Minor-mania in Manhattan

In New York, kids big and small get a kick out of visiting the morning shows and The Affinia 50 boutique hotel, located just steps from Rockefeller Plaza, preps its guests for their 15 minutes of fame at the morning network shows summer concert series. They offer a Get Ready For Your Close Up package includes accommodations with a fully equipped kitchens as well as poster board, glue, markers, glitter, stickers and more to make an eye-catching sign, early morning wakeup call and a map of morning shows and tips for getting the best spot.

After the morning show frenzy, join NYC Kids Tours, where you can send your kids out on separate tours geared toward their age and interest. With all their tours, a team of teachers have created fun-filled games, activities and challenges, that cover subjects including math, science, art, foreign language and literature, for children ranging in age from three to fourteen. Excursions include places like Central Park, the Plaza Hotel and Dylan’s Candy Bar, Washington Square Park and Bleecker Street.

For teen fashion-lovers ages eleven to seventeen, there is the ShopNYC Tour, They will visit some of the most amazing teen boutiques in the city with a behind-the-scenes look in at one of the world’s most important fashion capitols.

Wild Wonders in Alaska

Summer in Alaska has the makings of a  be one your family’s most memorable vacations. Anchorage offers fun excursions, fine dining and beautiful scenery. Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. The trail is 11 miles long and hugs the coast of Cook Inlet most of the way. You may spot moose, eagles, salmon, and a wide variety of waterfowl including Sandhill Cranes, Common Loons and Red-breasted Mergansers.

A dog sled ride will amaze everyone in your party and there are usually opportunities to cuddle with the puppies. Head to a lake and rent a kayak. Take your teen on a hike that ends with a view of a glacier. Fish, jet boat, raft or sail on any one of the many lakes, rivers or on the ocean. Or take a cruise in Prince William Sound or the Kenai Fjords National Park for a view of glaciers, whales, birds and otters. For more information visit, their website.

Vivan los ninos en Mexico

2012 marks the end of the Mayan calendar and the beginning of a new era, so why not introduce your children to the modern Mayan world. At Sandos Caracol Eco-Resort and Spa. Located in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, the heart of the Mayan world, the resort has quietly invested in the local Mayan community and developed the most authentic programming found in the region. Sandos Caracol has an authentic on-site program called The Xcalacoco Experience. It includes classes in the Mayan language; authentic cooking; and a flaming Mayan coffee nightcap made with Xtabentun, a traditional Mayan liquor Adventure.

You can bike to an actual Mayan archaeological site, swim in a cenote (freshwater pool considered by Mayans to be the entrance to the underworld), and hike through the lush jungle with an expert guide in search of the more than 60 species of wildlife who make it there habitat.

The resort has adopted two Mayan warrior dogs, Peek (pronounced “pec”) and Boox, that serve as the property’s mascot and that guests can pet and walk around the property during daily eco-tours. There is also a weekly authentic reenactment of a sacred Mayan journey and celebration with a Cirque du Soleil-like nightly show. For more information visit them online.

School is just around the corner and no matter what age children get restless. Take some time before the backpack and pencil supply buying begins to enjoy a family getaway with your tots and teens!

For 20 more summer family ideas, check out:

• Window Seat or Aisle Seat: Top 20 Summer Family Activities
• Kid’s Clubs & Activities: Top Tips and Summer Deals
• 7 Reasons to Choose a Family Ranch Vacation
• Family Travel archives

By Kerri Zane for PeterGreenberg.com. For more advice on health, beauty and travel, visit her at KerriZane.com.