If your family loves attending festivals and events like state fairs, it's a good practice to use the Internet to find a state fair or festival nearest to your travel destination. Festivals and state fairs make for easy weekend getaways. Festivals and fairs can be a great addition to any destination vacation. They can be educational and add a touch of culture to your family vacation. If you can time your vacation with a fun festival or fair your family will enjoy the trip all the more. Festivals and fairs have something for every member of the family, regardless of their ages. Families who love animals can find all sorts of petting zoos and pony rides at most state fairs.

Wyoming's Grand Targhee Music Festival and Virginia's Old Fiddlers Convention in Galax feature current artists and up-and-comers. Because of the locations of these festivals and the caliber of artists they attract, both are destination events, meaning families travel from all over just to attend. Both places have many activities the whole family can enjoy when the festivals are over. At the Grand Targhee Music Festival, the “Kidzone” features crafts and puppet shows, and children twelve and under are admitted free. (www.grandtarghee.com) And every performer at the Old Fiddlers Convention receives a free camp site, taking the cost of lodging out of the equation. (www.oldfiddlersconvention.com)

Charleston's Southeastern Wildlife Exposition and Harbor Festival attract tens of thousands of families annually. The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) takes place in February and is America's largest wildlife nature and art event. World-class original art is featured along with nature exhibits and educational presentations. (www.sewe.com) The Charleston Harbor Fest in June celebrates Charleston's maritime culture. For kids who love ships, the Charleston Harbor Fest is a sure winner. Tours of the tall ships, pirate camp, boat building, and sailing lessons, which are offered free of charge, make up the bulk of the activities along with extreme water sports demonstrations. (www.charlestonharborfest.org)

The Georgia Mountain Fair in July is one of America's most fun family fairs. Held at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee, Georgia, about two hours from Atlanta, the eleven-day event is a carnival, and has an authentic Pioneer Village and musical performances. An agricultural element is included at the Georgia Mountain Fair along with pony rides, antique shows, and memorable foods like barbeque and smoked trout. (www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com)

If you can't travel all the way to Key West, La Belle Amie Vineyard's Key West Music and Wine Fest in South Carolina is located on the outskirts of über family-friendly North Myrtle Beach. The festival, which takes place in May, includes a tour of the vineyard, tropical beverages, music, and barbecue. Best of all, kids under age eighteen are admitted free of charge (www.labelleamie.com).