You might think you’re too busy to fit in a family vacation this year because work and life in general gets in the way, but in reality taking a summer vacation has many benefits for you and your family. Research has shown that people who take vacations are more productive at work; vacations boost your mental and physical health and relieves stress from both your professional and personal lives.

Need ideas on places to visit? Here at 8 kid-friendly excursions that you and your family can enjoy this summer.

Northeast/Mid-Atlantic

One World Trade Center: Visit the tallest building in the U.S. -- The One World Trade Center located in New York City at the site of the former World Trade Centers. Jump on an elevator and make your way up to the 102nd floor in 60 seconds in this 1,776-square foot building. Let your kids peer out over New York City and bask in its glory. Afterwards you can stroll for free through the 9/11 Memorial Plaza.

Freedom Trail: Located in Boston, the Freedom Trail allows you to walk 2.5 miles into the history of the American Revolution and visit 16 historic sites along the way. Sites include the Old State House which was the center of events that began the American Revolution and the warship known as “Old Ironsides".

South/Southeast

U.S. Space and Rocket Center: Located in Huntsville, Alabama, this family-friendly museum is the largest spaceflight museum in the world. Check out the collection of rockets and ride simulators and it is also home to several science-related camps for kids including Space Camp.

NASCAR Hall of Fame: If you have a car and racing fan in your family, then this one's for you! At the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina you will learn about NASCAR’s history through interactive exhibits. Visitors can see historic race cars, drive in a racing simulator and more.

Midwest

Cedar Point: Called "the roller coaster capital of the world", this theme park is located in Sandusky, Ohio, and is great for thrill-seeking families looking for the perfect thrill-ride vacation. With 17 roller coasters, Cedar Point has been consistently ranked as one of the top amusement parks in the world. Have younger kids who might not love roller coasters? There are attractions and rides for kids of all ages and "thrill-tolerance".

City Museum: This children’s museum located in St. Louis, Missouri is great for kids of all ages. They can crawl through suspended tunnels or man-made caves, fly down a 10-story slide or even ride a Ferris Wheel that is on the top of this 600,000 square-foot building that was once a factory transformed into the architectural marvel it is today.

West Coast

Yellowstone National Park: It wouldn’t be hard to impress your kids this summer by taking them to Yellowstone National Park. This is the world’s first national park and has an active volcano that has produced more than 10,000 hydrothermal features such as mud pots, hot springs and geysers. There are also 300 waterfalls just a quick hike away, and an incredible amount of wildlife including elk, moose and grizzly bears.

San Diego Zoo: If you’re traveling to Southern California for vacation this year then you should definitely visit the San Diego Zoo. Take a bus tour or ride the tram to see more than 3,700 amazing animals in their natural habitat exhibits. The San Diego Zoo offers specials experience such as animal interactions and behind the scene views that you don’t want to miss.

If you'd like to plan a vacation that includes one of these cool places, or if you'd like to plan a completely different vacation, OR if you have no idea what kind of vacation you'd like to plan, our AAA Travel Experts can help. Contact one today!