Staying Fit
Traveling with older children can be more challenging than taking little ones on vacation: It's no joke that many preteens and teenagers can be a bit moody, as any parent can attest. But they're also likely to have well-formed interests, so you can choose your destinations based on their love for nature, or history, or architecture, for instance. That's why it's important to include them in the trip planning.
Here are a few wonderful destinations to consider if you're planning a trip with your older kids or grandkids.
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1. Miami, Florida
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When to go: winter or spring
How to get there: Check flights into both Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (the latter is about 45 minutes north of South Beach, but sometimes has cheaper fares).
What to do: Miami offers so much for all ages: quality beach time, city attractions and the chance to immerse in the swirl of cultures that gives the city its nickname as the capital of Latin America. Kick things off downtown with a visit to the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, where you can ogle aquariums whirling with sharks and catch a planetarium show before enjoying sweeping city views from the rooftop terrace ($29.95 per person; $20.95 for children ages 3 to 11; free for kids under 2, with prices discounted an additional $2 when you book online).
And dive into Miami's Cuban culture in Little Havana, a 15-minute drive west from downtown, where the kids can try new foods like ropa vieja or paella while hearing Spanish all around them at the area's iconic restaurant for Cuban exiles, Versailles.
Getting out on a boat is a must and gives you a good shot at wowing hard-to-impress teens. Jetboat Miami offers thrilling tours past celebrity homes (and palatial yachts) from downtown ($29.95 per person; $19.95 for children 3-11).
Then everyone can get a little dressed up for dinner (or even just dessert), at a restaurant such as Habitat, on Collins Avenue, where the delicious sustainable fare and unpretentious setting are perfect for a special-occasion grand finale together (pan-seared king salmon is $35, though they have kid-focused specials such as a Wagyu beef burger for $15). It's also good for a fancier brunch (Belgian waffles and chilaquiles are each $18).
Where to stay: Miami is not cheap when it comes to hotels; on the more affordable side, Palihouse Miami Beach has rooms starting from $250 per night. It's in a circa 1940s art deco building and fronts the river in the Faena District of Miami Beach, just a short walk from the beach. The hotel has complimentary bicycles for guests and they'll even set up chairs and umbrellas on the beach for you at no extra charge. Another option: A new hotel opening in March 2020 across the street from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, THesis Hotel Miami, has rates starting at $159 for a room with two queen beds (get up to half off this spring).
2. Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast, British Columbia
When to go: summer or fall
FlyOver Canada
How to get there: Many flights from the U.S. fly direct to Vancouver. The Sunshine Coast, just north of Vancouver in British Columbia, is a 40-minute ferry ride from the city. While it's technically part of the mainland, it has a wilderness island feel similar to nearby Vancouver Island.
What to do: This trip combines urban adventure with the great outdoors — the perfect mix for older kids. Start in Vancouver and base near the waterfront so you can easily rent a bike to pedal around if you're up for it or just stroll the city's flatter areas nearby.
