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
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
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / Africa
Apr 24, 2024Enjoy an African Beach Safari with Jek Tours and Safaris
An African safari is a dream vacation for many. For family travelers, it is a great way to introduce the kids to a lifestyle in which people coexist compassionately with the world around them. Not everyone is looking for the same experience, so choosing the right safari for the family is an important decision when planning your vacation.
Sponsored Content
United Continues Its Global Expansion
United Airlines keeps soaring to new heights, recently announcing another expansion of its leading global route network. The airline added new non-stop flights between Newark (EWR) and Marrakesh (RAK), Morocco; Tokyo (NRT) and Cebu (CEB), Philippines; and Houston (IAH) and Medellin (MDE), Colombia. That’s not all: United also plans to increase flights to popular worldwide destinations including Hong Kong (HKG); Seoul (INC), South Korea; and Porto (OPO), Portugal. Following the recent agreement to increase flights between the U.S. and Chinese governments, the airline now adds four weekly flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Shanghai (PVG).
Destinations / North America
Apr 24, 2024Colorful Kids Programming Awaits at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
Before the season is over, take your family travel to The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. Kids rule the world at the Flower Fields this spring and, with flowers officially in bloom, it creates the perfect rainbow backdrop for a family day out. Here are can’t-miss springtime activities and deals for children you won’t want to miss.
Parents
Apr 24, 2024Treat Mom to Tea at The St. Regis Atlanta
Are you planning family travel to Atlanta for Mother’s Day this year? For those in the area on May 11 and 12, celebrate mom with a Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea at The St. Regis Atlanta. Afternoon tea is a hallmark at the property and this year’s Mother’s Day version will honor Audrey Hepburn and her iconic role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Destinations / North America
Apr 23, 2024What’s New in Billings, Montana, This Spring and Summer
Plan your spring or summer family travel to Billings, Montana, this year. The largest city in the state offers plenty of family-friendly fun.
ShareThis