School’s. Out. For. The summer! You know the song. And it’s true! The sunny summer days stretch ahead of us in a long unbroken stretch of possibility. And if you’re a parent, you might be a little stressed as you consider those unstructured days ahead.
The wonderful thing about a family getaway is that you can use it to create activities throughout the summer. It can be fun for the whole family to learn about the destination you’ll be exploring together, and after you return, craft projects can help those memories live on forever.
These are our top picks for family vacations this summer:
Los Cabos
Riu Santa FeLocated on the very tip of Baja California del Sur, Los Cabos is a destination for active families. You can explore the famous Land’s End rock formation, walk on miles of beaches and snorkel or dive in the Gulf of California (also known as the Aquarium of the World). Roy Dye’s golf course at the Cabo San Lucas Country Club offers awesome views but a forgiving course for all skill levels. Of the two towns in the area, San Jose del Cabo is quieter, while Cabo San Lucas is lively and upbeat.
Where to stay:
Punta Cana
Grand Palladium Punta CanaDon’t let the reputation for romance fool you: Punta Cana isn’t just for honeymooners. In fact, with its calm beaches, age-appropriate activities and short nonstop flights from many cities, Punta Cana is one of the most family-friendly destinations in the Caribbean. Be sure to explore the Bávaro Adventure Park, where little ones can see the world of dinosaurs come to life and try out the life of an archeologist, and older kids can try out the ropes course and short zip-lines. Monkeyland is another big hit, where friendly squirrel monkeys will eat from your hands and perch on your shoulders!
Where to stay:
Cozumel
The Explorean CozumelCozumel is an island that's all about the watersports. It is famous for its diving and snorkeling, given that it is located right off the world’s second-largest barrier reef system. But don’t lose sight of what’s hidden in the interior of the island: Mayan ruins, the quaint town of San Miguel, and ambling horseback rides through the jungle. Stingray Beach is a unique adventure where you can swim with gentle (and barb-free) stingrays, and Chankanaab National Park offers encounters with manatees, sea lions, crocodiles and dolphins. Bonus: easy access from Cancun and Riviera Maya mean short, simple travel days.
Where to stay:
Jamaica
Sunscape Splash Montego BayThis island nation is known for its laid-back vibe: think Bob Marley, reggae and those long beaches. What more could you really want for your family vacation? Well…how about Dunn’s River Falls’ 600 feet of cascading waterfalls and pools that flow directly into the Caribbean Sea? Or hiking in the Blue Mountains? Perhaps enjoying some traditional jerk chicken poolside? Jamaica has its own rhythm – and when you arrive, you’ll find yourself setting your watch to island time.
Where to stay:
Of course, in between your adventures and explorations, those lazy hours of unstructured time your vacation may just result in your most cherished memories of all.
