The Most Fun Things For Families To Do For That First Big Outing In A While

Because of the pandemic, it’s been a long year and a half, but we are finally getting closer to normal. While we aren’t out of the woods yet, more places have opened up, and more people are going out, traveling, and living life in a way they haven’t really been able to since early 2020. After spending so much time at home, plenty of folks are raring to have some fun, especially kids, who had been stuck doing remote learning last school year and want nothing more than to get out of their homes and enjoy themselves. If you’re overwhelmed with how to entertain your antsy children, here are some ideas for the most exciting and memorable - yet safe - ways to ensure they have a blast, whether you decide to go now, or a few months down the road.

SPORTS, SHOWS AND CONCERTS

There is nothing like a live event, and they have been sorely missed recently. Now though, stadiums, arenas and venues are ready for crowds once again, and the shows and events are back. Whether it’s your kid’s favorite team, singer, band or musical, nothing says getting back out there than joining hundreds of your fellow fans and rooting on or singing along with your favorites. If you want to go big, most major sports venues are now open with full capacity (and safety protocols in place), and starting next month, Broadway shows will begin performances again. See when each production will take the stage once more here.

MUSEUMS

After months of remote learning using just a computer, if your kid is itching to get an education while having fun, museums’ doors are open to the public once again. From hands-on science museums, to definitely-not-hands-on art museums, to interactive kid’s museums, there is a world of knowledge out there just waiting for you and your little ones to come and explore it. You can find a list of nearby children’s museums here, and for the more refined young ones, a list of all museums here.

MEDIEVAL TIMES

Your family has probably eaten many meals over the past 18 months at home: the same recipes, the same seats, the same conversations. Now is your chance to have a meal you won’t soon forget – Medieval Times has opened again and an experience there will not only fill your family with delicious food – all eaten the way they did in Medieval times, without utensils – but with some exciting entertainment as well. From horses that practically dance in the arena, to a falcon flying inches over your head, to the main event – thrilling jousts that have you rooting for the knight who corresponds with your seating section. You can be a part of the fantastic feast at one of the ten castles located throughout North America. Find the one closest to you here and read how Medieval Times is ensuring your safety here.

GREAT WOLF LODGE

For a real treat for your kids, head to a place that has everything they might want all under one roof – Great Wolf Lodge. An enormous indoor water park offering wet fun for all ages is just the start of the fun to be had. For kids who like games, there is not only a thrilling arcade but also the interactive Magicquest live-action role-playing adventure that will have your child running around and waving a wand at objects all over the hotel as they complete their missions. Most locations also offer a ropes course and a Build-A-Bear Workshop, and some have even more attractions like mini-golf, bowling, a theater, candy stores and more. There are dance parties, yoga sessions, guided hikes, nighttime stories with the hotel’s “Forest Friends,” and plenty of other activities that will keep your days busy and your nights full of deep sleep.

Each Great Wolf Lodge offers an array of restaurants as well as some unique room options, including kid-themed ones that see children sleeping in bunk beds in their own private “wolf den.” With 18 Great Wolf Lodge locations across the country, there is probably one not far from you. Learn more here and see how Great Wolf Lodge is staying safe here.

HAWKS CAY RESORT

If you want to go all out for your first trip in some time without leaving the country, you'll want to book a stay at Hawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys. Located on Duck Key, about halfway between the Florida mainland and Key West, the destination offers everything a family would want in a memorable and exciting vacation.

Family-friendly accommodations range from hotel rooms equipped with bunk beds to entire 2-to-4 bedroom villas complete with a private plunge pool. Guests might not spend much time in their rooms though because of all the activities at the resort. One of the most popular is the Dolphin Connection, which gives people of all ages the chance to interact with dolphins, from dancing with them to playing catch with them - even getting towed across the water by them.

There are also pools, a lagoon, bikes, paddle boards, and an entire kids club with its own pools, pirate ship splash playground, a touch tank, sports venues and daily activities - including mermaid visits and pirate adventures.

Moms and dads will enjoy themselves as well with fishing, water sports, a relaxing spa and plenty of dining options. There are even opportunities for some alone time since the resort offers kids night out events where, for a small fee, kids are supervised during an afternoon and night of themed-activities like glow-in-the-dark crafts or creating slime.

Book your stay at Hawks Cay here and learn more about their safety measures here.