Planning the best family vacation ever, year after year, can be time consuming and daunting.  After all, family vacations require activities conducive to a variety of ages, interests and attention spans.  On top of that, there’s a budget to contend with.

Luckily, I’ve discovered the solution to the planning angst, producing the best family vacation year after year.  We’re talking family bonding, togetherness, memories to last a life time…the works! So don’t despair. Whether overwhelmed with endless vacation ideas, or drawing a complete blank, the following fool-proof list will help.

Armed with the workplace training concept KISS (Keep it Simple Stupid), I’ve parred the best family vacation choices down to the very reasonable number 3.  These 3 best family vacations can be mixed and matched, rotated or otherwise selected throughout the years, and you can absolutely not go wrong!

Best Family Vacation #1: Lake House with Boat

Renting a lovely waterfront vacation rental has to be one of the very best family vacations ever.  From the youngest family member to the oldest, there is instant entertainment.  Play a few games, eat some good food, talk and enjoy the view.  In between, play in the water, swim, layout on rafts, and spend fun times boating!

Before renting a home, I recommend asking whether a rental boat can be delivered to your dock.  The management company or home owner should be able to provide pricing, along with a lake map or suggested site seeing.  No one will forget this incredible family vacation.

Best Family Vacation #2: Theme Park Experience

If you’ve ever thought Disneyland has “been done,” or is too expensive, you’re right!  Prices are sky high, lines are out of sight…my question to those of you who are considering such a stressful, expensive trip is just WHY?

The largest theme park in the northwest covers hundreds of acres, including incredible roller coasters, family rides, games, attractions, shops, and even a full sized water park.  I’m talking about Silverwood Theme Park, just north of Coeur d’Alene in Athol, Idaho.  It is a must-see, unforgettable experience for the whole family – toddlers to grandma.

As someone who has been to theme parks across the nation, including Busch Gardens, multiple Six Flags, Knotts, Magic Mountain, Disneyland AND Disney World, I can tell you from first hand knowledge that Silverwood will not disappoint! You can spend several days there and nobody will be bored.  In fact, Silverwood my favorite theme park ever due to the quality and size combined with the great price and short lines.  Love.

Best Family Vacation #3:  Nature Adventures

Spending the vast majority of the year in an office, in school, in our house, and just generally inside…the best family vacation #3 involves spending active time outdoors.  There is nowhere better to get back to nature with all ages than the northwest.  The air is fresh, crisp and inviting.  The views are breath-taking and memorable.  And the variety is ideal to satisfy every taste.  Discuss your desired activity level with your local vacation rental reservationist for trail suggestions and maps.

My recommendation is to stay in a centrally located vacation rental.  After a day of hiking Chilco Mountain, biking the Hiawatha, or strolling the scenic Centennial Trail, there is nothing in the world better than a home cooked meal and evening in.  Ask for grocery delivery, a catered meal or even a private chef 🙂

Enjoy your best family vacation ever!!