Adventurous Resorts
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, Koloa, Hawaii
For the boy (and girl) scouts who are looking for a back-to-nature experience, this Thai getaway won’t disappoint. Thailand is one of Asia’s best destinations for kids. With a drive and boat ride to this hotel, they may start to feel a bit like Mowgli in The Jungle Book. Bamboo guest rooms float on top of the River Kwai and offer visitors a taste of Mon culture. It’s a bit rustic (as in there are wick lamps instead of electricity. But don’t worry, in-room bathrooms are a part of the deal). Kids love exploring the nearby jungles atop of a gentle elephant or visiting natural wonders such as the Lawa Cave or the Sai Yok Waterfall. Get a few thrills without leaving River Kwai by river jumping or bamboo rafting — something to excite even the most adrenaline-seeking tweens.
While it may sound like a lazy beach vacay, this beautiful resort is on one of Hawaii’s most exciting islands – and one of the world’s top resorts for families. The resort offers tons of kid-friendly activities (think ukulele lessons and lei making) in-house. But families can also find breathtaking hikes, zip lines for the token daredevil, horseback riding and kayaking to name a few. For something more low key, splash in a two-tiered pool or the saltwater lagoon that meanders through the hotel’s property.
Morgan’s Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge, San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
A trip to the Great Barrier Reef is an incomparable adventure. While a flight to the Aussie coast may not be ideal for many faraway travellers with tiny tots, the experiences offered through resorts like One&Only can change a nervous parent’s mind. If your bucket list includes snorkelling, sailing, kayaking, water skiing or a helicopter adventure above the reef (which is the largest living thing on Earth, mind you), then book a few tickets to Hayman Island. Of course One&Only also offers an entirely kid-centric program called KidsOnly full of excursions and meals from 9 am to 6 pm if parents need a break.
When Travelling Adventures
Camping and cruising may appeal to families that seek adventure on-the-go. Many of these trips welcome first-time campers and those who are especially interested in learning the lay of the land, whether that’s in sunny California or rugged Maine. Nature lovers, budding botanists and eager explorers will get animal interactions, sparkling night skies and a new set of skills when signing up for one of these trips.
Appalachian Trail
Galapagos Islands
Klamath River, California
