Outdoor Experiences
Retreats
Weddings
Outdoor Experiences
Retreats
Weddings
What comes to mind when you think of family vacation destinations? A trip to a crowded theme park? Going to every mini golf course in Myrtle Beach? Most family-friendly destinations are a dime a dozen. We’ve compiled a list of the best summer vacation places for families that want to forgo the traditional resort experience.
Here at Nook Outdoors, we specialize in bespoke, nature-forward experiences at small hotels and resorts. These are places off the beaten path, often near National Parks and historic towns. They’re not always top of mind when thinking of family vacation spots. You won’t find hotels at the Grand Canyon, Wisconsin Dells, or the Florida Keys here. What you will find are one-of-a-kind experiences that will build lifelong memories.
A note before we begin. We’ve done our best to pick summer vacation places for families that accommodate guests of all ages. That means that they offer spacious rooms, kid-friendly activities, and amenities that maximize your comfort during your stay. However, not every resort on this list is ideal for very little kids. Traveling with young children often requires planning for stroller-friendly accommodations, and not every accommodation on this list fits those criteria. For instance, the geodesic domes at the Cedars Ranch are better for older children who can safely climb up and down a ladder. You might also need to provide your own crib and playard if travelling with very young children.
Located just an hour south of Orlando, Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo is a luxury, kid-friendly dude ranch. Unlike the theme park experiences you’ll find in Orlando, this place is the real deal. This is a real ranch where families can live out their cowboy fantasies, from horseback riding to skeet shooting. If you’re looking for old-west-inspired fun, this is one of the best summer vacation spots for families.
Westgate River Ranch combines the history of Florida cowboys with the romantic imagery of the Old West. This can be traced back to River Ranch’s origins in the 1960s, when Westerns dominated the airways. Today, it’s the largest dude ranch east of the Mississippi at 1,700 acres, and is surrounded by 400,000 acres of protected wetland.
The most iconic accommodations at Westgate River Ranch are its heavily themed Luxe Conestoga Wagons and Luxe Teepees. The wagons are designed to look like the covered wagons of old, with canvas roofs and wagon wheels. Young kids are sure to love them. Despite the rustic appearance, each wagon is climate-controlled and features electrical outlets, a full bathroom, and a kitchenette. The Luxe Teepee offers a similar experience in a larger footprint and includes a fireplace and soaking tub.
Both Luxe options include a concierge, morning coffee service, luxury linens and toiletries, and a golf cart you can use to explore the resort. Other accommodations at the resort include traditional suites, glamping tents, cabins, and traditional campgrounds. You can even bring your RV!
As one of the best summer vacation places for families, Westgate River Ranch has plenty of incredible things to do. Some of these are classic vacation experiences, including a pool, a water park, a tennis court, and a mini golf course. However, the main draw is the cowboy-inspired activities!
Start your Saturday with a day at the Cowboy Adventure Park, where the young (and young-at-heart) can pan for gold, ride mechanical bulls, or go tractor racing. Afterwards, you can try out the escape room, where you and your friends work together to escape jail before the Marshall locks you up for cattle rustling. When you’re done, catch a hayride through the beautiful Florida landscape, and watch the local wildlife in their natural habitat while a country singer serenades you. You can enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner when you’re done!
All of this leads up to the Saturday Night Rodeo, where you can watch trick riding, barrel racing, and bull riding. After being dazzled by the skill and showmanship of the riders, you and the kids can cut a rug during the after-party in front of River Ranch Saloon. So why don’t you take a day off from visiting Mickey Mouse and Harry Potter, and have a real cowboy adventure?
Jackson Hole is one of the best summer vacation places for families, thanks to its natural beauty and kid-friendly activities. Fans of outdoor activities can enjoy their favorite pastimes here, from hiking to disc golf. You might even discover something new to try!
Of course, you don’t need to be a thrillseeker here. Jackson Hole is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country and is just a short drive from Yellowstone National Park. Rent a bike, go on some easy hikes, and take in the great scenery. It’s the perfect place for a memorable family vacation.
The Virginian Lodge in Jackson Hole is the perfect home base for your mountain adventures, combining spacious accommodations and luxury amenities in a strikingly charming package. It combines the playful charm of a summer camp, the retro stylings of a motor lodge, and the carefully crafted luxury of a boutique resort into one irresistible package. Here’s why it should be a part of your next family vacation.
Every room at The Virg has a charming, retro vibe, with midcentury modern decor and Pendleton wool blankets. They come in a variety of layouts, from single bedrooms to larger suites. Our favorite, however, is the Adventure Camp suites.
This charming room is perfect for older kids looking for a sleepover or summer camp atmosphere. Each Adventure Camp features two to four bunk beds, each accommodating up to two people. The two-bunk version attaches to a King Virg suite, so the parents can have their own space. The four-bunk version, which accommodates 8 guests, features a living area and a second bathroom, making it perfect for larger groups who don’t want to share beds.
Taking a road trip in your RV? The Virginian Lodge is also an RV park! Guests at the RV park have access to all the amenities at The Virginian, including the pool, restaurants, salon, and shops. Summer is the perfect time to visit, whether you bring your RV or stay in one of the comfortable rooms.
The Virginian Lounge is a classic motor lodge built around a central courtyard that features a heated pool, fire pits, and an expansive green space that hosts games and events. You’ll often see guests hanging out here with a frozen drink from the on-site liquor store, chatting with friends, playing cornhole, and taking in the sights.
There are multiple restaurants at the Virginian Lodge, including local favorite Billy’s Burgers. This classic burger joint offers family-friendly fare and elevated entrees that satisfy foodies and picky eaters alike. Consider wrapping up your meal with a milkshake; adults can add bourbon for a few dollars more.
Not sure what to do in Jackson Hole? Visit the Virg’s Adventure Center. Here you can book bike and Jeep tours, as well as kayaking and whitewater rafting expeditions. It’s the perfect launchpad for day trips to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park. You can also rent bikes and kayaks to host your own adventures.
The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places in the world, making it an ideal vacation spot. While we often promote the region’s vineyards, there are plenty of family activities, especially for nature lovers. The Cedars Ranch is an eco-friendly glamping resort in the Hill Country, offering elegant accommodations just a short trip from Wimberley Town Square. Thanks to its natural beauty and convenient location, this is one of the best summer vacation places for families.
During your stay, you’ll be just a short drive from all manner of family-friendly activities, from swimming in natural springs to exploring kid-friendly museums. You’re also just a day trip away from major cities like Austin and San Antonio, so sprinkling in a trip to local amusement parks like SeaWorld or COTALAND.
If you want to turn summer camp into summer glamp, consider a stay in the XL Geodome suites. These 24′ diameter domes sit on an elevated deck overlooking Cedars’s 20 acres of rolling hills. Each is decorated in minimalist, chic decor that’s definitely Instagram worthy, letting you enjoy hotel luxury in campground surroundings.
The parents can relax on the ground floor, where a plush, king-sized bed offers a perfect view of the panoramic window. Kids will love the loft, where their queen bed is surrounded by the pillowy walls and ceilings of the dome. A steam shower keeps everyone fresh, while the kitchenette is the perfect place to brew your morning coffee.
Like any luxury resort, The Cedars Ranch has a glittering blue pool, complete with daybeds. Kids will enjoy splashing around in the cool waters, with young kids in particular enjoying some of the poolside games. Adults can grab a drink at the bar, which features whimsical, swing-style seating.
If you’re the sporting type, The Cedars Ranch offers bocce ball and pickleball courts, and is happy to arrange tournaments for large groups of guests. You can also play pool at the lounge or book a tee time at one of the nearby golf courses. Need to center yourself? The yoga and meditation garden has everything you need for a moment of mindfulness.
Off-site, you can take a lazy river float down an actual river, soar over canyons and creeks on ziplines, or explore Hill Country on horseback. When you’re done, you and the family can watch a movie under the stars or enjoy a meal prepared by a private chef. Alternatively, you can just relax by the fire pit and roast marshmallows as you enjoy the Texas sky.
Back in the 1700s, when King Kamehameha united the Kingdom of Hawaii, Kona was its capital. The beautiful beaches and brilliant waters served as the crown jewel of the archipelago, and remained a beloved vacation spot for Hawaiian royals until the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893. Today, Kailua-Kona is best known for its distinctive coffee, beloved by javaphiles worldwide.
Pacific 19 in Kona was once a 1970s-era hotel. Today, it’s a contemporary travel haven. Authentic lava rock walls display the work of local photographers, while lush native flora frames an incredible view of Kailua Bay. Pacific 19 is the sort of resort that highlights and enhances its surroundings, rather than overpowers them. There’s no resort bubble here: just the perfect hub for your adventures in one of the best summer vacation places for families.
Ohana means family, and family means you’ll probably want two bathrooms. The Ohana Suite at Pacific 19 offers that and more. This 612 sq. ft. suite features a cozy King bedroom and a sleeper sofa in the living room, making it great for travelling with kids. You can also enjoy private outdoor seating or drinks and snacks from the macro bar. Yes, macro bar, with full-sized bottles and drawers full of snacks.
The Apartment Suite doesn’t lend itself to Lilo and Stitch references, but does have a kitchenette for preparing breakfast and snacks. The bar is still macro, and the other amenities are on par with the Ohana Suite. Though there is only one bathroom.
Pacific 19 is a small, intimate hotel, but all of its spaces are lovingly crafted to provide the best possible experience. The pool, which dates back to the hotel’s origins in the 70s, isn’t understated and elegant, with a stylish deck and comfortable daybeds. A poolside cafe offers Kona’s signature coffee, along with other snacks and beverages.
Inside the hotel, the lobby serves as both a gathering place and a gift shop. Here, you can get everything you need for your day on the Big Island. Your resort fee includes complimentary bike, chair, umbrella, and towel rentals.
Not sure what to do on the Big Island? Pacific 19 publishes robust field notes that can inspire your family vacation plans. They also offer excursions and tours, so you can spice up your beach vacation with other family-friendly activities.
Located in the historic town of Robbinsville, the Tapoco Lodge has welcomed guests since it opened in 1930. Originally built to house workers at the nearby hydroelectric dams, the lodge evolved into a boutique landscape hotel over the decades. Today, it offers cozy, historic accommodations with modern amenities, creating an unforgettable experience.
Tapoco Lodge sits on the banks of the Cheoah River, one of the most intense whitewater rafting experiences in the US. Braving the eight drops and heavy rapids is a task reserved for whitewater experts. However, you can still enjoy the spectacular views from the Lodge’s deck!
If you want to squeeze an amusement park into your trip, Tapoco is a two-hour drive from Pigeon Forge and attractions like Dollywood. It’s also within day-trip distance of major cities like Knoxville and Louisville, so you can weave in a trip to other popular vacation destinations. While you’re on your road trip, consider visiting the Tail of the Dragon. This curving road is one of the most popular scenic routes in the country and is beloved by car and motorcycle enthusiasts. For a less intense drive, Cherohala Skyway offers scenic views with more relaxed curves.
The best rooms for families at Tapoco Lodge are the cabin rooms, which feature 24-hour guest service, daily housekeeping, and cozy decor. The White Oak Cabin, in particular, is perfect for larger families and has a full kitchen and a fire pit. There’s plenty of room to spread out and enjoy your time with family.
Tapoco also runs two off-site properties, perfect for larger groups. The River Cabin is a 3-bed, 2-bath vacation home with a private view of the Cheoah River. River House is a 4-bed, 3.5-bath home with a dining room overlooking the water. Both feature full kitchens, high-speed internet, televisions in every room, and an outdoor fire pit.
Tapoco Lodge has two restaurants, which both offer incredible views of the river. The Cheoah Room is their breakfast spot, offering morning favorites in a charming mountain setting. In the afternoon and evenings, you can dine at Tapoco Tavern, enjoying eye-catching American-style dishes and juicy burgers.
Want to host a movie night or a family reunion? Visit the Tin Can Theater. Named for its distinctive shape, this 100-seat theater is a versatile event space perfect for dances, parties, and large gatherings. It’s located right next to the tennis and pickleball courts, so you can even play a quick game or two during your trip!
This is just a small sample of what we have to offer at Nook Outdoors. For instance, we’ve barely even touched the amazing ski vacation destinations we offer each winter, or the myriad of kid-friendly festivals you’ll find in the Texas Hill Country. Take a look at the rest of our blog for more vacation ideas, and click the button below to browse our complete collection. Your next vacation is waiting!
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