There’s a lot to look forward to when planning a family vacation. Unfortunately, many families get to their destination and wish they never left home. Without careful planning, members of your family will be bored, which can make you feel frustrated.
It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling with a toddler, a teen, or if grandma decides to tag along, you can find fun things to do nearly everywhere that the entire family will love.
Catch a Show
One of the best things you can do when traveling with other family members is to catch a show. When you choose the right one, you can ensure even the youngest and oldest members of your family are entertained.
A play in a local theater or a musical concert in an outdoor amphitheater will do, but if you think outside the box, you can make sure everyone makes memories they will never forget. For example, “The General Jackson Showboat Lunch & Dinner Cruises provide an amazing adventure to those visiting Nashville, TN.” Because shows take place on a riverboat and dinner is served, everyone is sure to have a good time!
Have a very young or very old family members with you? Avoid buying tickets for shows after 8:00 PM. Instead, choose a matinee.
Visit a Museum
It doesn’t matter where you go, chances are, there’s a museum nearby. There are museums of history, museums of art, and funky museums full of collections you would never expect. There’s a lot to look at in a museum, which makes it perfect for the whole family.
Another benefit of scheduling a trip to the museum on your next vacation is the fact that many museums are free, or admittance is granted with a small donation. It’s an affordable way to spend the afternoon when you’re traveling with a large crew, and you will all will reap the benefits a trip to the museum has to offer.
Get Outside
You probably spend a lot of time thinking about the places you’re going to go when you’re on vacation. If you’re traveling with multiple family members, you should rethink your strategy. Instead of focusing on shows, theme parks, and restaurants, consider making the outdoors your destination instead.
Getting outside comes with many benefits, including health benefits. It will reduce stress, which is a good thing for a family vacation, and the entire crew is sure to have a great time. A few ideas for spending time outside on vacation include:
- Bring a picnic lunch to a local park.
- Find a nature trail and go for a walk.
- Spend the day sitting on the beach.
- Rent bicycles and go for a ride.
- Go camping in a tent or an RV.
- Buy fishing licenses and go fishing.
- Rent a boat and let the kids water ski or kneeboard.
Go Shopping
Going shopping can be a lot of fun when you go on vacation! You just have to mindful of the ages of the people coming with you.
For example, if grandma and grandpa are coming along, make sure you plan plenty of time to sit and rest. If you’re bringing the kids, especially if they’re little, come prepared with a convertible stroller and all the supplies you’ll need for the day. Older kids will have a fun time shopping if you provide them with a budget so they can buy a few things to take home.
No matter who you’re shopping with, it’s a good idea to choose places that aren’t very crowded. Avoid big sales and the busiest shopping times so you don’t lose your toddler or grandma in the crowd.
Get Hands-On
Vacations can do a lot of things, which includes making you smarter. Although some locations are more likely to boost your brain than others, you can find ways to learn and get hands-on, no matter where you go on vacation.
For example, the kids will love taking paddleboard or surfing lessons, and grandma and grandpa will love watching them learn. Craft classes are especially fun for the whole family. Let the kids take turns on a pottery wheel or learn how to use a loom to make a family rug. You can find painting classes, cooking classes, and much more that will be fun for the whole family!
The more people you travel with, the harder it is to keep everybody happy. That’s especially the case if you’re traveling with very young or old family members. With these tips, you’ll be able to find at least one thing to do that everyone will love!
