The last couple of years have been tough for grandparents. With the challenges of seeing their beloved grandkids undergoing unprecedented times, now is finally the time to create new memories, and take much-needed vacation time with the grandchildren.
So, with a letter of consent and every parent’s full blessing, we’ve created a fantastic shortlist of multigenerational vacations designed to engage children and grandparents of all ages.
Every grandparent wants to be known as the ‘fun’ grandparent, so we’ve picked Sanibel Island for our first entertaining getaway. This Florida barrier island is blessed with 270 days of sunshine and plenty of activities for visitors to its shores.
The Sanibel Sea School is perfect for families of all ages to learn about the island’s impressive wildlife. Activities include paddle boarding, as well as beach and mud walks to learn, spot, and sometimes interact with some of the local residents, including; dolphins, octopuses, and crabs.
Sanibel Island offers the perfect opportunity for kids and grandparents to go biking, kayaking, or canoeing, perfect for families who find it fun to go exploring. Discover some of the smaller barrier islands in the JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Preserve before viewing the perfect Caribbean sunset every evening.
Enhance your trip by staying at the Best Western Plus Beach Resort.
Children and grandparents who are fascinated by airplanes or love learning about outer space absolutely need to head to Seattle’s Museum of Flight. This incredible museum has been interactively teaching about the history of aviation since 1965. With aircraft hangars packed to the rafters with original propeller planes, Boeing 747’s, fighter jets, and spacecraft, this is the perfect multigenerational educational experience.
After checking out every visible aviation artifact at the museum, there’s still plenty more to do in Seattle with the grandkids. Head downtown and up to the top of the Seattle Space Needle for the panoramic views before bonding with them while catching a Seahawks or a Mariners game.
Enhance your trip by staying at the Hotel Nexus, BW Signature Collection.
Of course, kids aren’t always interested in learning about history, however a trip to the world-famous Mount Rushmore will change that. Located in South Dakota’s Black Hills, these mammoth 60-foot-high carved granite faces depict America’s birth, growth, development, and preservation as a nation.
Watch your grandchildren’s faces light up as they stroll through the Avenue of Flags before the stunning view of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln awaits them. If you’re looking for priceless memories, the kids will never forget this history-inspired trip.
Onsite activities include a tour of the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center and amphitheatre and the chance to join the Junior Ranger Program. This fantastic program is specifically designed for kids of all ages to further enhance their Mount Rushmore experience.
Enhance your trip by staying at the The Rushmore Hotel & Suites, BW Premier Collection.
Grandparents who share their grandchildren’s quest for adventure should to head to Billings in Southern Montana. This action-packed destination is considered the home of dude ranching, where every generation can take advantage of the wild Montana surroundings.
For the super adventurous, head to Zimmerman Park, where mountain biking trails and boulder climbing activities can help burn off any excess energy. Or try out Lake Elmo State Park for a spot of canoeing, windsurfing, or fishing with the grandkids instead.
Take some time off the adventure trails and head over to other local attractions, including the brilliant ZooMontana, or enjoy horseback riding with the team at Bitter Creek Outfitters.
Enhance your trip by staying at the Best Western Plus Clocktower Inn.
On this vacation, why not take the grandchildren to Sequoia National Park and introduce them to some of America’s incredible alternative flora and fauna? This Californian national park provides the perfect backdrop for both generations to become fully immersed with nature.
Set among the picturesque mountains and vast canyons, Sequoia National Park provides wildlife lovers a chance to spot over 200 species of bird, along with other local residents, including deer, black bears, lizards, and turtles.
Not to be outdone by the wildlife, Sequoia National Park also is home to the world’s largest trees (by volume), including the General Grant & General Sherman Trees. Not only are they huge, but experts believe that the General Sherman Tree is an incredible 2,200 years old.
Enhance your trip by staying at the Best Western Exeter Inn & Suites.
