Fun for All Ages: 7 Places to Travel with Grandparents
Flagstaff, Arizona
When traveling in the western United States, rock-and-roll pioneer Chuck Berry urged motorists to “get your kicks on Route 66.” You know what? His suggestion still holds true, particularly when it comes to Flagstaff, AZ, an easy stop off of the so-called Main Street of America.
Though relatively small, Flagstaff has plenty of charms, as does the surrounding area. Easy access to the Grand Canyon is an obvious plus (especially because you can find an exciting whitewater rafting trip down the Grand Canyon that suits all fitness levels), but less famous attractions offer just as much bang for the buck. Lowell Observatory lets visitors peer into the depths of the heavens with high-powered telescopes.
Thrill-seekers will love the rope courses at Flagstaff Extreme, while animal lovers can laugh along with various ursine antics at the appropriately named Bearizona nature park.
Adults who want a more laid-back experience will enjoy strolling through historic downtown, visiting the Arizona Historical Society Pioneer Museum, and photographing the blooms at The Arboretum at Flagstaff.
Monterey, California
Like Flagstaff, California’s “First City” offers travelers activities at any desired speed. Want a tranquil view of the bay? Book a sailboat cruise and spy out sea lions and harbor seals. Hoping to kick your activities into second gear? Tee off at Pebble Beach, one of the world’s most celebrated (and pricey) golf courses.
Yearning to put the pedal to the metal? Laguna Seca Raceway lets you see Formula One and motorcycle racing.
You get the idea — from the Monterey Bay Aquarium to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve to picturesque Cannery Row (which featured in Steinbeck’s novel of the same name), anyone and everyone can find something to love in Monterey, making this destination ideal when it comes to family vacation ideas with grandparents.
Travel to Mexico is varied and suits the tastes of every traveler, from beach-loungers to nightlife-lovers to cultural-fiends.
Banff, Alberta, Canada
Combining rugged nature with abundant indoor activities and a touch of high-end luxury, Banff is something of an oxymoron. A multigenerational group can strike out on one of nearby Lake Louise’s lengthy backcountry hikes, embark on a multi-day horse ride and fly fish in a glacier-fed lake.
But those who think that itinerary sounds too stressful might strike out on a drive along the Icefields Parkway, ride the Banff Gondola and soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
There are plenty of affordable accommodations around the area, but The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel combines utter luxury with jaw-dropping views of Banff National Park. Indeed, the scenery is so gorgeous that its easy to see why this stretch of the Canadian Rockies was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
