The kids are climbing the walls, but it’s too hot to go out and play. What’s a mom to do? Plan a “cool” vacation, of course. Drench yourself in excitement by jetting off to Orlando, Florida, where buckets of water-themed activities are waiting, or drive to the Alamo city, where the newly opened Aquatica is waiting for you to make a splash.
By Car: San Antonio, Texas
Where to Go
South Texas meets the South Seas as SeaWorld San Antonio opens its newest attraction – Aquatica. In a water park that only SeaWorld could create, you not only enjoy water rides from the serene to the extreme but also one-of-a-kind animal encounters. The stingray is the ambassador of Aquatica, and there are many opportunities to interact with these creatures, including wading into the waters and feeding the stingrays as they glide gracefully around your feet. Combine your love of animals and water rides, and climb aboard Stingray Falls, where the whole family can ride together through twists and turns that end in an underwater grotto that slips serenely underwater through the stingray habitat. Thrill seekers won’t want to miss Walhalla Wave, a first of its kind in North America that sends families shooting through the waves to the top of a zero-gravity wall, where they experience a feeling of weightlessness.
800/700-7786, seaworldparks.com
Where to Stay
After a sun-filled day at Aquatica, retreat to the Hyatt Hill Country Resort and Spa, where you can relax and take in the gorgeous Texas Hill Country views as the kids indulge in the four-acre water playground, including the famous Ramblin’ River. This casually luxurious hotel is the perfect blend of lavish pampering and Southern hospitality. Kids will love exploring the best of Texas and the Wild West when they check into Rowdy’s Camp Hyatt, and will join counselors on the trail to find real Indian arrowheads and hear authentic cowboy tales. If you’re worried that the kids might be turning into fish, take a spin around the property on the bicycles available from the health club, or challenge the family to a sandcastle-building contest on the beach.
210/647-1234, hillcountry.hyatt.com
Where to Eat
What happens when you cross a sports bar with a playground and add Mexican food? You get Chacho’s and Chalucci’s, where there is something for every member of the family, including the best margaritas in town and a three-story playground for the kids. Not only does Chacho’s and Chalucci’s offer Texas-sized plates of authentic Mexican food, but you can also order from the pizza place and enjoy dessert from the ice cream bar and bakery. Live salsa music keeps the mood fun as you enjoy a game of pool in the sports bar. Best of all, the restaurant is open 24 hours, so you’re ready to feed your Mexican food craving whenever it strikes.
210/892-1400, chachos.com
By Plane: Orlando, Florida
Where to Go
Orlando is the place for family fun, but when the Florida sun gets a little too hot it’s time to hit the water. Everyone’s favorite building toy is diving into the water fun with the newly opened LEGOLAND Water Park. Creative construction goes hand in hand with splashing and swimming in this aquatic metropolis designed for ages 2–12. Check out the Build a Raft River, where you can craft a one-of-a-kind vessel and hop aboard for its maiden voyage. Imagination Station offers another place for kids to put their building skills to work creating a design that is part inspiration, part hydration and all fun. If you’d rather splash into an encounter with majestic creatures of the sea, Discovery Cove offers a unique view of the underwater world of dolphins and stingrays. Turtles and otters are the newest creatures to call Discovery Cove home and are waiting for close encounters with visitors at Freshwater Oasis. For a whirl on the wild side, Boggy Creek Airboats is waiting to take you on a thrilling ride across the shallow waters, where you will see native birds, insects and even a lurking alligator or two.
florida.legoland.com
discoverycove.com
bcairboats.com
Where to Eat
Bring a brontosaurus-sized appetite as you step back into the prehistoric past at T-Rex Cafe. Meteor showers rain overhead as a landscape of geysers and jungle greenery immerses you in the ancient atmosphere. Surrounded by life-sized animatronic creatures, carnivores and herbivores alike will find something from the menu and even enjoy hands-on exploration digging for dinosaur bones in the Discovery Dig. When “The End is Near,” choose a Chocolate Extinction for a sweet way to end your dinosaur adventure.
407/828-8739, trexcafe.com
Where to Stay
After splashing around at the theme parks all day, you’ll need a place to relax, so kick back in luxury at Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. If you haven’t had enough of the water, don’t worry! In addition to three outdoor pools, kids can lounge around the lazy river, shoot down the water slide or splash around the spray park. Moms and dads will love the spacious villas with private bedrooms for the kids and can even find some relaxation of their own at the full-service spa or the 36-hole golf course. Camp Omni is open every evening from 5–10pm with fun games and crafts for the kids to enjoy while Mom and Dad slip off to indulge in one of the seven on-site restaurants, ranging from Asian fusion to home-style Italian. Before drifting off to sleep, kids will enjoy a treat of milk and cookies delivered to the room.
407/390-6664, omnihotels.com
Published July 2012
