7 Safe Yet Fun Vacation Ideas For Families With Little Kids 

Still feeling the post-holiday blues? Here’s an idea your kiddos will surely love: how about we start the year right with a fun vacation with your family?                                                                                      

Travel is definitely making a comeback this 2022. After a year or two of postponed trips, it just makes sense to set a week, a weekend, or even a day of exploring the great outdoors again. 

Just keep in mind that while the travel regulations are more relaxed today than last year, we’re still in the middle of a pandemic. With this, you need to revisit your travel plans and opt for vacation ideas that cater to those who have not received their vaccine — our vulnerable little ones. 

Before booking an expensive trip to a crowded resort or cramped theme park, check out these safe yet kid-approved vacation ideas for families for kids.                    

1. Head to the countryside

Whether you’re going on a day trip or staying overnight, it’s best to do so in a destination that’s far from the hustle and bustle of city life: like the countryside. Enjoy the lush greenery, mountain views, vivid hues of blue waters, and the fresh air that come with visiting the rural areas. Look for nature attractions that offer amazing opportunities for outdoor adventures, like woodlands, rivers, oceans, and more. 

Have a picnic. Go fishing or just bring your BBQs while the kids play unbothered in wide-open grounds. Watch the wildlife from their natural habitats. Try heart-pumping activities like hiking, biking, and running around obstacle courses. Hit the water and try whitewater rafting, kayaking, snorkelling, or just a relaxing boat tour. There are plenty of activities that are worthy to be part of your family album.    

2. Explore national parks with your kids

We’re not only talking about small city parks you associate with monuments, ponds, and picnics. A national park is a vast nature reserve. Here, you’ll witness the protected natural landscapes (mountains, waterfalls, lakes, gorges, forests, and more), and a rich variety of flora and fauna. 

National parks give you access to a wide array of fun activities, whether your family is into laidback vacations or action-packed adventures in the wilderness. There’ll be lots of walking trails, picnic groves, postcard-worthy mountain views, boating tours, whitewater rafting, and opportunities for camping. 

You can also find national parks with accessible hotels, like Killarney National Park in Ireland. The park is too large for a day tour, so you can book a boutique hotel in Killarney and enjoy a relaxing vacation surrounded by nature.

3. Enjoy while staying safe in an outdoor museum

Skip enclosed museums for now and look for outdoor attractions that offer fascinating things to see. Many kid-approved, open-air museums feature art, life-sized animal installations, sculptures, and playgrounds. You can even find themed museums on everything science, cars, toys, animals, and fictional characters, 

4. Try giving them animal encounters 

When was the last time you saw an animal (city birds and pets not included) in flesh and not from your screens? This 2022, let your kids interact with different species in a well-maintained and cruelty-free zoo, farm, or wildlife sanctuary. These attractions are usually done in an open, close-to-nature space. You may also encourage kids to feed them (if allowed). 

5. Let them discover historical attractions 

Do your children miss going to face-to-face classes and field trips? Put down the history books and online resources, and sign up for a historical tour. Depending on your destination, you can find castles, historic houses, monuments, and other well-preserved buildings, and streets with an old-world charm. 

6. Hit the beach

Forget crowded waterparks — nothing beats a classic family vacation on the beach. Wait for the tourist season to subside and enjoy the beach in its best form: clean, turquoise waters, crowd-free shores, and tranquil surroundings. Consider booking beachfront lodging for a comfortable stay. You may also make your trip more exciting by setting up a tent. 

7. Camp under the stars 

Since your family has been stuck at home for a year or two, a 12-hour day trip may not be enough to make up for the lost travel opportunities. This 2022, consider spending a day or more away from your humble abode and get in touch with nature the best way possible: camping. It’s the perfect opportunity to disconnect from gadgets and just enjoy each other’s company while developing team work. 

Before you go:

To enjoy a fun and safe family vacation, remember the following tips:

• Choose outdoor over indoor attractions
• Opt for al-fresco dining experiences 
• Travel off-peak to avoid crowds and get better rates
• Plan activities and adventures beforehand to avoid inconveniences
• Make the most out of your vacation by creating an itinerary
• Research your destination well for weather, crowd, COVID-19 situation, and accessibility
• Practice COVID-19 prevention measures (face masks, social distancing, avoiding crowds, respiratory etiquette, and proper handwashing) 

Enjoy your family trip this 2022!

Author Bio:  Carmina Natividad is a travel and lifestyle writer. Aside from taking vibrant street photos, you can find her writing articles about travel, food, and lifestyle. To know more about hotels and travel blogs, you may visit Cahernane House Hotel Killarney.