There’s nothing that can build fun memories like a family vacation. However, as kids grow, their tastes tend to mature a bit. As such, you need to plan vacations a bit differently for older children. Thankfully, there are plenty of great choices. Below are six fun family trips you should consider taking with older children.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
One thing older children certainly like is music. However, do they know about all the classic bands like the Animals, the Jimi Hendrix Experience and Black Sabbath? If not, one great way to get your kids into some better bands that you can also relate to is to take them to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. The museum includes amazing memorabilia and some fantastic interactive exhibits.
The Galapagos Islands
You should also be making sure your children get to experience the wonders of nature on their family vacations as well. There really is no ecosystem more amazing for both plants and animals than the Galapagos Islands which are part of Ecuador. The wildlife is so extraordinary due to the fact there are no natural predators on the islands. Many of the bizarre species you can find here exist nowhere else in the world. They in fact helped spark Darwin’s evolutionary theory.
Route 66
Another great family trip idea is all about American nostalgia. Although the highway was decommissioned in 1985, big parts of U.S. Route 66 still exist as a national scenic byway. With a good guidebook, you can take Route 66 all the way from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. On the way, you will see national landmarks, amazingly kitsch roadside attractions, diners with delicious home style cooking and much more. It’s the ultimate road trip.
The Middle East
If you really want to enrich your children with foreign culture, a great idea is to plan a trip to the cradle of human civilization, the Middle East. There are many great places to visit. You could take your children to see the pyramids in Egypt and have them ride a camel. You can explore the cliff carved ruins of the lost city of Petra located in Jordan that was featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. You can sail the Dead Sea and witness the high tech modern day metropolis of Dubai. The ancient frankincense trail can also be a unique and historical experience. D Gary Young learned about the power of essential oils through an experience like this. The Middle East offers many opportunities for teaching moments and unforgettable experiences. The options are almost limitless.
The Grand Canyon
Younger children may not be able to fully take in the amazing splendor of the Grand Canyon National Park in Northwest Arizona. However, older children should certainly be able to better appreciate the massive scale and amazing depth of this natural wonder. Beyond simply viewing the canyon, there are plenty of other activities to do at the National Park as well such as camping, hiking, rafting and even riding a pack mule.
Bangkok, Thailand
If you want to give your children a real adventure and cultural experience, one great choice is Bangkok, Thailand. The city is known for its amazing and ancient Asian and Indian influenced architecture such as with the Grand Palace and the numerous Buddhist temples. Your kids will actually be able to ride an elephant, something they will never forget. The street food is amazing. Best of all, Bangkok is a very affordable destination for an international vacation compared to many other options. Tokyo, by comparison, is far more expensive. Just make sure to avoid the Patpong red light district with your kids. However, it may be a good place to visit alone with your spouse.
There are many great places to visit with your kids. Try to take advantage of their youth while you can and forge some great family memories together with amazing family vacations to the kinds of places listed above.
