How did this happen? August? We're in August, already? While the lazy days of summer are in full effect, the arrival of August also means there are just a few precious weeks left of summer vacation before the Back to School fervor begins.
If you've yet to take a family vacation this summer (raises hand, since that two week trip to visit family in New Jersey definitely doesn't count), there are still a few weekends left for a mini-vacay. We'll be doing ours next weekend at the Terranea Resort, just a short drive from our home base in L.A.
Or, since you've probably already have your late summer plans in place, you can take these last few weeks to get started on the planning for a fall getaway or even next year's Spring Break.
All week long we'll be resuming our regular publishing schedule with ideas and features for your next great family vacation. Now, to kick it off here are 5 Totally Fun Hotel Activities for Kids:
1. “Parrot Talk” program at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa: A wildlife attendant at this lush Hawaiian resort will take children on an up close and personal tour to meet the hotel's “human-like” resident parrots. (Cue Mom singing “Let me hear your parrot talk” in the tone of Olivia Newton-John's song, “Physical.”) The hotel also hosts its own luau and kids ages 3-12 can spend their days at the Camp Hyatt kids club.
2. Biltmore Buddies at The Biltmore Hotel in Miami: This historic resort has launched a new kids camp called Biltmore Buddies featuring several different themed-activities for kids, including two that draw on the hotel's turn-of-the-century history (the 20th century we mean.) Children can be time travelers for a day, or create and direct their own silent movie. They can also take an on-property trek through the tropics or stay cool with aquatic escapades at the resort pool. Half-day and full-day options are offered, starting at $45 and $95 respectively.
3. Sparkbox at Triump Hotels: This collection of boutique hotels across New York City has partnered with Sparkbox, often considered the “Netflix of Toys”, to offer complimentary educational toys for young guests. Families staying a Triumph Hotel will receive an “exclusive collection curated for each hotel, with age-appropriate learning toys selected by experts and tailored to a child’s developmental needs.” When it's time to check-out, the family can leave the toys behind (they will be fully cleaned and sanitized for the next family) or purchase them for $19.99. Sparkbox will be available at the following Triumph Hotels: The Iroquois New York Hotel Chandler, Hotel Belleclaire, The Cosmopolitan Hotel, The Evelyn, and The Washington Jefferson.
4. Dorsett KidZania Hotel at KidZania London: Across the pond, a KidZania land has opened at Westfield White City. This is a miniature city where children can engage in more than 60 real life role-play activities from banker to police officer and now thanks to Dorsett Hotels, hotelier. The Dorsett KidZania Hotel features a lobby, reception area and bedroom. Children will practice checking in guests, taking hats and bags, booking activities and even helping with housekeeping in a model guest room. Children will also get the chance to check in as guests. And if you need a real hotel to stay in with your children, you can book the Dorsett Shepherd's Bush Hotel, just a quick stroll away from KidZania.
5. “Fete Your Family” in Anguilla at the Malliouhana Resort: You can't go wrong with a Caribbean resort that wants to “fete” your family. This luxury Auberge Resort is offering families who book two rooms for four nights will get the fifth night free. Also included in the package is full breakfast daily, a welcome amenity of fresh tropical fruits and chocolate chip cookies, one family dinner and a s'mores evening by the fire pit.
