Vacation Destinations with a 6 Month Old?

We took my daughter to Orlando when she was 5 months old. It was a January trip and I was actually going for work, but my husband and daughter joined me and it was great. First of all, the warm weather is good - you can swim and enjoy the sunshine. We got park passes through my company (otherwise we wouldn't have gone), but she had a good time simply watching all of the activity and people. We found fountains to be especially entertaining. The only problem was dealing with naps, etc in a hotel room....since you're pretty much on lock-down in one room while baby naps. Have a great time - and keep on being green!!

When my son was about a year and a half we went to Austin, TX for a family wedding. I was super impressed by the city and all the attractions for kids. They have an amazing children's museum that would be appropriate for your 6 month old. Most of the restaurants have outdoor seating that is heated if it is cool and were very kid friendly. Everything was clean. Big downtown to walk around, capital building to explore, music scene awesome and some great lakes (Travis and Powell) with boat rides. Lots of parks as well as a public garden, like chicago botanical gardens here, that is all free. I would recommend this as a family friendly destination. I would also check out Cookie magazine. They are always reporting on family friendly destinations, both in and out of the US. Good luck and enjoy your trip!

Dear A.,

My husband and I lived in Orlando for a year, and Tampa Bay (Clearwater) for 5 years. Our son LOVED the Tampa Aquarium as early as 4 months old, and loves the zoo as well (we didn't go to Busch Gardens with him, but I imagine he would like it too). You're right - it's warm, but for that reason I would keep in mind the fact that a lot of other families are thinking the EXACT SAME THING. It got so crowded down there during the "winter" (60 degrees or so for that zone) that it was a bore to go anywhere. Keep that in mind, but as far as warmer than here and good entertainment, I'd vote for Tampa Bay. You'll get more for your money (less expensive than Disney for a child who can't fully appreciate that park yet) and it's not quite as crowded.

:) Have fun!!!

At that age you can take her anywhere. I would recommend Key West, FL. You can walk everywhere and eat outside, so a couple days our napped in the stroller as we walked. Also, you if you're flying, try to time your feedings with take-off and landings as it will help ease her ear pressure. Have fun.

How about a nice quiet time in the Florida Keys/Key West?

We took our daughter to Ft. Lauderdale when she was 8 months old and she loved being at the beach.

What about clearwater? The beaches are beautiful and there is alot to do.

Hi A.!

Honestly, I think you can take your daughter anywhere you want to go! I have family scattered all over the East coast and Mexico so, my daughter went with me everywhere I went. The first real vacation we took as a family was to St. Maarten (we have a timeshare there) when my daughter was a little over a year old. That said, she'd already been to Hilton Head, SC and a bunch of other places since she was two months. Any place with a beach or pool will be fine, as long as you have an umbrella or shaded area. For naps, we just went back to the hotel. We also made sure to bring plenty of toys. So, really, at her age, the location shouldn't really matter as long as she's with you, entertained and sees that you're having fun! Zoos and aquariums work wonders as far as visuals but she might be a teency bit too young to truly appreciate it yet! Good luck and have a great time!

Go some place quiet with your baby. She is still probably sleeping alot and doesn't need to be overstimulated. If you want to go to florida, check out sanibel or captiva islands. Just north of Fort Myers. Amelia Island is north of Orlando. The Ritz Carlton is beautiful and quiet. All you need is a beach with that little cutie!