Fun for All

As parents, we plan most of the family vacation around our kids. Here’s how to make sure the grown-ups have a great time, too.

by Jessica Pollack

Kids change your life forever—and that can include your travel plans. But a family-friendly vacation doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your own good times. Try these tips to keep the whole family happy.

1. Loosen your rules

Let your kids stay up past their bedtime to stroll past evening street performers or catch a stage show at your resort. Say yes to inroom dining with screen time for the kids while you and your spouse enjoy a romantic dinner on the balcony. Letting go of your typical rules and routines will reduce conflicts and allow more fun for everyone.

2. Upgrade your room

Invest in a suite with a separate bedroom so you can enjoy some adult-only time after the children go to sleep. On a cruise ship, choose a room with a balcony, where you can spend time after the kids are in bed, if weather permits.

No matter where you’re staying, take the time to fill it with all the fun things you’d want after your kids go to sleep. Grab lots of local snacks and set up a minibar to give yourself a taste of nightlife at home, and bring some fun travel-sized games you can play with your partner.

3. Get your kids engaged

Part of having a good time as a parent is making sure your kids are having fun. Keep whining to a minimum by piquing your children’s specific interests. Let each kid pick their own sightseeing activity. You could even pre-prepare a scavenger hunt so they can score points by keeping a lookout while walking around. Or find a fun-for everybody destination that speaks to one of your children’s passions. Are they into art? Consider Paris. Obsessed with space? Catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis in Sweden.

4. Bring friends along

There are perks to teaming up with another family for your vacation: more kids for yours to play with, more adults to help with logistics and the potential to stay in more luxurious rentals and villas. Best of all? Babysitters! Each couple can have a night out on their own while the other hangs back with the kiddos.