6 Unexpected Adventure Vacations for Families

Planning family vacation can often feel as complicated and frustrating as solving a Rubik’s Cube. To simplify the process, we often turn to tried-and-true amusement parks with their promise of endless entertainment (and endless lines) or resorts filled with kiddie pools and ice cream parties. While these places are great for tiring out kids, they can sometimes leave adults wanting something more.

Avoid the cliché tourist traps and instead embark on an educational adventure that will thrill kids and be a real treat for adults. From the wild plains of Zambia to the icy shores of Antarctica, these unexpected family vacation destinations offer rewarding experiences for all ages. Ready to escape the ordinary? Here are some surprising adventure vacations to take with your family.

Hiking Outside Las Vegas

Las Vegas isn’t all about casinos and nightlife: Sin City can be very nurturing during the day, especially if you explore Red Rock Canyon, just a 20-minute drive west of the Strip. This national reserve has several shorter hiking trails that kids can enjoy, like the Lost Creek Trail, which is less than a mile long. Once you’ve had your fill of nature, Las Vegas has kid-friendly destinations like the Discovery Children’s Museum downtown, with its interactive science and art exhibits, and the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. Several other hotels also cater to families. Circus Circus Hotel & Casino (starting at $38 a night) has an amusement park, water park, and free circus shows. Meanwhile, the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas (starting at around $355 a night) is one of the few hotels without a casino and offers complimentary amenities for kids like games, books, diapers, baby baths, etc.

Related: 14 Family-Friendly Hotels in Las Vegas for a Great Vacation

Diving in the Galapagos

Instead of booking a typical beach vacation, immerse yourself in Darwin’s playground in the Galapagos Islands for an interactive science lesson that will have kids so engrossed they won’t even realize they’re learning. One of the The best way to explore this unique archipelago is through a cruise.. When we took our son there, we chose to cruise with Lindblad Expeditions, which took care of all the details of the trip, allowing us to jump right in on adventures like snorkeling with playful sea lions. Granted, the cruises can get pricey, starting at around $6,437 per person, but there are special rates for kids. While Lindblad doesn’t have a minimum age for its family cruises, other companies require kids to be at least 7 years old. My son, Wilder, was 4 at the time and has fond memories of kayaking, snorkeling with us (he clung to us with a float), learning to sail a small boat, and taking easy hikes. “My favorite part was when the sea lions blew bubbles in my face while we went swimming,” says Wilder, now 6. “And getting my boating license was fun, too.”

Also, if you like stay on land and save some moneyHotel Indigo Galapagos offers a great base for around $365 or €75,000 IHG One Rewards points every night. No matter what you choose, watching your kids’ expressions of wonder and delight as they come into close contact with these creatures is a worthwhile experience.

Antarctica Cruise

Antarctica is truly the ultimate “cool” destination for adventurous families, both literally and figuratively. It’s not every day you get to take your kids to the end of the world. While still expensive, with prices starting at around $6,000 per person, excursion is the most economical way to get there. And some cruise lines, like Hurtigruten, Quark, and Lindblad, are more kid-friendly than others, offering special guides and crafts, and some even let kids sail for free. Your kids won’t just see penguins; they’ll learn about their habitat, see the effects of climate change in real time, and even take part in a kids’ glaciology class. Think of it as a giant ice classroom, where every lesson is an adventure, no textbooks are needed, and the only test is the breathtaking view of icebergs and wildlife. This one-of-a-kind trip may seem extravagant, but the educational benefits are as vast as the Antarctic landscape.

Because it’s a long trip, some cruise lines have a minimum age of 8, while others don’t. To avoid the rough waters of the Drake Passage with children, some cruise lines offer the slightly more expensive option of flying to the mainland and then boarding the ship.

Train and Trail Rides in Napa Valley

of California Napa ValleyWidely acclaimed for its world-class wines and picturesque vineyards, Napa Valley is also a great destination for family fun. With its laid-back pace, Napa Valley is a breath of fresh air for families eager to explore and relax together in a picturesque setting. The valley is not all about wine tasting (there are also juice tastings for kids at places like Castello di Amorosa). Families can enjoy scenic bike rides through rolling vineyards for a little adventure in a peaceful setting. Alternatively, the Napa Valley Wine Train offers an educational and relaxing journey through the heart of the wine region, complete with historical insights and stunning views. Selected packages offer special rates for children, and while there is no children’s menu on board, menu items can be adapted to suit younger palates.

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As for where to stay, Carneros Resort and Spa (from around $730 a night) has a family-friendly pool with pool chairs for kids, and Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa, a JdV by Hyatt hotel (from around $220 or £21,000 World of Hyatt nightly) features hula hoops and poolside games like corn sack toss.

Falconry Lessons in Scotland

When I want to go to Scotland For my son’s spring break in April, my husband and I were not very excited. But it turned out to be a destination that turned a family vacation into a fairytale adventure. In the majestic Highlands, hotels like the Gleneagles (from around $722 a night) are playgrounds where kids can enjoy activities like horseback riding and falconry. It’s like Hogwarts, but without the homework. With dedicated kids’ clubs and plenty of activities, these hotels ensure that kids are entertained, engaged, and maybe even a little educated (don’t tell them that!) while parents get pampered at the spa or enjoy a round of golf. “The life-sized slides and ladders in the kids’ club are my favorite,” said my son Wilder.

The The adventure continues in Edinburgh:From the mysterious charm of Edinburgh Castle looming over the city to the hands-on exhibits at the National Museum of Scotland, there’s enough to keep any family busy and enthralled. And don’t miss the stories of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal dog, or the magical corners that inspired Harry Potter.

Related: How to spend 1 day in Edinburgh

Safari in Africa

Taking your kids on safari in Africa doesn’t have to be as scary as you might think. Whether it’s the vast plains of the Serengeti or the lush landscapes of Kruger National Park in South Africa, a safari can be an unforgettable experience for both you and your kids if you choose a family-friendly operator or camp. When we took our 4-year-old to Zambia, we chose Time + Tide Africa because they had special kids’ activities and meals, and they adjusted the schedule to include nap time. Mornings spent watching zebras and elephants and evenings under the stars were magical. Like a day of kindergarten with nature as the classroom, the structure kept my son enthralled. Yes, safaris can be a significant investment, starting at around $1,000 per person per night (note that this can vary greatly depending on the time of year and whether you’re budgeting or luxury). But watching your child’s amazement when they spot their first elephant or lion in the wild? Absolutely priceless. Or, my son’s favorite part: “Watching hippos’ tails spin when they poop.”

Related: 9 Amazing Luxury Family Safari Lodges for the Ultimate African Adventure