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 Getaway Guide - Family Adventures in the Caribbean |
| Summer's here, school's out, and the Caribbean's calling. We've got 67 island adventures guaranteed to keep the whole family happy. |
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By: Caribbean Travel + Life,
Photo: Club Med
You love the Caribbean. “One day,” you say, “we’ll take the kids there.” You say it like it’s the freakin’ moon. The simple fact is, from the gentle waves and mostly nonpoisonous wildlife to the relaxed dress codes and absurd abundance of over-engineered swimming pools, the Caribbean is perhaps the world’s best family destination. With a new focus on kid-centric ...
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| Featured Articles |
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Bring History to Life on a Family Vacation  |
| Your kids can soak up the Spanish and Native-American influence in Santa Fe, stroll the cobblestone streets of Colonial Williamsburg or kick back in covered ... |
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| Park City, Utah |
| Park City, Utah
Winter wonderland Park City also offers spectacular warm-weather ops. Enjoy mesmerizing mountain views from up to 8,000 feet during scenic gondola rides ...
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| Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa |
| Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, Chandler, Arizona
You’ll soak up Native-American culture—not to mention the ubiquitous Arizona sun—in every corner of this family-friendly ... |
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| 10 Tips for Traveling With Children | |
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Taking kids on a trip doesn't have to be a trial, if you do some research and make a few calls in advance.
1. Pack light: Bring only the essentials. The more you bring, the more you have to keep up with and the heavier the bags. Kids can require a lot of stuff: car seats, strollers, cribs, high chairs. Check out www.babysaway.com where you can rent gear instead of packing it all. Some car rental companies also rent child safety seats and some hotels offer childproof rooms or cribs upon request. Call ahead.
2. Expect the unexpected : Not to ...
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| Affordable Family Getaways | |
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From the magnificent mountains to the shining sea-and most everything in between
What revs up your family-vacation mojo? Whether it’s the sea or the desert, mountains or valleys, we’ve cherry-picked a geographical buffet of affordable travel ops sure to delight.
Ceiba del Mar Beach & Spa Resort, Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya, Mexico
Park City, Utah
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Sonoma, California
Disney Cruise Line
Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, Chandler, Arizona ...
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| Hot Springs, Arkansas | |
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Amid mountain lakes...
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs features a small but gorgeous national park and is surrounded by a valley of 47 steamy thermal springs. The verdant, clear-water Diamond Lakes region of the Ouachita Mountains affords an array of water sports, fishing, hiking and more. You’ll also discover a 210-acre botanical garden, a combination theme/water park and lodgings to fit all budgets, including the stately Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa in the heart of historic downtown Hot Springs.
Cool for ...
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| Sonoma, California | |
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Among the vines...
Sonoma, California
Think the kids are too young to drink in the riches of Sonoma—with its world-class wineries and cuisine? Not so. Nestled in the leafy canyons of this delicious destination are a profusion of family-friendly delights. The region is also ripe with fine accommodations; we like the Farmhouse, a lovely turn-of-the-century Russian River Valley bed-and-breakfast inn.
Cool for kids
Book a kayaking tour of the Russian River and whale watch at Bodega Head beach. Stay overnight at ...
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| Disney Cruise Line | |
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At sea...
Disney Cruise Line
When it comes to family cruising, Disney can’t be beat. Beyond its Caribbean itinerary, the fleet has recently spread its water wings to the Mediterranean, and as of this spring, the Disney Magic will sail a 12-night tour of northern Europe. Plus, the new Art Deco– style Disney Dream—complete with a 765-foot water roller coaster—will debut in 2011.
Cool for kids
Pools, clubs, activities and parties for all ages await. And the new itineraries will offer ...
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| Ceiba del Mar Beach & Spa Resort | |
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At the beach...
Ceiba del Mar Beach & Spa Resort, Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya, Mexico
An oasis awaits you just 20 minutes south of the Cancún airport. As you check into this elegant Mayan/Mexican–style resort, a champagne cocktail is placed in your hand—a hint of what’s to come. All rooms and suites have terraces overlooking a swim-up-bar plunge pool and private powder-sand Gulf of Mexico beach. With a holistic aromatherapy spa,
tennis courts and myriad amenities, you’ll be on your way to vacation ...
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| Top 25 Holiday Deals | |
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'Tis the season for saving on island vacations around the Caribbean!
Dreaming of an island getaway in the depths of winter? Caribbean Travel and Life editors have put together a list of special deals for families and couples.
Learn more here ...
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| Holiday Travel Stress & Joy! | |
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Oh, the joys of family travel!
The number one holiday destination is to see family—maybe it’s grandparents who live far away in a retirement community, or maybe they are back home and you and your family have set up life elsewhere. Some of you might have really big plans to visit relatives a continent away.
Financial stress doesn’t make travel decisions any easier, especially where airfares are necessary. We’ve been told by the best, if you haven't booked plane tickets by now, prices are ...
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| Five Sleep Tips for Better Business Travel with Family | |
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The entrepreneur behind "Pick Nick's Brain" shares her travel sleep strategy.
When work sends you on a business trip, even if it’s to an exciting new city, being away from your family can be lonely and difficult. Paige Rien, a designer on HGTV’s “Hidden Potential” and a new mom, knows just what it’s like. During her son’s first year, she traveled monthly, sometimes up to 8 days at a time. “I just didn’t want to be away from my son for that long,” Paige says. “Bringing him along allowed us to be ...
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| Editor's Pick: Hot Caribbean Deals for Families | |
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From free nights and adjoining rooms to kids clubs and excursions, family deals for every budget abound this summer...
The Crane Resort in Barbados is the Caribbean's oldest operating hotel also happens to occupy one of Barbados' best stretches of beach, and with the Crane Resort's Families That Play Together package you can enjoy both at a cool summer rate starting at $290 per night. The three-night minimum promotion includes one-bedroom ocean-view accommodations and 3-hours of complimentary childcare twice during your stay, plus kids 12 and under stay and eat free the whole time.
Package: Families That Play ...
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| Spend July 4th In An Historic Hotel | |
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Here's a peek at AAA hotel inspectors' favorite lodgings and best historic drive trips.
Americans will be celebrating the 4th with firework displays, barbecues and weekend getaways. AAA is celebrating with “History Week.” They polled its 65 property inspectors and asked for their favorite historic hotels. For those wishing to celebrate the holiday weekend, their top ten picks are featured below.
Ten Historic Hotels from AAA Hotel Inspectors
Boston Omni Parker House Hotel, Boston, Mass.
Located on the Freedom Trail, this hotel claims to be the oldest of Boston’s elegant ...
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| Welcome Aboard | |
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For your next family getaway, hit the high seas on one of these floating family resorts.
If you’ve never taken a family cruise vacation, now’s the time to set sail. With nearly all-inclusive prices—often less than a hotel room alone—these floating resorts promise rest and relaxation or nonstop action, plus exciting ports of call in most every corner of the earth. So what are you waiting for? Grab your sea legs and go.
Royal Caribbean International
Carnival Cruise Lines
Princess Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruises
Disney Cruise Line ...
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| Royal Caribbean International | |
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Hankering to meet Sponge Bob?
Whether your idea of vacation bliss is a much-needed nap on a chaise lounge in a solarium, climbing a challenging rock wall, shopping a promenade or savoring world-class cuisine amid gardens, terraces and waterfalls, this innovative cruise line’s fleet of 20 ships has it all—for parents and kids alike. With destinations from Baltimore to Barcelona to San Diego to Shanghai (and everywhere in between), plus Nickelodeon Family Cruises, you’ve got a memory-making family getaway.
What’s special Set sail ...
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| Carnival Cruise Lines | |
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Floating fun
Known as the “Fun Ships” for nearly 40 years, Carnival’s fleet of 22 is dedicated to your family’s good time—think one big floating party—as you cruise to the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, New England, Canada, South America or Europe for 3 to 16 days. On deck you’ll find pools, the colorful Twister waterslide, nine-hole golf, concerts, movies and more. Inside: shops, art galleries, cafés, bistros, clubs—there’s something for everyone from loungechair potatoes to pool addicts.
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| Princess Cruises | |
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Not your parents "Love Boat"
When one of their ships assumed the title role in the ’70s hit TV series The Love Boat , Princess Cruises went on to become one of the three largest cruise lines in the world. With 350 ports and destinations on seven continents, this 17-ship family-friendly fleet offers what it calls “Big Ship Choice, Small Ship Feel,” extending the kind of personal service comparable to that of a first-class hotel—from 24-hour room service to chocolates on your pillows at night. ...
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| Norwegian Cruise Line | |
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Dining freedom and comedy classes
Set sail on any of the 11 NCL ships and you’re destined to have the vacation that you want. Cruises are from 3 to 21 days, and popular destinations for families include the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii, South America and Europe. And there are stateroom choices galore, including villas and plenty of balconies and interconnecting rooms and suites.
What’s special Norwegian’s philosophy of “Freestyle Cruising” allows passengers to eat what they want (at as many as 13 ...
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| Celebrity Cruises | |
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Luxury for all ages
This cruise line couldn’t have a more appropriate name. You’ll immediately feel like a pampered celeb when you’re handed a glass of champagne as you step aboard. On this fleet of eight, with four elegant new ships launching through 2012, you can cruise anywhere from Alaska to Australia. While all the ships welcome kids and families, you might want to reserve this upscale vacation for a second honeymoon or a girlfriends’ getaway.
What’s special Enjoy Specialty Dining at restaurants ...
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| Disney Cruise Line | |
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Dreams come true on the high seas
For more than a decade the Magic Kingdom has staked a claim on Neptune’s domain and sailed the azure waters of the Caribbean and Mediterranean seas And next year new European destinations are on the log With 3 to 7 day cruises featuring exciting destinations endless activities and magical entertainment Disney’s two luxury ships with two more soon to set sail offer what may be the ultimate in family friendly cruising
What’s special These ships were built for ...
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| New York's Kid Havens | |
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An insiders' guide to where to play, learn, shop and nosh in Manhattan and beyond.
Any family with young kids in the Big Apple knows to hit up the Central Park Zoo , the American Museum of Natural History and the American Girl Store. But if you’re looking to avoid hordes of tourists and expose your youngsters to places a little farther off the radar (but even more fun!), NYC has no shortage of lesser-known gems. Check out Time Out Kids’ top picks for bookstores, theaters, candy shops, play spaces and more.
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| Travel & Learn | |
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No school, so no lessons? No way. Summer family getaways offer kids all sorts of creative learning--whether at the beach, on the town, in the country or even visiting Mickey.
If you’ve heard experts say that summertime is synonymous with kids’ brain drain, fear not: Even the most laid-back family travel provides prime locales for learning. “Vacation sights, sounds and activities offer a great opportunity for curious kids to ask questions and seek information,” says Steven L. Pastyrnak, PhD, a pediatric
psychologist at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI. Here, kid learning ops in popular vacay spots.
Beach Blanket Brain Boosters
Trips to the sand and ...
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| Go Eco! | |
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Fabulous vacation finds that bring on the fun as you honor the earth
What makes a great family vacation destination? Fun for kids, relaxation for Mom and Dad, beautiful sights, sumptuous food, the great outdoors, a chance to learn something new. What if you could have all these things even as you show your respect for the environment? You can, and we’ve got five amazing destinations to prove it. From Maine to Mexico, from Florida to Hawaii, join us for nature- based travel you’ll never forget.
Abaco Beach Resort & Boat ...
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| Universal Studios Hollywood | |
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Los Angeles, CA (also Orlando, FL)
Rub elbows with Shrek, the Terminator, Scooby-Doo and more at this massive theme park owned by NBC Universal. Catch the popular studio tour, where you might peek in on movie and TV filming and maybe see celebs in action. Of course, there are monstrous thrills provided by the likes of Jurassic Park—The Ride, with its wild 84-foot plunge. Also catch the Universal Animal Actors show and the Shrek 4-D interactive experience—a must for little ones. What's new: This spring, ...
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| Walt Disney World | |
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Lake Buena Vista, FL
Holding strong as the most popular resort on earth, Walt Disney World boasts four magical theme parks, two water parks and myriad hotels, restaurants and shopping venues. For dreamers young and old, there are the timeless Cinderella Castle and the Disney Dreams Come True Parade. For thrill seekers, Space Mountain and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror bring on the buzz. Little ones are captivated by It's a Small World and the Festival of the Lion King show, and young ...
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| SeaWorld | |
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San Diego, CA (also Orlando, FL, and San Antonio, TX)
You have to visit SeaWorld to appreciate all that this marine playground offers. Come face-to-face with the wonders of aquatic life by feeding seals, watching cool white beluga whales and perky penguins and stroking sea urchins and dolphins. Walk through a 57-foot acrylic tube that runs the length of a shark habitat or climb into the wet and wild Journey to Atlantis coaster, which plunges 60 feet into a lake (rain slickers optional). What's new: This spring, SeaWorld San Diego ...
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| Sesame Place | |
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Langhorne, PA
How do you get to Sesame Street? Head straight for Langhorne, just 30 minutes north of Philadelphia. This lively, colorful park, based on the TV show and open each year beginning in May, is a preschooler's dream: Where else can you rub shoulders with Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster and, of course, Elmo, while splashing through water play areas and twirling on rides? Be sure to join the daily Rock Around the Block Parade with all the characters ...
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| Legoland California | |
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Carlsbad, CA
This European import set up shop in California in 1999, but Legoland's namesake plastic bricks have been entertaining young builders for many decades. Focusing on kids 2 to 12, the relatively new park with more than 50 rides, shows and attractions has already won numerous awards, such as Best Children's Theme Park in Amusement Today magazine for the past four years. Whether savoring sights like LEGO models of Mt. Rushmore and the Manhattan skyline or relishing a ride on Coastersaurus, ...
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| Six Flags | |
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Springfield, MA (also 11 other U.S locations)
Gargantuan roller coasters kiss the sky, then riders rocket down hills and zip around hairpin turns as they scream at the top of their lungs. Meanwhile, iconic characters like Bugs Bunny, Batman and Robin, Scooby-Doo and Superman mingle with guests on the ground. At Six Flags parks, superstars, adrenaline rushes and extreme thrills reign. And the best part is that no matter where you live, you probably have easy access to one of the 12 locations in ten states. What's ...
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| Disneyland Resort | |
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Anaheim, CA
Inspired by fans eager to be up close and personal with Mickey and Pluto, Walt Disney created the enchanting Disneyland in 1955. The rest, as they say, is history (including the much later opening of Walt Disney World in Florida). In the late 1990s, the park became part of the Disneyland Resort, teaming up with the new California Adventure Park. So today, thanks to Walt's "wish upon a star," you can not only tour Mickey's House, fly to Neverland with ...
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| More Great Parks to Visit | |
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Best of the Rest
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, FL, and Williamsburg, VA The two Busch Gardens—Africa (FL) and Europe (VA)—feature thrilling rides, live shows and restaurants. With one of the largest zoos in America, Busch Gardens Africa will unveil Jungala, an exotic jungle experience, this spring. And Busch Gardens Europe has amazing greenery like Italy Gardens sculpture park. Both parks have the famous Budweiser Clydesdales and amazing coasters like SheiKra or Griffon. Europe: $50 for children 3 to 9, $57 for adults; 800-343-7946. ...
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| Worlds of Wonder | |
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The latest attractions and greatest deals at top theme parks
Ask a kid to imagine his next vacation and chances are that visions of superheroes and roller coasters and sea creatures will dance in his head. That's why classic theme parks are constantly reinventing themselves, luring families back to their favorites again and again. We've checked in with the nation's top amusement venues to fill you in on what's new and where the bargains are. You don't need to wish upon that star to make your next family trip ...
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| Travelin' Tots | |
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Hit the Road, Baby!
Late-summer car trip? Here's how to survive the drive. When Mary Webb's daughters were 7, 5 and 3, she drove them from Cambridge, MA, to a remote cabin in Maine. The 41-year-old landscape architect felt well prepared for the six-hour journey, having loaded the car with pillows, DVDs and the Annie Get Your Gun CD. Her girls, however, were not so sanguine. "They squirmed. They fought. They all wanted the same space," Mary recalls. "It was a struggle just ...
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| Great Adventures | |
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Six active & awesome vacations that will thrill every member of your family
Adventure: an exciting or remarkable experience. We took this definition to heart as we explored active—and inspired—family getaways. Where did our search take us? To exquisite mountain paradises and stellar seaside settings. From kayaking to cavorting with dolphins, from hiking to hunting fossils, these adventures are worth traveling for. Sarasota, Florida Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada Grand Teton National Park Wyoming Acapulco, Mexico Appalachian Mountain Club's Highland Center Park City, Utah
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| Sarasota | |
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Sarasota, Florida
Channel your inner Indiana Jones and take a walk on the wild side of this Gulf Coast hot spot: Paddle through alligator-filled waters, see dolphins in the wild, canoe through mangrove-lined waterways or hunt for fossils on sugary white beaches. The adventure Begin your exploration at Myakka River State Park, where you can backpack through 39 miles of trails that Native American warriors once roamed. Then hop into kayaks and paddle upriver as gators glide by. Younger kids and faint-of-heart ...
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| Moncton | |
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New Brunswick, Canada
We just had to tell you about this mesmerizing natural wonderland, only a two-hour flight from New York City. The kids will quickly forget MySpace and iPods when they set eyes on the whales, foxes and little brown bats found in this North Atlantic coast locale. And parents, get ready to awaken childhood dreams and break out of your comfort zone as you explore the Bay of Fundy's ocean floor with your children or rappel off the nearby cliffs—all within ...
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| Grand Teton National Park | |
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Wyoming
From the peaks of the Teton Range to the valley of Jackson Hole 7,000 feet below, awe-inspiring views and intriguing wildlife diversity make Grand Teton a must-go for the nature lover in all of us. Ever dreamed of whitewater rafting with the kids? This is the place to do it, as well as moose-watching alongside lakes and rivers. Stay at the rustic yet modern Signal Mountain Lodge and you'll gain a greater appreciation of the environment and a better understanding ...
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| Acapulco | |
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Mexico
This once glamorous tropical destination has undergone serious renovation—and gotten its mojo back. Beyond sunning on white-sand beaches and shopping, Acapulco is ideal for adventurous families, with opportunities to explore the sea, commune with dolphins, parasail and more. ...
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| Appalachian Mountain Club's Highland Center | |
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Crawford Notch, New Hampshire
The great outdoors is a family affair at this adventure camp and lodge in the heart of the White Mountains. The 26-acre Highland Center borders the White Mountain National Forest and is minutes from Crawford Notch State Park—think moose, deer, red fox and other creatures great and small. The adventure Offered three times in July and August, the Family Adventure Camp includes activities from hiking and scavenger hunts to kayaking and fly-fishing lessons. You can also go off on your ...
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| Park City | |
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Utah
Summer is definitely the off-season in this year-round resort community cradled in the Wasatch Mountains, just 30 miles from downtown Salt Lake City. But active families can make use of scenic slopes sans skis and snowboards—with hiking boots or bikes. If snow happens along, all the more fun. The adventure More than 8,500 acres of the Greatest Snow on Earth provide a winter playground for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. At the Utah Olympic Park, adventurers can ...
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| Family Escapes | |
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Ooh and Ahh
We know what you want in a vacation: time for your kids to play and be amazed, time for you to relax and unwind, and time for your whole family to enjoy some of life's delights together. So we've searched for destinations that offer it all—the oooh for your kids and the aaah for you—and found six exceptional escapes (one is on our website). From California to the Caribbean, from Orlando to the Ozarks, fabulous fun, spa sensations and ...
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| Family Destinations | |
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Resorts Kids Love
Want the kids to have the time of their lives on vacation? We think
you all deserve a relaxing, exhilarating, memorable getaway, where,
yes, even the grown-ups have a blast. Working Mother
scoured the country and the Caribbean for the kinds of retreats that
keep your kids entertained so you can do some playing on your own, as
well as with your children. With a little help from our readers and our
staff, here are two of eight highly recommended and geographically
diverse destinations. They ...
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| Educational Trips | |
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Great American Learning Vacations
Sure, you can go to the beach for yet another family vacation—and have
a splashing good time. But maybe this is the year to try something a
little different, a little smarter. Why not join the many families who
are discovering the fun of a learning vacation. You can find out how to
make pottery or adobe-style oven bread in New Mexico on land owned by
one of our nation's ancient tribal communities. Or take your little
drama queen (or king) to the Twin Cities to ...
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