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Window Seat or Aisle Seat: The Top 20 Summer Family Activities

Locations in this article:  Baltimore, MD Chicago, IL Nashville, TN San Diego, CA

16. Located at the confluence of the Kennebec and Dead Rivers in Maine, Magic Falls Rafting Co.’s outdoor activities including a raft trip on the Kennebec, a hike to Moxie Falls (Maine’s Highest Waterfall), a wildlife safari in search of moose, deer and eagles, an inflatable kayak trip,  float tubes to relax on the Dead River, and one night tent camping with a campfire dinner and breakfast.

17. Just outside Chattanooga, Tennesse is Raccoon Mountain where families can try an authentic caving experience. If you are really feeling adventurous you can even spend the night inside the cave. Or you can stay in one of the floating cabins at Hales Bar Marina.

18. June 1 through 3, Hampton, Virgina will host the 13th Annual Blackbeard Pirate Festival, The Festival commemorates the demise of Captain Edward Teach, a.k.a. Blackbeard the Pirate. Highlights include a swarm of extemporized street skirmishes between pirates and militia, the trial and escape of William Howard, one of Blackbeard’s fellow pirates. There is a re-enactment of the classic sea battle between Lt. Maynard and Blackbeard (featuring two full -scale replica vessels in the Hampton Harbor), and more. The event is free.

John Rich19. FloydFest, near Floyd, Virgina just along the Blue Ridge Parkway takes place July 26-29. In addition to 10 stages for live entertainment the festival includes free trapeze lessons, a Children’s Universe play area, a parade, panel discussions on sustainability and social concerns, Healing Arts offerings, an Artisan’s Village, a smorgasbord of organic food, a 5k morning trail race and guided hikes along the trails that run through the bordering National Park.

20. My all-time favorite offer for the perfect family staycation this summer comes from Urban Adventure Quest, which provides interactive, smartphone guided, scavenger hunt tours in 13 North American cities.

Use promo code: FUN15 now through December 31, 2012 and receive 15 percent off your Quest in any city.

For 20 more summer family ideas, check out:

By Kerri Zane for PeterGreenberg.com. For more advice on health, beauty and travel, visit Kerri Zane on the Web at KerriZane.com.