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40 Must-See Places to Take Your Kids Before They're Grown

From national parks to theme parks, make sure you get your kids to these great destinations! (42 Photos)

Ellen Parlapiano on Jun 13, 2012 at 1:42PM

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40 Must-See Places to Take Your Kids Before They're Grown

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40 Must-See Family Vacation Destinations

Want an amazing family vacation? Plan a trip to one of these 40 must-see destinations. Get there while your little ones are still little (or at least before they're out of the nest altogether!).

Grand Canyon
Northwestern Arizona

Why you've got to go: Do we really need to convince you? It's only one of the most spectacular, iconic sites in America! This great gorge is 277 miles long and 6,000 feet deep in some spots, with rocks that are millions of years old.

What to do: Don't just stand there and stare! Bike along the South Rim (rent wheels from Bright Angel at the visitor center) or hike into the canyon on free ranger-led tours to spot fossils, lizards, and California Condors. For the ride of lifetime, explore by mule, but reserve your 3-hour excursion at least a year in advance.

Get there when your kids are: Gradeschoolers/Tweens

More info: nps.gov/grca