What are the three things people can do for a quick family getaway?
Hop on the train
For travel until September 15, 2007, those over 18 purchasing a senior, student, or adult-fare ticket in VIA's Comfort Class (economy) can bring a child ages two - 11 for free. The "Kids Travel Free" program is available on every VIA train system-wide.
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Check out what's going on locally
For example starting Thursday in Edmonton is Capital Ex and this year the Exhibition is all about dinosaurs.
"Walking With Dinosaurs - the Live Experience" is happening at Rexall Place on July 25 to 28, running concurrent to Edmonton's Capital City Exhibition. "Walking With Dinosaurs" features 15 full-size independently mobile dinosaurs, one as tall as 45 feet, making it the one of the biggest shows ever held inside Rexall Place. This extraordinary theatrical showcase is embarking on a world tour and is making its Canadian premiere in Edmonton, with later dates in Toronto and Winnipeg.
Back for a second year in a row starting Thursday in Toronto is the Chinese Lantern Festival at Ontario Place until mid-October.
Check in to a "family friendly" hotel.
The ability to book two adjoining rooms one for you and one for the kids makes these hotel stays "family friendly." It won't be much of a vacation for you if you are hiding in the bathroom while your kids try and get to sleep.
A kids club program provides a variety of options for all ages. Make sure you assess the offerings to find out if they would appeal to your children. Do the offerings include both sunny and rainy day activities such as biking, hiking, tennis are all great for outdoor activities. Indoor amenities include the family restaurant, rooms with mini-bars and even kitchennettes.
Look for access to babysitters who are trained in CPR and first aid and a secure kid's area where only authorized personnel have access
One example of this type of hotel is the Great Wolf Lodge. The first hotel of this chain just opened up in Canada this year in Niagara Falls, Ontario and is less than 3 miles from the Falls. It includes a 103,000-square-foot indoor water park with 13 waterslides. A seasonal outdoor pool, A "parent-free" P.J. party is thrown every Friday and Saturday at the lodge for kids four and up. The party -- which lasts over two hours -- offers a variety of activities including a forest friend's show and story time! A timber wolf family and other woodland creatures live above the fireplace in the hotel's majestic five-story lobby. The animated critters come to life to delight guests of all ages. The nine-minute show takes place twice daily.
What should people be considering when planning a quick family vacation?
- Make the kids part of the planning process by getting them interested in where you are going and let them choose from some of the potential activities and attractions.
Don't forget to include some downtime.
- If you are going to end up flying places bring toys and items to keep kids occupied. If you have long layover or wait times call the airport in advance and find out what type of things they offer kids. For example, the Calgary International Airport has a Kidsport with a play area and and Spaceport with Nasa Shuttle exhibits, moon rocks and plane and spacecraft simulators. Vancouver has a nursery and video games all over the airport.
- A disposable camera is great thing to give each child (of a certain age) to help document the trip. The child could be encouraged to scrapbook and journal their way through the trip.
