By Judy Koutsky It can be challenging to find a vacation destination that kids will love and that also appeals to mom and dad.
The
key is finding a place that has enough diverse activities to keep the
kids busy throughout the day, but also has some adult-style fun, like
spa and golf.
Some places—like Florida—are a great place to
combine sun and fun with alone time with your honey. At Amelia Island
Plantation (888-261-6161;
www.aipfl.com)
there are a plethora of activities to keep the whole family busy. Kids
can soak up the sun at one of the resort’s 20 on-property pools, or
kayak through the marshes with a naturalist guide. The family can hike,
bike or jog on more than seven miles of tree-canopied trails or visit
the nature center for interactive lessons and guided activities on the
native flora and fauna. Beach lovers can explore over three miles of
wide, uncrowded, sun-drenched Atlantic sand. Adults can play a round or
two on 72-holes of championship golf or participate in a golf clinic
with an Amelia Island Plantation pro. Of course, there’s some R and R
to be had at the resort’s deluxe spa.
If you’re
traveling with kids that range in age from babies to teens, than
Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa (800-BEACHES;
www.beaches.com)
is the place to be. Little kids will love the Caribbean adventure with
Sesame Street. They can spend their days hanging out with the
Sesame Street gang including Abby Cadabby, Elmo, Cookie Monster,
Grover, Zoe and Bert. Activities including the character breakfasts,
weekly stage shows, parades, and one-on-one character time such as:
Story Time with Elmo, Baking Cookies with Cookie Monster, Learning to
Dance with Zoe, Exploring with Grover and Making Music with Bert &
Ernie. For kids who love Sesame Street, vacation does not get better
than this.
Anyone traveling with teens knows that it’s not
easy keeping them entertained. Well, Beaches has debuted a variety of
new activities and hang-outs specifically targeting these tough
customers. They can create their own music at the Scratch DJ Academy or
they can check out Liquid, the 21 and under aqua-themed nightclub.
Still want more? They can hit the Xbox 360 Game Garage or visit Trench
Lounge which features laser hockey, foosball and electronic baseball.
What’s
great about Beaches Resort, is that it’s not just for kids. While the
children are at kids camp or enjoying a variety of other fun
activities, parents can take advantage of the luxurious Red Lane Spa on
property. And if they’re looking for a little romance, they can have
dinner at one of the adults-only restaurants like the romantic Le Petit
Chateau. What’s really nice is that the kids camp is not only open
during the day, but they have evening hours (from 6-9). So drop the
kids off and enjoy your spouse. And remember, it’s all included (no
extra cost for night kids camp or specialty restaurants).
Staying
at a family-friendly resort does not mean it can’t also be luxurious.
Beaches new Italian Village offers spacious suites with a separate kids
room that includes bunk beds, cribs for babies (by request) and a
plasma TV. The master bedroom has a sitting area, large plasma TV,
four-poster bed and a bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub and double marble
vanities. The private check-in area will appeal to mom and dad and the
freshly baked cookies in the lobby will be a hit with the kids. With 16
restaurants, it’s easy to make everyone happy whether it’s pizza and
burgers or fillet mignon and freshly-caught fish.
So pack up the kids and get ready for a vacation that everyone will enjoy.
