There’s still time to squeeze a family vacation in before the end of summer. (Yes, we’re already talking about the end of summer. Yes, it was like yesterday that we were talking about school finally being out.) If you’re on the East Coast, pack up the car and take a drive to one of these 3 family-friendly cities for a low-key vacation that’s sure to please.

North Carolina Capitol, photo credit

1. Raleigh, North Carolina

This underrated little city is a great place for a family on a budget. The downtown area offers free museums and inexpensive children’s programs all summer long. Hop on a bike or go for a walk to explore the historical residential neighborhoods that surround the business district. You can also catch a play or checkout the Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival in August.

While you’re in town, make a point of seeking out one of the many restaurants that serve dishes made with local ingredients. For dessert, head to the nearest Locopops for a truly unique after-dinner treat.

2. Baltimore, Maryland

Often overlooked because of its proximity to Washington, D.C., Baltimore is a city worth visiting all on its own. Catch a baseball game at Camden Yards, visit the visually stunning aquarium at the Inner Harbor, or checkout one of the world’s most impressive comic book collections at Geppi’s Entertainment Museum.

If you like to squeeze a little learning into your trips, be sure to make a stop at the B&O  Railroad Museum. The entire city is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War from 2011 through 2014, and you’ll find an extensive display at the museum that goes far beyond really cool trains (although there’s plenty of that!)

Myrtle Beach, photo credit

3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Leave the books at home and head out for a vacation of pure fun on the Carolina coast. You can spend your time visiting aquariums and playing mini-golf on some of the crazy put-put courses you’ll ever see, or just hit the beach for sand castles and body surfing. For a special night on the town, grab tickets to the Carolina Opry, a show that will make kids from 6 to 96 laugh out loud.

While you’re in Myrtle Beach, head south for a day or two to Murrells Inlet. You’ll find fish shacks, dynamite seafood, and a state park with a home that looks more like a castle than a house.

I do a lot of my traveling alone – more than I would like to, actually.  As a wife and mother of two, I’d love to share more of the amazing things I get to see and do as a travel blogger with my family.  In fact, that’s one of the big reasons why my family and I decided to take a year long trip around the country in 2011 – I want to share my travel bug with them!

I’m especially looking forward to sharing some of my favorite big cities with my kids.  Although metropolitan areas are often thought of as great playgrounds for adults, they also offer a ton of opportunities for fun and educational experiences for kids.  Yes, I said educational.  I’m that mom. Here are a few of the big cities I’m most excited about sharing with my kids.

5 Great Cities To Visit With Kids

New York City

1. New York City

The Big Apple is one of my favorite places in the world and both of my kids are dying to see what I’ve been making such a fuss about over the years.  I can’t wait to take them to Radio City Music Hall, on a double-decker bus tour of the city and for their first ride on a subway.  My husband has already promised to take our daughter on a carriage ride through Central Park and my son will love go nuts over the authentic Chinese food in Chinatown.

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Learn about the Fort McHenry flag in Baltimore, Maryland

Are you an American History buff?  Would you like your children to have a more in depth knowledge of American History?  Then schedule a vacation to Baltimore, Maryland in 2011 as the city marks the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War and the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.  A weekend in Baltimore spent touring historical sites and museums will leave you with a better understanding of the nation’s history and a profound appreciation for what was sacrificed by the earliest citizens.

Use this guide to help you plan a Baltimore vacation that’s fun and educational for the whole family.

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Who's first?

Ahhhhh. Yes, family fun is happening everywhere (in this case Baltimore). It’s like a duck tour.

This reminds me, my kids need to sign up for swimming lessons.

For more family-friendly travel photos visit DeliciousBaby’s Photo Fridays.

Photo by gavdana via Flickr: