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Planning a family vacation can be a delightful yet challenging experience, especially when you have a toddler. You need to zero in on some toddler-friendly vacation destinations that can cater to all your toddler’s needs, such as babysitting.
While planning a family holiday, selecting a place with childcare amenities lets you unwind peacefully and enjoy some alone time while relaxing and rejuvenating. Similarly, it helps other family members enjoy the vacation and relax without worrying about the baby and their basic needs, like cleaning and feeding.
If you live in or around the US or plan to visit it for your family holidays, this post will prove useful. Read this post for a compilation of beautiful and toddler-friendly vacation spots where your family, including your little one, can spend quality time together.
23 Best Vacation Spots To Go With Babies And Toddlers
1. Jersey Shore
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The Jersey Shore is a great family-friendly spot for a vacation. From long sandy beaches to cultural hotspots by the boardwalk, it is a place to enjoy music, art, and other beach activities. Toddlers and babies can have fun taking the rides at the amusement parks and watching the street performers. Even a walk down the shore can help you create beautiful memories for life.
If your toddler likes animals, there are aquariums and even a zoo. We recommend Gillian’s Wonderland Park as it has rides and attractions, specifically for toddlers. The best time to visit the Jersey Shore is summer when you can expect a crowd as it’s the peak time.
Quick fact2. Paradise Islands
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The little gem in the Bahamas has something for everyone. You can avail of kid-friendly services, get customized meal plans, and hire trained babysitters while enjoying quality time alone. Children can also enjoy the aquatic version of Build-A-Bear at Atlantis Pals, where they can create stuffed marine animals and have fun at the safe water play areas and beaches. The Mandara Spa is a good spot for couples who want to unwind in luxury. Some places even host free movie nights for the entire family.
3. Chicago
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The Windy City is famous for a lot of landmarks that cater to everyone’s interests. The indoor and outdoor attractions are among the best and are accessible at all times. You can see the iconic “Bean” at Cloud Gate or get a fantastic view of the entire city from the 110-foot Willis Tower.
If your toddler is a nature lover, take them to the famous Shedd Aquarium and the massive Lincoln Zoo, which are some of the best toddler attractions. The best time to visit the “Windy City” is spring or autumn. So, pack accordingly and be prepared for the weather.
Quick tip4. Club Med – Florida
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Club Med is well known for its tropical resorts across North America and the Caribbean. With white sand and crystal blue waters, it’s an ideal family vacation destination in summer. The “Baby Club Med” initiative makes it perfect for your young ones. It offers a combination of activities, from indoor games to outdoor activities, along with a daycare to take care of your little one’s naptime and nutritious meals.
It is an ideal family getaway place for new parents who want their children to have a great time alone and as an entire family. The best time to visit depends on the weather as the area is prone to storms. However, there are plenty of options, with branches in Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
5. Monterrey
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Monterrey stands out from other popular locations in California because it’s relatively less ‘touristy’ than most places on the coast while still boasting a wide range of family-friendly offers, activities, and attractions. You and your young ones can visit the National Maritime Sanctuary and find aquatic animals from otters to seals.
If you prefer to see them close, you can go to the attached aquarium to get face to face with the sea animals. The Country Youth Museum is another hotspot that boasts a massive play area with interactive exhibits for toddler entertainment. The ideal time to visit here is from spring to autumn.
Did you know?6. Lake Chaplain
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Vermont’s Lake Chaplain has gained a lot of popularity in the last few decades for its lake resorts and camps built all around it. The place is known for its family-friendly attractions and is also ideal for those who want to sit back and relax next to the calm waters and enjoy beautiful Vermont scenery.
If you want to have some time to yourself while the children are well taken care of, we recommend the Tyler Place family resort as a place to unwind. It offers plenty of family-friendly activities and toddler activities, including water sports, fishing, treehouses, and campfires. You can even have a night out by keeping your children with qualified caregivers. Make sure you get information on toddler camping activities before you fix your plans.
7. San Diego
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San Diego is a fairly crowded family destination during the peak season, but you can find many places close by that make it an excellent family getaway spot. We recommend checking out the Loews Coronado Bay resort as it gives you the feel of vacationing on a secluded private island. It is located at a short drive distance from the popular landmarks, including Sea World, downtown San Diego theme parks, and the zoo.
The family resorts prepare the rooms in advance for children by adding childcare products, strollers, and cribs. All these spares you from the burden of packing heavily. There is even a provision for baby food and onsite play areas for toddlers.
Point to consider8. Olympic National Park
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Located in Washington, Olympic National Park is one of the most iconic parks for family adventures in the country. With mountains and rainforests coming together at tide pools and straits, this park has something for everyone! Children can be amazed looking at the height of the massive trees, some of which are over a thousand years old. Plan car activities/road trip activities for toddlers in advance so they are not bored.
Parents who are experienced hikers or mountaineers can go for an active day trip through forest and mountain trails. At the same time, children can enjoy a less physically demanding vacation in the lap of nature. The place has forests, mountains, and water bodies all around.
9. Hawaii
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Hawaii is probably one of the best beach getaways in the United States if you like the island vibe. But if you visit the right place, you can get a good fit for you and your little ones with numerous family deals and toddler packages. We recommend you try Aulani Resort. Nestled between tropical forests, mountains, and the Pacific ocean, you will find yourself in the lap of nature.
The Hawaiin hospitality and culture can be felt everywhere, from the lobby to your rooms to the beachside restaurant and bar. You can relax and get a cabana by the poolside and even take classes on massaging infants. Children will enjoy the Disney theme, from costumed actors to water play areas that give a tropical Disneyland feel. It can be an excellent trip for people of all ages.
10. Disney cruise
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What do you do when your children are Disney fans, and all you want is a relaxing cruise for family fun? Go on a Disney Cruise! You can appreciate the Mediterranean-themed specialty restaurants and luxurious staterooms where you get a chance to relax, dine and unwind. There’s also a section for adults only, where you can spoil yourself with massages and spa treatments.
Children, meanwhile, can be well taken care of with childcare and camps. They’ll enjoy the Disney theme with characters, rides, games, and fireworks all around.
11. Water parks
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Waterparks are a classic family attraction that people of all ages can enjoy. Even if you aren’t up for some thrill-seeking rides or getting an adrenaline rush, you can relax and have a good time with your family. Such a lovely child-friendly water park is Noah’s Arkin, Wisconsin. You can visit for a day or stay longer if you like the accommodation options.
You can even find a variety of restaurants, rides, and toddler accommodations. If you’re looking for a thrill, visit the iconic “Scorpion’s Tail” ride. There are numerous kiddie and splash pools with lazy rivers running the park’s course where you can float.
12. Island adventure
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While Hawaii is a great island getaway, the overall vibe is laid back and ‘touristy.’ If you want a secluded island experience, we recommend you try Captiva’s South Seas Island Resort. While you can sit back and relax in their beach villas and cottages, you can go on island treks to see the sunsets. The hot dog boat rides and watersports can also be fun to try with kids.
If you are a foodie, you can enjoy eating at the diverse and child-friendly range of restaurants around. Children can enjoy shell hunting in the shallows for colorful and unique shells common to the Gulf of Mexico. There’s a craft center where your child can learn to make interesting decorations and toys and swim, too.
13. Urban getaway
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A vacation is more about what you do rather than where you are. If you’re not keen on long drives or traveling far, you could always opt to have a nice hotel vacation in an urban setting. For those of you on the East Coast, we recommend the Colonnade Hotel if you’re traveling with your young ones.
It is located at a nexus of tourist spots from the Children’s museum to the New England museum, and there is no shortage of activities for both parents and children here. You can walk down to Fenway Park or even take a short ride to all the major historical sites in Boston. Children can enjoy the splash fountains at the public gardens and the iconic statues and rides.
14. Traverse city
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Located by the banks of Lake Michigan, Traverse City has something for everyone. From outdoor movies to music performances every night to lakeshore fishing and water sports during the summers, you can find your niche there.
If you’re lucky enough to visit in the summer, you can not only enjoy the waterfront activities but also take part in the iconic National Cherry Festival with cherry-picking competitions, dog jumping shows, homemade ice cream, and cherry pie stalls. That makes a wholesome vacation for the entire family!
15. Mountain getaway
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Depending on the time of year, mountains can be great vacation spots with children if you pick the right resort. We recommend Smugglers Notch Resort in Vermont. The whole family can enroll in ski classes, but parents can choose to enjoy these activities alone as well if they wish to.
There is an extensive child care center for children to enjoy the winter sports activities such as skiing, snow-tubing, and even water slides and splash pools (in the summer). If the weather is rough, you can have fun indoors as well, with group sing-alongs and story nights.
16. Mexican riviera experience
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If you’re a fan of all-inclusive holidays, look no further than the Azul Beach Hotel in the Mexican Riviera. This place has something for everyone. There are dedicated yoga classes for moms, 24-hour babysitting services, childcare, and many other things such as onsite cribs and toy loans, so you don’t have to pack heavy items for your young ones.
Parents can enjoy private dinners and massages by the beach, while children can go wild at the playhouse filled with Fisher-Price toys. The whole family can come together for family movie nights and bond over a wide range of activities within the resort limits.
17. Legoland
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Legos are educational and fun toys for children and even some adults. And you can have a good time at Legoland whenever you wish to. Legoland boasts over 50 rides, which are all thematic and enjoyable for the entire family. From Star Wars themes to Lord of the Rings to even superheroes like Superman and Batman—you can find them all.
The place is designed, keeping children in mind, and has a wide range of childcare services, thus taking the pressure off parents. You can have a fun and educational experience with your little ones and unleash their inner creativity as you bond with them, trying to build toys, buildings, landmarks, or just fool around with Legos.
18. Cowboy holiday
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If your family loves animals, enjoy a Cowboy Holiday. Whether it’s puppies and kittens to a petting zoo, all of you can enjoy and have great fun. If you’re near the East Coast, you can check out the Rocking Horse Ranch in New York. With comprehensive childcare facilities for babies and toddlers, it makes an excellent vacation spot.
You can ask for customized meals, hire a babysitter, and take up various activities, from horse and pony rides to wagon trips. If your toddlers aren’t really into animals, they can always check out the interactive playground and indoor waterpark.
19. Jamaican getaway
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Caribbean holidays have been becoming increasingly popular with American tourists for the incredible scenery and luxury stay. Of late, the resorts are customizing their offerings for parents of young children. A good example is the Franklyn D. Resort in Jamaica, situated along the picturesque Runaway Bay. It has everything you’d expect from a tropical vacation with an extensive suite of childcare options.
With a dedicated children’s center, recreation room, and nannies for hire at reasonable rates, it makes a great option if you’re traveling with your little ones. The resort’s charm is its location, with everything from your rooms to the restaurant or pool just a short walk away.
20. Spanish fiesta
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If you have a budget and time for an international trip, Spain can be a good idea. Barcelona, in particular, is beautiful if you’re traveling with children. You don’t need a degree in architecture or history to appreciate the soaring spires of Sagrada Familia (sacred family) Basilica or enjoy the incredibly creative designs of the famous architect Gaudí.
Families can enjoy walking through the market districts, sampling local delicacies, and sipping on freshly made Sangria, while the younger ones can have fun at the beautiful parks with play areas and an abundance of ducks and exotics birds around. You can take a tour through Barcelona city on a double-decker bus by experienced local guides.
21. Langhorne
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Langhorne, Pennsylvania, is a beautiful borough, nestled in the picture-postcard beauty of the countryside, close to the Delaware River and major fishing and boating hotspots. But the true call to fame of Langhorne comes from the Sesame Place theme park, which is based on the iconic show Sesame Street.
This is one of the best theme parks for kids in the USA that is based on the show and has rides, character meets, and restaurants—paying tribute to the show. Children and parents will connect over these familiar characters that they both grew up watching and would love to spend any holiday, be it Halloween or Christmas, here.
22. Amusement parks
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Amusement parks have several attractions suitable for different age groups, including toddlers. Beyond fun and adventure rides, some amusement parks offer entertaining shows. Walt Disney World Resort is one of the most popular theme parks globally, which appeals to both children and adults with its four distinctive theme parks. The Magic Kingdom is the resort’s most iconic section, featuring the Cinderella Castle and the enchanting “It’s a small world” boat ride.
23. Visit a farm
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Visiting a farm can be a delightful and enriching experience for children, fostering a connection with nature and understand where food comes from. Children will have ample space to engage in outdoor play and exploration. They can cultivate new friendships with the animals and learn new things in the process. A visit to the farm can be an excellent option if you want to have a relaxing family time away from the city buzz.
Tips For Traveling With Toddlers
Here are a few tips to ensure you have a fun and safe trip with your toddler.
- Carry a fully equipped diaper bag with nappies, pins, sanitizer, wipes, a bottle of fresh water, and a portable potty set with disposable covers.
- Pack in ziploc bags, a sippy cup, cutlery, baby food, fresh drinking water, juices or fresh fruits, and a bib for easy feeding on the go.
- Keep a separate backpack for your child with a few light books and toys, water, and snacks.
- Carry medicines, puke bags, sunscreen, cold creams, candles and matches, sanitizers, wipes or tissues, rain or snow gear, extra footwear, and disposable bags.
- Dress in layers so you and your child are comfortable in varying temperatures within and outside your mode of transport. Also, keep an extra set of clothing handy to change soiled clothes immediately.
- Book direct flights or trains to minimize travel time and disruption. Also, get to the airport or railway station early to avoid stress.
- When traveling by road, use a reliable car seat, wear seat belts, and take adequate breaks in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can toddlers go on a vacation?
Yes, toddlers can go on a vacation. Traveling with a toddler may seem intimidating as one needs to pack a lot of stuff and may have to change their itinerary at the last minute if the toddler does not cooperate or is unwell. But, traveling with toddlers has some benefits, such as free stay and flights. However, make sure you’ve all the essentials and food handy.
2. How do I keep my baby safe at the beach?
Using ample sunscreen lotion, maintaining hydration, using baby powder, wearing a sunhat, using a swimming diaper, and sitting in a shade when not in water are some ways to keep a baby safe at the beach during a vacation.
3. What is the best age to travel with a toddler?
Traveling with toddlers has its advantages and disadvantages. Each child matures differently, and their behavior and responses might vary with circumstances. Hence, a particular age cannot be deemed suitable for traveling with toddlers. Even though toddlers are at an age where they can be instructed to behave, the possibility of them throwing tantrums can’t be ruled out.
4. Is traveling good for toddlers?
Traveling is good for boosting their development. Exposure to various sights, sceneries, sounds, smells, and flavors makes them more adaptable to changing circumstances. It also helps in enhancing their imagination and creativity. They learn new skills on the go, hence making them self-efficient.
5. Is traveling stressful for toddlers?
Yes, traveling can be stressful for toddlers. Being in a new place amidst unfamiliar faces and crowds can be overwhelming for them. Disruption in routine, sleeping in a different bed, and anything new can be a cause for stress and anxiety in toddlers.
6. What are some travel-friendly activities for toddlers during long trips?
You may keep them engaged with travel-friendly toys, audiobooks, or engaging educational apps.
Planning a toddler-friendly vacation can be one huge task as it feels like it can never be accomplished due to the number of restrictions that follow. It is essential to ensure their safety and security to make it a successful and joyous vacation for all. Note down the ideas and try implementing them as it can help you make a great plan that can suit all your preferences and help you spend good quality time with your toddlers.
Infographic: List Of Places That You Can Visit With Your Toddler
Vacations are necessary for every family. But, if you have a toddler, the first thought that might come to your mind while planning for a vacation must be how can you and your toddler both have fun? Well, we have the following list of places picked out for you that are toddler-friendly and will ensure fun for the whole family. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- Paradise Islands, as the name suggests, is the perfect vacation place with your toddler.
- Hawaii and Club Med are two more amazing vacation spots that give everyone a lasting memory.
- Plan and ensure that the place you choose is safe and toddler-friendly.
Illustration: Best Toddler-Friendly Places To Go On A Vacation
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Explore five amazing baby-friendly travel destinations with us! From beaches to mountains, there’s something for everyone.
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