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Fourth of July 2022 promises to explode with fun activities for families. After two years of canceled events, families across the nation are eager to get out and celebrate their independence. This year the early July holiday falls on a Monday, which also makes it the perfect time for a fantastic family vacation! There are so many wonderful family-friendly holiday observances taking place all over the country. From over-the-top fireworks displays in big cities to old-fashioned independence day parades in small towns, this long July 4th weekend is packed with endless patriotic fun and there is absolutely something for everyone to enjoy. Here are a few great options for last-minute American summer getaways.
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Cape Cod, Massachusetts
There is no better place to celebrate a quintessential small-town 4th than on the banks of beautiful Cape Cod. Up and down the coast, there is so much for the family to take part in during this year’s holiday festivities. Some of the main events include road races, Independence Day parades (both on foot and by boat), and multiple fireworks displays. During your stay, be sure to spend time at one of the beautiful state parks, check out the Yarmouth Sand Sculpture Trail, or enjoy a yummy hot dog while sitting back and enjoying some classic Cape Cod Baseball.
Where to Stay In Cape Cod
The Cape Cod Family Resort located in West Yarmouth is the ideal location for those who want to experience loads of summer fun. A stay here includes free family tickets to the Inflatables Park and Wicked Waves Water Parks which includes water slides, a lazy river, and water sports activities. The resort also features an arcade, hot tub, and family rooms that accommodate up to six people, which is perfect for large families or groups of friends.
Patriotism is awesome!!! Photo courtesy Big Ben Vacations on Pexels
San Antonio, Texas
If you have a family like mine, where each member has something different that they like to do while on vacation, then San Antonio is the perfect destination to travel to in early July. There is absolutely something for everyone in this incredible city. Guests are invited to dive into history by taking part in the Alamo’s Independence Day activities, explore art and culture at the River Walk Artisan Show, and have endless hours of theme park fun at special Seaworld and Six Flags July Fourth festivities. The city also puts on a spectacular fireworks display at Woodlawn Park.
Where to Stay In San Antonio
The entire family will have a blast during a stay at La Cantera Resort and Spa. Parents will enjoy the resort’s luxurious golf course, spa services, and signature restaurant. For children, there are kid’s club activities, an arcade, and special movie nights to keep them busy. La Cantera is close to many popular area attractions and is just a short drive from the San Antonio International Airport.
Can’t catch me! Photo courtesy Frank McKenna on Unsplash
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
What better place to celebrate Independence Day than the birthplace of America? This year Philly is going big with an extended celebration of events during the Wawa Welcome America Festival. From June 19th to July 4th, locals and visitors will be able to enjoy multiple fireworks displays, free museum admissions (on select days), and live music such as the POPS on Independence concert which is happening on July 3rd. The return of the city’s Independence Day Parade on the 4th also promises to be packed with patriotic fun. If you have extra time during your trip, I highly recommend our kids love taking day trips to the Philadelphia Zoo or Please Touch Museum.
Where to Stay In Philadelphia
The Loews Philadelphia Hotel is the perfect place to stay during a family getaway to the city of brotherly love. I love that this classic hotel is located within walking distance of many fantastic area attractions. It also offers an amenity borrowing program where travelers can check out baby gear such as strollers, car seats, and pack-and-plays, making traveling with littles so much easier. Be sure to also download the hotel’s family activity guide.
The other kind of fireworks! Photo by Vicki Schafield on Unsplash
San Diego, California
For families living on the West Coast, San Diego is a great destination to take the family for the long holiday weekend. Fireworks extravaganzas will be abundant throughout the city and travelers can find plenty of family-friendly Independence Day celebrations at theme parks such as Seaworld and Legoland. For some old-fashioned Fourth of July fun, head to the San Diego County Fair which features farm animals, rides, and games.
Where to stay in San Diego
I just love to spend a family vacation at a place that has it all. The Hotel del Coronado has so much to offer, making it one of the best places in the city to stay for a relaxing family getaway. Aside from the beautiful beach, families can enjoy nighttime outside movies, surf lessons, and roasting marshmallows over the bonfire. The resort also offers a fantastic Ocean Explorers Kids Club where kids can go to spend hours of fun exploring marine life and parents can get a break to enjoy the resort’s many other amenities.
Photo courtesy Gene Gallin on Unsplash
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Black Hills/ Badlands, South Dakota
A July 4th getaway to Mount Rushmore National Park might be the most patriotic July 4th trip for the whole family. This year, there are several holiday celebrations happening throughout the city. Whether you are looking for some small-town activities or an extravagant celebration, you will be sure to find what you are looking for in the Black Hill. One great event is the Sitting Bull Stampede Rodeo which features special holiday carnival games, parades, and fireworks throughout the entire July 4th weekend.
Where to Stay in the Black Hills
Mount Rushmore Resort and Lodge at Palmers Gulch offers guests a variety of accommodation options including campsites, cabins, and lodge guestrooms. When you are done exploring national parks and hiking through beautiful mountain ranges take some time to relax at this fantastic resort. Kids will have a blast at the resort’s Funzone which includes a waterslide, a rock climbing wall, games, a jumping pillow, and family golf. Horseback riding, biking, and movie nights are some of the other activities that families can enjoy together.
Even these guys can’t wait to celebrate this year! Photo courtesy Samuel Karle on Pexels
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Seattle, Washington
From Bellevue to Bainbridge Island, there are so many ways to celebrate the 4th in Seattle this July. Car shows, pancake breakfasts, road races, live entertainment, and a multitude of fireworks displays are just some of the events that families can enjoy in 2022. If you are like me and are looking for a unique way to experience the holiday while taking in the best view of the city, head out on the water and experience the sights of Seattle from a relaxing heated Hot Tub Boat. There is nothing like it!
Where to Stay in Seattle
The Hyatt Regency Lake Washington is a terrific place for families to stay when visiting the Seattle area this July holiday weekend. Located right on the water, the hotel is pet-friendly and features a fantastic indoor pool where active kids like mine can burn off energy while experiencing hours of fun. The Lakeside Glamping add-on package which includes board games, smores, and a teepee tent is such to be a huge hit with the little ones.
A ride on The Hot Tub Boats is the best way to view Seattle! Photo courtesy Hot Tub Boats
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