Travel with your toddlers and preschoolers. Before you know it, they’ll be knee deep in schoolwork and sports, and your opportunities will be limited. Here are places to enjoy the company of kids younger than 5.
Hit the beach. Build sand castles, watch the sea gulls soar and splash in the waves. Beaches provide a carefree way for families to enjoy the sun and sea without worrying about making too much noise. One of our family favorites, Coronado Island in Southern California, has long, wide stretches of sand and calm waters. The island’s iconic Hotel del Coronado provides easy access to the water and a host of kid-friendly activities.
Contact: 1-800-216-1482; www.beachcalifornia.com/coronado
Stress-free stays. Early-rising toddlers and parental access to refrigerators and cooktops make home rentals a good choice when traveling with the youngest explorers. Check out more than 10,000 vacation rental properties in beach, ski and golf resort destinations. Offerings range from studios to expansive homes.
Contact: 1-800-467-3529; www.resortquest.com
Go Western at Vista Verde Ranch, Steamboat Springs, Colo. This Colorado guest ranch is a good bet for families in which some members are too young for, or aren’t interested in, horseback riding. While the enthusiasts settle into the saddle, kid wranglers work their magic with the junior set as they head out on treasure hunts, to the tepee for powwows, or to a local store for ice cream. The youngest guests love feeding the ducks and chickens and petting the bunnies.
Contact: 1-800-526-7433; www.vistaverde.com
Universal Studios, Orlando, Fla. There’s something for kids of all ages, including indoor and outdoor rides, dining, shopping and themed performances at this world-famous park. Young kids love to visit with characters that stroll through the park, to play in Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone or to tune in to the adventures of Spiderman and Shrek.
Contact: 407-224-4233; www.universalorlando.com
Club Med, Port St. Lucie, Fla. This all-inclusive resort has top-notch programs for babies and toddlers. Parents can choose to pursue adult sports while their youngsters enjoy age-appropriate fun in the company of trained caregivers. Later, gather to swap stories and enjoy time together. Book by June 30 and kids 15 and younger stay free.
Contact: 1-888-932-2582; www.clubmed.com
Nazanin says
Prices won’t fall that much not anymore. Prices are prtety standard. But what you can do is shop around online, see what packages are the same and if ones are less expensive. Then if you want to go with a specic travel agency, contact them and let them know they’ll most always match or even give you a lower rate.I just spoke with a travel agent the other day and prices for AI aren’t changing much be it in one month or 6 months rarely.You’ll get a good deal once March break ends.PS: welcome back Riki. How was Cuba?