6 years

You've been waiting for this - age 6, the minimum age for the majority of active vacations that accept children. Now you are presented with the question - "Should I take my children out of school to enjoy a family vacation ?" All parents go through this, with many deciding that most vacations provide a learning experience not available in the classroom. Whether you incorporate a museum visit in local trips, immerse yourselves into a new culture or take an "eco-adventure", learning opportunities are always available. With a little research and pre-planning, your children can come home from their family vacation with knowledge to last a lifetime. Many parents are having their children keep journals and take pictures or videos for a presentation to their classmates upon return. Teachers look upon this favorably and children tend to enjoy showing off the fun they had while everyone else was in school.

Following are some recommendations for vacations with your school age children:

Note: Please keep checking back, since there are so many operators and places to suggest from this age forward, that I will periodically list different suggestions.

Active Vacations (Biking, Hiking, Skiing,):
Many of the bike and multi-activity tours start accepting children as early as age 6. These companies usually offer a tagalong bike - one that is hooked up to the adult's bike, creating a tandem. Some companies, while accomodating younger children, will still put a higher age restriction on specific activities, such as kayaking and rafting. One very reputable company offering a wide variety of biking and multi-active tours is Backroads. They are definitely worth consideration when planning your next adventure.

Cruises: (most cruises offer programs for children this age)

Foreign Countries: (United Kingdom, Australia, Mexico, Africa)
There are a few companies that offer exciting tours to other countries for families with children 6 and older. Imagine going on an African safari and having the chance to play with local school children. Or China and flying kites by the Great Wall. Thomson Family Adventures offer many child friendly excursions that will also hold the adults' interest.

Ecology Tours: (Galapagos Islands, Rainforests)
Cruise West's small ship, the Temptress Explorer, offers a summer family trip exploring Costa Rica. They focus on the outdoors, on Costa Rica's natural wonders and national parks. The whole family shares a week afloat, visiting areas largely accessible only by small ship. Then each day they drop anchor off a spectacular beach and take the launches to shore, to seek monkeys and colorful parrots in the lush forest, snorkel amid swirling tropical fish, and enjoy barbecues on the bea ch.

Animal Adventures: (Dinosaurs, Best Friends, Diving with Dolphins, Dude Ranches, trail rides)
Did you know that Colorado, Utah and Wyoming have places that let you dig for dinosaur fossils? And following dinosaur tracks? And visit unique dinosaur museums? If you are the adventuresome kind, your family can rent a car, hit the digs, drive to the tracks and check out museums and stay at some unique places along the way.