When planning a trip with the whole family — meaning everyone from great-grandparents to newborn babies — it’s important to choose a destination that will appeal to everyone. Choose a spot that’s too adult oriented, and the kids will be bored. Choose someplace geared to the younger set, and the grown-ups will be exhausted by the end of the first day.
The trick to finding the ideal vacation spot for the extended family is to look for a place that has something for everyone: enough activities to keep everyone entertained combine with the right accommodations to allow for some relaxing downtime. Of course, individual tastes matter as well: If Grandpa loves to golf but hates roller coasters or Mom doesn’t care for the beach, that’s going to rule out a few popular spots. However, there are some destinations that are ideal for the whole family, no matter what everyone likes to do.
Orlando
Orlando is one of the top vacation destinations in the world, and with good reason. You could literally spend a month — or longer — here and not do everything there is to see and do. From world-class theme parks to fine dining, exceptional golf and plenty of shopping, there is bound to be something that everyone wants to do. And with more than 100,000 hotel rooms, vacation homes and condos to choose from, it’s easy to find the perfect accommodation for your whole gang. Consider splitting your time in Orlando between the theme parks and more leisurely pursuits to keep everyone happy.
Las Vegas
When you think of family-friendly destinations, Sin City might not be the first place that comes to mind, but it’s actually quite popular among multigenerational travellers. During the day, the whole family can enjoy activities around the city, from extreme thrill rides to unusual museums. Explore some of the attractions surrounding the city, such as Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park, or split up to enjoy some of the best golfing and spas anywhere. At night, the adults can enjoy the casinos, incredible restaurants and shows. As a bonus, Vegas is affordable — it’s not hard to find cheap flights or reasonably priced rooms here.
Boston
For families that aren’t fans of theme parks, Boston is the perfect place to visit. This picturesque city is the perfect place to explore history; follow along the Freedom Trail to visit a number of famous sites from the Revolutionary War, or hop on one of the popular Boston Duck Tours for a humorous insider’s view of the city from both land and water. Museum lovers will find plenty to enjoy here — kids love the Museum of Science and the New England Aquarium, while the Boston Museum of Fine Arts hosts children’s programs so the whole family can enjoy the collections together. During the warmer months, drive about an hour south to Cape Cod to hit the picturesque beaches.
Quebec City
As the oldest city in North America, Quebec City is another city that’s perfect for history buffs. Spend a day exploring the Citadel and battlefields park to learn more about Canada’s rich military history, or stroll along Dufferin Terrace to experience Quebecois culture overlooking the St. Lawrence River. Plan a visit during the winter months to experience Quebec City’s Winter Carnival, the largest in the world. Ice and snow sculptures, parades, concerts, sliding, dogsledding and skating are but a few of the activities that take place during the first two weeks of February, a guaranteed good time for the entire family.
San Diego
If sunshine and great weather are what you’re looking for, then San Diego is the place to be. Featuring some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, a world famous zoo, botanical gardens and plenty of shopping, dining and golf to keep the grown-ups happy, San Diego is a fun place for the whole family. As a bonus, Disneyland is just a short drive (less than two hours) up the highway, allowing you to easily add some theme park fun to your family getaway.
These are but a few of the possible destinations for your family’s multigenerational getaway. Don’t overlook cruises or all-inclusive or all-ages resorts, either, which offer an easy way to keep everyone occupied and happy while you’re on vacation. No matter where you decide to go, remember to have fun and enjoy spending time with each other — the true purpose of going away together.
About the Author: Camila Jones lives in Vancouver and often travels around North America with her whole family. She likes finding and maping out locations that would be enjoyable for all ages in her family.
Choosing a holiday destination to suit your family’s needs can be a tricky endeavour. Not only are there so many places to choose from, but you also want to make sure that there will be enough activities to keep everyone happy. After all, your time...
Cancun has a reputation as a party destination, which is hardly surprising when it welcomes thousands of students every year for Spring Break. But although this is one side of Cancun, it's certainly not all there is to the destination. In fact, it...
It’s not too late to book a last minute summer holiday, and if you do some research beforehand you could find a real bargain as the season winds down. So if you’ve been mulling over whether to get on a plane and get away from it all, we’ve found...
Taking a trip to the snow is one of the most fun and exciting things that you can do on your family holidays. There’s simply something magical about a skiing vacation, and there’s something that every age and skill level can enjoy when you choose...
While most of us can’t wait to get away in the summertime to some beautiful island, we often overlook the autumn. With changing leaves, fewer crowds and cheaper prices, the fall is the perfect time for you and your family to take a great vacation. All...