Family Holidays with edutainment for kids
I am a parent who believes that summer breaks are a time when there shouldn’t be any structured activities for the kids as this also helps the kids figure out how to keep themselves entertained and not feel bored. Having said that, I too have been guilty of sending my daughter for summer programs for 7 – 10 days. It definitely didn’t help me, as being a travel agent summers are most hectic for me and to find time to drop, pick up, and depending on the distance, at times wait for 2 hours, it was just too much.
This was sorted out when we were on a holiday in Turkey. Our beach resort had fabulous paid workshops for kids (besides the kid’s camp activities). The mornings and evenings were engaged with us either being in the pool / beach and afternoons were busy for her engaging with other kids and learning stuff. This also meant early to bed and party time for us!
The educational programs at luxury hotels are just getting better by the day. Some of them are so unique that you would not find them elsewhere but at the resort. What we love is that most of them require the outdoors and natural environment or wildlife. Listed below are some of the fabulous programs offered this year:
Troutbeck, New York: Little Naturalist – a new children’s program at Troutbeck run by outdoorsman and naturalist extraordinaire Thom Schuchaskie. This spring and summer Thom will share his extensive knowledge of birding, holistic animal tracking, the Sacred Order of Survival ++ in their brand new Little Naturalist program.
The Lodge at Blue Sky, Utah: The Little Vaquero’s Club is the ideal summer camp alternative. Blue Sky provides fun, educational, and adventure-based outdoor programs for our younger guests. Each day we offer age-appropriate, skill-building activities that explore the local Utah environment, history, and culture. Spend the day at the farm feeding our animals, learn how to fish, embark on nature hikes to view eagles and deer, or test your navigational skills with geocaching treasure hunts. Please scroll to explore the details of our programs that focus on learning and fun!
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua in Maui: Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is a complimentary program for children from 5 to 12 years of age. They will be able to learn about the environment hands-on at this beautiful oceanside resort. Activities include holiday crafts and feature films. The whole family can participate in specially designed programs with trained naturalists, including Cities Under The Sea, Adventures in Nature, Underwater Photography, Star Voyager, Marine Debris to Artistry, and Turtle Tracks.
Vermejo, a Ted Turner Reserve in Raton, New Mexico: Let the kids have an adventure on the wild side with Junior Trackers kids’ activities. One of their experienced guides will lead the kids on a junior tracker adventure, learning about everything from bugs, fish, animals, and the tracks they leave behind to horsemanship, western history, and how to turn bits of nature into crafty treasures. There is no limit to the fun kids can have at Vermejo. Parents and grandparents can enjoy some free time or the whole family can join in the fun.
Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club in Brewster, Massachusetts: From private croquet lessons and front lawn games to exploring your funny side with private improv classes, our Activities Team is here to bring fun to your summer. They also have a very good Oyster Farm program where the kids can learn all about oysters.
These are just a few programs listed in USA, but there are some very good programs at international destinations, which ensure the kids learn more about the culture of the country and also get to interact with the locals.
Hope your little ones have a lovely summer and you get the much required time outdoors!