Summer is a great time to engage in activities that highlight spending time outside and in the sun while also enjoying entertainment. Watching fireworks shows, having fun at splash pads, listening to music at outdoor concert series, embarking on picturesque train rides, and taking summer vacations are some of the most well-liked activities.
The results of reader voting for the top picks of these cherished pastimes, along with nominations from 10Best editors and a panel of experts, are in.
To view the complete winner’s list for each category, click on the links below:
The Somers Point Beach Concert Series in Somers Point, New Jersey, is the best outdoor concert series
According to writer Catherine Smith of 10Best, this bay hamlet just outside of Ocean City “goes all out” with their summer entertainment series. Residents and guests assemble at the small bayside beach with their beach blankets and folding chairs to dance the night away under the stars. As you wind down a day at the beach, listen to everything from blues rock and reggae to Motown and swing.
The Somers Point Beach Concert Series in Somers Point, New Jersey, is the ideal way to spend a summer evening with your family while engaging in outdoor activities. This well-attended occasion is one of the top outdoor concert series in the nation because to its stellar musical lineup, stunning beachside setting, and abundance of kid-friendly activities.
Live music performances are one of the attractions of the Somers Point Beach Concert Series. The stage is put up in front of a backdrop of sand and water at the beach where the performances are held. Visitors are welcome to bring their own blankets and chairs so they can unwind in the sand and listen to music. Rock, pop, jazz, and blues are just a few of the musical genres represented in the concert series, so there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.
The Somers Point Beach Concert Series features a range of family-friendly activities in addition to live music. While parents stroll along the nearby nature trails, children can play in the nearby splash pad. There are various adventure parks in the area that provide ziplining, climbing walls, and other outdoor activities for individuals looking for action.
The adjacent theme parks and amusement parks are likely to please if you’re looking for more exhilaration. There is no shortage of thrill, from water slides to roller coasters. Additionally, there are numerous water play areas dotted throughout the park where you can cool off when you need a break from the action.
The Somers Point Beach Concert Series is, all things considered, the ideal summer activity for families seeking to take advantage of nature and live music. It’s no surprise that this event is regarded as one of the top outdoor concert series in the nation given its stunning seaside setting, wide roster of performers, and abundance of family-friendly activities. So take your family and prepare your luggage for a memorable summer experience and travel to Somers Point, New Jersey.
Best Fireworks Viewing Location: Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois
One of Chicago’s best-kept secrets is that you can watch fireworks virtually any time of year at the famous Navy Pier, including displays every week during the summer and on the night of December 31 when the city rings in the new year.
However, the annual Fourth of July fireworks show, which lasts for 15 minutes, is something special. Pyrotechnics enthusiasts can also see the display from charter boats on Lake Michigan, hotel rooftops, Maggie Daley Park, or along Chicago’s Lakefront Trail, in addition to from the pier itself.
Watching fireworks shows is one of the finest ways to take advantage of the nice weather throughout the summer when it’s ideal for outdoor activities. Look no further than Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois, if you’re looking for the ideal location to watch fireworks this summer. In addition to being a well-liked tourist site, Navy Pier is one of the greatest places in the city to see fireworks.
Family-friendly summertime activities can be found at Navy Pier. A Ferris wheel and a swinging ride on the pier offer stunning views of the Chicago skyline, among other outdoor adventure activities. There is a splash pad area on the pier as well, which is great for youngsters to cool off on hot summer days. While waiting for the fireworks display to begin, families may have a day of outdoor entertainment.
Awe-inspiring fireworks are displayed at Navy Pier. Throughout the summer, the show is performed every Wednesday and Saturday night, with additional performances on special occasions like the Fourth of July and Labour Day. Stunning displays are produced by the fireworks, which are launched from a barge on Lake Michigan and may be seen from all points along the pier. The spectacle includes numerous vibrant and dramatic pyrotechnic displays that are coordinated to music that is audible across the entire pier.
Families may enjoy a variety of additional attractions at Navy Pier before and after the fireworks display, making it an ideal place to watch both. There are numerous eateries, cafes, and snack bars on the pier that serve a wide variety of foods. Additionally, there are a number of nearby theatres and museums that provide educational and cultural experiences for visitors of all ages.
Finally, one of the best places in the nation to watch fireworks is Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois. Navy Pier is the ideal location for families to enjoy a day of outdoor fun and entertainment because of its outdoor adventure parks, splash pad area, and breathtaking fireworks display. So gather the family, travel to Navy Pier, and enjoy all that this famous Chicago landmark has to offer.
In Oklahoma City, the Scissortail Sprayground is the best splash pad
A natural urban oasis in Oklahoma City, Scissortail Park is a retreat for nature enthusiasts as well as a destination for fun and entertainment for tourists of all kinds. A little forest of wand-like water jets that shoot water in perfect harmony, creating a beguiling and whimsical display, is one of the park’s most adored elements. The joy and surprise that Scissortail Park inspires in its visitors may be heard in the shrill laughter of young guests as they run and play through the water.
Each of the water jets, which is shaped like a wand, shoots water at a varied height and frequency. As a result, kids may run, jump, and play while dodging and weaving among the water jets in an interactive play environment. The thick trees and grassy parts of the park’s natural surroundings make for the ideal setting for this exciting play area.
One of the many aspects that contribute to Scissortail Park’s distinctiveness and specialness is its water jets. In addition, there are walking paths, gardens, a lake, a playground, and several outdoor artwork works in the park. It serves as a well-liked location for community gatherings like picnics and concerts as well as a tranquil haven for anyone looking to get away from the noise and bustle of the city.
Because it offers a place for people to interact with the natural world and one another, Scissortail Park serves as an example of the value of green spaces in urban settings. The water jets that resemble wands are just one of the many imaginative and cutting-edge ways that parks can be created to improve the quality of life for people living in cities. Scissortail Park is a must-see location in Oklahoma City, regardless of whether you enjoy the outdoors or fun and adventure.
The best summer vacation spot is Mackinac Island in Michigan
One of the top summer tourism locations in the nation is Mackinac Island, Michigan. This lovely island, which is situated in Lake Huron between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, quaint downtown, and family-friendly activities. Mackinac Island is the ideal location if you’re seeking a summer vacation that has something for everyone.
Taking a picturesque train ride around Mackinac Island is one of the greatest ways to visit the island. Horse-drawn carriage tours are available from Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, which transport tourists across the island’s breathtaking shoreline, historical sites, and picturesque landscapes. While learning about the island’s interesting history and culture, families can take a leisurely and picturesque ride.
Mackinac Island offers a wide variety of outdoor activities for adventure seekers to select from. A number of nature trails on the island wind through its forests and along its coastline, offering spectacular views of Lake Huron and the surroundings. Another option for travelers is to hire bicycles, which they can use to explore the island at their own speed while taking in all of its beautiful views and sounds.
The well-known water play area on Mackinac Island, which offers a variety of splash pads, water slides, and pools for guests of all ages to enjoy, is one of the island’s most well-liked attractions. While parents unwind in the sun or cool off in the nearby lake, kids can escape the summer heat.
A number of theme parks, amusement parks, and adventure parks may be found on Mackinac Island. These parks provide a selection of rides, games, and attractions. While soaking up the summer heat, families may spend the day enjoying exhilarating rides, funfair activities, and delectable food.
In conclusion, families looking for outdoor experiences, water play, theme parks, and scenic train trips should consider visiting Mackinac Island, Michigan, this summer. Visitors of all ages are guaranteed to have a memorable summer experience at this island paradise thanks to its breathtaking natural beauty, beautiful downtown area, and selection of family-friendly activities. So gather your belongings, board a ferry, and explore Mackinac Island’s splendor.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Durango, Colorado offers the best train ride
In Durango, Colorado, there is a must-see attraction called the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad if you’re seeking for a genuinely unforgettable train ride experience. Taking passengers on a stunning ride through the picturesque San Juan Mountains and providing a singular viewpoint of Colorado’s natural splendor are the antique steam trains.
To move gold and silver from the mines in the San Juan Mountains, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad was initially established in 1881. Today, the 45-mile journey through some of Colorado’s most breathtaking landscapes, including deep canyons, high peaks, and raging rivers, is provided by the train.
An actual coal-fired steam locomotive pulls the train’s historic carriages, adding to the overall experience and transporting visitors to the heyday of steam travel. The railway travels past a number of former mining communities along the way, including Silverton, a charming community tucked away in the San Juan Mountains.
Along with the train ride, summertime activities and outdoor adventures abound in Durango and the surrounding area. Families can enjoy a day of water play on the Animas River, which flows through downtown Durango, or cool off at one of the many splash pads or water parks in the vicinity.
Durango provides a variety of outdoor sports and adventure parks, including zipline tours, white-water rafting, and mountain biking, for those looking for more heart-pounding pursuits. Additionally, there are a number of nature paths nearby that wind through the San Juan Mountains and provide hikers with breathtaking panoramas of the surroundings.
In conclusion, one of the best train rides in the nation is the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Durango, Colorado. It provides a special viewpoint of Colorado’s natural splendor. This train ride is a must-see destination for families looking for summer activities, outdoor experiences, and water play because of its vintage coaches and real steam locomotive. So gather your belongings, board the train, and explore the San Juan Mountains of Colorado.
