US: Mid Atlantic Spring Break Family Vacations with Egg Hunts, Ziplines, and Living History.
From Virginia Beach, VA and Rocky Gap, MD to Valley Forge, PA there is still time for whale watching, hiking, canoeing, and kite flying. Or maybe add rock climbing, horseback riding and campfire stories sound like fun. So if school is out for a few days, take a spring break of your own.
West Virginia: Beckley - Tubing, Ziplining, and a Cavern Adventure. Off grid definitely describes a family spring break in Southern West Virginia. Affordable and easy paced the area offers plenty for families to share including hiking, fishing, biking, ziplining, and stargazing plus a cavern adventure. There may be snow still on the slopes and if so add skiing, boarding, and tubing to the list.
Here’s the scoop. Winterplace is the home to the largest snow tubing park in West Virginia and that fact alone should make you want to pack the kids in the van and escape. Snow tubing is crazy mad fun at any age but as a parent the obvious advantages is the chance to be a kid again without feeling guilty.
Bonus points: You don’t even have to worry about trudging back up the hill, either. Winterplace, Canaan Valley, and Snowshoe all have lifts just for tubers.
Location on the planet: Southern West Virginia is made up of the nine counties in the bedrock of the state. Each one has something to offer families on vacation.
Make it happen. During the spring months the lodging discounts are hefty and the atmosphere more casual. Toll-free at 1-800-847-4898, (304) 252-2244 or
www.visitwv.comWest Virginia: Daniels - Hiking, Caving, and Guided Zipline Canopy Adventures. At ACE Adventure Center Resort it’s not just about whitewater rafting anymore even though the New River and the Gauley continue to provide ways for families to share awesome adventures. Now at ACE there’s a chance to soar like a bird through the air. Located in the heart of the New River Gorge, the network of ziplines allows riders direct access to the cliff side area and the private rock climbing areas where participants can clip on and zip from cliff to cliff. ACE's Canopy Tour is a popular mountaintop adventure for families seeking earth friendly thrills because the hang and glide experience is suitable for first-timers and experienced thrill seekers. The all-season customized route accesses a series of zipline perches making it is possible to look down into the ancient New River Gorge more than 800 feet below.
Here’s the scoop. The low season rates for cabins, chalets, and bunk houses provide the perfect excuse to go ziplining, hiking, or mountain biking. The professional staff at ACE can take care of everything from start to finish - reservations, guides, food service, lodging, transportation.
Location on the planet: ACE Adventure Center and Resort. Oak Hill WV, 25901.
Make it happen. Toll-free 1-888-ACE-RAFT (1-888-223-7238), 1(304) 469-2651 or
www.aceraft.com
Virginia: Richmond, Mother Nature, History, and Family Fun. 
If you are looking to combine education and family fun the Richmond may just be the ticket. The city is family friendly and manageable with kids -no long lines. Metro Richmond Zoo's naturalistic exhibits showcase 600 animals - including giraffes, kangaroos and chimpanzees - while visitors to Maymont's Children's Barn and Nature Center can interact with goats, geese and other friendly creatures. The Children's Garden at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden features a tree house, international village and sand and water play areas. Looking for indoor activities? Check out the Children's Museum of Richmond and its next-door neighbor, the Science Museum of Virginia.
Bonus points: Celebrate spring with A Million Blooms -- offering a million ways to have fun in at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and featuring a spectacular succession of blooms including daffodils, cherry blossoms, tulips, iris, roses and peonies. Highlights of the season include celebrations, plant shows, and activities in the Children’s Garden from Thursday, April 1 – Sunday, June 2, 2013.
Here’s the scoop. Crowne Plaza Hotel Richmond Downtown is offering the “Richmond Science and History Vacation Package”. Explore the museums of Virginia with this Richmond Science and History vacation package. Discover America’s past through exhibits and collections at the Virginia Historical Society. Stroll through a maze of Mindbenders or enjoy the education and entertainment of an IMAX experience at the Science Museum of Virginia. Your Science and History vacation package includes admission to the Science Museum of Virginia and Virginia Historical Society.
Location on the planet: Crowne Plaza Hotel Richmond Downtown overlooking the newly restored Canal Walk 555 East Canal Street. For directions call (804) 788-0900. You will find general information at Richmond Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau 4
01 North 3rd Street Richmond, VA 23219.
Make it happen. The Richmond Science and History Vacation Package can be booked online. Better yet checkout family vacation packages, special seasonal events, and deals at
www.visitrichmondva.comPennsylvania: Valley Forge, Spring Break Ideas – History, Shopping, and Art. It is convenient when a destination sets forth a few clever ideas which, if followed, guarantee fun with kids. The ideas for grandparents and grandchildren combine a chance to explore common interests and share the joy of discovery. The tours, designed to have a generous helping of fun for all ages, include stops for lunch and shopping along the way.
Family activity tours: “Stop, Look and Listen!” a miniature garden railway, secret passageways and a stop on the Underground Railroad and lunch at the Trolley Car Diner. And there is “Discovering Patriots, Provisions and Prairie Dogs” combining history and outdoor fun in a day that begins with the American Revolution and ends with American wildlife – with a stop for shopping in-between. “Art Adventures” from museum to mountaintop looks like fun. Artists of all ages will enjoy this close-up look at the creative process and artists’ studios. See glass blowing; visit N.C. Wyeth’s studio, nestled in the woods; take in story time at Longwood Gardens; meet Wharton Esherick in his mountaintop studio.
Here's the scoop. The tour activity ideas can be matched to your favorite sleeping place.
Location on the planet: Valley Forge CVB 1000 First Avenue - Suite 101, King of Prussia, PA 19406. (610) 834-1550, toll-free 1-888-212-6977.
www.valleyforge.orgVirginia: Virginia Beach, get away and watch the whales. For those with an early spring break this idea is quick, easy, and too cool. From now until March 15, imagine taking the kids whaling, whale watching that is. The sweatshirt season offers a slower pace with all the benefits of the area. Shopping is still terrific and the ocean awesome as ever. Hiking, biking and kayaking are at the top of the list – no sweat and no crowds. Peddle a surrey along the Boardwalk.
Bonus points: Indoor rock climbing, laser tag, cooking classes for kids, or a play at the Regent University Theater.
The family vacation package includes: “Whale Watching” packages include three days, two nights with breakfast included at most hotels, admission aboard a two-hour whale-watching boat trip and admission to the Virginia Aquarium and its 3-D IMAX® Theater to complement the seasonal trips and they have a terrific interactive whale exhibit.
Here's the scoop. Browse the list and you will see some packages also include dinner or spa benefits. So, while the actual getaway package prices begin at $85 per person, they vary depending on the property selected. Group rates are available.
Make it happen. Virginia Beach Whale Hotline toll-free 1-866-59-WHALE (866-599-4253) or 1-800-VA-BEACH or
www.vbfun.com Content researched and created by FTF; images by FTF. Copyright 2012.
