Family Guide to Marco Island, Florida

Right about the time the snow starts falling in Chicago is when I start planning my winter getaways. Sunny, sand-swept beaches, waves of warm water and al fresco dining often lure us to Florida. I have long dreamed of visiting Marco Island for its relaxed pace, ample shelling and family-friendly local restaurants. Nearby Naples is also a gem with its soft, white sand, luxury shopping and dining, and fun family attractions.

So, I booked the trip. Read on to find out why the Paradise Coast is the perfect place to replenish your vitamin D.

Fun Ideas for Families in Kansas City

You’ve probably heard of Kansas City’s famous barbecue, especially if you’ve watched Ted Lasso. Star Jason Sudeikis often pays homage to his favorite smoked meats slow cooked near his hometown. Plus, the Kansas City Chiefs are the latest Super Bowl champions and its star quarterback is having a big moment. In addition to its mouthwatering meats and professional sports teams, Kansas City has a lot to offer for family fun. Read on for recommendations on what to do in KC with kids in our family guide to Kansas City, Missouri.

Mackinac Island with Kids: What to Do and Where to Stay

When you tell people you’re going to Michigan’s Mackinac Island, they often get a wistful look in their eyes. Car-free for more than a century, this charming and thickly forested island (whose name is pronounced “Mackinaw”) evokes a bygone age with its Victorian homes, elegant hotels, horse-drawn carriages, and fudge. Lots and lots of fudge. With more than a dozen fudge shops, Mackinac Island is the fudge capital of the world, which might explain why it’s one of the most popular family vacation spots in the U.S. for kids (or anyone with a sweet tooth).

What to Know about Las Catalinas, a Blissful Car-Free Beach Town in Costa Rica

Founded in 2009 in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province, the car-free cobblestone streets of Las Catalinas make an ideal seaside escape for families. A purposefully designed resort-like town with boutique hotels and vacation rental properties, there’s a beach, pools, restaurants, and shops all within easy walking distance from anywhere in town. Tropical dry forest cradles Las Catalinas with hiking and biking trails. And tourist services are just a call away via WhatsApp, allowing you to easily book excursions and make reservations.

Family Road Trip Guide: Charlevoix, Michigan

Enjoy waterfront accommodations and dining, an adorable downtown with quaint shops and tasty restaurants, as well as Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix beaches to dip your toes in the water and collect Petoskey and Charlevoix stones. There are also farms to feed animals and collect fresh produce and baked goods, a drawbridge that opens up for boat traffic and unique mushroom houses dotted around town.

Family Road Trip Guide: Kalamazoo, Michigan

There’s a handcrafted culture bubbling up in Kalamazoo, not only from the breweries and farm-to-table eateries but also the artistic makers. If you’ve got a creative kid, they’re sure to covet a getaway to Kalamazoo, where they can get crafty developing their own fragrance, creating glass art, candles, canvases and more.

Kalamazoo is also on point for kids’ entertainment, with an AirZoo, fun center and souped-up bowling alley. Not to forget sports fans, you can catch a Kalamazoo Growlers baseball game in summer or a Kalamazoo Wings hockey game in the cooler months.

Hear us out: Ski resorts during summer are actually great

It used to be that visiting a ski resort was the kind of thing you did only in the winter. And who could blame you for thinking that was still the case? Many ski destinations still don’t exactly scream summer vacation. But in recent years, some of North America’s most family-friendly ski resorts have upped their summer vacation game. In fact, there’s so much to do that it might be even more fun to visit during summer than it is during ski season.

With summer offerings that include everything from alpine coasters and high-flying zip lines to music festivals, fireworks and even giant water parks, the best summer ski resorts have everything you need for a fun family vacation − no skis required.

What to Know about Club Med Quebec Charlevoix

Located about 90 minutes from Quebec City in the Le Massif de Charlevoix region, Club Med Quebec Charlevoix is a picturesque four-season resort with views overlooking the St. Lawrence River. It opened its doors in late 2021 and is Club Med’s first resort in Canada. In the winter, its primary draw is as a family ski resort.

An all-inclusive stay at any Club Med is like a cruise vacation on land. You won’t have to worry about a thing because the virtually endless food options, daily activities, and ski-in ski-out access are all included in the price. In the warmer months when skiing isn’t an option at Club Med Quebec Charlevoix you can enjoy biking and hiking in the scenic area.