At the beginning of a new year, most people start to think about where they want to go for summer vacation. You want it to be relaxing because you have worked all year for that one week off. You also want it to be fun for your kids so they don’t complain about being bored all week. Generally, a family vacation will be to a beach within driving distance of your home for fun in the sun. Why not broaden your horizon a little and plan a family vacation to Oahu.
If you think that Oahu is just for adults with nothing for your kids to do, think again. Oahu has plenty of activities to keep your kids entertained and will also be fun for adults. You won’t get bored on this family fun island.
Sea Life Park is sure to be a hit for kids of all ages as well as adults. You will get to watch dolphins, sea lions, and penguins perform in scheduled shows. You will also get a chance to get a close-up view of many marine animals such as sharks, turtles, and stingrays in the 300,000 gallon reef tank. For an extra fee, you can actually swim with the dolphins, feed and play with the sea lions, swim with stingrays, and maybe even swim with a killer whale. This will be an experience you and your kids will never forget. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes because there is a lot of walking involved, and don’t forget your camera to capture this unforgettable memory. For complete details visit www.sealifeparkhawaii.com.
The Dole Plantation is another family friendly activity to enjoy. The world’s largest maze can be found at this Plantation. While you wind your way through the maze, you will be looking for six secret stations that will help you solve the mystery of this maze. After you’ve conquered the maze, you can take a 20 minute train ride on the Pineapple Express where you will see the whole Plantation and get a narrated history of how it all started. There are Plantation Gardens to stroll through, and you will even get the opportunity to participate in a hand craft or cultural activity. For complete details visit www.dole-plantation.com.
The Waikiki Aquarium and the Honolulu Zoo are also a must see for families. The Waikiki Aquarium is where you can view more than 500 marine species. It is also home to two endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals. You will see some of the most beautiful fish and marine life around. At the Honolulu Zoo, it almost feels like you could reach out and touch the animals even though you are a safe distance away from them. For complete details about the Waikiki Aquarium visit http://waquarium.org. For complete details about the Honolulu Zoo visit www.honoluluzoo.org.
Another avenue to check into is what programs your hotel has to offer for kids. Many have fun activities like snorkel trips, crafts, learning the hula dance, and many others to choose from. Some hotels even offer night programs to give parents a chance to enjoy a romantic dinner without the kids. Of course, there is always the beach for sun-tanning, swimming, and building sand castles.
This is only a small glance at what Oahu has to offer for people traveling with kids. There are many other family friendly activities to choose from that are sure to keep everyone happy. Check with your hotel for more information about activities for kids.
