Top Cities for Multigenerational Family Travel

Thinking about a vacation that includes grandparents and children? Check out Alamo’s travel tips on top cities for a multigenerational vacation.

After a few years of biding their time, families are planning to travel again. According to the Family Travel Association’s fall 2021 survey, nearly 9 in 10 families were likely or very likely to travel in the coming year. Also, more than half of the people surveyed said they’d include their parents, in-laws and children in the trip. Multigenerational travel gives families a chance to spend quality time together after months or years of separation. If exploring a place with extended family is on your wish list, look at these three top travel destinations for a multigenerational vacation.

Orlando is known for amusement parks and lakefront activities suitable for visitors of all ages.


1. Orlando

All generations can appreciate the diversity of Orlando. Whether it’s taking a guided tour of the Chocolate Museum & Cafe, meeting the reptilian stars of Gatorland up close, or experiencing Diagon Alley and other Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions at Universal Studios, there are plenty of activities for the whole family. In addition, Florida weather is generally comfortable all year, with daily high temperatures averaging 70 degrees or above. To experience Orlando at its coolest, plan your visit from October to April.

If you’ll be visiting the Walt Disney World Resort, research some activities for all ages. While the grandchildren might enjoy Splash Mountain, the grandparents may prefer a ride around Tom Sawyer Island on the Liberty Square Riverboat. Many of the Disney parks also have seasonal events. For example, while some family members stroll through Italy, the gardeners in the family can peruse the detailed topiaries and colorful floral displays during Epcot’s annual International Flower & Garden Festival, held each spring. To cap off a great day, dine together at the award-winning Be Our Guest Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom Park.

Finally, no trip to Florida is complete without getting those toes in the sand. The sandy shores of New Smyrna Beach are just an hour from the heart of Orlando. This fun and funky beach town features surf shops and ice-cream stands, plus art galleries, boutiques and antique stores. Stroll the streets and window-shop, play in the sand, or get in the water to surf or paddleboard — lessons and board rentals are available at surf shops like Nichols Surf Shop. For a mix of history and high adventure, explore the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, Florida’s tallest lighthouse, which began guiding sailors in 1887. Climb the 203 steps and take in spectacular 360-degree views. To catch your breath and support local talent at the same time, visit the Atlantic Center for the Arts, an artists-in-residence community and educational facility.

Las Vegas is the “entertainment capital of the world,” giving multigenerational families a wide variety of options for fun and adventure.


2. Las Vegas

Las Vegas truly offers something for everyone. This entertainment mecca has attractions ranging from thrilling roller coasters to notable golf courses to fabulous nighttime shows. The beloved Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Hotel is a free attraction featuring Chilean flamingos, other exotic birds, fish and turtles. Vegas Indoor Skydiving, just off the Las Vegas Strip, offers a memorable simulated skydiving experience for everyone over 40 pounds. Be sure to smile, because your teen will definitely post videos of this family event on TikTok, and the grandparents will share photos on Facebook.

Circus Circus is a full-fledged casino that features 200 arcade games and is home to the Adventuredome, an indoor amusement park with roller coasters and rides for little ones. After a visit there, swing by the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay to feed sharks, sea turtles and stingrays.

Las Vegas is also a convenient home base for day trips to several national parks. Drive about 120 miles northwest to reach Death Valley National Park in California for amazing stargazing and a visit to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America. Go about 170 miles northeast from Las Vegas to Utah’s Zion National Park for hiking and other outdoor experiences. From Zion, continue about 85 miles (or drive 270 miles directly from Las Vegas) to reach Bryce Canyon National Park to see an awe-inspiring collection of amphitheaters filled with colorful, spire-shaped rock formations. Drive about 275 miles southeast from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona for hiking and unforgettable views.

Chicago is home to rivers, parks, lakes and famed city life, providing something for everyone in the extended family.


3. Chicago

Eager to experience the Windy City with the whole family? Have a drink at The Drake Hotel’s Palm Court. There, Queen Elizabeth II, the empress of Japan and Princess Diana were separately spotted sipping afternoon tea, and scenes from movies such as “Risky Business,” “My Best Friend’s Wedding” and “Mission: Impossible” were filmed.

Then spend a day at the Lincoln Park Zoo. This admission-free zoo is open every day of the year and is home to creatures of all sizes. Throughout the summer, enjoy special activities such as garden tours; in the fall, take your kids and parents to pick a pumpkin at Fall Fest; and during the colder months, admire the dazzling light displays of ZooLights.

View Chicago’s architectural wonders such as Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), the Wrigley Building and 875 North Michigan Avenue (formerly the John Hancock Center) from the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise along the Chicago River — or see these sights bathed in stunning sunset hues on the Evening River Cruise. For a physical challenge and a unique way to see the city, you can kayak the river, or if wheels are more your speed, opt for a Chicago Segway Tour.

Then finish off a busy day with unique Chicago-style pizza at Giordano’s pizzeria, where each pie is made with thick, deep-dish crust, sauce on the top and cheese throughout.

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