I’ve been driving around the United States for about six months now and I’ve covered a good portion of the part that lies to the east of the Mississippi River. Because I write about my trip, I get quite a bit of advice from friends, family, and strangers. I’m grateful for most of it, but I’ve also run across a lot of tips that would be great if I wasn’t traveling with two small children. Checking out the honkey tonks in Nashville, for example, isn’t exactly practical for two parents with a 6 and 11 year old in tow.

All this time traveling with my family has changed the way I view a city and given me a new perspective on what I consider family-friendly. Before I give a city the family-friendly stamp of approval, I look for a few important factors.

Is the nightlife the biggest draw?

A place like Las Vegas is amazing – for adults. But I wouldn’t even want to take my kids out of the hotel room after dark for fear of stumbling into a drunken bachelor party. I was surprised to find that Nashville also had very little to offer families when the sun went down – some of the most popular restaurants in town were bars.

Are there free (or very cheap) things to do?

This is a big one for me. When you’re traveling with a family of four, even low admission prices can become budget busters. A $20 attraction ticket becomes an $80 event for us. This was my biggest beef with Myrtle Beach: lots of things to do, but only one (the beach) came without a hefty price tag. I tend to favor cities with great public park systems, historic districts, or really inexpensive museums. Savannah is great for families looking to travel on a budget.

Are there good learning opportunities?

Sure, you might be on vacation, but if my kids aren’t seeing, doing, or learning something they couldn’t do at home – what’s the point? We don’t have to be in a museum to learn. Cities with rich histories or cultural diversity tend to have learning opportunities intrinsically woven into most experiences. A perfect example? Philadelphia’s Chinatown or Reading Terminal.

What do you look for in a city when planning a family vacation?

Photo: Britt Reints

Traveling with kids can be expensive, which is why parents are most likely to be trolling the budget columns of travel magazines for ideas on cheap and free things to do on vacation. A perennial favorite on those frugal lists? City parks. A city with a great park system is often very child friendly, and the park is just the start.

5 Great City Parks Worth Visiting

Pittsburgh – Frick Park

This 5-acre park hosts municipal sporting events and free theater. It also features an 18 “hole” fitness course with exercise pit stops along the route.

New York City – Central Park

The mother of all parks, Central Park is practically a city unto itself, complete with interesting citizens and busy intersections.

Savannah – Forsyth Park

Tourists flock to the fountains, but locals are more likely to be spending their weekends in the park’s cafe and splash park.

Cleveland – Cleveland Metroparks

Enjoy river hiking or just watching the waterfalls in the Metroparks, a network of parks that circles the city of Cleveland.

Chicago - Millennium Park

The sleek, reflective surfaces of The Bean is just steps away from wide lawns and beautiful flower gardens along the shores of Lake Michigan. Better still? You’re a short cab ride away from the shopping on Michigan Avenue.

Photos Britt Reints

Homestyle Cooking at Mrs. Wilke's in Savannah

Do you love to eat? Then book your next vacation to one of these delicious destinations.

Savannah, Georgia

Don’t expect to find a healthy meal, but you’re on vacation! Hit up Mrs. Wilke’s for a unique family-style dining experience fit for President Obama, whose photo you’ll find on the wall amid other chewing celebrities. If you’re looking for a celebrity chef, head to the The Lady and Sons, the restaurant owned by Food Network star Paula Deen.

New Orleans, Louisiana

If you ask a local what they do for fun, they’ll tell you where to eat. Eating, drinking and playing music are the Crescent City’s most popular past times. You might not be able to jam with the band on the street, but you can dig in like a local at Mother’s. For a more touristy experience, head to Cafe du Monde for coffee and donuts. And for the best burger anywhere, grab a cab and head to Port of Call.

Cleveland, Ohio

Are you the friend who is always the first to discover a new restaurant? Then step away from the well-worn path and head to Cleveland to discover a growing foodie culture. In 2009,Cleveland’s Greenhouse Tavern was selected as Bon Appétit Magazine’s Top Ten Restaurants in America. While you’re being adventurous, head to Parallax for Cleveland sushi. After dinner, find out why Ohio prides itself on ice cream at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.

Photo Britt Reints

A guide to Savannah, Georgia with kids

Savannah, Georgia is a popular vacation destination, especially for people who live in the Southeastern United States. It’s a fairly inexpensive place to visit and there are several festivals and holiday celebrations throughout the year that draw crowds from out-of-town. However, many of Savannah’s most popular parties and tourist attractions aren’t well suited for young kids. The St. Patrick’s day parade, for example, might be a fun spectacle for children, but you probably don’t want your little ones spending several days (or even hours) among the constant flow of green beer drinkers. And while the Historic District is both historic and beautiful, it is also likely boring for many kids. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider Savannah as a destination for a family getaway.

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