Tom Lamont, the writer who once accurately described parenting As a “chore-pocalypse“—a cold war of instilling responsibility and expectations on your progeny, before an inevitable meltdown or disappointment ensues—there are countless perks to being a dad. The world is opened. Little moments can lead to big discoveries. Adulthood is suddenly a time for discovery, relearning, joy, and wonder.
No one says that fathering or teenagersIt is Easy to Use. You may feel as if you have to reverse the direction of a falling waterfall using your hands. Have you ever tried to make breakfast using a toddler What if you were clinging to a leg with a deadline approaching and no coffee maker in sight? This is not something for the weak. And yet, the bond that is built—steadily, slowly, surely—between you and your little ones is unlike anything else you can experience in this lifetime. There’s a certain comedy of survivalism-turned-glorious-triumph that unfolds between a father and his children when left to their own devices.
What else can you do than hit the road and go on an adventure? What missteps and imperfect mistakes await you, waiting to be made into legends? Outside of newborn infancy, dads can—and should—go at it alone from time to time: whether it’s a ghost hunting trip to New Orleans, a lake-hopping tour of Stockholm, or a weekend in the wilds of South Africa. Every dad can find a great trip to take with his children, whether it’s in Bolivia or the Carolinas. Here are 11 suggestions for father-led vacations that cater to a variety of interests, budgets and ages.
The best trips to take with Dad:
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Take a ride on the highest point in Bolivia
Best for: Toddlers, grade-schoolers, teens
Bolivia is a South American destination that’s sadly underrated. La Paz—literally. It’s an urban center that is awash with art and museums. The cable car system, which is the largest in the world, crisscrosses above the streets, like an aerial metro. Take a trip across the mountains and enjoy the views from the cable cars while visiting budget-friendly restaurants, parks and attractions. distinctly surrealist architecture—from the comfort of your seat in the sky.
What to do in La Paz?
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Ghost hunting in New Orleans
Best for: Toddlers, grade-schoolers, teens
New Orleans Bourbon Street may be the most sinful place in the South, but there’s so much more to it than that. Louisiana’s old French colony, unlike many zip codes in America, is filled with Creole heritage and ghostly echoes from the past. This will captivate the imagination of both young and older people. Whether you are already a spiritual clairvoyant or are a believer-in-the-making, enroll in the New Orleans Paranormal Society and embark on a private ghost hunt replete with voodoo, séances, and more. Take a ghost tour through the French Quarter and then walk to Jackson Square for beignets with powdered sugar and gumbo by the Mississippi River.
What to do in New Orleans?
Stockholm lake-hopping: A fun adventure
Best for: Grade-schoolers, teens
If you enjoy summer, then the summers of Stockholm They are euphoric. Start your day-long voyage from the extensive docks of the Swedish capital, where locals enjoy picnics and midday swims. Then, cruise to the nearby islands, which offer the peace and tranquility of Scandinavian Nature and unbroken lounging under the mild sun. As they glide past, take in the sights. You can disembark to explore land before returning back to your vessel. Pro tip: From Ostermalm (a central Stockholm area), you can get to Sigtuna by boat. And while in Stockholm, sprinkle in a visit to The House of Film, the beautiful gardens at Rosendals Trädgårdskafé, or the Vasa Museum. There is no shortage of entertainment in the most populous Nordic town, which includes a life-sized Viking ship, an amusement-park, a zoo that’s surrounded by nature, and world-class photographic exhibits.
What to do in Stockholm?
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The anime video game in Tokyo
Best for: Grade-schoolers, teens
