It’s one of the best places in the world to experience diving right from shore, without the need for a boat. But it’s only in recent years that non-divers have discovered the treasures this 113-square mile jewel of the Caribbean has to offer. As you might expect, Bonaire has incredible places to snorkel with kids from shore as well.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly Caribbean destination where your family can gently push everyone’s water sport comfort levels–maybe even have the kids learn to scuba dive–Bonaire may be just the place. The uncrowded beaches are surrounded by turquoise water. And the best part? The trip doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. The island’s airport is served by weekly flights to Bonaire on United from Houston and Newark and on Delta from Atlanta, with most flights priced around $500 round trip.

If this sounds like the ideal family vacation to you, here are my recommendations for the best kid-friendly things to do, an incredible place to stay, and one yummy place to eat when you vacation in Bonaire with kids.

This post may contain affiliate links, which help fund this independent website.

1: Snorkel at Tori’s Reef, Windsock, or Andrea 1

Great shore diving means there will also be great snorkeling at Bonaire. Free maps are available on the island with the best sites for diving or snorkeling marked. Most of the island’s car rental companies will provide one for you. You then just match the site names on the map to the yellow painted rocks as you drive along the coast roads. It really couldn’t be simpler.

Check out these kid-friendly snorkeling spots on Bonaire:

Tori’s Reef

Tori’s Reef is one of the easiest shore-entry snorkeling and diving spots on the island, great even for beginners or those with open-ocean jitters. The entry point is via a small canal that maintains the flow of seawater to the nearby salt pans. Step down on three or four large rocks straight into the canal, which is slightly protected from the waves that roll at other sites.

Snorkeling is good both in the canal and along the shore just beyond the canal in both directions. Advanced snorkelers can make the swim over the sandy bottom to the reef just off shore roughly 25 feet below the surface. Expect to see turtles, eels, rays, and an abundance of fish.

Windsock

Windsock is a lengthy beach across from the airport. It’s one of the best swim and snorkel beaches on Bonaire. Entry into the water is easy anywhere along the sand beach, which has some great shady spots. The beach is very popular with divers and will be crowded on days when cruise ships are in port, as well as on Sunday afternoons when locals barbeque with friends and family.

Andrea 1

Many maps don’t show the site called “Andrea 1” as a snorkeling site, only a dive site, making it perhaps one of the best kept snorkeling secrets on Bonaire (click here to see it on a map). Access to the site is via a paved road through a gated community. The entrance from the coast road is well marked. You drive to the bottom of the hill below the homes (some of which are vacation rentals) where you will find a small sandy parking area. Park around the edges, careful not to hog too much parking space.

Your entry into the water is easiest at the yellow stone marker for divers, roughly thirty yards north of the parking area. Good water shoes or booties are recommended here as well as at most Bonaire sites because of sharp rock outcroppings. Upon entry, turn toward your left and snorkel along the shallow reef, looking for octopus, seahorses, and turtles.

BONUS BONAIRE SNORKELING TIP: There are no facilities at most of the diving and snorkeling sites. Pack a picnic or at least snacks and drinks in a collapsible cooler. And don’t forget to reuse one or two-liter drink bottles by filling them with tap water that you can warm on the roof of your rental car while you snorkel– creating a quick “shower” afterward.

2: Blow Bubbles While Learning to Scuba Dive

Ready to push beyond snorkeling for a closer look at life under the surface? Dive Friends Bonaire has a plan for almost everyone, ages five and up, making an introduction to diving a snap even for children. Well-trained and friendly instructors and dive masters make everyone feel right at home, both in the water and at the five Dive Friends locations scattered conveniently along the island’s coast.

Certified divers in your family can purchase week-long air packages that allow pick up or drop off of tanks at any of the locations. Gear rentals are available for everyone. You can even rent a digital underwater camera to record your family vacation memories under the sea.

3: Cruise the Shore of Bonaire in a Rental Boat

Bonaire Boat Rental is a fun way to see the island from just off-shore. Choose to water ski, wakeboard, ride a tube, or just sightsee in a speedboat. Keep a keen eye on the waves. The island’s resident dolphin pod may pop up right alongside your boat for a little sightseeing of their own. Be sure to bring a picnic and plenty of drinks. And don’t forget your snorkeling gear; you never know what the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean may have waiting for you.

4: Escape to Bonaire’s National Park

The Washington Slagbaai National Park is the place to explore hidden beaches, see the wild east side of the island, with its blow holes and tide pools, and admire stunning views from atop the island’s highest points.

The sheer size of the 14,000-acre park makes it feel almost uninhabited as you wind your way over the rough roads between points of interest that include historical structures and fascinating geological formations. Short trails lead beyond the roads and parking areas to view the blow holes, the lighthouses, and the beaches.

A camera with a good long lens may be the best piece of equipment you take on this trek. Photo ops include native parakeets, flamingos, and wild goats. Other than that, take food and drinks, plus your always-ready snorkel gear for a day of exploration. Click here to see the park on a map.

Best Place for Families to Stay on Bonaire: El Pueblo Villas

What would qualify for a most amazing place to vacation on Bonaire with kids? How about your own private pool and breathtaking views of the ocean? El Pueblo Villas #9 and #12 each offer three bedrooms, full kitchens, private pools, and endless views. The kitchens are fully equipped, allowing you to save money by preparing at least some of your own meals. Local grocery shopping is easy, with several full-service grocery stores, as well as small markets and bakeries to choose from.

The villas are located a few miles north of the city of Kralendijk in a private and quiet community. The villas perch atop cliffs, but access to the shore for ocean fun is a short drive away.

Prices during the peak season (mid-December to mid-April) for a family of four start at $2,400 per week. Summer is low season, so you can take advantage of even lower rates and include Grandma and Grandpa for a multi-generational week of water fun.

Click here for details about El Pueblo Villas and other vacation rentals on Bonaire.

Recommended Family-Friendly Restaurant on Bonaire: Capriccio

Between picnicking at the beach and home-cooked meals at your villa, treat yourself to at least a few meals out. An elegant, yet kid-friendly restaurant is Capriccio. You can’t go wrong with pizza and spaghetti, right? Mom and Dad can choose from the extensive authentic Italian menu and extensive wine list. The location is perfect for enjoying the buzz of life in town in Kralendijk near the cruise ship port and views of the waterfront.

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Reader’s Note: This post was first published July 29, 2016. It has since been updated and revised.

The post Bonaire with Kids – Caribbean Family Vacation Guide appeared first on Family Travel 411.

Having fallen under the rule of many, from Italians to Austrians to the Communism of the last century, the influence of all who passed here is unmistakable. Just look to the art, the architecture, and the food that you’ll enjoy during your stay. Today, Slovenians are proudly independent, while still embracing much of their heritage.

The country encompasses just under eight thousand square miles, making it about the size of New Jersey. The short, twenty-seven-mile coastline and the area just beyond it known as “the Karst” are easily accessible via flights into Koper and are a great region to begin your acquaintance with Slovenia.  As you plan your travels, here are 4 adventurous activities, 1 great place to stay, and 1 great place to eat while exploring coastal Slovenia with kids.

Activity 1: Descend into Skocjan Cave

Inside the entrance to Skocjan Cave, Slovenia.

The Karst region is named for the geological terrain made of grey limestone pitted by the percolation of water over the ages. As cracks form, the water works deeper into the ground, often leaving massive caverns in its wake. Two cave parks in the region are open to the public. Postojna is perhaps the most popular with tourists, but Skocjan comes with the opportunity to experience something found in few caves anywhere in the world.

Your first awareness of the river comes as a distant rumble, about a third of the way through your tour. The roar then builds as you continue along the trail until you can barely hear your guide as she points out the crumbling trails left by early explorers. The river rushes through the cave with such fierceness that the air surrounds you with the heavy mist it creates crashing over rocks as it makes its way deep into the darkness. Step carefully across the bridge suspended high above the rushing water. And as you do, just imagine what those first explorers must have experienced.

Travel Notes: Photography is not allowed inside the cave except at the exit. The river portion of the tour is far too wet for most cameras anyway. The ideal plan is to take a camera along for photos at the end and on the trails beyond the exit, but pack it inside a backpack that will protect it from the moisture while keeping your hands free for using the handrails as you traverse the trail.

The temperature is a chilly fifty degrees, so bring a jacket. There are multiple areas with stairs (all with handrails), and of course, the bridge, so keep in mind that this could be at the edge of your comfort zone. Website: http://www.park-skocjanske-jame.si/en/read/the-skocjan-caves/explore-the-caves

Activity 2: Prance Through Lipica Horse Park

Get carried away in your own fairy tale adventure with a carriage ride in the Karst.

If ever there was a place where fairy tale horses live in an idyllic place, this would be it. The breed of horses known as Lipizzaner sprang to life on this farm in the hills of Slovenia. The Archduke Charles purchased the estate from the Bishop of Trieste in 1580 with the sole purpose of creating a royal stud farm.

Today a visit to the farm can include watching special events in dressage and carriage driving, leisurely walks through the grounds, an educational hands-on and surprisingly high-tech museum, and even a ride in a carriage pulled by two of the beautiful white horses. Visits in the summer come with the added joy of seeing the spring babies with their mothers in the pastures–a treat for any vacation in Slovenia with kids. Website: http://www.lipica.org/en/

Activity 3: Hike, Hike, and Hike Some More

Hiking Donkey’s Trail Along the Seca Ridge, Slovenia.

Outdoor activities are a way of life in Slovenia, with hiking leading the list. The coastal and Karst regions have trails for all abilities, including trails that connect coastal towns, trails that pass historic sites, and trails that simply bring you closer to nature.

A good start is a route called “Donkey’s Trail Along the Seca Ridge” with views of the sea. Complete details about the donkey trail and others in the region are at Enjoy the Hinterland.  Website: https://www.slovenia.info/en/things-to-do/active-holidays/hiking

 Tip: The PDF option on the website allows you to save the details of the trail on your smartphone before you leave home.

Activity 4: Splash in the Adriatic

A sample of Slovenia’s coastline.

Slovenia may have only a bit coastline, but its ties to the sea are strong. And as you’ll see, residents love spending time in the water. But don’t imagine long stretches of beach lined with palm trees here. As one resident put it, “Those tropical beaches all look the same. Here we have beaches with character.”

Beaches with character means pebbly beaches beneath rocky cliffs. And sometimes beaches that aren’t beaches at all, but merely wide concrete seawalls from which to enter the clear waters of the Adriatic. However, the water temperature in the summer averages in the lower seventy-degree range, making it quite comfortable. And don’t forget to bring masks and snorkels, particularly along the shore of the Strunjan Nature Preserve and at the Lighthouse Park in Izola, where there are plenty of fish to see. Website: https://www.slovenia.info/en/places-to-go/regions/mediterranean-slovenia

1 Great Place to Stay in Coastal Slovenia with Kids: Hotel Maestoso

Hotel Maestoso at the Lipica farm.

“Maestoso” means in a majestic manner. It is also appropriately the name of one of the breeding lines of the Lipizzaner horses. The Hotel Maestoso at the Lipica farm is centrally located for exploring the region. Its calming country atmosphere makes an ideal base to return to after a day of exploring. Consider a package that includes admission to the interior of the park, with access to the museum and the stables.

Perhaps the biggest bonus for staying at the farm itself is the thundering return of the mares each evening. As their dinner hour approaches, the herd gallops from the fields where they graze to the barn. You can ask at the entrance of the park the approximate time and where to await the spectacle. Website: http://www.lipica.org/si/kje-bivati/hotel-maestoso

1 Great Place to Eat: The Sidewalk Cafes of Izola

Cafe-hop al fresco in Italian-influenced Izola.

Izola is a tiny fishing village that retained a stronger Italian heritage than much of the region. You may even encounter locals speaking Italian here rather than Slovenian. Explore new foods and enjoy a few favorites at the sidewalk cafes of Izola, all in one afternoon. Lunch can be a leisurely, multi-course affair as you wander from one café to the next. Or find one with a selection everyone can agree on and spend time sampling shared portions. From meat and cheese starters, you can progress to briny anchovies in olive oil. Or perhaps squid? Then on to the pasta before a main course of fried or grilled fish. Most of these eateries will be family owned and operated so feel free to ask questions about unfamiliar foods.

Seafood primer: Small fish are a staple of the locals. They have many names and many methods of preparation and may be served filleted or whole. Tiny fish like anchovies or sardines would be eaten whole, including the bones. For anything larger than a sardine, just scrape the meat from the bones on your plate.

Website: http://www.izola.eu/index.php?page=static&item=8&tree_root=1

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1. You may or may not need passports on some cruises.

This could potentially save you some money if your kids don’t already have passports, but you should be familiar all the options and their downsides. Family members on closed-loop cruises that begin and end at U.S. ports and sail to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada, and Mexico allow passengers to sail with birth certificates and photo ID’s or passport cards in lieu of the traditional passport book.

The passport card is an economical option, with application and processing fees for children under 16 totaling only $40, compared to $105 for the passport book. Barring accidents, medical evacuations, or mechanical difficulties with the ship, the card is a great way to save money. If however, there were to be an emergency that necessitated a flight home from a foreign port, having only the birth certificate or the card could pose difficulties. Because neither are valid for flights from foreign ports to the U.S., they won’t get you back in the country in an emergency.

In those instances, you would have to apply at the nearest embassy for a temporary passport to return home, a process that can take days. The bottom line is that if you are unsure about needing passports for your kids in the future, the card is a great option, but the safest plan is the standard passport book. Just be sure to apply for them well in advance and to budget for the cost.

2. Your kids’ temperaments may not be a fit for every cruise.

Cruising is not a one-size-fits-all vacation. Some teens would love a Disney cruise, others might not speak to you for months if you try to get them to sail with Mickey. And as much as you might enjoy a cruise on a luxury line, it might be a bad fit for a rowdy six-year old.

Also, consider whether your kids are more suited to the fast pace of back-to-back days of island fun or do they need a break from the excitement on an itinerary that includes lazy days at sea. For kids that need consistency in meals and sleeping arrangements, a cruise might be the perfect way to take them to see Europe, Asia, or Australia. You can see the wonders of the world all day and return to your floating hotel each evening.

And certainly, consider temperaments when deciding on the length of the cruise. Three to five nights might be perfect for an easily-bored teenager, while barely long enough for a timid pre-teen to settle into the fun. (For more help, see Tips for Travel with Kids of Every Temperament.)

3. Size and location matter when you choose a cabin.

A “family-friendly” balcony cabin.

There is no getting around the fact that cruise cabins are small. Typical balcony cabins sleep two adults and one child (on a fold out sofa bed). Larger families can get adjoining rooms to spread or multi-room suites.The goal is to get the largest room you can afford to make sure everyone is comfortable. Cruise Critic Community Boards are one of the best ways to find perfect cabins. You can read what others have liked and disliked about specific cabins or cabin categories on specific ships.

In general, keep the following in mind: the center of the ship offers the smoothest ride and makes getting around the ship easiest. If you choose a cabin at the very back of one of the mega ships, be prepared to hike three football fields from one end of the ship to the other– something that really matters when you are keeping up with the shipboard activities of several family members.

4. Grandparents can make great cruise companions.

Cruising with a family can become exhausting for parents who try to squeeze too much into the limited time. Trying to make everyone happy can keep you running from dawn to midnight. Consider taking along other adults in the family that will enjoy sharing the fun with the kids. Time spent on the adventures of a cruise can become the glue that bonds the generations, with the bonus for parents of having someone else along to share the work load.

5. Planning shore activities in advance saves time and headaches.

Not only do you need the ability to pack properly based on the activities planned, but booking everything in advance eliminates arguments at a time when everybody is adapting to new surroundings. Booking in advance also allows you to stay within your budget for extra activities.

With multiple children, you can let each child help plan one day’s activities. There may be times when age restrictions could potentially lead to an older child wanting to participate in an activity that younger siblings would not be able to take part in. If things like watercraft rentals or scuba diving are a priority for older kids, consider splitting into two groups.

6. Food options vary from ship to ship.

No matter the cruise line, it’s hard to go wrong with dessert!

If you have a choosy eater in the family, pick your ship wisely. This is again where the community on Cruise Critic can help. You can usually find plenty of posts describing everything from the buffet lineup to reviews of the pizza on dozens of ships.

Generally, the larger the ship the more options you will have available to choose from. Small ships can be a challenge, but even the smallest ships usually have kids’ meals of spaghetti or macaroni and cheese. Buffets are becoming more and more elaborate, with cooked-to-order stations for everything from pasta to hot sandwiches. And let’s not forget the staple on the high seas—ice cream.

Cruising also affords the opportunity to expand the food horizons of adventurous eaters. It is easy to encourage kids to try new things when you know that if they really don’t like it, an ever-gracious waiter will be happy to bring something else.

7. Know what you’re getting into with beverage packages.

Drink packages can be quite confusing. Keep in mind that water, tea, coffee, and fruit punches are available on most ships at no charge. The non-alcoholic packages sold by most cruise lines are for sodas, specialty juices, bottled water, and/or frozen fruit drinks. Reading the options carefully before deciding can help you avoid paying for a package when simply paying as needed for individual drinks might be a more economical way to go.

Also, remember that the tap water onboard ships is well filtered and safe to drink. Consider taking along collapsible water bottles (which are far more ocean-friendly anyway) for each family member that can be filled from the faucet in your cabin.

8. Everyone will need at least two dinner outfits.

Even on ships that no longer have designated “formal” nights, the dinner hour on most cruises is usually celebrated with clothing that would be suitable for a moderately priced restaurant. Laundry services are usually available onboard, but remember that most of those are on a 24-hour turn-around, so a minimum of two dinner outfits is appropriate to cover the possibility of spills and stains.

Ships with formal nights offer teen and preteen girls an opportunity to essentially play dress-up while onboard. If they don’t already have clothes that would work, consider shopping at thrift stores or on EBay for some suitably fun outfits.

9. Not all onboard entertainment is family friendly.

Most ships offer an array of entertainment choices, some that are family-friendly and many that are not. It is worth checking the message boards relating to entertainment for specific cruise lines before you book. Once on board, read the details about each entertainment offering to make sure that they are suitable for your age children.

Keep in mind that alcohol is prevalent on all cruise lines, and on most, other than Disney, it is impossible to avoid passing or even crossing through bars on board. Again, this is where cabin position is a key factor to consider. Study the deck plans in advance to decide if there are easy routes from your cabin of choice around any of the venues you may prefer to avoid.

A multi-gen family cruise makes for a great (and easy) family reunion.

10. Kids’ programs may be a bonus–but don’t count on it.

Cruising with your family is about sailing the high seas on an adventure together. You get to face the challenges of a new method of travel and new ports of call every day. Sure, the cruise ship will have a designated area for kids to hang out. Sure, they will offer supervised, age-specific activities that may be a fun diversion when the ship is underway, but go into it with the idea that whatever your kids get out of that is a bonus to the family trip and you will not be disappointed if the program and your kids are not a perfect match.

Do your homework on the kids’ programs when you are deciding which cruise line to sail on, but keep in mind that each ship is an autocracy to a certain degree, and there will be variables among even ships within the same cruise line. Once on board, it is wise to personally check out the activities your child wishes to participate in. Trust, but verify, as you would at home.

Need tips for planning a cruise with a baby or toddler in tow?

Get help comparing cruise lines, including infant and child discounts, childcare and kids’ club requirements, and perks for babies, plus dozens more cruise vacation planning and packing tips in Part VII of Travels with Baby: The Ultimate Guide for Planning Travel with Your Baby, Toddler, and Preschooler, and don’t miss –> Five Things You Should Know Before Planning a Cruise with a Baby or Toddler.

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Geographically, it’s almost like dropping Yellowstone National Park in the ocean. The obvious difference is that Puerto Rico has a population of just over three million people. Puerto Rico is a living and breathing history of the exploration of the New World. It is unique in its culture, cuisine, and governmental status within U.S. territories.

And while no trip to the island would be complete without seeing the forts of Old San Juan, going beyond the city to Northeastern Puerto Rico with kids is the easiest way to sample the feast of fun the commonwealth offers including beaches, water sports, and bio-diversity.

Activity 1: Hike the El Yunque National Rainforest

Take a hike–in the United States Forest System’s only tropical rainforest.

In the U.S. Forest system there is only one tropical rainforest: El Yunque. It dominates the eastern skyline from the moment you leave the airport in San Juan. The excitement builds as the roads take you higher and higher into the mountains as El Yunque National Forest grows thicker. Just inside the boundary, the first stop is El Portal—the stunning entrance center loaded with educational displays, a gift shop, a café, and even locals selling crafts.

The El Portal Trail that leads from the parking lot is a great introductory hike. This loop is three tenths of a mile long with only a few inclines. In this short space, you begin to feel the intensity of life in the forest—giant fallen trees slowly being covered with undergrowth, vines that reach toward the sun where it peeks through the canopy, and the ever-present chirping of birds and tree frogs. Longer hikes beckon throughout the forest, allowing you to plan an entire day in the forest if you choose.

Any visit to El Yunque should include stops at the Yokahu Lookout Tower and at one of the food concession areas for local treats like fried plantains. If you choose not to rent a car for your trip, there are numerous tour operators that will provide transportation to the forest. Bespoke Lifestyle Tours offers several options, including combination packages with other attractions.

Activity 2: Kayak in a Bioluminescent Bay

Kayak or catch a glass-bottom boat ride on a bioluminescent bay.

In the dark of the night, watch as inky black water sparkles like fairy dust with every stroke of your paddle. This is your chance to kayak through a narrow mangrove entry into Laguna Grande near Fajardo. Tiny microbes that live in the water glow when there is a disturbance in the water—like paddling, or even swishing your hand around. Think about how fireflies glow in little bursts and you get the idea. Tours lead groups of kayakers through the dark tunnel of mangroves each night. Kayaking in near total darkness is an adventure but the reward is seeing the delightful twinkles in the water.

Getting to the bio glow:

One of the world’s most active bio bays, Mosquito Bay, is located on the nearby island of Vieques. To see that one requires an overnight stay on Vieques, as the last return ferry departs at 6:30 in the evening. If you plan to rent a car for your island adventure, this might be an interesting side trip, but if you are content to stay put in Fajardo, Glass Bottom PR Tours will show you the best of Laguna Grande.

The guides are funny, informative, and work hard to give you a good tour. They’ll even bring along a tarp to huddle under to block out light for the best viewing. Tours are for ages six and up and can be purchased online with or without transportation from area hotels. If you stay at El Conquistador, the meeting point for the kayaking is a short walk along the road south from the marina level.

Tips: Take flashlights for the walk, but put them away in a drybag for the kayaking. Any camera you plan to use needs a waterproof housing, but don’t expect great photos of the bio-luminescence. It’s almost impossible to capture, making it a perfect time to remind the family about the joys of living in the moment without electronic devices.

Activity 3: Explore Palomino Island

Paradise found on Palomino Island.

Palomino Island is a private enclave of the El Conquistador Resort with so many activities you will find it difficult to do it all during your stay. The expected things like water sports (equipment is available to rent) are highlighted by the unexpected like lawn games, hiking, and horseback riding.

And then there is the beach. Sugary white sand rings the island. Spend time lounging in the sun, splash around in the designated swim area, or scope out a shady spot under the trees to enjoy a view of the turquoise Caribbean waters. A quieter beach is a short hike up and over the island’s hills. Snorkeling is good along the shallow reef on the island’s north side.

The island is a favorite with locals on weekends. Fortunately on weekdays you can expect considerably smaller crowds. Access to Palomino Island is free for resort guests via a fifteen-minute boat ride from the marina at the base of the resort cliffs. It’s a great outing for visitors to Puerto Rico with kids.

Activity 4: Splash in the Coqui Water Park

Luxuriate on a lazy river or go for a wild ride down a water slide at Coqui Water Park.

When you have had your fill of sand, but the kids still crave water play, a little time at El Conquistador’s onsite water park, Coqui Water Park, is just the thing. Resort guests have free access to the three slides, a zero-entry infinity pool, and a lazy river tube ride. Day passes are available for non-resort guests as well.

As with Palomino Island, the water park is a busy spot on weekends and mid-day during the summer. If possible, give it a try weekday mornings or evenings for quieter family fun. It may be your go-to spot following a day of adventure exploring the area.

1 Great Place to Stay in Puerto Rico with Kids: El Conquistador Resort      

Puerto Rico’s El Conquistador Resort.

Puerto Rico’s El Conquistador Resort has a history dating back to 1962 when it opened as one of the island’s premier resorts. History aside, the best part for traveling families is convenience. Using their airport shuttle service and tour providers could keep you from needing a rental car at all. But if you do need a car, Enterprise is available onsite.

Don’t shy away from the Waldorf Astoria factor. Rest assured the resort is family friendly throughout. In addition to the water park and the private island, there are seven swimming pools. And you’ll find a maze of open spaces for enjoying the breeze and the stunning sea and mountain views.

One of the most fun things about the resort is not even an official attraction. The main resort is built on a steep cliff, with a funicular shuttling guests to the resort’s lower levels and water’s edge. The scenic ride is sure to be a hit with the kids.

Standard rooms are large and include refrigerators and coffee makers. But for even more space and a resort within a resort atmosphere, choose La Casitas Village. There you’ll have options of one, two, and three bedroom villas with kitchenettes.

1 Great Place for Families to Eat: Pizza to Go from Café Bella Vista

Just call in a pizza to Bella Vista Cafe–easy.

Food is never more than a few steps away in El Conquistador’s main hotel. Choices range from fine dining in the evening to casual food morning, noon, and night. There are grab-and-go options where you can get sandwiches, chips, and ice cream.

Tip: Families with picky eaters will appreciate the breakfast buffet option. Or maybe a trip to the tiny ice cream bar near the funicular for waffles as a reward. There’s even a full-service Starbucks in the main lobby area.

With all the outdoor fun and exploration, we found takeout pizza from Café Bella Vista a helpful option. It’s centrally located near the main lobby. Call in your order and kick back. Then send Dad to pick up piping hot thin-crust pepperoni for an in-room pizza party.

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The post Northeastern Puerto Rico with Kids – Caribbean Family Vacation Guide appeared first on Family Travel 411.

From Six Flags over Texas to the Texas Motor Speedway, the list of fun and entertainment is extensive (it can be daunting to narrow the options). There are two keys to fully enjoying the area. The first is to stay in a central location; the second is to set aside everything you think you know about Texas, except the “big” part.

Yes, there are horses and people wearing hats and boots, including some genuine cowboys and cowgirls, but these cities in North Texas have much more to offer. Here are my suggestions for a fun and fascinating visit to Dallas-Fort Worth with kids.

Activity 1: Mingle with Lions, Tigers, and Cowgirls in Fort Worth

Between the zoo, parks, and museums, it’s a full day in Fort Worth with kids!

Think giraffes. A perfect day in Fort Worth with kids involves a morning visit to the zoo, a leisurely stroll through the lush Botanic Gardens, and a bit of “edutainment” at one of the museums in the Cultural District. The Fort Worth Zoo features 542 species, including 68 on the endangered list. It is the only zoo in the country that houses four species of the great apes– gorillas, orangutans, bonobos and chimpanzees. There are exhibits to please every age and room to roam between them. The Petting Corral lets kids put hands on the animals of Texas, including a longhorn calf.

After the thrill of the zoo, the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens could be just the ticket for a bit of quiet downtime. It is the oldest botanical garden in the state. If little legs are tired, even a drive through the lush gardens is a relaxing change of pace.

The Botanic Gardens essentially act as a gateway to the Cultural District. Choose art, science, or even cowgirl history from among the museums in the district. There are bicycle rentals, walking paths, and plenty of green space between museums. The district is also home to the Will Rogers Memorial Center, the venue for the famed Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, held in January each year.

For more on Fort Worth with Kids: Here’s the website for more information about all things Fort Worth.

Activity 2: Travel Through Time in Dallas

Catch a dinner show fit for a king at Dallas’s Medieval Times.

Think history. Dallas is home to high-rises and big business, but squeezed between the buildings are some of the area’s most interesting and entertaining attractions. Kick off your day at Pioneer Plaza, where life-sized statues of cowboys on horseback herd their bronze cattle on a trail drive frozen in time through this urban park near the Dallas Convention Center.

Next up is a visit to the Dallas World Aquarium, which may be the least aquarium-like aquarium in the country. Pathways transport you deep into tropical forests, through cenotes, and across the wilds of Borneo. Birds, fish, reptiles, and even playful otters greet you around every curve in this vertical exploration.

Wrap up your Dallas day with athletic equines and a feast from another century. Medieval Times hosts a dinner show fit for a king, or for a horse-loving family as the case may be. The choreography and theatrical presentation by the human actors are to be applauded, but the real stars of the show are the horses. Andalusians, Friesians, and American Quarter Horses charge, leap, and prance their way through the evening in displays of dressage and pure athleticism.

For more on Dallas with Kids: Learn more about Dallas attractions here.

Activity 3: Make a Splash at Lake Grapevine

Go boating (and swimming!) at Grapevine Lake during your visit to Dallas-Fort Worth with kids.

Think water. Between two busy days in Dallas-Fort Worth with kids, a bit of outdoor fun changes the tempo. Lake Grapevine is a quiet oasis amid the chaos of the Metroplex. The state park includes picnic areas and public fishing. Boat rentals of all sizes are available from Sam’s Dock at Silver Lake Marina.

Pontoon boats are a popular family-friendly option. The open deck area allows for freedom of movement and attached awnings provide much-needed shade. A tour of the lake by water allows time for fishing, swimming in warm weather months, and even a picnic.

Activity 4: Ride the Rails on a Vintage Train

Take a ride on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad.

Think railroad. The conductor greets you with a smile and helps you up the steps and into a moment from the past. Once the train leaves the station, the well-preserved cars of the Grapevine Vintage Railroad glide along the tracks with plenty to see along the way.

A variety of fun options enhance the schedule throughout the year, including a North Pole Express, Fun Train rides with hands-on activities for kids, and even scheduled train robberies during summer months. Or just ride the train to the Fort Worth Stockyards, spend the afternoon, then ride the train back to Grapevine.

1 Great Place to Stay: Great Wolf Lodge

Family-friendly is the name of the game at Great Wolf Lodge.

Think indoor fun. Great Wolf Lodge is centrally located for your Dallas-Fort Worth explorations and it is a complete lodging and entertainment experience for the whole family. From wave pools and water slides to a ropes course and a bowling alley, there plenty of fun choices for every age. There are character appearances, arts and craft activities, and a pajama party story time in the evenings.

While the kids are engaged in supervised activities, parents can take a break in the Elements Spa or squeeze in a workout in the fitness center. There’s also a Scooops Kids Spa—the perfect place for some Mom and daughter time.

As if all of that convenience is not enough, the rooms are designed with families in mind. There are standard hotel-type rooms, but the real jewels are the themed suites with fun sleeping areas for the kids made to look like cabins, wolf dens, or safari tents. For even more space, including separate master bedrooms and dining areas, the premium suites sleep up to eight. Click here to get all the details on a Great Wolf Escape.

1 Great Place to Eat in Dallas with Kids (or Grapevine): El Fenix

Get your Tex-Mex fix at El Fenix while visiting Dallas Fort Worth with kids.

Think cheese. Lots of cheese. A trip to Texas is not complete without eating Tex-Mex food. From tacos and tostados to quesadillas and enchiladas, Texas-style Mexican food is served with heaping bowls of chips and salsa and plenty of cheese melted on almost everything. The tastiest and most convenient choice for Tex-Mex in the Metroplex is the family-owned chain, El Fenix.

Children are always welcome and the menus are picky-eater proof. Besides tacos and quesadillas, there are comfort favorites like mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, and grilled cheese sandwiches.

There are plenty of locations to choose from, but the Downtown Dallas location is convenient to the World Aquarium, and the Grapevine location is a short drive from Great Wolf.  Read more about the history of this Texas favorite here.

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Milan is also younger than Rome and Venice—both in history and in spirit. It’s the financial, industrial, and technological heartbeat of Italy, so the pace is quick, yet comfortable. A visit here usually focuses on relatively recent history when compared with Rome, like the work of Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) or the Duomo di Milano, on which construction began a mere 630 years ago.

Not to mention, the food scene is ideal for families traveling with children. There is pizza on almost every corner in the city center and though pasta takes a back seat to risotto throughout the region, it is still available as an easy fallback for the picky eater. The real trick though, is choosing an entrée when there are so many visible treats everywhere you turn. Here’s where I recommend you start…

Activity 1: Eat a Rainbow of Gelato in the City Center

How can you go wrong when you build a “gelato day” into the itinerary?

The city center surrounds the Milan cathedral or Duomo, and was originally enclosed by walls for defense. The modern city center incorporates historical features alongside shopping, dining, lodging, and businesses of all variety. If your time in Milan is short, this is the place to spend every available second.

Wander the narrow streets. Stand in awe of the enormous Duomo. Be inspired by the art that surrounds you in the Galleria. And do it all between gelaterias. Adults and older kids may enjoy touring the Duomo and its museum, but everyone loves circling the outside of the massive structure, ice cream cone in hand, counting the weird gargoyles intricately carved in the spires. (There are 135, by the way.)

Maybe even consider designating your first full day as “gelato day.” The whole family can soak in the Italian atmosphere, get your bearings, and get the ice cream urge satisfied before you dig deeper into the city’s offerings.

Activity 2: Picnic in Sempione Park and Explore a Medieval Castle

Stock up for your picnic Eataly, then get outside and explore!

So much of what Milan has to offer is indoors, making a picnic the perfect way to take a break between museums. Sempione Park is an ideal choice. The park has play structures, tables to dine on, free Wi-Fi, and a real castle.

Shop for your meal at Eataly, just a few blocks away from the park. Save plenty of time to fully explore the store before you choose lunch ingredients from among an amazing array of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and chocolate. Grab some bottles of sparkling water, then hike to the park.

After lunch, head to the Castello Sforzesco, where you can explore the works of Da Vinci, and even see the last incomplete statue by Michelangelo. Be sure to explore Sforzinda, the area specifically designated for children.

Tip: Admission to the castle is free every Tuesday after 2:00 PM.

Activity 3: Sightsee by Tram

Touring Milan with kids is easy when you get the right tram pass (Hop on! Hop off!).

When feet grow weary of walking city streets, it’s time to hop on a tram car and see parts of the city you might otherwise miss. The city’s public transportation system includes Metro trains, buses, tram cars, and bicycles, all of which are simple to use. But a special tram ride is available as a hop-on, hop-off city tour for only 15 Euros for adults and 10 Euros for children ages 5 to 12. There are two major tour routes, each covering different attractions, with only slight overlaps in the city center.

Tip: Tram 2 is a great way to get to Eataly and Sempione Park on your picnic day, after your castle tour hop back on to see the rest of the loop route before returning to your hotel. The stop nearest Eataly is P. le Biamonte. From that stop, turn right and walk south on Via Carlo Farini to the intersection with Via Allesandro Volta. Turn left and go about a block to the intersection with Viale Passubio. Turn left again and walk about 300 yards to Eataly.

Activity 4: Appreciate Music at La Scala

La Scala offers special programming just for kids, including some preschooler-friendly productions.

What better place to expose children to the musical arts than in one of the most famous opera houses in the world? Teatro alla Scala offers a special schedule throughout the year designed to interest children, including opera and orchestra performances.

Though the operas are usually in Italian, seat backs include digital translations to English for children old enough to read. For preschoolers, performances of favorites like Cinderella often transcend the language barrier.

1 Great Place to Stay in Milan with Kids: Milan’s TownHouse Galleria

Spend the night in a National Monument at Milan’s TownHouse Galleria.

The ability to actually stay inside a national monument like the Galleria Emmanuelle Vittorio II is reason enough to choose the TownHouse Galleria as your lodging in Milan. Factor in the warm comfort and the quiet grace of this hotel and you have a winner.

Galleria-view rooms have windows that open directly into the Galleria. Not to worry, they are well sealed against echoes of the shoppers and sightseers on the tile floors below. There are choices of rooms sizes, all comfortably appointed. It was once billed as a “Seven Stars” hotel, and while the service and amenities live up to that ranking, the atmosphere and furnishings are not intimidating for families traveling with children.

An added bonus for staying at the TownHouse is the newly opened Highline Galleria that allows you to walk from the hotel out onto the rooftop of the Galleria, where you can take in the stunning sights of the city center with an up close look at the spires of the Duomo.

1 Great Place to Eat in Milan with Kids: Ratana

A former train station sets the scene for relaxed, delicious dining in Milan.

Housed in a former railroad building, Ratana feels fresh and inviting from the first step into the courtyard. Once inside the glass front doors, you’re transported to what feels like an Italian farm house. The warm wooden tables have a hand-rubbed finish that looks as though they may have served meals to many generations.

Chef Cesare Bastisti serves an interesting menu of rustic cuisine from Northern Italy that incorporates modern techniques. Must-order items include: breadsticks served in baskets of straw, fried meatballs, and Risotto Milanese.

If your children are not risotto eaters, the kitchen is willing to go off menu for a simple pasta dish. The fish and chips might also be a good meal to share with little ones. Ratana is enchanting at night, but the park-like setting, with outdoor seating and a playground also make it a lovely spot for lunch.

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