Drive Time: 4 hours, 8 minutes gulfshores.com
Sak’s Fifth Avenue, and more—along with a soft-foam area filled with climbers, slides, tunnels, and a play wall. Grab a bite to eat at Biskit Junkie , Canyon Creek , Rainforest Cafe , Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream , and Red Circle Ice Cream . Kiddos can eat free on select days at Freebirds , Buff Burgers , Dish Society , Feges BBQ , and Mendocino Farms . Make a splash in the evening at Four Seasons , Omni Houston Hotel , The St. Re- gis , or The Houstonian Club & Spa —each outfitted with the perfect pool for families.
PHOTO BY HOT SPRINGS GUEST GUIDE
A trip to Gulf Shores is a favorite among many families from Baton Rouge. This quick drive will have the entire family building sandcastles in no time. For even more fun, join Sand Castle University for some tips and tricks from the pros on building ultimate sandcastle masterpieces. There’s so much more to experience too. Mini golf, paintball, escape rooms, Wa- terville USA , Exploreum Science Center , The Track Family Fun Park , The Wharf , and Magni Gyroflight are just a few of the must-dos in the area. When it’s time to eat, Gulf Shores offers a variety of family-friendly options, includ- ing The Hangout , Bahama Bob’s Beachside Cafe , Shrimp Basket , and Tacky Jacks . At the end of the day, rest your eyes at one of the many lodging options available: beach houses, condos, resorts, hotels, and cabins. There are even pet-friendly options to choose from.
HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS Drive Time: 6 hours, 15 minutes hotsprings.org
If affordable family fun is a top priority, a visit to Hot Springs is just the vacation you’re looking for. Lodging is comfortable or immersive, depending on your family’s preferences, allowing you to spend the night in a cabin or settle down in a hotel. Adventures abound at Adventure Works, Inc. , a zip-lining experience giving a bird’s-eye view of native plants, trees, and wildlife. Animal lovers will enjoy the up- close experience at the Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo , where they can hold a baby alligator, feed and pet miniature goats, and see wolves, lions, monkeys, and raccoons. For some prehistoric fun, check out the Mid-America Science Museum , home to DinoTrek—an immersive experi- ence that lets guests step into the world of dinosaurs and observe their habitats. Capture the visit in a whole new way at Go Foto Yourselfie Studio , featuring a vari- ety of backdrops and props that take selfies to another level. For go-karts, bumper boats, mini-golf, and laser tag, check out Funtrackers Family Fun Park . A stop at A&W Restaurant is a must for delicious food and the famous Root Beer Float. Satisfy those sweet cravings with a visit to Kilwin’s for a caramel apple, or build your own candy bag at Candy Craze .
PHOTO BY GULF BREEZE ZOO
NAVARRE BEACH, FLORIDA Drive Time: 4 hours, 25 minutes getrelaxing.com Dubbed “Florida’s most relaxing place,” Navarre Beach provides a quiet retreat for families. Don’t let the laid-back vibe fool you, though—there’s still plenty of excite- ment and fun around every corner. After dropping off your bags at your vacation rental or suite, venture out and explore the uncrowded beaches. Soak in the sun, build sandcastles, or splash the day away; there’s plenty of space to move around and enjoy. If the crew needs a break from the sand between their toes, check out the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center to say hello to the sea turtles before heading over to the Fishing Pier —the longest pier in the Gulf—to drop a line or take a stroll. Other options for fun include Blackwater River State Park and the Gulf Breeze Zoo . When it comes to food, you’ll find something for everyone on the menus at TC’s Front Porch, Juana’s Pagodas & Sailors' Grill, and Boomerang Pizza Kitchen.
PHOTO BY REALTOR.COM
HOUSTON, TEXAS Drive Time: 4 hours, 16 minutes visithoustontexas.com America’s fourth-largest city is a des- tination filled with world-class dining, attractions, arts, hotels, shopping, and fun. Weekends in this vibrant metropolis are jam-packed with activities, including visits to the Downtown Aquarium , Houston Zoo , Space Center Houston , Children’s Museum of Houston , and The Health Museum . The shopping experience is unmatched at The Galleria . For those visiting with little ones, The Little Galleria play area is 2,000 square feet of fun, featuring mini versions of Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom,
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