I can’t believe that summer is almost here and my family really doesn’t have anything planned. We might go and spend the day at the beach (New Jersey Shore), and perhaps a day at a local water park. Aside from a picnic and several trips to our local park, I’m not sure what else we’ll be doing.
We like to be outside during the summer to take advantage of the sunshine and fresh air (with a ton of sunscreen slathered on of course). The great thing about Summer is that there are many things you can do that are low cost or even FREE. Especially in your own “backyard” so to speak.
Are you planning your summer vacation? Looking to share the great outdoors with your kids? In need of some backseat/airplane fun for the younger set while en route to your destination? National Geographic Kids Books has two terrific books that will make your family road trip fun, educational and easy to plan.
The Ultimate U.S. Road Trip Atlas contains maps, games, interesting facts and boredom busters (who can spot the wackiest road sign??) to make your next journey an adventure to remember. Every state is featured and includes a map of the state, 5 cool things to do there, fun facts about the state and the animals that live there and even quirky roadside attractions. And, in case this comes in handy, helpful traffic laws you won’t believe (who knew you couldn’t drive any skunks INTO Tennessee??).
This is a fun book, overflowing with great information that kids, and adults, will enjoy.
Each state gets two pages. One page is a map (not a fine detail map, but it does include major roadways). The other page contains information about the state.
For each state you’ll learn about some fun things to do there, a summary with information about the state and information about road side attractions that are fun for families. You’ll also learn some odd information about each state too.
As an adult I enjoyed the book. The pictures are wonderful and I learned a lot states I’ve been to as well.
If you’re trying to decide which of our country’s amazing national parks to visit, NG Kids, together with the National Park Trust, has created National Parks Guide U.S.A. Broken down into regions of the country, this handy guide has all you need to make your visit to these treasured parks an experience your family will never forget. PLUS, grab a copy of National Parks Guide U.S.A. and mark your calendar for May 19th — National Kids to Parks Day. The National Park Trust and their mascot Buddy Bison wants everyone to have an American park experience and invites every family in America to visit a national, state or local park on this special day.
This book made me want to hop in my car and take off to explore all the beautiful National Parks we have here in the United States. One day I would love to see all the parks, if not, at least half of them.
The photos are amazing!
The book also features fun facts, things to do, maps, information about the animals found at the parks and so much more.
Even though this book is geared towards children, adults will find it fascinating as well.
These two books are sure to make road warriors out of even the biggest homebodies!
To learn more about The Ultimate U.S. Road Trip Atlas, or to make a purchase, please visit this link, http://bit.ly/IGnggy. The link takes you to the National Geographic site. I just shortened it so the super long link didn’t take away from the post.
For information about the National Parks Guide U.S.A., or to make a purchase, visit http://bit.ly/IQsHZz.
There is even a cool National Parks App you can download. You can find it on iTunes (http://bit.ly/IXheFQ).
Another great link you should check out is the National Kids to Parks Day, www.KidstoParks.org. They want to encourage families to head to one of the National Parks on May 19, 2012. You can find events in your state. I found one about a 30 minute drive from where I live. I’m going to look into it. It looks like fun!
I have fun giveaway for a lucky reader. The winner will received BOTH books plus a cute stuffed Buddy Bison and Buddy Bison t-shirt.
This giveaway is open to both US and Canadian residents and will end at 12:01 AM (EST) on May 8, 2012. The winner will be chosen at random using a random number generator from all eligible entries.
Kimberly
*I received sample copies in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in anyway.
alisa says
probaby having a staycation lol!
Patricia Wojnar Crowley says
We’re planning a trip to Washington DC!
nickie says
We plan on visiting NYC
coliebear says
We are planning to visit Dallas, TX.
renee walters says
We are hoping to go to Atlantis in the Bahamas. Thanks so much for the fantastic giveaway!
Bored2quickly@hotmail.com
Angela W says
We’re going to Ocean City, MD
Candice Hull says
We are planning one trip to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico and one trip down to the beach, probably South Padre Island.
Thank you for the giveaway!
DAMIAN JARREAU says
We are going to the beach
Jackie says
We have no vacations planned…just day trips to the Jersey shore.
Thanks!
Kristie says
We’ll probably take a camping trip this summer 🙂
Verna Mahaney says
Another great giveaway, way to go Kimberly! We do not really have anything planned but we may go to the beach or to Missouri it just depends.
crystle tellerday says
a staycation probably to local amusement parks
Susan Smith says
We aren’t going anywhere this Summer.
Ann Fantom says
We are going to Myrtle Beach, SC
brandy c says
A staycation to local fairs and events 🙂
Janet F says
We plan a staycation by going to local parks and beaches.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
Gloria says
Maybe a staycation to Cedar Point and around the area.
Debra Hall says
no plans as of yet
BusyWorkingMama says
We’re going to hit the beach.
C.P. says
This year we are planning a mini “staycation” here at home! We’re going to travel around our home state and see the local attractions like real tourists!
tamra childers says
we are visiting in inlaws in texas
Sharon Schoepe says
We are planning a trip to South Dakota to visit family
Soha Molina says
we will probably staycation
Debbie Jackson says
hopefully yellowstone
Kathy S, says
We are hoping to do Yellowstone this year.
Jennifer Short says
Staying near here. Of course, there’s a lot of neat things to do in my area we’ve never done. Already planning on a scenic train ride.
Christina says
We were hoping to head up north (NE area) but I don’t think its going to happen this year. So we’ll try to venture out on a few day trips… explore a few state parks and the springs.
Christine L says
No plans
Ashley Hatten says
we’ll probably go to the beach a couple times this summer but we’re planning to go to Disney in the fall…thanks!
Karen R says
We are planning a trip to Florida.
tamar says
I am about to give birth so this is going to be a homebound summer.. not sure even if a staycation will be possible!
Michelle C says
We usually go on a beach vacation, but we haven’t decided on which beach yet. Thanks for the chance to win!
mrsmchappell at gmail dot com
Kristi C says
We are going to Disney World for a week.
Louis says
we are having no plans for summer yet, but we’re living close to the beach
Thank you for hosting this giveaway
Louis
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com
deb c says
We’re going to Colorado and also planning a bunch of mini trips within a 4 – 5 hr. driving area.
Nancy says
We’ll be going to NC!
Marcia Goss says
We haven’t made plans yet. We might go to the beach.
Catie says
We have a beach trip to NC planned, and also a trip to MO! We just got back from FL.
Cori Westphal says
We are campers. We like to take off and travel an hour or two from home and camp for a couple of days. So I’m not sure exactly where we’re going, but we’re definitely not going far!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
dario moniz says
storyland in new hampshire
Brandi says
My husband and son are going to Yellowstone…I’ll be home with an infant!
Roxann Clark says
we are going to Marianna Florida to visit family
Marci says
Vancouver Washington to visit my daughter after she has her baby in June!
Liz Terek says
Except for some local fishing, we’ll be homebound.
Miz Vickik says
Haven’t decided yet — but might head south! Thanks!
Kimberley Meier says
We are plannin on going to Chicago to o to Brookfield Zoo and the museum!
Kimberley Meier says
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Paula Tavernie says
We are having a staycation at home!
ptavernie at yahoo dot com
Ed Nemmers says
The beach!
Karen says
We are doing the staycation at home bit. Going to sight-see locally.
Valerie Taylor Mabrey says
We are planning on staying home on vacation this year
vmkids3 at msn dot com
Paula Michele Hafner says
We’re planning to go to Missouri to see hubby’s family this summer.
Angela Cisco says
We plan on going camping
Jennifer M. says
To California and the beach
Lentil says
We’re hoping to manage a trip to the East Coast to see the grandparents!
April J says
Our family is going to Sunriver, Orgeon this year
Jammie says
Staycation here, maybe to the park once in awhile.
Erin E says
We have another baby due this summer, so we will be having a staycation, or a diapercation! lol! Thank you for the lovely giveaway!
Erin E
busymom369 at gmail dot com
Patrice says
We’re planning to travel to the beach!
Melanie MOntgomery says
My hubby and I have been married 7 months and no honeymoon. We can’t afford a vacation, but we do wanna stay in a local hotel downtown!
Nicole C. says
We are probably going to have a staycation!
Cristi says
We are going to go camping and boating.
Ann Council says
We are going to the beach.
paige jagan says
Well since Disney world is in our backyard and we have annual passes, we are gonna have a staycation!