The end of summer has a way of sneaking up on you. One minute you're planning lazy days, and the next the calendar is filled with school supply lists, sports practices, and early alarms. But there's still time for one more adventure!
Late summer can be an ideal time for a family getaway before school starts. The right destination can give kids one last taste of adventure while giving parents an opportunity to reconnect before schedules take over.
From the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona, to the misty peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains, these five destinations combine memorable experiences with activities for different ages and energy levels.
What Are the Best Trips to Take Before School Starts?
The best late-summer family getaways combine memorable scenery, easy-to-plan experiences, and activities for different ages. Here are five destinations to consider before school starts:
- Sedona, Arizona—Red rock adventure
Explore dramatic red rock scenery, off-road trails and iconic landmarks. - Grand Canyon—An unforgettable outdoor experience
Take in one of America's most spectacular landscapes without an elaborate itinerary. - Las Vegas—Southwest adventures beyond the Strip
Explore desert landscapes, historic landmarks and the Grand Canyon on guided day trips. - Great Smoky Mountains—Wildlife and Mountain Scenery
Look for wildlife, waterfalls and sweeping mountain views on scenic Jeep excursions. - Branson, Missouri—Ozark adventure and family fun
Combine scenic drives, Table Rock Lake views and Branson's classic attractions.
Why Late Summer Is a Great Time for a Family Trip
Squeezing in a trip right before school starts comes with real perks. A few reasons families love this window:
- Flexible family time: Everyone is still in vacation mode before school schedules take over.
- One last summer adventure: A shared experience creates a memorable way to end summer.
- Quality time together: A getaway gives families time to reconnect before fall activities begin.
- A memory to carry into Fall: One final adventure can give everyone something to look forward to when school starts.
The trick is picking a destination with something for every age, so no one is bored and no one is overwhelmed, and Pink Jeep Tours makes that easy in five very different corners of the country.
What Makes a Great Family Trip?
The best family trips balance adventure, comfort, and flexibility. Look for destinations that offer:
- Activities for different energy levels: Combine active adventures with relaxing experiences.
- Something for every age: Choose places where kids, teens, parents, and grandparents can all participate.
- Easy-to-plan experiences: Guided tours can simplify transportation, logistics, and sightseeing.
- A memorable wow factor: Look for scenery, wildlife, history, or experiences that get everyone to put down their phones and look around.
Sedona, Arizona: Red Rocks and Off-Road Adventure
For an all-ages adventure that's easy to pull off, it's hard to beat the red rocks of Sedona. Those towering formations are jaw-dropping for kids and grandparents alike, and the range of activities means you can dial the intensity up or down to fit your crew. A guided Jeep tour is a family favorite because it does the heavy lifting for you. Pink Jeep Tours has been showing families the real Sedona since 1960, with your guide handling the driving, the safety, and the storytelling.
- Broken Arrow—Best for thrill-seekers: Tackle Sedona's famous slickrock and Devil's Staircase on an exclusive off-road adventure.
- Ancient Ruin—Best for history buffs: Visit a centuries-old Sinagua cliff dwelling while exploring Sedona's red rock country.
- Diamondback Gulch & Coyote Canyons: Active families can explore rugged backcountry terrain and spectacular red rock scenery.
- Scenic Sedona: Chapel Bells—Ideal for a relaxed outing: Enjoy paved roads, red rock views, and a stop near the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
- Broken Arrow/Scenic Rim Combo: A great choice when your group wants both off-road thrills and panoramic scenery.
Grand Canyon: Go Big Before Summer Ends
The Grand Canyon is one of the best family destinations for a memorable outdoor adventure because families can experience spectacular views without committing to a strenuous hike. Watching a kid peer over the rim for the first time is the kind of moment you don't forget.Pink Jeep's Grand Canyon Tours offer several ways to explore the South Rim with a knowledgeable local guide.
- Desert View Tour—Best for first-time visitors: Explore 23 miles of Desert View Drive, including spectacular views from Navajo Point.
- South Rim Journey: Ride through the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest and enter the Canyon near the Arizona Trail.
- Hermits Rest Hike and Jeep Tour—Best for active families: Combine a Jeep adventure with a one-mile hike below the rim past marine fossils.
Las Vegas: Natural Adventures Beyond the Strip
Las Vegas is a convenient base for family-friendly day trips to spectacular desert landscapes, historic landmarks, and the Grand Canyon. Pink Jeep Tours Las Vegas excursions offer an easy way to experience the Southwest beyond the Strip. Families have plenty of options for exploring the natural side of Vegas or taking in one of the Seven Wonders of the Industrial World.
- Red Rock Canyon—Best for an easy outdoor adventure. Enjoy scenic drives and short walks beneath dramatic crimson cliffs.
- Guided Hoover Dam: History and engineering enthusiasts can get a guided, up-close look at one of America’s most impressive landmarks.
- Valley of Fire—Ideal for curious explorers. Discover vibrant red sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs.
- Grand Canyon West Rim: Add a memorable wow factor with spectacular canyon views and the famous glass Skywalk.
Great Smoky Mountains: Wildlife & Mountain Views
The Great Smoky Mountains, are an excellent choice for families who prefer waterfalls, wildlife, forests and mountain scenery to desert landscapes. Departing from Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Pink Jeep Tours takes families into the mountains in an open-air Jeep while local guides share stories about the area's history, wildlife and hidden natural features. A few family favorites include:
- Cades Cove—Best for wildlife lovers: Spot black bears, deer, and wild turkeys along a
- Roaring Fork—Ideal for nature lovers: Winds past rushing streams, historic homesteads, and the trailhead to Grotto Falls.
- Newfound Gap: Climb to sweeping, mile-high mountain overlooks at the crest of the Smokies
- Foothills Parkway: Scenic-minded families can enjoy layered Blue Ridge views and plenty of photo stops.
- Gatlinburg Loop—Best for younger kids and grandparents: Take a gentler scenic ride through the Smokies.
Cap the day with a stroll through downtown Gatlinburg or a big stack of pancakes in Pigeon Forge, the perfect low-key end to a full day outdoors.
Branson, Missouri: Scenic Ozark Adventures for All Ages
Branson combines outdoor scenery, family entertainment and easy sightseeing, making it a natural choice for a last-minute family getaway before school starts. A Pink Jeep tour is one of the most fun ways to see it. Open-air Jeeps climb from the lakefront up into the Ozark hills, mixing big scenic views with the town's signature showtime energy.
- Best of Branson Tour—Best for first-time visitors: See the city's top landmarks on a signature, easy three-hour loop.
- Ozark Mountain Crawl: Kids can enjoy a quick, bouncy ride through the Ozark hills.
- Lakes & Landmarks—Ideal for scenery and history: Pair Table Rock Lake overlooks with local history.
- Downtown to Mountaintop: Climb from historic downtown Branson to panoramic Ozark views.
Limited-time family offer: Kids ride 50% off through August 31 with code USA250. Check the current offer terms before booking.
5 Tips for Planning a Smooth End-of Summer Trip
Here are five tips from Pink Jeep’s seasoned guides to help make your family trip smoother:
- Book popular tours and lodging early. Late-summer weekends can fill quickly, particularly in popular destinations.
- Plan outdoor activities for the morning. Earlier starts can help families avoid the hottest part of the day.
- Pack the essentials. Bring water, sunscreen, hats, comfortable clothing, and snacks for kids.
- Build in downtime. Leave room in your itinerary for breaks so younger children and older travelers don't become overtired.
- Consider guided experiences. A local guide can simplify transportation, sightseeing, and planning while adding local knowledge to the experience.
Make One More Family Memory Before School Starts
Before the school-year whirlwind begins, give your family one more adventure to remember. Whether you choose the red rocks of Sedona, the Grand Canyon, a Las Vegas day trip, the Great Smoky Mountains, or the Ozark hills of Branson, Pink Jeep Tours makes it easy to plan one more summer memory the whole family can enjoy.
Family-Friendly Trip FAQs
- What are the best family-friendly trips before school starts?
Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, the Great Smoky Mountains, and Branson all offer memorable late-summer adventures with experiences for different ages. - What should I pack for a late-summer family adventure?
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, hats, comfortable clothing, snacks, and appropriate footwear. Packing needs vary by destination and activity. - How can I make a family trip easier to plan?
Book popular experiences in advance, schedule outdoor activities earlier in the day, build in downtime, and consider guided tours to simplify transportation and sightseeing.