Unique family adventures
Explore your family’s special interests during your next holiday. Here are five ideas to consider.
See the northern lights in Norway
A leader in Norwegian coastal sailings, the cruise company Hurtigruten is known for unique voyages. It was the first to offer a Northern Lights Promise, a policy that provides guests a second chance guarantee to see the awe-inspiring lights if they do not occur within sight of the ship during a voyage of 11 days or more. Hurtigruten ships sail directly beneath the Aural Zone, an area of consistent and heightened northern lights activity. While on board, guests can opt to hear the northern lights alert in their cabin 24 hours a day.
Established in 1893, the company also offers Astronomy Voyages providing guests the opportunity to set sail with renowned astronomers, tap in to on-board lectures and learn from the pros during northern lights viewings. hurtigruten.com
Play golf at Kingsmill Resort, Williamsburg, Va.
Families can play three championship-calibre 18-hole courses that offer rolling hills, treelined tracks and coastal play along the James River. Young family members can learn from the resort’s PGA professionals who use a personalized approach through a variety of schools that feature putting, short game and instruction geared specifically for junior golfers. Participants receive equipment evaluation, a takehome video analysis and a video instruction page.
They’ll experience play on courses designed by legendary players including Arnold Palmer and Curtis Strange. The family friendly resort also offers hiking, biking, Segway tours and fishing as well as organized kids activities. Accommodations include one-, two- and three-bedroom condominiums and riverfront cottages with three or four bedrooms. kingsmill.com
Discover the geology of Zion National Park
Shimmering waterfalls and verdant hanging gardens. Crimson cliffs and emerald pools. Descriptions of Zion National Park rarely do it justice. The landscape is one best experienced up close, wading through the world-famous Narrows or capturing the colourful canyon hues at sunset. Visit to imagine the first peoples who once tracked mammoths, giant sloths and camels across this southern Utah terrain as you hike, bike or float through the geologic wonder. Make the most of this bucket-list-worthy adventure by staying at Xanterra’s Zion National Park Lodge, the only lodging inside the park. Book well in advance. zionlodge.com
Set sail, explore coastal towns in Europe
Board the world’s largest sailing ship, Wind Surf, and set out to explore the nooks and crannies of Europe’s most compelling coastlines. Slip into Italy’s small ports where you’ll wander through charming villages and relax on pristine beaches. Marvel at the picturesque, pastel towns that dot the Amalfi coast, dip into the turquoise water of Croatian caves and get inspired by the natural beauty and the cultural gems you’ll discover inland. Choose from shore excursions that will get your heart pumping — hikes, river rafting or cycling — or opt for intriguing adventures that will provide insight into local customs and culture. On board your boutique sailing vessel, toast amid sunset departures as your captain raises the billowing sails, directing the stunning ship to its next port of call. windstarcruises.com
Enjoy active adventure in southern Arizona
Head to sun-drenched southern Arizona for a multi-faceted family adventure. In Tubac, established in 1752 as a Spanish Presidio, declare the historic and family friendly Tubac Golf Resort & Spa your base camp and let the exploration begin. Don’t forget your binoculars because the area is considered one of the best spots for birding in the country. When not checking off hummingbird and elegant trogon sightings on your list, enjoy a round of golf, a stroll through the local art community or time at the spa. Hike from the resort, situated on the 500-acre Otero Ranch in the Santa Cruz River Valley and appreciate views of the Tumacacori and Santa Rita peaks in the distance.