The Beach

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman – Their Ambassadors of the Environment program by Jean-Michel Cousteau introduces children to the natural wonders and rich cultural traditions of the Cayman Islands through their offering of 42 exciting three-hour programs each week. You will want to return year after year.

Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa, Maui, Hawaii – Besides the over the top fabulous swimming pools that could keep any child happy all day long, the Grand Wailea also offers an array of children’s activities to keep your kids busy while you are getting a massage or enjoying a fruity cocktail (or two) by the pool.

Round Hill, Montego Bay, Jamaica – This legendary resort welcomes families and even has a Pineapple Kids’ Club. You can book a ‘Family Plan’ that includes nanny service.

Club Med has a number of programs and endless activities for children ranging in age from 4 months to 17 years. With destinations all over the world it may be hard to choose where to go. My friend Julie had this to say, “We went to Club Med Cancun and it’s completely underrated in terms of things for kids. There were lots of great facilities (two toddler pools, playground, club house and then when they’re older, trapeze, kayak, tennis, you name it). The employees are more like camp counselors, they know your name and they encourage the kids to participate. They had baby food, lots of yogurt, high chairs, bottle warmers, strollers, you name it!

The Mauna Lani Bay - My friend Nicole has stayed here with her family and loved it.  With a beach front bungalow and turtle feeding for the kids, what’s not to love.

The Big City

Fitzpatrick Hotel, New York, New York – This hotel offers an “American Girl Experience” package at its two Manhattan locations. Each child’s doll is treated like a V.I.P. guest, with its own miniature bed, tiny slippers, and turndown service each evening. Each doll enjoys breakfast perched in her very own high chair.

An Exotic Adventure

If you are ready for a real adventure, check out the family trips offered by Abercrombie & Kent. Whether it is Africa, Thailand or Brazil – they will pull out all of the stops to create the perfect experience for you and your family.

Lindblad Expeditions

Camping, Dude Ranches & The Great Outdoors

The Resort at Paws Up® - Greenough, MT – “At the crossroads of incomparable luxury and unspoiled wilderness…This authentic Montana resort is discretely nestled among some of the most breathtaking country in the world. Spend a day on horseback, cast a fly in sparkling waters to eager cutthroats, explore the land Lewis and Clark swooned over, or indulge in sumptuous spa treatments.”

Black Butte Ranch – Oregon – This is where my friends Jon & Meredith go each year with their little girls. It is very safe and very kid friendly. 20+ miles of paved bike trails, golf for parents, kids camps for kids, fire station and police station tours, horseback riding, 5 swimming pools,just lots and lots of fun.

Costanoa – Pescadero, CA – I don’t really like to camp, but I loved the weekend I spent in a log cabin at Coastanoa. You can pretend to rough it and it really won’t be so bad.

Eatons’ Ranch, Wolf, Wyoming – family owned and operated

Out ‘n’ About Treehouse Treesort - Takilma, OR – If you don’t like sleeping in a tent – try renting a tree house.  They’ve got a lot of fun outdoor activities too.

A Mountain Getaway

The Balsams, New Hampshire – This historic grand resort is able to combine luxury and family-friendly experiences from the spa to the dining room. They offer a Camp Wind Whistle program for children ages 5 and up and babysitting is available as well.

Anywhere – Anytime

The Ritz-Carlton chain is particularly accommodating to well mannered little ones. Their Ritz Kids programs offer a wide array of activites including: karaoke, dance parties, swimming, pool games, arts & crafts, outdoor adventures, bike rides, etiquette lessons, video game challenges, obstacle courses, relay races and much more. There is certainly something for every child. Go to their website, and simply search by ‘hotel feature’ and select ‘Ritz Kids/Children’s Programs’. You will find all of the properties in your region of interest that have these programs.

National Parks

If you want to appreciate the beauty of the American park system – head to a national park. It might be a nice way to leave the chaos of life behind for awhile and enjoy mother nature.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah – Bryce Canyon Lodge

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon – Crater Lake Lodge

Glacier National Park, Montana – Glacier Park Lodge

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona – El Tovar

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming – Jackson Lake Ladge

Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon – Timberline Lodge

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington – Paradise Inn

Yosemite National Park, California – The Ahwahnee

Zion National Park, Utah – Zion Lodge

More Ideas, Inspiration & Online Resources

Atlas Cruises & Tours – Luxurytour.com

Dopplr

Forbes.com – Travel

Indagare – Get inspired to take a great family adventure and read what other families have to say about their trips

LUXE Grand World Tour Box Set

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