The Wilderness Resort Wisconsin Dells

How to travel with kids of all ages

Large families often have a wide age range of children, and even small families can have kids that are rather spread out in age. What's a family with a 4-year-old, an 8-year-old and a 15-year-old to do? Families with kids in multiple age groups know how hard it can be when a teen is giving you the silent treatment, sulking with their headphones on as a cranky, whining toddler who needed a nap hours ago is throwing a fit. Is it possible to have a great family vacation for everyone in the family? Of course it is!

According to Leslie Overton, Conde Nast Traveler's top specialist for family travel in Asia and general manager of luxury tour company Absolute Travel, "the key to making everyone happy is finding a place that can offer great relaxation, physical activities and cultural interest." She recommends getting a great indoor pool at a city hotel and going on stimulating tours that feature walking, rowing, climbing ... anything that gets your kids moving. Families sometimes shy away from cultural experiences, thinking that they will be too daunting, overwhelming or boring for kids, but oftentimes children enjoy being around different people, learning unfamiliar customs and exploring new territories. So go ahead and try immersing your family in another culture. Overton notes that a strong support system for younger kids and plenty of activities for older kids will go far in satisfying everyone in the family.

Kids' programs and childcare Kids' programs and quality babysitting make up this support system for small children. Nothing can top a good kids' program at a hotel. You're looking for a wide array of children's and teens' clubs at one hotel — preferably clubs that cater to multiple age groups. Notice how kids are split into age groups per program. For instance, a hotel can say that they have kids' activities for children ages 4 to 17. What you need to find out is if they are divided into two groups or assembled into one, which can be stressful for little ones or dull for older teens. Typically, the most enjoyable kids' programs are those that run different clubs for at least three separate groups of kids, in clusters of four-year (or less) age differences. If your children are outgoing, this is less of an issue, as they will probably fall in with many ages of peers easily.

Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman is one example of a resort that offers programs for all ages. The Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment allows children to explore the Caribbean ecological surroundings — wildlife and native foliage — of the Cayman Islands. Kids gain an appreciation of nature and learn how to live more environmentally-friendly upon returning home. Six three-hour eco-tour programs are offered each day (seven days a week), so there's no excuse for kids to not be interested in at least one adventure during your stay. Kids are grouped into programs of ages 4 to 7 and 8 to 18. Teens from 14 to 17 can also receive massages at the spa with a parent present. For kids younger than age 4, the resort offers babysitting on request and there is kiddie pool onsite.

Wilderness Resort Wisconsin

“20/20: THE SIXTH SENSE”

Special Edition of “20/20” Premieres Sunday, August 21 on ABC  

When nothing adds up and a gut feeling’s all you have, forget about your five senses... what you really need is the sixth sense. “20/20: The Sixth Sense,” which features stories of extraordinary instinct that uncovers the truth, premieres SUNDAY, AUGUST 21 (9:00-11:00 pm ET) on the ABC Television Network. The special edition of “20/20” is scheduled to air the following Sundays from 9:00 – 11:00 pm ET:   

“Letters From the Grave” -- Two young mothers – one in Arizona and one in Wisconsin – both found dead under mysterious circumstances. But the clues to solving these cases are found in the stunning letters written by the women themselves just days before their deaths. Did they sense their time on earth was coming to an end? Jay Schadler reports. (OAD: 2/29/08 and 4/3/09) 

 “20/20” reveals the inside story of the controversial movie “Catfish.” Jay Schadler follows the story of Nev Schulman, a 24 year old NYC photographer who becomes entangled in an intriguing internet relationship with a Michigan family. On Facebook, Nev befriends an eight-year-old art prodigy, her mother, and her beautiful older sister Megan.  Nev’s filmmaker brother Ariel and friend Henry Joost document the budding love affair between Nev and Megan, and soon embark on a road trip to discover the shocking truth about the family.  “20/20” examines the unraveling of a romance and the mysterious source of the online deception. Jay Schadler reports. (OAD: 10/8/10)

            Plus: “20/20” reports on a real-life online murder mystery.  A chance encounter in an online chat room leads to romance between a beautiful 18-year-old girl and a handsome young marine.  But what she doesn’t know is that her “sweet sexy marine” is actually a 46-year-old married man.  And before it’s over, passion will turn to jealousy, a love triangle… and murder.‪‪ “20/20” investigates a real-life online murder mystery where nothing is what it seems.  Jim Avila reports.

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