Family Vacation Ideas the Whole Family Will Love

When I was 5 years old, my family went on vacation in Washington, D.C. After a whirlwind week touring the White House and other national treasures, my parents asked me what my favorite part of the vacation was. Without blinking an eye, I replied, "Swimming in the pool." Unlike my older brother and sister, I had no context for appreciating the historic highlights of the nation's capital. But a pool on the roof of a hotel? In my book, that was almost as good as Disneyland.

Although my parents seemed disappointed by my response, they should not have been surprised. Not all family members will enjoy the same aspects of a vacation. With so many different ages and interests to cater to, planning family vacations is like preparing meals for picky eaters. If the menu has enough variety, everyone will find something to eat-even if it's just the dessert.

The following family vacation ideas are sure to please family members of all ages:

Family camp. Many cities operate camps in scenic places that offer something for everyone in the family. My sister-in-law, for instance, vacations each summer with her husband and two young children at Camp Mather in California's Yosemite National Park, a family camp owned by the City of San Francisco. They sleep in a rustic cabin and enjoy swimming, hiking, riding bikes and singing around the campfire. The adults love relaxing in nature and not having to cook dinner; the children, playing with their friends (they go with another family) and enjoying all the outdoor activities. An added bonus: most city-owned family camps are very reasonably priced, especially for that city's residents.

Dude ranch vacation. For a western twist on the family camp concept, consider taking your family to a dude ranch. At Idaho's Red Horse Mountain Ranch, horseback riding is the "mane" attraction. But even the equine-averse city slicker can enjoy this deluxe dude ranch with its private cabins and suites, chef prepared meals, kayaking, whitewater rafting, fly fishing, yoga and even a cocktail hour for the grown-ups.

Any big city, U.S.A. From New York to Chicago to Los Angeles, any big American city that has world class museums, restaurants and shopping will be a hit with all age groups. In New York, for instance, families can explore the Museum of Natural History one day and Coney Island the next (still home to carnival rides and the original Nathan's hotdog stand). Between Broadway and Barneys, the Fillmore and FAO Schwarz, adults, teens and children will find plenty to see and do in the Big Apple.

What I Learned from My Family Vacation

Though memories of my family vacation in Washington, D.C. have dimmed, I can still recall my parents' puzzlement when it finally dawned on them that the great Washington D.C. history lesson had been wasted on me. My father joked that we could have stayed at any motel in our town, and I would have been just as happy-and he was right. Though I love history now, at 5 years old I was too young to appreciate it. For me, the hotel pool sparkled brighter than the White House, which was just another boring house with lots of fancy furniture.

Sources:
"Camp Mather Family Camp," San Francisco Recreation and Parks.
"All Inclusive Dude Ranch Vacation Resort in Idaho," Red Horse Mountain Ranch.