My husband and I have always loved to travel, but ever since having our first child together almost two years ago, the destinations (or at least the agendas) have shifted. With kids in tow, it’s important to think about more than fine food and gorgeous scenery, although we still care about those things, too. Fun is always on the agenda, of course, but so are ease and convenience. And a little R&R for us parents is also important.
Nowadays, we plan our family vacations around our current needs as parents—that means there has to be a lot to do that will interest and excite our kids without boring us to tears. It also means that kids need to be not only welcome but also celebrated. After all, we might be footing the bill, but it’s her vacation, too! I polled family, friends, and fellow moms from all over the country to put together a must-see hit list of the best family vacation destinations of 2016. Here’s what we’re loving now…check out the most popular family vacation destinations in the slideshow.
Most Popular Family Vacation Destinations in 2016
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Disney Cruise Line's private island, Castaway Cay
It really doesn't get more magical than a Disney vacation, so what happens when you add paradise to the mix? This year, book a tropical Disney Cruise from Florida and sail off to Disney’s private island in the Bahamas. Separate beaches for adults, teens, and families allow plenty of options for maximizing your fun. Pelican Plunge, a feature on the family beach, is a 2,400-square-foot dedicated play area in the middle of the ocean with two massive slides that will delight. And it wouldn't be a Disney vacation without your kids' favorite characters roaming, so share in their joy when they meet Goofy, Mickey, and the rest of the crew while out and about enjoying Castaway Cay.
But don't think that Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Cay is all about the kids---complimentary childcare is available for ages three through twelve at Scuttle's Cove so you can get some much-needed R&R. Adults enjoy chill time at Serenity Bay, an adult-exclusive beach where you can book massages overlooking white sand and crystal blue waters. Sounds like heaven to this toddler-mom! Other cool attractions for the active family include the Snorkeling Lagoon, the Castaway 5K race, kayaking, parasailing, and more. What sets Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Cay apart is not just the sense of magic but also the fact that so many exciting activities can be enjoyed right on the island; normally you'd have to go to multiple locations to enjoy as much. Plus, there’s so much included: from the beach chairs and umbrellas, to access to the water slides and a buffet barbecue lunch. From luxurious private cabanas to beach parties with Lilo and Stitch, a day at Castaway Cay is the stuff incredible memories are made of, for everyone in the family.
Photo: Disney Cruise Line
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The Poconos, PA
Easily accessible for East Coasters and only about an hour's drive from the nearest airport, the Poconos Mountains in Pennsylvania are a veritable playground for kids of all ages---and their parents, too. Ski resorts pepper the region, and in warmer months lake life rules. Family-friendly resorts make vacationing in the area easy and fun. Check out Woodloch Pines, situated about three miles from a large state park; the all-inclusive resort boasts tasty meals, indoor and outdoor sporting opportunities, and seasonal family fun like hayrides and a climbing wall.
Wherever you stay in the Poconos Mountains, make sure to scope out the gorgeous nearby scenery. Bushkill Falls, the so-called "Niagara of Pennsylvania," is a beautiful spot featuring eight waterfalls with plenty of picnic stops and a killer playground the kids will love. Grey Towers is a historic house and grounds that appeals to older kids but also allows plenty of space for younger ones to run around.
Photo: Getty/Alex Potemkin/E+
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Orange Beach, AL
Nestled near the Alabama/Florida border, this gem is an optimal spot for families. Airbnb has a ton of affordable local condos fresh for the booking; plus, this is a kid-friendly route that allows for easy nap scheduling and saves a ton of cash by letting you cook the bulk of the meals "in." While staying in Orange Beach, the dolphin cruises are not to be missed. If you're traveling with really little kids who aren't quite boat-ready, word is you can still see the dolphins jumping from the beach. Another popular beach activity is to check out the sea turtle conservation teams along the shore who can show the kids the turtle nests.
The Wharf in Gulf Shores and the surrounding towns offers up the traditional vacation fare and activities you'd want to see on this type of trip---from house-made ice cream and fresh local seafood to miniature golf. If you're lucky enough to have a sitter or grandparent in tow to watch the kids in the evening, Flora-Bama beach bar has live music, local oysters, and special events throughout the year. All in all, this trip can be done affordably and still offer tons of entertainment and educational activities for the whole crew.
Photo: Getty/Panoramic Images
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New York City, NY
I'm a New York City gal myself, and as such I know how to make this town work for families. Adventures large and small await on every block, so be sure to pack comfortable shoes for the trip. There's something particularly cool about strolling up and down Fifth Avenue to take pictures outside iconic storefronts like Tiffany and Co. Head just a few blocks north and enjoy Central Park in any season. In winter, the park is probably at its most magical, with ice skating and other kid-friendly adventures to be enjoyed at every turn.The famous Bronx Zoo offers free admission on Wednesdays, so that's a great day to go with kids while you're in town. And it wouldn't be a trip to New York, New York without taking in a Broadway show---my favorites for kids that are running now are The Lion King and Wicked, which even your teenagers will love. Many tourists head straight to Times Square, but I much prefer walking around SoHo and/or the West Village. Check out the awesome street art and do some serious NYC people-watching. Plenty of little pizza places punctuate the streets throughout the city, so affordable entertainment and eats will round out the visit. Get some exercise and enjoy gorgeous views on a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, heading over to Jane's Carousel in DUMBO once you arrive on the other side.
Photo: Getty/Nisian Hughes/The Image Bank
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Newport, RI
My family went to Newport every summer growing up, and now that I'm a mom it's still a really fun place to take my own daughter. If you have history buffs in the family---or even if you don't---the historic mansions up and down Bellevue Avenue are truly magnificent. My favorites are The Breakers and Marble House, but they're all great. There are so many terrific dining opportunities in Newport for the whole family, but the Candy Store upstairs in the Clarke Cooke House is a must for foodies traveling with kids. Boat rides and historical sites like Touro Synagogue provide tons of educational opportunities for the family.
After dinner, take a stroll along Bannister's Wharf where cute little shops and ice cream spots abound. By day, the local beaches are a short drive outside of town---Easton's is popular for tourists, but my crew prefers Second Beach with its accessible parking, stunning views, and laid-back vibe. There's no shortage of lovely hotels in and around Newport, but the Hotel Viking has always been our mainstay. With an indoor pool perfect for non-beach days, a family-friendly restaurant on-site, and the loveliest rocking chairs on the porch outside, it doesn't get quainter than this budget-friendly yet luxurious spot. Aside from access to the beaches, Newport is a walking town, which makes it very convenient when traveling with kids.
Photo: Getty/John F Wenceslao, MD/Moment
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Northern Michigan
One of the most popular destinations for friends of mine from all over is northern Michigan, specifically the areas around Traverse City. Pirate's Cove is a must-see with kids---they feature a mini golf course that's been voted the best in Michigan by AAA, go-carts, zip-lines, a ropes course, and a full arcade to keep the brood entertained for hours. There's also a children's museum and Saturday morning children's matinees at the historic State Theatre with tickets costing only twenty-five cents apiece.
If you choose the Upper Peninsula, about four hours north of Traverse City, the splendor of nature awaits. Enjoy incredible views and kid-friendly hiking trails at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and also check out Lake Superior, Michigan's largest lake. There, you and the family will enjoy quality time outdoors, fishing, and picnicking in one of the most tranquil areas in the state. Don't miss the shipwrecks while scoping out Lake Superior. This part of the world is also home to multiple waterfalls---find a full list here---and it's a great place to get adventurous with outdoor sports like hiking and biking in warmer temps or ice climbing in the winter months.
Photo: Getty/John Elk/Lonely Planet Images
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Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, TX
I first heard about this magical space in Texas when a friend of mine who lives in Dallas took her family of four. Even though her youngest was an infant at the time, they had an easy, fun time on the ranch just outside San Antonio. The predator-free ranch boasts over 500 animals of forty different species from addax to zebra, roaming on a private, 400-acre property.If you make the trek to Natural Bridge, I highly recommend scoping out nearby San Antonio while you're in town. Its famed River Walk is full of fun things to do with the family, with cafes, shops, and lots of glittering lights. A visit to the historic Alamo is sure to inspire awe in the whole brood. We checked it out at night last time, which was pretty cool.
Photo: Getty/Asherton/RooM
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Outer Banks, NC
The Outer Banks of North Carolina came up a lot in my research, especially among families with a lot of kids. This vacation can be done affordably and is also a great choice if you're traveling with another family because there's a low-key element of fun that pervades all of your OBX experience. Nags Head features affordable, family-friendly hotels right along the shore, making beach access a breeze on a vacation that's widely about the water.
The casual atmosphere in the Outer Banks is a big part of its charm as a vacation destination with children. Popular local haunt Fat Boyz serves up some of the most popular burgers and customizable ice cream sundaes the whole brood will love. Make sure to go fly a kite or try hang gliding at Kitty Hawk Kites, and get ready to spend an awful lot of time at Jennette's Pier, where there's an aquarium and other fun to-dos the kids will love.
Photo: Getty/Sean Russell/fStop
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Quebec, Canada
For a veritable winter wonderland, a friend of mine with two kids under three years old can't get enough of Chateau Montebello in Quebec. As the American dollar is strong right now, it's a great year to pack up the kiddos and head north to Canada. If you do stay at Chateau Montebello, this full-service resort features pools, skating rinks, dog sledding, snow tubing, cross-country skiing, and snow shoe trails for the family to enjoy. There are also terrific restaurants that welcome children, and on-site babysitting services (can you beat that?).
If resorts aren't your thing, consider staying in or nearer to Montreal. My husband and I like to think of this part of the world as a European escape we can actually afford to take. The Granby Zoo is about an hour's drive but highly recommended, and July through August there are fun and spooky ghost walks throughout Old Montreal. Year-round eats like poutine---fries smothered in gravy and cheese---are a must-try. In summer, Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques has a beautiful beach and green space with hiking; and any time of year, the Cosmodome outside town offers a simulated space experience for those inclined.
Photo: Getty/Spaces Images/Blend Images
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Paso Robles, CA
For the parents who wish they were headed to a wine tasting vacay (this is so my husband and me!), California natives recommend Paso Robles as an alternative to the less family-friendly Napa Valley up north. With a ton more on the agenda than wine tasting, your brood is bound to have a blast here. That said, there are child-friendly vineyards all over Paso, including Ancient Peaks Winery featuring a zip line, and Frolicking Frog, which offers kiddos cookies and a cool play area to keep them entertained. Plus, the Estrella Warbirds Museum is a can't miss aviation museum that attracts visitors from all over the world.
The insider scoop from my friends who live in and around Paso is to stay at Moonstone Beach in Cambria. Here, your beach explorations are likely to lead to whale-watching, otter sightings, and the sounds of birds and dolphins at play. In Paso itself, the Volunteer Firehouse at the children's museum offers heaps of fun activities (like stomping grapes to make faux juice!). There's so much beauty to behold in this area of the world, and I love that it appeals to both kids and parents alike.
Photo: Getty/Wade Eakle/Lonely Planet Images
