Kid-friendly Trip Ideas
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Kid-friendly Resorts of Vancouver Island
Smart families have already made their family resort reservations for Vancouver Island—perhaps for 2024! Want to play catch-up? Here’s a selection of ultra-deluxe Vancouver Island resorts and affordable family accommodations, as I’m doing my own research for a trip through Vancouver Island. I found plenty of resorts where children are definitely NOT welcome; one said that kids were welcome to use the pool — for exactly three hours per day! But there are also resorts that seem to encourage family visitors. And while the pandemic seems to have ended some family programming (childcare, mainly), other resorts are still offering kid camps and childcare. I’ve mostly listed upcoming high season prices.…
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Your Guide to the Amtrak Family Room
Like a ship’s cabin or a pod-studio, the Amtrak Family Room is a tight squeeze. Let’s be really clear here, the Amtrak sleeper cabins are not luxurious. Think somewhere between European budget hotel and a bus. An overnight trip aboard a long-haul train is incredibly fun, and something your children will remember for a lifetime. It’s not particularly comfortable, efficient or a good value — it’s probably far cheaper for you to fly or drive. But an Amtrak overnight is perfect if you’re seeking an unusual family-travel experience. What’s in the Family Bedroom? The Family Rooms on Amtrak trains has two picture windows on each side of the room, small…
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18 Tips for Riding Amtrak Trains with Kids
Amtrak rails between Seattle and Portland But as with so many other escapades, much of your family’s Amtrak success will come down to preparation. Here are tips on taking the train with kids. I’ll soon offer some information on the family sleeper cars, and best train trips through Washington, Oregon and BC. Train Price Tips for Amtrak with Kids 1. Save money. Can kids ride free on Amtrak? Well, you can save by taking advantage of Amtrak’s 50% off discount for children’s coach fares. But no, children don’t ride free. Instead, one child ages 2-12 receives a 50% discount on the lowest available adult Amtrak rail fair. But they must…
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Family Day Trips from the Seattle Area
If you’ve only got a day, try one of these family-friendly daytrips from the Seattle area for winter break, spring break or a weekend escape: Bellingham with Kids Daytrip Take I-5 North to Bellingham and enjoy the town’s artsy vibe, parks and museums, then get a cool scoop at Mallard Ice Cream. In fact, there are over 20 family-friendly things to do in Bellingham. If you don’t want to drive as far as Bellingham, try the picture-perfect, riverfront town of La Conner for spring’s tulip festivals or just to stroll streets stacked with bookstores, toy shops and museums. Don’t forget to try the Banana Coconut Cakes at Calico Cupboard Cafe. Time…
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Washington National Parks with Kids
Get the kids excited about your upcoming trip to a National Park, National Recreation Area or National Historic Site in Washington State. Here, I’ve gathered information on great kids’ programs, Junior Ranger programs, camps and living-history museums. Don’t forget that if you have a fourth-grade child, you can get free admission to certain parks. At the larger parks, I suggest stopping by the visitor centers, which may offer local pelts to pet, replica ranger cabins, models of the park’s range and other hands-on activities. Western Washington Family-Friendly National Parks Olympic National Park. Western Washington State. For kids: Check out the well-loved Junior Ranger program, this list of Olympic National Park activities for families and…
