Traveling on vacation with young children can be a lot of WORK! It can also be a lot of fun if you plan ahead. Here are some tips to make your trip enjoyable for the whole family:
Find a Place to Stay that Has Kid-Friendly Amenities
When choosing accommodations, look for places that cater to families with young children. Condos with kid-friendly amenities like smart TVs in the bedrooms and provided cribs or Pack and Plays are ideal. Having these amenities will keep your little ones entertained and ensure their safety and comfort during your stay. Some properties even offer toys and books for children. Local vendors, like Coastal Crib Rental, offer multiple options for cribs and play toys for babies and toddlers. They are an MVH Added Fun Partner, so they provide an exclusive discount to our guests.
Stay in a Place Near Lots of Kid-Friendly Fun
To minimize travel time and the chance for midafternoon temper tantrums, choose accommodations that are close to kid-friendly attractions and activities. Here are a few popular destinations in the Destin area that offer fun for young children:
- HarborWalk Village: This vibrant waterfront area offers entertainment, restaurants, and shops suitable for all ages.
- Big Kahuna's Water & Adventure Park: A water park with slides, pools, and other attractions perfect for kids.
- The Village of Baytowne Wharf: A charming village with shops, restaurants, and a playground for children to enjoy.
- Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park: Kids can observe and learn about marine life through interactive exhibits and live shows.
Choose the Right Accommodations
Make sure to choose accommodations that provide enough space for your family, especially if you have multiple children or are traveling with another family. Having separate rooms for everyone to sleep in is crucial, as it allows children to have their own sleeping space and ensures a good night's rest for everyone.
Also, keep in mind what amenities your family would enjoy. Many families with young children love kiddie pools and/or sloped entry pools. Our vacation rentals in the Westwinds community have a kiddie pool the littles are sure to love! Some of the resort buildings in The Village of Baytowne Wharf feature sloped entry pools as well. Our customer service department is ready and waiting to help you with any questions you have about our vacation rentals. They are great at giving suggestions to local places that kids would love!
Pack All of the Essentials
When traveling with young children, it's important to pack all the essential items they need. Consider the following items for your packing checklist:
- Wipes, diapers, and swim diapers
- Rash cream, zinc oxide, and sunblock
- Hats and umbrellas for beach days
- Extra bottles and sippy cups, along with dishwasher tabs for cleaning
- Favorite snacks, drinks, and meals
- Ziplock bags for storing snacks on the go
- Additional towels, swimwear, and clothes in case of accidents
- Extra laundry tablets for unexpected laundry needs
- Entertainment options and charging cables for electronic devices
- Your child's favorite stuffed animal or toy for comfort
Book Dinner Reservations in Advance
To avoid long wait times with young children, make dinner reservations in advance. Our local restaurants can get very packed during certain times of the year. Choose kid-friendly restaurants that accept reservations, as this will ensure a smoother dining experience for your family. If you do end up at a restaurant with a wait time, find nearby attractions or play areas where your children can stay entertained while waiting.
Planning ahead and being prepared will help you have a fantastic time traveling to the Emerald Coast with young children. Enjoy your family vacation and create lasting memories in this beautiful destination.
