Unique Family Vacations 

It’s travel season! If you and your family are looking for some out-of-the-box destinations for your next family trip, consider these fun and unique ideas.  

Mosey Over to a Dude Ranch 

Dreaming of life on the ranch, even if only for a short while? Then your family might enjoy a dude ranch vacation. There are more than 100 dude ranches around the country that you can visit, from Arkansas to California and Montana to Arizona, where you can learn about the western cowboy lifestyle and enjoy wide-open spaces. 

Find a list of Ohio Dude Ranches here!

A dude ranch vacation will have your family riding the trails, working cattle, fly fishing in pristine rivers, and dressing the part. Spend time riding, eating and enjoying the ranch with your wranglers and truly learn what it means to be a cowboy. 

Dude ranches can be the ultimate family vacation for all ages, because in most cases, they are all-inclusive vacations. Activities, accommodations, meals and more are offered all in one fun package, taking a lot of the guesswork out of planning a vacation. Some ranches do have “a la carte” options that you can add on to your vacation, such as guided fishing, spa services or river rafting, depending on the location you choose.  

 Hit the Road in a Rental RV 

Road trips are back and bigger than ever this year. After two years of postponing family vacations, many people are opting to hit the road and explore the country from behind the wheel. Because of this, renting a recreational vehicle (or RV) for vacation has become a very popular way to travel.  

For families looking to social distance, an RV is a great option for traveling. They allow families to enjoy most of the comforts of home — including a private bathroom, a place to sleep, and a place to hang out — all without leaving the safety and security of your vehicle. 

So, what are the best options for renting an RV for a family trip? Aclipse Camper Vans in Cincinnati, Cruise America, Outdoorsy and RVShare are four popular websites that will allow you to easily book an RV, motor home, camper or pull-trailer for a family trip. Depending on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you plan to rent the RV, and where you’re going, renting an RV can be comparable in price to a hotel room. Keep in mind that there are other costs associated with an RV rental, including gas, campground fees, food and more.   

Go Glamping Out in Nature 

There is camping, and then there is glamping. If your family likes the idea of being surrounded by nature but also likes the luxurious things in life, then a glamping vacation (glamor + camping) is made for you. From fully furnished yurts and decked-out teepees to covered wagons and retro Airstreams, there are many unusual places for to rest, relax and enjoy the outdoors in style around the Midwest and the country at large. 

Read why you should try glamping in the Red River Gorge!

You can find locations to get your glamp on at GlampingHub, or just by doing a web search with the word “glamping” and your preferred destination. You’re sure to find a cool glamping location that will allow you to escape in style. 

Nicole Sipe
Nicole Sipe
Nicole Sipe is the editor of Indy's Child and Southwest Ohio Parent magazines. She has a BA in Journalism from California State University Northridge, and has been involved in the print and digital publishing world for most of her life. Born and raised in Southern California, Nicole traded the city and sun for corn and creeks, and now lives in central Indiana with her husband, two sons and Collie. Her latest book for children, “All About Me! Art Journal” was published in 2022 by Walter Foster Jr. In her spare time, she likes traveling with her family, enjoying good food and drink, volunteering at her children’s schools and around her community, and practicing yoga.

Related Articles

ON STANDS NOW

From our Sponsors