LEARNING VACATIONS AND DAY TRIPS FOR FAMILY VACATIONS

 
Learning vacations can take many forms. They can be as simple as a day trip to a living history village or cowboy poetry festival, or as involved as participating in a week-long archaeological dig for Indian relics. Teens and preteens, in particular, can benefit from a structured vacation with an educational dimension. Many of our listings reflect the character of American culture, from its history and mythology to its icons, inventions, and cultural mix. We describe many of the unique attractions that children and adults can enjoy and learn from together places that offer an excellent value, both educationally and financially. Many worthwhile organizations offer family learning vacations, but we have listed only those that fall into a more affordable price range.

LEARNING VACATIONS AND DAY TRIPS NATIONWIDE

NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION

Address: 1400 Sixteenth Street, Washington, DC 20036 2266 Telephone: 800 245 5484; 703 790 4363

The National Wildlife Federation offers Conservation Summits to teach people about natural history and ecology in some of the most beautiful areas of the United States. Its hands-on, experiential programs are structured so that every member of the family has a program geared to their abilities and interests. Preschoolers have touch-and-feel expeditions and nature crafts; five- to twelve-year-olds have games and wild-life investigations; teens are offered more physically challenging activities, such as orienteering and hiking. Adult activities include lectures, workshops, and day hikes. The word is out about the high quality and low cost of these programs, and more than half of the participants return from year to year, so book early.
Each year the headquarters selects several different outdoor settings for the program. Past choices have included Big Sky in Montana, Alaska, the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina, and New Hampshire. Classes are led by naturalists and professors who are experts in their field. A Teen Adventure Program for ages thirteen to seventeen combines outdoor adventure, group interaction, and exploration; activities include orienteering, day hikes, outdoor skill sessions and field trips, and challenges to mental and physical abilities. The Junior Naturalist Program for ages five to twelve has activities including outdoor games, nature hikes, arts and crafts, wildlife investigations, stream studies, and bird walks. The morning preschool program for ages three and four has touch-and-feel expeditions, nature crafts, short hikes, and lots of hands-on activities. Many of the activities are created for families to enjoy together, such as sing-alongs, square dancing, and slide shows on natural history.
Accommodations: Housing options may include lodges, apartment-style suites, hotels, and bed and breakfasts. The Federation's accommodations change from year to year, depending on where the programs take place. It uses the facilities of other organizations, such as college dormitories, resorts, and lodges. Meals are almost always included.
Cost: Fees are divided into two types. Program fees, including all classes, field trips, special afternoon events, evening activities, transportation for all adult and youth field trips, and instructors, $325 to $375 per adult per week. Housing fees, including lodging, meals, tax, meeting space, and recreational activities on the grounds, $300 to $650 per adult per week. Children usually pay one-third to one-half less. The Conservation Summits are a special program for National Wildlife Federation members, but it's easy and inexpensive to become a member of NWF; call 800 588 1650 for information.