May has finally arrived, and it won’t be too long before the kids are out of school. And we all know what that means – it’s time to start thinking about this summer’s family vacation. Unless you have a tried-and-true “go-to” destination, family vacations present a unique dilemma – keeping both the kids and adults entertained can be tricky. A resort with solid activities for children can go a long way in smoothing out the inevitable conflict when the kids want to play and the adults want to relax. We’ve rounded up a list of some of the best resorts to consider when planning your next family vacation!
Smuggler’s Notch Resort in Vermont heads up the list as one of the most family-friendly resorts that can balance both adult and kid interest. The property is packed full of kid-friendly activities – eight heated pools reside on the property, as well as the dedicated children’s pool Little Smugglers’ Lagoon. Rum Runner’s Hideaway is located on nearby Morse Mountain and includes a 25 ft diameter water trampoline, water slide bridges and rope swings to catapult into the water.
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Smuggler’s Notch Resort is perfect for
outdoor-loving families! |
At Smuggler’s Notch, outdoor fun goes far beyond just the pool scene. A zip line canopy tour, treetop obstacle course and tree climbing challenges are some of the more exciting offerings, while canoeing, kayaking, llama rides and hiking are more relaxed family activities. If the adults are looking to spend a day to themselves, rest assured that the resorts’ children’s and teen’s camps will keep younger members of the group occupied – the on-site Treasures child care center is regarded as one of the best in the industry!
Our next favorite family resort brings us to the sandy beach of Waikiki in Honolulu, Hawaii. As one might expect from sun-soaked Hawaii, pools are the focus! With one children’s pool and five full-size and lushly themed swimming pools, the family has no shortage of ways to keep cool. Paradise pool is 5,000 square feet with a waterslide and daily activities, while Super Pool is a mind-blowing 10,000 square feet and lies flush against the beach!
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| Kid or adult – no one can resist beaches like this! |
For when the kids need a day to themselves, Club Penguin is there. HGVC’s camp program provides fun activities throughout the day as well as Club Penguin t-shirt and lunch. Participants also have the option to enroll in field trips to some of the area’s best attractions – Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, Bishop Museum and the Children’s Discovery Center. The club draws its name from the penguins that wander the grounds; an unintended favorite attraction for younger visitors!
Mexico might not seem like the ideal family destination, but The Grand Mayan in Nuevo Vallarta is perfectly suited to younger travelers. The Kids Club accommodates children ages five to twelve and is packed with a full schedule of varied activities ranging from pool games to arts and crafts to educational tours around the grounds . Kids also have access to their own turf – there’s a separate pool-playground hybrid complete with a jungle gym, waterslides and a wading pool.
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The Grand Mayan’s pools are nothing short of
a dream for kids! |
There’s certainly no shortage of unique experiences available to kids – where else can you rock climb right on the beachfront? A massive beach trampoline lets them burn off some of that energy, and on-sit humpback whale and sea turtle viewing will appeal to kids and adults alike. For when the family needs a break from all the sun and sand, cool off in thatched-roof canopies that offer Mexican crafts geared towards children.
Carlsbad is a natural draw for families – plenty of attractions for kids and beachside serenity for adults, and no one does it better than the Grand Pacific Palisades Resort! The Flower Fields, the San Diego Zoo and LegoLand are all within relatively quick access (the latter being just a short walk away!), and LegoLand ticket packages are available.
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| What kid wouldn’t be enticed by a splashpad like this? |
The resort itself is accommodating to families of all ages – kids will enamored with activities like s’mores night and scavenger hunts while adults can look forward to unique dining options, a full spa as well as golfing. The pools follow suit; there’s a fantastic splashpad and play pool for children while adults can keep watch from nearby whirlpool hot tubs.