It is that time of year again where you might be looking for family vacation ideas that are toddler-friendly. Not every vacation is toddler friendly, so I took the liberty of giving you a few ideas (me having a toddler makes me an expert right?) Not all of these ideas are going to be for everyone but I hope I can at least spark something in you that helps you to plan a toddler friendly family vacation.
Related: 9 Travel Hacks You Need to Know Before You Hit the Road with Kids
Family Vacation Ideas That Are Toddler-Friendly
Camping
No matter where you live, there is no doubt a great campground. The good news is you have options! Many campgrounds these days offer lots of family entertainment with games and pools and movie nights. I prefer a good ole state park with a lake, some biking or walking trails and lots of trees. We went camping every summer when I was a kid, up until I graduated high school. Some of my fondest memories are of roasting marshmallows and gathering sticks for the fire. Let your child get dirty then hose him off in the lake! Being outside and breathing fresh air will tire him out as well!
Cruise
If there was a vacation that was geared towards families, cruising is the one. I have been on two myself (not with kids, but I plan to!) and there were always so many families aboard. Cruising staff are prepared and have planned out activities for kids of all ages, at virtually any time of day. If you are looking for a good family-centered cruise, check out Carnival, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean. Disney Cruise Line, of course, is the best for families with toddlers. They have a nursery and a club for kids 3 and up. You have the opportunity to see many different places when you choose a cruise! Think of all the great family memories to be made.
Indoor water resorts
I feel like these are a new thing, but I could be wrong. You don’t have to wait until summer to experience a water park. Two that come to mind are Great Wolf Lodge and Coco Key Water Resort. I know I love summertime because whenever there is water involved, my kids get nice and tired out and sleep amazingly. Unlike just heading to the water park for the day, you can go, then break for lunch, take a nap and go back. How cool is that? The resorts tend to keep those areas with water a little warmer too, so you aren’t freezing when you get out (which can always ruin a good time).
Nature places
Kids love anything that has to do with nature. Now that my son is walking and starting to understand things a little more, after breakfast he likes to find his shoes, steps on them (he thinks that is how they get on his feet) and then go to the slider because he wants to go out back. He is fascinated by all the things outside! There is nothing like watching your child’s face light up when they discover birds in the trees or lizards on the ground. Check out your area, but if you feel the need to travel to the sunshine state of Florida, you must check out Sanibel Island; white sand beaches for you and daily sights of eagles, armadillos, and of course dolphins.
City
Big cities are chock full of fun stuff to do with your family and your toddler. Washington D.C. comes to mind. When we last visited for the day while passing through, we took advantage of the free admission to the museums and went to the Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History and the Air and Space Museum. When you are searching for hotels to stay in, no matter what city you choose, try to find one that offers suites, it may sound budget breaking at first, but think about all the meals you can eat in your room with the kitchenette and have a place for the kids to nap when they need to. You will enjoy your vacation that much more.
The truth is no matter where you go; you will be creating memories with your family. Of course, there are some vacations that are easier to go on when you have toddlers to entertain, but you really can’t go wrong (unless you choose someplace that doesn’t allow kids). Kids, toddlers included, are pretty portable and even more so when they get tired and will sit in the stroller.
Traveling with a toddler can be a handful, but it’s always worth it once you see them enjoying the place! These are awesome tips and I’m sure a lot of new parents will appreciate this.
The nature walks for my children are so awesome that even as tweens they still enjoy it
We are planning a Disney Cruise for mid 2017. Cant wait for that. These are all great ideas for kid friendly adventures, we have a few indoor waterparks fairly close to home that are on our travel list this year also.
What a great list!! I’m all about cruises!!! If I could live in a cruise ship with my family, I totally would lol