6 Extraordinary Destinations For Kids Of All Ages

If you’re planning a vacation with your family and you don’t want just another vacation, national park visit, or amusement park holiday, this list is for you. Travel to these quirky destinations and get ready for distinctively fun experiences. From a homestay that looks like a beagle, to a Disney themed Alaskan cruise, to a ridge dotted with dinosaur tracks, these places will leave you with something to talk about for many years to come.

Dog Bark Park Inn, Idaho: This bed-and-breakfast is possibly the most endearing hotel ever. The structure resembles a 30 foot high beagle dog and was designed and built by a local artist couple who make chainsaw carvings of various dog breeds. The hotel is cleverly furnished with dog-themed fittings and furniture, and offers a self-serve breakfast model. If your kids love dogs, this is an experience they will never forget.

Dinosaur Ridge, Colorado: Dinosaurs have captured the imagination of children and adults alike, for centuries. While a real-life Jurassic Park may be neither possible nor welcome, it is certainly possible to follow their fossilised tracks at Dinosaur Ridge. Visit an outdoor museum with Stegosaurus bones, Iguanodon tracks and ripple marks preserved for millions of years and hike through guided and self-guided trails in this important geological centre.

Animal Kingdom Lodge: Step right into The Lion King experience at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Surrounded by four lush savannas that house over 200 animals and birds, this horseshoe-shaped resort is a wild escapade. There is an 11,000 sq ft swimming pool with gently sloping waterslides, a restaurant with African delicacies and American classics, and a supervised children’s activity centre.

Ghibli Museum, Mitaka: Studio Ghibli is often referred to as the Disney of the East and has produced some of the most iconic animated children’s films in the world. The co-founder of this studio, Hayao Miyazaki, is considered a national treasure in Japan and has designed this museum himself, based on storyboards and characters from his movies. Walk through colourful roads and Italian architecture and marvel at several intricately hand-crafted installations.

Alaskan Disney Cruise: Cruise aboard the Disney Wonder along the western coast of Alaska. Witness a 50 minute live performance featuring a variety of acts and musicals. Watch a Disney film in the large-sized Buena Vista Theatre. Spend an afternoon whale-spotting. Gaze at icy-blue glaciers and snow-capped mountains. Splash around in Mickey’s Pool. The Disney Wonder is a floating Disney Land and a must-visit for kids and adults alike.

Ferrari World, Dubai: Ferrari World, Dubai: Ferrari World has something in it for people of all ages and showcases the Formula Rossa, the fastest roller coaster in the world, at a speed of 240kmph. You can practice how to change a tyre, go on an acrobatics show, or simply look around the F1 motorhome. Drive 430 GT Spider miniature Ferrari, take a tour of the historic Ferrari factory, and get up close and personal with the most comprehensive display of Ferrari cars. Live this experience with us.