Build a Better Family Vacation

Research Activities Before You Go

To get your children excited about the trip in advance―and to be ready with surefire boredom chasers when they're needed―check the area's tourist office or chamber-of-commerce website for the week's scheduled activities, such as farmers' markets and parades. Call the local library and bookstore to find out about story hours. To save scrambling for a local paper when rain dictates an afternoon at the movies, go online before you leave home to find a local theater's show-times or at least a number to call. And if you're counting on using the hotel's children's program or heated pool, ask before booking to be sure those services are available during your stay; don't find out when you get there that the pool has been drained for repairs.