If you are a veteran car camper and know basic wilderness safety skills, there's no reason not to take your little one camping. Consider a family-friendly resort. Your preschooler probably won't have the strength, skill, or experience to participate in many of the activities at a family resort, such as snorkeling, waterskiing, or downhill skiing. But many family resorts offer excellent beginner programs that playfully introduce young children to these activities. Ask for a physical description of the facility or a brochure with pictures.
Rigid rules can smother even the best of family vacations.
To keep the trip relaxing and to accommodate a restless youngster, for example, consider letting your child sleep in the same bed with you at night. Rather than spending a lot of time preparing a meal or searching for a restaurant that meets your nutritional requirements, loosen your standards a bit and give in to the fast-food restaurant where your child can climb on the outdoor play equipment. Keep it simple. If your child is like most, she thrives in situations where there's plenty of time to explore and move at her own pace. You'll also feel more relaxed if you simply spend time with your child rather than spending lots of money and effort trying to entertain her.