Compiled by Tiffany Capauno, Leigh Knight and Elizabeth Shelton

Take the whole family out for a fun-filled day of exciting rollercoasters, thrills and entertainment.

Alabama Adventures, located in Bessemer, AL, just west of Birmingham offers 15 family rides, including three roller coasters. The park, which changed its name from Visionland in 2006, has added $20 million in improvements, including a steel roller coaster and wave pool. Adult, $25.95; under 48" or over 62 years, $16.95. www.visionland.com or 205-481-4750.

Wild Adventures in Valdosta, GA, features a mix of more than 100 rides and attractions, including nine roller coasters, more than 500 wild animals, a variety of daily shows, Splash Island water park and a line-up of more than 50 concerts and special events throughout the year. $39.95; children 3-9, $34.95; under 2, free. 229-219-7080 or www.wildadventures.net.

Beech Bend Park in Bowling Green, KY, is a 368-acre multipurpose entertainment complex nestled amongst a Beech tree forest and the winding Barren River in southern Kentucky. Amusement park
offers exciting thrill rides and family rides. Adults, $24; under 54", $21; ages 2 and under, free. www.beechbend.com or 270-781-7634.

For train lovers of all ages, try the Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock, NC. This family oriented theme park is based on the early Tweetsie railroad, whose nickname derives from the shrill “tweet, tweet” of its whistle. Adults, $27; ages 3-12, $19; under 2, free. www.tweetsie.com or 1-800-526-5740.

Paramount’s Carowinds, located on the NC/SC border near Charlotte, NC, is 108 action-packed acres with more than 60 world-class rides, shows and attractions, including Nickelodeon Central where children can see their favorite characters and take a spin on some fun rides like LazyTown Sporticopters or the Fairly Odd Coaster. Ages 7-54, $36.99 (one day) or $49.99 (two days); ages 3-6 or over 55, $30.99. www.carowinds.com or 800-888-4386.

The Myrtle Beach Pavilion in Myrtle Beach, SC, has been entertaining families for more than fifty years. An 11-acre playground by the sea, the Pavilion features more than 40 rides ranging from a large variety of kiddie rides to the biggest roller coaster in South Carolina. All day ride pass: ages 7-54, $24.95; ages 3-6 and over 55, $15.95. 843-913-5200.

Family Kingdom Amusement Park in Myrtle Beach, SC, offers more than 30 fun-filled rides, including the largest ferris wheel in South Carolina. Free gate admission; all-day ride pass, $19.50 per person. www.family-kingdom.com or 843-626-3447.

Lake Winnepesaukah in Rossville, GA (6 miles from Chattanooga, TN) offers more than 30 family and kiddie rides to please the entire family. Gate admission, $5; unlimited rides, $19; under 2 is free with gate-paying adult, but must pay to ride. www.lakewinnie.com or 877-525-3946.

Nestled near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN, is a major theme park with wooden roller coasters, thrilling rides and 10 new family attractions. Capturing 1800s Appalachia life, the park handles more than 2.2 million visitors each year. Adults, $47.50; children 4-11, $34.55; ages 3 and under, free. www.dollywood.com or 865-428-9488.

You and your children will be fascinated with the variety of aquatic life at these Southern aquariums.

Newport Aquarium in Newport, KY, showcases thousands of sea animals including one of the only shark rays in the world. Don’t miss the penguins. Adults, $17.95; seniors 65+, $15.95; children 3-12, $10.95; 2 and under, free. www.newportaquarium.com or 859-261-7444.

At the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston view aquatic animals from living otters to shanks to loggerhead turtles in more than 60 exhibits. Adults, $14; seniors 62+, $12; students 13-17, $12; youth 4-12, $7; children under 3, free. www.scaquarium.com.

At the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga come eye to eye with 10-foot sharks, giant spider crabs, river otters and alligators. Aquarium: adults, $17.95; children, $9.50. IMAX Theater: adults, $7.95; children, $5.50. Aquarium/IMAX Discount Combo: adults, $22.95; children, $13.50. 800-862-0695. www.tnaqua.org.
 

This summer, you and your kids can beat the heat through hands-on projects and fun-filled exhibits at one of these children’s museums.

Young riverboat captains can navigate a barge through a replica of the Tennessee River or stomp out a tune on a giant keyboard on the floor at the Children’s Museum of the Shoals in Florence, AL.
$4; under 2, free. www.Shoalschildrensmuseum.org or 256-765-0500.

The Children’s Hands-On Museum in Tuscaloosa, AL, includes an exhibit designed specifically for infants to three year olds, “Once Upon a Farm.” Remember to remove your shoes at “Japan House” and pick out your favorite fruits and vegetables at “A Farmer’s Market.” $5; under 1, free. www.chomonline.org or 205-349-4235.

Indoor and outdoor exhibits at the Junior Museum of Bay County in Panama City, FL, offer a good alternative to a rainy beach day. Adults, $4; children, $3. 850-769-6128. www.jrmuseum.org.

Enjoy a doughnut factory and Jack’s beanstalk at the Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem in NC. May and June feature a traveling display of moving artwork by children displaced by Katrina. $6; under 1, free. www.childrensmuseumofws.org or 336-723-9111.

Explore, explore, explore at the Exploration Station in Lumberton, NC, which houses eleven interactive exhibits, including a farmhouse, bank, and general store, and a play area. Adults, $5; children, $3. www.explorationkids.com or 910-738-1114

The Playspace Museum in Raleigh, NC includes a water area and a stage where children can perform and see themselves on TV. $5; under 1, free. www.playspacemuseum.com or 919-832-1212.

The Greensboro Children’s Museum in NC is a town with appropriate offices and businesses, plus the popular Big Bubble Springs packed with “bubble juice” and wands. $2-$6, varies by day. www.gcmuseum.com or 336-574-2898.

EdVenture Children’s Museum in Columbia, SC claims to be the South’s largest children’s museum. Find out for yourself, and enjoy bubbles galore at “Bubbleoosa,” which opens May 6. Adults, $8.95; children, $6.95; under 1, free. www.edventure.org or 803-779-3100.

Experience the life of a shrimboat captain at the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry in Charleston, SC. Catch shrimp, navigate stormy waters, and cook dinner aboard a replica shrimp boat. $7; under 1, free. www.explorecml.org or 843-853-8962.

Chattanooga’s Creative Discovery Museum, was selected as one of the top 20 Children’s Museums in the nation. $6.95/$7.95; under 2, free. www.cdmfun.org or 423-756-2738.
 

The history lessons don’t have to stop once school ends: these historical museums will provide your children with valuable information about the nation’s past.

Touch the actual well pump where Anne Sullivan brought the young, deaf and blind Helen Keller out of her dark, silent world at Ivy Green, the 640-acre birthplace of Helen Keller in Tuscumbia, AL. Adults, $6; ages 5-18, $2. www.helenkellerbirthplace.org or 256-383-4066.

George Washington Carver Institute, located in the Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, AL, teaches how George Washington Carver rose from slavery to become a renowned educator, scientist, artist and humanitarian; free admission. Free. www.cr.nps.gov or 334-727-3200.

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in Birmingham, AL, offers families a self-directed tour through the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement and human rights struggle including exhibits that feature dramatic media presentations. Adults, $7; seniors, $5; college students, $4; ages 17 and under, free; free admission on Sundays and Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. www.bcri.org or 205-328-9696

Located in the heart of our nation’s oldest city, the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine, FL displays relics of America’s gilded age including costumes, furnishings, mechanical musical instruments, and the beautiful stained glass work of Louis Comfort Tiffany. Adults, $8; ages 12-18, $2; under 12 with adult, free. www.lightnermuseum.org or 904-824-2874.

The Oldest House Museum Complex in St. Augustine, FL, remains a must-see tour that includes Florida’s oldest house, two museums, a changing exhibition gallery, and ornamental garden and museum store. Adults, $8; seniors, $7; ages 6-18 and college students, $4; under 4, free; family, $18. 904-824-2872 or www.staugustinehistoricalsociety.org.

Scouts honor, you’ll love the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, founder of Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., in Savannah, GA. This 1821 home is also a National Girl Scout Center and Savannah’s first National Historic Landmark. Adults, $8; registered adult Girl Scouts and children ages 5-20, $7; family (up to 2 adults and 4 children), $25; under 5, free; reserved group tour rates available. www.girlscouts.org or 912-233-4501.

Tour Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Little White House State Historical Site in Warm Springs, GA, to see our 32nd president’s carefully preserved retreat, guest house, servants’ quarters, and garage including a hand-controlled 1938 Ford. Ages 19-61, $7; ages 62+, $6; ages 6-18, $4; under 5, free. www.fdr-littlewhitehouse.org or 706-655-5870.

Travel back in time to the Agrirama, Georgia’s Museum of Agriculture and Historic Village, in Tifton, GA. This 95-acre site features costumed interpreters explaining and demonstrating daily tasks as they were performed over a hundred years ago. Adults, $7; ages 55+, $6; ages 5-16, $4; under 4, free. www.agrirama.com or 229-386-3344 or 800-767-1875.

Be amazed by the beauty of the Tybee Island Light Station on Tybee Island, GA, which has been guiding mariners safe entrance into the Savannah River for over 270 years. Adult, $6; ages 62+, $5; ages 6-17, $5; under 5, free. www.tybeelighthouse.org or 912-786-5801.

Stroll through Westville in Lumpkin, GA, a working 1850s west Georgia village with over 30 authentically furnished pre-Civil War buildings with many demonstrations and reenactments along the way. Adults, $10; college students, $8; students K-12, $4; age 4 and under, free. www.westville.org or 1-888-733-1850.

Discover the Abraham Lincoln Home in Hodgenville, KY, on Sinking Spring farms, which includes a memorial building, the actual sinking spring, an environmental study area, and the location of the boundary oak. Free. www.nps.gov or 270-358-3137.

Tour America’s largest home at Biltmore Estates in Asheville, NC, along with its beautiful gardens, winery, and 1890s farm village. Adults, Mon-Thurs $38, Fri-Sun $40; children ages 10-16 $19 Mon-Thurs, Fri-Sun $20; ages 9 and under, free w/adult. www.biltmore.com or 800-624-1575.

Oconaluftee Indian Village, in Cherokee, NC is an authentic replica of an 18th century Cherokee community. Watch Cherokee craftsmen demonstrate their skills and tour the replica of a council house and typical Cherokee homes. Adults, $13; children 6-13, $6; under 6, free. 800-438-1601 or www.oconalufteevillage.com.

History comes to life at Old Salem in Winston-Salem, NC, with costumed interpreters performing household activities and trades common to Salem in the late18th and early 19th centuries. One day: adults, $21; children ages 6-16, $10. Two day: adults, $24; children ages 6-16, $10. www.oldsalem.org or 888-653-7253.

The place where the Civil War began, Fort Sumter National Monument and Museum on Sullivan’s Island in SC, remains a powerful symbol to both North and South. The island can only be accessed by private boat or park ferry. Cost for ferry: adults, $14; seniors, $12.50; ages 6-11, $8; under 5, free. No charge to enter Fort. www.nps.gov/fosu/ or 843-881-7337.

For a one-of-a-kind experience, visit Elvis’ Graceland in Memphis, TN, which was recently named a National Historic Site. Don’t miss the tour of his automobiles and custom jets while you‘re there. Choose from three tours. VIP tour: ages 7-62+, $55; under 6, free. Platinum tour: adults, $30; 62+, $27; ages 13-18 and college students, $27; ages 7-12, $15; under 6, free, Graceland mansion tour: adults, $22; 62+, $19.80; ages 13-18 and college students, $19.80; ages 7-12, $9; under 6, free. www.elvis.com or 800-238-2000.

Find out (among other things) how the stick gets into the ice cream bar at Mayfield Dairy Farms Visitor Center with locations in Braselton, GA and Athens, TN. View the historical exhibits and displays before taking a tour of the plant, ending with a sample. Free. www.mayfielddairy.com or 800-298-0396 (GA) or 800-629-3435 (TN).

Catch a glimpse of the fascinating world of the Mennonites at Muddy Pond Mennonite Community, located between Monterey and Clarkrange, TN, as you watch true craftsmen create fine horse-drawn buggies, wagons, and more with several homes selling fresh baked breads, pies, eggs, and molasses in the fall). Free. www.dalehollow.com or 888-406-4704.

Your entire family will appreciate the Museum of Appalachia in Norris, TN, whose privately-owned 65-acre collection celebrates the rich Appalachian history with 30 log cabins and buildings and more that 250,000 historical artifacts. Ages 13-64, $12.95; ages 65+, $10; ages 6-12, $5; under 6 with parent, free. www.museumofappalachia.com or 865-494-7680.

One of the largest state museums in the nation, Nashville’s Tennessee State Museum’s interpretive exhibits include the prehistoric, frontier, age of Jackson, antebellum, Civil War, and Reconstruction periods of Tennessee’s history. Free. www.tnmuseum.org or 615-741-2692.
 

You and your children can be one with nature and its many wonders at these nature parks and wildlife centers.

DeSoto Caverns Park in Childersburg, AL (35 miles SE of Birmingham) houses a main cavern that is 12 stories high and larger than a football field. Individual attractions, $7.99-$14.99; packages from $15.99-$27.99; all attraction, $30.99. www.desotocavernspark.com or 800-933-2283.

Visit Sequoyah Caverns & Homestead in Valley Head, AL to marvel at the rock designs and reflecting pools. In addition to the caverns’ natural wonders. Adults, $12.95; children 4-12, $5.95; under 4, free. www.sequoyahcaverns.com or 256-635-0024.

View the rehabilitation process of various raptors, mammals, birds and reptiles in this clinic for orphaned and injured native wildlife at The Wildlife Center in Pelham, AL. Free. www.awrc.org or 205-663-7930.

Let Clydesdales and Percherons pull you through “The Horse Capital of the World” at Ocala Horse Farm in FL. Ride in a carriage or a horse-drawn trolley past several of the thoroughbred, quarter horse, Tennessee walkers and Paso Fino farms. Starting at $75 for groups of two and up. www.ocalatours.com or 877-996-2252.

Explore the Etowah Indian Mounds State Park in Cartersville, GA, located on a 54-acre site that includes 7 mounds, borrow pits, plaza, portions of the original village and museum. Adults, $4; ages 6-18, $2.50; seniors, $3.50. www.gastateparks.org or 770-387-3747.

A National Wildlife Refuge covering nearly a half million acres, Okefenokee Swamp Park in Waycross, GA, is home to alligators and black bears. Adults, $12; ages 5-11, $11; under 5, free. www.okeswamp.com or 912-283-0583.

See Rock City on Lookout Mountain. Panoramic views 1,700 feet above sea level, ancient rock formations, 140-foot high falls, plus Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village, will make the visit worthwhile. Adults, $14.95; children 3-12, $7.95. www.seerockcity.com. or 800-854-0675.

Made famous by Jon Voight in Deliverance, Georgia’s Tallulah Gorge State Park and Falls in “The Niagra of the South.” Falls cascade 186 feet and cliffs drop up to 1200 feet in. Free. Parking, $4. Free permit required to hike to Gorge floor. 706-754-7970 or gastateparks.org/info/tallulah.html.

Don’t look down as you maneuver a rope bridge at The Blowing Rock in Blowing Rock, NC. Breathtaking heights offer scenic views, “where the wind is so strong snow falls upside down.” Adults, $6; children 4-11, $1; under 4, free. www.theblowingrock.com or 828-295-7111.

Grandfather Mountain is the highest peak in the Blue Ridge mountain range located just north of Linville, NC. Attractions invlude the mile-high swinging bridge, 11 hiking trails and wildlife habitat. Adults, $14; children 4-12, $6; ages 3 and under, free. www.grandfather.com. 828-733-4337.

Geological formations, sweeping 75-mile views and more than 1,000 acres of natural beauty can be found at Chimney Rock Park southeast of Ashville, NC. Adults, $14; children 6-15, $6; ages 5 and under, free. chimneyrockpark.com or 800-277-9611.

Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, TN, is America’s highest underground waterfall. Adults, $14.95; children 3-12, $6.95; under 3, free. www.rubyfalls.com or 423-821-2544.
 

The mysteries of science and technology will enthrall you and your kids at one of these museums.

Explore the seven fascinating exhibit halls at the Anniston Museum of Natural History (in association with the Smithsonian Institute) in Anniston, AL, where perhaps you can solve the mysteries of 2,000 year old mummies. Nature trails, gardens, and children’s discovery room included as well. Adults, $4.50; ages 4-17, $3.50; under 3, free. www.annistonmuseum.org or 256-237-6766.

Have a blast at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL, at Rocket Park with actual-size NASA and military rockets on display, the IMAX Spacedome theater, and numerous other hands-on attractions. Combination ticket (includes museum, Rocket Park, and one IMAX movie): adults, $18.95; ages 6-12, $12.95; under 6, free. For museum only: adults, $14; ages 6-12, $9. IMAX only: adults, $8; ages 6-12, $7. www.spacecamp.com or 256-837-3400.

Don 3-D glasses and head out to the Gulf Coast Explorium Science Center in Mobile, AL. Steal a virtual “look” into the unopened mummy case and beneath the wrappings of Nesperennub, a 3,000 year old Egyptian priest. “Mummy: The Inside Story,” runs through July 31. Exhibits only, $6-$7.75; with Imax, $9.75-$12; children under 2, free.  www.exploreum.net or 251-208-6873.

Jump “Inside the Human Body” at Sci-Quest Hands-On Science Center in Huntsville, AL. The Immersive Theater explores the circulatory, digestive and nervous systems with its current exhibit. Exhibits only, $6-7; with Immersive Theater, $10.75-$11.75. www.sci-quest.org or 256-837-0606.

Delight in the remarkable, hands-on exhibits at the Museum of Science and History (MOSH) in Jacksonville, FL, representing the natural environment and history of Jacksonville and northeast Florida featuring an Allosaurus and Planetarium. Adults, $8; seniors 55+, $6.50; ages 3-12, $6. www.themosh.org or 904-396-6674

The Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville is showing “GLOW: Living Lights” through May, featuring bioluminescence – the ability of an organism to produce its own light. A Butterfly Rainforest and Butterfly Festival in October are other fantastic attractions. Adults, $6; seniors, $4; college students, $4; children 13-17, $3; children 3-12, $2; under 3, free. www.flmnh.ufl.edu or 352-846-2000.

Let your vacation take flight at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, GA displaying 93 aircrafts and hundreds of exhibits on a beautiful 51-acre site. Free. www.museumofaviation.org or 478-926-6870.

Fort Discovery, the Nation Science center emphasizes hands-on math, science and technology in Augusta, GA. Adults, $8; children 4-17, $6; under 4, free w/paid adult. nscdiscovery.org or 800-325-5445.

Explore the Butterfly house, the Insectarium, aerospace, and weather and take train rides at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham, NC. “Explore the Wild” opens May 13 and features bears, wolves, Lemurs and wetlands. Adults, $9.50; seniors, $8.50; children 3-12, $7.50; children under 3, free. www.ncmls.org or 919-220-5429.

At the ever-growing science center in Charlotte, NC, Discovery Place features exhibits from the frontiers of space to the depths of the sea. Also, visit the Charlotte Nature Museum provides education and entertainment. Museum: $5; under 2, free. Discovery Place: additional $7-$20, depending on attractions. 704-372-6261 or www.Discoveryplace.org.

Make tons of scientific discoveries at the East Tennessee Discovery Center in Knoxville, TN. A Live honeybee colony, ten water tanks, a Lego Lab, and the Akima Planetarium will excite your curiosity for hours. Adults, $4; seniors $3; children 5 and up, $3; children ages 3-4, $2; under 3, free. www.etdiscovery.org or 865-594-1494.
 

Climb aboard one of these train exhibits/museums and go “Choo Choo” for locomotives!

See Alabama’s largest public model railroad at the Historic Huntsville Depot, one of the nation’s oldest railroad structures (circa 1860). The kid’s corner, complete with try-on costumes, train puzzles, and maps, is sure to be a hit. Adults, $7; children 4-17, $6. www.earlyworks.com or 256-564-8100.

Take a tour of the North Alabama Railroad Museum in Chase, AL, just east of Huntsville. Self-guided tours are available for the depot, museum grounds and facilities. Vintage trains rides are offered on select days. Free admission, donations appreciated. Guided tours: adult, $4; ages 6-11, $2. Regular 10 mile (90 minute) excursion train: adults, $12; under 12, $8. 256-851-6276 or  tourswww.northalabamarailroadmuseum.com.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in North Carolina features 53 miles of track, two tunnels and 25 bridges. The train departs from depots in Dillsboro and Bryson City. Join a "Day Out with Thomas and Friends" July 22-30, 2006. Advance purchase recommended. Tickets $16 for ages 2 and up. Polar Express "Journey to the North Pole" begins November 10. 800-872-4681 or www.gsmr.com.

All aboard the SAM Shortline Railway touring through the countryside and historic towns in GA including Cordele, Americus, Leslie, and Plains, home of President Jimmy Carter. Individual coach class (seats not assigned): adults, $23; ages 62+, $20; ages 3-12, $13; veteran or military, active or retired, $20. Premium-Americus car: adults, $30; ages 3-12, $18. Walk-up coach class from Americus (when seats are available): adults and seniors, $12; ages 3-12, $7; walk-up coach-Plains to Archery (1st class not available), all tickets, $6; under 3, free. www.samshortline.com or 1-877-427-2457.

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in Blue Ridge, GA, offers a pleasant 26-mile round trip through historic Murphy Junction along the beautiful Toccoa River. Seasonal pricing; April-May: adults, $24; ages 65+, $19; ages 2-12, $12; under 2, free. www.brscenic.com or 1-800-934-1898.

Train enthusiasts from all over the country converge at the Folkston Funnel in Folkston, GA, whose double track serves as the main artery for railroad traffic in and out of Florida. The viewing platform features lights, ceiling fans, scanners to listen to radio traffic between trains. Free. 912-496-2536 or www.folkston.com.

Go back to the bygone era of logging and coal mining on the Big South Fork Scenic Railway in Stearns, KY, with a train ride through beautiful southern Kentucky. Adults, $15; ages 60+, $14; ages 3-12, $7.50. www.bsfsry.com or 800-462-5664.

The legend of America’s most famous engineer lives on at the Casey Jones Home and Museum, located in the Casey Jones Village in Jackson, TN, where fans can tour Casey’s original 1900 home or climb aboard a 130 ton replica of engine #382. Adults, $4; seniors, $3.50; ages 6-12, $3; under 5, free; lifetime passes, $10. www.caseyjones.com or 731-668-1222.

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway in Chattanooga, TN, has thrilled passengers since 1895. This breathtaking 1 mile railway boasts the distinction of being the steepest passenger railway in the world. Adults, roundtrip $10, one-way $9; ages 3-12, roundtrip $5, one-way $4. 706-820-4030 or www.lookoutmountain.com.

The Tennessee Valley Railroad and Museum in Chattanooga, TN, offers 50-55 minute Missionary Ridge Trail travels through Missionary tunnel on a steam or vintage diesel locomotive. (Thomas the train will make an appearance May 5,6,7). Advance tickets required. Missionary Ridge Trail (50-55 minutes): adults, $13.50; ages 3-12, $24; under 3, free. Chickamunga Turn (6½ hours): adults, $31; ages 3-12, $24; under 3, free. www.tvrail.com or 423-894-8028.
 

Many water parks are affiliated with amusement parks and have combined ticket prices. Most water parks are open from April to October.

Waterville USA is the ultimate in family fun with a 20-acre water park and amusement area, located in the beach resort community of Gulf Shores, AL. Experience the thrill-seeker slides and relaxed family attractions. Adults, $25; under 42", $17; ages 2 and under, free. www.watervilleusa.com or 251-948-2106.

Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park in Destin, FL, gives families a place to stay cool among the lazy river, slides and 40 other water attractions. The park even touts the biggest man-made waterfall in the world. Adults, $34; under 48" or over age 62, $29; under age 2, free. www.bigkahunas.com or 850-837-8319.

Shipwreck Island Water Park in Panama City Beach, FL, features more than a dozen water attractions for thrill seekers, families and children. Adult and over 50", $28; children 35"-50", $23; under 35", free. www.shipwreckisland.com or 850-234-3333.

Splash Island Water Park in Valdosta, GA, is part of Wild Adventures, and boasts interactive wet play areas where you can douse your family with buckets of water, a wave pool, lazy river and children’s water play area. Adults, $39.95; children 3-9, $34.95; 2 and under, free. www.wildadventures.net or 229-219-7080.

Splash Lagoon in Bowling Green, KY, is Beech Bend’s water park and a great place to cool off during a hot summer day. With three sky-high water rides, visitors can find thrills or relax at the leisure pool. With three new attractions added this year, little ones also have their own area to splash around. Adults, $24; children under 54", $21; ages 2 and under, free. www.beechbend.com or 270-781-7634.

New in 2006, Boomerang Bay water park, part of Paramount’s Carowinds in Charlotte, NC, is a 16-acre, Australian-themed outback oasis of wet fun. Two water attractions not to miss include Kookaburra Bay and Platypus Plunge. Ages 7-54, $36.99 (one day) or $49.99 (two days); ages 3-6 or over 55, $30.99. www.carowinds.com or 800-888-4386.

Family Kingdom Water Park is Myrtle Beach, SC, only oceanfront water park and is home to some of the “coolest” fun on the Grand Strand. There are three water flumes, one with an 185-foot drop, four speed slides, eight kiddie slides and a lazy river with waterfalls. $15.95; under 48", $14.75. www.family-kingdom.com or 843-916-0400.

Dollywood’s Splash Country in Pigeon Forge, TN, is a 30-acre water adventure theme park that combines the beauty of the Smoky Mountains with the excitement of water park rides, slides and attractions. Adults, $36.80; ages 4-11, $31.20; ages 3 and under, free. www.dollywoodssplashcountry.com or 865-428-9488.

Nashville Shores in Hermitage, TN, lets you ride the seven largest water slides in Middle Tennessee, as well as cool off at their beaches, pools and under the giant bucket of fun. There’s even water ski and stunt shows. Adults/over 48", $21.95; under 48", $16.95; ages 2 and under, free. www.nashvilleshores.com or 615-889-7050.
 

A visit to the zoo is always a hit. Your kids will be amazed at seeing all kinds of wildlife. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, in FL, houses more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals. Opening May 12, a new play park for kids including a splash ground, forest play area, maze, otter and squirrel monkey exhibit, discovery building and animal care area. Adults, $11; children 3-12, $6.50; ages 2 and under, free. www.jaxzoo.org. 904-757-4463.

All visitors to the Duke University Primate Center in Durham, NC, must schedule an appointment in advance of their arrival to view the home of 260 primates, where you can adopt a Lemur (but you can’t take him home). Adults, $7; seniors, $4; children 3-12, $5; college students, $1; children under 3, free. primatecenter.duke.edu or 919-489-3364.

The North Carolina Zoological Park in Asheboro, covers over 500 acres and is walk-through zoo. See animals and plants living in environments that simulate their natural habitats. Between exhibits, walk through North Carolina’s natural piedmont forests. Adults, $10; children 2-12, $6. www.nczoo.org. 1-800-488-0444.

Alligator Adventure in Myrtle Beach, SC, is one of the largest facilities for reptile life in the world. Adults, $14.95; seniors, $12.95; children 4-12, $9.95; under 3 and active military personnel, free. www.alligatoradventure.com or 843-361-0789.

At Hollywild Animal Park in Inman, SC, nearly 100 acres house close to 500 rare and exotic animals. Many are “ZooperStars” of movies and commercials. Adults, $9; children 2-12, $7; under 2, free. www.hollywild.com or 864-472-2038.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, in Columbia, SC is home to more than 2,000 animals and botanical gardens. The 170-acre site features dynamic natural habitat exhibits, scenic river views and spectacular valley overlooks. Adults, $8.75; children 3-12, $6.25; under 3, free. www.riverbanks.org. 803-779-8717.

Knoxville Zoo, in TN, is situated on 53 acres, features more than 800 animals. The Kids Cove exhibit, for ages 3-10, let’s kids get close to animals, slide through a waterfall, climb a giant spider web and more. Adults, $14.95; children 3-12, $10.95; under 3, free. www.knoxville-zoo.org or
865-637-1943.
 

Museums devoted to unique themes like Rock ‘n’ Roll or automobiles may be just what your family needs for a little summer fun.

A mini Jerusalem, Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman, AL, is a 4-acre park with 125 miniature reproductions of some of the most famous historic buildings and shrines of the world. $3.50-$5; under 6, free. Avemariagrotto.com. 256-734-4110.

Rock n’ Roll at the 43,000 square foot, Georgia Music Hall of Fame in Macon, GA, featuring exhibits representing over 450 artists including Little Richard, James Brown, Otis Redding and the Allman Brothers. Also, Music Factory Children’s wing with interactive and hands on activities for children. Adults, $8; seniors and students, $6; ages 4-16, $3.50; under 4, free. www.gamusichall.com or 478-751-3334 or 888-427-6257.

Every Corvette is made in Bowling Green, KY, making the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green a Mecca for corvette enthusiasts. Free. www.nationalcorvettemuseum.com or 1-800-538-3883.

The International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame & Museum in Downtown Chattanooga, TN, is located 3 miles from where the first wrecker was created. Antique wreckers, toys, and memorabilia will entertain adults and kids alike. Adults, $8; children 6-18, $4; under 6, free. www.internationaltowingmuseum.org or 423-267-3132.

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