Planning a family vacation is more difficult than planning a couples’ trip because not only do you have to take in the interests of everyone traveling but you also must determine the age-appropriateness too. Some members of the family may need a place to nap while others can go and go all day long. What’s great for the youngest child in the family may be boring for the oldest child. Consider these options for family vacations that are adaptable for all ages.

Cruises

A great element of cruising is that it is virtually hassle-free once you unpack. Cruise ships are filled with so many things to do and look at that even your “day at sea” can be exciting. Older kids can have a greater amount of freedom than they would at other destinations because they really can’t get lost. Younger children generally love the day camp aboard, allowing the adults a few hours to themselves. There are pools, water slides, game rooms, fun restaurants, family-friendly shows and cool destinations. No matter where you live, you’re only a few states away from cruises from NYC, Miami, New Orleans, Galveston, San Diego or Seattle.

Beaches

Many parents learn that in hindsight, they should have just taken their kids to the beach every year. Kids love the beach, and as an entertainment venue, it’s free. The beach is a great vacation spot where kids go home tired but happy and you save money. An Airbnb or a hotel with a kitchenette means that at least breakfast and lunch are inexpensive. Very few beach towns require you to wear more than flip-flops and bathing suit cover-up which means packing is simple. Pack some baby powder to help remove the sand from your feet before you get in the car, a few board games for evening wind-down, loads of sunscreen, and you’re good to go.

RVing Road Trip

Road trips imply miles and miles on the road, but it doesn’t have to be that way. A road trip can be nothing more than a 100-mile circle around your town. Load everyone into a rented RV and the fun has doubled. Don’t spend more than a few hours driving each day, and make sure there is something fun to do at each stop. Reserve space at RV parks that offer playgrounds, pools or evening campfires. Cook simple meals like spaghetti or hot dogs. This kind of road trip is great for exploring all the areas near where you live that are just a little too far away for a day trip but not quite far enough to justify spending the night.

National Parks

Although camping can be a great family vacation, it’s a ton of work and not the safest way to vacation if you have babies or very young children. Most national parks, on the other hand, offer cabin rentals that let you spend plenty of time outside but still offer a safe space for little toddlers to run around or babies to take their naps. Explore which parks offer junior ranger programs and ADA compliant trails which are easier for pushing strollers.

Staycation

Staycations may not seem like much of a vacation until you pull out all the stops. Staycations are a great way to engage the family in the planning. Hold a brainstorming session where everyone lists several activities that they really want to do and places to eat. Be sure to include a category for free activities such as go on a family bike ride or make pancakes together. Plan what you will do each day to include one paid and one free activity and one meal out. Make a big chart so that everyone can anticipate the week. Whoever is “in charge” that day is the tour guide and gets to decide things such as where everyone sits around the table and what animal the family sees first at the zoo, for example. The best part is sleeping in your own bed each night.

The most important part of vacations is the fun you have and memories you create. Any trip you take where the children don’t whine from beginning to end must be considered a good one.