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October 15, 2026

Where Every Family Matters

Next Year: Plan Something Big!

Explore the beauty of the United States! Plan now for NEXT summer's family adventure.

Seen enough of the beach? Sure, it’s fabulous and everything, but there comes a time when one starts to think that there’s a lot more to see and know about this great, big world of ours. You think — and rightly so — the kids should see more than the ocean every summer. They should see the Grand Canyon. Or the Grand Tetons!  There’s a whole lot out there that we haven’t seen … but we should!

Get Out and See the World

While THIS summer’s probably a bust for a big road trip, it’s prime time for dreaming up NEXT summer’s escapades. The U.S. national park system boasts a collection of outstanding websites to help you plan. Look ahead to next June or July and do a little fantasizing. A road trip doesn’t have to break your budget; you can plan on camping.
    Our country has some of the most beautiful terrain on the planet. Grab a refreshment and your iPad and explore the following links to 19 gorgeous national parks.
    After all, you really should be more adventurous with the kids!

• Acadia (Maine)
• Badlands (South Dakota)
• Canyon de Chelly (Arizona)
• Congaree (South Carolina)
• Cuyahoga Valley (Ohio)
• Glacier (Montana)
• Grand Canyon (Arizona)
• Grand Teton (Wyoming)
• Great Basin (Nevada)
• Great Sand Dunes and Preserve (Colorado)
• Great Smoky Mountains (Tennessee, naturally)
• Isle Royale (Michigan)
• North Cascades (Washington)
• Olympic (Washington)
• Redwood, California (California)
• Rocky Mountain (Colorado)
• Yellowstone (Wyoming)
• Yosemite (California)
• Zion (Utah)

   

About the Author

Susan Swindell Day, Editor

Susan Swindell Day is the editor in chief of Nashville Parent and the mom of four amazing kids.