Studies show that summer breaks disrupt children’s learning rhythm. The long academic pause can lead to children forgetting what they just learned, which is known as a “learning loss.” Teachers spend the first part of the school year reviewing previous topics as a reminder.

How can you reduce your children’s learning loss without making them feel like they are in summer school? By combining entertainment with education, your kids won’t even know they are learning. Teaching isn’t exclusive to the classroom, and plenty of places make learning fun.

One of the best times to blend academics with amusement is while on vacation. From interactive museums and aquariums to teachable moments at theme parks, your family will be too busy laughing and smiling to realize they are learning!

Check out the affordable vacation packages that fit any budget below. Like combining education with enjoyment, these deals pack in luxury accommodations with perks that keep your expenses low. Use the complimentary attraction tickets for educational outings to nearby sights or the gift cards to cover costs during your vacation. With bonuses like these, the mini-vacation packages practically pay for themselves.

History in Williamsburg, Virginia

Bring the past back to life by visiting one of the most history-rich locations in the country. The city of Williamsburg was once the center for the American Revolutionary war, and it is part of the Historic Triangle along with the adjacent towns of Jamestown and Yorktown.

Its’ most significant pull is Colonial Williamsburg. This interactive living-history museum features a cast of historical interpreters dressed in costume and recreating life in the 17th and 18th centuries. Your family can watch and listen to the actors as they portray a riveting first-hand experience of colonial times.  

The cost is also historically low since your family can walk around the authentic and recreated architecture free of charge in the historic district. There is an inexpensive admission into landmark buildings where you can watch art and crafts demonstrations.

Click here to find all of the inexpensive vacation packages for this amazing destination. All of the deals come with accommodations at Vacation Village at Williamsburg, a resort with spacious suites that come with all the comforts of home like a kitchen, living room and dining room. 

Science in Weston, Florida

South Florida is home to the Everglades, tropical wetlands and ecosystem not found anywhere else in the world. The climate and geology are genuinely unique and have created an area that is home to wondrous wildlife and natural elements.

Book an Everglades day safari to explore the main ecosystems by airboat or nature walk. Swamp tours are fun for young explorers who want to safely spot alligators, turtles, and other wildlife native to the area. Make sure to bring your camera to capture flora and fauna as well as your family’s awe-inspired face!

Vacation Village at Weston is also close to the renowned Fort Lauderdale Beach. Spend a day in the sun and sand, collect seashells, and try some beach science experiments! Show your kids how to make sand volcanoes at the beach by bringing baking soda and vinegar (and food coloring) to combine after building the cone shape.

If your kids are artists more than scientists, have them collect shells, sand, seaweed, and other items in a clear container to make a summertime snow globe – Beach in a Bottle. Once back at the resort, add tap water (plus blue food coloring and glitter for extra dazzle), so your family can shake the bottle and watch their collection shift and move as if in an underwater storm.

You can see all of the best vacation packages for South Florida here. All of the vacation deals come with 1-bedroom suite accommodations at Vacation Village at Weston. 

Geography in Las Vegas, Nevada

As the entertainment capital of the world, your family will always find something fun in Las Vegas! You can also use the flashy city to teach your kids about other areas in the world.

The Strip is lined with reproductions and dedications of other places from the miniature (but still gigantic) Eiffel Tower replica off the Paris Las Vegas to the Egyptian-themed and pyramid-shaped Luxor Las Vegas casino. Walk through the signature shops in Italy inspired Bellagio Hotel & Casino, or head to New York-New York for authentic pizza and take a stroll down a recreated Greenwich Village with faux brownstones and tree-lined cobblestone pathways.

Here are some fabulous Las Vegas vacation deals to check out. Many of them include accommodations at The Berkley, Las Vegas, a resort filled with lots of space and amenities for the whole family. 

Gym Class in Orlando, Florida

Physical education is just as important as any subject and a necessity to wear out kids with an abundance of summer energy. Get your kids’ hearts racing with a vacation in Orlando, home to the world’s top theme parks, including Walt Disney World®, Universal Studios Florida™, and SeaWorld® Orlando.

Make sure to pack sneakers because you’ll definitely reach 10,000 steps while walking around sprawling Orlando theme parks. You might be surprised to find out that you’ll also burn calories and tone your muscles just by enjoying the thrilling rides!

Adrenaline and endorphins released on heart-racing rides give you the same natural surge as exercising. They also reduce stress and encourage bonding from the “good fear” that thrilling rides incite.

Low-cost deals with theme park tickets and accommodations at Vacation Village at Parkway are available here.