Summer is here, school is out and the kids are ready to go out and have fun! Staycations are always a great way to spend quality family time, but parents need a change of scenery away from the office too. Here are three amazing vacations to take this summer that have kid-friendly fun for all ages!
Aulani – A Disney Resort on the island of Oahu
The Hawaiian Islands are breathtaking during all months of the year, but summertime is for families looking for “a whole new world” off the mainland. Oahu is where city life meets aloha life, and Disney’s 21-acre Aulani Resort is the place to be for keiki (children) and their parents.
The Aulani Resort, recently renovated in 2013, is a must-visit haven for water babies. Families can swim and play at the Waikolohe Pool where themed parties, lively music, and dancing with Disney characters (Mickey has been known to jump in the pool!) happen daily. In the Keiki Cove Splash Zone, kids can squirt new friends with water guns, play in the rainbow jets, and enjoy meals with their parents at in an infinity pool with a stunning ocean view. Tubing through “extreme” rapids and a lazy river, a tunnel body slide, whirlpool spas, and other means of aquatic fun await you and your family.
When parents need some relaxing alone time, kids ages 3 to 12 can explore Hawaiian culture, music, and art without leaving the resort at the complimentary Aunty’s Beach House. Your young ones can enjoy playing dress up in a closet full of costumes, watch a Disney movie, and play in the secure and safe backyard playground. Older kids can challenge each other at the game tables and play Xbox. Arts and Crafts, enhanced storytelling, and more will entertain kids of all ages as they learn about Hawaiian history.
While the kids are at Aunty’s, parents can enjoy being pampered with spa therapies and Kula Wai, Aulani’s 5,000 square foot outdoor hydrotherapy garden at the Laniwai Spa. Early Hawaiians used hydrotherapy (immersion into different water temperatures), to reset their body, improve their immune system, and increase circulation. Kula Wai is the only outdoor hydrotherapy garden in Hawai’i. The private vitality baths, soaking pools, and waterfall rain showers are all complimentary with any spa service.
Another notable service is the Lomi Lomi family massage service at the spa. Spend quality family time learning about the healing ways of the Lomi Lomi as your muscles are pampered. Kids 12 and under can also enjoy magical makeovers at the salon, including haircuts, manicures, and hairstyling with extras such as tiaras, tattoos, and hook necklaces.
A gorgeous resort with Disney magic and Island serenity – it’s a trifecta worthy of any summer vacation at Aulani.
Circle Bar B Guest Ranch & Stables
Located twenty miles away from Santa Barbara, California in Refugio Canyon lies a 1,000-acre charismatic cluster of cabins and a stable known as the Circle Bar B Stables, the oldest public horseback riding stable in Santa Barbara County. Four generations of the Brown family have owned and operated the coastal dude ranch for over 70 years.
Forget about the wi-fi and Xbox, Circle Bar B is rustic and all cowboy, and meant for quality time with loved ones without the distraction of technology. During the daytime, from sunrise to sunset, you can reserve a private horse trail ride for your family with your own knowledgeable guide. Ride their well-trained horses through the scenic canyon, along the creeks, and learn about the history of the area. After a delicious BBQ meal, head to the pool and swim, play board games, and recharge the connection with your children. Come see why Hollywood royalty and celebrities such as the Reagan Family, Cary Grant, Scarlett Johansson, the Kardashians, Jude Law, Richard Dreyfuss, and others visit this bit of western history in one of California’s most beautiful locations.
Atlantis, Paradise Island at the Bahamas
White sandy beaches, warm, tropical air, and the slide of all water slides awaits kids of all ages at Atlantis, Paradise Island. Most known for Aquaventure, the 141-acre water park includes a mile-long river ride, 20 swimming areas, a water-play fort, miles of gorgeous beach sand, and the infamous Mayan Temple with its epic 60-foot Leap of Faith water slide. But there is much more to Atlantis, and it’s definitely a summer vacation location you must see firsthand.
Little ones ages 3 to 6 can discover marine life close up in the new Sea Squirts program at the Estuary Lagoon. For one hour, they enjoy marine activities and then hand feed baby sting rays, sharks, and fish. Older kids can be junior trainers for a day and work along Aquarists as they feed fish, care for sea turtles, and meet dolphins. All kids ages 3 to 12 are welcome to take culinary lessons, play outdoors, watch movies, play grocery store, build with Legos, and play pretend in dollhouses during the day. Evening events at the Atlantis Kids Adventures includes age appropriate activities including interactive gaming, computers, movies, snack time, and a sleepless slumber party.
While the kids are having a blast with new friends, parents can enjoy lady luck at the on-site casino and fine dining at world famous Nobu, Fish by Jose Andres, or Chop Stix. Well deserved pampering at the award-winning Mandara Spa or a round of golf at the Tom Weiskopf-designed Ocean Club Golf Course are only minutes away from the kids. There is plenty for all to enjoy, and it’s easy to fill up every minute of your stay with fun, enjoyable activities.
Wherever you plan to go for your summer vacation, enjoy the time with your family and make memories you will cherish a lifetime – they are even more precious than the jewels we keep safe for you at home.
