Life can be stressful for military families. Long separations make it difficult on parents and kids alike. However, when the family is together again, a vacation can be the perfect way to reconnect and relax. The examples below are just a few of the many places that offer great vacation packages for military service members.
San Diego, California
This city is an amazing blend of landscapes. San Diego has beaches, mountains and deserts. Its mild climate and friendly reputation make it a great vacation destination for anyone. San Diego's reputation for supporting the armed forces make it an even better place for military families to visit. Military members receive free admission to certain attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park and the San Diego History Center. Families of active duty military get discounts to these locations as well.
Active Heroes Military Family Retreat Center
The camp is located in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. The Active Heroes Military Family Retreat Center was designed by military families to help promote bonding and healing. It is free for military families to come for the weekend and participate in archery, cookouts, camping and more.
Universal Studios
This theme park is known for taking visitors on an adventure through film-making history. There are plenty of rides and activities to keep the whole family entertained, and the best part of the Universal Studios is that it offers military discounts at both its Los Angeles and Orlando locations.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
As home to an air force base, Myrtle Beach has no shortage of patriotism. Military members and their families can relax on the city's 60 miles of beaches or engage in a little friendly competition at one of the 100 golf courses. Many hotels, attractions and restaurants in the area offer military discounts.
Camp Noble Cause
Tucked away in the wilderness of Rockaway, New Jersey, this camp gives military families the chance to boat, fish, swim, camp, hike and engage in many more outdoor activities. The Boy Scouts of America and the Patriots' Path Council offer their camp to military members and their families at no cost. Camp Noble Cause takes place one weekend every year and provides the ideal setting for military family bonding.
Disneyland or Disney World
What better place to take the family on vacation than the Happiest Place on Earth? Disney theme parks are an excellent way to make memories with your kids. Both of the parks offer military family discount packages. They even allow military spouses to use the discount without the military member being present.
SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment
Has your family been begging you to visit Shamu or pet a sea turtle? It may be the right time to take them to SeaWorld or Busch Gardens. Both parks grant military members and up to three dependents free admission. Just like the Disney parks, SeaWorld allows military spouses free admission without the presence of the military member.
Camp Gratitude
This week-long getaway is free for military members and their families. The camp was started as a way of expressing appreciation for the service of military members. Camp Gratitude offers activities throughout the week that promote bonding, relaxation and healing. Many of the activities are designed to help veterans or members who have experienced deployment cope with any issues they may have.
Vacations are an important part of family bonding and memory-making. They are a perfect time to get to know each other again after a deployment and can even help alleviate some of the emotional trauma military members may have experienced in combat. Before booking a trip, remember to scout around for place that support military families. There are plenty of destinations around the country that offer deals and discounts to service members and their families.