Luxury Kid-friendly Getaways, from Florida to New York
Luxury vacations are the ultimate splurge, but vacation planning gets tricky if you plan on bringing the kids along. Luxury resorts are notoriously kid-unfriendly. If you plan on taking the kids along on your five-star vacation this year, consider booking a luxury vacation rental instead: you can have all the amenities of a pricey resort without the upturned noses and white-glove snobbery. Here's a list of the top luxury vacation destinations for families with kids in tow.
Palm Beach, Florida
Long embraced as a winter getaway for America's wealthiest families, there's more to
Palm Beach than sparkling beaches and oceanfront mansions. When you've had your fill of the beach, head to
McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary in West Palm Beach. The Sanctuary is home to more than 170 species of animals, including parrots, snakes, lions, and white tigers. Unlike zoos, you won't experience the caged-animal guilt complex: the Sanctuary is a non-profit rescue organization that specializes in abandoned, unwanted, or injured wildlife. Families with young kids can't miss a trip to
the Playmobil Fun Park , a 17,000-foot play space housed in a gigantic castle. Tots will love exploring this gigantic, toy-filled playhouse. Those with older offspring may want to try scuba-diving; Palm Beach's waters are filled with plenty of wrecks to explore, including a sunken vintage Rolls-Royce.
Maui, Hawaii
An oft-visited spot for the rich and famous,
Maui is a luxurious tropical paradise. This unspoilt island's wildlife and stunning vistas will keep your family occupied for weeks. Spend an afternoon at
McGregor Point to see if your kids can spot the gigantic whales leaping off the shoreline. Take the kids to see Hawaii's cowboys at the ranching communities of
Kula or
Makawao . Drive through an honest-to-goodness rainforest on the Hana Highway or soak up the sun on
Kapalua Beach . This luxury vacation destination is a true treasure.
New York City, New York
Though the name doesn't conjure up the bright beaches or tan lines of other luxury destinations,
New York City is a splurge in its own right. The Big Apple is the epicenter of culture in the United States, and the opulence of
5th Avenue doesn't hurt its luxury reputation, either. New York City is the home of diamonds, penthouse suites, hundred-dollar hamburgers, and thousand-dollar desserts. Start your NYC experience with a
Broadway show (or three). Take the kids to see the zoo, carousel, and statues at
Central Park . Spend an evening at the iconic amusement park at
Coney Island . Children will enjoy the hands-on
New York Hall of Science ; older kids or teens will prefer a trip to
Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum . Of course, what's a trip to the Big Apple without a trip out to see
the Statue of Liberty ?
The Florida Keys
Few destinations embrace the vacation lifestyle as well as
the Florida Keys. This national treasure hosts a wide variety of luxury restaurants and state-of-the-art spas, but it's also got a wealth of activities and attractions unique to the Florida Keys. Book a reservation to swim and play with Floridian dolphins at
Grassy Key's Dolphin Research Center (note that children under 12 aren't permitted to swim). Take the kids fishing on a charter boat and try your hand at catching some famous Florida seafood. Venture out amongst the jugglers, tightrope walkers, and street entertainers of
Key West's Mallory Square - or just stretch out and relax on one of the Keys' pristine, white-sand beaches.
Kid-friendly Palm Beach Rentals
This cozy cottage home is the perfect location to enjoy this tropical paradise, with the ocean, watersports, beaching and a multitude of restaurants, shopping and more nearby. Make the very short trip to all the activities and cuisine of all kin...
'Key West Style' cottage close to downtown Lake Worth nightlife and beach. BIG fenced in back yard contains a private swimming pool, jacuzzi, barbecue grill and poolside gazebo with dining table! Perfect for your family summer vacation!
This hous...
An absolutley Magnificent Oceanside Estate situated just steps to the Dunes and Crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. This Stunning home combines a rare and dramatic European Style living with sumptuous luxury and elegant decor. As you walk into t...
See rates below.9th Floor spectacular WOW panoramic DIRECT OceanFront+oceanfront pool. 1Br1Bth + balcony+ plush queen pillowtop sleeper sofa,sleeps 2-4. Also have (7) 2bd/2bth condos WITH DINING TABLES for friends&family groups. Enjoy Affordable L...
Casa Fiore is set in the elegant residential district of historic Southland Park, one block from the Intracoastal Waterway, this gorgeous home is within a few minutes of all the major attractions of the Palm Beach area. Relax and enjoy the heated ...
