Swimming
Destinations: Honolulu, Maui, Branson, Los Angeles, Austin, Sydney, Indianapolis
Themes: Beach Vacations, Romantic Getaways, Cruises, Outdoor Adventures, Family Travel, Single-Parent Family Travel
We swim for so many reasons: for recreation, for exercise, for competition and even for our jobs. Evidence of competitive swimming dates back to the first Olympic Games in Greece. Since then, swimming has become one of the most popular events to watch during the Summer Olympics. Men and women compete in 17 events each, such as the 100-meter and the medley relay, swimming the following competitive strokes: butterfly, breaststroke, backstroke and freestyle.
While many people learn how to swim at any early age, some do not learn basic swimming skills until well into adulthood. Fortunately, swimming lessons have become core curriculum in physical education programs across the U.S. and worldwide. Sweden, Norway and other Scandinavian countries require all fifth-grade students to know how to swim. Swimming lessons are widely available in U.S. gyms for both children and adults.
For most family vacations, swimming is an imperative, be it beach, lake, pool or water park. Some of the most popular beach destinations are in Florida, Hawaii and the Caribbean. The Wisconsin Dells earns raves for both its natural lakes and plethora of water parks. For competitive swimming, visit legendary aquatic centers in Austin, Sydney and Indianapolis.
Outdoor Adventures in Austin
The Texas capital is teeming with city and nearby state parks, with plenty of trails and rivers to please hikers, bikers, kayakers and swimmers alike.
Paradise Found at Atlantis Resort
Swim with dolphins, take a dip at a pool casino and gaze at aquariums in your hotel room at this Bahamas mega resort.
Better in the Bahamas
Read our expert’s overview to the best that the islands have to offer for a Bahamas vacation sure to please everyone.
Enchanting Exuma: Bahamas’ Tranquil Island
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Beach Getaways: Summer Fun in the Sun
Add to your family-friendly beach list with this round-up of favorite beaches from TravelMuse.
Jungle Lodges Along Belize’s Maya Trail
Experience rural Belize and explore ancient Mayan ruins when you stay at these top jungle lodges.
Best Beaches on the Big Island
Navigate your way through great beaches on Hawaii’s Big Island for quality sand, snorkeling, swimming, scuba and surfing.
Jost Van Dyke: A Pirate’s Paradise
Visit this British Virgin Island jewel—as part of a B.V.I. vacation or on a day trip from the U.S. Virgin Islands. The only way to get there is to swim ashore, like pirates of yore.
Virgin Gorda—Nature’s Little Secret
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A Successful First-Time Family Cruise
Learn from the author's first family cruise to the Caribbean how to make your cruise vacation a success.
How to Plan a Multigenerational Cruise
Grandparents, toddlers and everyone in between are sure to find onboard activities and entertainment to suit their interests.
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Mexican cruises offer families warm temperatures, native art and culture, and plenty of adventure.
Irish Greens: Dublin’s Outdoor Attractions
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Affordable Lake Tahoe: Truckee Vacation Rentals
Truckee is a short distance away from Lake Tahoe, for affordable vacation rentals and outdoor activities.
Summer Beach Safety Tips
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Top Places and Packages for Family Reunions
Check out these 9 great places that make family reunion planning a breeze.
7 New England Family Road Trips
Take a family vacation road trip to these New England destinations that are kid-friendly and affordable.
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Celebrate your birthday girl’s Sweet 16 on a mini-vacation with family and friends.
Grand Tours of the Grand Canyon
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La Jolla: The Jewel by the Sea
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Tahoe, From Lake to Peak
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Kids Clubs of Maui
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Who Said Hawaii Was Expensive?
From musical performances to historic memorials, there are plenty of things to do on Oahu without spending a dime.
Copán: Easy Indiana Jones Adventure
Family-friendly exploration is easy and affordable in Copán, Honduras, from gazing at Mayan ruins to getting up close with tropical birds.
Brazil’s Rio das Pedras Club Med Caters to Families
This exotic Club Med is tucked away in a corner of a rainforest, and it’s a hit with kids and parents, especially single parents.
Beach-Bound Getaways in Orange County
Surf’s up at O.C. beaches and seaside resorts at Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach and Dana Point.
Off Track Adventures in the Riviera Maya
Alltournative’s tours are geared for the entire family. Our writer’s day-long adventure with her son featured kayaking, swimming in cenotes, a traditional Mayan meal and four-wheel fun.
San Diego: A Playground for Kids and Adults
This Southern California destination remains a family favorite, but cool new hotels and restaurants make it an appealing playground for adults too.
Sentosa: Singapore’s Island Resort
To escape the city, locals and tourists alike head to this manmade resort area for beach fun, dining and Singapore family attractions.
Beach Access
How and where to plan an accessible family beach vacation.
Travel Deals to Delight Mom
Celebrate Mother’s Day by whisking the mom in your life to a balmy island and a relaxing spa treatment. Here are a few deals to make her smile.
St. Thomas: More than a Caribbean Cruise Capital
Discover St. Thomas’ treasures from duty-free shopping malls, white-sand beaches and historic attractions—but visit when the cruise ships aren’t there.
Kid-Friendly USVI Resorts and Attractions
Check out these top accommodations and activities for families planning a vacation to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The Dells: A Mix of Family Thrills and Relaxation
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Yosemite National Park: Merced River Rafting
Paddle amid spectacular scenery in Yosemite Valley on an inflatable raft.
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Get back to the basics for family beach fun.
Aloha, Mahalo and Everything in Between
Explore the Big Island and Maui with two guidebooks that highlight outdoor adventure in the Hawaiian Islands.
Mahalo Frommer’s: Hawaii Day by Day Review
Frommer’s new Hawaii Day by Day guide is all you will need to see the best of the islands on your next Hawaiian vacation.
