Located in the center of the hustle and bustle of the New York life, is Central Park. Originally, it was a dismal place: full of swamps, bluffs, and other undesirable things. In the mid 1800s wealthy landowners and merchants decided to mirror the parks that they saw over in Europe to be replicated in New York.

Then in 1853, it was decided that the park be created in the center of Manhattan. However, the question remained, who will design it? The job was given to Fredeick Olmstead and Calvert Vaux. They tried to imitate the English tradition of Rolling Meadows and formal dress grounds. It then opened to the public in 1865 to a rollicking success.

Since then, many great things happen in the park nowadays. It is now the venue of different activities such as Shakespeare in the Park, the Summerstage music program, the annual New York Opera and Philharmonic Orchestra, and many more. For the locals, it’s just a place where one can experience nature within the concrete jungles of New York.

Looking for a great family trip in 2008? One that may be drivable and if not offers domestic travel rates? This list is from areas all over the country so everyone can benefit. Check these out:

New York City (NY) – Catch a Broadway show like the Lion King, go to Central Park and expose your kids to some delicious ethnic food. You can also hang out at a kid friendly hotel like Doubletree Guest Suites, Hilton Times Square or Four Seasons Hotel New York which offers tons of family amenities including extra large rooms (Doubletree), mega-entertainment complex (Hilton) and child-proofing (Four Seasons). Grand Canyon (AZ) – Complete a series of activities to become a Junior Ranger, learn about why water is so important to the Canyon (and to you to) and take a hike along one of the hundreds of trails (make sure you follow the guides). Yellowstone National Park – There are a myriad of fun activities here at Yellowstone including hiking, horseback riding, boating, camping, taking a Yellowstone Institute class and more. Yellowstone is home to hundreds of wildlife and lets us all get a big burst of nature in one place. Pennsylvania Dutch Country (PA) – Many think of the Amish when the Dutch Country comes to mind and there are ways to learn and explore about them. However there are a bunch of other fun and family friendly activities to do including: Cherry Crestfarm (5-acre maze, animal farm, pumpkin slinger, guided wagon tour, etc.); Longwood Gardens (over 1050 acres of gardens, woodlands and meadows); Strasburg Rail Road (45 minute ride); and more – too many to list. Mount Rushmore National Park (SD) – Take a picture of history for your children. In addition to the presidential front of Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial is being carved as we speak and will be the largest in the world when completed. Other wonderful family fun is to be found at the Journey Museum or taking a jeep safari through the grasslands. You may even see some buffalo roam. Checkout Badlands National Parks while you’re there and explore two of the U.S.’s longest caves, Wind Cave and Jewel Cave. San Diego (CA) – This beautiful city offers it all; white beaches, family attractions, great shopping and excellent food. The beaches in San Diego can not be beat, there are 70 miles of them along the coast. San Diego is home to Balboa Park, aka The Smithsonian of the West which is home to San Diego Zoo, 15 museums and 8 gardens. Other attractions include Legoland California and SeaWorld. Boston (MA) – The Boston Children’s Museum is one of the largest and most action packed in the country. There are over 20 other museums in Boston including the Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum, The New England Pirate Museum and the Harvard University Art Museum. In addition to the cultural aspect of the city you can check out the Boston Harbor Islands, take in the Blueman Show and visit my favorite, Quincy’s Market for some great entertainment, food and shopping.
So whether you live on the East or West Coast or somewhere in the middle, you can find a fun and affordable family vacation close to home. What’s in your backyard?