Some people believe that only empty-nesters, honeymooners, or solo travelers can enjoy a luxury getaway, but nothing could be further from the truth. Luxury and kids do mix well, with careful planning and preparation. Of course, your chosen destination plays a vital role in the success of your trip.
The Americas, north, central and south are known for its iconic landmarks, incredible national parks, and unique attractions, making it a superb destination for a family holiday. If you want a tropical getaway, Mexico and the Caribbean boast stunning coasts with pristine beaches. New York is a hub for history and culture, while Canada is a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers.
To help you plan your trip, let’s look at the top five destinations for a luxury family escape in the Americas.
NEW YORK CITY
Is the Big Apple good for families? The bustle can be overwhelming to small children, the long blocks can be exhausting to tiny feet, and the cozy cafés parents love can be boring to active kids. But New York features more age-friendly attractions than anyone could see in a lifetime.
New York has stunning green spaces where parents can unwind while children burn their excess energy. Explore Central Park or enjoy the Play Fountain at Washington Square Park. At The Battery, you can ride the fish themed Seaglass Carousel.
Typically, museums are hit-and-miss for kids. However, New York has many museums tailor-made for children, from the Museum of Ice Cream to the Museum of the Moving Image and the New York Hall of Science. The American Museum of Natural History - with its massive dinosaur skeletons, star-studded planetarium, and 94-foot-long hanging blue whale - guarantees a fascinating day for children and parents.
For a different take on art, visit Artechouse or the Hall des Lumières and step inside an immersive art exhibition. Watch a performance at the New Victory Theatre, a venue that produces dance, opera, circus, and puppetry for kids and families. Also, check out the Sloomoo Institute, the Harry Potter Store, and the Chelsea Piers.
FLORIDA
Home to amusement parks, lively beaches, fancy eateries, and five-star resorts, the Sunshine State is a bucket list destination for families looking for adventure and luxury. Luckily, you will find some luxurious holiday packages, perfect for those planning a memorable trip to Florida.
You probably have Disney World in your itinerary. After all, it is the dream destination of almost every child - and adult. But there are other exciting places to see, including Legoland, Discovery Cove, Sea World, Volcano Bay, Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios.
Visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to see marine animals, then go on a dolphin-watching tour aboard a double-decker boat. Stroll down the Daytona Beach boardwalk, meet cute penguins at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, or brave the Treetop Trek at the Brevard Zoo.
Beaches are the main attractions in Florida, but they can get hectic. If you want to escape somewhere less crowded, head to Sanibel Island, a natural wonderland full of wetlands, mangrove forests, and migratory birds.
CANADA
Vast and beautiful, Canada has a wide range of age-friendly attractions, from amusement parks and zoos, aquariums and museums, buzzing cities and extensive wildlife.
The 188-foot Niagara Falls is a must-visit. An hour from this natural landmark is the cosmopolitan city of Toronto, which boasts plenty of family-friendly attractions, such as the Science Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, and the Toronto Islands.
Experience interactive exhibits and displays at the Science World in Vancouver. Winnipeg has a Children’s Museum and Assiniboine Zoo, where you can see polar bears swim above you in a tunnel. If you are interested in culture and history, visit Montreal, home to lovely architecture, diverse cuisine, botanical gardens, and green spaces.
For an authentic nature experience, travel to Algonquin Provincial Park to soak up the Canadian wilderness. Or explore Banff National Park, where you will find glassy lakes, stunning mountains, rare wildlife, and scenic hiking trails.
BARBADOS
If you’re looking to plan a trip, a visit to Barbados is perfect for anyone seeking a luxurious family getaway. Five-star resorts on the island are becoming increasingly family-friendly, with plenty of activities for kids and adults alike. Parents can indulge in cocktails by the pool, relaxing massages, and fine dining without worrying about their children getting bored.
Surrounded by the turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, the island is home to loads of water adventures. Discover stunning marine life and colorful reefs aboard the Atlantis Submarine or swim around a shipwreck and search for treasures on a Jolly Roger cruise. You can also snorkel in the shallow waters of Folkestone Marine Park or splash around at the Rascals Water Park.
Barbados also has lots of fascinating wonders on land. Walk along the limestone corridors of Harrison’s Cave, find rare plants at the Andromeda Botanic Gardens, and observe animals in their natural habitat at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve.
MEXICO
The Mexican culture is highly family-oriented, making Mexico one of the top destinations in central America for a getaway with the entire brood. You’ll find many attractions that are age-friendly and created with families in mind, from resorts to beaches to parks and restaurants.
The vibrant capital Mexico City is an intriguing cultural hub with great places for kids to explore. Check out Papalote Museo del Niño, a children’s museum focused on learning through interactive exhibits. Visit the country’s largest aquarium, Acuario Inbursa, with its jellyfish, sharks, manta rays and penguins. For some adrenaline rush, make a beeline for Six Flags, located on the southern tip of the capital city, to enjoy thrilling rides.
If your main reason for visiting Mexico is to see the beaches, head to the Yucatan Peninsula, where you’ll find some of the country’s best resort towns, including Cancun, Tulum, and Puerto Vallarta. Apart from the pristine white sand coastline, the region teems with tropical rainforests, jungles, and ancient Mayan ruins.
The amusement parks in this area are some of the most exciting. The all-inclusive Xel-Ha, an ecotourism and aquatic theme park south of Cancun, features a massive lagoon known for its calm waters. For a combination of water adventure and archaeological exploration, go to Xcaret Park, which lies in a Mayan jungle.
If you’re not afraid of heights, drop by Selvatica, an amusement park which focuses on hair-raising adventures such as ziplining, off-roading, quad biking, and aerial bridges. For somewhere more relaxing, spend time at Tortugranja or the Turtle Farm on Isla Mujeres, where you can watch recently hatched turtles swimming in a pool.
