Destinations for Grandparents and Kids

While school is (almost) out for summer, the kids are about to have a lot of free time on their —and your — hands. It might be a good time to follow along a growing trend in the family travel industry: grandparents traveling alone with grandchildren.

Across the country, there are endless outdoorsy wonders worth exploring on a summer trip. Try camping with a luxury twist, water park fun or beachside attractions that lend well to all ages and interests.

Under Canvas in Yellowstone National Park. Photo: Amelia Anne Photography

For all the grandparents and grandkids ready to take in the warm weather, adventurous activities and relaxing campsite vibes, a “gramping” trip may be on the horizon. Check out this list of family-ready locales.

Sleep In

Great Wolf Lodge

With 17 resort locations across North America, finding a Great Wolf Lodge to enjoy is just a matter of deciding how far you want to travel. With an epic indoor water park, the kids can boogie board, run and play through thousands of square feet of aqua-centric fun. Dry off and spend some time at the indoor arcade, or stretch it out with daily yoga. The little ones can head to story time, while the grandparents head to grown-up events like Wine Down — there’s a little something for all ages on this skip-gen trip.

Photo: Great Wolf Lodge

Surf & Sand Resort: California 

Specifically designed with grandparents and kids in mind, the Gramping Package at Surf and Sand Resort, situated on Laguna Beach, includes a one-night stay for the family, playing cards, a key chain per grandchild and an area map — all inside a Surf & Sand Resort backpack. Enjoy fresh seafood at Splashes, or treat yourselves with a treatment at Aquaterra Spa. Kids and grandparents can splash around in the oceanfront pool or in the ocean waves a short walk away.

Beach view from the pool. Photo: Surf & Sand Resort

Sleep Out

Goblin Valley State Park: Utah

If your family has a more natural landscape in mind, Utah should be on your list. Goblin Valley State Park welcomes travelers this summer to explore the region’s incredible natural beauty and geology through camping. Star gaze with the grandkids, head out on family-friendly hikes, try canyoneering or get active with some mountain biking through the otherworldly terrain. While there is enough activity to keep any age busy, the park is actually pretty accessible for all levels of athleticism. Treat yourselves to Glamping Getaway Yurts, pack up the RV or camp out under the stars in your own tents.

Glamping Yurts, Goblin Valley State Park, Utah. Photo: Michael Kunde Photo

Under Canvas at National Parks Nationwide

Speaking of under the stars, Under Canvas is an adventurers’ hospitality group catering to all the glampers, outdoor adventurous and active families seeking an elevated national park experience. Enjoy the comforts of home in a completely stunning locale, available across the country. Check out the 7 Parks in 7 Days package, where your family can visit seven national parks by way of private aircraft during a week-long vacation.

Under Canvas, Yellowstone. Photo: Jason Savage