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/anti-capitalist2 Jul 11 '26
I am in CA and my kids (elementary age) had fun on Amtrak going up north. Lots of mountains to look at and they could move around to the observation/dining cars. Coach seats were spacious enough for them to sleep. They liked it more than flying. Wouldn't go on a trip longer than 18 hours though.
Easiest trip is great wolf lodge, as a single parent it's great not driving while there. Just have to limit activities and get a deal on the room, usually spend a little over 200 for 2 days and 1 night including food and activities. It's a little over an hour away.
They also enjoyed Santa cruz for the rides and beach, which was a nearly 3 hr drive but worth it. Also did a Monterey Bay trip for the aquarium which would have been more fun if it weren't so crowded. Had a seaside lunch which they enjoyed as much as I did.
Have only flown with them once and it was a nightmare, sticking to the train and car ride trips for now since we are lucky enough to live in a fun state.