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Family outings are supposed to be a break from routine. Vacations can help decrease work-related stress, bring a family closer together, and be loads of fun. Of course, the stress of planning a family vacation can easily trump all of those benefits. But, by choosing a family-oriented destination, most of the work will be done for you. I have outlined four great vacation possibilities, each with kids well in mind.

CAMPING. Fresh air might be just what your family needs. Give the kids a flashlight, a tent and a few s'mores, and you and your partner are guaranteed a good amount of alone time, too! Spend it talking by the campfire.

When choosing a campground, try to find one that is near a local attraction so your children have activities during the day. Check out the campground's office for restaurant and entertainment brochures, and look for activities to keep your kids busy. Some campgrounds even provide bus transportation to local attractions.

THE BEACH. Kids love the beach. They will keep themselves busy for hours building sandcastles and swimming in the ocean, while you enjoy a good book under an umbrella.

Find a family-friendly hotel that provides amenities to comfortably accommodate children, such as cribs for babies, game rooms and swimming pools. Some even provide babysitting services. Hit the boardwalk for games, rides and, of course, boardwalk fries. Also, many popular beach resorts have shops that allow you to rent bicycles or surf boards. There's something for everyone.

Skiing. Whether you'd like to ski at a local resort or fly out to Aspen, skiing is an exciting adventure of a family vacation. Ski instructors are available at most resorts, and many offer package and family deals that include lessons, skis and lift tickets. The only downside to a ski trip is that the resorts tend to be in fairly isolated (boring?) locations. However, fun times can be had by taking a road trip through some small towns, meeting the locals and eating at diners.

VISIT a far away family member or friend. This can work out great for a number of reasons.
1. You get to see someone you haven't seen in a long time.
2. No need to find a hotel. You've got a home away from home!
3. No need for a tour guide, either. You'll have one of the "locals" at your disposal.
4. I'd bet they would be happy to babysit, probably many times!
5. Planning is simple without having to worry about accommodations. Remember to bring a host gift!

Disinterested kids? Give a little freedom! Kids are just as excited to be out of the house as you, but if they are subjected to the same restraints on a family vacation as they are at home, they may as well BE at home. Give older children the freedom to go on a short hike, walk the boardwalk or, if they are too young for those things, allow them to choose an activity for the whole family to do. Get your kids involved in the planning process. It will not only make them happy and build confidence, but help you out as well!

Although planning is definitely key to having an enjoyable family vacation, try not to plan every second of awake time. Remember, this is supposed to be a break! Over-planning can be just as bad as under-planning. You don't want your family feeling like they are in a military camp. Allow plenty of open, unplanned time each day you are away. After all, the spontaneous adventures your family finds will make the best stories when you return home!

Learn more about this author, Jennie Kelley.
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