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5 Must-Do Family Vacations
Born with the desire to travel, I’ve spent a good deal of my spare time traveling as much as possible. Through the years, I’ve had some truly great family vacations and the five I discuss below are some I’d recommend to anyone looking for a memorable family vacation in the U.S.
1. Beaver Creek Resort, Avon, Colorado
If you’re looking for the perfect winter trip for your family, Beaver Creek Resort in Avon, Colorado is a must. Aside from the world-class skiing which accommodates skiers of all skill levels, they have more family activities than are possible to attend.
Some of the activities offered by the resort are:
• A ski tour with a Forest Service Ranger.
• Skiing and photo opportunities with Ripperoo, the Beaver Creek’s Ski and Snowboarding School
mascot.
• Story time with the Buckaroo Bonanza Bunch.
• Complimentary family snowshoe tours.
• Supervised rail sessions (for skilled skiers).
• Thursday Night Lights, in which skiers ski down the mountain with glow sticks
while fireworks erupt in the sky.
• Family FunFest, a street fair with food, music, and magic.
• Tubing and sledding.
As someone who has been here both as a child and an adult, it is one of my favorite ski resorts in the United States. And be sure not to miss out on the free, warm cookies in the afternoon and hot chocolate in the mornings!
2. Disney World, Orlando, Florida
Disney World is a must-do vacation for families of all ages; it is after all, the most magical place on Earth.
Animal Kingdom, one of Disney’s parks, allows families to have an educational and fun experience in the world of animals. The activities are seemingly endless.
Just a few of the activities are:
- Kilimanjaro Safaris: Families get to experience animals straight from Africa. Antelopes, giraffes, hippos, bamboos, and zebras are only a few of the animals families can expect to see.
- The Bone Yard: Children become paleontologists, unearthing the bones of ancient dinosaurs!
- Kali River Rapids: Your family can ride a giant raft down an Asian rainforest.
Disney has several other parks that offer too many activities to list. However, I can tell you that I visited the Magical Kingdom at 5 years old and still have vivid memories of Minnie’s Dressing Room, Breakfast with my favorite Disney Characters, and the amazing fireworks show.
3. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Florida
The New Harry Potter Theme Park in Universal Studios takes muggle families into the world of Harry Potter. It’s a section in Universal Studios’ second theme park, Islands of Adventure. Visitors can ride a Hippogriff, eat at the Three Broomsticks, and visit Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods. The park offers readers and movie-watchers alike a real-life Harry Potter experience.
Despite there being several other attractions at Islands of Adventures, I spent the majority of my time there in the Harry Potter section. I had been waiting for this park since 2007 and it was far beyond my expectations. I bought chocolate frogs in Honeydukes, drank a Butterbeer from Hog’s Head pub, and narrowly escaped a dragon on my broomstick in the simulated ride “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.” As someone who grew up reading Harry Potter books, this park was beyond my wildest dreams.
4. Grand Canyon, Arizona 
Not only does a trip to the Grand Canyon offer children the chance to experience one of the natural wonders of the world, but he or she will also have the opportunity to:
- Become a Junior Park Ranger: This free activity involves programs taught by park rangers and/or an educational pamphlet check list, depending on which age group your child fits. When your child completes their required activities, they are eligible for their junior park ranger patch!
- Ride the Grand Canyon Railway: Enjoy a 65 mile train ride to and around the Grand Canyon, while a train employee shares facts about the Grand Canyon and trains. What child doesn’t want to ride in a train?
- Go on the Sky Walk: This glass balcony allows you to look directly down at the vast Canyons below.
- Keep in mind that you may not take any type of photography device on the Skywalk.
- Take a mule trip: Take a mule trip around the Grand Canyon!
- Take guided tours: There are several Grand Canyon tours that will educate you and your family about the Grand Canyon and its grand history.
Having recently taken a trip to the Grand Canyon, it is something everyone should experience. You cannot
understand the breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon unless you experience them yourself.
5. Hilton Waikoloa Village, Waikoloa, Hawaii
This beautiful resort located on the Hawaii’s Big Island provides resort amenities with a family friendly
atmosphere. The resort is so big that both tram and boat transportation are offered between buildings; and
for kids, this only makes the resort cooler. The white sand beaches are enough for endless days of fun, not to
- Club Keiki: Camp counselors head various programs and activities around the resort for your child’s entertainment.
- Water sports in the lagoon: Everything from kayaks to snorkeling gear is offered. And you get to see amazing fish, sea turtles, and other sea creatures up close!
- Dolphin Quest: Swim with the dolphins at the only place available on the island!
- Swimming pools: Their swimming pools are every child’s dream. They have unique slides, some that take you through a rainforest.
Speaking from someone who went here as a child, I cannot recommend this place enough. The beaches are
breath-taking, and the pools and lagoon alone offer hours of entertainment.
Sara Witt is a guest blogger and writer bringing to us 5 vacations that are a must for every family. Sara also
writes about when to seek a personal injury attorney.
