Ah, vacation. That magical time when you can get away, relax, and let loose without the pressing burden of responsibility. Midway through dreaming of Mai Tais and ocean waves, it hits you: the kids! Now that you’ve got children, your vacations have to be kid-friendly. But hey, that’s not so bad; now you get to plan vacations around making them unforgettable for your kids. So, where are the best places to show your little munchkins an amazing time?
1. Honolulu
Honolulu, and Waikiki in particular, is a perfect destination for a vacation that pleases every member of the family. The island of Oahu is known for its picturesque beaches chock-full of child-friendly activities. Snorkeling is an especially popular pastime on the island, where you can find sea turtles frolicking on the North Shore and schools of vibrant fish flitting about at Hanauma Bay. The Honolulu Zoo, Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park and Dole Plantation make for fun day trips, and your children will be thrilled to swim with dolphins at the Sea Life Park.
2. Orlando
Disney World is the quintessential magical vacation—it isn’t called the Magic Kingdom for nothing, after all. To get the most out of your Disney vacation, you might consider a Mickey Travels vacation planner, who can help you ensure you don’t miss any of the best attractions. Though Orlando is best known for Disney, it isn’t just about Mickey Mouse. There are a number of parks around that will appeal to anyone, from Sea World to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Plus, the city itself boasts a number of attractions and exciting activities that are fun for all ages.
3. Club Med
With resorts all over, Club Med is a great choice for any type of vacation. No one specific location makes this list because the beauty of Club Med resorts isn’t in the locale, but in the amenities included with your stay. For the youngest among us, the Baby Welcome program will set you up with all the comforts of home, including crib, changing table, baby bath, and bottle warmer. Older children will enjoy the Mini Club Med (for 4 to 10 year olds), Junior Club Med (for 11 to 17 year olds), and Passworld (for teens) programs that feature tons of activities tailored to the specific age groups.
4. Washington, D.C.
For a slightly more scholarly vacation, look no further than our nation’s capital. Home to nine Smithsonian museums that are sure to delight and astound, D.C. gives the whole family a chance to revel in the arts, sciences, and culture the country holds dearest. Historic monuments like the Lincoln Memorial might not wow little tykes, but they’ll surely enjoy Georgetown’s many delicious cupcake shops.
Getting away with little ones is always more difficult than without, but seeing your children’s eyes light up in wonder is well worth the little bit of extra stress. To give your kids the gift of a truly unforgettable vacation, try these family-friendly vacation spots.
