Best Beach Vacations with Kids: High and Low End Options

The best beach vacations are always with the kids! Although the sun and sand can present challenges, kid friendly vacations at the beach will reward adults with a newfound sense of wonder and possibility. Whether you choose to stay at one of the best family resorts, or opt for one of the cheap summer vacations, you can’t go wrong at the beach.

Luxury All Inclusive Family Resorts

The best family vacation destinations are going to set you back some cash. However, think of the family all inclusive vacation (maybe at one of the luxury Caribbean family resorts) as an investment in your family’s collective memory bank. If your children are old enough, one of these kids vacations is something they will remember forever. Make no mistake, these are not strictly kids resorts, but luxury accommodations that make vacations with kids fun for everyone. Top resorts for families with plenty to spend include Atlantis Resort and Casino in the Bahamas, Club Med Ixtapa, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (Florida) and La Costa Resort and Spa in sunny southern California.

The best part of the all inclusive family resort is the complete freedom to spend time with your family. Another option is to book a family cruise. Just make sure you understand what is and is not included before you buy your tickets. Luxury travel is one thing; paying too much is another.

For more, see this article on traveling with kids to all inclusive family resorts.

Inexpensive Beach Vacations

Yes, beach vacations can also be cheap vacations. The key to the best beach vacations (at least those that are inexpensive) is planning. If you don't live near the ocean, a trip there is an amazing adventure that kids will never forget. In fact, they may beg to return every year! While a beach vacation is one of the best trips you can take with your children, you’ll need to be strategic to pull it off without overextending your credit cards. Important things to remember for kid friendly vacations at the beach: plan your accommodations well ahead of time, drive/don’t fly, plan to cook!

Driving to the beach? Click here for tips on how to survive family road trips.

Another way to cut costs even more is to camp at the beach. Consider renting a small RV (van style) if private bathroom facilities are very important to you. Depending on where you live (and the price of gas at the time!) renting an RV can put a beach vacation within some families’ budgets who otherwise would not get the opportunity to vacation at the beach.

Whether you opt for a high or low end beach vacation, your family will never forget the fun they have splashing in the surf. (And you will never get the sand out of their clothes, but that’s another story.)

Image Credit: escariao, Flickr