After school lets out for the summer, you only have a handful of weeks to take advantage of the kids’ precious downtime. Luxury resorts make it simple to take a last-minute trip with minimal planning and ample opportunities to create lasting memories. These family-friendly vacations are filled with bonding moments and chances to get some alone time. All you have to do is charter a flight and pack your bags.
Wild West Adventure
Give your family permission to go wild at Gateway Canyon Resort in Gateway, Colorado, where explorers of all generations have ample opportunities to fulfill their recreational dreams. Tucked away in Unaweep Canyon, the resort offer a diverse list of activities, including the chance to drive luxury cars, roam around beautiful national forests, take to the sky in a helicopter, go on guided fly fishing trips, and even take cowboy lessons. The resort’s secluded casitas all come with jaw-dropping canyon views and private decks with fire pits. Opt for an accommodation with an outdoor hot tub and stargazing deck to watch shooting stars.
Unique Glamping Experience
Oberoi Vanayavilas in Ranthambhore, India, gives a new meaning to family camping. Nestled among mango trees, the opulent glamping destination offers 25 temperature-controlled tents with teak floors, tiger-print rugs, clawfoot tubs, and lush private gardens. Enjoy a delicious picnic in a cedar forest, explore the Chambal River to spot endangered crocodiles, sip aromatic tea as you watch the sunset at the restored 18th-century Naila Fort, and see wild Bengal tigers at Ranthambore National Park. Little ones will enjoy camel cart rides and the resort’s Young Hotelier’s Programme, which offers fun activities like painting and block printing classes, treasure hunts, kid-friendly mixology lessons, and cooking classes.
Kid-Friendly Safari
One of the best safari lodges in Africa, andBeyond’s Kirkman’s Kamp in Sabi Sand, South Africa, thrills young guests with the unforgettable WILDChild program. The experience is filled with interactive activities that give young people the opportunity to learn and discover new cultures and experiences. Expeditions include fishing, tracking, fun in the kitchen, making traditional bows and arrows, and other bespoke activities that are selected based on a child’s interests and age. Young guests also receive bush-related and educational gifts that add to their experience and serve as keepsakes. Guided bush walks, night photography lessons, scenic helicopter tours, and hot air balloon safaris will never give your family the opportunity to be bored.
Patagonia Paradise
Promising an unforgettable experience Llao Llao Resort, Golf & Spa in San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina, blends lavishness with the outdoors while providing exciting activities for guests of all ages. Trek along the mountains and waterways of Patagonia, or experience it on a mountain bike. Rappel off a cliff over a lake. Take archery lessons on Lake Moreno’s coast. Get a rhythm in your step with salsa and tango lessons before watching a live show. Nahuelito’s Club gives kids the chance to experience “adult” activities so they don’t miss out on the fun. Be sure to check out the ice cream menu’s exotic flavors.
Highland Playground
If your little one has been begging for a pony, give them the next best thing at Gleneagles, a palace-like resort in Auchterarder, Scotland. The 850-acre countryside estate dates back to 1924 and offers kids a chance to “own” a pony for a day. They’ll receive riding lessons and care instructions. Other kid-friendly activities include gundog training, off-road driving in a mini Argocat or Land Rover, ferret racing, falconry, playing golf on its three courses, and Segway-riding around the estate.