Traveling kids and tweens can turn this summer into a chance to learn about wildlife and/or give back and earn community service hours thanks to these resorts’ special programs and voluntourism offerings. Here, family travelers can relax, engage in fun activities and give back to the community.
Become a Horticulturist at WorldMark Portland Waterfront Park
Located in downtown Portland, Oregon, this property recently launched Planting Seeds, an environmental educational program for guests of all ages to learn about urban environmental conservation. Master regenerative farmer Dan Campbell teaches kids (and parents) how to mimic the process of nature. Guests get their hands dirty in the mini food forest and learn about mason bees, soil health and carbon capture. Produce grown in the gardens are donated back to a Portland CSA to feed local families.

© Woodstock Inn & Resort
Master Falcons, Owls and Eagles at Woodstock Inn & Resort
Vermont’s historic inn lets kids as young as 8 years old take part in the property’s birding experiences. Hands-on encounters see kids learn about conservation, raptor adaptations, the history of the species and, of course, flying lessons. New to the program this year are owls, where kids can fly and/or handle a barn owl, burrowing owl and Eurasian eagle owl. Kids can also take part in private eagle sessions to view a falcon lure-flying demonstration and Verreaux’s eagle demonstration.

© Beaches Resorts
Volun-Teenism at Beaches Resorts
Beaches Resorts now let teenagers fulfill their summer community service hours thanks to its Island Impact program. Here, full-time students can earn community service hours through various volunteer activities like beach cleanups, community outreach and more. Teens can earn up to 10 service hours total — five for Packing for a Purpose and five for Island Impact Initiative.
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Sep 21, 2023The World’s Largest Indoor Beachfront Waterpark Opened This Summer
Not quite ready to say goodbye to summer? If the weather is forcing you to head indoors, you can still take advantage of a few opportunities to splash around in the waves, without even being that far from the beach — thanks to the world’s largest indoor beachfront waterpark, which opened this summer in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
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Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Destinations / North America
Sep 21, 2023Spooky Haunts to Visit in Cayuga County, New York, This Halloween
Halloween is right around the corner, which means its time to start making plans for spooky and scary stops for having fun with the family this fall. New York’s Cayuga County is always a fun visit for family travelers, but if you plan on being in the area this October, you will definitely want to explore its haunted history with some choice spots along New York’s Haunted History Trail. This curated list of haunted and spooky stops throughout New York features incredible locations showcasing the perfect combination of the state’s beautiful charm and fascinating history.
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Sep 21, 20236 Tirana, Albania, Destinations for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Tirana, Albania, with us.
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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
Sep 21, 20234 Reasons to Head to Franklin, Tennessee, This Fall and Winter
The next two seasons see Franklin, Tennessee, come alive with festive events, fun pop-ups and colorful lights. Family travelers planning a trip to Tennessee this fall or winter must make time for Franklin, a city just south of Nashville with plenty of history and festivities awaiting.
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