Great deals for an Independence Day family weekend getaway.
By Suzanne Rowan Kelleher
Summer Vacation Deals
The Fourth of July falls on a Friday this year, which means there’s a three-day weekend just begging to be filled with some all-American fun. If a backyard cookout just isn’t going to cut it, look no further than these four fabulous splurge-worthy getaways where your family can celebrate Independence Day in style.
Where: Destin, Florida
Why: Because this family-friendly resort on Florida’s Gulf coast offers a stretch of pristine white sand, three pools, bike rentals, kayaking, a kids’ program and junior suites with bunk beds. From June 29 to July 6, there will be a giant inflatable waterslide, dive-in movies, sandcastle building, s’more-making as well as a cookout and fireworks on the Fourth. The Independence Day Getaway package requires a four-night minimum and starts at $439 a night, with breakfast daily for two and the cookout dinner for two; meals are free for kids 5 and under.
(MORE: Looking for more options? Find other kid-friendly hotels in Destin.)
Where: Coronado, California
Why: Because the July 4th holiday is celebrated in the military community of Coronado with gusto. Guests at this oh-so-plush beach resort can kick off the holiday early on July 2 with a live band, a slew of recreational activities, fun games for children and a fireworks show. Then on July 4th, Coronado Island celebrates Independence Day with a parade, fun run, rough-water swim, art-in-the-park and a concert at Spreckels Park, plus another spectacular fireworks finale. The Del’s Summer Fun program piles on the smiles with kids’ scavenger hunts, dive-in movies, s’more roasts and other family-friendly activities.
Callaway Gardens
Where: Pine Mountain, Georgia
Why: Because if your family likes the Great Outdoors, this popular nature-lovers’ resort throws a fun party for the holiday weekend, with fireworks, live music and the FSU Flying High Circus, complete with jugglers and trapeze acrobats. The resort itself offers myriad activities that your kids will love, including mini golf, zip-lining and high ropes, rock climbing and a floating playground on Robin Lake that includes log rolls, water trampolines and a massive inflatable waterslide. There are also an on-site butterfly and birds-of-prey centers and miles of nature trails. The July Fourth Star Spangled Beach Party package, available July 3-6, starts at $189 a night and includes accommodations, daily breakfast, all entertainment, and most activities.
(MORE: See Georgia’s top kid-friendly attractions.)
Grand Hotel
Where: Mackinac Island, Michigan
Why: Because a stay at this iconic Queen Anne-style resort is like a trip back to the Gilded Age, with its lawn games, nightly receptions and the clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages on fabled Mackinac Island. The three-night all-inclusive Old-Fashioned Mackinac Island Fourth of July Celebration package delivers everything you could want from your summer holiday weekend: fireworks, a lush picnic at historic Fort Mackinac plus a carnival and ice-cream social for the kids. The package also includes golf that’s free for kids and half off for grownups and a full breakfast and five-course dinner daily.
Suzanne Rowan Kelleher contributed this to www.MiniTime.com.
