An Age-Based Guide to Adventure Travel With Kids

‘Isn’t Disney World the ultimate family vacation destination?’ 

If you believe that adventurous family trips begin and end in Orlando, Florida, you might want to consider reading a different post. Not to knock Walt, but family travel has evolved since Disney World opened its castle doors in 1971.

Back then, there weren’t as many opportunities to expose kids to adventure travel. But, the kids who once careened around those theme parks at breakneck speed have grown up and have kids of their own. And while Disney is a fine idea for a long weekend, parents today are looking for something beyond the enchantment of Magic Kingdom to spend their well-deserved vacations.

That something else could be exploring sea caves in St. Thomas, rehabilitating elephants in South Africa, or observing grizzlies catch salmon in Alaska. Our adventure mindsets are fully formed and we want to share them with our children.

Pirates of the Caribbean, Dumbo, and the Country Bear Jamboree can wait. Read along for an age-based guide to the best adventurous trips with kids.

Family (Adventure) Travel is on the Rise

Family travel has always been important. I remember spending the festive season with my grandparents in Florida each year. My sister and I would grab our Sony Walkmans and hang out at the community pool with the other visiting grandkids. Those are memories I’ll never forget. Nothing beats spending time with extended family.

When I had kids of my own, I wanted them to spend time with their grandparents, too. But, I also wanted them to explore the world, try new activities, and taste new foods. We started taking multi-generational trips—places like South Carolina’s low country, an Alaskan cruise, and a private charter to the Dalmatian Coast. The addition of adventure to our family vacations proved to have many benefits.

Five Benefits of Adventure Travel

There are countless benefits to taking adventurous trips with kids. Here are five of the most important.

Strengthened Bonds

Adventure travel introduces families to new and unusual activities like ziplining, whitewater rafting, camping, and dog sledding. Sharing these exhilarating experiences strengthens family bonds and creates a sense of unity. It also creates long-lasting memories and stories that get recounted time and again.

Environmental Awareness

Adventure travel usually incorporates nature, like mountains, jungles, oceans, and deserts. Families who appreciate nature tend to care deeply about the environment and the planet. They are therefore more inclined to teach and follow sustainable practices as they travel.

Digital Detox

Since adventure travel frequently takes families to remote areas where internet and technology are limited, kids learn to unplug, be more present, and appreciate their environment. Being unplugged also encourages kids to engage and participate in family conversations in a way they are less prone to do at home.

Physical Fitness

When kids engage in more physically demanding activities, like hiking, canyoneering, or rock climbing, it promotes their fitness levels. Many of these activities also encourage teamwork, therefore advancing problem-solving skills.

Cultural Immersion

Adventure destinations offer unique opportunities for cultural immersion, facilitating hands-on learning. Kids can learn about subjects like geology, astronomy, ecology, and behavioral science. Learning in real-time fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of other cultures.

Three Factors to Consider When Planning Adventure Travel

Not all adventures (or adventurers) are created equal. There is much to consider when planning a trip with children. Here are three key factors to keep in mind:

Age

A child’s age, both emotionally and biologically, is a determining factor in where we may choose to travel. For example, a child under five may not be patient enough for a long road trip through Patagonia. On the other hand, a twelve-year-old is developmentally ready to understand the nature of wild animals and listen to advice on how to behave around them.

Fitness Level

Matching an adventure with your family’s level of physical fitness is important. If not aligned, the trip will not only be less fun, it will be less safe. If hiking, for instance, think about choosing trails that slightly challenge fitness levels. Children will learn to push themselves beyond their comfort zones and become more adventuresome.

Family travel style

Understanding your family’s travel style can make or break a vacation. Do you like to have full-day adventures in rustic settings or do you prefer to balance adventure with downtime at a luxury hotel? Finding the travel style that makes every member of the family comfortable is the key to a successful trip.

Age-Based Travel Destination Ideas for Families

It’s easy to postpone adventure travel when kids are young, but this is the best time to expose them (internal backlink to travel essay here, Why Family Travel Matters). The younger kids adopt an adventure mindset, the easier they will be as travel companions. Ready to get inspired? Destinations for adventure travel based on kids’ ages follow.

Adventure Travels with Kids Ages 5-8

Costa Rica is an ideal place to take young kids. Costa Rican's ‘pura vida’ attitude combined with its striking scenery is a winning combo for adventure. The country is known for its diverse terrain —misty, tropical rainforests, sandy white beaches, and majestic mountains. Families with small kids will have many activities to choose from including sailing and surfing. Some resorts even offer on-site surfing lessons—a sport best learned when young and fearless.

The Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring destination for everyone, but especially for little ones. Tourists can first learn about the canyon’s geology and cultural history at the Visitor’s Center before taking in one of its many scenic viewpoints. If your kids' fitness level allows, consider hiking the rim or descending into the inner gorge. More intrepid families may want to go white-water rafting or get an eagle eye’s view of the canyon via helicopter.

Mexico’s rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty makes it a go-to for adventure holidays. The Yucatan peninsula is known for its plethora of cenotes, or underground water sources, in which visitors can swim. Tulum has Mayan temples to wander around. Kids can experiment with Mexican cuisine, tasting zesty ingredients like salsa, mole, and cotija cheese.

Adventure Travels with Kids Ages 9-12

Belize is a small Central American country whose off-the-beaten-path location is a perfect choice for unique adventures with kids. Belize has a diverse topographical landscape; mangrove swamps, savannas, and coastal plains. The Belize Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with marine biodiversity to impress even the most seasoned snorkelers. Between reef life, pristine wilderness areas, and eco-tourism experiences, pre-teens will find much to keep their adrenaline levels up in Belize.

The Caribbean is well-known the world over for stunning beaches and beach resorts. It’s an easy family holiday for kids who love ocean-based fun. But, for those who want to take it up a notch, sailing the Caribbean islands is a must. Whether bareboating a monohull or chartering a 50-foot catamaran, the adventures to be had atop the sea are boundless. Snorkeling, paddleboarding, swimming, and kayaking are just the start of the fun. Find shells on remote beaches and sail up to hidden coves. Teach kids how to tie knots and the art of ocean navigation. The Caribbean by charter is a trip no one in the family will forget.

Alaska’s vast and wild terrain is custom-made for family adventure. Watching grizzles catch salmon swimming upstream is an experience that allows kids to fully connect with nature. It also teaches them about the circle of life in one of the wildest places on the planet. Spending quality time observing animals in their natural habitats is one way for kids to gain a solid appreciation of the environment.

Adventure Travels with Kids Ages 13+

An African safari is just right for families who prioritize high adventure in their travels. Tracking animals in the wild, with the help of a reputable safari operator, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Since game drives require stamina and patience, taking kids on safari when they are old enough to sit still is crucial. The opportunity to see cheetahs care for their cubs or witness the pack mentality of wild dogs are life-changing moments for the whole family.

The Colorado River flows through the US Southwest and is known for its stunning beauty. The river snakes its way through several states including Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and California making it a popular place for whitewater rafting and other water-based adventures. Rafting trips can be experienced in a wide variety of ways. Float along gentle Class 1 rapids or speed down high-adrenaline Class V rapids. Tour operators can advise on the best route based on family travel style.

The island of Corsica is known for its rugged beauty. From the fine white sands of the southern shores to the mountainous interior and the northern craggy cliffs, Corsica is an adventure playground for active families. Bike, surf, mountain climb, and hike. Discover remote beaches and coves—Corsica is a French island that will wow the entire family.

It’s (not such) a small world, after all

Opportunities to have adventurous family holidays abound. If you keep in mind these three factors when planning—kid’s ages, fitness levels, and family travel style, there’s no reason why your family won’t make adventure travel an annual event.

The world is big. Showing kids as much of it as we can will benefit them as they grow. Invite the grandparents, the in-laws, and your best family friends. There’s no better way to create long-lasting memories than with those you love.

And should you find yourself with an unscheduled long weekend, head to Disney. The kids will love it!