Vacations With Grandparents – The Best Excursions – 2023

This post is about vacations with grandparents, although technically, I think it should be called vacations with cool grandparents. “Cool” doesn’t mean being the granny that spends the most money on them, just the one that they want to hang out with the most.

Author, Cynthia Ross Tustin – January 5th, 2023

So, in this post, I’ve created and curated a list of excursions that are sure to make you the fave! That way you won’t have to do the leg work, I’ve done it for you. These excursions are guaranteed to be fun for kids, and their baby-booming grandparents (kidults) who are still into this stuff too! Therefore, if you incorporate some of these fun spots into your existing vacation plans, you’ll be the bomb!

However, if you’re a busy grandparent and don’t have time to read this entire post, then I’ll share my number one recommendation with you, right here right now. That way you can get on with your day.

The #1 Destination

Hands down, the place I recommend the most is Xcaret Eco Park. Whether you’re a kid or a grandparent that just loves kid-like fun (kidult), Xcaret is for you. It’s a short ferry ride from Cancun, Mexico!

And FYI, Xcaret is generally pronounced “esh-cah-ret”.

🎉🎉🎉 Book this Xcaret package early, or now if you want to guarantee spots for you and your grandchildren. Priority Access: Xcaret Day Trip+ Night Show+ Transportation is incredibly popular!

Grandparenting 101

Grandparenting 101 is about quality time and thoughtful attention, not spoiling them rotten. Lots of love and listening are usually the best ingredients. Couple that with a genuine interest in what they like, and a few firm ground rules and you have the foundations for a great vacation.

Well, that, and maybe some good travel insurance! FYI, I get mine, Safety Wing.

There are plenty of great options out there for having a great time with the grandkids. Anything Disney is automatically a hit. There’s Walt Disney World in Florida, Disneyland in California, or even hopping on the Disney cruise line. These are all number one for a reason.

Also, amongst the number one vacation ideas are all-inclusive resorts like the ones recommended in Today’s Parent Magazine. All of Disney’s locations and all of the family-based all-inclusive resorts have staff that can supervise your grandchildren and that gives you a bit of a break. There are also baby-sitting services (with vetted and often bonded staff) that can look after the kids when it’s their bedtime, but not yours.

But what if those vacation ideas aren’t really your cup of tea? What are some of the less obvious ideas?

So, Where Are the Best Excursions In 2023 For Vacations With Grandparents?

As the cool grannies (yes, and grandfathers) we might want to try something a bit different. What if gramps is as big a kid as the kids? I suggest vacations with grandparents who make up their own itineraries in conjunction with the kids. Have a conversation about what everyone likes from a “thrills and adventure” standpoint and add a few of those to your itinerary.

I’ve created a list of ten. They include North America’s largest indoor water park, quite possibly the world’s best eco-park, and the largest go-cart track. Yes, there are some theme parks, but there is also a heart-pounding stunt plane ride, ziplining, and several of the seven wonders of the world thrown in for good (and interesting) measure!

Pro Tip: Once you’ve made the decision to vacation with your grandchildren, you will need certain documentation and permission letters from their parents. If you have questions about the logistics of taking the grandkids away, check out my recent article, 11 Amazing Tips For Traveling With Grandchildren in 2023.

Now, let’s circle back to my number one recommendation, and start there.

Vacations With Grandparents

1. Priority Access: Xcaret Day Trip+ Night Show+ Transportation

Rating: 4.5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 1099

Pro Tip: Xcaret Park is also an animal sanctuary. So you’ll have the opportunity to see all sorts of regional fauna like Howler and Spider Monkeys, Tapirs, and Flamingos.

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At Xcaret, grandparents can combine all the goodies found in a beach vacation, culture, biodiversity, and amazing activities. It is an all-around great experience for families, especially for grandparents, their kids (if you take them), and their kids!

Spend the entire day at Xcaret. This is Mexico’s ecological and archeology park, and it can be found in the Riviera Maya. When you take this particular trip from Cancun to Xcaret you’ll swim in the pristine blue lagoon, snorkel in the clear aqua waters of the Caribbean, and take the time to discover a unique network of subterranean rivers.

Wildlife abounds. So it’s an awesome place to see monkeys, birdlife, and butterflies as you walk through the jungle, and tour the ancient Mayan archaeological sites. The fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down. You won’t want to miss the Aviary, the Coral Reef Aquarium, and the Butterfly Garden.

This family-friendly package lets you enjoy the park even after the sun sets. You and your grandkids will enjoy traditional entertainment that highlights the ancient Mayan culture around Cancun, Mexico.

If you’re staying in Cancun, this outing includes pickup and drop-off at most hotels.

What’s Included in the Priority Access: Xcaret Day Trip+ Night Show+ Transportation?

This package has a long list of inclusions beyond what’s simply in the title. Things like:

use of all the lounge chairs, hammocks, and rest areas; life jackets and inner tubes; all the water activities in the underground river; a buffet lunch with fruit-flavored drinks, coffee, and one beer (if Xcaret Plus option is selected); and full access to the beaches, bays, and natural pools.

You can take your own snorkels and fins if you wish. You also have the option to rent some. And some package upgrades include these items.

Towels, gratuities, and alcohol are all extra.

Yuan – December 2022 “Xcaret is a must-visit if you are staying in Cancun, and I would recommend this tour since it made your life super easy – get on the bus in the morning and you would be completely taken care of from then on.” Read more reviews

🎉🎉🎉 Book this Xcaret package early, or now if you want to guarantee spots for you and your grandchildren. Priority Access: Xcaret Day Trip+ Night Show+ Transportation is incredibly popular!

Vacations With Grandparents

2. Legoland Resort California Tours and Tickets

Rating: 4 out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with almost 700 excellent reviews

Pro Tip: There’s an optional upgrade for the park’s Sea Life Aquarium.

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Legoland in California is a 128-acre theme park built out of those tiny colorful plastic LEGO® building blocks. the California park is the one that most closely resembles the original LEGOLAND in Denmark, and is the first of its kind in the US.

It has more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions. And is designed for family members of all ages.

It’s a really fun day with a toy that you used to play with and that your grandchildren currently enjoy! The park makes for a great day of games, rides, and a water park.

What’s Included With the Legoland Resort California Tours and Tickets?

Full park admission. This excursion is tons of fun, especially for kids between the ages of 2 and 12. That’s really who it’s designed for. But you will thoroughly enjoy watching them have a blast on the roller coasters and the Lego Ferrari race.

Me? I’d go shopping! This is the best place to get all the unusual and hard-to-find Lego sets. This is also the best spot to replace any missing pieces from those vintage sets you’ve been saving…and the building instructions that you never kept.

John – October 2022 “Legoland was clean and not intense like other amusement parks. Liked the balance of amusements and self-play areas for kids.” Read More Reviews

Click here for your Legoland Resort California Tours and Tickets

Vacations With Grandparents

3. American Dream DreamWorks Indoor Water Park Ticket

Rating: 4 out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pro Tip: Swims suits (all sizes) are available for purchase at the gift shop…and so are towels and water shoes.

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East Rutherford, New Jersey, just outside NYC, boasts what is probably the largest indoor water park in North America. DreamWorks Indoor Water Park is a completely family-friendly destination, just ask Shrek!

The numerous Dream Works animated movies are the theme for this enormous indoor water playground. And while the theme may appeal to the younger crowd, there are water activities for every age; kids and kidults will be pruney and happy.

It has the world’s largest indoor wave pool (seriously, when they really crank up the waves, they’ve held surfing competitions here). There are over 40 water slides, one of which is the tallest body slide in the USA.

What’s Included In The American Dream DreamWorks Indoor Water Park Ticket?

Your park pass allows for all-day fun in a park that spans 8 acres, under a glass-domed, climate-controlled, watery goodness. You can pack a lunch or eat there. Plan on going early and staying late to get absolute value for your vacation dollar.

And you don’t have to be in the water every waking moment, there are plenty of chaise lounges and comfy seating. And speaking of comfortable. The indoor park is kept at a balmy 81 degrees every day, 365, for maximum balmy enjoyment. And the park has over 300 lifeguards on staff…for your peace of mind.

As a conscientious grandparent, if you’re looking for some extra safety tips about water parks, I suggest reading 5 Things You Need To Know About Water Parks, But Probably Didn’t Know by Healthy Child. Water parks are considered safe family activities. But like even the safest activity, a bit of diligence never hurt anyone.

Leah J. – “We had the time of our lives! From the extremely kind and courteous lifeguards to the beautiful, sparkling clean wave pool and the heart-stopping thrills felt on the stupendous slides, everything was great!” Read More Reviews

Click here to purchase your all-day pass to the American Dream DreamWorks Indoor Water Park Ticket

Vacations With Grandparents

4. Grand Canyon Signature Hummer Tour with Optional Sunset Views

Rating: 5 out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, with almost 1000 exceptional reviews.

Pro Tip: If your grandchild wants to take a picture of the Grand Canyon on his or her cellphone to send home to the folks, experts recommend the panorama setting, and keeping the phone extremely still. That can be difficult since it’s so light-weight, even breathing impacts the shot, use a handrail to steady the shot. And if the sky is cloudy, angle the camera slightly downward.

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This tour will help you make the most of limited time and see the highlights of Grand Canyon National Park in just a couple of hours on this sightseeing tour. Truthfully, you could stay here for days exploring the 275 square miles of canyon. But if the itinerary with your grandchildren only has room for an afternoon at one of the Seven Wonders of The World, then this tour is it.

Ride in a windowless, open-air Hummer and listen to commentary from your guide as you visit a World Heritage Site. Knowledgeable guides will take you to some of the canyon’s best lookout points, where you can hop out, take photos, and explore. Since this is a small-group tour, you’ll have plenty of time to ask questions, too.

What’s Included in the Grand Canyon Signature Hummer Tour with Optional Sunset Views?

Customized sightseeing Hummer (open-air in the warmer months; enclosed in the colder months). This is helpful as the weather in the canyon can be very unpredictable. Your experienced guide can take you to the best spots for the best photo opportunities.

Each Hummer seats 13 passengers, which means that the tour groups are small, allowing for a more personalized experience, and comfort over rough terrain.

Ron H. – January 2023 “The guide makes all the difference. They know their way around and a good guide will have some great stories as well.” Read More Reviews

There are no hotels within Grand Canyon National Park, but there are plenty of great hotels, motels, lodges, and campgrounds near the park. And because it’s such a large place, it’s an easy drive from either Flagstaff or Sedona. I personally recommend Sedona, see why in this post.

Grand Canyon Signature Hummer Tour with Optional Sunset Views, click here, every kid should see the Grand Canyon at least once! And so should you!

Vacations With Grandparents

5. Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco

Rating: 4.5 out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with over 1000 excellent reviews

Pro Tip: This is an ideal trip with your teenage grandchildren. The train ride to and from Machu Picchu is long. So if you’re grandkids are fidgety, they may not enjoy the scenery on the ride.

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Just like the Grand Canyon in Arizona, Macchu Pichu in Peru is one of the seven wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for cultural significance. And on this tour, you’ll have an entire day in the Peruvian countryside and time to go exploring the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu was built, approximately, in 1450. This was at the height of the Incan empire, and it was abandoned less than 100 years later following the Spanish conquest of Peru. Today it is considered by many to be the new spiritual center of the world.

This day trip leaves Cusco and takes you to the renowned mountaintop Inca site with an expert guide. From your expert guide you and your grandchildren will learn all about Machu Picchu’s construction, history, and what daily life was like for its residents.

From a grandparent’s perspective, you’ll appreciate that this trip is relaxed and sets a non-strenuous pace. There are three different train ride options to get you to the top.

What’s Included In The Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco?

The tour includes a locally trained and knowledgeable guide, that speaks both Spanish and/or English. A tour of Machu Picchu. Pick up and drop off from your lodging in Cusco.

All necessary tickets for admission to the Machu Picchu Citadel, as well as round trip train tickets or bimodal bus&train services. Plus the round trip shuttle bus ticket to go up & down to the citadel from Machu Picchu town.

Nigel – January 2023 “Very well organized trip and the sights and view when we got there were amazing. Considering how difficult and remote Machu Picchu is, minibus, train, and then another bus, it all worked really well.” Read More Reviews

You can book this tour for you and your grandchildren here Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco

Start ticking off your bucket list – read my blog post and discover the best tips for fixed-income travel!

Vacations With Grandparents

6. Passenger Bobsleigh in Whistler B.C. – Canada

Rating: 5 out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐with 34 stellar reviews

Pro Tip: Want to understand the perfect slide? Check out the science behind The Perfect Slide in this Smithsonian Science and Education article.

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Chances are good that if you’re headed to Whistler, British Columbia in Canada with the grandkids this winter, you’re taking them skiing or snowboarding. And it will be well worth the trip. Their mountains and terrain parks are Olympic-class. Literally.

But skiing and snowboarding aren’t the only “Olympic-class” activities that you and the clan can try. I bet you’ve never considered taking a run at bobsledding. Pun intended!

The Whistler Sliding Centre is open to the public and offers the “Passenger Bobsleigh Experience”. This truly unique and safe experience starts with a thorough safety briefing/training about your slide down the track and the proper track etiquette. The family gets a ride up to your starting position. This is where you will be fitted with a helmet.

This is also where you’ll meet the pilot of your sled (yes, that’s what the person who steers is called). The professionally trained track crew will help all of you get seated so that the sled is balanced for maximum performance.

And just like in the Olympics, you’ll go through a final safety check and wait for your family’s team names to be announced, get the go signal, a push from the track crew will give you a push, and you’re off!

What’s Included In The Passenger Bobsleigh in Whistler B.C. Package?

What’s included? Well, everything you need to ride a piloted four-man bobsled down a world-class track (there are only 14 in the world) at top speeds of 125+ km/hr in the final corner (that’s 4Gs). So you get training, helmets, a photo, and a diploma. And of course bragging rights as the coolest grandparents!

Tyne P. – December 2022 “Drove up to Whistler from Vancouver for the day to do this passenger bobsleigh and it was fantastic! The staff were really nice, friendly and courteous. Definitely recommend booking this unique experience!” Read More Reviews

This activity sells out quickly, book Passenger Bobsleigh in Whistler B.C. Package here!

Vacations With Grandparents

7. Guachipelin Adventure Volcano Zipline Horseback River Tubing Combo

Rating: 5 of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and 633 excellent reviews.

Pro Tip: This is an opportunity to use your grandkid’s GoPro! The helmets that are provided here have a GoPro attachment.

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I’ve included this excursion, because as a kidult myself, this is one of my favourite things to do every time I’m in Costa Rica. And I can’t wait until my grandson is old enough to go too! I will be a very popular YaYa (that’s as close to granny as he can get right now).

This zipline tour has the added bonuses of horseback riding and river tubing, all through the Rincon National Park (the one with the volcano).

What’s Included In The Guachipelin Adventure Volcano Zipline Horseback River Tubing Combo?

So in addition to the zipping, horsing, and tubing, there’s a visit to a natural hot spring, a volcanic mud bath (this actually feels amazing), and a full buffet lunch. Plus hotel pick-up, a seasoned professional guide, and bottled water to keep you and the grandkids hydrated all day.

Turner B. – January 2023 “10/10 action-packed day. Better than you think it will be. Best tour guide, unique experience. Worth it.” Read More Reviews

Reserve now and pay later for the Guachipelin Adventure Volcano Zipline Horseback River Tubing Combo

Vacations With Grandparents

8. Wizarding World of Harry Potter Tours and Tickets Universal Orlando 1 Park Per Day Tickets – USA / Canada Residents

Rating: 4 out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with over 1100 reviews

Pro Tip: This is a full day, outdoors. Hats, sunscreen, and seriously comfortable shoes are recommended!

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Universal Orlando’s Harry Potter attraction is spread across two parks at the resort: Diagon Alley on the Universal Studios Florida side and Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The two are connected by Hogwarts Express train, and each features shops, dining, and attractions inspired by the young wizard.

What’s Included In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Tours and Tickets Universal Orlando 1 Park Per Day Tickets – USA / Canada Residents?

Everything here is based on the entire Harry Potter movie franchise, from rides to food. This is one of Florida’s most popular theme parks. If your budget permits, you can stay longer and visit other parks. But this ticket gets you a full day of Hogwarty goodness!

Constance H. – 2022 “Great experience.. kids and I really enjoyed ourselves …. Need to come back cause we still didn’t cover the whole park” Read More Reviews

Book The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Tours and Tickets Universal Orlando 1 Park Per Day Tickets – USA / Canada Residents now!

Vacations With Grandparents

9. Niagara Speed Way, Niagara Falls Canada

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Tripadvisor

Pro Tip: Don’t let the roar of the engines keep you from missing the actual waterfall here on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. It’s another one of the seven wonders of the world.

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This is a great kid/kidult excursion to add to your existing vacation with the grandkids. The Niagara Speed Way is on Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Clifton Hill is the downtown heart of all the tourist attractions.

And the Speed Way is one of the hottest tickets in town as it boasts North America’s largest elevated go-cart track.

The course is uniquely designed and spread out over four acres with a concrete racing surface that runs through a four-story helical spiral, then onto a two-tiered coaster-style ramp, and back into another spiral.

This world-class track has been engineered to meet all of Canada’s stringent safety requirements.

What’s Included In The Niagara Speed Way, Niagara Falls Canada Pass?

Use of a kart that’s powered by a large 4-stroke Honda motor, boasting 9 HP with a maximum track speed of 32 km/hr. There are advanced lighting systems and open-leg areas for ease of loading.

Just be careful granddad, those kids are liable to pass in the hairpin turns for the checkered flag!

CRT, July 2022 – “Wicked fun!” Read More Reviews

Grab your pass here, Niagara Speed Way, Niagara Falls Canada

Vacations With Grandparents

10. Flight Experience in San Diego

Rating: 5 out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 34 outstanding reviews

Pro Tip: This is another fabulous Go-Pro Camera opportunity! Oh, and some serious bragging rights!

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#10 is here for sheer awesomeness! And this experience will totally secure your place as the favourite grandparent! And it will probably tick off one of your own bucket list items at the same time!

This is basically live simulation…in the air, with a trained fighter pilot. No simulator machines on this flight!

It’s an opportunity to learn a bit of basic flight maneuvering skills, experience some cool aerobatics, and enjoy aerial views of the mountains, desert, and the San Diego skyline. Package upgrades are available.

What’s Included In The Flight Experience in San Diego?

The Recon package includes your flight with an actual fighter pilot instructor in the most advanced aerobatic airplane in the world. Experience 10 minutes of thrilling basic aerobatic maneuvers and then take in the beautiful views San Diego has to offer.

The Afterburner Package allows YOU to take the controls along with a pilot that is a certified flight instructor. Experience the dynamics of an aerobatic plane that’s been specifically designed for loops, rolls, tail slides, and so much more!

The Sky Combat Package will totally get your adrenaline pumping as you engage in an aerial dogfight! You and your grandkid can test your skills against each other totally under expert supervision. Your finger is the one on the trigger; and with the help of the latest technology, you’ll get the most realistic combat simulation possible!

Zack S. 2022 – “I had high expectations. This experience surpassed all of them. I plan to return as soon as possible. The Topgun experience is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!” Read More Reviews

Book the Flight Experience in San Diego right here Maverick!

UNESCO World Heritage Sites As Destinations For Vacations With Grandparents

UNESCO stands for United Nations, Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. There are only 1,154 places on earth with this designation, and most are cultural, but 218 are “natural” in the category. And in the post, I’ve included three of them, Machu Picchu, the Grand Canyon, and Niagara Falls.

I’ve written about UNESCO World Heritage Sites in other posts. One of the more recent posts was Galapagos Island Tours for Seniors. And that post has more info on how a site gets a UNESCO rating…if you’re interested in that kind of stuff

FYI, the Galapagos Islands are truly spectacular and are generally considered to be a bucket list destination. (That being said, many people often combine Macchu Pichu and the Galapagos Islands since Peru and Ecuador are neighbours.)

So Let’s Sum Up The Best Vacations With Grandparents for 2023

These “vacation with grandparents” excursions are designed for maximum fun and to give you the opportunity to tailor your own itineraries. Most are evenly spaced out across North America, with one each in Central and South America.

Each excursion has something special about it. It could be the largest, the fastest, or one of the most culturally unique in the world. I’ve curated it this way to be outside the norm and be super memorable.

That being said. Time and attention from grandparents who love them, that’s really what will make these vacation excursions the most memorable for all of you!

Cheers,
Cynthia

Take a look at these posts that were mentioned above.

*All pictures are courtesy of iStock unless otherwise specified.