Summer Family Vacations that the entire Family will Love
Posted by Shana Albert on July 15th 2009 in Blog, Kids Activities
Family Friendly Vacations
* Long relaxing strolls on the beach
* Romantic candlelight dinners
* Watching the sunset holding hands
Are the above what you think of what you think of a Family Vacation? Probably not.
I remember family vacations as a child and now that I am a parent the thoughts that come to my mind when I think of a family vacation of the past are….
* Long rides in the car fighting with my sister while mom yells
* Siblings fighting over what they want to do
* Family meals that served foods fried to make sure kids are happy
Everything I think of family vacations of the past have everything to do with making the children happy and very little to do with making the parents happy.
I found the definition of the word Vacation online. Let’s take a closer look at it…
Vacation means…
“leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure“
Wow!! How fabulous does that sound? “Rest” and “Pleasure”. Both of those words are some of the best words in the English language. Frankly, I don’t think one could get enough of rest and pleasure. And actually, rest and pleasure are things that most doctors will tell you are things we all need occasionally to keep us happy and healthy. We all need a little “R & R” to build up our energy to keep us thriving as human beings and to make us happy individuals and better parents.
But, when you add family to that word does it change the definition to the word Vacation? It shouldn’t. Family Vacations should still be restful and pleasurable for all. But, meeting the needs of everybody and all ages is difficult and tends to be stressful. Family Vacations can cause parents to come back home from vacations more exhausted and more stressed out than every before.
But, in the last decade Family Vacations have changed significantly. Hotels, Resorts and Cruises have become so family friendly. They not only cater to the parents but also the children. These places have created not only the possibility, but also the reality of the fact that it is possible for parents to have a relaxing and pleasurable vacation as well as the children. And, that is what I am going to write about today. On this post I will be filling you in on Wonderful Family Vacations that claim to not only pleasure everybody, but will also do their very best to make sure parents are resting and getting the vacations they truly deserve.
The Hotels, Resorts and Cruise Lines I will be mentioning here have special activities and even camps running at their facilities catering to children of ages from infants through the teen years. The camp counselors and guides are trained to make the children happy and keep them safe so that parents can relax and enjoy themselves too. Now, THAT already sounds like the perfect Family Vacation.
Family Friendly Summer Vacations that make the Whole Family Happy
Camp Hyatt
Camp Hyatt is available at many Hyatt locations. You’ll learn to hula dance in Hawaii, search for Native American arrowheads in Texas and watch the dolphins in Florida! There are Hyatt locations offering Camp Hyatt all over the World, so you are sure to find one perfect for your family and your family vacation. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa sounds amazing!! It offers a 150-foot water slide. WOW!! Check out all the Camp Hyatt locations for yourself.
Circus Circus
Would you really like to go to Las Vegas, but you think that Las Vegas isn’t a great place for kids? Think again. Check out this resort that has a circus and an amusement part right inside. Circus Circus is the only Las Vegas hotel starring the world’s largest permanent circus and America’s largest indoor theme park. So, if you are a family that loves adventures and entertainment then this might be the perfect family vacation for you. Their motto, “Act your age somewhere else!” Need I say anything else?
Club Med for Children’s and Teens
Club Med has amazing programs for children. I am talking about children of all ages!! They have a programs for infants as young as 4 months old and all the way up to teenagers as old as 17. So, they will have something going on for all of your children. They even have a Circus School. I wonder if I’m too old for that?! My sister has taken her entire family of 6 to Club Med a couple of times and keep going back because every member of her family has the time of their lives.
Atlantis Resort and Casino
Atlantis Resort and Casino offers a special club just for kids. Atlantis Kids Club offers fun filled activities that range from sensational relays, face painting and taking an imaginary bus ride to creating their own aquarium, going on a crayola hunt or decorating their very own cupcakes. What kid wouldn’t enjoy that?! They offer special activities for tots as well as older children. Plus, Atlantis Resort and Casino has plenty to do as a family as well.
Hilton Waikoloa Village
The Hilton Waikoloa Village offers tons of exciting activities for children of different ages. They even have Camp Menehune where they offer Day or Night Camp for children of ages 5-12 with tons of activities designed for children of these ages. Plus, at the Hilton Waikoloa Village you can take your entire family to meet dolphins face-to-face at Dolphin Quest which is the only interactive dolphin program on the island.
Kidtopia Kids Spa at Costa Resort and Spa
At Kidtopia, youngsters can follow an activity path through a magical forest; Observe sea creatures in an “underwater” wonderland; Make crafts; Dance on an interactive lighted game floor. And much, much more. And, while your kids are having a fabulous time at Kidtopia you can be enjoying your own activities without worry. If you would prefer to hang with your kids during the day and have time to yourself at night there is also a night camp at Kidtopia.
The Breakers at Palm Beach
For families who want to share vacation fun and quality time together, The Breakers has created a family-friendly environment – from an interactive camp to a secure, self-contained Family Entertainment Center – one of the first of its kind at any hotel or resort. The Breakers also offers a Junior Golf Academy for those children who would enjoy that.
Beaches Resort
At Beaches there are different camps and different programs for different age ranges. They have programs for infants, toddlers, pre-teens and teens. From reggae jam sessions to face painting these kids are sure to make memories and friendships to last a lifetime. There are Beaches resorts all of the World so you are sure to find one that will meet your needs.
Sheraton’s Summer Kids Camp
This summer give the whole family a treat! Sign your kids up for the Sheraton’s Summer Kids Camp and let them experience the fun and camaraderie of summer camp! Watch your children’s excitement as they participate in one of our many poolside games, or take advantage of some time to yourselves as our trained staff entertains the kids with wild games and educational stories! This resort has plenty to do as a family or parents can go off for relaxing on the beach, get a peaceful massage or play some tennis while your kids are at camp.
Paradise Island Harbour Resort
Kids camp is free during your stay at Paradise Island Harbour Resort, so this Resort makes Family Vacation very economical as well. There are plenty of athletic activities at the kids camp such as Pool basketball, Pool and beach Olympics and Beach bowling for prizes. As well as tons of other activities such as Jewelry making, Pie-eating contest, Puppet making and much more. So, trust me there will be no complaining when you drop them off at Kids Camp and you go off to do some sightseeing or whatever it is you would like to do that day.
The Winnetu Oceanside Resort at Martha’s Vineyard
In 2006 Child Magazine voted The Winnetu Oceanside Resort #1 Family Resort in the Northeast. It has so many things for the entire family to do from bike riding to paddle boats, to time on the beach and a putting green. The resort also offers Day activities for the children so that parents have time to go off and do things on their own as well.
Anancy Children’s Village at Half Moon
The Anancy Children’s Village at Half Moon in Jamaica offers a guaranteed good time for the entire family. Your children will have the time of their lives as they create puppet shows in Tacoomah Hut, enjoy cold refreshments in Patoo’s Lookout, get creative in Artsy Kraftsy or listen to captivating stories in Tacoomah hut. Parents can go off to relax or participate in many of the resorts adult activities while their children are having fun and being taken care of by the well trained staff.
Family Friendly Cruises that have Great Activities for Kids
Disney Cruise Lines
Let’s Face it. When it comes to any company knowing what children love it’s Disney. And, Disney have certainly out did themselves with developing an entire cruise line to making sure everyone who travels (from the youngest to the oldest of children) have a fabulous time. Disney Cruise Lines have Cruise Ships perfect for Little Kids, Big Kids and Teens – from mesmerizing meetings with Disney Characters to playful puppet tales, from circus activities under the “Big Top” to space adventures to Infinity and beyond!. So, if you are traveling with children in any of these age groups and want to make sure that they have plenty to do. Then Disney Cruise Lines is the perfect vacation for you. Plus, Disney Cruise Lines make sure that parents have plenty of relaxing and romantic things to do as well.
Carnival Cruise Ships Youth Program
Carnival has excellent children programs for kids of all ages. They have Camp Carnival for children from the ages of 2 thru 11. And, even Camp Carnival is broken down into three segments to make sure children are with other kids of the same age or close to that age. And, Carnival has Circle C kids program with kids in the age range of 12 thru 14. And, Club 02 kids program for the ages of 15 thru 17. This way children are with other kids around the same ages. Each of the age groups have Youth Directors trained and certified to make sure the children are safe and having the best time possible. And, Carnival is known for making sure parents are entertained, relaxed and happy. So, it sounds like a wonderful time for all.
Norwegian Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Lines offers Complimentary Youth Programs for your children. They have their program broken up into four different age groups. So, you can be rest assured your children are participating in activities that meet their skill level. Whether your child wants to paint, have a pajama party or put on a show they are guaranteed to have an awesome time doing it. And just think of the new friends they’ll make- you might even have to schedule time just to see them.
Family Cruising on Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean offers plenty of ways to keep kids entertained. Kids and their parents together can participate in fun onboard activities like ice-skating, karaoke, and talent shows. Or, parents can rest easy while kids hang out with their peers in various kids and teen only lounges. They also offer friendly family competition with a race to the top of a famous rock wall or a round of mini-golf, then try inline skating or book a private surfing session on the FlowRider®–an amazing wave simulator. Truly, Royal Caribbean has out-done themselves to make sure that the entire family will have a wonderful family vacation.
Nickelodeon Family Cruise with Royal Caribbean
Get ready for some action! Nickelodeon Family Cruises has tons of activities for your children. They have programs for children starting at age 3 all the way up to age 13. Plus, they also have activities for adults and family activities. So, you are sure to find something to do along and with the kids. And, what kid won’t love to be on a cruise with their favorite Nickelodeon characters?!
So, as you can see Family Vacations have come a long way from years past. No longer do parents have to sacrifice Rest and Relaxation on vacation in order for their children to have a good time. There are plenty of Family Friendly Hotels, Resorts and even entire Cruise Lines that will go out of their way to make sure your entire family has the best Family Vacation of their entire life. Each of the Family Vacations I mentioned not only have tons of fun activities for kids, but they also have plenty of adult activities, pampering, and romance for the parents. So, not only can it be your family vacation, but you can also have a wonderful romantic get-away together while your kids are enjoying themselves.
If Vacations are meant to be devoted to rest and pleasure than make sure you chose a family vacation that will give you both of those things. Not only do your children deserve it, but you do as well.
Top Image by rekkid
