
Carl Sandburg Home – The home of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and writer Carl Sandburg.
A Day in Flat Rock – Use this day itinerary to plan your next trip to Flat Rock.
Sky Top Orchard – Sky Top Orchard offers u-pick apples, hay rides, and plenty of space for kids to play.
Hands On Children’s Museum – This small children’s museum offers fun at an affordable price.
Little Saluda Falls– Hike to this three-tiered waterfall!
Oconaluftee Visitor Center – This wildlife preserve in Cherokee County is the perfect place to see elk and moose.
Discovery Place – This science center includes over 10 exhibits and a full 3-D theater. See our Discovery Place Review.
Tweetsie Railroad – a sweet theme park located in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.
Lights & Luminaries in Dillsboro – Immerse yourself in this charming Hallmark mountain town for their beautiful Lights & Luminaries festival the first two weeks of December.
Highlands, NC– Explore the beauty of Western North Carolina, including ideas for dining, downtown fun, hiking ideas, and even places to stay.
South Carolina Vacations
See our list of Mom-Approved Day Trips in South Carolina
Greenville, SC & The Upstate
Travel Itineraries: These travel itineraries will help you plan out the perfect trip to Greenville, SC.
The Greenville Zoo – This review lists everything you need to know to visit the Greenville Zoo.
The Greenville Drive – Watching a Greenville baseball game is a classic Greenville adventure.
Roper Mountain Science Center – RMSC offers plenty of space to play and learn outside.
Mice on Main – Find all the Mice on Main with our guide
Free Things to Do in Downtown Greenville – 10 free things to do in downtown Greenville
Table Rock State Park – This state park just 30 minutes from Greenville offers waterfalls, boating, and hiking.
10 Things to Do at Clemson University with Kids – Clemson University is packed with fun things for the whole family to do.
A Day in Downtown Spartanburg – Kids can have plenty of fun on a budget in downtown Spartanburg!
Guide to Clemson University – You can spend an entire day on campus at Clemson bowling, eating ice cream, wandering through a botanical garden, and even checking out some gorgeous gemstones and fossils!
Stumphouse Tunnel and Isaqueena Falls– Explore the darkness down an old mine shaft at Stumphouse Tunnel near Walhalla, SC. You can also make a short drive to Isaqueena Falls, maybe for a perfect day trip!
Fish Hatchery– Ever wonder where your grocery store fish comes from? Take a tour of a working fish hatchery near Clemson, SC, and learn a little about the food you eat!
Sassafras Mountain Tower – At the highest point in South Carolina, check out the stunning views and learn more about Sassafras Mountain Tower in our KA review!
Places to Find Waterfalls Near Greenville– There is nothing quite as spectacular as a gorgeous waterfall, and there are dozens just a little drive from Greenville, SC!
Columbia, SC
Explore the SC capital!
KA Guide to Things to Do in Columbia, SC
South Carolina State Museum – This museum offers several floors of exhibits and a full theater.
Edventure – A multi-story children’s museum with a life-sized playground shaped as a human boy.
Riverbank Zoo – This large zoo includes every animal from elephants to a sea lion exhibit. Children can also play in the large children’s garden and splash pads.
Not too far from Columbia is Camden, SC, where you can check out this historic town and learn more about American history at the Revolutionary War Museum
Charleston, SC
See our Charleston Travel Page for all of our Charleston, SC reviews.
Haunted Harbor Tour: Explore the haunted history of Charleston on this spooky tour around the city.
Bulls Island with Coastal Expeditions– One of South Carolina’s most pristine coastal landscapes, Bulls Island is a bucket list item for outdoor adventurers.
Edisto Beach – This quiet beach is the perfect vacation for the family looking to get away from it all.
Myrtle Beach, SC
Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort-This family-friendly resort is located right on the beaches of Myrtle Beach, with several pools and close proximity to everything your family will love!
Spring Break in Myrtle Beach? Here is what to do– Ring in the start of spring with a vacation to Myrtle Beach, where you can enjoy indoor pools, local amusement parks, gardens, and more!
Pirates Voyage– This dinner show experience is a popular choice among adults and children! Reserve your tickets before going.
Hilton Head Island & Surrounding Area
Check out our favorite things to do on Hilton Head Island!
Island Explorer Dolphin Tour– Venture out into the Atlantic Ocean for a dolphin tour.
Pirates of Hilton Head– Your kids will have a blast trying to keep Stinky Pete from stealing the treasure!
Date Night at Rockfish While the Kids Play at the Art Cafe– This restaurant is situated right beside the art cafe, so you do not have to miss out on a little romance during your family vacation.
7 Things to do Indoors on HHI-Your vacation doesn’t have to be ruined by rain! We have an excellent list of indoor things to do that your family will love!
Perfect Getaway for Families– Find seclusion on Fripp Island, South Carolina.
Port Royal-Beaufort-Hilton Head: 14 Ideas for Fun in the Lowcountry
Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort: Make Memories at this SC Island: Highlights of what to expect at this family-friendly oceanfront resort, including lodging information, restaurants, kid-friendly activities, and what to see (the local wildlife is excellent!). This is a private island, so you need to book a home, villa, or condo to stay here.
Travel Accommodation Ideas
5 Day Trip Ideas for Couples– Make it romantic! Check out these day trips that are perfect for a couple looking for a getaway.
6 Bed & Breakfasts Within an Hour of Greenville– Nothing says cozy like a bed and breakfast! These highly rated bed and breakfasts near Greenville, SC are an excellent way to explore while still feeling at home.
Georgia Vacations
Check out our epic Guide to Travel in Georgia, from the mountains to the coast!
The Dillard House – A beautiful bed and breakfast with day time activities and views for the day trip traveler.
Alpharetta: 10 Things to Do with Your Kids in Alpharetta
Athens: The Family-Friendly Destination You’ve Never Heard of
Atlanta: World of Coca-Cola
Atlanta: Georgia Aquarium
Atlanta: Atlanta Braves Game
Atlanta: Alpaca Treehouse
Atlanta: Renaissance Midtown Atlanta Hotel
Atlanta: LEGO® Discovery Center
Blairsville: Plan a Fun Trip to Blairsville
Cartersville-Bartow : Adventure and Award-Winning Museums Await in Cartersville, Georgia
Cobb County: Ride a roller coaster, see a Braves game, explore history in Cobb County
Helen: Plan a trip to Helen, GA Anytime of the Year
Helen: Cool River Tubing
Helen: Unicoi State Park
Dunwoody: Enjoy This Hidden Gem in Georgia
Jekyll Island: Wildlife and Peaceful Beaches Await at Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island: Holiday Inn Resort
Newnan-Coweta: Family Travel: Newnan-Coweta, GA is Like Stepping Back in Time
Whitesburg: Historic Banning Mills
Tennessee Vacations
We have traveled to several major cities in Tennessee, and there are so many family-friendly things to do! We have dozens of reviews of things to do in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Chattanooga that will allow you to fully plan out your trip. We have lodging ideas, reviews of major attractions, and even guides to your favorite city.
One of Tennessee’s most family-friendly travel destinations!
Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge is a tourist hotspot but for good reason! You can literally drive down the main road of town and see things you have never seen before, such as a lifesize replica of the Titanic or King Kong scaling a building. Plus, it is home to Dollywood! Plan our every detail of your family vacation with our KA Guide to Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg, TN. You can also use our individual reviews of some pretty epic attractions and lodging options to finalize your itinerary.
Dollywood– This theme park is quite an adventure for your family! With roller coasters, special holiday events, maker’s markets, and more, you will have a blast at Dollywood.
Dollywood’s Splash Country-The perfect waterpark to cool off at to avoid that humid mountain heat.
Dollywood’s Wildwood Grove– An amusement park full of whimsy and exploration!
Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood– A holiday celebration at Dollywood with lights, rides, special shows, and events that bring the magic of Christmas to life.
Titanic Museum– The venue is even shaped like a replica of the ship for a truly unique experience.
Wonderworks– This tourist attraction is truly unique! First off, the building is literally flipped upside down, and it just gets even more interesting as you explore it.
Island at Pigeon Forge– This one-stop shop for fun is a great day to spend the day in Pigeon Forge.
Margaritaville Island Hotel is a wonderful family-friendly place to lodge for your vacation.
Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge– Enjoy the great outdoors at this RV resort and lodge.
Inn on the River– An inn in Pigeon Forge with an indoor pool, excellent views of the river, and a cozy vibe.
Pigeon Forge Snow– Take a stroll through the light walking trails for a truly magical winter wonderland experience!
Winterfest– Enjoy the town of Pigeon Forge shimmering with lights, Christmas trees, and holiday events.
Wonder of Lights Walking Tour– A part of Winterfest, this lights tour is spectacular.
SkyFly: Soar America– Unique augmented reality ride found at Island at Pigeon Forge.
PINK Jeep Tour– Check out the Great Smoky Mountains in an awesome pink Jeep!
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is a stunning mountain town situated on the outskirts of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and is a wonderful mix of tourist attractions and nature. You can ride a chair lift up to Anakeesta and spend a day playing, or check out one of several Ripley’s attractions. These KA reviews will guide you in the planning of your next family trip to Gatlinburg!
Townsend Wye swimming hole– Enjoy a morning swim at this local swimming hole.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies– Walk through a shark tunnel at this amazing aquarium.
Ripley’s 5D Moving Theater– Take a 5D adventure ride at this moving theater.
Guinness World Records Museum– Learn about all of the wonderful records broken throughout history!
Ripley’s Mirror Maze– A fun way to show your kids how tricky mirrors can be.
Anakeesta– The mountain village of Anakeesta with tons of activities for the family!
Greystone Lodge on the River– A comfortable lodge that is located in the heart of Gatlinburg.
Camp LeConte Luxury Outdoor Resort– Glamping at its finest at Camp LeConte!
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort and Wild Bear Falls Water Park– Hotel and a waterpark? Yes please!
Go Lodge– Game-themed mansion that has 17 rooms to explore!
Sevierville
Situated right outside of Pigeon Forge, there are so many things to do in Sevierville, Tennessee! With epic waterparks, underwater lakes to explore by boat, outdoor resorts, family-friendly attractions, and the largest Buc-ee’s in the world to explore, it makes for a wonderful family trip. You can pair our KA reviews with our Ultimate Guide to Sevierville, Tennessee to plan out your entire vacation to Sevierville!
Have the ultimate family-friendly with our Ultimate Guide to Sevierville, Tennessee!
Soaky Mountain – This epic outdoor waterpark is an adventure and memory maker!
Wilderness at the Smokies– Great hotel/waterpark combination that is close to Pigeon Forge.
Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort– Lodging option for lovers of the outdoors.
The Lost Sea Adventure– Boating adventure across an underwater lake.
The Ridge Outdoor Resort– Glamping and pools at this resort!
SkyLand Ranch– Mountain coasters, chair lifts, western entertainment, and more!
Buc-ee’s– A humongous store with literally everything you need.
Chattanooga
Chattanooga, Tennessee is a wonderful mix of outdoor nature with an urban city vibe. There are lots of things to do in Chattanooga with kids, including checking out some amazing rock formations, underground waterfalls, the Chattanooga Zoo, the Tennessee Aquarium, and of course the Chattanooga choo choo! You can use our Ultimate Guide to Chattanooga, Tennessee, along with some of our KA reviews, to plan out the perfect trip for your family!
Tennessee Aquarium– Visit blue macaws, a 3D IMAX studio, and more!
Guide to Chattanooga Zoo– Hang out with prairie dogs, feed giraffes, and venture through an epic petting zoo.
Rock City– Famous rock garden with caverns and spectacular views.
Big Soddy Creek Trail– Check out this magical swimming hole after your hike.
The Read House– This haunted hotel in downtown Chattanooga is absolutely stunning!
Florida Vacations
It’s hard not to love vacationing in Florida. The weather is pretty great all year long, there are tons of family-friendly beaches, and some pretty unique adventures you will not find anywhere else in the world. We have guides for travel to places like Walt Disney World, LEGOLAND, and even the Kennedy Space Center. If you are looking for a nature adventure, you will also find reviews of state parks, airboat rides through the Everglades, a visit to an Alligator zoo, and so much more!
Orlando: Tips to Plan Your Trip to Walt Disney World Resort
Central Florida: Wild Florida
Central Florida Atlantic Coast: Things to do Near Daytona Beach
Winter Haven: LEGOLAND
Cape Canaveral: Kennedy Space Center
Orange City: Blue Spring State Park
St. Augustine: Alligator Farm Zoo and Park
St. Augustine: Castillo de San Marcos
St. Augustine: St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum
South Florida: Everglades Airboat Ride
South Florida: Space Coast
Guide to Florida’s Sun Coast Beaches
Washington, DC Vacations
DC Area: George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Washington, DC: What to do with your family in our nation’s capitol
Seasonal Travel
Halloween Travel: Celebrate Halloween with a mini-vacation at these fun, spooky spots. Plus, don’t miss Haunted Cabins and Hotels you can book.
What’s New in Travel?
See where we’ve been recently, plus some of our favorite travel highlights.
