Fairmont Grand Del Mar – San Diego, California
At the Explorer’s Club, children can play the latest video games on Wii, Xbox 360, Kinect and PlayStation, in addition to traditional games like foosball, ping-pong and air hockey, arts and crafts, computers, digital microscopes and board games. The Club also offers half-day and full-day outdoor programs that include canyon hikes and tidepooling. For date nights, it proposes a movie program that includes dinner. With the Explorer-In-Training Dining Program, children 5 and under eat for free at select restaurants; children 6 to 12 receive a 50% discount.
The Mark – New York City, New York
Collaborating with innovative stroller manufacturer Maclaren, The Mark offers guests a fleet of custom-designed strollers ideal for a walk through Central Park. Little guests will also receive a selection of cheerful amenities from neighborhood toy favorite Zittles, as well as imaginative and tasty snacks. “The Mark’s Slumber Party” provides families staying in a suite a customized tent set up for tiny guests, an in-room family movie, chocolate milk and cookies, and breakfast each day of your stay. Additionally, The Mark offers tours of The Metropolitan Museum of Art especially crafted for guests 10 to 13.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Orlando, Florida
Step into the heart of Africa at this magnificent resort featuring spectacular views of 4 lush savannas home to over 200 hoofed animals and birds. Delight in dazzling pool areas and engaging animal programs as you experience your own African safari adventure with a touch of Disney magic. Gather around the Jumbo House at sunset for old-fashioned family fun as you roast marshmallows by a crackling fire. Kids can monkey around at the Hakuna Matata 24-hour playground overlooking the flamingo area and savanna. Game-savvy kids can also conquer classic arcade and popular video games at Pumbaa’s Fun and Games Arcade before finishing the night watching favorite Disney films in the crisp evening air by the Uzima Pool.
Acqualina Resort & Spa – Miami, Florida
This Miami beach resort offers a marine biology inspired program to foster love and respect for the sea through educational hands-on activities – parents can connect to a streaming video system from any laptop to follow the progress of their little ones. Also available: Acqualina’s Teen Scene, presenting beach volleyball, dance and hip-hop classes, art classes, speed and agility training, and more. In addition, Acqualina’s Learner’s Permit program offers teens fitness training sessions where certified trainers will advise them on how to reach desired fitness goals. Taught by a chef, junior guests above 5 will make pizzas from scratch and get to take away an authentic chef hat. Finally, Acqualina offers Strider Balance Bikes to teach toddlers balance and coordination skills as they navigate through specially set up bike lines on the great lawn.
Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort – Maui, Hawaii
The Grand Wailea Resort may be the most kid-friendly resort on Maui. For children 5 to 12, Camp Grande features its own pool area, movie theatre, indoor play area and a large craft room. The daily camp program explores traditional Hawaiian crafts such as authentic lei and jewelry making, painting, island games and poolside activities, ensuring both parents and children have the time of their lives. Night Camp includes exciting adventures like scavenger hunts, night swims and theatre games. Your teens will love the variety of features and services designed specifically for them. The SPOT is open exclusively to 13-17 year olds. Enjoy the gaming lounges featuring Xbox 360 with Kinect, Nintendo Wii, Wii U and PlayStation 3 games. Soft toys, dollhouses and play houses have been added to entertain the youngest guests. There are also great kid options on restaurant menus.
Winnetu Oceanside Resort – Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Vintage fire truck rides, clambakes, and remote-control boat races are among the favorite activities for families to do together at this Martha’s Vineyard establishment. The morning drop-off program for children 3 to 12 is also popular: kids will swim, go on treasure hunts and play games while you just chill out with a book or try a fitness class. For teens, the resort offers a 3-day adventure camp that includes activities like kayaking, bridge jumping, mountain biking, and a ropes course. Also, don’t miss the Parent/Toddler Program and join in on open play with theme-based crafts, books, adventures, and activities geared toward the many stages of your child’s development. Finally, the FARM Institute educates and engages children in agriculture through a diverse, working environment. Kids can experience the many facets of farm life as they receive hands-on instruction, work with a varied selection of livestock, gardens and field crops, and participate in the growing cycle by planting, nurturing, and harvesting.
Geoffrey Ravoire
Founder of UNITIATE, Geoffrey is a Marketing Expert, Luxury Specialist and Hospitality Enthusiast. Wherever he goes, his early career and personal interests have always helped him nurture and cultivate a passion for the Travel and Leisure industries. French born, Geoffrey has accumulated an extensive experience abroad, thanks to regular visits to foreign countries but also thanks to years of expatriation. Currently based in Chicago, Geoffrey has already lived and worked in New York, Shanghai, Singapore and Monaco. You can meet Geoffrey on Twitter and Linkedin.
