Family travelers who want to spend a vacation doing more than just relaxing should consider a hotel or resort with unique programs and activities that allow you to build a new skill. From learning some survival skills to understanding how to care for bees, check out these destinations for a fun and educational trip.
© Ojai Valley Inn
Beekeeping at Ojai Valley Inn
The southern California-based Ojai Valley Inn teaches guests how to help the environment through beekeeping. Guests follow the resort’s resident beekeeper to learn about the life of the honeybee. The tour allows guests to experience firsthand the job of an apiarist and even enjoy a honey-tasting session with local varieties or raw honey.
© Mauna Kea Resort
Cultural Crafting at Mauna Kea Resort
Situated on Hawai’i’s rugged Kohala Coast, Mauna Kea Resort invites guests to take part in its Aloha Ambassador programming to learn more about the land and its rich history. Aloha Ambassador Healani Kimitete Ah-Mow leads a variety of skill-building experiences, like Hawai’ian language lessons, lei making, basic hula and ukulele lessons.
© Big Cedar Lodge
Survival Skills at Big Cedar Lodge
One of the country’s premier wilderness resorts, Big Cedar Lodge sits near the 10,000-acre conservation Dogwood Canyon Nature Park. In addition to guided bass and trout fishing excursions on Table Rock Lake, guests can also follow naturalist and survival instructor Bo Brown to learn important skills when venturing out into the wild. Brown teaches guests how to identify wildflowers, edible plants and medicinal plants. He also offers stone-age survival methods like making cutting tools.
© JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa
Develop Animal Instinct at JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa
In Texas Hill Country lies JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, boasting more than 13,000 acres of land for guests to unleash their inner cowboy. Unplug from city life and enjoy horseback riding excursions led by husband-and-wife team Jon and Sydney Joseph. In addition to these excursions, guests can also take part in the property’s horse psychology experience to better learn how to interact with horses and train them by diving into horse behavior and optimal upkeep and engagement.
© La Quinta Resort & Club
Become a Tennis Pro at La Quinta Resort & Club
La Quinta Resort & Club, located in southern California, features a renowned tennis program. Drawing top tournaments and talent from across the world each year, the property invites guests to also try their hand at the sport. The resort offers one-on-one or group tennis lessons with a certified tennis professional on one of the resort’s 21 tennis courts.
Read This Next
5 Family-Friendly Museums in Charleston
Destinations / North America
Aug 22, 2024#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedNorth America
Feb 5, 2026Celebrate Black History Month in Philadelphia at Museum of the American Revolution
Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia’s historic Old City neighborhood invites family travelers on a journey of discovery for Black History Month.
Sponsored Content
TAP Air Portugal: A Milestone Year
From small airline to global success, TAP Air Portugal turns 80 and better than ever.
Slideshow
Feb 5, 20266 Hot-Air Balloon Destinations Around the World to Visit
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these hot-air balloon destinations around the world with us.
Travel Goods
Feb 5, 2026Chase Launches New Disney Inspire Visa Card
Chase and Disney just announced a brand-new card, expanding the current lineup of Disney cards perfect for family travelers who frequent Disney parks, resorts and cruise line. The new Disney Inspired Visa Card gives cardmembers exclusive benefits and rewards to elevate their Disney experiences at U.S. Disney resorts, cruise line, theme parks and more.
Sponsored Content
Discover the Azores & Madeira: Portugal’s Island Paradises Await
Embrace the Portugal’s Magical Islands of the Azores and Madeira
Hotels
Feb 4, 2026Spring Break Upgraded: Beaches Turks & Caicos Debuts Treasure Beach Village
Spring break has long been a cornerstone of family travel, and nowadays increasingly involves multiple generations as families seek destinations that appeal to every age. Beaches Turks & Caicos is one such destination and the resort just keeps raising the bar: Its brand-new, all-suite Treasure Beach Village will open March 1. The $150 million expansion stretches along a half-mile of Grace Bay Beach’s iconic white sand and turquoise waters.
ShareThis