It might sound too good to be true, but we swear these are for real. From ice cream dairies to family farms, explore not only delicious, creamy ice cream, but make it an experience your family will never forget.

Here are just a few of the most popular ice cream tours around the United States.

Hansen Dairy, Hudson Iowa

You can’t be afraid to get your hands dirty on this ice cream tour! This family-run dairy farm offers you the chance to feed a calf, milk a cow by hand, make homemade butter, or pet one of the domesticated wallabies that live on the farm.

The walk-through tour is only $6, whereas the hands-on experience is a measly $10! Each includes a complimentary cup of ice cream, which is made on site. The best time to visit Hansen Dairy is generally between late March and early November.

Ben & Jerry’s, Waterbury, Vermont

See where it all began at the company of one of the most well-known ice cream brands in the country. Begin the guided 30-minute tour at the Cow Over the Moon Theater and learn about the company history founders, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield. Then, learn about the manufacturing process as you walk across the ice cream production room. Of course, the end treat to this sweet ride is a sample of the flavor of the day in the Flavoroom.

If you happen past during the summer, outdoor activities include visiting cows in the pasture, picnicking, and visiting the Flavor Graveyard. Kids under 12 are free, $3 for adults and $2 for senior citizens.

Hilmar Cheese Company, Hilmar, California

Although the name says cheese, the product is cold, sweet treats! The Hilmar tour offers you the chance to see the manufacturing process of cheese while enjoying a cup of ice cream! Another tour option – the ice cream experience – is called the Family Fun Ice Cream Activity. Participants create their own ice cream, and then get to enjoy the final result!

The tour is free, although the ice cream activity is $3.

The funny thing is that when you go on your next family vacation you are dealing with the same frustrations and joys as travel writers do: figuring out the most family-friendly hotels, finding the best travel deals, paying baggage fees.

Because travel writers are just like any other traveler, they put together a list of top travel secrets they’ve discovered that they want to share with fellow travelers!

IndependentTraveler.com asked 35 writers and bloggers to share their wisdom from life on the road (in the air, on a boat…) and these are the top pieces of family travel advice they came up with:

• “Always pack zip-lock bags. They are ideal for packing things tighter, separating wet from dry and managing small items like batteries.” — JoAnna Haugen, Kaleidoscopic Wandering
• “Trying to get into a sold-out hotel? Find out when cancellation penalties set in for the date you want to arrive, then call the property on the morning of that day. You can scoop up rooms made available by people who’ve just canceled.” — Wendy Perrin, Perrin Post
• “Question charges like resort fees or valet parking at hotels. Often they will be removed from your bill if you question them at check-out.” — Kathy A. McDonald, Eastside Eye
• “You’ll always get more in-depth information in the guidebook with the narrowest scope. If you’re going to Rome, the Rome book will be better than the Italy book, and that will be better than the Europe book. Consider bringing only one or two travel guides and photocopying pages out of the rest, which you can toss when you move on to the next destination or head home.” — Erica Silverstein, Cruise Critic
• “Saving money on a rental car has to be the most mundane and least thrilling secret I could offer, but there’s nothing dull about saving a dozen to a few hundred dollars every time you travel.” — Ed Hewitt, Traveler’s Ed
• “Divide each person’s belongings amongst all luggages – that way no one is SOL if one bag is lost.” — Corinne McDermott, Have Baby Will Travel
• “Do away with bringing loads of money on European trips and simply pack your debit card. ATM machines are all over the place in major cities and work the same way as they do here in America.” — Andrew Hickey, The Brooklyn Nomad
• “Low-cost airlines aren’t always the cheapest. The ticket price may appear to be a bargain, but take a minute to tally the additional expenses. These include items such as booking fees, check-in baggage fees, advance seat reservation fees, and food and drinks on board.” — Keith Jenkins, Velvet Escape

With great family travel deals, along with activities ranging from temples and shrines to corporate showrooms, this guide to Tokyo’s best freebies will have you traveling the city without spending more than it costs for the train ride there!

Parks… not gardens

• Kitanomaru-kōen new the Imperial Palace
• Yoyogi-kōen near Harajuku
• Ueno-kōen near Ginza

Temples, Shrines and Galleries

• Sensō-ji in Asakusa
• Meiji-jingū

Most private galleries, shrines and temples are free, although the preceding two are especially popular to visit.

Places to Enjoy…

• The world’s largest fish market: Tsukiji Central Fish Market
• Company showrooms, AKA mini-museums, like the Toyota Mega Web in Odaiba and the Sony Building in Ginza
• Bookstores! In Japan the art of yomitachi (a standing read) is normal – no one objects to going to a bookstore and reading the books or magazines for hours.

You can even travel to another country while still traveling by car! Canada offers beautiful family vacation destinations during the summer months. No humidity, a new culture to explore, and reasonably priced? Count me in!

Taking our family travel advice is completely up to you, but the following is a list of top cities throughout the US and Canada that offer families a range of activities, from white-water rafting to learning about our countries history and trekking up mountains to laying on the beach.

1. Portland, Oregon
   1. Average Summer temperature: 66°
   2. Reasons to go: terrific food, art-centric, farmers markets, breathtaking city views, water outings like fishing, cruises, tours, etc.
2. Denver, Colorado
   1. Average Summer temperature: 71°
   2. Reasons to go: fantastic parks offering bike trails, walking trails and beautiful landscapes for picnics;
3. Seattle, Washington
   1. Average Summer temperature: 64°
   2. Reasons to go:  Voted America’s #1 city for farmers markets, and fourth for parks, sailing, water sports,
4. San Diego, California
   1. Average Summer temperature: 70°
   2. Reasons to go: famers markets, open parks, terrific weather, world-renowned San Diego Zoo, Sea World,
5. Montréal, Canada
   1. Average Summer temperature: 70°
   2. Reasons to go:  Old Montreal; multi-cultural; Montreal Botanical Gardens; Museum of Fine Art; history
6. Minneapolis/St. Paul (Twin Cities), Minnesota
   1. Average Summer temperature: 71°
   2. Reasons to go: terrific live music venues; museums, sports centers (with a passionate hometown fan following);  theater
7. Providence, Rhode Island
   1. Average Summer temperature: 71°
   2. Reasons to go: the Providence Children’s Museum; School of Design Museum of Art; immense arts community; street shops; whale-watching trips
8. Williamsburg, Virginia
   1. Average Summer temperature: 75°
   2. Reasons to go:  Bush Gardens amusement park; historic interactions with a town filled with period-actors and re-enactments; close to Washington, D.C.
9. San Francisco, California
   1. Average Summer temperature: 61°
   2. Reasons to go: San Francisco Cable Car Museum; Aquarium of the Bay; Pier 39 open-air festival on Fisherman’s Wharf; San Francisco Bay tourism
10. Chicago, Illinois
    1. Average Summer temperature: 71°
    2. Reasons to go: The Navy Pier; cruises across Lake Michigan, water-side lounging on the many beach areas; Sears Tower; Shed Aquarium
11. Honolulu, Hawaii
    1. Average Summer temperature: 81°
    2. Reasons to go: amazing beaches, distinct culture, friendly natives, exciting outdoor adventures including helicopter rides, walks through the jungle and luaus, amazing water activities like renting a fishing boat, swimming, snorkeling, surfing and lounging!
12. Vancouver, Canada
    1. Average Summer temperature: 77°
    2. Reasons to go: in a word – scenery! The mountains and beaches offer outdoor fun for families of all interests
13. Boston, Massachusetts
    1. Average Summer temperature: 71°
    2. Reasons to go:  historic walks through the city like the Freedom Trail; Newberry Street, where there are countless shops and restaurants; Bunker Hill;
14. Las Vegas, Nevada
    1. Average Summer temperature: 89°
    2. Reasons to go: tons of family-themed adventures, as well as parents-only outings; water parks at hotel pools;
15. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    1. Average Summer temperature: 75°
    2. Reasons to go: The Liberty Bell; Constitution Hall; National Constitution Center (perfect for kids with life-sized, interactive displays); Philadelphia Zoo,
16. Montauk, New York
    1. Average Summer temperature: 77°
    2. Reasons to go: cheaper, less crowded, and just as (if not more) breathtakingly beautiful than the Hamptons; surf; delicious food; waterfront
17. Anchorage, Alaska
    1. Average Summer temperature: 55°
    2. Reasons to go:  offers both city attractions and outdoor adventures

These places offer a fun energy for kids without killing mom and dad’s wallet. Read on to find out which of these top family vacation destinations offers the best vacation for you and your family.

1. Williamsburg, Virginia – Make history come alive with the rehabilitated buildings and period actors that surround and educate your entire family. For a little more 21^st century vibe don’t forget Busch Gardens!
2. Virginia Beach, Virginia – Get away from the older crowds of Atlantic City and go for the more family-friendly feeling of beaches, boardwalks and water activities found in this seaside resort.
3. Lake George Region, New York – If your family is into fishing, boating, swimming and camping, then the Lake George Region is perfect! Throw in a bit of history with a steamboat trip through one of the lakes
4. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee – Pigeon Forge is the gateway to woodsy heaven. Take the family white-water rafting, hiking, bird watching, camping… you name it, they’ve got it, all with the Great Smoky Mountains as your backdrop.
5. Branson, Missouri – Bring your family to Missouri for a time of music and fun. At any given time there are almost 100 shows in the 50+ theaters surrounding this area.

Kids of all ages will love the art you can walk through in the modern art museum, as well as the grandeur of Notre Dame.  Use the fun and reliable French metro for easy transportation, and your family vacation will be sure to go off without a hitch!

Free Sundays for All

The first Sunday of every month offers free opportunities that usually cost a hefty fee at other times. Read on to see what attractions you can take advantage of during this time.

• The Louvre
• Musee d’Orsay
• Centre Pompidou

Parks and Gardens

• Jardin des Plantes
• Parc Montsouris
• Bois de Boulogne
• Jardin du Luxemburg
• Parc de la Villette

Wondering Attractions

• Notre Dame Cathedral
• Maison de Victor Hugo (traveling exhibits in this home turned museum might cost a few euros)
• Versailles Gardens (the palace costs a fee, but the gardens are free Monday-Saturday and well worth the quick train ride from Paris)

January – St. Petersburg

Although not many people like traveling from cold to colder, a visit to St. Petersburg is worth the trip, and the city never looks more beautiful than with its protective blanket of white layering the towering domes and shopping centers. A trip to Eastern Europe is not complete without St. Petersburg.

February – Florida Keys

Stay away from Duval Street if you are looking or a quiet or slow-paced senior vacation. However, visiting the carnival-like atmosphere that comes out to play around sunset on Mallory Square is the perfect twilight excursion for the kids who will get a kick of the acrobats, flame throwers and stuntmen on stilts.

March – Berlin

The young seem to take over this city at night with world-renowned hip-hop, techno and electro pop clubs. However, the history is undeniable and tours during the day offer the chance to see startling ruins from World War II and other historical markers. March offers a mild climate with little rainfall.

April – Athens

Athens captivating history and breathtaking monuments leave you in awe as you walk around this majestic city. April is ideal for Greek senior trips because the weather is warm enough to walk around and it hardly ever rains. Explore the Acropolis, Zeus’s temple and delicious Greek food in the numerous restaurants.

May – Prague

Prague cannot be described by words… only by walking the streets, smelling the smells, watching the boats sail under bridges, seeing the sun shine off the red roofed buildings or by visiting one of its intimate cafés or theaters can you understand the magic of Prague in late spring.

June – Barcelona

The music culture of Barcelona is in full swing during the summer months, in June particularly. Along with the amazing clubs and chic restaurants, Barcelona offers a terrific mix of English-speaking safety and transportation options combined with traditional Spanish architecture.

July – Copenhagen

Copenhagen is home to one of the liveliest and famous international jazz festivals in the world. When does this epic festival descend? In July, of course, right in the middle of tourist season. If jazz isn’t your thing, then just stroll the cobbled streets or sip a latte in one of the street-lines cafés.

August – Costa de la Luz

If you want your trip to include great cuisine, distinctive landscapes, picturesque whitewashed villages, beaches, wild landscapes and rich culture then head to Costa de la Luz. Even through the end of summer is considered its most populated time, because it is less popular than its Spanish Mediterranean coast counterparts the swarms are not overwhelming and a great place to bring kids.

September – London

London is perfect to visit during spring or fall, but tends to have fewer tourists in the fall. Not only is the temperature perfect for walking around the city, walking through gardens or shopping through an outdoor market, but also for experiencing some of the outdoor theater that will soon by going indoors.

October – Tuscany

Making Italy the destination for your next summer family vacation will only offer you long lines, tourist-packed memorials and a sweltering climate. However, visiting the Tuscan area in late fall will provide you with the best weather and best food. Grapes and olives are harvested in October offering tremendous food tours throughout the area. This might be one of those vacations just for you and your partner, and leave the kids home with grandmother.

November – Tokyo

The weather in Tokyo is pristine and perfect during the late months of the year. Walk the streets and take in the modern city with splashes of eastern tradition thrown in to create a city of Japanese values and western conveniences.

December – Sydney

Sydney has quickly become one of the most popular spots in the world to bring in the New Year. Its beautiful harbor background offers breathtaking photo ops in a setting where you don’t have to bundle up against the cold. Sydney’s December is as warm as the US July seeing as New Years is in the middle of the summer Down Under.

Therefore, here is a list of free attractions to visit in London during your senior vacation. Keep in mind there are plenty of modes of senior transportation in London, ranging from the iconic double-decker buses to the newly-renovated tub system.

Museums

These museums are free to enter, although some of the temporary exhibits might cost a few pounds to visit:

• Tate Modern
• Tate Britain
• National Gallery
• National Portrait Gallery
• British Museum
• Natural History Museum
• Science Museum

Wondering attractions

These attractions range from breathtaking cultivated parks nestled by palaces right in the hub of London to street carnivals and markets.

• Piccadilly Circus (miniature Time Square)
• Trafalgar Square
• Portobello Road (street market)
• Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
• St. James Park
• Hyde Park
• Westminster Abbey (only free during the Evensong service)

Here are the 2011 Travelers’ Choice Family Travel winners:

1. Williamsburg, Virginia
2. Virginia Beach, Virginia
3. Lake George, New York
4. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
5. Branson, Missouri
6. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
7. Corpus Christi, Texas
8. Port Aransas, Texas
9. Daytona Beach, Florida
10. Destin, Florida

The Natural Resources Defence Council, or NRDC, created the Smarter Cities project which has released a transportation study identifying metropolitan regions with the nation’s leading transportation policies and practices.

The study, created in collaboration with the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT), compares and profiles

• U.S. regions based on public transit availability
• Use and cost
• Household automobile ownership and use
• Innovative, sustainable transportation programs

The large regions, areas with more than 1 million people, that were ranked the highest as ‘smart cities’ are the following:

• Boston (In downtown Boston, around 65% of trips during peak hours are non-motorized due in large part to the city’s Complete Streets initiative, launched in 2009, to create streets that integrate pedestrians, cyclists and public transit with motorists)
• Chicago
• Philadelphia (Philadelphia has selectively expanded the city’s public transit system in certain neighborhoods to increase residents’ access to fresh food)
• Portland
• Oregon
• New York
• San Francisco
• Washington, D.C. (The Capital Bikeshare program has made more than 1,100 bikes available for pick up at solar-powered docking stations throughout the city and Arlington County)