5 kid-friendly travel ideas for the Covid era
With so many families in desperate need of a break and reconnection, a little getaway might be just what the doctor ordered.
Wanderlust just hits different these days.
As the pandemic landscape continues to evolve, it still may not be the easiest time to travel, but with so many families in desperate need of a break and reconnection, a little getaway might actually be just what the doctor ordered.
Many travel restrictions in the U.S. (and abroad) have been lifted or loosened—particularly for fully vaccinated individuals—though exact guidance and mandates vary by region. Still, the level of risk mitigation that’s appropriate for your family can only be decided by you based on your family’s unique circumstances.
Currently, experts continue to regard outdoor activities as generally safe, while the CDC advises mask-wearing when indoors.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled a few vacay getaway ideas for the upcoming fall and winter months that are actually kid-friendly with a strong emphasis on the great outdoors. Happy Trails!
Camp/RV-ing
In the wake of Covid-19, Camping and RV-ing has become more popular than ever. With constant access to your own facilities and group interactions happening primarily outdoors, it’s one of the safer bets when looking to mitigate the risk of transmission (and memory-building for families). Two budget-friendly companies to look into while planning your trip:
- Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Parks include live characters, various kid-friendly attractions, and the option to camp or book your own cabin.
- Kampgrounds of America (KOA) offers RV sites, “glamping”-style lodging and tent sites, and caters specifically to families with young children.
Hawaii
While the lower 48 cools for the winter months, Hawaii’s average temperatures tend to stay in that perfect, balmy 70-80s range, allowing for nonstop fun outside in the sun. (Just be sure to adhere to Hawaii’s Safe Travels protocol.)
- Mauna Lani, the first Auberge Resorts Collection property on the Hawaiian islands, is located on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island and prides itself on being a young traveller’s paradise. Among the highlights for little ones aged 5-12, are outdoor hikes, hands-on activities, local storytelling, and movies under the stars.
- Disney’s Aulani Resort in Oahu is, of course, a magical destination for families. Get some face time with your kids’ favorite characters, learn the ukulele, go on an adventure trail, splash around outside, and more.
San Diego
Expect average temperatures in the 60s while visiting San Diego in the cooler months. Kid-favorite destinations like the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, Legoland, Botanic Garden, and Belmont Park are all enjoyable outdoor activities, not to mention the endless beaches. If you’re comfortable exploring indoor entertainment, Balboa Park offers a plethora of family friendly museums (including a model railroad museum, natural history museum, and air and space museum, to name a few). In La Jolla, check out the Birch Aquarium at Scripps.
Virginia Beach
Highlights of your Virginia Beach visit may include dolphin watching, a trip to the Boardwalk and Grommet Island Park (the first of its kind, a 15,000 square foot beach park with a fully wheelchair-accessible playground on the beach), high-flying fun at The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium, and tons of American history to explore! Temperatures average in the 50s for the fall and winter months.
Skiing
If a ski trip is on your winter bucket list, there’s no shortage of resorts that effortlessly cater to every age and skill level. Consider Smuggler’s Notch in Vermont, Park City Mountain Resort in Utah, or Northstar California Ski Resort in California. (But don’t forget to comb through their Covid requirements and protocols before booking to ensure a smooth stay.)
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