Individuals or couples used to traveling solo may find that planning a family vacation throws a monkey-wrench into their usually fast-paced or ultra-romantic routine. Are there really any hot vacation destinations that not only tolerate but encourage the attendance of young children?
Believe it or not, there are! These family vacations are perfect for families who want to spend some time together and some time apart - no matter what age the kids are when you embark on your journey.
Hotel Hershey (Hershey, Pennsylvania)
A vacation at Hotel Hershey is a favorite amongst travelers of all walks of life - both with children and without. Who wouldn’t want to spend a day in a chocolate
And a chocolate paradise it is. The staff here is especially attentive to young guests, making sure they know they’re welcome t the Cocoa Clubhouse anytime - where scheduled and supervised activities run each and every day. Let the kids play while you relax in the chocolate spa!
Chatham Bars Inn (Cape Cod, Massachusetts)The Chatham Bars Inn, located right on the beach at Cape Cod, is the perfect destination for those seeking a luxurious vacation destination. The children’s programs here are magnificent, running each morning, afternoon, and evening - making it easy for you to decide when it’s appropriate to go your separate ways.
The childrens programs are split into four age groups, so your child will never be exp’osed to entertainment or activities that aren’t age appropriate. Categories range from ages 4 through 16, so even the most mature teenager will find himself faced with a schedule jam-packed with fun!
Cheeca Lodge and Spa (Islamorada, Florida)There’s plenty to do in Islamorada, Florida - but not everything is child appropriate. While mom and dad spend a day in the spa or at the adults-only pool the kids will enjoy participating in Camp Cheeca, which runs from 9am until 1pm each day.
Your little ones, ages 5 through 12, will enjoy learning to snorkel, fishing, and participating in arts and crafts projects. They’ll also enjoy a made-to-order lunch cooked especially for them. Camp Cheeca costs a mere $40 per child - small price to pay for a few hours of peace and quiet.
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Grand Hotel (Mackinac Island, Michigan)Guests under the age of 11 stay and eat at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island for free. This delightful rate is only made better by the wide variety of kid-friendly activities offered by the hotel on a daily basis.
Children will enjoy special children’s meals, exploring the butterfly house, and touring the fudge factory, amongst many other activities. The only drawback is that kid’s activities at the Grand Hotel are only available between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Rancho de los Caballeros (Wickenburg, Arizona)The folks at Rancho de los Caballeros take a different approach to family vacations. Each afternoon between 2pm and 6pm the hotel has a designated “family time” where all activities should be done in the spirit of togetherness.
There is, of course, the Caballeros Kid’s Program, which is available for the rest of the day. Children between the ages of 5 and 12 will be occupied with fun activities while their parents go golfing or simply spend some quality time alone.
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa (Ojai, California)Children participating in Camp Ojai will have a vacation jam-packed with exciting activities. They’ll get to visit the Inn’s working ranch, take pony rides, and visit the animals in the petting farm.
The kids will also enjoy arts & crafts, outdoor sports, and tons of other activities. While the kids are busy mom and dad will enjoy driving into Ojai to dine at one of the area’s fine dining establishments or to explore one of the many galleries and museums.
Kona Village (Big Island, Hawaii)Kona Village is an incredible destination for families of all sizes. Not only is Kona Village set in a beautiful atmosphere, but families tend to reconnect with each other while they’re here as well. There are plenty of activities for the entire family, but the children’s programs are simply spectacular.
The kids will have the chance to participate in contests, make crafts, or swim in the hotel pool. Teenagers will enjoy learning to kayak or participating in beach sports, too. The kids clubs are offered year round except for the months of May and September, so plan accordingly.
Family vacations bring children and parents together, sure - but having a little bit of time alone is just as important. Choose a vacation destination that is kid-friendly and you’ll never return home feeling as though you spent your entire trip herding the children instead of enjoying your destination. Guaranteed!
