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by Tali Toland

With airfares and gas prices at all-time highs, a family vacation in a faraway locale may not be possible this summer. But don’t fret – you can still take the kids on a great getaway (even if it’s just for a long weekend) to one of these nearby destinations.

Birmingham

1. Let it all hang out at Alabama Adventure (formerly Visionland), which features an animal park, hotel with an indoor water park, sports complex, RV park, interactive water play area, and stock car racing zone.
2. NASCAR lovers will be in heaven with a visit to Talladega Superspeedway or Barber Motorsports Park – both have museums and are just outside the city limits.
3. More than 700 animals are bound to delight the kids at Birmingham Zoo. Step into the aviary to interact with and feed the birds.
4. McWane Science Center – 150,000 square feet of educational science equipment. Need we say more?
5. Tour the Civil Rights District, which includes the Civil Rights Institute, the 16th Street Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park and the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.

Learn more at www.birminghamal.org

Savannah

1. Strolling down River Street’s many candy shops, watching taffy, fudge and pralines being made and then tasting the treats, will be memorable fun for the kids (and you).
2. Your budding artists will love seeing art created in front of their eyes by some of Savannah’s signature artists in the City Market’s studios.
3. Scaredy-cats, beware! Savannah is known for its variety of ghost tours – you can even go after dark if you’re really brave.
4. There are many options for water fun: sailing, kayaking, parasailing, dolphin cruises, fishing charters and jet skis. And there’s Tybee Island if you want to picnic on the beach.
5. Discover history on a walking tour of the birthplace of Girl Scouts founder Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low, the historic King-Tisdell Cottage and the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum. While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the Telfair Museum of Art.

Learn more at www.savcvb.com

Cherokee, NC

1. Unto These Hills – a dramatic retelling of the Cherokee Indians’ history.
2. Discover the past at the recreation of a 1570’s village at Oconaluftee Indian Village.
3. More than 30 miles of trout fishing waters within the Qualla Boundary.
4. Free fun in the sun (and river) at Oconaluftee Islands Park. You can swim, go tubing, hunt for salamanders and relax here all day.
5. Plenty of carnivals, festivals and special daily events will keep you on your toes.

Learn more at www.cherokee-nc.com

Hilton Head

1. More than 12 miles of white sandy beaches to picnic and play on.
2. Biking trails and golf courses aplenty make for some great activity time.
3. Kids can learn while having fun at the Coastal Discovery Museum, The Sandbox: An Interactive Children’s Museum, and the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.
4. Day camps with outdoor elements will keep the kids busy while you get a few hours to relax and enjoy the beach. One camp offers PGA pros teaching golf, another serves more artistic kids, while others are full of plain old summer fun.
5. Bumper boats, mini golf, great seafood, free outdoor concerts and fireworks. What else could you ask for in a beach vacation?

Learn more at www.hiltonheadisland.org 

Chattanooga

1. Kids 12 and younger will have a ball at the Creative Discovery Museum. They’ll get the chance to create a clay sculpture, build a robot, dig in a dinosaur bone pit, play steel drums and much more.
2. Talk to the fishes at the Tennessee Aquarium, which is home to a plethora of freshwater and ocean animals. This marine lover’s paradise is also home to birds and butterflies.
3. Lookout Mountain will provide a day full of family fun. Take a gander at the 145-foot Ruby Falls, discover Rock City and take a ride on the Incline Railway. You can also learn about history when you visit the site of a Civil War battle known as “The Battle Above the Clouds.”
4. Affordable fun at Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park. Unlimited use of the park’s 36 rides is just $21 per person, and gate admission is $5.
5. Trains galore! If your kids are Thomas the Tank Engine fans, a ride on the Chattanooga Choo-Choo or a glimpse at Tennessee Valley Railroad’s vintage train are sure to put huge smiles on their faces.

Learn more at www.chattanoogafun.com