Vacation With Small Children
Traveling with small children can be quite the challenge. You need to make sure that you plan everything out in advance, including figuring out how to entertain them on the road so they don’t disrupt the poor souls around you. It’s a common scenario for all parents — traveling with small children, and we want to help make your next vacation hassle free.
I hate picking vacations with my family. It’s all the same. My kids hate it too, but at least they’re smart enough to cover it up. A vacation is usually something we look forward to in the summertime, but with the right plan, you can actually look forward to your next trip with your small children.
Taking a vacation with kids can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’ve ever wondered how to make the transition from work to vacation a little smoother, this post is for you. From hotel stays and car rental tips, to fun theme parks and family-friendly destinations, I’ll cover it all in this ultimate guide.
Since you probably take more pictures at Walt Disney World than anywhere else in the world, it is essential to have the best camera for Disney. Even though the most popular cameras are digital, you should also consider taking a film camera. It is important to carry two for two very important reasons.
The logistics of taking a vacation with a toddler may not seem appealing, but to be able to see and share the wonders of the country surely does.
Vacation With Small Children
Packing in diapers and figuring out how to adhere to sleep and meal schedules while still having a blast can all seem a little Herculean, but some destinations make it easier than others.
Here’s my round-up of the best vacations for toddlers.
1. Indianapolis, Indiana
One of the top vacation spots for toddlers is the picturesque city of Indianapolis, with glimmering waterways, green spaces and race cars during the world-famous Indy race.
Stay in one of the best all inclusive resorts for toddlers while visiting the city, then check out the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, which will hold your tyke’s attention—there’s quite a range of things to play with, build and learn from.
After that consider watching the local races and speeding cars—which are great for holding the attention of teens (and hubby dearest!).
If your tyke is on the adventurous side, give “shark petting” a hand at the Indianapolis Zoo.
17 Best Vacations for Toddlers
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After the excitement, kick back and enjoy a family picnic at one of the city’s many downtown gardens.
Recommended Hotel: Conrad Indianapolis
2. San Diego, California
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In San Diego, there is seemingly no dearth to the things you can do and see with your little ones; right from the San Diego Zoo to SeaWorld, kids and parents alike love San Diego for being a feast to all the senses!
Enjoy one of the many kid-friendly tours of the city; pitstops include excitement such as boarding an aircraft carrier from World War 2!
For a bit of fun in the water, give kayaking into the La Jolla Sea Caves a shot or just enjoy strolling through the lovely, lush Balboa Park.
Recommended Hotel: The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego
Related: Good Restaurants in San Diego
3. Sanibel Island, Florida
For the quintessential family summer getaway to the beach, try Florida’s Sanibel Island with its gorgeous beaches strewn with seashells and calm, azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Less crowded and therefore, more peaceful than the spots on/closer to mainland Florida, the shores of Sanibel Island are a great spot to just relax and soak in the sun.
Build sandcastles with your little one or help him/her start a seashell collection.
End the day on a relaxing note by watching the sun sink into the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Recommended Hotel: Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
4. Port Aransas, Texas
At Port Aransas, you’ll find an old-school vacation that teaches you and the tots to get in touch with nature and have fun the traditional way.
Give the kids a lesson on baiting a hook—you have over 18 miles of beautiful sands to conduct your lessons.
Once the lessons are done, reward the tots with playtime and yourself with a sunbathing sesh!
Older kids can try surfing; the relatively calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico make it great for beginners; you’ll find even calmer waters that your toddler can splash around in the area’s many sheltered beaches.
Recommended Hotel: Hampton Inn and Suites Port Aransas
5. Durham, New York
Another toddler-friendly getaway that offers a ton of old-school fun, Durham is among the top family-favorite destinations to visit with toddlers.
Nestled amid the peaks of the breathtaking Catskill Mountains in New York, families vacationing at Durham have a variety of activities on offer—if you’re an “outdoors” family, try one of the many kid-friendly hikes or visit the ultra-cute Hull-O petting farm!
It’s not all old-school at Durham, though; visit the Zoom Flume Water Park for fun and thrilling rides that’ll have the kids screaming their lungs out (in the best way)!
Recommended Hotel: Best Western New Baltimore Inn
6. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
If you’re wondering where to go for a fun weekend trip with the whole brood, consider Lake of the Ozarks, a popular spot for families with toddlers.
Lake of the Ozarks boasts 1,150 miles of lakeshore, presenting many opportunities for lovely lakeside walks and picnics.
On a sunny day, go canoeing on the lake or explore the Lake of the Ozarks State Park.
If your little one is in the mood to stay indoors, don’t fear—there’s still plenty of fun to go around, from the games at Miner Mike’s Adventure Town to stalactite-stalagmite exploration at Bridal Cave.
Recommended Hotel: WorldMark Lake of the Ozarks