Kindergarten has long been a rite of passage whether parents are jumping for joy as the bus pulls away or tears are shed as they wave their child through the school doors. But it also marks the ticking clock of limited summer vacations and school breaks with your children.
If you haven’t heard, kindermoons are now a thing where families commemorate their little ones entering elementary school with a special trip. Whether your child is gearing up for the first day of school or has already marked off the occasion and is gearing up for a fall break, you can plan a kindermoon to celebrate. And it’s also just a great excuse to splurge on a family vacation.
Disney
No kindermoon list would be complete without a Disney property whether Disney World, Disneyland or a Disney cruise. Disney pretty much invented the kindermoon and even promotes special multinight vacation packages. This vacation is definitely a big splurge, but can be a super fun way to kick off kindergarten for your whole family. Remember to take advantage of down time on a resort property with a pool, icy cold drink and character dining.
Photo: Famveldman | Dreamstime
If your idea of camping is staying in an air-conditioned modern lodge or cabin while looking at the mountains and cattle, Rocking Horse Ranch is for you. Familie saddle up with unlimited horseback riding, hayrides, pony rides and of course Wild West Shows. Take a dip in the lake by day and soak in a heated grown-up and kiddie pool in the evening. There’s also plenty of kids’ programs with crafts and other fun.
Outer Banks
Situated off the coast of North Carolina, the Outer Banks is a 130-mile stretch of barrier islands. There’s no shortage of sleepy little fishing villages, kayaking, water sports and, of course, beach fun. After some time splashing around in the surf, explore Roanoke Island Festival Park to see a representation of one of the seven English Ships hailing from the 1585 Roanoke Village. There’s also an Island Farm, aquarium, mini golf and lighthouse among other stops.
Photo: Beaches Resorts
Beaches Resort
There are several all-inclusive Beaches Resorts properties that cater specifically to kids including Turks & Caicos, Negril Resort & Spa Jamaica and Ocho Rios. The resort is known for bending over backward to cater to kids from all-inclusive kid-friendly menus, waterpark, video gaming stations and activities. Little ones who are still into Sesame Street can get in on the fun with cookies and milk story time, daily parades and character dining.
Photo: Varina And Jay Patel | Dreamstime
Yellowstone is the stuff classic family vacations are made of. Turn it into a kindermoon adventure with camping and campfire stories with plenty of s’mores. Activities include horseback riding, whitewater rafting and 900 miles of trails to hike. Kids can attend a ranger program and maybe even discover some new professional aspirations. Before you go, see the geysers and try to snap a photo of a bear.
Your Closest Nearby City
You don’t need to go far to take your kindergartener on a special trip for two, or your whole family. Instead, head to your nearest big city and make a weekend of it. Spend the night in a hotel downtown and have cookies and milk while watching the bustle below. During the day, look for kid’s fun at local museums, water parks, zoo and amusements parks and make a weekend of it.
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