Best vacation with 3 year old
Last summer we booked a vacation. Two weeks in Santorini Greece. It was an exciting time: 10 days spent exploring Greek culture, delicious food, warm weather and amazing landscapes. There was just one problem. Our 3 year old son Zach didn’t want to take a vacation…
Every parent knows how hard it is to take a vacation with children. It’s even more difficult when one of the children is aged between 1 and 4. Traveling with kids needs a lot of preparation, and it can be devastating when you have to cancel your trip because of something unforeseen. However, there are some strategies that would significantly improve your chances of taking an enjoyable trip as a family unit. Here are some tips on how to choose the ideal destination while traveling with a toddler.
Talking the talk and walking the walk is something we all do, especially if you have kids. We talk to others about how incredible our kids are getting, how impressed we are with new things they’re learning, or how quickly they’re growing. And it’s all true! Life as a parent pre-kid can be your dream life – you have time to do whatever you want, do it whenever you want, and you’re not limited by your bedtimes. Life post-kid is different — oh so different. Your free time disappears faster than last year’s tax return and suddenly 11pm on a Saturday isn’t so late anymore.
The best place to take a three-year-old on vacation is a place that is exciting, but not too intense. A place where there are plenty of activities for kids, but without too many other people or distractions. Taking your child to a theme park may be exciting in the moment, but it can also be very overwhelming and stressful—especially if your child isn’t into rides.
If you’re looking for something more family-friendly, consider going to an amusement park that has more activities than just rides. For example, there are parks like Legoland and Disney World that have areas set aside just for kids. These areas have rides, games and even beaches where kids can play in the sand!
Another option is to go camping at an RV park or campground near your destination city. You’ll get some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors while still being able to visit nearby attractions and restaurants.
When you’re planning a vacation with a three-year-old, it can be tempting to want to stay close to home. But don’t worry—you can still have a great family trip without going too far away.
Here are some tips for planning your perfect three-year-old vacation:
1) Pick an activity that will keep them engaged and interested: Whether it’s swimming or playing mini golf, choose something that will keep them busy and entertained. A good rule of thumb is to try and keep the time spent on each activity short (i.e., 15 minutes max) so they don’t get too tired out.
2) Make sure there are plenty of snacks nearby: The best way to keep your little one satisfied is to have lots of good food nearby! You can even bring along some special treats like cookies or candy if you want to sweeten the deal.
3) Bring along their favorite toys: Bringing along their favorite toy or two will help keep them occupied while on the go, plus it’ll make them feel more comfortable being away from home!
Ages 3-5
It’s all about creating moments to learn new things—and still having fun.
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When asked about the best trip she’s taken with her 3-year-old twin sons, Marquita Wright instantly says Sarasota, Florida. “When we went to Sarasota, visiting the Mote [Marine Laboratory] was an absolute must. Being able to actually touch the stingrays, starfish, and sharks, absolutely blew my mind. Also, the Wild Kratts Ocean Adventure there offered interactive activities to help the boys learn about marine life; they loved the conveyor belt exhibit that teaches how sharks lose their teeth when they eat. They could not get enough of it.”
The trip, which took place over the twins birthday, wasn’t limited to educational activities, though. Wright was able to take the boys to Siesta Beach, known for its powder white sand and crystal blue water, and take advantage of the kid-friendly restaurants populating the area.
But blending education and fun in an easy to navigate way doesn’t have to be limited to domestic trips for the 3 – 5 age group, either. I have traveled a lot as a duo with my son, who was born in Poland and has spent the first four years of his life traveling at mine and my husband’s side. As a family, we prioritize cultural connectivity—our son had been to Greece, Portugal, Spain, and Egypt before he could walk or talk. However, one of the most memorable trips we have taken together was to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, just before he turned 3. We stayed right in the middle of it all: walking distance to the Central Market, the beautifully colorful Sri Mahamariamman Temple, and the huge outdoor shopping market Petaling Street. He was so excited to look at all of the colors, and people at Central Market liked to offer him free treats. I’m also a stickler for consistency and directly across the street from our hotel was a restaurant called Banana Leaf Curry House, where we shared big plates of curry with potatoes and sautéed cabbage, always washed down with mango lassis.
Another highlight? When we rode the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus stop, a double-decker bus that allowed my son to see almost every inch of the city without actually having to do anything. We passed through places like Little India, KL Bird Park, and the breathtaking Jamek Mosque. I just loved watching my son’s eyes light up as he gleefully pointed out everything new he discovered.
The gear
I’ve found it imperative to have a tablet of some sort while traveling with ages 3-5. The Amazon Fire 7 has parental controls and you can download a ton of educational games, cartoons, and activities to keep the little ones busy throughout long journeys.
