Just five hours of quiet driving on country roads north of the Twin Cities in Minnesota resides Voyageurs National Park, one of only three national parks in the American Midwest. The theme of this park is water - 84,000 acres of freshwater highways that enfold nearly 900 islands and shore off the north woods.
Whether you enjoy thrilling rides or relaxing pool side, these waterparks have something for everyone.
Once you've had your fill of watery thrills, indulge in some top-of-the-line hotel amenities, from fine-dining restaurants to world-class spas to poolside cabanas where parents can relax while the kids enjoy some fun in the sun.
When I was spending my high school years in New Jersey, all I could dream about was getting out and exploring the world. Now that I'm middle aged with two young kids growing up in Europe, New Jersey doesn't look so bad... at least when it comes to thrill rides.
Now that the snow has finally melted away and the summer heat beats down on Illinois, you might be looking for a place to take a dip in the pool or take your family on a day-trip.
A recent survey from HomeAway looks at how much "kidfluence" comes into play when families plan their vacations.
Summer is coming, and whether you live in the eternally sun-soaked Southwest, the seasonally challenging Northeast or anywhere in between, one thing is certain: it's about to get HOT. But no need to fret. We have just the thing to cool you down.
With so many waterparks located across the US, it is important to know which ones have the whole package, with rides ranging from easy float-along rivers to towering water slides that send you zipping down extreme drops.