Elevate Bleisure Travel With Your Family in 7 Exhilarating Destinations

The rise in popularity of flexible work schedules is making travel easier than ever before. Blending business and leisure travel, “bleisure” trips open up a world of possibilities when deciding where to go, allowing people to tap into quality time traveling while they’re out of the office … but still on the job.

Another big perk? If you can bring the kids along, a family-friendly workcation won’t be controlled by a calendar. Instead, they’re all about creating memories whenever opportunities arise, any time of year. And these seven destinations are perfection when it comes to getaways for every season.

As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.

AUTUMN

Fall for Nashville

Cooling temperatures can’t quash the charm of the Grand Ole Opry, a must for Music City first-timers. But if your family’s craving an adrenaline rush, the giant zip lines at Treetop Adventure Park will raise you work-meets-vacation routine to new heights. If you’ve got toddlers in tow, make a dash in between deadlines to Fannie Mae Dees Park, aka “Dragon Park” thanks to the large mosaic dragon sculpture kids love to climb.

Soak Up Sunshine in Naples

The Ritz-Carlton Naples beachfront — White sands and blue waters abound at the colorful Ritz-Carlton, Naples. (Photo: Marriott International)

Don’t want summer to end? Trade turning leaves for soft, white sand beaches in Naples, Florida. Lowdermilk Park is a family favorite thanks to its playground, thatch roof chickee huts and surf-side volleyball courts. The Naples Pier is a great spot to stretch your legs and take in the sunset after signing off from work for the day.

For a bliss-filled beachfront stay, check into The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, where toggling between typing on your laptop and dips in the warm Gulf of Mexico is a breeze.

WINTER

Seek Snow Days in NYC

Central Park, New York City in the snow — Take a snowy stroll in Central Park. (Photo: Getty Images)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year in the city that never sleeps. Work for a bit, and then bundle up the family and glide across NYC’s famed Rink at Rockefeller Center, make a beeline for Broadway or window shop until you drop. Or maybe check out some dinosaurs at the American Museum of Natural History and stroll through wintery Central Park.

Chill Out in Montreal

Mont Royal Montreal in the snow — Spend winter above Montreal at Mont Royal. (Photo: Getty Images)

It’s all about layers (and maybe a serving of gooey poutine) in Montreal. Rise early to conquer the day’s to-do list. Then go snow tubing or snowshoeing in Mount Royal Park. Thaw out in the Notre Dame Basilica under the dazzling glow of AURA, a light and sound show, or grab a bite and do some shopping in Montreal’s underground city (“La Ville Souterraine” in French).

SPRING

Hit Scottsdale for Spring Training

Take the family out to the ball game and warm up under the Sonoran Desert sun. Arizona is the Spring Training home of more than a dozen Major League Baseball teams, all within a 15- to 45-minute drive of the Phoenix/Scottsdale area.

On free days in between games, take a trip to the Tonto National Forest before work hours with your brood to kayak along the serene lower Salt River. Have a camera handy, as the stretch is also a favorite hangout spot for bald eagles and wild horses.

Watch the District Bloom

The National Mall Jefferson Memorial cherry blossoms at sunset — Find family fun and relaxation under the cherry blossoms. (Photo: Getty Images)

Celebrate springtime in the midst of a mesmerizing sea of pink and white cherry blossoms at Washington, D.C.’s, National Cherry Blossom Festival. By adopting a cherry tree, you can root the importance of stewardship into family vacation days. Donations go to the Trust for the National Mall to care for the 3,700 blooming beauties.

Conquering the nation’s capital on foot can quickly wear a family out; consider hopping on a family-friendly bike tour and rolling through town to take in the plethora of national landmarks, memorials, monuments and riverfront vistas.

SUMMER

Reach the Sky in Seattle

Seattle has an arguably well-deserved rainy reputation, but come summer, sunshine typically prevails. In between emails, maximize the magic of blue skies above this urban escape with a trip to the top of the Space Needle. More than 600 feet tall, on clear days the city icon provides panoramic views of Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, downtown and more.

Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? Head for Alki Beach Park where you can build sandcastles while snapping scenic photos of the city skyline. Stock up on snacks for the day at Pike Place Market. You can’t go wrong with a sweet treat from Daily Dozen Doughnut Company and dim sum from Mee Sum Pastry.