The Eco-Vacation

Montana

The wilds of Montana are the perfect place to get up close and personal with nature.

As part of a program run by the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, families can go on day- or week-long backpacking trips and help maintain the trails and restore campsites (thebmwf.org). Or, take an old-fashioned rail tour and enjoy rolling through breathtaking landscapes in the Rockies and Great Plains—try the Charlie Russell Chew Choo, a three-hour narrated scenic train ride (montanacharlierussellchewchoo.com).

Costa Rica

With its pristine beaches and tropical rainforests, Costa Rica has long been a favorite destination of nature lovers. There are plenty of ways for families to enjoy the scenery, from rainforest canopy tours to whitewater rafting to horseback riding through a national park. Be sure to visit Tortuguero National Park, known for the sea turtle nesting that takes place there every year. As for where to stay, the The Si Como No Resort Spa and Wildlife Refuge offers a family pool with a waterslide and a private wildlife refuge with a butterfly botanical garden and crocodile lagoon. Kids under six are free (sicomono.com)!

South Africa

Go on a South African wildlife safari and meet lions and wildebeests. At the world-renowned Kruger National Park, families can see rhinos, leopards, buffalos, African wild dogs, and learn about bush craft, animal tracking and game capture (krugerpark.co.za). For lodging, check out the Honeyguide Khoka Moya Camp, which offers a children’s program that lets kids to go on their own game drives and ranger-led walks (honeyguidecamp.com).

-- Amanda Ferris

The Great American Experience Vacation

The Grand Canyon, AZ

The famous Grand Canyon Park hosts free ranger-led programs throughout the year, plus campfire programs and nature talks for children. Plan a family hike, stop by the Yavapai Observation Station and visit the Tusayan Museum to see how the Pueblo Native American tribe lived some 800 years ago. The nearby Grand Hotel has an indoor pool, a restaurant and saloon and nightly entertainment (grandcanyongrandhotel.com).

Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL

What kid doesn’t dream of going to Walt Disney World and meeting all their favorite characters? Visit Cinderella’s castle, get spooked by the ghosts of the Haunted Mansion and roar with the wildlife in the Animal Kingdom. Harry Potter fans will insist on a trip to nearby Universal Studios, which recently opened The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Choose from one of Disney’s resorts, or opt for one of the many lodging options offered throughout the Orlando area; visit orlandoinfo.com to learn more.

-- Amanda Ferris

The ‘City To See’ Vacation

Philadelphia, PA

Not only does Philadelphia have museums and restaurants and great city walks, but it has a bunch of “must” visits for families, including the Franklin Institute Science Museum, where you can take a stroll through the famous Giant Heart or take the Sports Challenge (a virtual reality that uses visitors’ own bodies to teach physics concepts; and the Please Touch Museum, which is chock full of exhibits perfect for kids ages 1-6, like Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. And then there’s all that history to be had at places like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. For more info, visit gophila.com.

Atlanta, GA

Atlanta truly offers something for every member of the family. Coca-Cola is one of Atlanta’s claims to fame, and the World of Coca-Cola traces the beverage’s history and lets visitors sample Coca-Cola beverages from around the world. News hounds will flip for the Inside CNN Studio Tour. Little ones will love the storytime at The Wren’s Nest, which preserves the legacy of author Joel Chandler Harris and African-American folklore. And don’t forget to pay a visit to the Georgia Aquarium—it’s the largest in the world and features a glass tunnel with whale sharks swimming overhead! For more info, visit atlanta.net.

Chicago, IL

In addition to a stunning skyline and shopping that rivals New York City, Chicago features some the world’s premiere museums. Marvel at Sue the T. Rex at The Field Museum, catch the spirit of human enterprise at the Museum of Science and Industry, experience the Touch Gallery at The Art Institute of Chicago and gawk at constellations from inside the Adler Planetarium. Spectacular views of the city (and neighboring states!) from 1,000 feet are an elevator-ride away at the John Hancock Observatory; starting January 1, visitors to the Observatory can skate on the world’s highest ice rink! For more info, visit explorechicago.org.

-- Rachael Horowitz

The Education Vacation

Colonial Williamsburg, VA

Headed back in time to Colonial Williamsburg? In addition to all the famous reenactments, the nation’s largest living history museum lets kids don period costumes, apprentice themselves to a local blacksmith, printer or tailor and even get dirty making bricks the old-fashioned way. For a place to stay, try the Williamsburg Lodge, an artfully restored hotel that oozes Southern hospitality. For more info, visit history.org.

Rome, Italy

With an incomparable array of beautiful and historic monuments and attractions—from the Pantheon to the Colosseum to the Spanish Steps and the Piazza Navona—Rome is a perfect destination for families with kids who are a bit older (and not averse to walking). Explore the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica; throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain; take a walk through the Villa Borghese and Pincio Gardens; and eat gelato! Located near the Via Veneto, the Westin Excelsior is one of the few hotels in Rome with a pool (it’s indoors).

-- Rachael Horowitz

The ‘Really Far Away And Worth It’ Vacation

London, England

Take a trip across the pond to the most visited city in the world: London. Take in the beautiful architecture of St. Paul’s Cathedral and or Big Ben; ride the London Eye; and visit the Sea Life London Aquarium. The city is teeming with cultural and popular landmarks, like the Royal Observatory, Buckingham Palace and London Bridge. Kid-friendly museums include the Science Museum, the V&A Museum of Childhood and the National Army Museum, with its “KidZone.” Don’t forget to stop by Hamley’s, the most famous toy shop in the world. For family-friendly lodgings, check out the St. James Hotel and Club (stjamesclubandhotel.co.uk) or Premier Inn County Hall (premierinn.com).

Beijing, China

With its wide-open green spaces, ancient attractions and modern conveniences, Beijing is a location the whole family can enjoy. Take trips to the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall; make stops at the Beijing Aquarium, the Fundazzle indoor playground and the Beijing World Park, complete with miniature recreations of world landmarks. The Five-Color Earth Craft Center will provide hours of hands-on fun, and Milu Park will entrance the animal lovers in your family with its endangered species sanctuary. As for where to stay, check out the RJ Brown Hotel (rjbrownhotelbeijing.cn) or the Lee Garden Service Apartments (lgapartment.com).

Auckland, New Zealand

Once you recover from the 20-hour plane ride, you’ll rejoice to find yourself in this sunny, cosmopolitan New Zealand city. Auckland has more yachts per capita than any city in the world, so be sure to take a trip out of the harbor to survey the beautiful coast. The Auckland Zoo and Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World are full of exotic creatures, and the Stardome Observatory will stimulate your senses in 360. The Sky Tower sends you 1000 feet in the air to survey the views for miles around. Families will be comfortable in the Dutchman’s Retreat in Mairangi Bay or the Bribanc Apartments.

-- Amy Spiro