What Your Kids Want From a Vacation May Surprise You

Ever wonder what kids really want in a family vacation? I just read a recent survey where kids between the ages of 7 and 12 were asked what they enjoyed the most about vacations. I was surprised to learn that for 29% of kids interviewed, spending time with family was at the top of the list. Which tells me, even though our preteens are rolling their eyes at us when we ask them to clean their rooms, in their heart of hearts they still love us and want to spend quality time hanging out with Mummy and Daddy. It also explains why my kids are always happy when whisk them away on family trips, like our recent five day stay in Orlando. 

The survey was filled with interesting tidbits that can be useful when planning where your next family vacation could be.

For example, 70% of kids said they enjoy going to amusement parks on vacation and 64% of these little tikes voted roller coasters and water slides as their favorite theme park rides. If you were to survey my family, that number would be more like "75% of the Ehm household love rollercoasters." I'm the 25% that opts out.

When we were in Orlando, I did go on a few kiddie coasters (don't judge) but I couldn't get my nerve up for either of the incredible Harry Potter rollercoaster rides at Universal Orlando. My kids went on them non-stop for about two hours with their Express Pass while I happily drank beer on a bench. This to me is a win/win proposition. Something yummy for Mummy while the kids get their thrills.

There should have been a question on the survey "Does your mom enjoy drinking beer while you're on crazy rollercoasters?" We could have scored 100% on that one. 

But really, you don't need a survey to know that kids love theme parks. When you're in Disney and Universal Studios, all you see are families goofing around and having fun together. And it's not just the rides that are bonding. It's the whole experience of carefree days together, where the only rules are "don't get lost" and "don't throw up on the rides." 

Here's a stat parents should pay attention to when planning time away: 68% of kids look forward to swimming while on vacation. When we stayed at the Portofino Bay Hotel in Orlando, I decided to delay our day at the theme park to spend time lazing around at the hotel pool with the kids. We spent three hours fooling around, swimming, relaxing, reading. At the end of the trip when I asked the kids what the highlight of their vacation was, I was surprised that the morning at the pool was as important to them than all the time we spent at the Parks. Why? It's good, old-fashioned, unstructured play.

Keep this in mind when you book your next holiday.

Especially if it's somewhere hot like Orlando, choose lodgings where you have access to a pool. The fancier resorts always have top-notch pools. But condos and rental homes also frequently have them as well. Your kids will have an awesome time splashing around and you'll save money that would have gone to a day at a theme park.

*Insider info!  When I was in Orlando, I was told about the Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort opening this spring which is a budget friendly hotel made specifically for families! Inspired by iconic beach resorts of the 1950’s and 60’s, the hotel has all-new family suites that sleep up to six and feature a kitchenette with microwave, mini-refrigerator and sink. There will also be a 10-lane bowling alley and two massive pools with sand beaches, a lazy river, waterslide and more!

Finally, here's a stat that can work to your advantage. One third (33%) of kids enjoy shopping while on vacation. What I would like to add to this is that 100% of moms prefer to shop without their kids. So when planning your next trip to somewhere like Orlando where they have Premium Outlet Malls, make sure to schedule in some alone time while hubby watches the kids in the pool.

Who says one vacation can't make everyone 100% happy?