6 sure-fire destinations for family

By John Frenaye

Travel columnist

updated 12:48 p.m. ET Jan. 28, 2008

John Frenaye Travel columnist • Profile • E-mail

As a travel agent, I handle a ton of family travel: traditional families, extended families and, more recently, single-parent families. I'm not sure how I developed the niche, but I suspect it came as a result of being a single dad with three young kids of my own. Sure, we can all head to the amusement parks and theme parks and have a great time — that is a given. But when you dig a bit deeper, there are some fantastic destinations just screaming for families to explore. This week, I offer the down-and-dirty scoop on six family- and kid-friendly destinations that may not have crossed your mind.

1.San Diego
There's a lot to like in San Diego. Nature, beaches, wildlife — San Diego has it all.

Call of the wild: The San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park is a favorite of adults and kids alike. The animals are probably some of the best-treated anywhere, and in the animal park, they are free to roam in their (manmade) natural habitats.

Surfs up, dude: Pack your tote bag and spend a day or two on the beaches. Southern California is known for the laid-back life and the beaches at La Jolla are no exception. La Jolla Shores Beach has plenty of public grills for an impromptu barbecue, and the calm waters and warm sand are enough to make anyone happy. Not far is the smaller beach of La Jolla Cove, which offers some of the best snorkeling in Southern California.

LegoLand: OK, so I have dissed amusement parks and theme parks before, but this one is different (how is that for some kid logic?). Located about 30 miles north of San Diego in Carlsbad, it makes a great day trip. The lines are not too bad, the kids can ride the rides, and the adults can admire the artistry of the creations. Can you imagine a city built of Legos?

2. Chicago
Most parents shy away from big cities for family vacations, but hold on a sec. Chicago is a compact, easy-to-navigate city, and it has a lot to offer families, including some of the best pizza in the world (OK, the U.S.).

Slideshow   Going for the gold Chicago is one of four cities in the running to host the 2016 Summer Games. Take a visual tour of some of the attractions the Windy City offers to visitors from around the world. more photos

Beaches: Yes, this is Chicago, not San Diego, but in the summer, you can find throngs of people (and thongs, too) on the shores of Lake Michigan. Not as warm as Southern California, but just as much fun.

Millennium Park. This park is a tribute to all that is Chicago — the art, the food, Wrigley Field, the music and more. It is the center of the Chicago cultural scene and one of the world's largest outdoor art venues. It even has ice skating. Of particular note is Cloud Gate, a huge polished orb that reflects the city and passers-by in a fun-house kind of way. If you are up for a little splashing, check out the Crown Fountain, a modern creation featuring video images of Chicagoans who sometimes spew water at you (remember it is a fountain).

The L: The L (short for "elevated train") is an easy and inexpensive way to explore the city and get around. My kids love that at some points it runs so close to the adjacent apartments, you can see people brushing their teeth! Take the L out to Lincoln Park and see the Lincoln Park Zoo — it's free.

3. Maui
Once you get over the flight time (bad from the West Coast and worse from the East), Maui is a great place and one of my favorites for both kids and adults. It has a good balance of adventure, nature and, of course, water everywhere you look.

Slideshow   Polynesian paradise The Hawaiian Islands are the perfect vacation destination for travelers of all types. more photos

Swimming: The ocean, the hotel pool and the island's many roadside waterfalls offer abundant opportunities to get wet. I recommend that you rent a four-wheel drive and find a place of your own. Snorkeling? Try Makena State Park, but avoid Little Beach if you are offended by a clothing-optional experience (or would rather not explain it to the kids!).

Whales: The whale-watching season is late December to April; outside that window, sightings are very hit or miss, and you may waste your money on a mere boat ride if you are looking for a whale of a time (sorry, couldn't resist). Humpback whales are incredible creatures; you will be amazed at their agility when you see them seemingly leap from the water. Your hotel hospitality desk can arrange a tour for you.

Biking: Hey, even I can do this one! The trip down (key word, "down") from Haleakala Crater is a breathtaking experience. I recommend a trip that takes you to the summit (just over 10,000 feet, cold and hard to breathe) in time to see the sun rise. It feels like you are on top of the world — and you are pretty close. Bike down the mountain at your own pace, stopping at the Kula Lodge for breakfast. The lodge is reasonably priced and offers spectacular views of the island.

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