School’s officially out, and that means it’s time to start filling that summer calendar with fun! For a lot of people, summer vacation comes to mind, but where can you find a family-friendly vacation destination that is not only fun but healthy too? We’ve done the dirty work for you and searched out five fantastic vacations that will have the whole family lovin’ life and keeping fit while you’re at it.
Family-Friendly Vacation Destination #1
Photo: Skytop Lodge
Destination: Pennsylvania
Resort: Skytop Lodge
Why the whole family will love it: This family-friendly vacation destination in the Poconos Mountains has outdoor activities aplenty. The list of outdoor fun includes bicycling, hiking, kayaking, mini-golf, golf, tennis, and swimming. They also have “Camp in the Clouds,” which is a children’s program that keeps kids on their feet with age-appropriate adventures. Activities include golf and tennis lessons, rock climbing, nature hikes, and more. This gives parents a chance for kids-free vacation time, but are welcome to join in the fun anytime. If you’re traveling with teens, their thrill for adventure will be filled here as well with archery tag, geocaching, and rock climbing.
Family-Friendly Vacation Destination #2
Photo: Rancho de los Caballeros
Destination: Arizona
Resort: Rancho de los Caballeros
Why the whole family will love it: The Caballeros Kid’s Program has been around since 1948. With that many years under their belt, you know they’ve got the activities and experience to keep your kids active, entertained, and having fun. This family-friendly vacation spot offers trail rides for kids 8+, and ring rides in the corral for younger kids. Off the horses, activities include swimming, tennis, hiking, scavenger hunts, and crafts to keep the kids busy all morning. In the evening, kids rejoin the camp counselor for games or a marshmallow roast around the campfire. While the kids are busy, Mom and Dad can choose to join in on some of the fun, kick back and relax, golf, or go horseback riding.
Family-Friendly Vacation Destination #3
Photo: Sorrel River Ranch
Destination: Utah
Resort: Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa
Why the whole family will love it: This stunning resort is spread out on 160 acres along the banks of the Colorado River in the heart of Utah’s red rock country, offering up an incredible view for a family-friendly vacation. You and the kids can hike or go horseback riding right at the resort. There are guided river trips, kayaking, paddle boarding, mountain biking, hiking, canyoneering, art classes, and a petting zoo. Plus the chance to explore the Canyonlands by jet boat. And Sorrel River Ranch Resort is just an hour from both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.
If you’re looking to hang around the ranch, you will enjoy live music, evening campfires, an outdoor pool and hot tub, and tennis and basketball courts. As if the endless activities weren’t enough, the ranch also grows its own organic fruits and vegetables for fresh meals at the restaurant.
Family-Friendly Vacation Destination #4
Photo: Jackson Hole
Destination: Wyoming
Resort: Cowboy Village Resort
Why the whole family will love it: This truly western resort is just 15 minutes from Grand Teton National Park, where you family can be active and in awe of nature for your entire vacation. The Grand Adventure Park in Teton Village is just a stones throw away, and is filled with thrill-seeking fun. Your family will have a day’s worth (or more!) of fun with mountain biking, riding the tram, free falling from our new drop tower, tackling our ropes course and much more. When you’ve fulfilled as much adventure as you can there, you can hike until every one of your hearts are content in Teton Village.
Family-Friendly Vacation Destination #5
Photo: Sugarloaf
Destination: Maine
Resort: Sugarloaf Mountain Resort
Why the whole family will love it: Nestled in Maine’s Carrabassett Valley, Sugarloaf is one of New England’s most popular family resorts, offering more than 5,000 acres of wilderness, whitewater rafting, and wildlife in addition to the state’s top golf course. Sugarloaf offers guided adventures for the whole family and Outdoor Adventure Camp for children ages 4 to 13, where children may swim, fish, play tennis and golf and go on field trips. The Sunrise Canoe Trip on Wednesday mornings is also a must-do.