Relaxing beach vacations are awesome for some families. But for other families, they want a little more activity on vacation, a little more adventure. Guess what! Active families are not out of luck. There are vacations designed just for active families to be out biking, hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more. Starting to sound perfect for your family? Read on and learn about 3 active vacation options your family can take in the United States!
Multi-generational possibilities for an active vacation
Now, what about if you are planning a multi-generational family vacation? An active vacation could be a great experience for your multi-generational family. For less active members of the family, there will be shorter ride options available or they can use an e-bike. They could also take a day at the resort, spa, or shopping while the others are out. Families will young children will appreciate the trailer bikes, kids bikes, and other accommodations available for their rides. Sometimes there will even be specially planned activities for the kids giving adults a little time away. The United States active family vacation possibilities below are planned for families to be able to adjust to the needs of each member while still having plenty of time to adventure together.
San Juan Islands
Explore the charming towns, glistening waters, and wooded lanes of the Pacific Northwest islands. During this 6day/5 night vacation, your family will bike along the seashore, kayak through the ocean, hike through dense forests, and enjoy mountain views. Each night your family will stay at boutique inns along the way. The San Juan Islands are a terrific destination for your family adventure.
- Day 1–Fidalgo Island–Bike the island to get to the Washington State Ferry Terminal. Cruise the stunningly blue sound to Lopez Island. Explore the village and enjoy delicious local food for a welcome social and dinner.
- Day 2–Lopez Island–Climb on your bike for a flat island ride through farmland and by the sea keeping an eye out for eagles. Following lunch, the ferry will take you to Orcas Island to wander the village and relax at your lovely inn.
- Day 3–Orcas Island–Time for a little shopping! The first stop is Orcas Island Pottery. Even if you don’t love pottery you will love the dramatic coastal bluff setting and possibly a pottery demonstration. Then spend some time shopping in the village or enjoying the waterfront. On to Moran State Park where you can hike Mt. Constitution. And then possibly swim in the crystal clear waters of Cascade Lake. Tonight, special events are planned for the kids so parents can enjoy a quiet dinner.
- Day 4–San Juan Island–Begin the day with a ferry ride to Friday Harbor, the largest town in the San Juan Islands. Enjoy the local art galleries or whale museum. After lunch, get back on your bike and ride past the popular photo spot of False Bay and through a lavender farm. The highlight of the day will be the sunset wildlife cruise to learn about the orca whales, porpoises, and bald eagles in the area.
- Day 5–San Juan Island–Kayaking along the beautiful coastline will start the day. You might even see some harbor seals. Get back on your bike after a relaxing lunch and ride past Lime Kiln State Park. This is a great place to possibly see orcas feeding in the kelp beds.
- Day 6–San Juan Island–Your last ride around the island will take you to the tip for breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountain Range and the lighthouse. Then it will be time to pack up and head home on a late morning ferry back to Anacortes. You are sad for it all to come to an end but you will forever remember the fun and adventure you shared with those you love!
What will the family members who don’t want to bike do?
- Spend some time at the spa
- Relax at the charming inns you will be staying at
- Take a catamaran cruise from Lopez Island
- Visit the museums or art galleries
- Go horseback riding on San Juan Island
- Hiking all around the islands
- Sea kayaking
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park, in Northwest Montana, is more than just another protected place for wildlife. It is a gorgeously stunning land of snow-capped peaks, mountain lakes, evergreen valleys, colorful rocks, as well as moose, bears, and mountain goats. Couple that beauty with the vibrant western town of Whitefish and some riding and rafting in the Flathead Valley. Definitely a recipe for an awesome family vacation!
- Day 1–Two Medicine Lake to Saint Mary’s Lodge–First thing in the morning you will take a shuttle ride past jaw-dropping mountains and lakes to arrive at Two Medicine Lake. After a picnic lunch, the whole family will be fitted for their bikes, and then off you all ride past Lower Two Medicine Lake, through the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, and over Looking Glass Hill. The ride will end at Saint Mary Lodge on the edge of another stunning lake. You will then get a chance to learn more about the history and legends of the Blackfeet Nation that you are visiting and to really bring your trip to life.
- Day 2–St. Mary Lake–After a short but rigorous ride toward Logan Pass everyone will meet up at the Rising Sun Boat Dock read to enjoy all St. Mary Lake has to offer. On the scenic boat ride around the lake, you will get a different view of the surrounding mountains, Wild Goose Island, and Sexton Glacier. Then it is on to a 3-mile round trip hike to St. Mary Falls to marvel at the beauty of the rushing water and take some pictures. There should be some time after the boat ride back to possibly explore the visitors center before returning to the hotel.
- Day 3–Going-to-the-Sun Road–Oh my goodness! Today will be a day to remember because the Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most scenic roads in America. It is narrow and windy and has treasures to see around almost every corner. You will ride past waterfalls, glaciers, lakes, wildflowers, cedar forests, and maybe even some local wildlife. There will be so many places you will be dying to stop and take a picture before arriving at Logan Pass and the Continental Divide. Then it is a thrilling downhill ride to Lake McDonald and a rejuvenating lunch. A shuttle will take your family to Whitefish where you will explore the town for the afternoon.
- Day 4–Whitefish to West Glacier and the Flathead River–You will now be riding in the less hilly Flathead valley from Whitefish to West Glacier. At your destination of Belton Bridge, you will have a chance to fill up with some food and take a dip in the Flathead River if you like. You aren’t done on the river yet today! The next adventure is a 3-4 hour rafting experience through Class II and III rapids. An outdoor BBQ dinner will finish off the day.
- Day 5–Whitefish Lake–The schedule today will start with a quiet ride around Whitefish lake. You will love the beautiful farmland views along with the surrounding majestic mountains. Then will be a tough choice. Do you head back to Whitefish and have an afternoon at the spa or time exploring the town OR do you head up Big Mountain for a 5-mile climb with the promise of breath-taking panoramic views?! Tonight will be your farewell dinner.
- Day 6–Columbia Falls–Time for your final relaxing ride to the town of Columbia Falls. After a quick stop at a favorite coffee shop, you will say goodbye to your guides and be on your way to the airport or possibly another adventure.
What is available for the the family members who aren’t as strong of riders or don’t want to bike?
This biking adventure at Glacier National Park is a little bit more rigorous due to the hilly terrain. It is rated for bikers at a level 2 or 3. If you don’t think you are quite at that level don’t worry. Since this is a family trip there will most likely be bikers of all different abilities. The guides you are will are more than willing to make accommodations for those who don’t want to go up all the hills by providing ebikes, rides in the shuttle or the day off. Other activities might include (additional costs could apply):
- Explore Whitefish
- Relax at the spa
- Kayaking or paddleboarding at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
- Go horseback riding or hiking
Alaska’s Kenai Penninsula
There simply couldn’t be a list of active, adventure family vacation tours in the United States without one in Alaska! The wilds of Alaska are perfect for a family vacation full of hiking, biking, boating, and kayaking. Let’s see what Alaska’s Kenai Penninsula has in store for your family on this six-day tour!
- Day 1–Anchorage to Girdwood–Ride out of Anchorage down the Turnagain Arm on one of the most scenic roads in America. Then spend a little time exploring the quaint little town of Girdwood. You might want to take a tram ride up the mountain and hike down.
- Day 2–Prince William Sound–From Whittier, you will board a boat for a cruise through Prince William Sound. You will be amazed but the glistening blue waters, towering mountains, and hanging glaciers. Then you will travel further south to the town of Seward.
- Day 3–Kenai Fjords National Park–Get up close and personal with glaciers today! Kids will hike to the toe of Exit Glacier and adults will trek up the mountain to experience the spectacular views of the Harding Icefield. While the kids wait for the adults to return they will get to meet some of the stars of the Iditarod and explore Alaska marine life at the Alaska SeaLife Center. Today will definitely be a day to remember for everyone!
- Day 4–Homer–Not only will you travel by van to Homer but along the way you will hop on your bikes to slow down a bit and truly appreciate the jaw-dropping views of the Cook Inlet and the volcanoes of the Alaska Range. Your hotel for the night is at the very end of the Homer Spit jutting out into Kachemak Bay. You might get a chance to see a harbor seal or sea lion or just do some tide-pooling when the tide is out.
- Day 5–Kayaking in Kachemak Bay–A water taxi will bring your family across the bay to pick up your kayaks. For the next few hours, you will enjoy kayaking around Yukon Island. This is another wonderful opportunity to spot harbor seals, porpoises, and sea otters.
- Day 6–Homer–Take a trip to a local farm complete with furry animals, herbs, art, and views of Kachemak Bay. A nice relaxing finish to a truly adventurous family vacation!
Does any of these active vacation possibilities in the United States sound perfect for your family? Do you have somewhere else that you are dying to explore with your family in a very active way? Let me know in the comments below!
If you would like more information about booking an active vacation in the United States for your family or with other families please schedule a complimentary consultation!
Happy travels to you…until we meet again!
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