Luxury family travel is more popular than ever as today’s high-net-worth families continue to seek out unique destinations and amenities. These families want more than your average vacation itinerary, adding educational experiences, ecological expeditions, adventure outings and more to their trip plans.
Research shared by Adventure Travel Trade Association indicates that the adventure travel category alone is a market worth more than $683 billion with the fastest growing categories related to family-friendly travel activities.
These adventure-focused trips, sometimes referred to as “experiential” travel, are popular globally because they help families spend quality time in beautiful places while entertaining family members of all ages and interests. It’s no longer just a stay at a luxury resort in the mountains, it’s now a concierge-curated itinerary full of mountain climbing, zip lining, kayaking, bird watching, shopping, spa treatments and sumptuous dining. With such uniquely tailored itineraries, it’s no surprise that high-net-worth families continue to prioritize travel.
Family trips create key memories that kids (and parents) can cherish for a lifetime. Experience creating stories that will hit the dinner table for years to come. And although traveling with the whole family is great for logging hours of quality time, there’s something special about planning a trip directly customized to the needs and interests of just one of your kids.
Even as a travel writer planning a 3-day trip for a very girly, animal-loving preschooler is a bit of a challenge. She likes to be active, but doesn’t like to be outdoors all the time. She loves spending time with animals, but also loves traveling to zoos and farms and nature hikes. Like a true princess it can’t be too hot or too cold, it has to be just right. And for this particular picky eater, pancakes, hamburgers and chocolate treats are a must. Ocala, Florida was recommended and checked all the boxes.
Whether your daughter is 4, 14 or 24, try this affordable mother-daughter trip for your next family vacation.
Walk, shop and have lunch in historic downtown Ocala.
With its postcard-worthy, historic city streets vibe of America’s downtown and midtown Ocala Provide a relaxed atmosphere full of local boutiques, small businesses, restaurants, bars and breweries.
The “Brick City” was first settled in 1840 and then rebuilt after a fire destroyed the town center in 1883. Another period of revival followed in the 1930s and 40s, giving the quaint city an eclectic mix of architectural styles. A replica of the original 1888 bandstand gazebo is surrounded by oak trees and public art in the downtown Ocala Historic Square that provides the perfect location for a mother-daughter photo moment.
After strolling downtown and soaking up the sites, the adventure-loving mother-daughter duo should try lunch. Depot at Magnolia. This converted historic steampunk train depot in the heart of Old Town features traditional American fare served with a side of whimsical train history. Sweet treat fans should also make sure to leave room for a post-lunch stop Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop Where kids and adults can find all their favorite candy brands.
Relax and play at the family-friendly World Equestrian Center.
A mother-daughter duo need not be members of the equestrian community to appreciate this equestrian paradise. World Equestrian Center It is the largest equestrian complex in the United States and offers a variety of state-of-the-art facilities for equestrian events, including deluxe stabling, a veterinary clinic and more that attract some of the world’s top riders. More than just a great place to experience equestrian events, the complex also welcomes sporting events, canine and animal shows, meetings, trade shows and large conferences, as well as private events and weddings.
The World Equestrian Center is becoming known in Central Florida for its luxury lodging options, shopping, and a surprising amount of restaurants, cafes, and bars that can accommodate a variety of budgets and preferences. Visitors can book a grand stay Equestrian Hotel Or stay stylish and pet-friendly Riding Academy Hotel. Each hotel features its own unique interior design concepts themed entirely for animal enthusiasts. Mother and daughter can easily take a stroll through the hotel’s public spaces and see the many imaginative design features and pieces of artwork around the property.
Guests of hotel properties can rent golf carts and explore the expansive grounds visiting the Grand Arena viewing area, shops and various dining options such as Mr. Pickles and Sailor Bear Toy Shop, Emma’s Patisserie and Yellow Pony Pub and Garden.
Enjoy a mother-daughter spa day at Caluna Spa.
Whether you and your daughter are staying on World Equestrian Center property or at a nearby hotel or rental, Caluna Spa A perfect addition to your getaway itinerary. Located on the second floor of The Equestrian Hotel, this full-service spa is open 7 days a week and offers a variety of services from massages to facials and nail and hair services.
Spa couples will be provided with luxurious robes and slippers, served tea and other beverages and welcomed to relax and recharge in the spa’s chic lounge and changing rooms.
Older daughters with their moms can book full-day packages like the Midnight Trail Ride that includes lavender infused oil, collagen facial, signature pedicure, blowout and massage with a glass of champagne. Those with young daughters can enjoy booking nail services like steamed lavender milk manicures and pedicures.
Bond over afternoon tea in the Paris Room of Stirrups Restaurant.
Pack your tea hats and elegant afternoon attire because the mother-daughter duo won’t want to miss afternoon tea. The Paris Room at Stirrups Restaurant. Located on the first floor of The Equestrian Hotel, Stirrups Restaurant is another incredible dining venue found in the World Equestrian Center complex. The fine-dining restaurant welcomes guests as well as members of the community to experience a British-influenced afternoon tea service in their stunning black and gold gilded private dining room overlooking the grounds of the Grand Arena.
Mom and daughter will be amazed by the tea and menu selection, starting with a glass of champagne, followed by individual pots of tea and layers of savory and sweet treats. The impressive staff can easily accommodate dietary restrictions and children’s preferences, as well as offering decaffeinated and non-alcoholic options for menu items so guests never have to sit out of course.
This particular travel item will require you to plan your vacation to fall in the last week of the month. Advance reservations are required for afternoon tea.
Marvel at the natural beauty of Central Florida with a Glass Bottom Boat Tour of Silver Springs State Park.
Whether your daughter is 4 or 40, over 4,000-acres Silver Springs State Park Makes a great day trip for those living in Ocala. Located in the nearby town of Silver Springs, the park includes numerous natural springs, the entire 5-mile Silver River, and a surrounding sandhill forest that is home to many animals, including manatees, river fish, birds, reptiles, and a community of monkeys.
Mother-daughter duos can hike the park’s trails, stop by The Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center, rent kayaks to explore the waterways, or take a 30- or 90-minute glass bottom to get up close and personal with the springs, wildlife. Boats can book guided tours. And some old movie props too.
The adventure offers a bit of a twist for history buffs. Not only has Silver Springs been welcoming tourists since the 1820s and offering glass bottom boat tours since the 1870s, Silver Springs is also known for its association with the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Hollywood discovered Silver Springs in the late 1930s, and over the years, at least 20 movie scenes were filmed in the park. Notable films you and your daughter may recognize include Creature from the Black Lagoon, Rebel Without a Cause starring James Dean, Distant Drums starring Gary Cooper, the James Bond movie Moonraker, and multiple Tarzan films. The park was temporarily owned by ABC Paramount in hopes of competing with big names like Disney, SeaWorld, and later Universal Studios, but after years of environmental concerns about the park, the Florida Park Service reclaimed the property in 2013, revitalizing the landscape. Fortunately, the Park Service still preserves bits of its old Hollywood heritage.
Consider other ventures
These suggestions are just a few examples of activities to build into your Ocala, Florida itinerary. Other experiences to consider include horseback riding and trail riding, seeing a show at The Marion Theater, stopping at historic sites like Fort King National Historic Landmark, or enjoying the abundance of natural springs, water sports, and river tubing.
With a truly unique mix of experiences to try, this Central Florida secret gem should be added to your family travel bucket list. A perfect blend of relaxation and excitement, consider visiting Ocala for your next vacation.
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