Family vacations are all about balance. A fun thing for adults isn’t necessarily enjoyable for children, but young kids can also sense when adults are stressed. It’s hard to appeal to every demographic in your family with just one trip, but it’s not impossible. Here are some great places for family vacations that every age group can enjoy.
Orlando: A Great Place for Family Theme Park Vacations
Orlando needs no introduction. This is the town that Walt Disney World put on the map—the premier place for family vacations. But there’s so much more to Orlando than just Disney World, and we don’t just mean the other theme parks. Still, this wouldn’t be a complete list if we didn’t address the 800-pound mouse in the room.
To Disney World…
Walt Disney World is the quintessential destination resort. Once you pass through those colorful gates, you can spend the rest of your trip immersed in Disney magic. Your first choice of destination will likely be the theme parks, which tend to appeal to specific age groups. Younger kids will love the Magic Kingdom, which serves as the hub for character meet-and-greets and family-friendly rides. Older kids will enjoy Hollywood Studios, which features more thrilling attractions, such as Rise of the Resistance and Tower of Terror. Adults tend to enjoy Epcot the most, thanks to the food and drinks, the shopping, and the chill international vibes.
Disney’s many resorts offer so much diversity when it comes to planning your day. Take, for example, Disney’s Beach Club. Here, the kids can play in the largest pool complex in the resort while you relax by the pool. Or, if the weather isn’t agreeable, you can have a spa day while the kids play at the on-site arcade. Or maybe you’d like to rent a boat and take the whole family out fishing. Because yes, you can do that at Disney.
Then there are the water parks, the shops and restaurants at Disney Springs, the live shows, mini-golf, regular golf, outdoor activities… we could spend the whole article on this. And the other theme parks are no slouches either: Universal Orlando, in particular, is a hit with families, with attractions like Super Nintendo World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Most families will hit one or both of the major resorts and call it a day. But what if you want something a bit different?
…And Beyond!
Orlando is known as The City Beautiful, and if all you’re seeing are the areas around the parks, you’re seriously missing out. While you’re visiting, consider taking a day trip downtown. Lake Eola is the city’s central landmark, famous for its swan boats, outdoor concerts, and spectacular skyline views. There’s also a plethora of restaurants, shops, and nightclubs to keep adults in the party occupied.
Head north from Lake Eola up historic Mills Avenue, and you’ll find food, shopping, and some of Orlando’s lesser-known attractions. The Harry P. Leu Gardens are a botanical oasis that highlights both local and exotic flora. The Arid Garden is particularly popular, featuring succulents that are not typically found in Florida’s humid climate.
Not far from the Gardens is the Orlando Science Center. This multi-story museum features a full-sized T. rex skeleton, a STEAM gallery and maker space, and a 3D theater. One of the most unique exhibits is Life, presented by Dr. Sarah Layton. This wildlife exhibit features a walk-in rainforest with free-roaming animals. Keep an eye out for the adorable tamarin monkeys that call this forest home.
If you’re looking for a wildlife encounter that’s distinctly Floridian, Gatorland in nearby Kissimmee is definitely worth a visit. One of the oldest attractions in Central Florida, Gatorland is dedicated to the conservation of all things crocodilian. These big lizards are one of Florida’s most misunderstood residents, and you might be surprised how chill they really are up close. Be sure to visit Magic, the world’s only leucistic alligator born in captivity. One look into those deep blue eyes and you’ll be in love.
A Great Place to Stay for a Family Vacation: Bay Lake Tower
It’s hard to go wrong with Disney Vacation Club resorts. They all offer family-friendly activities, kid-friendly pools, and spacious accommodations with enough room for extended family. But if you have young children, Bay Lake Tower has an advantage that no other resort can beat: direct access to the Magic Kingdom.
The hardest thing about going to the Magic Kingdom is leaving. The second hardest part is getting there in the first place. We can’t deny how spectacular it is to see the castle rise over the Seven Seas Lagoon, but the magic is dampened a bit when you have to maneuver a stroller into a cramped monorail.
Disney World is a great place for a family vacation, but it can be overstimulating for little kids. So the ability to walk kids to and from the resort when it’s naptime is a major blessing. You can also easily hop between the monorail resorts and all that they have to offer, from character dining to luaus.
Las Vegas: A Great Place for Family Adventure Vacations
Las Vegas is known for many things, not all of which are family-friendly. Kids aren’t even allowed in casinos, and it’s probably not wise to take the little ones out to the Strip after dark. However, Vegas offers a lot more kid-friendly activities than it initially appears. Here are a few reasons why Las Vegas is a great place for a family vacation.
Area 15: Monsters, and… A Supermarket?
Area 15 is a fully enclosed, immersive destination located just across from the Las Vegas Strip. It’s also home to some of the wildest experiences you’ll ever see. This place isn’t just worth the trip; it is the trip.
One of the most interesting destinations is Omega Mart by Meow Wolf. This immersive art exhibit appears to be a supermarket at first glance, complete with aisles filled with products that you can purchase. But take a closer look, and things start to get strange. Why is there a butter-scented air freshener? Why do the radishes have arms and legs? And why is the dairy aisle stretched out like a graphical glitch?
With a bit of exploration, you’ll find interdimensional portals hidden in the aisles that lead to strange and beautiful worlds. While you explore, you’ll learn more about the mysterious Dramcorp, the secret behind Additive S, and perhaps some fundamental truths about the universe. Kids will love Omega Mart because it’s a massive, psychedelic playground. Adults will love the intriguing story, the gorgeous art exhibits, and the satire that might fly over the little kids’ heads.
Are the older kids looking for something more intense? Area 15 is home to Universal Horror Unleashed: a permanent version of Universal’s famous Halloween Horror Nights. Set in an eerie abandoned prop warehouse, this attraction features haunted mazes inspired by The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Exorcist, and Universal’s Classic Monsters. There are also four frightening scare zones where guests can encounter vampires, demented slashers, and a twisted circus led by HHN icons Jack and Chance. This attraction isn’t for the little ones, but teens who can’t get enough of horror will love it.
Nevada Nature
Vegas can be overstimulating, which is why taking a day trip beyond the city is a good idea. Many companies offer guided tours of Nevada’s cliffs and canyons, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty without worrying about logistics. An air-conditioned bus ride to Grand Canyon National Park or the Hoover Dam is much easier than wrangling the kids for a road trip.
For a less-crowded, more relaxed outdoor excursion, the Kyle Canyon Picnic Area in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is a hidden gem. Here, you can enjoy Nevada’s beautiful scenery and wildlife without the massive crowds at the Grand Canyon. Families will also appreciate the paved roads, water fountains, and public restrooms. The nearby nature center offers guided hikes and educational programs, making it a great place to start your adventure. However, we won’t judge you if you decide to stick to your car and take a scenic drive. It does get pretty hot out there!
A Great Place to Stay for a Family Vacation: Tahiti Village
Tahiti Village is an island-inspired oasis in the heart of Las Vegas, and a great place for a family vacation. There’s no casino here, just gorgeous pools, great food, and family-friendly fun. Kids will love the lazy river and can try to get a high score at the Tiki Cove Arcade. Adults can unwind at the spa or enjoy cocktails by the pool.
Rooms are spacious, with the larger suites offering full kitchens, in-room laundry, and a jacuzzi. When you’re ready to explore the city, the Strip and other attractions are just a shuttle ride away. Though with how much fun the resort is, the kids might not want to leave!
Myrtle Beach: A Great Place for Family Beach Vacations
Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular beach destinations in the US, covering sixty miles of South Carolina shoreline. One of the nicest things about Myrtle Beach is just how expansive it is. Do you want to focus on just the beach? No problem, there are plenty of stunning beaches that are perfect for young families, and enough space that you can really spread out. Depending on where you stay, there are even private beaches to help you avoid the crowds.
Going to South Carolina, Gonna See a Lot of Beaches
There are over a dozen public beaches in Myrtle Beach, and countless more private ones. However, the best family-friendly beach is widely regarded as Surfside. The beaches at Surfside are meticulously groomed each day and supervised by lifeguards and police during public hours. The flat terrain and calm waters make this a great place for a first family vacation. You won’t be struggling to push a stroller over dunes, and you don’t need to worry about nasty surprises in the sand.
Families with children on the spectrum will be pleased to know that Surfside Beach is the first Autism-certified destination in the United States, offering sensory-friendly attractions, businesses, and dining. Even if no one in your party is neurodivergent, the commitment to inclusivity only adds to the family-friendly vibe. In a world where so many family vacation spots run on sensory overload, a quiet, sandy beach that prioritizes accessibility is nice.
All Golfers, Big and Small (but Mostly Small)
Myrtle Beach is the mini-golf capital of the world, with more than thirty mini golf courses for visitors to try. They check off all the classics here: pirate coves, wild jungles, Hawaiian islands, rumbling volcanoes, and the obligatory windmills. However, some more unusual courses stand out among the sea of astroturf.
Ripley’s Crazy Golf is one of seven Ripley’s attractions at Myrtle Beach, including an aquarium, a haunted house, and their signature museums of oddities. Crazy Golf is, as the name implies, pretty wacky. This blacklight-illuminated course has your traditional golf holes, but also features loop-de-loops, pool tables, and entire games of skeeball or cup pong. It’s also entirely indoors, making it a great stop on a rainy day.
For a more traditional, but still miniaturized golfing experience, try PopStroke. This miniature golf course, by TGR Design, is literally a miniature golf course, complete with fairways, bunkers, and rough. If that name sounds familiar, it should; that’s Tiger Woods’ design company!
PopStroke is a high-tech, elevated experience. You’ll play with real TaylorMade golfing equipment while a mobile app keeps track of your score. You can also use the app to have food and drinks delivered to you right on the course. So if windmills and pirate ships aren’t your vibe, this is a classy course that the whole family can enjoy.
A Great Place to Stay for a Family Vacation: Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort
Located near Family Kingdom Amusement Park, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, and other family-friendly destinations, Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort is in the center of the beach town action. Guests are just steps from the Grand Strand, one of South Carolina’s most beautiful beaches, but you don’t need to get in the sand to have fun in the sun. The resort also features a heated outdoor pool and a lazy river, along with a children’s play area.
The villas at Westgate Myrtle Beach have all the amenities you’d expect from a timeshare: multiple bedrooms, spacious living areas, and fully equipped kitchens. They really excel during midweek visits, when the crowds are lighter and the vibes are more relaxed. You can wake up to the coastal sunrise, make breakfast for the family, and have a comfortable day on the beach. Trust us, nothing beats seaside pancakes while on a beach vacation. Something about the ocean makes everything more special.
Aruba: A Great Place for an International Family Vacation
If it’s time for your family’s first international trip, you want something low-stress. Aruba makes for an excellent destination for first-time Caribbean travelers. Thanks to its international airport, you can book a direct flight from most major travel hubs, so you’re likely to need only one connection, if any. It’s also outside the hurricane belt, making tropical storms rare. And, of course, there’s plenty for the whole family to do.
The Best Kids’ Beach In the Caribbean
Located on the southern part of the island, Baby Beach is the most family-friendly destination for small children to have their first ocean experience. The beach surrounds a lagoon, which provides shelter from the harsh tides of the larger ocean. You can wade out into the crystal blue water for dozens of feet, toes firmly in the sand the entire time. It’s also a good spot to practice snorkeling, though you should stick to the marked areas.
Snorkling Cruises and Submarine Voyages
Booking a cruise around Aruba is a great way to reach otherwise inaccessible snorkeling spots. While snorkeling is fun for all kids who can swim, older kids can try out snuba diving. This hybrid of snorkeling and scuba diving doesn’t require prior certification and allows swimmers to go up to six meters underwater, using a tethered raft for support. Thrill seekers can also rent undersea scooters to zip among the reefs.
If you prefer to see the water without getting wet, try booking a submarine cruise. Depending on the cruise, you can ride on a semi-submersible, where the top of the vessel remains above water, or on a real pressurized submarine. Both options allow you to get up close to fish, sea turtles, and other aquatic wildlife. If you have very young children, we recommend the semi-submersible option, as a pressure vessel can be rough on little ears.
A Great Place to Stay for a Family Vacation: Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club
Marriott is one of the most trusted names in vacations, and Aruba Surf Club lives up to that pedigree. This family-friendly resort combines elegant luxury with activities and amenities the kids will love, including a kids’ club and dedicated pool area.
Children ages 4-12 can play at Matey’s Hall, a complimentary kids’ club with video games and activities to keep the kids engaged while the adults have a drink at the poolside bar. The kids can also enjoy several dedicated pool areas with shallow water that’s easy to navigate. Kids and adults alike can enjoy the waterslide or relax on the resort’s lazy river.
Secure a Lifetime of Family Vacations With a Timeshare
Kids only stay kids for so long. Eventually, they grow up, go to college, get jobs, and start families of their own. So why not make your kids’ childhoods just a bit more magical by securing years of family vacations with a timeshare? Not only are they far more versatile than you might think, but you can get big discounts by buying on the resale market—sometimes 50% to 60% less than buying direct from the developer!
Whether you’re considering an annual trip to Disney World, a Caribbean island adventure, or just want to clear your family travel bucket list, there are timeshares at amazing destinations across the globe. Our resale marketplace lists timeshares with easy access to amazing beaches, pristine nature walks, the best theme parks on the planet, and other favorite family vacation destinations. You aren’t limited to one location, either. Whether you join a major vacation club like Disney, Wyndham, or Marriott, or sign up with a vacation exchange service, you can turn those timeshare points into a stay at vacation destinations around the world.
By buying a timeshare, you’re securing years’ worth of vacations at today’s prices. So even if your favorite family-friendly resort experiences a price hike, you’re good to go. Plus, the accommodations are much nicer than a typical hotel room, giving families plenty of room to spread out, play, and relax.
Sell Your Timeshare With Fidelity Real Estate
Eventually, the kids will leave the nest, and you might not get as much use out of your timeshare as you once did. That’s okay! Timeshares are typically deeded property and can be transferred to friends and family like any other piece of real estate. Or, if you’d rather recoup some of your funds, we can help.
We’re Fidelity Real Estate, one of the most trusted names in the vacation ownership industry. We’ve got decades of experience helping owners sell their timeshares safely and responsibly, and are the preferred reseller for major vacation clubs like Disney, Wyndham, and Four Seasons. Now, we’ll be blunt: timeshares tend to lose value after purchase, much like cars and other luxury items. But if you’ve gotten all the use you can out of your timeshare and just want to be free of the annual fees, our licensed real estate agents have your back. Just fill out the form to get started, or call us at (407) 216-5187 to speak with an agent.
