Friday, March 22, 2024

Latest Posts

Best Vacations 2-year Olds

Quintessential East Coast Family Vacations To Take In 2023

Disney Family Vacation with our 2 Year Old: Walt Disney World 2017

Long before Instagram burst onto the scene as the medium that serves up vacation inspiration, movies and television introduced us to quintessential east coast family vacations. Think about the lakeside cabin resort in Dirty Dancing, the seashore that was home to the mermaid that captivated a young Tom Hanks in Splash, or that scene at the top of the Empire State Building in Sleepless in Seattle.

We have spent years exploring East Coast vacation spots from our home base in Rhode Island. So if you are asking, what are the best places to visit on the East Coast, take a look at our 26 favorites.

If you prefer to explore the East Coast by car, we also have 20 ideas for week-long East Coast road trips for you to try.

You’ll Want To Cross These Kid

A couple of months before my daughter, Katie, turned 9, we hopped in the car for a day trip to Idlewild, a beautiful park in western Pennsylvania with a storybook theme. After about an hour of halfheartedly meandering around the Three Bears’ house and exploring Jack & Jill’s hill, Katie told me, “This would have been cute when I was younger!” She really was too old to be interested in most of the activities.

I had missed the boat. Don’t do the same. Visit as many of these places as you can while they’re still captivating for your child.

Best Budget: Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach

Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach

  • Can get loud at night

Sitting on the Gulf of Mexico in Floridas panhandle, Panama City Beach is known for powdery white-sand beaches. A good budget option here is the Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach. Its accommodations provide plenty of room to spread out the upgraded two-bedroom suites have full-size fridges and microwaves, and select rooms also have bunk beds with a partition wall for a bit of privacy.

Guests can take advantage of Floridas nearly year-round sunshine and hang out in the lazy river, kids water park, or lagoon pool, which has its own waterfall. Live entertainment, complimentary kids activities like hands-on crafts, and poolside movies are also included in your stay. The resort has four different restaurants, provides room service until 10 p.m., and offers complimentary food for kids under 12 when adults purchase an entrée, a huge draw, as all the activities will surely ramp up their appetite.

Also Check: Vacation Home Rentals London Uk

Gulf Shores And Orange Beach Alabama

Nestled along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, this family destination is bursting with a ton of water activities, can’t-miss attractions, and an unending amount of tasty treats. The Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer pristine, soft sand at the beach, plus fishing, kayaking, coastal wildlife, and other outdoor adventures in the back bays. Families who want to get back to nature might consider camping for a few nights in the area, but if youre not feeling that adventurous, The Lodge at Gulf State Park combines the luxury of hotel amenities with a 360-degree view of the gorgeous Gulf State Park.

Brooks Lake Lodge And Spa Dubois Wy

30+ Best Family Vacations

One of the few all-inclusive resorts in the Rocky Mountains that manages to not be a dude ranch but has one of the most iconic settings in the West as its backdrop.

Located a mere hour-long drive away from the Grand Teton National Parks and Yellowstone, near Jackson Hole, the Brooks Lake Lodge and Spa makes for a great weekend getawayfor Wyoming residents.

A grand 100 years old, the historic lodge is a throwback to the time of its origin, with rustic cabins, wooden interiors and vintage decor.

However, their activities are in no wayoutdated youll find a ton of activitiesthat even the toddlers of today will enjoy uninhibitedly!

A summer camp for all ages, parents included, youll find that the resort offers fun, OG family activities such as model boat races, arts and crafts sessions, sing-alongs, nature walks and moonlit campfire nights under the stars.

Each days age-appropriate activities are puttogether by the ranchs childrens coordinator, ensuring variety andinclusivity.

Additionally, youll find horseback riding and tea parties even the smallest members of the family can try out the former on the resorts super-cute, super-patient horses with an escort from the resort leading them around the paddock.

The tea parties are another super-fun activity, arising from the afternoon tradition the early Easterners brought to the West.

Kids get yummy treats such as fresh fruit,cookies, cheese, and even crumpets to satisfy the pre-dinner hunger pangs .

Recommended Reading: How To Sell Your Disney Vacation Club

Infographic: List Of Places That You Can Visit With Your Toddler

Vacations are necessary for every family. But, if you have a toddler, the first thought that might come to your mind while planning for a vacation must be how can you and your toddler both have fun? Well, we have the following list of places picked out for you that are toddler-friendly and will ensure fun for the whole family.

Golf Resorts With Toddlers

Golf resorts can be one of the best places to go with toddlers and young children. For those of you who dont know me, its no secret that I love golf. From a very young age Ive always enjoyed playing it, watching it, and talking about it. Its a special game one that can be played by anyone at any point during their life, and one that can be played with almost anybody.

That includes family. As I watch my children grow, I get more and more excited to introduce them to golf. Theyre not quite there yet, but my wife and I have broke them in a little bit with various trips to golf resorts. You might be surprised to find out that a golf resort can be one of the best family vacation destinations with toddlers.

The best part about it? You wont even have to leave the resort! Once you park the car and get all your belongings into the room, thats it! The rest of your time can be spent walking the scenic paths, eating at one of the many fine restaurants, swimming in the pools and kicking back in the hot tub, or finding a fun family activity for everyone to enjoy. And these activities, weve come to find out, are endless!

No matter what you find yourself doing and whether you like golf or not, youll always find something for you and your children to do at a golf resort. Its the ideal destination for any young family!

See more from Destinations Graves here and follow @destinationgraves on Instagram!

Recommended Reading: Printable Packing List For Vacation

San Francisco With A Toddler

San Francisco is a great base for a fun familyvacation with young children. The weather is never too hot or too cold, thecable cars are a blast and there is a good mix of food, museums and nature tokeep everyone happy.

Its not a big city just 7×7 miles soyou can see a lot in a day. I like to start the day with Dolores Park, in thesunny Mission district. Grab a morning bun and a coffee from world-famousTartine Bakery , sit backand let your toddler enjoy the playground while you people watch.

Next, choose one of San Franciscos fun museums. I recommend the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. There are interactive exhibits about the history of San Francisco, an aquarium, a planetarium and a rainforest, all under one roof. All perfect for visiting San Francisco with kids!

In the afternoon, give your legs a rest andtake a cable car through San Franciscos prettiest neighborhoods. End your tourat Ghiradelli Square for hot cocoa and enjoy the views of the wharf. If thereis still time, head over to to Chrissy Field to play on the beach and get somefamily selfies with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

Follow @tiny.trailblazers on Instagram!

Best East Coast Family Vacations

Cancun Mexico with Kids Babies : Panama Jack 2021

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. All opinions are my own.

These 26 East Coast vacations are perfect for classic family trips. Get inspired and then get planning. Tie a few of them together in a big road trip, or take your time to enjoy each destination.

Don’t Miss: South Island New Zealand Vacation

Lake Lure North Carolina

Lake Lure, North Carolina is a great destination for families. You will find plenty of adventure on and off the water surrounded by gorgeous mountain views in every direction. A few must-visit stops are the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, Chimney Rock State Park, and Chimney Rock Village with lots of shops, and dining options, along with a scenic riverwalk next to the creek that kids will enjoy playing in on a warm sunny day.

The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge is one of two flowering bridges in the United States. Every planter on this former vehicle bridge is a different creative theme and attracts around 8-10,000 visitors from April- October each year.

There are 8 hiking trails for guests to explore at Chimney Rock. Two trails that you will definitely want to check out are the hike to the top of Chimney Rock for incredible views of the area and Hickory Nut Falls Trail to see the 2nd largest waterfall east of the Mississippi. For a relaxing day on the water, take a scenic pontoon boat ride with Lake Lure Tours or enjoy the water beachside located steps away from the Lake Lure Inn and Spa.

Where to stay

Punta Cana Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is easy to reach, thanks to numerous nonstop flights from many East Coast cities, and we’ve enjoyed several of the island’s top beachfront resorts that cater to families. Club Med Punta Cana features cool activities from Creactive by Cirque du Soleil, boutique-hotel styling, and a full kids program. The Nickelodeon Resort is another great option for families, with a fabulous water park, character visits, a kids club, and stunning beachside pools.

Don’t Miss: Last Minute Vacation Rentals San Diego

Top International Destinations With Toddlers

The thought of traveling internationally with your toddler might be a little scary, but I am here to tell you that it is possible. Some of the best international places to travel with toddlers love kids, so dont stress.

Weve been traveling full-time with our son since he was 14 months old, and its been an adventure. Hes now 3 years old and has had great experiences traveling internationally.

Honestly, its better than the US. In other places, it feels as though kids are allowed to be kids. You dont have to stress yourself out trying to make sure your little one is perfect or feel bad for the occasional tantrum.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase.As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Click here for the complete disclosure statement.

With the help of other family travel bloggers, Ive compiled a list of the best international places to travel with toddlers.

This toddler-friendly destination guide will help you find the best international places to travel with your toddler for your next family vacation.

Before we get started, I didnt forget Europe. There are so many great countries that there had to be a separate post just for Europe. You can check out the best places to travel in Europe with toddlers here.

Read More: 10 Reasons to Travel with Toddlers

Dont Forget Travel Insurance

Club Med Cancun Yucatan Cancun Mexico

8 Water Parks That Are Actually Fun for Adults

Merely 15 minutes away from the Cancun airport by cab, Club Med Cancun Yucatan is all kinds of family friendly!

Situated on a 22-acre peninsula, the resort boasts over 430 guestrooms and 18 suites, along with a ton of family and toddler-friendly activities.

Kick back and relax on the covered daybedswhile the littlest members of the family splash around in the pool, or head toany of the 3 gorgeous white-sand beaches, right next door to the 2nd largestcoral reef in the world.

The evenings are full of entertainment courtesy the resort counselors and professional dancers who put together theater and dance performances for the guests.

One of the main draws of the resort is its Club Med Baby Welcome program, with in-room amenities such as cribs, strollers, bottle warmers and infant bathtubs provided for toddlers.

Another thing to look out for is Petit Club Med, a kids club with a ton of activities for the tykes aged 2 and 3.

Mini Club Med also offers thrilling activities, such as flying trapeze lessons , snorkeling and sailing .

Meals at the resort including in-room dining,a la carte dining and even reservation-only restaurants, for those romanticevenings you can snatch away from the brats .

You May Like: Apartment Rentals In London England For Vacation

Jacksonville And Amelia Island Florida

Located in the northeastern corner of Florida, Jacksonville doesn’t get as hot as other Florida cities in the winter. But, its mild and pleasant winter weather is perfect for exploring the city’s historical sites and museums, strolling its pristine beaches, and enjoying some fun animal encounters. You can also spend some time in nearby Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach, where you can explore destination-worthy state parks, play mini golf, bike, and enjoy miles of beautiful beaches.

Best Long Weekend Getaways From Nyc With Kids

Whether your dream long weekend trip with kids involves exploring the Adirondack wilderness, splashing down a waterslide or relaxing with calm lake views, there are many amazing places to choose from near New York City. Visit the historic estates in the Hudson Valley, stay on a working farm in upstate New York, hike in the Catskill Mountains, sunbathe on the beaches of Long Island, or check into a full service resort on the banks of Lake George, NY.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

You May Like: Starting A Vacation Rental Management Company

Vacation Idea For Toddlers #: Visit A Ranch

Your toddler is bound to be fascinated by the horses theyll see out on the ranch, the cowboys, and even sing-alongs. Whether they go on a hayride, feed the animals on the range, or theyre more interested in learning about how the animals are raised, toddlers will certainly be kept well occupied during this experience. Go to a ranch nearby or take a road trip with the entire family to a ranch/farm experience that will be enjoyed by all.

Too Sleepy Or Not Sleepy Enough

TAKING MY 2 YEAR OLD TO DISNEY WORLD FOR THE FIRST TIME!

The Challenge: Your trip has taken you to a different time zone, and your kids are having a hard time getting over their jet lag.

How to Combat It: The younger the child, the harder it is to overcome jet lag, according to Dr. Charles Czeisler, the director of sleep and circadian disorders at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston. Infants, especially, can take weeks to adjust to a new time zone because their ability to synchronize circadian rhythms arent fully developed, he said.

But there some ways to help acclimate to a different time zone.

  • If youre going to Europe, for example, which is ahead in time zones compared with the United States, have your kids go to bed an hour earlier and wake up an hour earlier than their usual time its ideal to start this new routine a week before your trip, but a few days ahead will help, too.
  • For West Coast travel, do the opposite.
  • If you land in your destination during the day, be sure your kids get plenty of natural light. A walk in daylight can do wonders to help you get over jet lag, Dr. Czeisler said.
  • If your kids are exhausted, dont make the mistake of forcing them to stay up all day in the hopes that theyll crash come nighttime. Dr. Czeisler said that daytime naps of between 30 minutes to one hour will actually help them adjust to their new time zone. Plus, you and your kids will be miserable if theyre cranky and sleep deprived, he said.

Also Check: Vacation Rental Companies Destin Fl

Is It Better To Fly At Night Or Day With A Toddler

You may be tempted to book a night flight with a toddler in the hopes that the natural white noise from the airplane engine will help your little one to nod off However, all that stimulation from the airport and the excitement of being in a plane may just do the opposite, leading to an overtired cranky tot and exhausted parents the next day. A day flight is considered much better for flying with toddlers – you wont be expected to be quiet or even stay in your seat as much, so your little explorer can wander the galleys, make airplane noises and snack to their hearts content!

Best Themed: Disneys Vero Beach Resort

  • Far from major airports

  • Guests may need to rent a car

For families who want a taste of Disney, this Vero Beach resort offers the upbeat customer service Disney is famous for without the Orlando crowds. Travelers can choose from comfortable guest rooms and one- or two-bedroom villas that come with views of the ocean, garden, or pool.

Outside, kids can slide down a two-story spiral waterslide into the Mickey Mouse-shaped pool or play in the pirate-themed splash park. Throughout the day, they can also participate in scavenger hunts, and families can rent bicycles to explore the property. At night, the resort hosts events like campfire sing-alongs, and past guests have noted that Disney characters sometimes stop by. Though its a bit of a trek, families have the option to drive two hours to Disney World to explore the theme parks.

Read Also: Texas 3 Day Notice To Vacate

Latest Posts

Don't Miss

Stay in touch

To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements.