Family travel is always in season. Which destination is on your calendar? Here are five places to consider.
1. Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica
Wake to a chorus of tropical wildlife in the only lodge located inside Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano National Park. The majestic and perfectly shaped volcanic centerpiece of a rich rainforest setting can be observed from most guest rooms, the dining room and an expansive deck.
Horseback riding, biking and hiking trails wind through old lava fields and soft jungle trails where howling monkeys, slithering snakes, butterflies and colorful birds beckon visitors.
Here, the diversity of habitats, from primary and secondary forests to agricultural pastures, creates various niches for winged creatures and other animals to thrive. This is a birding hot spot, with more than 500 species have been recorded in the area, including cute cotinga, black-crested flirt, yellow-eared toucanet and black-eared tanagers.
Tours of various lengths are available. The lodge serves as a great base camp from which to access river rafting, zip lines, hanging bridges and hot springs.
For more: www.arenalobservatorylodge.com
2. Kingsmill Resort. Williamsburg, Va.
Ready to tee it up with your crew? Families can play championship caliber 18-hole courses that offer rolling hills, tree-lined tracks and coastal play along the James River.
Young family members can learn from the resort’s PGA professionals who use a personalized approach through a variety of schools that feature putting, short game, and instruction geared specifically for junior golfers. Participants receive equipment evaluation, a take-home video analysis and a video instruction page.
They’ll experience play on courses designed by legendary players including Arnold Palmer and Curtis Strange. The family-friendly resort also offers hiking, biking, Segway tours, and fishing as well as organized kid’s activities. Accommodations include one-, two- and three-bedroom condominiums and riverfront cottages with three or four bedrooms.
For more: www.Kingsmill.com
3. Tubac, Ariz.
Head to sun-drenched southern Arizona for a multi-faceted family adventure. In Tubac, established in 1752 as a Spanish Presidio, declare the historic and family-friendly Tubac Golf Resort & Spa your basecamp and let the exploration begin.
Don’t forget your binoculars because the area is considered one of the best spots for birding in the country. When not checking off hummingbird and elegant trogon sightings on your list, enjoy a round of golf, a stroll through the local art community or time at the spa. Hike from the resort, situated on the 500-acre Otero Ranch in the Santa Cruz River Valley and appreciate views of the Tumacacori and Santa Rita peaks in the distance.
For more: www.TubacGolfResort.com; www.VisitArizona.com
4. Colorado by night
Calling all star-gazers. Colorado is home to eight International Dark Sky Parks and five International Dark Sky Communities. Check out Colorado’s self-guided stargazing tour to craft your own curated, celestial wander.
Consider Westcliffe and Silver Cliff in the state’s Wet Mountain Valley, noted as the highest elevation of all International Dark Sky Communities in the world. The valley sits between the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east, providing dramatic views in every direction. Don’t miss the Smokey Jack Observatory, which boasts a retractable roof and 14-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain and five-inch refractor telescopes with computer-guided pointing and tracking to view the majestic night sky.
Also of note is the Dinosaur National Monument, considered home to one the purest night skies left in the U.S. Visit to learn about the cosmos during ranger-led programs showcasing the Milky Way! Learn how to use a telescope or go on a nighttime hike with the stars and moon as your guiding lights.
For more: https://www.colorado.com
5. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Visit this lesser-known National Park in northeastern Ohio for a heaping dose of Midwestern fall beauty. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is comprised of 33,000 acres, tucked along 22 miles of the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron.
The winding river gives way to deep forests, rolling hills and open farmlands, punctuated by iconic views of covered bridges and cascading waterfalls. Take in the seasonal performance during hikes or biking excursions along the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal.
Ask about the Junior Ranger program, ranger guided options as well as educational resources, games, and DIY activities and crafts that will enrich the family experience.
For more: https://www.nps.gov/cuva
