From Toddlerhood to the Teenage Years, These Are the Best Family Getaways For Every Phase of Parenting

As a parent, vacations can sometimes be a challenge. Your child's age impacts the destination, budget, and family-friendly aspect of any trip. It might seem like travel is out of the question, but there are destinations out there that are friendly for teens, preteens, toddlers, and even infants. The key to planning an exceptional family vacation is planning one with your child's age group in mind. And the good news? There's a whole world beyond Disney that your kids will love!

Best Destinations With Infants

There are several things to consider when traveling with an infant, and the first is lodging. You want an accommodation that's baby-friendly, potentially with separate rooms and a quiet atmosphere. Oftentimes, this does not include a hotel, and if it does, opt for a suite. The alternative is a vacation rental. Airbnb, VRBO, cottage, or cabin rentals all offer the privacy and space you need to enjoy a vacation with a newborn.

Charleston, South Carolina

A city like Charleston offers the best of both worlds. It's an iconic city with plenty to do, from historic sites to a stunning shoreline, making it an ideal destination for a beach vacation. It's easily walkable, with a walk score of 94 out of 100. This makes it easily navigated, especially if you're bringing a stroller on vacation.

A Charleston itinerary can be as full or as lax as you want it to be, without any pressure to see or do anything. Just strolling down Rainbow Row to look at colorful architecture, or shopping on Philadelphia Alley, is an experience in itself.

There are plenty of baby-friendly activities to seek out in Charleston. The South Carolina Aquarium is a laid-back activity that's also fun for older children. Waterfront Park is a scenic walk, and the Charleston City Market is a great outdoor activity for a warm summer day. All of these are low-stress, making them perfect for a baby-friendly vacation itinerary. If your baby gets fussy, you can always leave and return the next day without feeling like you've missed anything.

• Best Lodging Option: Vacation rental at the beach, inn suite in city limits

Yosemite National Park

National Parks are a surprisingly good vacation destination for those with infants. While Utah's Zion might not be entirely age-appropriate, Yosemite is a little more baby-friendly. The biggest misconception about national parks is that they're full of strenuous hikes, which is not true.

Yosemite offers relatively easy walking paths, but it also has so much more to offer than just hiking. Taking in the scenery is a free activity and one with no obligation, and Yosemite Village is also baby-friendly.

The Yosemite Museum offers a laid-back, self-guided tour that takes you through the park's unique history. After you've taken in the exhibits, you can explore the Indian Village of Ahwahnee replica just outside. The Yosemite Cemetery holds a rich history, with headstones dating back to the park's earliest explorers.

The Exploration Center is excellent for older kids if you're traveling with a family. The theater shows “The Spirit of Yosemite” on a loop, which is full of interesting facts about the land you'll be standing on. You have access to a wealth of options without ever leaving the park!

• Best Lodging Option: Cabin rental

Best Destinations With Toddlers

Toddlerhood is a unique age where kids are curious, but may also have short attention spans. Destinations that offer fast fun and plenty of space to explore are the best option. Rentals are the more comfortable option at this age, but hotels are doable, which opens the door to more exotic destinations. These destinations offer fun experiences combined with the ease of travel for parents of toddlers.

Kennebunk, Maine

You might not think glamping would be fun for a toddler, but you'd be surprised! Glamping sites like Sandy Pines Campground in Kennebunk offer an overwhelming number of activities for both toddlers and their parents.

With lodging that ranges from cottage “Whimsical Retreats” to themed glamping tents, it's easy to forget that you're in Maine. The campsite also offers “Unique Retreats,” which include tiny houses and covered wagons.

Once you arrive, you'll have everything you need to keep your toddler entertained. Beaches are within walking distance, and the property features a heated saltwater pool, lodge, general store, playground, lawn games, craft sessions, and a game shed, all on-site. The general store sells everything from food to games and even s'mores kits, and it's an excellent destination for outdoor-loving families.

• Best Lodging Option: Whimsical Retreat or Unique Retreat rental

Maui, Hawaii

If you're looking to add a touch of luxury to your vacation, Maui is the perfect destination. If your toddler is comfortable on planes, it's the perfect choice for beach-loving families. There's no shortage of things to do around the island, but in Hawaii, simply going to the beach is one of the best and most popular activities.

With a range of resorts to choose from, an all-inclusive can provide everything you need without leaving the immediate area. From poolside accommodations to a live show with dinner, Maui makes for a memorable family vacation. This is one of the first trips your toddler will remember, and we've never met a three-year-old who didn't love spending the day at the beach!

• Best Lodging Option: Any family-friendly resort with private beach access, like Grand Wailea

Best Destinations For Tweens

The preteen years are some of the most exciting for travel. It's a time when kids are still happy to travel with their parents, but are also open to exploring their independence. This means a vacation where you know your child will be safe to wander, but can do so in a protected space. It's a great time to consider adventure parks or even a cruise.

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Wisconsin might not be at the top of everyone's bucket list, but it should be on the radar for those with tweens. Wisconsin Dells, also known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” is easily one of the best destinations for tweens. It's fun for the whole family and can be tailored to include all the activities your kids love. Noah's Ark boasts more than 50 rides, while Kalahari Indoor Waterpark is the perfect spot to visit all year round.

Many of the resorts in Wisconsin Dells are also waterpark resorts, which means you never need to leave the property to find something fun to do. If you do explore the area, consider checking out Wisconsin Dells' Scenic River Walk, or hiking Witches Gulch or Devil's Lake State Park. For a more unique tour, your family can explore Lost Canyon on a vintage horse-drawn carriage or trolley ride.

• Best Lodging Option: A waterpark resort like Wilderness Resort

Bahamas Cruise

A cruise to the Bahamas might be just what your tween needs. It's a great way to let them explore their freedom while also enjoying plenty of family-friendly activities together. Cruises offer all-inclusive fun for a single price, making them a popular budget vacation option. Docking at a port in the Bahamas gives your tween a taste of international travel without the commitment of flights and transportation.

Cruises also offer the flexibility of choosing the length of your vacation. A three-day cruise is just long enough to get a taste of what it's like to be on the water, while a week-long cruise might include multiple ports of interest. It's one of the most popular vacation types for families these days, and it's easy to see why.

Best Destinations For Teens

Taking teens on a vacation can be tricky. If they're craving independence, you might consider a city with a high safety rating. For those who still want to prioritize family time, consider an international destination with an abundance of family-friendly activities. The older your kids are, the more options you have, which makes it easy to tailor a vacation to their interests.

New York City

You'd need years to explore the Big Apple in its entirety, and that's precisely what makes it so much fun. This is an alluring and exciting place for a teen, with so much to do that it's almost overwhelming. If your teen loves history, there are an endless number of historical tours from the Tenement Museum to Brooklyn Bridge Park tours. If they appreciate shopping, 5th Avenue is worth the hype. And, if they enjoy exploring, let them loose in Central Park or Washington Square. For the foodies, Hell's Kitchen is home to more bites than they could appreciate in a month.

Manhattan is the place for excitement, but if that's overwhelming, Brooklyn and Queens offer an artsy and hip vibe. They're both a little more laid-back and offer plenty of museums, parks, shops, and an array of exotic food choices. The best part? Having access to the subway puts everything well within reach. If you're feeling overwhelmed, Viator offers a variety of curated experiences that you can sort by location.

• Best Lodging Option: Any hotel near the activities or sights on your list

Monteverde, Costa Rica

For a more exotic destination, Monteverde offers the best of Costa Rica with a kid-friendly itinerary. This is a vacation full of adventure, with plenty of activities that you can cross off your bucket list. Visiting Costa Rica's native flora and fauna is a must, and you can do this at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve or the Santa Elena Reserve. Selvatura Park is perfect for animal lovers and is also home to a stunning hummingbird garden. If your kids are thrill seekers, ziplining and cloud forest night walks are a must.

There's also plenty to do within the city when you're done sightseeing in Monteverde's lush rainforests. Explore the local markets or take a cultural tour to learn about Costa Rica's chocolate and coffee agriculture. The country plays a significant role in the production of both! Browse the local shops for handmade goods, and be sure to get an authentic taste of Costa Rica at one of Monteverde's many restaurants.

• Best Lodging Option: A family-friendly resort like Senda Monteverde Hotel or Monteverde Lodge & Gardens

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