Top family summer destinations: Beaches, islands and mountains
How will you celebrate summer? Here are five family-friendly ideas to consider.
Visit this family-oriented beach community for a relaxing and old-school seaside getaway. The festive mile-long boardwalk, first built in 1873, has not lost its celebrated vintage vibe. After a day on the wide expanse of beach, sample local saltwater taffy, cruise the bike trails and make time for the kids to enjoy the retro amusement center where rides, shooting galleries, pinball machines and arcade games may offer a glimpse of the kind of fun you enjoyed as a child.
cityofrehoboth.com; rehobothbeachde.gov
A family road trip is a summer classic. For a fun twist and a bit of history, travel the 375 miles between Kittery and Calais, Maine, visiting lighthouses along the way. You will learn about the dangers that seafaring vessels and their crew endured along the craggy Northeastern coast. Hear tales of shipwrecks and ghosts and of the difficult and lonely life led by those who kept the lights burning brightly. If possible, visit the Maine Lighthouse Museum, where artifacts and hands-on exhibits for children provide an enticing break.
mainelighthousemuseum.com; visitmaine.com
For an over-the-top treat, take the family to Tahiti. The remote islands of French Polynesia make for a dreamy getaway your crew will remember for a lifetime. Explore magical motus (small islets), crystal clear coves and palm-fringed lagoons under turquoise skies. Snorkel, scuba or paddle amid stingrays, sharks, turtles and other creatures in water so clear and warm you’ll want to float in it forever. Splurge for a stay in over the water bungalows or cruise the pristine seas via a sailing ship.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this iconic resort was founded in 1896. It’s an Italian Renaissance-style hotel, on 140 acres of oceanfront property, and has remained a favorite among families for decades. Check in and enjoy a vacation that includes bonfires on the beach, hayrides, a catamaran cruise, an outdoor carnival, kayak races, snorkeling, drive-in movies on the golf course viewed from golf carts and dive-in movies in the pool. Add laser tag and magic shows, and it may be tough to pile the kids back into the car or plane to head home. For an extra-luxe experience, ask about the Flagler Club. Special summer deals are possible.
Adjacent to the vast expanse of Frank Church — River of No Return Wilderness, this vibrant high-altitude enclave serves as an ideal base camp for exploring the beauty of the Sawtooth Range and the nearby mountain lakes and trails. Then return to town where activities from horseback riding, mountain biking, fly fishing, tennis, golf, riverside yoga and shopping will keep your clan engaged. When planning, check dates for concerts, plus art and music festivals. Don't miss the ice skating shows at the Sun Valley Lodge featuring world-class figure skaters and Olympic medalists.
