Chewalca [http://www.alapark.com/Chewacla/]

Near the campus of Auburn University, shady trails in varying levels of difficulty --- including one ultra-easy paved path --- feature mountain vistas and access to the 30-foot Chewalca Dam waterfall. Ask for one of the six renovated stone cabins with hardwood floors, stone fireplaces, bathrooms and modern kitchens (and central heating and cooling systems).

Bannack [http:// www.bannack.org]

Hey, kids: Camp in a ghost town! Step back in time as you walk down the deserted streets of Bannack, the site of Montana's first major gold discovery in 1862. This renowned ghost town comprises more than 60 log-and-frame buildings.

Chilkat [http://www.tripcart.com/usa-regions/Alaska-Panhandle/nature/Chilkat-State-Park.html]

The log-cabin visitor center is equipped with spotting scopes for viewing the marine life that makes its home in the Chilkat Inlet in southeast Alaska --- from harbor seals and sea lions to humpback and killer whales.

Kartchner Caverns [http://azstateparks.com/Parks/KACA/index.html]

Tour a stunning limestone cave with its wide variety of unusual minerals and otherworldly stalactite and stalagmite formations. The Discovery Center further educates visitors on the caverns, which were discovered in 1974.

Berlin-Ichthyosaur [http://parks.travelnevada.com/destination/berlin-ichthyosaur-state-park.aspx]

Two history lessons converge here: Walk through the remnants of a once-thriving mining town and see massive fossils of the giant marine mammal that swam in the ocean that covered Nevada 225 million years ago.

Daisy [http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/daisy/]

Situated on Lake Greeson and along the Little Missouri River in Kirby, this park gives little anglers the opportunity to catch bass, stripers, bluegill, trout and other fish.

Umbagog Lake [http://www.nhstateparks.org/state-parks/alphabetical-order/umbagog-lake-state-park/]

Some of the remote campsites at this northern New Hampshire lake are accessible only by boat; bring your own, or campground staff will transport you (for a fee).

Allaire [http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/allaire.html]

Experience life in a 19-century industrial community at Allaire Village, where historical interpreters demonstrate such crafts as blacksmithing and quilting. Also: Ride an antique, narrow-gauge steam train on the Pine Creek Railroad.

City of Rocks [http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRD/cityrocks.htm]

Search for arrowheads and pottery shards left behind by the Mimbres Indians, or gaze at the stars at the park's night sky observatory during a summer "star party."

Skidaway Island [http://www.gastateparks.org/info/skidaway/]

Along the flat nature trails that wind through swamps, keep an eye out for raccoon, deer and rare migrating birds on this barrier island about 15 miles southeast of Savannah.

Shawnee [http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/parks/shawnee/tabid/788/Default.aspx]

The former hunting grounds for the Shawnee Indians, nestled in the Shawnee Forest. Lots of hiking trails. Hey, kids: miniature golf, horseshoe pits, shuffleboard courts.

Koke'e [http://www.kokee.org/kokee-state-park]

Stay in one of the rustic cabins at the Lodge at Koke'e or pitch a tent in this mountain park that makes a great base camp for exploring Waimea Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Located in the lush Kalalau Valley on Kauai.

Black Mesa [http://www.touroklahoma.com/detail.asp?id=1+5U+3584]

At the westernmost point in the Oklahoma Panhandle. Older kids can hike to the top of 4,973-foot Black Mesa, the highest point in the state. Fossil footprints, petrified forest trails, and fishing in Lake Carl Etling.

Bruneau Dunes [http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/bruneaudunesstatepark.aspx]

Climb the largest single-structure sand dune in North America (470 feet!) before viewing the stars at the astronomical observatory 18 miles from Mountain Home in southwest Idaho.

Lake Owyhee [http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_14.php]

What child wouldn't want to spend the night in a bona fide teepee? Rustic "Old West" accommodations sleep 5 to 12, depending on diameter, and include futons, light and electricity at this lakefront park in eastern Oregon.

Hills Creek [http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateParks/parks/hillscreek.aspx]

A 137-acre lake has an active beaver colony and other water-loving creatures like muskrat, wood duck, osprey and great blue heron. If you don't want to rough it in a tent, sleep in a cabin, cottage or yurt.

Lincoln [http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2979.htm]

This year marks the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. Celebrate with tickets to Lincoln, a play about the president's life, at the park's Lincoln Amphitheatre.

Fishermen's [http://www.riparks.com/fisherma.htm]

This park has a pretty "seaside village" atmosphere (think tree-lined paths and communal gathering spots) and is just 15 minutes from Newport, with its gargantuan historic mansions --- a nifty way to spend an afternoon of sightseeing.

Goblin Valley [http://www.utah.com/stateparks/goblin_valley.htm]

Millions of years of water and wind erosion created otherworldly, goblin-looking rock formations-a tremendous natural playground that inspires children's imaginations-at this small park between Green River and Hanksville.

Brighton [http://www.vtstateparks.com/htm/brighton.cfm]

Listen for loons that make their home on Spectacle Pond in this remote, quiet "Northeast Kingdom" of the state. Rent a boat, hang out on the small beach and consider booking a "lean-to" site for shelter from the elements.

Boston Harbor Islands [http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/harbor.htm]

Comprises 17 islands and is accessible only by ferry (just a 45-minute ride from downtown Boston); visitors can take in incredible views of the city skyline and Dorchester Bay. Very special: A three-hour adventure begins with a boat cruise and narrated tour on a unique landing craft; climb down the boat's ladder right onto the cobbled beach and visit the first and oldest lighthouse site in the United States. Over-10s and teens: kayaking.

Interlochen [http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=460]

Adjacent to the world-famous Interlochen Center for the Arts, where hundreds of talented youngsters study music, drama and dance each summer; explore nature by day and take in concerts at night.

Mark Twain [http://www.mostateparks.com/twainpark.htm]

Spend the night in one of the six new rustic camper cabins at this park, not far from Samuel Clemens' birthplace and with views of Mark Twain Lake.