As today’s high-net-worth families seek out unique destinations and amenities, luxury family travel is more popular than ever. These families want more than your average vacation itinerary to add educational experiences, environmental expeditions, adventure travel and more to their travel plans.
Research shared by the Adventure Travel Trade Association indicates that the adventure travel category alone is a $683 billion market with the fastest growing types of travel including family-friendly activities.
These adventure focused trips, sometimes referred to as “experiential” trips, are trending worldwide as they help families spend quality time in beautiful locations while entertaining family members of all ages and tastes. It’s no longer just a stay at a luxury mountain resort, it’s now a concierge curated itinerary packed with mountain climbing, zip lining, kayaking, bird watching, shopping, spa treatments and elegant cuisine. With such uniquely tailored itineraries it’s no wonder high-net-worth families prioritize travel.
Family trips create key memories that children (and parents) can cherish for a lifetime. Experiences that create stories that pop up at the dinner table for years to come. And while traveling with the whole family is great for logging those quality time moments, there’s something extra special about planning a trip with one of your kids directly customized to that child’s needs and interests.
Even as a travel writer planning the perfect adventure pack 3-day trip is a bit of a challenge for a very girly, animal-loving preschooler. He likes to be active, but doesn’t always like to be outside. She loves spending time with animals, but prefers zoos and tours over farms and nature hikes. Like a true princess it can’t be too hot or too cold, it has to be just right. And this particular picky eater must have pancakes, hamburgers and chocolate treats. Ocala, Florida was recommended and it checked all the boxes.
Whether your daughter is 4, 14 or 24, try this valuable mother-daughter itinerary for your next family getaway.
Walk, shop and have lunch in historic downtown Ocala.
With its postcard-worthy, Americana vibe, the city’s downtown and midtown Ocala’s historic city streets offer a relaxed atmosphere full of local boutiques, small businesses, restaurants, bars and breweries.
“Brick City” was first settled in the 1840s and then rebuilt after a fire destroyed the city center in 1883. Another period of revival occurred in the 1930s and 40s, resulting in an eclectic mix of architectural styles in the quaint city. A replica of the original 1888 bandstand gazebo provides the perfect spot for a mother-daughter photo moment surrounded by oak trees and public art in downtown Ocala’s historic square.
After wandering downtown and soaking up the sites, adventurous mother-daughter duos should try lunch at Magnolia Depot. This converted historic steampunk train depot in the heart of Old Town offers traditional American fare, alongside a quirky train history. Sweet tooth fans should also be sure to leave room after lunch for a stop at Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop where both kids and adults can find their favorite candy brands.
Relax and play at the family-friendly World Equestrian Center.
Mother-daughter duos don’t need to be members of the equestrian community to appreciate this equestrian paradise. The World Equestrian Center 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 top equestrian riders. Much more than a great place to experience world equestrian events, the complex also welcomes sporting events, dog and animal shows, meetings, trade shows and large conventions, as well as private events and weddings.
The World Equestrian Center is becoming well-known in Central Florida for its luxury lodging options, shopping, and an amazing amount of restaurants, cafes, and bars that accommodate a variety of budgets and preferences. Visitors can book a luxurious stay at The Equestrian Hotel or stay at the stylish and pet-friendly Riding Academy Hotel. Each hotel showcases its own unique interior design ideas that are perfectly themed for animal enthusiasts. Mother and daughter can easily make an activity of walking through the hotel’s public spaces and viewing the many imaginative design features and pieces of art around the property.
Guests of the hotel property can rent a golf cart and explore the expansive grounds, visiting the Grand Arena viewing area, shops and dining options such as Mr. Pickles and Sailor Bear Toy Shop, Emer’s Patisserie, and the Yellow Pony Pub & Garden.
Treat yourself to a mother-daughter spa day at Caluna Spa.
Whether you and your daughter are staying on World Equestrian Center property or in a nearby hotel or rental, Caluna Spa is the perfect addition to your itinerary. Located on the second floor of The Equestrian Hotel, this full-service spa is open 7 days a week and offers services ranging from massages to facials to nail and hair services.
Spa couples will be provided with luxurious robes and slippers, tea and other beverages and welcome to relax and recharge in the spa’s chic lounge and changing rooms.
Big girls can book full-day packages with their moms, like a midnight trail ride that includes a lavender infused oil massage, collagen facial, signature pedicure, blowout and a glass of champagne to celebrate. Those with little girls may enjoy booking nail services like steamed lavender milk manicures and pedicures.
Everything you need to plan your trip in 2024
Bond over afternoon tea in the Paris Room of Stirrups Restaurant.
Pack your tea hats and elegant afternoon wear because the mother-daughter duo won’t want to miss afternoon tea at Stirrups Restaurant’s Paris Room. Located on the first floor of The Equestrian Hotel, Stirrups Restaurant is another incredible dining location found within the World Equestrian Center complex. The fine-dining restaurant welcomes guests as well as members of the community to enjoy a British influenced afternoon tea service in their stunning black and gold gilded private dining room overlooking the Grand Arena grounds.
Mother and daughter will marvel at the tea and menu selection, starting with a glass of champagne followed by a personal pot of tea and layers of savory and sweet treats. The impressive staff can effortlessly accommodate dietary restrictions and children’s preferences, as well as offer decaffeinated and non-alcoholic options for menu items so guests never have to sit out a course.
This particular itinerary item requires you to plan your trip on the last weekend of the month. Advanced 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, the more than 4,000-acre Silver Springs State Park makes a great day trip for anyone who lives in Ocala. Located in the nearby town of Silver Springs, the park encompasses numerous natural springs, the entire 5-mile Silver River, and surrounding sandhill forest that is home to many animals, including manatees, river fish, birds, reptiles, and even communities 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 book a 30- or 90-minute glass-bottom boat guided tour to get up close and personal with the fountains, wildlife. And even some old movie props.
This adventure offers a bit of a twist for history fans. Silver Springs has only been welcoming tourists since the 1820s and offering glass-bottom boat tours since the 1870s, but Silver Springs is also well-known for its connection to the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Hollywood discovered Silver Springs in the late 1930s, and over the years, at least 20 movie scenes were shot in the park. Notable films that you and your daughter may recognize include Creature from the Black Lagoon, Rebel Without a Cause starring James Dean, Distant Drums starring Gary Cooper, James Bond’s 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. Thankfully, the Park Service still preserves bits of its old Hollywood legacy.
Consider other adventures
These suggestions are just an example of some of the activities to create on 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 a plethora of natural springs, water sports, and river tubing.
With a truly unique mix of experiences to try, this central Florida hidden gem should be added to your family’s travel bucket list. A perfect blend of relaxation and excitement, consider visiting Ocala for your next trip.
Anna Marie Imborino
Anna Marie Imborino is a travel writer from Charleston, SC, USA. His love for history and art keeps him traveling, looking not only at the places, but at the experiences of the people who make up the stories
Did you enjoy this article?
Get similar content straight to your inbox.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form
