We’re big fans of all things American Girl and now you have a new way to immerse yourself in the world of the characters: American Girl Vacations! Brought to you by Academic Travel Abroad, you can travel to Hawaii and enter the life of Nanea, or New York and step back in time with Rebecca. The trips span 6-7 days and are packed with activities and experiences sure to delight your doll lover.
Rebecca’s New York trip is scheduled for December in New York City. In your six days, you’ll join a sewing class to learn about the Jewish principle of mitzvah, see The Nutcracker live and explore the Museum of Moving image at a private after-hours party. You’ll also get to try some of the city’s iconic eats, like sandwiches at Katz’s Delicatessen and frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity III. All accommodations are included, in this case, a stay at a four-star hotel in Manhattan. And a professional on-site host will help you make the most of your time in the Big Apple.
Nanea’s Hawaii trip is also slated for December in Oahu. Scheduled for seven days, you’ll get to learn the art of hula dancing, care for pups at the humane society and enjoy a private tour of Pearl Harbor. You can try your hand at making shave ice, explore a rain forest and enjoy the island’s beautiful beaches. Don’t forget the luau celebration! You’ll stay at a four-star hotel on Waikiki Beach and also be treated to a professional on-site host.
Space for both trips is limited to 25, but if you miss the first two there are more to come! The trips have flexible cancelation policies and enlist a professional travel team to help with questions regarding flights, extra accommodations and COVID-19 protocols. It will definitely be a Christmas to remember!
Spring has sprung and the flowers aren’t only in your garden. Vera Bradley and Crocs recently teamed up—and the result is a perfectly pretty pairing of fab florals and functional footwear.
The current collection is the third line from the brand-to-brand collab. This time Vera Bradley and Crocs are back with a paradise-inspired line of stylish, yet completely comfortable, shoes.
Look for springy prints, Rain Forest Canopy Pink and Rain Forest Leaves, in the styles you’ve come to know and love from Crocs. These include the Classic Clog and Kadee Sandal.
Along with the floral footwear, the Vera Bradley x Crocs collaboration also features Jibbitz charms. Adorn your spring-time Crocs with the flowers and leaves limited edition Tropical three-pack ($9.99) of charms or a trio of tropics-themed birds (also $9.99) Jibbitz!
Nab a pair of Crocs Classic Rain Forest Canopy Pink Clogs or Crocs Classic Rain Forest Leaves Clogs for $49.99 each online at verabradley.com. You’ll also find Crocs Kadee Rain Forest Canopy Pink Sandals and Crocs Kadee Rain Forest Leaves Sandals for $29.99 on the Vera Bradley website. You can also find the footwear on the Crocs website here in mid-May.
If life is a highway, your RV, converted van or vintage bus has the miles to prove it. Whether you’re living the digital nomad dream or looking for a sweet place to park your ride over spring break, these RV parks in Washington will fit your free-wheeling lifestyle. Wonder where the road will take you next? Try one of these spots that have families in mind.
If crashing waves lulling you to sleep sounds like the ideal bedtime soundtrack for your little beach bums, it doesn’t get better than Pacific Beach. Alongside 41 RV sites, you’ll find an expansive sandy stretch as far as the eye can see. Your Littles will spend hours here flying kites, digging holes, skim boarding in the shallows and splashing in the waves. Dig up clams for your site-side dinner (in season of course), and plan a bonfire on the beach for s’mores when you’re done. Ocean side rules!
Add a farm stay to your RV camping experience when you book one of six spots at this working farm up north. With individual fire pits, animals ready to greet your kids and fresh raspberry picking in the summertime, the property-wide activities will keep your kiddos busy. Or venture out in Whatcom County where you'll find spots for hiking, biking, fishing and more! The best part? Fido is welcome on this farm.
Good to know: Don’t have an RV? You can tent camp or rent the Tiny Farmhouse or Farm Apartment here instead.
Explore the shores of Lake Quinault and the world’s largest Sitka Spruce when you snag a campground site at the Rain Forest Village Resort. Lake play is what summers at the shore are all about. But families can also find easy rainforest hikes on or near the property as well. Plus, with Kalaloch and Ruby Beach just a short drive away, and spectacular waterfalls tucked into the forests around the resort, it’s easy to spend a few days here.
With just 11 RV spots, this campsite on the shores of Lake Chelan is super popular. In addition to Lake Chelan’s bounty of spring and summer activities, families can fish and swim at Twenty-Five Mile Creek. It’s also a great launching spot for mountain bikes and scenic hikes, so load up your rack and bring your hiking poles. This is a great stay and play spot!
Find a peaceful wooded site at this family-owned campground that boasts 500 campsites on 80 acres. It’s situated along the Cowlitz River and is an easy drive from Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens. Kids can stay busy on the playground and ziplines, and they may even beat you at a round of horseshoes. You’ll also find outdoor pools here, plus planned activities throughout the summer that makes this a no-brainer for families with Littles in tow.
Get to know one of Washington state’s most visited places when you reserve a campsite at Deception Pass. With sweeping views, scenic hikes and plenty of shoreline (both fresh and saltwater) to explore, families can reconnect with nature at this local favorite. Avoid the crowds when you stay at Bowman Bay, and add in exciting perks like a tree canopy climb with AdventureTerra or a bioluminescent kayak tour from Anacortes Kayak Tours. You don’t have to go far to find these adventures!
A great place to stay and play no matter what the season, families will find lots of activities here come spring and summer. Kids can splash safely in the shallows of the lake, before taking a family afternoon hike along the Rex Derr trail on a sunny afternoon. Fishing poles and bikes are the perfect accessories to bring when you stay. And if you’re feeling extra inspired, drive into nearby Winthrop to get your Western fix. Yee-haw!
Mix history with marine biology at this campsite overlooking the Straight of Juan de Fuca. Families can explore rocky shores in search of sea life during low tide, or bring kayaks to paddle around the area in search of seals and orcas. Then it’s time to check out the old WWII concrete bunkers you’ll find at Camp Hayden. Add in a playground, basketball court, horseshoe pits and more and the kids will be completely worn out playing at this 196-acre park by the time the sun sets.
3506 Camp Hayden Rd. Port Angeles, WA 360-928-3441 Online:clallam.net
Skokomish Park Lake Cushman – Hoodsport
Allison Sutcliffe
Surrounded by mountains, bordering Olympic National Park, you'll find Lake Cushman and this 600-acre campground. Park your rig on one of two loops to enjoy the inlet and abundant water activities. If you're trailering jet skis or have your kayaks with you, put in at the campground's beach. Or hike the nearby Staircase Rapids before returning to your campsite to make dinner under the stars. If quiet and serene is what you're after, you've found the spot.
If something a little more exotic is on your radar for your next family vacation, Tahiti should be at the top of your list! With low-cost, direct flights on French bee available from SFO, it’s an easy getaway to another world. You won’t have the crowds of other island destinations and the kids will love learning some Tahitian and French phrases while you are on your tropical family vacation. Read on for the full scoop!
Have the Pool to Yourself
The island of Tahiti receives about as many visitors in a year as the Hawaiian islands receive in one weekend. So you can expect far fewer crowds and in general, a much less developed or touristy experience when you visit. This is especially evident when you head to the pool at your Tahitian hotel to find that you don't have to stake out a lounge chair before breakfast or jockey for a table at lunch.
One of our favorite Tahitian pool experiences is at the Manava Suite Resort Hotel. Just 15 minutes from the Papeete Airport, this hotel is a great option for families. Its massive pool has waterfalls, an infinity edge, a swim-up bar and gorgeous sunset views of the neighboring island of Moorea. In addition, you can swim and snorkel in the hotel's private lagoon as well as rent kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, jet skis and other water toys to venture out farther.
The hotel's suites are perfectly suited for families and we especially liked the two-bedroom duplex suite. It had two bedrooms and two bathrooms upstairs and a pull-out couch and kitchen downstairs. The ability to purchase your own groceries will help you significantly cut down on food expenses during your visit. Bonus: it's right next door to an awesome food truck location (read more below).
Taste the Local Flavors from a Food Truck
Have you ever noticed that you can get the best tips from your cab driver on your drive from the airport? Ask about where to find the local food trucks and you'll be in for a feast of tastes, sights and smells. You can find these in downtown Papeete and also near the Manava Suite Resort Hotel (turn left out of the hotel and walk a short distance along the road to find the gathering on the side of the street along the water).
Expect to find trucks selling poisson cru (fresh fish served with coconut milk and vegetables, very similar to poke), steak fries, pizza, chow mein and other local specialties in massive portions. A bowl of chow mein that's enough to serve four adults will run you around $12, a drastic savings from resort restaurant prices. For kids, find a truck selling crepes and they'll be in heaven. From classic combos like ham and cheese to sweet options like Nutella and banana, the options are endless.
Stay at a Private Island Resort
Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia and where you will fly into when you head there from the U.S. Other popular islands like Moorea and Bora Bora can be reached by ferry or flights on Air Tahiti.
For the ultimate private island experience, head to Le Taha'a Resort and Spa. To get there, fly from Tahiti to the island of Raiatea (around $300/adult, less for kids 12 and under) where the resort will pick you up in a boat to take you to your island paradise. In addition to traditional overwater suites (which can sleep a couple plus one child), Le Taha'a offers massive beach villas to accommodate families. These villas are right on the beach and have a private plunge pool, air conditioning, outdoor shower and tub, free WiFi and a huge bathroom. The Royal Beach Villa has even more space with a second separate bedroom and bathroom that would be great for grandparents.
Resort features include the best breakfast buffet you'll ever have (no joking), a swimming pool, tennis court and spa. Kids 12 and under eat free when ordering off the kids menu at all the on-site restaurants. Just down the beach from the pool you can access the coral garden where you can snorkel using equipment provided by the resort. Because the resort like most of French Polynesia is surrounded by coral reefs, you'll have very minimal waves and shallow water that's perfect for kids to wade in. Insider tip: Ask the concierge to set up a treasure hunt for the kids!
Vanilla and Pearls and Views
The island of Taha'a is the place to go if you'd like to learn about Tahiti's history selling pearls and vanilla beans. Terainui Tours can give you the full experience as you tour the island's pearl farms to see for yourself how the most beautiful pearls are encouraged to grow in the waters just off shore. Then head to a nearby vanilla farm to learn how it takes hand pollination and a number of years of care to get the delicious vanilla beans that are then dried in the sun.
If you're lucky, your tour guide will take you to a local home up in the hills with gorgeous views of the valley below. On a recent tour, we had the pleasure of tasting local delicacies like poisson cru, breadfruit and coconut water. Experiences like this where you get to meet local people will give you a great feel for the warm culture of Tahiti.
Black Sand Is Magic
For a beach of a different sort, head to the Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort on the island of Tahiti to enjoy the black sand of Matavai Bay. Located just a 15-minute drive from downtown Papeete, you'll love the relaxed tranquility that this hotel offers. Rooms include outdoor lanai balconies with water views and there are suites for families who need more room.
The hotel's massive pool is just steps from the black sand beach—look closely when the sun shines just right to see the golden sparkles in the sand. Dine in the outdoor courtyard or order a pizza to have delivered to your lounge chair while you watch the kids swim.
Don't pass up a chance to explore the hotel's rain forest courtyard in the lobby where the kids just might spot some massive snails or a gecko climbing a palm tree!
Learn About a New Culture
Take a break from the beach and spend some time touring Tahiti to learn a little bit about the culture of French Polynesia. You can take a Safari 4x4 to the Papenoo Valley to see waterfalls or a more leisurely Circle Island Tour to see some of the historical hot spots. Stops include landmarks such as Point Venus, Faaruumai Waterfall, Taputapuatea Marae and Maraa Fern Grotto. Kids will especially love visiting the Arahoho Blowhole and feeling the spray of the ocean!
Tahiti VIP Tours is a high-quality operator with vans that are large enough for groups and very informative guides. They are available for private tours and specialty services like helping you source an authentic ukulele to take home with you.
Waterfalls for Days
Don't miss out on visiting one or more of Tahiti's waterfalls while you are there. Book a tour that will take you on a half-day hike to some of the more majestic beauties or visit one that's right off the road for an easier option. We particularly loved the Faarumai Waterfalls as they were a quick five-minute walk from the parking lot and very impressive in height. They flow year round although they are more impressive in the rainy season.
Getting There with Ease—French bee
An airline that understands what it's like to travel with kids is key to getting off on the right start with your Tahitian adventure. French bee offers direct flights from SFO that will get you there in around eight hours and the price can't be beat. From $330/person one way to Tahiti, you can spend your vacation money on the vacation itself and not the flight.
Kids will love the free in-flight entertainment where they can play games or watch movies like Home Alone to pass the time in the air. They will also get a kick out of the external cameras where you can see what it's like for the pilots to land the plane. Bulkhead rows with bassinets are available for those travelling with little ones. Meals, baggage and drinks are extra so plan ahead and save yourself some money by packing your own snacks. Families are able to board early and the 3-4-3 seating arrangement means that you can all sit together once on board.
Tahiti uses the French Polynesian Franc (CFP). The Papeete airport has ATMs and a currency exchange to get you hooked up when you arrive.
If your hotel doesn't have WiFi or you will be traveling around the islands, you might want to consider renting a pocket router from Tahiti WiFi. You can pick it up from the Papeete airport and return it when you fly out.
Bring bug spray and reef-safe sunscreen. Mosquitoes are present in the inner part of Tahiti and on many of the other islands so protect your family with a good bug spray. You'll also want to make sure any sunscreen you bring along will not damage the reefs so look for ones that say "reef safe" or "ocean safe."
You'll need a power adapter for your electronics. We like this one as it packs up small and doesn't have parts you can lose.
—photos and story by Kate Loweth
Editor’s note: This trip was paid for by French bee, Le Taha’a, Tahiti Pearl, Manava Suite and Tahiti Tourisme but all opinions expressed here belong to the author.
For the last 25 years, TIME for Kids has been a trusted source for millions of elementary students. Llast month the publication was made available digitally to students to access for free from their homes. Timed to Earth Day, TIME for Kids has released a special edition issue available for free in the TIME For Kids digital library.
The cover story explores how scientists are taking a penguin census in Antarctica as part of a global penguin census to better understand the impact of climate change. Other stories in the issue include how the Netherlands is dealing with rising sea levels, a debate on if cars should be banned from cities, five Kid Heroes for the Planet, how classrooms in Africa are being built from recycled plastic garbage, the plants and animals of South America’s Amazon rain forest, a group in Pakistan is planting native trees and an interview with Bindi and Robert Irwin.
San Diegans are currently homebound due to social distancing and widespread business closures. Your kids may not understand why trips to the museum, zoo, Safari Park or Birch Aquarium have to be put on hold. We’ve found plenty of ways for your family to enjoy some of your favorite places from home! See what the rhinos, elephants, giraffes, koalas and cute creatures are doing at the zoo and Safari Park (including Butterfly Jungle!) via live cameras, watch the fish swim through Birch Aquarium’s kelp forest in real time, spy some adorable, adoptable cats lounging at The Cat Cafe, take advantage of the San Diego Natural History Museum’s online learning experiences and videos, take an online yoga class hosted by a local yoga studio. Read on for how to explore the city without leaving the house.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park is bringing Butterfly Jungle to your home, via a new live video cam! Now you can view livestreaming video from Butterfly Jungle at sdzsafaripark.org/butterfly-cam and take a visual “walk” through the rain forest habitat. Here, you'll see some of the thousands of colorful, eye-catching butterflies as they flutter lightly through the warm air to find nectar-filled flowers, or catch of glimpse of up to 22 exotic bird species—including the critically endangered Bali myna and blue-crowned laughingthrush that reside inside the aviary, among the lush greenery.
The San Diego Zoo is closed through March 31, but you can still see many of the Zoo's animals via their live cams. Watch the African penguins snooze, swim and waddle. See the Hamadryas baboon troop or the Gelada monkeys hang out. Spy sweet koalas climbing through the trees. Giggle watching the orangutans and siamangs swing to and fro. It's quite fun popping in to see what all of these amazing creatures are up to!
Bonus: Visit the San Diego Zoo Kids website for additional videos, stories, activities and games that will keep kiddos entertained and learning.
Birch Aquarium is temporarily closed to the public but their live Kelp Cam is open 24/7. (But be advised it goes dark at night since it's naturally lit by sunlight during the day).
At time of publication, the Birch Aquarium's husbandry team is planning to keep the same feeding schedule, so you can watch divers via the Kelp Cam as they feed the animals and also as they clean the tank on Tues. and Thurs. at 12:30 p.m., on Sat. at 2 p.m. and Sun. at 10:30 a.m. (Subject to change).
This is a peaceful view into the underwater world of swimming fish and swaying kelp.
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is closed through March 31st but kids can enjoy watching their favorite animals in action right from home. Click on the giraffe cam to see giraffes and rhinos roaming the African Plains habitat. Then encourage your kids to join the citizen science program Wildwatch Kenya to help save giraffes. Your fam can also delight in seeing the beautiful tigers sleeping and prowling via the tiger cam. Don't miss tuning in to the elephant cam to see these gentle giants eating, playing and looking regal. There are also condor cams and burrowing owl cams of feathered friends.
The San Diego Natural History Museum is closed but they have plenty of ways to keep young minds enlightened and entertained. Visit their new webpage: The Nat at Home for an array of activities from exploring nature in your backyard to exploring their specimens online. They're also offering Nature & Me Storytime every Thursday at 10:15 a.m. on their Facebook and Instagram pages.
Additionally, check out their online video collection which features videos on topics including A Deep Look at a Mammoth's Skull, gray whale watching and administering medicine to a sick rattlesnake.
Additionally the Museum offers the following to keep kids engaged while home:
Their science blog goes back through years of research and discovery. It will continue to be updated during the Museum's closure.
Their educational resources are available here and include plenty of activities you can do at home.
Here kitty, kitty! Peer in to The Cat Cafe's live stream footage to see all of the adorable kitties! They're cleaning their cute little faces by licking their paws, snoozing in cat condos, clawing rope posts and more. See how many cats you can spy. The best part: these frolicking felines are up for adoption! So if you see a cute cat that's purrfect for your family, give The Cat Cafe a call.
Take a fun video tour of Old Town San Diego. You'll learn about the restaurants, entertainment, shops and more in this exciting locale. Then your family can plan a future trip to Old Town after reading our guide to Old Town to make sure you make the most of your visit and don't miss a thing!
Surf's up! Hotel Del Coronado's live beach cam will help you channel the soothing vibes of the ocean. Log on to see the sun rise or set over the ocean and to watch the waves crashing on the shore. It's the good for the soul vitamin 'sea' we all need.
The San Diego Museum of Art mobile app is a great resource with various languages, audio from curators, maps and additional information about works of art from the Museum’s collection. The app offers a virtual tour of the Museum, from the lower rotunda to the galleries and the Museum’s facade. Visitors can also view works from various exhibitions on the app, including Bouguereau & America, Art for All and more. The app is also free easily downloadable on iOS and Android devices.
Mello Yoga is currently closed to abide by COVID-19 regulations. In the meantime, the wonderful studio is serving the community by uploading yoga videos for adults and kids to their YouTube channel. They'll be adding new videos for online classes daily––and doing yoga together is a perfect way to bond and get some exercise during your homeschool routine.
No matter when your next family vacation will be, Phoenix should be at the top of your list. Its gorgeous weather will provide you with pool days galore and there’s loads of family-friendly things to do while you are there. Scroll through to find three hotels that are perfect for families along with plenty of activities to fill your vacation days as much or as little as you desire.
Get the ultimate view of Valley of the Sun by booking a hot air balloon ride. Kids are welcome to join in the fun (recommended height is 48 inches to be able to see over the basket). Good news for hot days: you'll get a nice breeze while you are up there and photos to bring home with you!
Downtown Phoenix is home to the Arizona Science Center where kids of all ages can learn and discover. This 120,000-square-foot building has over 300 hands-on exhibits in five themed galleries. Walk through an enormous working stomach (be forewarned, you may not be able to tear the kids away when they learn the stomach makes authentic noises) and then watch heart surgery being performed in the All About Me exhibit. Head to the Immersion Theater to feel what it is like to to be in the middle of a hurricane, tornado, wildfire, volcanic eruption or monsoon.
Adrenaline junkies, this one's for you! With the help of an instructor, kids ages three and up (and their lucky grown-ups) get to experience what it’s like to skydive without having to jump out of a plane. Want to take your flight to the next level? Add on a “high fly” where you and the instructor fly even higher off the ground. It's definitely something you all will be talking about months later!
Ride the Waves at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Kierland/Ella Teagan
The whole family will agree that The Westin Kierland is the perfect spot for your Phoenix home base. With massive suites where your crew can comfortably spread out, The Westin Kierland knows what families need. Only resort guests have access to Kierland FlowRider™ where you can bodyboard or flowboard to your heart's content. Kids ages 4-12 can head over to Kids Club for games and crafts and the whole family can enjoy a day full of programming hosted all over the property. Insider tip: booking direct through the hotel's website gets you the best price.
A four-hour drive will get you from Phoenix to the south rim of the majestic Grand Canyon and this is the perfect time of year to visit. Drive in on your own or book a tour on a Hummer with Buck Wild Tours. You'll skip the line entering the park and will get loads of info from your helpful tour guide.
Phoenix has a robust dining scene with authentic Mexican food dominating the top billing (we especially like Barrio Café and its tableside guacamole). With four locations to choose from, Hash Kitchen is a favorite for breakfast eats (we recommend going for a half order of pancakes for the kids, they are massive). When strolling through the downtown Scottsdale arts district stop by New Wave Market for the schmaltz chicken sandwich and a scoop of cake scratch ice cream. Kids will get a major kick out of the camp-themed ambiance and fun food at Camp Social. Bonus, there's a game room in the back! For stunning views and contemporary cuisine, you can't beat Top of the Rock Restaurant.
Take an Underwater Journey at OdySea
OdySea Aquarium
If you have some underwater explorers in your crew, make your way to Scottdale’s OdySea Aquarium where you can come face to face with over 30,000 marine animals in floor-to-ceiling windows and interactive exhibits. Touch pools allow little ones to experience creatures like sea anemones “first hand.” Kids will get a kick out of the penguins’ antics and they will not want to leave the water table once they get there. Take your crew on board OdySea Voyager, where you are “submerged” in a “submarine” and taken on an aquatic adventure (really you are in a theater that rotates 360 degrees through different exhibits). Don’t miss a pit stop in the bathrooms at the entrance—sharks swim by as you wash your hands!
Stay and Play at The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort
The Phoenician/Mark Silverstein Photography
If the Funicians Club isn't your #1 reason for staying at The Phoenician, it should be. Kids ages 5-12 can enjoy outdoor sports, a cactus garden tour, arts and crafts projects, a playground activity, as well as video games, charades, bingo and other board games. You can book your kid crew in there for a half day or full day of fun, or drop them in the evening for dinner and a movie while you dine at the upscale J&G Steakhouse. The Phoenician Spa, 18-hole golf course and expansive pool complex complete with water slide are all waiting for you! Want to make sure you are getting the best deal? The hotel's website always has the lowest available rates and the best seasonal offers.
In the same complex as the OdySea Aquarium you will find Butterfly Wonderland, a garden where you can see these beautiful creatures up close. First, stop at the Emergence Gallery where hundreds of live chrysalis turn into emerging butterflies. Then step inside the conservatory where more than 3,000 butterflies flutter among the tropical plants. In addition to these flying creatures, learn about rain forest reptiles and bees in other exhibits. Pro tip: buy your OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland tickets together to save a few bucks. You can exit and reenter both throughout the day if you need to leave to grab a bite to eat.
Phoenix is home to top-notch shopping options from quirky local shops downtown to larger malls that cater to all the fashion trends. Biltmore Fashion Park has stores like Lululemon, Ralph Lauren and Saks Fifth Avenue. Chandler Fashion Center, the second largest mall in the Phoenix area, has dozens of shops from bookstores to toy stores. You'll also want to spend some time in the Scottsdale Arts District and don't be surprised if you have to ship your new purchase home. Talk about the perfect way to remember your visit!
Make Your Way to a Museum
Kate Loweth
A museum visit is the perfect way to spend a day in Arizona and there are lots to choose from around town. Step back in time the minute you walk in the doors of the Arizona Museum of Natural History. Here you can learn all about the prehistoric mammoths and other creatures who roamed Arizona. Down the street from this museum is the i.d.e.a. Museum, where kids can explore imagination through art, science and technology. The museum features Artville for tots up to age four and HUB, a gallery with 11 different interactive stations to create. Little airplane lovers must visit the Commemorative Air Force Museum where you can head into the hangar to learn how aircraft evolved as a heroic partner to ground and sea operations from WWI to present.
Easy Relaxation at Courtyard Scottsdale Old Town
Courtyard Scottsdale/Craig Jolly
Scottsdale's Old Town neighborhood is home to this family-friendly hotel with tons to explore right around the corner. The Courtyard Scottsdale Old Town is walking distance to the Fifth Avenue shopping district and load of restaurants, museums and even bike rentals to get you out and about (pedal over to the Sugar Bowl for a sweet treat). The hotel offers amenities all families will enjoy like a large pool, laundry facilities and an on-site restaurant. Bonus: the rates can't be beat when you book directly through the hotel.
Whether you spend your day gliding down the Adventure River on an inner tube or you challenge your crew to a face-first race down the 240-feet of Wahoo Racers, your day at Hurricane Harbor is definitely going to be epic. Splash Island is the water wonderland designed just for little ones with dump buckets, mini waterslides and sprayers galore.
With Marriott Bonvoy™, members can enjoy special rates, free in-room Wifi, mobile check-in and the ability to earn and redeem points at Marriott’s thousands of hotels. Not a Marriott Bonvoy member? Join for free when you book! Get the best rates on your trip to Phoenix here!
The Best Upcoming Events for Kids in Phoenix
If you’re looking for events and activities, don’t miss our local Phoenix events calendar, which has everything from story times to seasonal activities like sporting events, family festivals and outdoor movie nights.
If you’ve set your sights on setting sail in the near future, we’ve got the list for you. Family cruises are fantastic vacation options for big groups, as they offer tons of experiences both on- and off-ship. From roller coasters and trampoline parks to ziplining and swimming with dolphins, family cruises offer them all. We’ve rounded up a slew of our favorites—so cruise on!
Galapagos—Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions
Meet the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands—from sea lions and blue-footed boobies to giant tortoises and Darwin’s finches. This 48-person cruise will have you snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding and exploring the wildlife and local culture.
Kids will love participating in the onboard National Geographic Global Explorers program where they can choose among a host of cool activities—from recording wildlife sightings in their field notebook to collecting and observing plankton fresh from the ocean—all designed to help them develop what National Geographic Education defines as the attitudes, skills and knowledge of an explorer. They can collect points on their way to becoming a National Geographic Global Explorer—with the certification to prove it!
From $5,730/person for a 7-day Galapagos trip, kids save $500
If you want an ultra-magical family cruise experience, Disney has you covered. When you board a Disney cruise ship, character appearances, onboard themes like Pirate Night and all the magic of a Disney theme park set sail with you. Itineraries abound, from a three-to seven-night Bahamian adventure that kicks off from Texas, Florida or New York and includes an excursion to Disney’s very own private tropical island, Castaway Cay, to a two-to five-night cruise to Baja.
Onboard activities happen from opening time to closing time at the ship's kids club and the schedule varies: there are talent shows, a Magic PlayFloor where kids’ movements control the action (think flying over London with Peter Pan.) and for any Star Wars fans—Jedi Knight training and challenges. There's even a club for tweens and teens to hang out. Read all about the onboard activities here.
Stay tuned for 2022: Disney just announced that its newest ship the Disney Wish will be headed to a port near you! Around that same time, Disney plans to open another private island in the Bahamas.
UnCruise offers a different type of cruise, and families will love it. Think smaller ship, more individualized attention and programming that kids and parents will both enjoy. Just recently, UnCruise started sailing around Hawaii year round, and it's been an instant family favorite. You can visit four islands: Molokai, Hawai’i, Maui, Lanai, and you have the opportunity to view loads of marine life. No need to dock and pick up another boat to go snorkeling or swimming, there's an option to do so right off the ship, along with paddleboarding.
UnCruise prices its adventures to include everything from room charges, meals, alcoholic beverages and even off-ship excursions, so you know upfront what your vacation will cost. There won't be any expectations to bring fancy clothing to dress up for dinner, as meals are much more streamlined on UnCruise. It really caters to families looking for bucket list experiences. Kids eight and up are always welcome, and special exceptions are made for those seven and under.
Seven-day cruise costs $5,195 and up with kids 8-13 save $500
Iceland, Greenland, Arctic and More—Adventure Canada
Dennis Minty
A cruise unlike all others, an Adventure Canada expedition cruise takes you to far-away places that you've only dreamed of. Kids of every age can hop aboard zodiac boats to head ashore and explore Viking ruins, hike to waterfalls and learn all about villages buried under years-ago volcanic eruptions. Expedition cruise life means you'll get cultural immersion in the towns that you visit and learn from local experts and naturalists. These excursions are perfect for multi-generational travel as small ships are easy for the mobility-restricted to manage and not so big that you worry you'll lose the kids on board.
Kids under age 2 are free, those ages 2-4 pay only for charter airfare and everyone under 30 saves 30%.
Panama Canal, Costa Rica & Caribbean—Princess Cruises
Kristina Moy
Thanks to its Discovery at SEA program, Princess Cruises caters to kids of all ages both on deck and ashore. New programs are rolling out fleet wide, with new center designs launching throughout 2019 as part of Camp Discovery. The Treehouse is now dedicated to three-to seven-year-olds for hands-on play and fun; The Lodge serves up sports and comfort for eight-to 12-year-olds, and The Beach House will be the onboard hangout for teens. Did we mention these are all included? Learn all about it here.
Even better news? Princess Cruises MedallionClass Vacations now offer a variety of new features specifically designed to enhance everyone's vacation experience. Through the use of an OceanMedallion, families cruising with Princess can now expect an expedited ship to shore experience along with onboard on-demand delivery service, real-time navigation and interactive features on every floor. Learn more about the first MedallionClass ship enabled by OceanMedallion here.
Everyone can stay in comfort in a Mini-Suite with convertible bunk beds for the kids, or larger Family Suites with separate bedrooms. You’ll be well rested when it’s time to snorkel and kayak at a tropical port, like those on their 10-day Panama Canal with Costa Rica & Caribbean. You can get up close and personal with both baby and 600-pound turtles at Cayman Turtle Farm, encounter sloths IRL at a Costa Rican sanctuary or ride a rainforest aerial tram. Thanks to Discovery Family Tours, many hands-on experiences are designed for ages 3-12.
Guests on this European journey fly into Munich and board the riverboat in Vilshofen. A subsequent stop in Germany visits Passau (where everyone can learn to make marzipan!) before the ship sails into Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Along the way, guests enjoy an Imperial Evening inside a private Viennese palace, a cycling excursion along the Danube, medieval games in Slovakia and visits to castles, catacombs, an amusement park and sites from the film, “The Sound of Music.”
Parents enjoy this cruise because it’s fully inclusive, so there’s zero stress about mounting costs throughout the trip. Prices include all shore excursions, all gratuities, all meals, all onboard beverages (adult and otherwise), all activities, airport transfers, luggage handling and much more.
From $4,390/person plus airfare for this 7-night cruise
The best time to visit Costa Rica is from mid-December to April (the dry season) when you can explore rain forests or lounge on the beach without weather interrupting the fun. That's also the time when most tourists want to visit, meaning higher prices on hotel rooms and at resorts, along with more people.
Enter Windstar. The cruise line sails in the region in the winter only (both the 212-passenger all-suite Star Legend and 148-passenger motorized sailing yacht Wind Star run sailings) and accesses smaller ports and islands away from the crowds. Windstar makes "wet landings" because that's the only way to reach the shore in these tiny ports. Rugged inflatable boats deliver you directly from the yacht to the beach, where you disembark directly in the water. All of this means you'll still enjoy the best weather of the year, but on an uncrowded ship that also offers boutique, small-sized (and fairly priced) shore excursions that help you do things like sport fishing in areas protected from the winter winds.
Windstar has a naturalist onboard all of their Costa Rica and Panama Canal sailings, so guests get extra insight into the flora and fauna of the region. This cruise appeals to multi-generational families traveling together because of all the varied offerings. Kids must be eight and older to sail.
From the moment guests step onboard a Costa Cruise, they're treated to a uniquely immersive cultural experience. Families can embark on an unforgettable voyage through the history books on a 10-night Mediterranean cruise. Sailing roundtrip from Venice, Costa Victoria visits legendary ports throughout Italy, Greece and Croatia. The ship calls at Bari, Italy; Argostoli/Kefalonia, Athens, Santorini, Rhodes and Crete Greece; Kotor, Montenegro; and Split, Croatia. Families can enjoy a serene gondola ride through Venice's famed canal, walk in history's footsteps with a visit to Athens' ancient Acropolis or discover the Medieval treasures of Kotor.
Children can get up close and personal with Peppa Pig at the Squok Club or experience a thrilling water slide at the popular Aquapark. The Squok Club also provides special programming that gives junior cruisers the chance to either be “Captain for a Day” or “Princess for a Day,” where they can dress up, act the part and enjoy special themed activities.
From $1,009 per person for a 10-night Mediterranean cruise
Sailing to exotic islands in French Polynesia is special and offers families a way to experience this unique destination seamlessly. On all sailings, guests receive complimentary access to Paul Gauguin Cruises’ two exclusive retreats. Off the coast of Taha’a lies the private islet of Motu Mahana, where guests can enjoy a day of watersports, Polynesian activities, a sumptuous barbecue feast and cocktails from full and floating bars. In Bora Bora, guests can relax on a private, white-sand beach and enjoy refreshments, a game of volleyball, snorkeling and paddleboarding.
The ship's Moana Explorer program invites guests to discover and value the natural wonders of this breathtaking part of the world through hands-on, interactive learning on summer and December holiday sailings. While it is designed for children and teens ages 7-17, all family members are welcome to participate. Every day of the voyage, there is a combination of naturalist-led island and/or beach excursions, science activities, crafts, games and other adventures.
From $4,295/person including economy airfare from LA. The third person 17 and under in a stateroom is free, exclusive of airfare and taxes.
Crystal Cruises’ ocean vessels feature a fully supervised Junior Activities program for kids between the ages of 3 and 17 on holiday voyages and nearly all summer sailings, each with dedicated play areas for both young kids and teens. The kids club Fantasia for ages 3-12, and Waves teen club from ages 13-17, welcomes junior cruises with games, crafts, popular Sony PlayStation and Xbox 360 kiosks to play on large-screen televisions. Children aboard call also enjoy board games and personal computers with entertainment and education. Kids of all ages can also enjoy a special Junior Cruiser's menu (hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, etc.).
On the Colorful Cultures cruise, families can relish in the rejuvenating calm of the Caribbean while sailing from Fort Lauderdale to San Juan aboard Crystal Serenity. Families can snorkel in St. Thomas, participate in a semi-submarine adventure in St. Barts and hike in the rain forest in Saint Kitts while creating experiences to remember for a lifetime.
From $1,695/person for this 8-night cruise
Read more: crystalcruises.com
Castles along the Rhine—Uniworld
We love the river cruise option for families as it provides a smaller ship experience with tons of stops along the way. This 8-day cruise takes a maximum of 152 passengers down the Rhine—Germany on one side, France on the other. Marvel at castles that were once mighty fortresses, and get an insider’s look at one of the only castles on the Rhine that has never been destroyed, Marksburg Castle. Visit historic cities, including ancient Cologne and picturesque Strasbourg, then stroll through the fairytale town of Rüdesheim.
Families will especially enjoy the Generations Family Program, which includes special programs, events and excursions designed specifically for your world travelers in training. Travelers ages 4-17 receive a 25% fare discount on these trips.
From $2,999/person for 8-day Basel to Amsterdam journey
Why settle for seeing just one island on your Hawaiian vacation when you can cruise in style and explore four island jewels? Sailing with Princess is a far better vacation value and you’ll visit the top-rated Hawaiian islands—Maui, Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island—without all the time-consuming hassle of island hopping by plane. From enriching Discovery and Animal Planet shore excursions to the immersive "Aloha Spirit" program onboard, you'll discover each island's unique charm and fall in love with Hawaii's enchanting beauty.
This eight-day Galapagos cruise specially designed for families with children covers the highlights of the Western Islands. Spend your days discovering the beauty and wonders of the Galapagos and exploring the wildlife-rich shores of San Cristobal, Genovesa, Santa Cruz, Fernandina, Isabela and Santiago. Celebrate crossing the equator with a King Neptune kid's costume party and enjoy shipboard educational activities such as board games, games with prizes, drawing contests, talent shows and ice cream sundaes. Kids must be five or older.
The M/V Victory I, designed for coastal cruising, will set sail on the storied Georgian Bay starting in May 2019. Guests can admire the natural beauty of Niagara Falls and take in the breathtaking vistas of the Southern Canadian Coast. This ship is purposefully-designed for coastal cruising, with every modern convenience to explore North America’s maritime history throughout the Great Lakes and southern Canadian coast. Guests onboard will enjoy immersive and inclusive shore excursions in each port of call, exquisite multi-course fine dining with specialty and casual options including spirits, beer and wine; onboard enrichment, evening entertainment and Wi-Fi in public areas.
To really experience The Last Frontier, families can embark on a two-week trip on a Princess Land and Sea excursion which includes exploring the Alaska Interior (including Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks). Princess Cruise Line has been in Alaska since the 1970s (they are celebrating 50 years in 2019), so they have deep relationships in most Alaska communities. Princess is the only cruise line that owns lodges, as well as train cars, which makes for seamless travel (music to our ears when traveling with kids), so they are the go-to partner for many travelers for Alaska Land and Sea packages. If you can, book a MedallionClass ship, Princesses newest technology that make onboarding, managing services and keeping track of kids much easier. For more detail about how the Ocean Medallion systems works, click here.
TIP: If you’re doing a Land and Seas excursion, we definitely recommend scheduling the land portion FIRST. While Princess makes moving around Alaska interior pretty easy, after 4 or 5 nights in different lodges, it was a treat to unpack our suitcase in our cabin on the cruise ship and have our cabin and personal items safely stored for the rest of the trip.
Cunard’s Quebec City itineraries offer the opportunity for multi-generational families to travel and spend much-needed quality time together. Queen Mary 2 offers unique activities for families, including taking a virtual ride into space with the ship’s full-scale planetarium, watercolor painting classes and even learning how to fence.
Cunard offers a variety of areas dedicated to hosting and entertaining children while onboard. They include the Night Nursery, where infants aged 6 to 24 months are housed by childcare professionals and parents are given a pager in case their child wakes. For older children, Cunard offers the Play Zone for kids ages 2-7, and the Kids Zone for kids ages 8-17, which includes fun activities, arts and crafts, gaming consoles and planned excursions to the ship’s theatre or cinema. The Teen Zone accommodates ages 13-17 and offers planned activities such as deck sports, karaoke, gaming, quizzes and more. Infants under two sail for free, while ages two and up sail at half fare (when sailing as the third or fourth passenger in the cabin).
If you’re looking to zoom through Haitian skies on an absolutely epic zip-line (the longest in the world over water) or swim with dolphins in perfect turquoise waters, then a Royal Caribbean seven-night Eastern Caribbean or Western Caribbean cruise is for you (they have some 299 other destinations available, too). The adventure continues on deck, whether you fancy a surf in the FlowRider, thrilling waterslides, or mini golf—their Adventure Ocean youth program is a must for families.
Once the kids have discovered the Adventure Science Lab and Imagination Studio, they won’t even ask where you’ve gone (the Bottomless Galley Brunch, perhaps?). Little cruisers can jump into ball pits at Aquanauts while teens have a whole disco to themselves (dance party included). There are even Royal Tots playgroups for babies on board. Additional stops along the way include the Perfect Day at CocoCay, the first destination in Royal’s new private island collection, St. Maarten, the Bahamas Blue Lagoon Island and St. Thomas’s Turtle Bay. For a closer look, check out our insider's guide to the Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, the biggest cruise ship in the world!
If river cruising is more your family’s speed, Avalon Waterways has fantastic options for seeing Europe (or Asia or South America). You won’t find the clubs that keep the kids entertained during long stretches at sea, but you will find wraparound wonder with so much constantly in view right from the ship (your room included), making this a trip-of-a-lifetime for culture-seeking big kids.
If you have 9-16 days free in 2020, take a voyage down the epic Seine. A Grand France cruise stops at landmarks made famous by the likes of Napoleon, Joan of Art and Vincent Van Gogh. Plus, Paris! In addition to visits to Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower, the kids will love counting the 37 Parisian bridges—or challenge the family to keep a tally on the whole journey. Their MyAvalon service will also help you personalize shore excursions to your family’s liking.
If you’re not sure a week-long cruise or hours on the open sea are for you, check out Riverboat Twilight’s one and two-day cruises along the Mississippi River. The two-day cruise travels between LeClaire to Dubuque, Iowa, on an authentic paddleboat and gives the family the overnight experience of being on board a ship while taking in the gorgeous bluffs along the Mississippi. It also includes excursions like admission to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.
Prices start at $399/per person, with kids under 10 being just $159 (and children under 3 free).
The East Coast is a popular point of departure, and Norwegian is ready to sail you away to the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America, or the Bahamas. Head for Great Stirrup Cay—Norwegian’s own private island, complete with white sand and sea turtles to snorkel alongside. Don't forget to enjoy the complimentary taco bar, Abaco Taco (need we say more?). Norwegian’s youth programs, Splash Academy (ages three to 12) and Entourage (ages three to 17), are also complimentary for play and parties, while its Guppies Program hosts activities for parents and baby cruisers six months to three years (If you book a cruise on the Escape, there is also a Guppies Nursery.). While on Norwegian’s Breakaway, Getawa, and Epic ships, watch for Cirque Dreams to perform amazing acrobatic stunts.
TIP: On select 5 or 7-day cruises to the Bahamas, extra guests can sail for free!
Vast, wild and utterly gorgeous, Alaska tops many travelers’ must-visit lists. For families, a visit offers so much to see and do that nobody complains of being bored. Even tablets and iPods are likely to be set aside in favor of watching whales breach or listening to the thunder of a calving glacier. A cruise tour pairs the best of cruising with the best of land touring, showing off the heart of Alaska’s untamed wilderness and its scenic coastline. Aboard the Celebrity Millennium®, cruise the Inside Passage to Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Skagway before disembarking in Seward. Luxury motor coaches and glass-domed trains then carry you into the unspoiled interior, to lodges set in the shadow of awesome Denali. Take time to unwind and tuck into locally-sourced meals before joining a tour of breathtaking Denali National Park.
We love Celebrity Cruises for their inclusivity. They’ve gone the extra sea mile to ensure that their onboard environments are autism friendly for kids of all ages, with sensory toys and movie-viewing environments, gluten- and dairy-free menu options and well-trained Fun Factory and Youth Staff. Other services include priority check-in, equipping parents with contact phones while their kids are signed in to Fun Factory programs, and a Cruising Social Story booklet to download ahead of the cruise.
If you have rising history buffs in the family, want to take a closer look at medieval castle life, or be amazed by wildlife, take note that Poseidon Expeditions launched a brand new 13-day cruise, British Isles: Legendary History & Wild Nature, on May 22, 2019. You’ll have the chance to see baby puffins on the Skellig Islands off Ireland or spot otters and wild ponies while exploring Snowdonia National Park in Wales. Dolphins, whales, and seals are also likely to swim by. The kids can direct their nature questions to naturalist guides led by renowned historian Dr. Hew Lewis-Jones. With 55 guest suites aboard the Sea Spirit, the scale of this cruise isn’t overwhelming either, but rather a sure way to see remote and wondrous corners of Great Britain.
Did you hear? Carnival Panorama, their newest ship, will be ready to set sail from Long Beach and take your family on Mexican Riviera cruise starting this December 2019. Featuring the first Sky Zone Trampoline Park at sea (yes, you read that right!), the ship offers SportSquare’s mini-golf and games, ropes course, and the elevated SkyRide, as well as Choose Fun Waterworks (with two epic waterslides that are kid and parent friendly). The Camp Ocean kids club is another play area just for little cruisers (ages two to 11), while Serenity is an onboard retreat just for adults. The family can reunite for a comedy show or go head to head for a Lip Sync Battle.
The 7-day cruise takes you from Long Beach, CA with stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. Enjoy ziplining, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking among other activities. For a kiddo’s first-hand take on all the Carnival fun, check out our report.
Disconnect completely with a phone-free family vacation along the Peruvian Amazon in 5-star luxury aboard Aqua Expeditions' Aria Amazon. With no internet or cell reception, all 16 Design Suites on the Aria Amazon across the first and second deck measure 250 square feet, include air conditioning, polished timber flooring and its most amazing feature—a wall of floor-to-ceiling glass facing the Amazon River. Guests aboard the Aria Amazon can see sloths, elusive pink dolphins, all varieties of monkey, piranha, toucans, caimans, anacondas and more, and will visit multiple indigenous villages along the banks of the river. This one-of-a-kind digital detox will have the whole family reminiscing about their Amazon adventures for years to come.
Experience Norway’s beautiful fjords, charming ports, and rare wildlife under the midnight sun or the spectacular northern lights. On select Hurtigruten cruises, kids ages 6-12 can join the Young Explorers Program and learn about other cultures, the importance of nature in our daily lives and the impact humans have on our delicate and beautiful planet. A dedicated host will plan and organize all the activities, which focus on fun and eco-friendly learning events, tailor-made to awaken a sense of adventure.
If you think exploring Europe with kids is impossible, consider taking a cruise around the Mediterranean with Royal Caribbean. You'll board in either Barcelona or Rome, and can enjoy exploring three different countries: Spain, France and Italy. There are plenty of kid-friendly excursions available to families, including pizza-making in Italy and beach days in Barcelona. Depending on which cruise you pick, you'll either be aboard the Oasis of the Seas or the Jewel of the Seas. Both ships are full of fun and adventure, including everything from Royal Caribbean's famous kids' clubs, original entertainment, pools, zip lines and more.
The American Dream is set to open in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Oct. 25, and this is truly a can’t-miss experience!
So, what’s so special about American Dream? To start with, it will house the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park (with 35 rides, live entertainment and plenty of Nick’s signature Slime)—but it gets better from there.
Along with the Nickelodeon-themed indoor park your kiddo can also immerse themselves in Madagascar’s Rain Forest, Shrek’s Swamp and the Kung Fu Panda Zone at DreamWorks Water Park (opening Nov. 27). With more than 40 slides and 15 attractions, this is North America’s largest indoor water park!
As if that’s not enough indoor awesomeness, the Big SNOW indoor snow park opens Dec. 5 and a slew of stores and other attractions will come to the mall as of March 2020. These include designer retailers such as Dolce & Gabbana and Saint Laurent as well as faves such as H&M and Zara. Also look for activity-oriented options such as the Sea Life Aquarium, KidZania experiential learning center and the Legoland Discovery Center.
The three million square-foot facility will also feature 100 dining destinations, a 300-foot observation wheel, an NHL-size skating/hockey rink (which open on Oct. 25) and an Angry Birds 18-hole mini golf experience.
Families fly from all over the world to visit Honolulu and it’s no secret why. You have the surf and sand at your fingertips. We’ve made your vacation planning a breeze with this list of kid-friendly attractions in Honolulu and our events calendar is loaded with even more events to give families a taste of the Hawaiian Islands. Aloha!
Manoa Falls
The Manoa Falls Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Honolulu area, mainly because it is easily accessible from Waikiki, either via car or city bus, and it is classified as an easy hike. A short drive out of Waikiki towards Manoa Valley and you can be surrounded by a tropical bamboo and rainforest. Many Oahu tour hiking tour operators take their guests here and it’s a great spot to bring the kids.
End of Manoa Road
Honolulu, Oahu, HI Online: hawaii.com
Magic Island Beach
Magic Island Beach is part of Ala Moana Beach Park, a popular Honolulu city beach, located between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu. Many local residents and visitors alike come to Ala Moana Beach Park and adjacent Magic Island to swim, bodyboard, surf, picnic or exercise.
1201 Ala Moana Blvd.
At the end of Ala Moana Beach Park
Honolulu, Oahu, HI Online: to-hawaii.com
Lyon Arboretum
The Harold L. Lyon Arboretum is nestled in 193.5 acres of tropical rain forest at the top of the Manoa Valley watershed. Just five miles from the bustle of Waikiki, Lyon Arboretum serves as a cultural and scientific resource to urban O’ahu’s diverse communities. With over 5,000 taxa of tropical and sub-tropical plants to be found throughout our grounds, over seven miles of hiking trails, and an elevation gradient that starts at 450 feet and rises to 1850 feet above sea level, the Lyon Arboretum has much to offer to all.
3860 Manoa Rd.
University of Hawaii-Manoa
Honolulu, Oahu, HI Online: manoa.hawaii.edu
USS Arizona Memorial
This 184-foot memorial honoring the 2,388 Americans who died during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor is a must-visit when you come to Honolulu. Learn all about the history of this area through guided tours and exhibits.
1 Arizona Memorial Place
Honolulu, Oahu, HI Online: nps.gov
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Formed within a volcanic cone, today Hanauma Bay offers a pristine marine ecosystem after the City and County of Honolulu laid out a plan in 1990 to restore the “curved bay,” after years of use from the millions of visitors who visit and love to snorkel Hanauma Bay. In 2002 a marine education center was opened for visitors and part of the conservation plan requires first-time visitors to watch a 9 minute video before entering the park so they can learn about the marine life, preservation and safety rules for the park. All visitors are required by law to refrain from mistreating the marine animals and from touching or walking on the coral. Take a shuttle from your Waikiki hotel.
Bishop Museum
Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop in honor of his late wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha family. The Museum was established to house the extensive collection of Hawaiian artifacts and royal family heirlooms of the Princess, and has expanded to include millions of artifacts, documents and photographs about Hawai’i and other Pacific island cultures.
Tantalus Lookout Puu Ualakaa State Park
This forested area on a cinder cone close to downtown Honolulu includes a lookout with sweeping view of southern O’ahu from Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor, including Honolulu and Manoa Valley. Picnic shelters are available.
Diamond Head State Monument
Hawaii’s most recognized landmark is known for its historic hiking trail, stunning coastal views and military history. Diamond Head State Monument encompasses over 475 acres, including the interior and outer slopes of the crater.
18th Ave.
Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu, HI Online: dlnr.hawaii.gov
Polynesian Cultural Center
Visit this spot to learn all the history of the Hawaiian Islands, sample some local food and learn some native games. Stay for a luau or take a circle island tour to learn even more.
55-370 Kamehameha
Hwy Laie, Hawaii Online: polynesia.com
The Best Upcoming Events for Kids in Honolulu
If you’re looking for events and activities, don’t miss our local Honolulu events calendar, which has everything from story times to seasonal activities.
