Witnessing the sparkle in your children's eyes as they embrace life's adventures is both exhilarating and awe-inspiring. You yearn for them to immerse themselves in the myriad experiences that the world has to offer. This stage of their lives is filled with boundless curiosity and a contagious enthusiasm for learning and exploring their passions. It is during these precious moments that the true value of traveling with kids becomes apparent. That alone is why you should travel with kids.
As parents, we want to support them in every moment and make it right for them to experience how thrilling the world is. We have written the ultimate guide to fun and practical kids' luggage, and now... drum roll here is a guide for you in planning the ultimate kid travel experience.
Table of Contents
Camping in the woods
Camping encompasses a multitude of experiences that can leave a lasting impression on your children. The crackling campfire, serene lakes, cozy tents, toasting marshmallows and the feeling of independence converge into a single extraordinary adventure. It serves as an excellent platform to introduce them to the realms of decision-making and responsibility, nurturing important life skills along the way.
Encourage them to do simple tasks such as listing the camping essentials, collecting twigs and help set up the tent. Engaging in such experiences empowers them with a sense of adulthood (they grow up fast!), granting them a greater sense of control over their environment. It offers a unique opportunity for personal growth and the development of essential skills that will undoubtedly shape their future in a meaningful way.
Experience the magic of Disney
Everyone loves Disney, adults included! I mean who doesn't want to be at "The Happiest Place on Earth"? Explore the beautiful attractions and get overwhelmed by the rides such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Mad Tea Party, Disneyland Railroad, Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, and that's just to name a few.
Make the most out of the experience and take advantage of the moment to let your kids see their favorite Disney characters and watch the magical shows with them. There is a saying that every day feels like a holiday at Disneyland - this is definitely true and Disney is an amazing space for kids and the kids at heart.
Disney also has their own cruise line Disney Cruise Line and private island at Castaway Cay which should be on your bucket list as it offers great experience and fun for both kids and adults alike. Cruises are always fantastic for relaxing and chilling with the whole family especially on a Disney cruise which is tailored for families. For us, Disney ticks all the right boxes in terms of family travel and a real enchanting magical journey for all.
Strolling and shopping in a night market
We are completely aware that some kids may find strolling and shopping boring and exhausting. But hear us out, nothing is more fun than experiencing the different delicacies when traveling! Your kids will get a "taste" of the culture and learn a thing or two from it. Bring along the best stroller to travel with and hit the night markets in style.
Shilin in Taiwan is one of the night market must-visits. It is full of tasty yet cheap food choices like fried dumplings, stinky tofu, and our all time favorite oyster omelette. It is surrounded by shops, shops and more shops so don't forget to browse countless affordably-priced goods, grab yourself another fridge magnet and the greatest deals for kids to enjoy and bring with.
Rainforest tour
A rainforest tour can be a thrilling experience and an absolute adventure for the kids, that offers the perfect blend of education and enjoyment. Due to the nature of the experience, we recommend a bit more planning and in-depth research before embarking on rainforest tours.
As an example depending on the age of your kids, traveling by boat can be a good alternative. As with all adventures, remember allow your kids to be kids! - make them feel like a real jungle explorer, Indiana Jones or Lara Croft. Expand their horizons and encourage them to learn more about our beautiful world.
Horse Riding
It's time to giddy up with this on as horseback riding makes the list of ultimate experiences for kids. Riding allows a child to make a close connection with an animal but also promotes physical health and skills which assists in the development of social skills, and improves mental agility that will benefit them well into the future.
In addition to it being loads of fun, riding and caring for a horse can help assist with many aspects of learning and development by developing character and valuable life skills at a very young age.
Hitting the slopes
We can't think of anything more exciting during the winter months than hitting the slopes. Explore stunning mountains filled with snow and experience the different activities on offer such as snow tubing, snowcat rides, dog sledding, snowmobiling, and if your kids are up to it cross country skiing.
Introduce your kids to skiing or snowboarding by letting them watch others. They will definitely let you know if it's something they want to try and if they prefer skis or board. If so, start with the basics and consider enrolling them in lessons and let them conquer the snowy mountains in their time.
Our all time favorites are making snow angels and building Olaf a.k.a snowman.
Volunteering on vacation
Others may think that holidays are just about exploring the listed itineraries, checking in to luxurious hotels, and taking a lot of tourist photos. Don't get me wrong, it is amazing to enjoy every bit of your vacation but did you know that volunteering abroad gives you the opportunity to discover yourself and spend more quality time with family? Local family volunteering is gaining attention across the world but family volunteering opportunities abroad can make the family bond stronger. Make meaningful social travel and leave an impact on foreign countries by helping their communities and exploring the culture.
Organizations such as Love Volunteers offer projects that are suitable for your family's needs and interests including programs such as childcare and development, wildlife rescue, and environment and conservation.
Become a palaeontologist (dig for fossils)
Participating in a dig excavation activity can be surreal and interesting for kids. Kids just love to dig! Discover fossils that have been buried over the years with a full guided tour at Wyoming Dinosaurs Center and Dig Sites. TIME Magazine for Kids named it as 'One of the World's Coolest Places' and if that is not a convincing description for your kids to try, I don't know what is.
People from Wyoming Dinosaurs Center and Dig Sites are known for their dedication to preserving and protecting natural history treasures for future generations to enjoy and learn.
What's even more exciting is, if you and your child happen to find a bone, it will be displayed at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center. Your name and location will also be recorded in the bone registry and considered as your contribution to science.
Snorkeling with Dory
Explore and get mesmerized by marine life on your next family trip. Professional Association of Diving Instructors permits kids age 10 and above to have their PADI certificate which adds another level of "experience" to the underwater world.
Snorkel away with ease as your family enjoys the vacation. Let your kids float around, swim with fishes, and discover the wonders of underwater life using a diving mask and a snorkel. Swimming goggles work wonders too!
Snorkeling allows your kids to observe marine life in close range and they will never receive an underwater lesson that compares to a front-row seat in the actual environment. It's an activity for the entire family to enjoy. Everyone in the family can share and forever remember the experience of exploring an underwater paradise, complete with marine life, coral reef, rising tides, and the humbling sight of an ocean that never truly ends.
Whale watching
Spot how powerful these ocean giants are, as you reach for your next ultimate adventure with the whole family. Whale watching is suitable for kids of all ages and it is an incredibly exciting day out on the water from start to finish!
Some whale watching companies such as Sea World Cruises in Australia provide onboard activities for children as well as keeping them entertained on the way out to the whales and on the way home too. Take the entire family for this unique bonding activity. While you keep your eyes peeled and camera ready, warm yourself with soup, hot chocolate, tea, or coffee and experience the wonders of whale watching.
Flying through the clouds (hot air balloon)
One of the most memorable travel adventures for your kids. Everyone dreams about flying especially the little ones who want to be like their favorite superhero. Feel a unique state of almost weightlessness from the peace and quiet of your hot air balloon. It’s the perfect vantage point to wonder at the incredible beauty of the landscape below as the colors change with the rising sun. Make your kids' dreams come true with this magical and serene activity that they will never forget. As a guide and depending on where you decide to jump on a balloon, the minimum age requirement ranges from 4 to 7 years old.
Spark your kids curiosity
Drop us a line and let us know what you think about the experiences on the list. For other eye-opening trips to spark your kids curiosity visit our blog page.
So pack your bags, get that pass, and book that ticket. Let your kids help you pinpoint your destinations, embark on that trip of a lifetime for the whole family and watch your kid's eyes sparkle like never before.
Stay well, be well and stay social.
