Summer is coming, but there is still time for planning your family friendly vacations. We love to travel and have been able to take our kids on some fun trips that I would think are totally family friendly. Check out my favorites here:
Disneyland – I have loved Disneyland since I was little, who hasn’t. The thing that makes you worry about taking your kids to Disneyland are the crowds, nap time being interrupted and the scary measles outbreak that happened last year. The thing is, you can’t let things like that stop you from having fun, unless there really is another outbreak than maybe think twice. Taking your kids to Disneyland is a whole new experience because now you get to see everything through their eyes. To stand there with your child to see their favorite characters in real life is the most amazing feeling for both parents and children. Disneyland will always be a favorite family vacation spot for my family.
St George, UT – Living in Utah, Saint George is one of the biggest family destinations. Growing up my family always went to southern Utah because the weather was always nicer and everyone was down there making it much more fun. I love going there because it’s only a four-hour drive from Salt Lake City, we can take our kids to the pool and enjoy the warm weather together. This was where we did our first road trip with our family before our daughter was born. Thank goodness they have increased the speed limits on the freeway.
Spring City, UT – Before marrying my wife, I had never even heard of Spring City. With a population of less than 1000 it’s no wonder. Spring City is great because it’s only an hour and a half from the city, but it’s far enough away that you feel like you’re away from the world. The entire town is on the National Historic Site and many of the pioneer homes have been restored to their original character. It is the home of many Utah artists and especially fun to visit Memorial Weekend for Home Tours. Spring City is a great place to just get away and not have to worry about what’s going on in the world because your cell service can get a little sketchy.
Bear River Lodge – When I was little, summer time meant that we would go on a weeklong camping trip. I don’t know if that’s what ruined it for me, or the fact that I hate all your stuff smells like smoke when you go camping. That being said though, I love being able to get away to the Uinta mountains where it’s cooler weather and again, just nice to be away from technology. Bear River Lodge is close to my favorite camping spot, Christmas Meadows, and has the option to rent ATVs. We have done four wheelers many times, but also rent a six person ride that can hook the car seats into and take the little ones on the amazing trails around the mountain.
Kauai, HI – I know, it’s a little extreme for some, but we have been going to Kauai for years and to not take my kids there would just feel weird to me. I love Kauai because it’s not as crowded as the other islands, tourists aren’t going to be everywhere and a lot of the time you feel like you have the beaches to yourself. We took our son when he was just over a year old and loved it. A lot of the time people don’t want to take their kids because they feel like their kids will hold them back from having fun. We never felt that way. We renting a hiking backpack for going on the Na’ Pali coast, kayaking up the Wailua, pool time and site-seeing so many amazing places.
Waldorf Astoria Park City – Just because you want to take a vacation doesn’t mean you have to go far. This is one of the reasons why I love going to the Waldorf Astoria in Park City because it’s close to us, but you feel like you are far away. Located at the canyons Village base of Park City Resort this is set in the heart of an all-season playground but is still just as fantastic in the summer as it is in the winter. Great pools, nearby outdoor sports (hiking, biking, horseback riding) and the love of small town feel as you are able to go to Main Street in Park City. Why do I pick Waldorf Astoria though? They are actually very family friendly and will accommodate to your needs so you don’t feel like you are putting them out when you are staying there with your children. And if you are saving the money from flying somewhere far, maybe it could be fun to put that money into staying somewhere nice.
When you are trying to figure out a fun family vacation it’s important to look at what works for you and your family. We have flown many times and I share here tips for traveling with a toddler on the plane. If you are flying, driving or stay-cationing, do something fun with your family because family trips bring the best memories.
