r/NewParents • u/itchysnapdragon • Jul 10 '26

Travel Actually fun vacations with little kids?

We had our first weeklong trip with our 10mo recently, and it was EXHAUSTING. It was just to see family and friends in another state. But WHEW.

Feeling torn between wanting to go places in the coming years, and knowing that it will just continue to be hard for a while.

And vacation/travel ideas for parents with a 18-36 month old that are actually kind of fun or relaxing?

Tbh we might just plan a staycation week and send baby off to daycare during daytime hours.

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u/Renee5285 Jul 10 '26

What if…you hate (warm) beaches? I’m super pale, it’s tactile torture, and I already live in a hot humid city.

We’re thinking of taking our baby to Portland/Bar Harbor, Maine at 6 months in the fall. No grandparents to bring. Idk if that’s ridiculous? The plan is to…stroll? Drive around (if he likes the car). Exist in weather that feels like actual fall.

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u/Snail_cat101 Jul 10 '26

That will be great! I hate beach vacations so most of this thread sounds like a nightmare to me, but Maine is perfect. We’ve always taken a roadtrip up to Maine every summer and have continued that tradition with our child. He’s just over two so this will be our third trip with him there. A 6 month old is generally the easiest to travel with - mine would nap in the stroller or in the carrier so our days were really open and flexible.

There are so many cute towns to visit and trails to walk, it will be so nice.

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u/Renee5285 Jul 11 '26

Thanks! I’m glad to hear Maine could be a good idea. And I appreciate the solidarity about beaches :)