Family Friendly Getaways

Year-end holidays are always anticipated by both parents and kids and these locations promise fun for the entire family.

THE year-end school holidays provide the perfect excuse for a getaway with the family. It’s a time when parents and their children can enjoy some quality family time together. In the spirit of forging greater family ties, TripAdvisor has revealed the top-rated family-friendly attractions and hotels around the world along with musings from the site’s visitors.

Whether you’re looking to rough it up in an action-packed amusement park, taking a relaxing stroll on a mountainside resort or getting cultured at a museum, there’s a vacation spot for everyone in the family.

Discovery Cove – Florida, United States

Swim with playful bottlenose dolphins, snorkel with exotic fishes and rays in The Grand Reef, explore the Freshwater Oasis with curious marmosets and interact with cheeky otters in Discovery Cove. There’s plenty of activities that exude a resort-like vibe for the family. The theme park offers tropical paradise fun and adventure that will offer both kids and adults an up-close-and-personal glimpse of marine life.

“The second you walk into this park, you feel as if you have stepped into the Caribbean! Beautiful white sandy beaches, huge lagoons and steel pan players make this park an ideal getaway,” a TripAdvisor traveller wrote about the place.

Waterbom – Bali, Indonesia

Exciting water slides that slice through 3.8ha of landscaped tropical parks of Waterbom.

Fun and excitement are abound at this 3.8ha of landscaped tropical park. Both young and young at heart will have a thrill at the exciting water slides that slide through the place. Visitors can opt to enjoy one or all of the 20 water rides, drift leisurely in a tube raft or go for a tranquil dip in inviting blue pools. As for parents who prefer a more languid pace, enjoy a soothing massage or spa treatment while the kids enjoy the exciting rides.

“Top marks for slides with speed, drench and thrill. Waterbom is a must-visit for the whole family and for all ages. You will not be disappointed,” reviewed a TripAdvisor traveller.

State Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace – St Petersburg, Russia

This breathtaking museum houses more than three million works of art and artifacts of the world culture. An inspiring cultural and educational experience, visitors can soak in the history of bygone Russian emperors that lurk the ancient hallways in Winter Palace while discovering art in a brand new perspective.

“You cannot fail to be impressed and amazed by both the building and its contents. State Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace is definitely a must-see attraction in St Petersburg,” commented a TripAdvisor traveller.

The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses – Xi’an, China

This 16,300-square-meter excavation is one of the most significant archaeological finds in the world. With more than 7,000 life-sized terracotta figures of warriors and horses arranged in battle formations, the entire family can indulge in some history lessons while visiting this Unesco World Cultural Heritage Site.

A TripAdvisor commented, “There is no better reason to visit Xi’an than visiting the Terra-Cotta warriors...that was marvellous. Too much to explore and understood about the great history...”

Stanley Park – Vancouver, Canada

At the heart of urban Vancouver lies Stanley Park, a green haven that boasts a 400ha natural rainforest.

At heart of urban Vancouver lies Stanley Park, a green haven that boasts a 400ha natural rainforest, with stunning views overlooking the calm waters, majestic mountains and rows of tall trees lining the park’s famous Seawall. Families will have a spectacular family bonding time at kid-friendly attractions within the park such as the Vancouver Aquarium, a water park, a miniature railway and gorgeous lakes that provide the perfect setting to cool off.

“Whether you are walking, running, hiking or riding your bike in this beautiful park, you will enjoy the views, the tranquillity, the beauty of this amazing place,” a TipAdvisor traveller waxed lyrical about the park.

Singapore Botanic Gardens – Singapore

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the Lion City, the sprawling Singapore Botanic Gardens provide tourists and locals with the perfect respite to enjoy beautiful flora.

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the Lion City, the sprawling Singapore Botanic Gardens provide tourists and locals with the perfect respite to enjoy beautiful flora. Another attraction within the grounds is the National Orchid Garden, lauded as the world’s larger orchid display featuring over 60,000 orchids. There’s also the Jacob Ballas Children’s garden as well as restaurants and shops such as Au Jardin, Halia, The Library Shop and Garden Shop.

As recommended by a TripAdvisor traveller, “It was so good to walk through and enjoy the plants, trees and just the feeling of tranquil and calm, certainly an oasis in a very busy city.”

Cavallino Bianco Family Spa Grand Hotel – Ortisei, Italy

Enjoy panoramic views from the beautifully furnished hotel rooms at the Cavallino Bianco Family Spa Grand Hotel.

Enjoy panoramic views from the beautifully furnished hotel rooms and while you are there, do not miss the chance to ski down the snowy slopes at Dolomiti Superski and soak in this wintery dream with your loved ones. This award-winning family hotel also houses a spacious indoor play area, luxurious wellness spas and age-based childcare programmes for babies and children.

As reviewed by a TripAdvisor traveller, “The Cavallino Bianco Family Spa Grand Hotel is the best choice for a family with small children. Great care for the children, great care for the adults, many amusements indoor and outdoor and all this in the magical frame of the Italian Dolomites!”

Club Med Bali – Nusa Dua, Indonesia

With a dedicated Kids' Club that have programmes for children of different age groups, the all-inclusive Club Med Bali resort is perfect for families with young kids.

With a dedicated Kids’ Club that have programmes for children of different age groups, this all-inclusive resort is perfect for families with young kids. Activities range from sports such as basketball and tennis, to snorkeling and archery, which can be enjoyed by adults and kids alike.

“They played tennis, golf, soccer, basketball, archery and a highlight was the circus school. The holiday was just what we needed. The kids had lots to do and the adults had time to relax and do a few activities with and without the kids. It was a lot of fun,” commented a TripAdvisor traveller.

-(The Star)