Antigua is a Caribbean island that offers a variety of family-friendly hotels and resorts with activities specifically geared to children and families. For example, St. James Club and Villas, on the island's southeastern coast, offers a designated area for children to play and a day-camp for children between the ages of four and 11. Kidz Club brings children together for activities such finger painting, treasure hunts, beach games, limbo dancing, snorkeling and guided nature walks -- all under the care of the resort's experienced Kidz Club Counselors. This allows parents time alone to explore the island while the children experience their own brand of island fun. Resort accommodations are spacious and range from standard rooms to large villas. On-site restaurants feature kid-friendly options and activities such as guided tours, water sports and swimming in one of the resort's four pools that will keep everyone in the family occupied.
St. James Club and Villas
Mamora Bay, Antigua
866-237-2071
stjamesclubantigua.com
The nation's capital, Washington D.C. is a favorite tourist destination with kid-friendly attractions that go beyond the traditional museums and walking tours. For example, get your picture taken with everyone from George Washington to Babe Ruth at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. The museum is open daily and in 2010 offers a 15 percent discount off tickets purchased online. Or visit the second floor at Newseum. The kids can play computer games, and you can each test your journalism skills by taking a turn role-playing as an on-camera reporter. Stay at a kid-friendly hotel such as the Omni Shoreham Hotel, located near the National Zoological Park in Rock Creek National Park. The hotel offers special "Zoo" packages, which include hotel room, breakfast and complimentary parking starting at $180 per night, in 2010.
Newseum
555 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20001
888-639-7386
newseum.org
Madame Tussauds
1001 F Street NW
(Corner of 10th and F Streets)
Washington DC 20004
madametussauds.com
Omni Shoreham Hotel
2500 Calvert St. NW
Washington, DC 20008
202-234-0700
888-444-6664
omnihotels.com
No list of family friendly getaways could be complete without mention of a Disney vacation. Disneyland is a giant playground for children of all ages. Younger children can follow the White Rabbit down the hole at the Alice in Wonderland attraction, play in Chip n' Dale's Treehouse or "save the galaxy" alongside Buzz Lightyear. Older children will enjoy thrill rides such as the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Space Mountain or Soarin' Over California. Check for discounts on the Disneyland website; in 2010 the park offered $300 off a four-day/four-night room and ticket package and 20 percent off stays of two nights or longer if you stay at a Disneyland hotel. Take advantage of Disney's complimentary "Fastpass" service that lets you save time in line at specific attractions. Disneyland offers extended hours during spring break.
Disneyland Resort
1313 S. Harbor Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92802
714-781-4565
disneyland.disney.go.com
