If
strapping the kids in car seats and hopping in the minivan for a trip to Wally
World just won't do this year, how about lying poolside sipping a margarita
while sailing the clear blue waters of the Caribbean? Sound like paradise? That
doesn't mean you shouldn't bring the kids. Whether you're traveling with a
14-month-old or a 14-year-old, you're a family traveler - and while the
definition of "family travel" may differ, there are some absolutes:
we all want to have fun, keep the kids entertained and educated, and be prepared
- for anything. To this, we have compiled lots of suggestions for great family
trips, as well as practical advice, special deals, and features just for you.
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Once you've decided on the type of trip you want, cost factors will obviously come into play. At this point, calling a travel agent looking for transportation deals is a great idea! Once your kids are out of the 12-and-under, stay-free-with-parents lodging option, you may want to put a somewhat different spin on your accommodations thinking. Is the average hotel room really big enough, anyway, to make for a pleasurable stay? Many families have found that switching to accommodations with kitchenette and more than one room makes for a much happier time for everybody. All-suite hotels, condominiums, cabins, and vacation home rentals all fill the bill for more space and truly provide a better value in terms of price/satisfaction.
No doubt about it, once kids pass into those teenage years, coming up with family travel ideas requires more thought, and perhaps a change of venue. Perhaps the best place to start when planning a family vacation with older kids is a round table discussion about what everybody would like to do. Sure, it's hard to come up with a consensus, but deciding whether you want to head to the mountains, relax on the beach, venture forth with pack on back, or conquer the museums of DC is essential.
They were once just souped-up pools offering a fun way to cool off on a hot day, but over the years America's water parks have morphed into the wet counterparts to the theme park — mixing adrenaline-pumping thrills with family-style fun. Eighty-foot drops, white-water rapids, lazy rivers and wave pools all find their home in the nation's water parks. Of course, some do it better than others. They are the kings of wet, and we've got the list below. So grab your sunscreen and swimsuit and head with us to the 10 best water parks in the United States.
1. Schlitterbahn Waterpark What's Cool: Master Blaster, Han's Hideout, Boogie Bahn ----------------------------------------- Schlitterbahn Waterpark has more than 40 rides on its 65 acres and includes something for everyone. Kids can settle in with Mom and Dad in one of the six themed playgrounds. Adventure seekers can find watery thrills on rides like the Master Blaster Uphill Coaster and the white water rapids of the Torrent. Surfing fans can hang ten in the park's Boogie Bahn. Han's Hideout incorporates more than 50 water features in 16 levels of rooms complete with water cannons.
Calling all soccer moms: It's time to kick off your work pumps and throw on your flip-flops. Treat yourself to a relaxing day at the beach. These kid-friendly beaches are just the place to unwind with the family. Don't worry. While you peacefully soak in the sun, your children will be entertained with plenty of activities on and off the beach. United States Beaches:
Best Factory
Tours for Kids in the U.S.
This list highlights top factory tours for children around the United States that will appeal to both kids and adults. The behind-the-scenes view of everyday consumer products teaches kids about the number of people needed to make one crayon or scoop of ice cream. And the promise of free samples usually offered at the end of the tour is enough to keep one's attention for the duration of the presentation.
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Best Water Parks
Best
"Family" Beaches
Each
spring, as the school year winds down, parents around the country are searching
for alternative summer day trips to take with the kids. When soccer camp is
over, rain prevents another day at the pool and the exhibit at the children's
museum is a repeat from last year, it may seem as if all options are
exhausted.
