Best Bets for Families

Gather the Kids and Stay in a Yurt!
Santa Barbara, CA

Submitted by Roxanne Bjorklund

This yurt is on a 10 acre ranch in Santa Barbara, California. (Note: the word “yurt” is defined as a circular, domed, portable tent used by nomadic peoples of central Asia.) There are hiking trails, look out points, and a jacuzzi.  There is a trapeze bar hanging from the middle of the room for people to swing on.  



You can hike down the road to our 80 acres of wilderness land, where we have a campground area by a creek that runs year round! There is more hiking up the creek to a waterfall, where everyone can swim.  

We have a fire heated hot tub next to the creek that is loads of fun for families! Its a homemade tub, made from a giant ocean buoy!!!

We have a rope swing, trampoline, slide and merry-go-round in the yard (I have kids too – a 4 and a 6 year old) who love to play). Its a magical, fun, kid paradise!

Parents are happy, when their kids are happy about the place they stay in.  The yurt looks like its a tree house because its up so high on a deck. On the deck the whole family can BBQ, light the tiki torches and look out at the amazing view of Santa Barbara, the ocean, and the mountain valley!

Wolffork Falls Mill – 600 Feet of Water Falls
Clayton, GA

Submitted by Monika Smith, Traveler (stayed at the Wolffork Falls Mill from 3/2/2007 – 3/5/2007)

I would love to take my grandchildren to this house because it is completely fenced for one.  The property is quite large and it seems as though you are in a park setting.  

The house includes a small children’s play house across the stream.  There are two bridges to cross the stream - one is a covered bridge and one is a foot bridge.  The stream is not deep, so unless you have very small children, they can play in the stream in the summer.  



The inside of the house has one bedroom decorated for children and another room with a youth bed on a small alcove.  There is a foosball table in the loft area, and so much indoor space for them to play in.  
 
The house itself seems to have quite a bit of history and if you explore the first floor of the house, you can show the kids the mechanics of a grain mill.  Everything is still there.  It’s certainly not Disney World, but I believe that children need a certain amount of exposure to nature, especially if they live in a city.  This place is perfect for that.  

Private Family Estate
Eleuthera, Bahamas

Submitted by Patricia Leigh-Wood

"On the Rocks" is a private eleven acre estate with lovely gardens. The main house is ideal for families. The one bedroom guest cottage, "Pebbles," is good for grandparents who want a little more quiet time! The room layout is all on one floor, so children are never far away, but each bedroom has its privacy. The living/dining room is large enough for all to enjoy without being crowded. The kitchen is fully equipped family size, with three big refrigerators and good freezer space.

All generations can relax, enjoy wonderful meals together, and always find a quiet spot to relax, read or just watch the ever changing ocean!

My family has been coming here for years, and so have some of my regular guests. They all love the total relaxation that this beautiful island offers. Especially appreciated are the stunning views from this house, right on the beach!

Sun and Sand at Popham Beach State Park
Casco Bay Area, Maine

Submitted by Katharine Roberts

Located at the tip of the Phippsburg peninsula, Popham Beach State Park is a rare Maine landform that features one of the longest and most picturesque beaches in the state. Ideal for kids and families, the gentle rolling surf draws thousands of swimmers, surfers, and shell collectors every summer. This spectacular park has 529 acres, bathhouses, lifeguards, freshwater showers, picnic areas and grills, and lots of hiking trails. Islands off shore are accessible by foot at low tide.

At the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area, visitors can take a two-mile hike through woodlands, lush salt marshes, up 180-foot Morse Mountain to an overlook, and on to Seawall Beach.









A local resort offers the public scenic cruises on a casual tour boat, kayak excursions, and sailing trips aboard the retired 41-foot ocean racer Magic.

On that rare, rainy summer day when you might prefer to be indoors, L. L. Bean and outlet shopping in nearby Freeport are an experience you won't want to miss.

And when you're in the mood for a lobster dinner at the end of busy day, a neighborly fisherman will sell you some of today's catch right at the dock!  

Florence, Italy Family Vacation

Submitted by Margherita Cardillo

Florentia Apartments are located in downtown Florence - in a residential neighborhood, where there are good little shops, restaurants, happy hour, at a walking distance from the exhibition centre of Fortezza Da Basso. Explore the Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo and Designer boutiques with your children, all within a ten minute walk.

These charming and unique city apartments are ideal for families (the biggest has two bathrooms). The recently restored apartments are on the second floor in a 800’ palace with an elevator. Luxury original details and modern facilities contribute to the comfortable ambience: oriental rugs and terra cotta floor and antique furniture live together with television, fast internet access, air conditioning, single heating.

Wide sound-proofed windows create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. King or queen size bedrooms are typically painted in Florentine antique colours with purple, light blue and bright yellow which give the Apartments precious names such as RUBINO, ZAFFIRO, DIAMANTE.

Each stylish kitchenette is fully equipped with a dishwasher, fridge and small freezer, stove, cutlery's; microwave is available on request.

These apartments are also ideal for families with small kids: baby bed, high chair, and toys are all available at no extra cost.