We are fortunate to live in a country with a variety of natural and beautiful creations made to see. There's nothing like seeing these things for the first time but close is better to do with a child. Here is our list of places you should plan to do with your child before they grow:
Natural Wonders
 • The Grand Canyon, Arizona – one of the world's natural wonders. The first site is breathtaking.
 • Niagara Falls, NY – Children will be surprised by the 6 million cubic meters of water that falls on every minute. Be sure to take the Maid of the Mist to get the full effect the fall.
 • Glacier Bay, Alaska – Quick before the glacier melts.
 • Yosemite National Park – relentlessly photographed by Weston and Adams is the most bitter of all parks in the United States.
Man Made Marvels
 • Mount Rushmore – if filtration in the patriotic fervor seems to have been created in Hollywood, had it not been built by 400 men over 14 years.
 • The Golden Bridge Gate – runs along the beautiful bay of San Francisco and is one of the best jumpers in the world.
 • Hoover Dam – Big Big Big
Historic battlefields of the Civil War
 • Gettysburg – the bloodiest battle of the war, when Lincoln delivered his speeches most famous.
 • Appomattox – where Lee surrendered to Grant ending the Civil War.
 • Vicksburg – One of the battles famous one to take control of the Mississippi.
Deserts
 • Badlands National Park South Dakota – like a lunar landscape overwhelmed by prairie dogs.
 • Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada – outside of Las Vegas, and one of the most beautiful sunsets anywhere.
 • Painted Desert, Arizona – home of the petrified forest.
 • Death Valley, California – 280 meters below sea level, separate the world, and perfect for stargazing.
Cities
 • New York – perhaps the greatest city on earth. Your children will not believe. Be sure to see the Statue of Liberty up close.
 • Boston – history abounds, like a book of life.
 • San Francisco – One-of-a-Wonder-type, perhaps the most beautiful natural beauty of the world.
 • Washington, DC – The Center for American democracy, The last lesson in civics.
 • Chicago – the largest city in the Midwest for the soul of America itself.
 • Savannah, Georgia – History of the Old South, famous for its architecture.
 • Charleston, SC South – last remaining vestiges of the old South by Sherman fire.
Super beaches
 • Cannon Beach, Oregon – One of the most pristine beaches in the U.S.
 • Poipu Beach, Hawaii – kid-friendly, with many opportunities for snorkeling shallow for children.
 • Ocracoke Lifeguard Beach, North Carolina – So private that "Pony" banker still roam freely.
A vacation provides families a great opportunity for bonding. Seek target = "_new" rel = "nofollow" href = "http://www.greatdad.com/category/428/holiday-gifts.html"> unique holiday gifts for parents, children and mothers.
Paul Banas is a founder of GreatDad.com. He writes articles on parenting tips, holiday ideas, traveling with kids and many more topics related to dads.
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