Travel is the perfect opportunity to enhance a child’s innate sense of curiosity about the world. Whether you’re planning a trip to supplement your kids’ history education or to enjoy some quality time together, these themes and destinations—from London to Rome to the American West—are sure to deliver. These trips are ideal for summer family travel for children ages 6 to 11.
Contact Indagare to plan a family-focused trip. Our trip designers can match you with the best hotels, plan great meals and arrange special, child-friendly activities.
Educational Travel
From ancient ruins to key sites in American history, these destinations bring to life what your kids have learned in elementary school about cultures, politics and art.
Related: My Family’s Travel Evolution
London
London has a long and rich history that even the youngest of travelers can appreciate. Whether viewing the Crown Jewels, climbing the Tower of London, walking in the footsteps of queens and kings at Buckingham Palace or sampling international fare at street markets, the whole family will be charmed by the city’s treasures. Parents will love its diverse cultural offerings, from funky street art in Shoreditch to Michelin-starred cuisine and upscale shopping in Chelsea. And for family-friendly accommodations, you can’t beat the Berkeley, with its discreet location and fantastic rooftop pool. Rooms can be outfitted on request with everything from high chairs and bottle warmers to child-sized terry robes and slippers.
Rome
The eternal city is a perfect introduction to Europe’s splendor, with its long history, vibrant culture and sensational food. Children will be wowed by the ease with which ancient ruins and contemporary life coexist. Among Rome’s many draws are iconic sights like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain and hands-on classes in gelato making and gladiator fighting—as well as all the spaghetti that kids (and their parents) can eat. The chicly appointed Hotel Eden offers luxurious rooms, a signature spa and a restaurant with a children’s menu.
Greece
A trip to the birthplace of democracy and much of Western civilization brings to life the myths and epic stories, like those of Odysseus’s wanderings, that children have likely been learning about in school. Family itineraries can include touring ancient ruins and discovering lesser-known islands by boat, plus plenty of time spent beachside. A good place to start is Athens, touring sights like the Parthenon from your home base at the Beaux-Arts Grand Bretagne. Next, perhaps a visit to Santorini to relax at the Santa Marina, which has a secluded private beach, three swimming pools and sublime views, or a trip to the Peloponnese with a villa rental at Amanzoe, a peaceful retreat perched atop large hill, which has an elegant beach club and water sports (as well as the Aman Spa).
Boston
Boston, the scene of many of the American Revolution’s most important moments, pulses with history and patriotism. For children who are learning about the early years of the republic, walking the Freedom Trail and tracing the footsteps of the Founding Fathers will prove particularly meaningful. But the past is not all the city has to offer. Compact and walkable, with a bevy of international luxury hotels, it has experienced an economic boom that has transformed run-down neighborhoods into centers of hip culture, with buzzing shopping and dining scenes. Baseball fans of all ages should visit the sport’s oldest park in the Major League, Fenway Park. Those with kids who can’t sit through an entire game might take a tour of the ballpark or grab a seat by the windows of the Bleacher Bar and enjoy its views of the field. The Mandarin Oriental is a luxurious, family-friendly oasis in the heart of Boston’s shopping and entertainment district.
Washington, D.C.
Like Boston, the nation’s capital is home to many of the country’s most important museums, galleries and historic sites. A family trip here is a rite of passage for youngsters. D.C. is extremely walkable, making it easy to absorb the nation’s history and traditions, visiting Congress to watch the government in action, admiring monuments, paying respects at memorials and viewing the magnificent art collections. A guide trained in communicating with kids can make the experience even more enjoyable and meaningful, providing context and anecdotes that render the history vividly present. The Four Seasons is a great option in the Georgetown neighborhood, while the Hay Adams has beautiful White House views.
Philadelphia
This city makes a great getaway with children, as it offers wonderful food, history and culture, but on a smaller scale, putting less pressure on visitors wishing to hit the major sights. A trip to the Liberty Bell or the Franklin Institute, for instance, can be paired with an afternoon by the pool for the perfect balance of cultural activity and family relaxation. The Philadelphia Zoo, the country’s first, also offers programs for little ones. The family-friendly Rittenhouse Hotel, located on one of the city’s loveliest urban parks, has sweet amenities like kid-sized bathrobes.
Related: The Evolution of Family Travel
Road Trips
Whether on winding coastal roads or endless highways, road trips bring out the explorer in all of us. They are a wonderful way to travel with children, presenting a variety of destinations and avoiding the hassles of flying. Here are some of our favorites.
Ireland
Although small, this island has tremendously diverse landscapes and cultures, and you’ll want to pack them all in. Driving along the nearly 2,000-mile Wild Atlantic Way, which runs along the island’s spectacular west coast from Northern to Southern Ireland, through charming villages and magnificent countryside, makes for a great journey. Families can stay at large hotels, like Ashford Castle, that provide a range of activities, from archery, skeet shooting, fly-fishing and falconry to guided hikes, walks and bike rides. Or they can opt for smaller ones, which also have plenty to do and offer top-notch service and welcoming owners.
Coastal California
One of the classic American family road trips is exploring the central California coast. For a combination of great natural beauty and fun educational activities, the area around Carmel is tough to top and perfect for a weekend jaunt. The drive from San Francisco to Monterey, famous for its aquarium and annual jazz festival, takes two hours. Continuing along Route 1, one of the country’s most scenic drives, brings you to Carmel and the spectacular Big Sur, home to the family-friendly Carmel Valley Ranch.
American West
The Wild West beckons families with its evocative past. It is best appreciated by driving under the endless dome of sky through ghost towns and stunning landscapes, staying at spectacular lodges that offer activities like white-water rafting, horseback riding and nightly campfires. A road trip can be planned around the national parks—a visit to Yellowstone, perhaps, with a stop at Jackson Hole and a stay at the Four Seasons hotel; to the Grand Canyon, with a pampering break at Amangiri in Utah; or to Glacier Park in Montana, with evenings spent around the campfire at Ranch at Rock Creek.
Related: Three Great Summer Road Trips
Villa Rentals
Provence, Ibiza and Tuscany, with their beautiful scenery, are among the best places to rent villas. Perfect for family groups, these accommodations range from quaint coastal cottages to grand retreats that provide privacy along with the amenities of a hotel, such babysitting services and personal chefs.
Related: Renting a Villa – What to Know
Contact Indagare to plan a family-focused trip. Our trip designers can match you with the best hotels, plan great meals and arrange special, child-friendly activities.
