Grandparents

Hart County Travel Ideas

 “Hart” of America Grandparents Getaway


If you’re looking for a real adventure with your grandchildren in America’s heartland, get “down & dirty” in Hart County Kentucky. Go “down under” at an interactive Australian-themed animal park where you can get up close and personal with kangaroos, emus and lorikeets; feed baby lambs; milk a cow; and learn to throw a boomerang and play a didgeridoo. Or go way “down under” at Kentucky Caverns, Cub Run Cave, or Hidden River Cave and the American Cave Museum. You can even get “dirty” on an off-trail adventure in Hidden River Cave where Mike Rowe filmed an episode of Dirty Jobs for the Discovery Channel. Find a souvenir and see a play “down”town in Horse Cave’s Historic Arts & Shopping District where you can trace the pathway of the cave under your feet. Or go “down” on the farm at Dennison’s Roadside Market where you can pick your own berries or pumpkins in season. You can even stay “down” on the farm at Country Girl at Heart, an environmentally-friendly working farm experience. Take a canoe ride “down” Green River and walk through history on the Historic Walking Tour in “down”town Munfordville. Come on “down”. You’ll make grand memories!

Hart County Tourist Commission
Hart County Travel Website
(270) 218-0386


 

Tahoe National Forest   

Share your love of the Great Outdoors with your grandchildren. Take short hikes together through the woods. Swim in refreshing mountain lakes. Explore the historic sites of Donner Pass. Then return to the comfort of our rustic lodge for a well-earned rest before dinner – and a lively evening program. All of these activities, and more, are possible on this eleventh annual lodge-based event.

Here's a sampling of some of the planned events: Short walks through fragrant pine forests and open meadows, with optional longer hikes; refreshing swims in hidden mountain lakes; exploring the original wagon and train routes over Donner Pass. On other days, we'll take a nature walk in a glaciated area, have a beach picnic at Donner Lake, take a tram ride and go ice skating at Squaw Valley's High Camp, and visit the Donner Memorial Museum. Admission to the Squaw Valley tram, ice skating rink and swimming lagoon, the Donner Memorial Museum, and the beach picnic are included in your trip fee.

Sierra Club   
Sierra Club Travel Website
415-977-5500   
July 13-18, 2008



Wisconsin   

The Grandkidsandme Foundation announces the 8th year of our popular Grandkidsandme Grandparent Camps. Grandkidsandme Camp is a fun, weekend adventure for grandparents and grandchildren held in the beautiful Wisconsin outdoors at Camp Icaghowan, a YMCA Camp, near Amery, Wisconsin. Our camps are specially designed for grandparents of all ages and for grandchildren between 4-12.
This is the place where memories are made-powerful memories! Our weekend camps are designed to "Bring Generations Together®". Grandparent Camp is a wonderful place to celebrate the joy of your grandchild's company.

Enjoy private time with your grandchildren in a peaceful, pristine environment-away from TV, away from headphones, telephones and video games. Our weekends are timed to not interfere with school. We begin with registration at 4:00 on Friday afternoon and conclude by 12:00 on Sunday.    

The Grandkids and Me Foundation   
Grandkids and Me Foundation Travel Website 
651-695-1988   
May30-June1



Idaho   

How about white water rafting with your grandkids? On July 30th and August 7th we have a "Grand-parents/Grandkids" Lodge Stay trip. By staying in lodges we have the comforts of home but still have all the fun that a river trip offers. We have found that these trips are a great way for grandparents to spend time with their grandkids. We close this trip at 12 guest as well, so please call early.

Warren River Expeditions   
Warren River Expeditions Travel Website
800-765-0421



Run Away to the Circus    

Generation Tours is unlike other travel opportunities; we add an educational component making fun adventures also exciting learning experiences for the whole family.
Trips are fully escorted by trained youth education coordinators, offer flexible itineraries, and include daylong, weekend and extended vacations to near and far off destinations.
Come with Generation Tours to the St. Louis School of Circus Arts!  We will be joining the extraordinary Sacha Pavlata, 6th generation Czech circus artist, and his talented band of circus professionals and experience a medley of fun and challenging big-top skills.  Stray from your normal routine and soar (safely) with us on the flying trapeze, test your strength and grace on the lyra, and learn to juggle, balance, and flip on a bungee trampoline!  There will also be time for some great St. Louis attractions like the St. Louis Arch, a Riverboat Dinner cruise, Museums and more!  This trip is for "children of all ages" and abilities, and can be modified to meet special needs.Check with them on dates and availablity.

Generation Tours    
www.generationtours.org     
866-436-8877



Wild West    

From cowboys and covered wagons to grizzlies and geysers, discover the best of the West with your child or grandchild—hassle-free! Our “Kids Adventures” offer a fully planned week of fun for grown-ups and children alike, with no driving...no directions...no wondering what to do next. Just relax and enjoy your time together!
Thrill to Yellowstone National Park’s majestic Upper and Lower Falls and the world-famous Old Faithful geyser! Explore historic Jackson, Wyoming on your own—choose an optional Mountain Jeep Safari and a Chuck Wagon dinner.
See real-life cowboys perform their tricks in an authentic Western rodeo.

Thrill to Yellowstone National Park’s majestic Upper and Lower Falls and the world-famous Old Faithful geyser!

Country Tours    
http://www.countrytours.com/Tours_US/KBS/tdetail.asp?RefURL=&KeyCode=&tdate=&PMCode=&OrgURL=    
800-344-6918    
2008 Dates:           
June 20-26
July 11-17
July 25-31
August 1-7



Chicago    

Travel to the state capital of Illinois and see the famous sites of Chicago. Enjoy the city highlights while enjoying the grandchildren.
Tour highlights include: Lincoln Presidential Library

Museum of Science & Industry
Navy Pier                                                                                                                                                             Shedd Aquarium
Urban Boat Cruise
Sears Tower
Reindeer Farm

All tours originate in Illinois    

Presley Tours    
www.presleytours.com     
800-621-6100    
June 22-25,  2008


British Columbia, Canada    

INTERGENERATIONAL OUTDOOR DISCOVERIES & CHALLENGES (grandparents & grandchildren adventuring together)

Discover your strengths, honour your potential, listen to the dreams and fears of your grandchildren, and exchange the wisdom of shared experiences. In a safe harness and supportive environment: climb a rock bluff, rappel from a cliff, swing like Tarzan on a Zip Line and cooperatively solve problems on a Ropes Course.

Learn survival techniques, layered clothing systems, canoeing, orienteering, wilderness etiquette, and enjoy natural history discussions while exploring a sphagnum bog, home of the insectivorous sundew plant; then journey by canoe to Swan Bay for an (optional) overnight camp-out. Bring sleeping bags or rent them at the Lodge.

This program is for active seniors and their grandchildren ages 9-14. Maximum 1 grandchild per grandparent. Children are accommodated in the same room as their grandparents.

Strathcona Park Lodge & Education Centre    
www.strathcona.bc    
250-286-3122



Fiji    

Rascals in Paradise is about exploration and limitless horizons. Our vacations are classrooms without walls. Travel teaches us about traditions and tolerance; it teached us about history and artistic creation; it nurtures aesthetic ambition. We learn to protect our oceans and forests and respect our neighbors as we experience the countless differences that enrich our world.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Island Resort

Cousteau is offering GREAT family packages: 2 nights of accommodation are FREE when you stay for at leat 6 nights! 2 children under 13 years receive free accommodation, all meals, bottled soft drinks, Fiji water, most activities, Bula Children's educational kids club and exclusive nanny for each child under 5 years!!

Rascals in Paradise    
www.rascalsinparadise.com     
415-921-7000



Disney Cruise    

Only the Disney Cruise Line® offers fun-filled activities and experiences for cruisers of all ages, favorite Disney Characters in Broadway-style shows, dining at extraordinary eateries, fabulous family-size staterooms, a private island paradise, and amenities and service that define Disney.

You can never go wrong with Disney - kids love it, adults love it and programs for all ages abound.  Stretch out in a Disney stateroom, designed with the family in mind. Delight in substantially more space for relaxation than you'd find on most other cruise ships. Discover split baths, ample storage, natural woods, imported tiles and superior attention to detail in your home away from home. Find fun for all with delightful Disney-style activities designed for every age group. Your kids can play with new friends, you can enjoy adult-only activities, or you can all enjoy quality family-together time. Select from 3, 4, 7 and 15 night cruises.    

Disney Cruise Line    
www.disneycruiseline.com     
800-951-3532


The Adirondacks    

Our nationally famous Grandparent's and Grandchildren's Camp has been featured on the Today Show, CBS Evening News and in countless publications. Grandparents and  grandchildren (no parents permitted) arrive on Sunday evening in time for dinner and stay through Friday morning to learn a wide range of activities designed to built vital connections between people and nature.

Expect music,canoeing, w\swimming, hiking,natural crafts, singing,campfires, stars, balsam-scented air, and lots of laughter.

Sagamore    
www.sagamore.org     
315-354-5311

Baseball Tours    

GTC is a family owned company whose founders have over 25 years combined experience in leisure travel. If your family is like ours, you have extended family and dear friends living in distant places, and you and your immediate family all lead busy lives. Our first-hand knowledge of connecting with family, coupled with our professional experience, means we really understand family travel.  We also realize the changing definition of the word family and welcome everyone’s families to enjoy our adventures.

We know that grandparents and parents want to encourage the intellectual and social development of the children in their lives. Our children are the future, and they can make a difference in our uncertain world. A GTC travel experience opens a child’s eyes to a world of diverse people. Since our world is increasingly intertwined with other countries and cultures, we feel it is essential to equip children with the wisdom of their elders and a better understanding of their global community. Our tours are designed for families—children, adults, and grandparents—who are curious about their world.

Baseball, a favorite family pastime, is more than just peanuts and Crackerjacks. This baseball tour is a once in a lifetime experience for the family that wants to see the places and teams that made the sport famous.  Take tours of historic ballparks and watch American League rivals in action. Tour Boston and New York City. Meet a sportswriter, and then head to Cooperstown to see the Baseball Hall of Fame!  This baseball tour is paced so both adults and kids can enjoy themselves throughout this exciting week.     

Generations Touring Company    
http://generationstouringcompany.com/     
888-415-9100



Splendors of Italy   

The GRANDTRAVEL experience offers a wonderful way for grandparents and grandchildren to bond across miles and time and to create lasting memories. As travel companions, grandparents and grandchildren share the excitement of visiting far-away lands, discover the secrets of ancient cultures, and make friends worldwide. GRANDTRAVEL offers an opportunity for grandparents and grandchildren to relate to each other in remarkable new ways. There is no better way to convey a cultural inheritance and a lasting legacy to your grandchildren! Leave your grandchildren a world they know.

Traditionally, grandparents lived with their children, served as mentors, role models and teachers for their grandchildren. They linked the family’s past with its future and preserved values for coming generations. They helped the children to accept and understand the concept of aging. Today’s grandparents lead more active and independent lives. Great distances sometimes prevent them from seeing their grandchildren as often as they would like. Because grandparents understand the importance of nurturing and affection among generations, they are always looking for ways to draw their modern families closer together.
The trip with your grandchildren to Italy visits the cities of Venice, Florence and Rome. You will attend a Ventian Mask workshop, visit the islands of Murano and Burano and have a cooking lesson with a Tuscan chef.    

Grand Travel    
www.grandtrvl.com     
800-247-7651    
July 8-19, 2008 and August 5-16, 2008


Aviation and Space Exploration    

Elderhostel Intergenerational Programs were designed for adults (grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, or authorized family friends) to participate in a learning adventure with their young relatives or friends. These programs provide opportunities for grandparents to get to know their grandchildren better, for aunts and uncles to share their enthusiasm for special places, and for Elderhostelers to experience with younger friends the spirit of Elderhostel: "sharing new ideas, challenges, and experiences is rewarding in every season of life."
Take off with your grandchild on a thrilling exploration of flight at the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center. A certified flight instructor briefs you on aerospace history, design and operation before taking you on flight lessons aboard a Cessna 172. Put theory into practice in a 4-g centrifuge and F-16 systems trainer. In a Space Shuttle simulator, work together to accomplish mission goals, then build robots and rockets and fly RC planes to improve communication and problem-solving skills. Explore modern aircraft manufacturing on a tour of Bombardier Aerospace in Wichita, the Air Capital City. Dr. Goddard's Lab, the Justice Planetarium, the IMAX Dome Theater and other area attractions ensure an exciting week of adventure learning for all.

Elderhostel    
http://www.elderhostel.org/programs/intergenerational_default.asp     
800-454-5768    
June 14, 2008 - June 19, 2008/ June 28, 2008 - July 3, 2008/ August 2, 2008 - August 7, 2008