Crater of Diamonds State Park
Take your family on a real-life treasure hunt at the Crater of Diamonds State Park. Located in Arkansas, the site is the only diamond-producing area in the world where the public can search for diamonds. Even better, the official policy of the park is "finders, keepers," which means that you can keep all of the loot you manage to find! Kids will have a thrill with the idea that they are true treasure hunters.
- All of the diamond hunting takes place atop a 37-acre plowed field, the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic crater.
- Most diamonds found at the park are too small to be cut, though valuable diamonds have occasionally been found.
- Diamonds from the park can be mounted in jewelry to serve as a souvenir of your trip.
The park also has tools and equipment available for rent. There are plenty of accommodations nearby, as well as many additional area attractions.
Concordia Language Villages
Concordia Language Villages, located in the Northwoods of Minnesota, offer a unique learning opportunity for families. As a premiere language and cultural immersion program, it offers your family an opportunity to have an international experience without the cost of traveling abroad. The full-immersion setting provides the following:
- Comfortable lodging
- Homemade, ethnic cuisine
- Educational programs for adults and children
If you are looking for a completely out-of-the-box experience that will stay with your family for a lifetime, a volunteer vacation could be right for you. These trips give your family a chance to learn about another culture, while also learning about the importance of volunteerism. The Global Citizens Network sponsors trips around the globe, but also has family volunteer trips to indigenous communities in domestic locations:
- The Anishinabe People of White Earth Reservation located in Becker, Clearwater, and Mahnomen counties in north-central Minnesota
- The Quileute People of La Push located near Forks, Washington
