Whether you’re traveling with a toddler or a teenager, choosing the right destination to explore on your family vacation is no easy task. Never fear: There are great getaway options that offer activities sure to please your children at any age. From sandy beaches to distinctive deserts, bustling cities and unspoiled wildernesses, here are some suggestions for where to stage your next family adventure.
Traveling with Toddlers in Tow: Take a Beachy Break in Galveston, Texas
Constantly on the move, toddlers can be a challenge to wrangle while on a getaway in a busy city or crowded tourist destination. However, a beach vacation offers them ample opportunities to play hard and nap hard, all in a cushy, sandy setting. Steer clear of popular spring break locales and instead head for the serenity of the Gulf Coast of Texas. Galveston offers everything you’d want in a beach destination: Sand and sun, an idyllic boardwalk with a Ferris wheel, aquariums, a ferry, candy shops and more.
Where to Stay: The beachfront DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Galveston Beach is perfectly positioned right on the sand and within a short stroll to all the happening sights in town, making it easy to head back to the room come naptime.
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Spending Treasured Time with Elementary-Age Children: Get a Slice of History in Boston, Massachusetts
Take advantage of school breaks to explore a destination that will help your elementary-age kiddos bring the lessons they’re learning in the classroom to life. Step into American history on a trip to the birthplace of the American Revolution: Boston. Walk the Freedom Trail, visit the Boston Tea Party Museum, stroll through Beacon Hill, dine on fresh seafood and even catch a game at Fenway Park. Your kids are sure to come home with a greater understanding of our Founding Fathers.
Where to Stay: The hip Onyx Boston Downtown is conveniently located within walking distance to Quincy Market, Boston City Hall and Old North Church, as well as other iconic locales throughout the city.
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Tackling Vacation with Middle Schoolers: Seek Adventure in Anchorage, Alaska
Wow your middle schoolers with a vacation location that’s really cool … literally. Chilly, vibrant Anchorage offers a wealth of exciting activities that are sure to please even the most finicky traveler. Take off in a helicopter to hike on a glacier, explore a rainforest, hop aboard a dogsled, strap on snowshoes, seek out the Northern Lights, and search for moose, bears, bald eagles and other wildlife in this unspoiled wilderness wonderland that’s packed with adventure.
Where to Stay: Located in Midtown, Embassy Suites by Hilton Anchorage offers suites with room enough to spread out in a setting that’s close to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, a great hike to enjoy while keeping an eye out for beluga whales.
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Get Away with High Schoolers: Soak up the Sun (and Some Culture) in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Is your high schooler into shopping? Art? Hiking? Lounging poolside? Brimming with galleries, hip restaurants, breathtaking adobe structures, and mountains perfect for hiking or skiing, Santa Fe provides offers a wealth of incredible sightseeing opportunities and cultural exposure all set in a striking desert landscape. Your teen will enjoy shopping for one-of-a-kind artisan crafts that will impress their friends back home, and budding foodies will find unique flavors and award-winning restaurants to try, along with familiar favorites. It’s a fun, sophisticated spot to explore with your not-so-little ones.
Where to Stay: Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza is a 300-year-old historic hacienda in the heart of Santa Fe. Decorated in traditional Southwest décor, this charming hotel features a stunning outdoor pool and hot tub, complete with a kiva fireplace that allows you to enjoy this amenity well into the evening.
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