Planning a family vacation is always a challenge (to put it mildly), but choosing the right type of trip when your kids fall into a wide range of ages can be especially tricky. Toddlers and teens don't have many interests in common, after all — unless staring at a tablet or phone counts — and it can be tough to find a destination that has something for everyone. But there are plenty of ways to make this year's summer getaway one that the whole family can enjoy — maybe even you!
The trick is to plan ahead and to be realistic about your children's individual needs. If you have a tween who's in that phase of being mortified by anything "babyish," you probably want to avoid places with people dressed like talking animals. Likewise, if you have a toddler who's not quite steady on his feet, you'll probably want to hold off on that group mountain-climbing excursion. With a little bit of luck (and compromise), the following suggestions can work for all ages.
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Go on an Outdoorsy Adventure
If there's one thing we can all use more of, it's time spent in the great outdoors. Luckily, there are lots of ways to get your fill of fresh air. Depending on your family's location (and/or how far you're willing to travel) and interests, possibilities include rafting trips, hiking, or camping. Most activities can be tailored to suit both beginners and experienced types. For activities that are only appropriate for older kids, parents can switch off. (Mom and teen go kayaking while dad and toddler look for frogs in the stream, for example.
Explore a New City
Whether it's within driving distance or you need to hop on a plane to get there, most major cities offer a huge range of activities — some of them even free! — for every age. Spend your days snapping selfies at tourist spots (think the Statue of Liberty or the Golden Gate Bridge), checking out museums, seeing musicals, and sampling local cuisine, and your brood won't have a chance to get bored. As with the adventure option, parents can take turns if necessary (one takes the tween to an art exhibit while the other takes the preschooler to a children's museum, etc.).
Hit the Beach
Sure, heading to the shore seems like an obvious choice for a family vacation, but it's still worth mentioning. The beach can't be beat when you're trying to tailor your trip to suit a wide range of needs, and you can make it as low-key or action-packed as you want. Many beaches offer lessons in surfing or sailing for big kids and teens, and toddlers are always content to build sandcastles, explore tide pools, and hunt for shells. Extra points if there's a beachside bar or restaurant for the parents.
Take a Food Tour
Pick one food that everybody in your family likes (such as ice cream, pizza, or cheeseburgers) and research the top-rated spots in a region. Once you have a list, take your collective appetites on a culinary road trip! Let kids take turns picking other spots of interest to visit in each town.
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Saddle Up
Experienced and novice riders alike will love visiting a dude ranch (an increasingly popular family vacation destination). Whether you're looking for an authentic experience complete with campfire singalongs or a more relaxing stay that involves the option of Wi-Fi and spa services, there are lots of different kinds of ranches to try.
Go Back in Time
Pick a place of historical significance, such as Gettysburg or Salem, and plan a tour that's as entertaining as it is educational. Most towns and cities like these are filled with family-friendly dining, accommodations, and attractions, so even the littlest kids can get in on the action.
Take a Classic Theme Park Trip
There's a reason why we think of roller coasters and cotton candy when we think of summer: Theme parks are a perennially popular vacation choice because there's always something for everybody, from kiddie rides to waterslides to the kind of crazy contraptions that hurl you through the air upside down. Plus, there are major parks all across the country, so you can probably stay as close to home (or go as far away) as you want.
