8 Amazing Multi-Generational Family Vacations
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CARMEL VALLEY RANCH (CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, CALIFORNIA)
In California, the luxurious Carmel Valley Ranch is set amidst lush forests and picturesque cliffs on the Monterey Peninsula. Multigenerational groups will find one- to four-bedroom suites ideal, where even the family dog is welcome. Take a few laps together in the designated family swimming pool or hone your riding skills as a group at the equestrian center. Younger family members can make new friends in the Kids’ Club, while parents and grandparents play golf on the 18-hole course.
THE RESORT AT PAWS UP (GREENOUGH, MONTANA)
The 37,000-acre Resort at Paws Up is nestled deep within Montana’s majestic Blackfoot Mountains. The family-run wilderness resort offers a genuine glamping (luxury camping) experience with butler service and luxury accommodations located amidst tall forest timbers. Strap on your safety gear for active multigenerational pursuits including horseback riding, river rafting, ATV drives, skeet shooting and rappelling. Later, slow down with a scenic mountain chuck wagon ride with the whole family. The Resort at Paws Up is also the perfect getaway for couples looking for the perfect winter getaway, destination wedding or honeymoon. Don’t miss the annual Winterfest – usually scheduled around the week of Valentine’s Day – that features independent winemakers and innovative chefs for intimate cooking classes and demonstrations as well as tastings, live entertainment and winter-themed feasts prepared by the resort’s award-winning guest chef.
EVERGREEN LODGE (GROVELAND, CALIFORNIA)
The newly expanded Evergreen Lodge is ideal for multi-generational vacations in Yosemite National Park. Resort accommodations feature large, two-bedroom family cabins with king and queen beds, second bedrooms with two twin beds, plus living rooms with queen sofa beds and private outdoor decks. Guides lead guests on hikes through hidden Yosemite Valley trails. Your multi-generational group can also opt for a whitewater rafting adventure on the Tuolumne River. Making s’mores with families and friends by an outdoor fire, stargazing, live music and a variety of activities for kids are just a few options if you’re planning a group vacation here.
ROCKING HORSE RANCH (HIGHLAND, NEW YORK)
The all-inclusive Rocking Horse Ranch Resort in New York’s Hudson Valley offers the Silverado Saloon, the Big Splash indoor waterpark, the Lucky Horseshoe Arcade with mini bowling, fitness center, spa, dining room, live shows, family-themed entertainment and unlimited horseback rides. Multi-generational groups in search of winter-weather fun will enjoy the resort’s Winter Fun Park, which features an ice-skating rink, snow tubing and horse-drawn sleigh rides. The ranch’s spacious lodges and suites are perfect for a group of 4 or 6 people, too!
CINCINNATI, OHIO
Mid-sized U.S. cities provide underrated but fun and diverse family vacation options, and Cincinnati, Ohio should be considered for you next multi-gen trip. This easily walkable city offers something for every age group, such as the Newport Aquarium, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and Fountain Square – only a quick walk between each landmark. Stop at Holtman's Donut Shop for some savory maple bacon donuts, and then burn off the calories with a stroll downtown to see some of the city’s colorful murals. With an expert travel agent, plan your stay at the luxurious 21c Museum Hotel, conveniently adjacent to the Contemporary Arts Center. And the hotel’s museum features a rotating roster of 21st-century artists and the Spa at 21c is ideal for post-exploration relaxation.
BASIN HARBOR RESORT & BOAT CLUB (VERGENNES, VERMONT)
Multigenerational groups will find activities suited for the entire group at Vermont’s Basin Harbor Club. Guests reside in private cottages on Lake Champlain that each accommodate up to 8 people and feature spacious floor plans. The beautiful lakeside adds to the perfect backdrop for on-site activities, including golfing, tennis, hiking and biking. Young guests can spend time at the resort’s kids’ camp while adults enjoy a deluxe spa treatment.
FOUR SEASONS RESORT COSTA RICA AT PENINSULA PAPAGAYO
Locating for a multi-generational group trip to Central America? Consider the luxury Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, featuring high-end amenities, facilities and services ideally suited for multigenerational groups. The hotel offers kid-friendly bath products and an exclusive kid’s club. The entire family can take to the water for kayaking and stand-up paddling boarding, hit one of the resort’s pro-level courts for a game of tennis, or arrange golf lessons on the Arnold Palmer designed 18-hole course – ranked one of the best by Golf Digest. And teenagers can enjoy evening events on the beach or dive-in movie nights at one of the 4 on-site swimming pools. The hotel offers a pop-up game room for additional entertainment during school vacation weeks.
RITZ CARLTON AMELIA ISLAND
Grown-up casual elegance and easygoing southern charm, combined with interactive programs for children and teens, make the luxe Ritz Carlton Amelia Island an ideal choice for multi-generational vacations. Grandparents and parents can take a trolley tour downtown for a shopping trip at trendy boutiques and shops, followed by a relaxing signature treatment at the on-site spa, such as the Ocean Healing or the Strength and Resilience Massage. Meanwhile, kids can explore Amelia Island’s pirate lore and beach ecology via the Ritz Kids program. And teens can reach for the stars with astronomer-led stargazing session on the beach.
Inspired by this article and want to speak with an expert travel agent about how you can plan an unforgettable multi-generational family or group vacation? Let one of Vacation’s on-call travel experts match you with an expert travel agent, who can customize an itinerary you’re going to love.
