Children have a habit of keeping harried parents constantly on the go, and it doesn't stop while on vacation, no matter how warm and sunny. Somehow the next three destinations have figured out a gold-plated formula: How to keep kids and teens entertained while also helping parents relax!
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Action can be non-stop on the beaches of Ocho Rios -- swimming, sailing, para-sailing. And there's a slew of all-inclusive, family friendly resorts just outside of town. But it's the day trip to nearby Dunn's River Falls that's a keeper for kids' memories forever: A climb up a 183-metre tropical waterfall made possible by all-natural, all-beautiful travertine rock steps.
The water is cool, swift and amazingly clear as it jets rapidly toward the Caribbean Sea. The sound alone is enough to calm a harried parent. Ocho Rios activities also include tubing along clean, gentle streams through mountainous Jamaican terrain and horseback riding on empty stretches of beach.
Where to stay: The most relaxing for parents just may be the newly renovated Beaches Boscobel Resort & Golf Club in Ocho Rios. Beaches has a firm handle on keeping kids engaged no matter the age: pools and waterparks galore, plasma TVs, 18-and-under nightclubs, Xbox 360 Game Garages and frequent visits from Sesame Street's Elmo, Bert and Ernie -- they even read bedtime stories. But there's also a lot for parents to enjoy, including yummy food, impressive wines, nanny services and cushy poolside cushions. See beaches.com.
Barbados
The Caribbean island of Barbados is 267 square km of absolute tropical luxury. The blue vibrancy of the water is enough of a fix for a mom's worth of winter family stress. But Barbados has oodles of fun attractions for kids as well.
Top of list: Barbados Wildlife Reserve, known locally as the animal kingdom of Barbados. Most memorable are the monkeys -- many a weird greenish colour and full of four-year-old-boy-style vim and vigour. Your kids will also remember their encounters with the deer, armadillos, turtles, pythons and iguanas. Harrison's Cave is another family hotspot -- 2.3 km of networked caves, including the 15-metre-high Great Hall full of stalagmites and stalactites. Also fun: Surfing Barbados waves or swimming with the sea turtles.
Where to stay: Anywhere along the island's west coast in St. James Parish. Here the sea and landscapes are not only beautiful, but the beaches and surf are more gentle -- ideal for little ones swimming. Barbados has a mature selection of family hotels and resorts. It's also full of self-sufficient apartment and condo rentals. Try Vacation Rentals by Owner: vrbo.com.
Kaua'i, Hawaii
There's a reason rich folk like Oprah hunker down on this remote Pacific isle for some R&R: It's possible. Far from the maddening crowds of Oahu and Maui, the Hawaiian island of Kaua'i is paradise family style: lush landscapes, pretty crescent beaches, rolling blue sea, zero freeways and loads of quiet -- that's for the parents. For the kids, Kaua'i has something very hot-yet-cool: a keen surfing vibe. Surfers are everywhere -- on nearly every beach you visit. And surfing schools are everywhere, too -- local surfers are often looking to earn extra cash. They say the gentle surf of Kaua'i is ideal for beginners. If surfing isn't enough to keep your kids engaged, paddle boarding -- a hot new, gentle craze -- on one of Kaua'i's quiet streams will. And then there's the Puka Dogs, oddly delicious Hawaiian-style hot dog available only on Oahu and Kaua'i.
Where to stay: Outrigger's Kiahuna Plantation in Poipu, Kaua'i is as family friendly as they come. The self-sufficient condos with lush views of gardens, ocean and beach have access to one of the best learn-to-surf spots on the island. See outrigger.com.
loriknowles.com
Hawaii’s got your heart
