There are only a few weeks of summer left. Before we all return to our regularly scheduled programming, why not arm your family with one last vacation story?
To help ease the back-to-school transition, we’ve compiled a list of educational trips that everyone can enjoy. Grouped by school subject with the most popular hotel recommendations for each destination, these trips are so fun you won’t even realize you’re learning.
Subject: English
Destination: HARTFORD, CT
With more literary landmarks than you can shake a dusty first edition at, Hartford is an absolute must for the bookworms in your crew. “Twainiacs” will flip for the Mark Twain House, the gothic estate where Samuel Langhorne Clemens wrote Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
Also not to be missed: Harriet Beecher Stowe House, where the author penned her legendary Uncle Tom’s Cabin, and a self-guided tour tracing the steps of poet Wallace Stevens.
Where to stay: Hilton Hartford; $119/night*
Subject: Political Science
Destination: WASHINGTON, DC
The 2016 presidential election will be here before you know it, and what better place to learn about the United States government and its history? Visit the White House to learn about presidential families, tour the Capitol Building to learn about the Senate & House of Representatives, and plan a visit to the Supreme Court to see how the American legal system works. Make your trip extra mortifying memorable by teaching your kids the lyrics to Schoolhouse Rock’s classic “I’m Just a Bill.”
While you’re in town, be sure to catch a planetarium show at the Smithsonian.
Where to stay: Hyatt Regency Washington; $152/night*
Subject: Geology
Destination: GRAND CANYON
This geological wonder boasts mind-blowing views and activities that will delight your entire family. Spot wildlife together onboard the Grand Canyon railways; ride mules along the North Kaibab Trail; or pedal bikes along the Hermit Road Greenway Path.
Whatever adventures you choose, you really can’t beat visiting a natural wonder of the world. (You probably weren’t getting the fam to Mount Everest anytime soon.)
Where to stay: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Canyon; $265/night*
Subject: Physical Education
Destination: DENVER, CO
The adrenaline junkies among you will love visiting Mile-High City. Soak in the gorgeous Denver scenery while you mountain bike, rock climb, pan for gold, and zipline past amazing Rocky Mountain views. Be sure to catch a Colorado Rockies game at Coors Field during your stay.
Where to stay: Warwick Denver Hotel; $191/night*
Subject: Math & Science
Destination: BOSTON, MA
As the home of Harvard, MIT, and KAYAK (we’re proud data nerds at heart), Boston is holy ground for mathletes and number crunchers. Treat the Einsteins in your group to tours of the prestigious campuses, where some of the brightest minds in the world are making breakthroughs every day. Bonus points to anyone who solves a complex equation written on a chalkboard.
Where to stay: Hyatt Regency Cambridge; $293/night*
Subject: History
Destination: ST. AUGUSTINE, FL
St. Augustine is the oldest city in the country and it’s celebrating its 450th birthday on Labor Day. Get in on the festivities (read: cake) while enjoying the beautiful Spanish colonial-era buildings and 19th-century architecture. Residents will be dressed in period clothing to teach visitors about St. Augustine’s rich cultural history through a series of festivals and exhibitions.
Where to stay: Casa Monica Autograph Collection; $269/night*
Subject: Music
Destination: NASHVILLE, TN
Turn off the Top 40 and give your kids a crash course in classic country music (no matter how hard they protest). Learn about the Grand Ole Opry, check out the Ryman Auditorium, and visit the Country Music Hall of Fame to see delightfully flashy costumes worn by stars like Graham Parsons and Porter Wagoner.
Fill up on southern-style biscuits and at Nashville’s iconic Loveless Café and take in live music at one of the city’s many honky tonks.
Where to stay: Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center; $244/night*
Subject: Art
Destination: PHILADELPHIA, PA
Did you know the City of Brotherly Love is also a great destination for art? The Philadelphia Museum of Arts boasts one of the largest collections in the country, with exhibits drawing art lovers from all over the world. Stop by to catch a live performance, film, lecture, or to run up the steps like Rocky (go ahead, we won’t judge you).
Where to stay: Philadelphia Marriott Downtown; $136/night*
Subject: Home Economics
Destination: EVERYWHERE
Ditch the diet and be sure to sample the local fare everywhere you travel this summer. Remember, there’s no such thing as overeating on vacation – you’re celebrating the culinary arts.
*Median hotel rate by property for travel dates from 07/29/2015 to 09/19/2015; hotel properties are most popular by destination based on click share for same travel dates.
