Single Parent Family Vacations

[Anonymous]

Just looking for ideas. Does anyone have tips on how to make vacationing with your child very interesting if you don't have other families to vacation with? I like the beach so we have done a few beach cities but I'm wondering how to make it more fun for DS so he has other kids to play with. This year I am trying to do something within driving distance. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

When my son was small, we went to Williamsburg often. A lot of Busch Gardens and mini golf and hotel pool.

If you're going solo when they're small, it really just is kind of boring for you. Older, you start to figure out what they like. In a few years we'll be ready to go to "easy" European cities (London, Paris) because he'll finally be able to appreciate the things there.

[Anonymous]

Take along a cousin who's around the same age.

Meet up with a friend or relative with kids around the same age for the day.

[Anonymous]

If you go to a more crowded beach like OCMD your kid will most likely make some friends on the beach, I always did as a kid! There are some hotels geared more towards families, but I think there are kids of all ages really everywhere.

Or you could look for hotels/resorts with kids clubs.

[Anonymous]

I've usually done National Parks but have done shorter trips like Williamsburg, NYC, have gone to visit friends, etc. Really whatever you want to do can be done as a single parent, just plan for extra down time or kid friendly activities (arcade, miniature golf, hotel pool, etc.)

[SingleDad24x7]

DD and I have actually gone down to do Disney World a couple times. Plenty of options & variety, plus, when she was younger, they offered children's activities (a.k.a. "day care") that gave Dad time for a nap now & then.

[Anonymous]

Virginia beach is fun and family friendly. We walked the boardwalk day and night... there are lots of kids with skateboards and riding scooters. Also there are a few nice playgrounds right on the beach. I think some of the pricey resorts (Ocean Club?) have kids clubs and really nice kid-friendly pools. At night on weekends there are several outdoor stages of music entertaining both adults and kids.

[Anonymous]

SingleDad24x7 wrote:DD and I have actually gone down to do Disney World a couple times. Plenty of options & variety, plus, when she was younger, they offered children's activities (a.k.a. "day care") that gave Dad time for a nap now & then.

This. Or similar.

Find something where you can get to to get a break and recharge too. It is YOUR vacation. Kid just comes along for the ride. Don't be afraid to pick something you want. Young kids especially will be happy to be spending extra time with you.

[Anonymous]

We started camping because there are often other kids around for DC to play with. If you don't want to do tent camping, many campgrounds have cabins or yurts.

We also do family adventure trips (cycing, rafting, treking) - I'll call the outfitter early on and let them know that I'm traveling with DC and am looking to get on a trip with other kids in the same age range.

I think family camps would probably do the same trick.

[Anonymous]

We did a vacation package to an all inclusive resort. most of the families there were single moms and we found one family we ended up spending the whole time with. The resorts have a kids club to drop off the kids, and all sort of activities (pool, beach, karaoke, game room, etc) not to mention visiting the actual place. We used vacation express and went to cancun for 600/person (hotel, air, and food). Groupon has some, and I think Amy or Jen's travel has some packages too. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I started travelling with friends, especially families with only children have the same problem and it's nice for ALL to have more adults on hand and kids who can play together... You can start modest, an overnight at a water park in Williamsburg; and then if you find them compatible, move up to longer vacations.

In the case of doing this with couples, I always offer to spend an evening with the kids, so they can get a date in. They reciprocate, which can be some nice down time, just time to read a novel or put your feet up or go for a jog...

I'm going to try doing this with a single mom later this summer, too.

[Anonymous]

We did a Disney cruise when DD was 5. Fantastic.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the ideas of resort, club med, cruise that has a "kids club"/daycare option so you have some time for yourself and your child has time with other kids. Win Win

[Anonymous]

OP, how old is your child? We've done road trips all over the place in the past, but this year we are borrowing one of DC's friends for several days when we go (DC is 13). Let us know and maybe we will have some more on-target suggestions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We did a vacation package to an all inclusive resort. most of the families there were single moms and we found one family we ended up spending the whole time with. The resorts have a kids club to drop off the kids, and all sort of activities (pool, beach, karaoke, game room, etc) not to mention visiting the actual place. We used vacation express and went to cancun for 600/person (hotel, air, and food). Groupon has some, and I think Amy or Jen's travel has some packages too. Good luck!

Can I ask which resort? I've been wanting to try this.