Vacations Spots for Kids Age Four to Ten

The beach is just one vacation spot that's great for kids.beach image by Horticulture from Fotolia.com

Traveling with the whole family can get expensive, so it's wise to choose a destination that everyone can enjoy. Fortunately, when you're traveling with kids ages four to 10, simply being in a new environment can be enough to make them excited. You can find vacation spots to fit any budget.

Theme Parks

Theme parks can be a great trip for the whole family. At four years old, your child is ready to try out some of the kiddie rides while your 10-year-old may be tall enough to qualify for the "big kid" rides. Disney World is, of course, one of the most popular destinations, but there are many other options as well. Six Flags theme parks are located all over the country and the Great Wolf Lodge theme parks are indoor water parks that you can even enjoy in the winter.

Some kids just need a shovel and pail to be happy for hours, which allows their parents to relax with a magazine. At the beaches in Hawaii, particularly Hanauma Bay, kids can learn to snorkel and see the life undersea. Renting a cottage for a week at a nearby lake can be an inexpensive way to spend a vacation.

If you think your kids are ready to rough it, try visiting a campsite and pitching a tent. Campsites range from those by the beach to those deep in the woods. Some offer family activities during the day and evening time at the site's recreation building. Others have plenty of opportunity to commune with nature by taking hikes.

Cities like Boston, New York and Washington may seem like unlikely destinations for a family vacation, but they are educational places to visit. Most large cities have historical sites, and they have special places that cater to children, like a children's museum, aquarium or zoo.

A family resort can take all of the guesswork out of your family vacation. Typically located at a beach or ski destinations, a resort will include everything you need to keep your kids happy - a pool, fun activities and ways to meet new friends. Best of all, you can pay one all-inclusive price and won't have to worry about the added expense of food.