Whether you’re looking for a pre- or post-cruise location to extend the family vacation or the perfect spot to spend a few days on a staycation near home, these four port cities offer countless, summer fun activities for everyone in your group.
FORT LAUDERDALE
This sunny, family-friendly destination exemplifies the best of the outdoors, with an abundance of parks, beach shorelines and activities to explore, along with amazing experiences for the kids at the South Florida destination’s museums and attractions.
With gorgeous, crystal clear waters and several natural reef systems, why not start your family adventure in the ocean? The warm waters have a diverse marine life and are full of colorful fish and coral reefs, best viewed underwater through a snorkeler’s mask. Many excursions are kid friendly, including Sea Experience, which offers glass-bottom boats to see the underwater paradise before jumping in. Additional popular water activities for kids and adults alike are paddle boarding and surfing. Many outfitters in the area offer lessons, and some are even free!
If the family would rather stay above sea, consider renting tandem kayaks and heading to downtown Fort Lauderdale on New River. The city’s skyscrapers beckon as you head east toward the Intercoastal Waterway, or head west for a more tranquil setting.
For true tranquility and beauty, spend an afternoon at Butterfly World, located in nearby Coconut Creek. Everyone in the family can get close and personal with these mesmerizing creatures, as this establishment is the largest butterfly park in the world. In addition to the thousands of butterflies to see as they dance all around you, visit the hummingbird aviary and bug zoo; plus, save time to explore the extensive botanical gardens, where gorgeous waterfalls, fountains and a pond with a swinging suspension bridge await. The interactive Lorikeet Encounter is a kid fan favorite. TIP: Wear bright clothes in yellows, reds and oranges, as butterflies are drawn to these colors and will be more likely to land on you.
LOS ANGELES
On the opposite coast from Fort Lauderdale but also full of sunshine lies the second most populous city in the United States and another haven for a fun family vacation. With amazing outdoor spaces designed for kids, plus an abundance of pop culture and cultural attractions, there’s plenty to keep everyone in the family engaged and happy in L.A. for days.
No trip would be complete without a hike and mandatory family selfie at the iconic Hollywood sign. The views from the top are amazing and worth the trek. There’s an easier, 3.5-mile roundtrip trail, where strollers can maneuver most of the way and kids can find geocaches, as well as more difficult, less-populous trails for the avid hiker.
While you’re in Griffith Park, the young and young-at-heart may want to check out the Disney-inspired merry-go-round or ride a real horse at Griffith Park Pony Rides. Additional popular family attractions in the park include three train rides, Griffith Observatory (consider a private tour!) and the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens (check websites for current open status and mandates). Or, enjoy the massive park space with a picnic and frisbee, and stay for the sunset and star gazing.
NEW YORK CITY
Just like the sunny Florida and California cities to the south, you’ll want to pack the SPF when visiting NYC, as it has 14 miles of beachfront city shores, four zoos and more to uncover. A summer favorite — with wide open shores, vast green spaces, incredible views of the Manhattan skyline, harbor and the Statue of Liberty, plus art and all the kid favorites — is Governors Island. In the heart of New York Harbor, this refuge is accessible by ferry (reservations may be required).
Enjoy the scenic views as you descend one of the mighty playground slides at Slide Hill. There’s even a family slide built for two people to ride down at once and a 57-foot-long slide for the thrill seeker in your group. Rent bicycles, scooters, surreys and more for a pleasant way to explore the island and then relax in one of 50 hammocks at Hammock Grove.
Another favorite summer pastime is getting facetime with the residents of the area’s multiple zoos. The Bronx Zoo is home to 4,000 animals on more than 265 acres (reserve a date-specific ticket in advance). See if you can find a red panda, snow leopard, fossa or several of the other many exotic creatures before claiming your favorite insect to ride on the Bug Carousel.
SEATTLE
Known as the Emerald City for its greenery year-round, Seattle is a balmy option for summer travel fun. Bring your walking shoes, as there are many unique neighborhoods and sites to see. The open-air Pike Place Market should be on every traveler’s must-do list for a true sensory experience. Come hungry and have fun sampling your way on local specialties, such as handmade cheese, lavender shortbread, smoked salmon, loganberry jam or mini doughnuts, through the vortex of food stands. You can explore on your own or book a Seattle food tour. Keep an eye out for street performers and the famous “flying” fish. Kids especially enjoy the Giant Shoe Museum, Rachel the Pig and the Gum Wall.
Airplane aficionados will love Boeing Future of Flight and the Boeing Factory Tour to watch 787 Dreamliner airplanes take shape in the world’s largest building by volume, as well as the Museum of Flight, the largest independent, non-profit air and space museum in the world. Encounter hangars full of historic and awe-inspiring aircraft from all eras.
Did you enjoy the article? Feel free to contact Effortless Xcursions. We can put together the perfect land or cruise package for you and yours! Looking for more summer fun family vacation ideas? Download the eMagazine, ESCAPE, for more summer fun! The link below.