Do you recall how you used to go about a typical day in your childhood? Perhaps not, but we’re sure you can vividly remember a family trip that blew your mind when you were young.
The lifting of the Covid-19 restrictions across the country and in certain parts of the world (although many places still have international travel mandates) has gotten everyone on the verge of planning a family vacation, so now might be a suitable time to take those long-awaited getaways.
Let’s take a look at some of the most exciting places to take your kids to have fun.
- Gatlinburg, Tennessee
No matter what age your kids are, a week in Gatlinburg with your family is all you need to unwind and relax. The kids will have a blast with attractions to visit in the area, while you can have your much-needed me-time.
Gatlinburg, TN, offers many things to do, including shopping, dining, attractions, and arts and crafts. In one of the most picturesque National Parks in the United States, you will hear the sounds of nature just up the street from downtown activities. Kids and adults enjoy the natural beauty and peace of the park.
There are a lot of affordable accommodations in the area. It is possible to pick a place that fits your needs, from luxury cabins, log cabins, and resorts to RV camping grounds. The Gatlinburg luxury cabins are fully equipped for a comfortable stay, with full kitchens, televisions, hot tubs, decks, and game rooms.
- Millennium Park, Chicago
If your kids are aged between 2 and 12, they will have a blast here.
The place is an amazing green space surrounded by skyscrapers. You can also pose in front of the Reflecting Cloud Gate sculpture (popularly known as The Bean). Or, get a little wet and wild with the animated Crown Fountain. You can rent bicycles from Bike and Roll Chicago or Divvy Bikes Millennium Park, bike to Navy Pier nearby, or participate in free activities.
There’s no shortage of places to stay here, as you can find the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel on the Riverwalk and the Swissotel Chicago within three blocks of Millennium Park.
Read Also: Best Kid Friendly Chicago Attractions
- Jackson Hole, Wyoming
The place is a heaven for kids up to age 16.
What makes this visit special is that Jackson Hole is home to a world-class ski resort and Grand Teton National Park. You will have more outdoor activities to choose from than you can count. Snow King Resort in Jackson offers tube rides on the Snake River and magical ice castles, and ice skating in Teton Village. You can also raft the Snake River or tube down the runs at Snow King.
A few lodging choices in the area are Hotel Terra Jackson Hole and Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa, both owned by Noble House Hotels, both of which are within walking distance from the chairlifts. Both properties offer skiing packages in the winter and the summer, national park packages.
- River Maya, Mexico
Kids grow up so fast! If you have kids aged 4 to 14, make sure to visit here once.
You do not want to miss out on the Snorkel in freshwater cenotes (natural pools), swimming with manatees, and climbing ancient Mayan ruins.
Also, you can fly into Cancun and then drive to Playa del Carmen, a perfect launching point for any adventure. The underwater river at the Xcaret Eco Theme Park is fun to float in, and you can spend the evening watching the musical show. You can then either drive or ride a bus to Dolphin Discovery. It’s a place where your kids can swim and play with sea lions, manatees, and dolphins! Last but not least, explore the clifftop ruins in Tulum.
Go on a day trip to Chichen Itza further inland. If you want to spend some time on the beach, check out the water sports rentals at Aloha Paddle Club in Playa del Carmen or take the ferry to nearby Cozumel.
Playa del Carmen’s Panama Jack’s Resort is located on prime beachfront real estate and includes a kid’s club if you want to stay. In the surrounding area, Barcelo boasts a variety of resorts, from Barcelo Maya Grand Resort (a five-star resort with everything a family could desire) to its more intimate Allegro Playacar, which offers babysitting services. There’s a pirate-themed water park at Allegro Cozumel in Cozumel as well.
- Dinosaur Valley State Park, Texas
Kids from age 5 to 11 will love it here. Why? Because the area around this state park is home to some of the most well-preserved dinosaur tracks on earth.
In addition to walking the massive footprints on the Paluxy River, the park offers covered wagon tours, mountain biking, fishing pole rentals, and museums in Glen Rose, including the “Dinosaur Capital of Texas.”
Dinosaur Valley State Park is a nice place to pitch a tent or camp in an RV, but you can also stay at the Best Western Dinosaur Valley Inn Suites.
- The Mile High City, Colorado
Can’t decide on a place where both your 8-year-old and 16-year-old can have fun simultaneously? Look no further! A big part of the Mile High City’s appeal is its activities for those 48 inches and under.
Denver Zoo is the city’s most popular attraction, and it’s more than 100 years old! The Children’s Museum of Denver is a test kitchen, splash zone, and bubble room that awaits younger children. Denver Museum of Nature and Science’s IMAX 3D theater is great for older kids. Take a free open-air Denver Trolley ride.
The Kimpton Hotel (a stone’s throw from Union Station) and the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center are great options to stay here for a night or two. It is just a five-minute drive from both hotels to the 16th Street pedestrian mall, which has an indoor pool and luxury rooms.
Read Also: Best Cheap or Free Things to Do in Denver
- Disney World, Florida
When deciding on places to take your kids on vacation, you can’t rule out Disney World. Appropriate for kids of all ages, Disney World is one of the most cherished vacation spots. When your princess-loving little girl sees the real Ariel or Belle for the very first time or watches fireworks explode over Cinderella’s Castle, it will be a moment she will never forget. Parents also enjoy Disney!
If it’s your first time touring the place and you have no clue what to do, start by visiting the Magic Kingdom classics. Next, visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Explore Vintage Amphicars and go to Aerophile at Disney Springs.
If you’d like to arrange a stay, enjoying a Disney property – like Disney’s Beach Club Villas – is always a pleasure. You can also check out SeaWorld’s Renaissance Orlando for half the price.
- Sesame Palace, Pennsylvania
The best park in the world for toddlers and preschoolers is designed for fans of Elmo and the gang.
Take a dip in the Splash Castle or the Teeny Tiny Tidal Wave pool during your visit. You also don’t want to miss out on the Rambling River. After that, dry off and ride Flying Cookie Jars, Flyin’ Fish (in Elmo’s World), and Peek-A-Bug (in Sesame Street).
Do you need a place to stay? The Red Roof Inn Philadelphia Oxford Valley is one of the top-rated hotels. SpringHill Suites Langhorne is another top-rated hotel.
In Conclusion
Visit any of the abovementioned family vacation destinations with your kids if you want them to experience the same magic. There is something out there for everyone, including glaciers, beachfront, dinosaurs, and Disney characters. In addition, each place has amazing accommodations where parents can relax and unwind after a long but memorable day.
