Family Vacations with Grandparents

Taking a vacation together can be an amazing opportunity for all three generations of your family to bond, no matter how far apart you live.

By Rainer Jenss

Ages

3-18

Family Vacations with Grandparents

Here are the details on three inspired trips that will make for one big, happy family adventure:

Rent a House Together
No matter what region of the country you’re visiting, if the main goal of your trip is letting Gram and Papa spend low-key time with your kids, renting a multi-bedroom home is the way to do it. It’s usually cheaper than getting two hotel rooms — and you’ll save on food, says Erin Gifford, founder of Kidventurous.com.

Take a Train Trip
A train ride is cool enough, but when you tell your kid he gets to sleep in a bunk bed and eat in a dining car and do it all with his grandparents, you’re guaranteed to hear squeals for days.

Try Out a Ranch
The combo of fresh air, active days, and Old West atmosphere appeals to preschoolers and baby boomers alike. In addition to Western-style horeseback riding, your family can likely enjoy hiking, fishing, bird-watching, roasting weenies, and taking covered-wagon rides, depending on the property. But the real beauty of living the ranch life is that kids get to see their grandparents in a new light. (They’ll never forget the sight of Nana shooting clay pigeons.) Bonus: Many ranches embrace the all-inclusive approach, which means fewer opportunities for “We’ve got the check!” battles.

Plus:
Find More Tips and Trip Ideas at Family Travel Hub

Photo Credit: Time Hale Photography/Corbis

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