Summer with kids By Maribeth Pjosek-Durkin
Jam-packed with diverse attractions and unique neighborhoods, San Francisco a whirlwind of family fun waiting to be found. (Flickr: Nicolas Raymond )
School just started and summer is almost over. But lighter crowds and back-to-school travel specials make summerâs end the perfect time to squeeze in a short family trip.
Puerto Rico and Mexico are perfect for families looking for a sunny, beach escape. Tired of the sea and sand? Pay a visit to our friendly neighbor to the north, Canada. San Francisco is a fantastic blend of history, city life and nature. Or breakout of your comfort zone in Cuba. So go ahead, steal some time with the kiddies before they are buried under mounds of homework. Itâs easier than you think to find a quick family getaway.
(MORE: Midwest Lake Destinations to Visit this Fall)
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is the perfect Caribbean escape without the hassles of international travel. (Photo: Michelle Rae Uy )
No time to get passports? No problem! Puerto Rico is the perfect Caribbean escape without the hassles of international travel. This US territory uses the American dollar and doesnât require passports for US citizens. Wander Old San Juanâs cobblestone streets and find handcrafted âtreasures.â Discover dungeons, towers and cannons at El Morro, a 16th-century stone fortress built to protect the town from seafaring invaders. Venture into El Yunque Rainforest and hike the only tropical rainforest in North America. Finally, paddle a kayak after dark into the mysterious â and illuminating â Mosquito Bio-Luminescent Bay in Vieques.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Plan a day trip to Tulum and explore Mayan ruins. (Photo: Michelle Rae Uy )
Finding a flight to Riviera Maya is a snap, making it an easy choice for last minute getaways. Families looking for a jungle adventure will find it at Xcaret. Let the kids play Indiana Jones as they search for secret caves and hidden passageways that lead to a recreated Mayan village. Or swim, snorkel or float your way along an underground river. Plan a day trip to Tulum and explore Mayan ruins. For some serious shoppingâand eatingâvisit the pedestrian friendly la Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue).
Toronto, Canada
Adventures are aplenty in Toronto. (Flickr: Robert )
One trip to Toronto and Oh, Canada! Trek to the top of CN Tower and gaze down on the city through the Glass Floor. Want more excitement? Take the Edge Walk, an adrenaline pulsing âwalkâ outside on the roof! Donât worry, tamer adventures are aplenty too. Set sail for a swashbuckling stint as the kids hunt for treasure aboard a Pirate Ship Adventure cruise. Visit Toronto Zoo, the proud home of Giant Panda Cubs! These little celebrities have their own YouTube channel; have the kids check it out before your visit. Of course, no trip to Canada is complete without a visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame, it boasts the largest collection of hockey memorabilia in the world.
Havana, Cuba
Havana may only be 90 miles from Key West, but once your family steps off the plane, youâll feel worlds away. (Photo: Sandra Foyt )
Lost in time is best way to describe Havana. It may only be 90 miles from Key West, but once your family steps off the plane, youâll feel worlds away. Wander down the cobblestone streets lined with a rainbow of colorful colonial style homes. Have kids keep count of the retro 1950s cars as they cruise by. Savor a sweet treat at Museo del Chocolate, a tiny, air-conditioned chocolate shop. Stop in one of the many small museums peppered throughout the city and learn about Cubaâs rich culture and history. A âmust seeâ is Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña, a 18th-century stone fortress overlooking Havana Harbor. Kids will get a bang out of the cannon firing ceremony every night at 9pm. Off the beaten path lies Gran Parque Metropolitano, an urban forest with a river, bridges, walking trails and other family friendly amenities. Good to know: US travel to Cuba is getting easier, but there are still restrictions. Check with the US Department of Treasury for details.
(MORE: Safest Cities in the World to Travel with Kids)
San Francisco
Does your family enjoy âget-up-and-goâ getaways? If so, San Francisco is the place for you. Jam-packed with diverse attractions and unique neighborhoods, itâs a whirlwind of family fun waiting to be found. Jog across the sprawling Golden Gate Bridge or admire the view from Coit Tower. Take a ferry to target=”_blank”>Angel Island (the Ellis Island of the West) or explore eerie Alcatraz. Street performers, a mirror maze, carousel, boat rides, aquarium, and of course, oceans of sea lions sunning themselves along Pier 39 can easily fill up an entire day. Slow your pace and walk among towering, ancient giants â redwood trees that is â in Muir Woods. Score a seat at AT&T Stadium â home to San Franâs âotherâ Giants. If youâre lucky, you may witness a âSplash Hit,â a homerun slammed into McCovey Cove.
Maribeth Pjosek-Durkin contributed this to MiniTime.