Family Friendly Vacation Ideas?

[R-7]

Looking for a little help... My kids have always gone with their mom and grandparents over Spring Break. I then take them down to place in Florida (Naples/Fort Myers area)...

This year however, they are doing a site seeing tour over the summer. Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, etc etc etc...

Looking for fun oriented, nice weather vacation spot, other than the Florida spot. Does not have to be U.S.... Kids are 13 and 10... All my trips that I take other than with them to Florida have been adult oriented and I have never looked for where else to take them...

Any feedback from the forum would be welcomed! Thanks.

 

[R-7]

p.s. - They have done three Carinival and Disney type cruises, so that is not on the agenda...

 

[Chadman]

So, it's just you and the two kids, for a week? I assume you and the mom are divorced - and this is the big week each year you have them? What are the sexes of the two kids/age? What's the exact dates of your trip? Where are you leaving from/returning to?

Any of this would help us help you plan... already sounds fun to me...:0074

 

[R-7]

Yes divorced, but definitely still work together to raise the kids as a loving family... Yes, this is my big week with them, although I see them everyday, this is our big quality time with me away from work and everyday life...

Kids love to ski, love the water, love exploring. Very well rounded...

Daughter is 13, Son is 10. We would be going over Spring Break which would be March 21 to 27.

Leaving from Green Bay, Appleton or Milwaukee.

 

[Chadman]

I see, being from MN myself I now know your ultimate perspective on getting to good weather over Spring Break. Will try to come up with something fun. Have you taken them on any Mexico or Caribbean vacations? That's a great area, Mayan Riviera, you can get some inexpensive all-inclusives that have a ton of things to do at the resort - usually great for those age levels, and nice for you, too.

 

[layinwood]

How active are they? If they like physical activities you should go somewhere that you could all three learn to do something together like kiteboarding. A week would be a good enough amount of time to learn and get to do it for a few days. IMO learning something with your kids and then doing it together is always the best. And for them there's the chance of doing something better than dad which is always a great thing(at least for my kids)

Someone on here in Florida is a big kiteboarder.

 

[AL FARR]

That very easy: Myrtle Beach S.C.:00hour :00hour
Check it out.

 

[Chadman]

That very easy: Myrtle Beach S.C.:00hour :00hour
Check it out.

Al, I certainly see Myrtle Beach being a man's world vacation, especially for golfers, but not sure about kids. I suppose there are some things to do. Myrtle Beach is DEFINITELY a man's vacation destination. Any specifics, great for the kids?

And R-7, what kind of budget are you looking at - you don't have to answer, but it sounds like money is not tight for you, considering the cruise experiences. Is Mexico/Caribbean possible? I can give you a couple of specific resorts that are great for your situation, if so.

 

[Chadman]

http://www.cataloniarivieracancun.com/

Have not checked into costs of late, but I know this place was inexpensive, located in a nice spot with a neat town within walking distance and Playa Del Carmen close with a free shuttle. We've been there twice, it's low-cost, great place, lots of fun things to do at the resort and at Puerto Aventuras within a short walk, and Playa at night. Cozumel can be a short boat ride for a day. Inexpensive compared to other spots, and a great time.

Just a suggestion... not overrun by spring breakers, nice staff, great place for young adults.

 

[hawkeye]

San Diego and/or the Phoenix areas have a lot to offer

 

[toastonastick]

if your going to myrtle beach try north beach plantation. very very kid friendly, my kids loved it

 

[Woodson]

How active are they? If they like physical activities you should go somewhere that you could all three learn to do something together like kiteboarding. A week would be a good enough amount of time to learn and get to do it for a few days. IMO learning something with your kids and then doing it together is always the best. And for them there's the chance of doing something better than dad which is always a great thing(at least for my kids)

Someone on here in Florida is a big kiteboarder.

Kiteboarding is amazing and for both sexes as well as young and old. It will run a couple hundred for private lessons per individual which are needed.

If you go this route, I would make certain the trainer is certified as well as to take the self rescue course.

It takes a couple days to understand the sailing tacks and be able to go upwind but it is something they'll never forget and you'll be the coolest dad no doubt.

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[layinwood]

Kiteboarding is amazing and for both sexes as well as young and old. It will run a couple hundred for private lessons per individual which are needed.

If you go this route, I would make certain the trainer is certified as well as to take the self rescue course.

It takes a couple days to understand the sailing tacks and be able to go upwind but it is something they'll never forget and you'll be the coolest dad no doubt.

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And it's not just something for this vacation but something you can do back home or do again in the future. I know some people are as "active" with things when they go on vacation but to me this is as good as it gets. It gives you a chance to laugh and potentially cry as well as fail and then succeed. Adding the fact that you're doing it with your kids just makes it better.

If you have any desire to visit TX then Corpus is a great place to do this. The winds in the bay of Corpus are perfect and very consistent.

There are also some very awesome places to go in the NW and IMO would be a great place to take them that would be totally different from Florida. Camping and kite boarding would be some serious quality time and more importantly fun for your kids.

 

[Morris]

Got to remember guys the kids are 10 and 13. JMO but they may be a little young for kiteboarding.

 

[layinwood]

Morris, no way they're too young. A few years ago they might have been but there has been a lot of advancement in boarding and IMO they're perfect.

As a mater of fact I'm planning on taking my kids to a camp here in the DFW area this summer. My kids are 8 and 7. The went to a wakeboarding camp last summer as well as learned to surf. I figured we would try something different this summer because my wife wants to learn as well.

 

[Woodson]

Morris, no way they're too young. A few years ago they might have been but there has been a lot of advancement in boarding and IMO they're perfect.

As a mater of fact I'm planning on taking my kids to a camp here in the DFW area this summer. My kids are 8 and 7. The went to a wakeboarding camp last summer as well as learned to surf. I figured we would try something different this summer because my wife wants to learn as well.

@layinwood? Do you ride? I know several of the shop owners in Florida and Texas as well as Myrtle Beach if you are looking to buy gear.

I will say that its almost spiritual in a way that's hard to explain. Riding the evening breeze a quarter mile off shore, I swear I have heard the hushed whispers of angels singing.

@Morris: I've seen kids riding as young as 5 as well as dogs riding on their masters boards. If you stay out of violent weather patterns and oncoming fronts, you lower the risk of getting updrafted or tea bagged across the beach into a condo. I mean it's not like they'd be riding unhooked (the equivalent of taking off the governor so to speak)

It's as extreme a sport as you would like to make it.

The Gorge is a great place in the NW. Corpus Christi blows 25 all day long. I spent a week down there earlier in the year.

Whether you kiteboard or go with some other activity, it is cool to see someone so passionate about spending time with their kids.

Kudos to you!

:toast:

 

[saint]

I know Myrtle Beach has it's fan base but there are a ton of trashy people there. I would not recommend bringing your kids there. Just my opinion of course.

 

[Woodson]

I know Myrtle Beach has it's fan base but there are a ton of trashy people there. I would not recommend bringing your kids there. Just my opinion of course.

We stay a week at Debordeui every year in June. It's south of Myrtle Beach but I can assure you that it is anything but trashy.

But I do understand your meaning...

:toast:

 

[R-7]

Thaniks for the info guys... My kids would love kite boarding. Been parasailing couple times. They are great swimmers and fearless. May have to give this a try...