A vacation with kids can be daunting, but the payoffs are priceless. Whether it’s a weekend at a lakeside cabin, a theme-park adventure or a trip abroad, shared experiences strengthen family bonds, promote independence and expose children to culture and diversity. As Hans Christian Andersen once wrote, “To travel is to live.”
From close to home to across the pond, here’s some vacation inspiration.
National parks like the Great Smoky Mountains, Yellowstone and Grand Canyon provide jaw-dropping scenic backdrops for the family memories — and photos — of your dreams.
Amusement parks offer something for everyone. Across America, you’ll find a wide range of theme parks catering to all kinds of interests. Lodging is typically nearby, and many parks offer discounted admission for young children.
Waterfront stays offer built-in recreation and scenic views. Staying in a cabin or vacation rental instead of a hotel allows families to stock the fridge with favorite foods and gives grown-ups space to relax when kids are sleeping.
Major cities can feel overwhelming, especially for young children, but many smaller metropolitan areas like Madison, WI or Phoenix, AZ offer attractions such as museums, zoos and parks.
European adventures can be just as family-friendly. While cities like Paris or London are great for teens, Seville and Lisbon are more manageable with younger kids. Spain and Portugal also have family-friendly beach properties.
All-inclusive Caribbean resorts mean no cooking or meal prep. In addition to all-you-can-eat buffets, pools and waterslides, many resorts have childcare or day camp so parents can relax on their own.
It’s natural to focus on physical concerns as you age, but mental health deserves equal attention. Depression ranks among the top 10 chronic conditions in older adults, with loneliness and social isolation being major contributors. Here are some strategies to support emotional well-being later in life.
Socialize
Strong social connections help us live longer, healthier lives. Spending time with friends and getting involved in your community can strengthen mental health and enhance quality of life.
Exercise
Brisk walking, especially outside, can ease symptoms of depression and anxiety while improving sleep and cognitive function.
Verbalize
Retirement, chronic illness and the loss of a loved one can take a toll, but ongoing depression isn’t something to ignore. Talk with your doctor about support options.
Visit the American Psychological Association website, APA.org, for additional information and resources.
It’s estimated that less than 10% of plastics are successfully recycled. Reduce plastic use with these simple, sustainable swaps that are easy to add to your routine and gentle on the environment.
Replace single-use plastics like coffee cups, shopping bags, cutlery, water bottles, and straws with reusable versions.
Avoid excess packaging by shopping in the bulk-foods section for pantry staples such as rice, beans, pasta, oats, spices, or dried fruits.
Give gently worn clothing new life by shopping in secondhand stores, or invest in styles made from natural, biodegradable materials, like cotton, wool or silk.
Trade plastic bottles of shampoo, conditioner, lotion, hand soap, and shower gel for solid-bar hair and body products.
Cook more meals at home to minimize plastic waste from takeout containers. Use glass or ceramic storage options for leftovers.
Buy unpackaged seasonal produce to reduce waste.
Steer clear of products containing microbeads found in some beauty and cleaning products. These tiny particles can slip through water treatment plants and be mistaken for food by marine life.
Stronger. Faster. Fitter. It all comes down to understanding how exercise works. Aerobic and anaerobic are the two primary forms of working out, and each benefits your body differently. One builds endurance, the other power. Together, they keep you healthy, steady and ready for anything.
Ingredients
2 ripe bananas, mashed
¼ cup melted coconut oil
¼ cup + 1 Tbsp. milk
¼ cup + 1 Tbsp. unrefined sugar
1 egg
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1¾ cups rolled oats
¼ tsp. cinnamon
3 tsp. baking powder
1¼ cups fresh cranberries
¼ cup chopped walnuts
¼ cup quick oats for topping
Directions
Preheat oven to 350° F. Line muffin pans with 16–18 baking cups.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, oil, milk, sugar, and egg. Add flour, rolled oats, cinnamon, and baking powder. Stir until well combined. Fold in cranberries and walnuts.
Scoop batter into baking cups, filling ¾ full. Sprinkle each muffin with quick oats. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove muffins from pan immediately and cool on a wire rack.
