Family-Friendly Adventures in Washington DC!

Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America

Why Visit?

Start your family day out at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America, located in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington D.C. This hidden gem offers a glimpse into the architecture and spiritual life reminiscent of the Holy Land, making it a unique educational and spiritual outing for the whole family.

Morning Visit: Franciscan Monastery Tour

Arrive early in the morning to enjoy a guided tour which typically starts around 10 AM. You can easily drive and park at the location or take the Metro’s Red Line to Brookland-CUA and enjoy a short walk to the monastery. The tour, lasting about an hour, covers the stunning church and beautifully replicated shrines from Israel and beyond. Kids will be fascinated by the intricate mosaics and the stories of the saints. Don’t forget to explore the gardens, which are spectacular during the spring and summer with roses and other blooms.

Lunch Break

Pack a picnic to enjoy in the peaceful monastery gardens, or head to one of the family-friendly restaurants in the Brookland area. "Brookland"s Finest" is a great spot for satisfying diverse tastes and is just a short drive from the monastery.

Afternoon: Garden Exploration

Post-lunch, take a self-guided tour around the monastery gardens. There are signs explaining the various plants and their significance to the Holy Land, which makes for an engaging treasure hunt-like activity with the kids.

Visit the Gift Shop

Before leaving, stop by the monastery’s gift shop, which offers a variety of religious artifacts, books, and unique gifts. It’s a great opportunity for children to choose a keepsake to remember their visit.

The Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America offers a tranquil and enriching experience that combines history, spirituality, and natural beauty, making it a fulfilling destination for families looking to explore a serene and thought-provoking environment.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Pakleni Islands (Paklinski Islands)

Why Visit?

Embark on a delightful family adventure to the serene Pakleni Islands, a charming archipelago off the coast of Hvar, Croatia. These pristine islands offer crystal-clear waters, hidden coves, and lush greenery, perfect for a day of exploration and relaxation.

### Morning: Departure from Hvar

Start your day early by catching a water taxi from Hvar town. These frequent services will whisk you away to the main islands within minutes. Aim to arrive at Palmižana, the most popular among the Pakleni Islands. It"s renowned for its sandy beaches, botanical garden, and gentle walking paths — ideal for little explorers.

### Midday: Explore Palmižana

Once at Palmižana, visit the botanical garden, which houses exotic plants and cacti — a result of the island"s unique microclimate. After wandering through the garden, head to the beach where kids can play in the shallow, azure waters while adults relax on the sand or enjoy a book under the shade of pine trees.

### Lunch: Seaside Dining

For lunch, choose one of the family-friendly restaurants near the marina. Enjoy fresh seafood and local Croatian dishes as you overlook the sea — a perfect way to recharge before continuing your adventure.

### Afternoon: Kayaking and Snorkeling

Post-lunch, rent kayaks or a small boat to paddle around the archipelago. Visit nearby islands like Marinkovac or Jerolim, known for their tranquil beaches and excellent snorkeling spots. The clear waters offer a chance to observe marine life up-close, an exciting activity for children and adults alike.

### Evening: Return to Hvar

Conclude your tour by heading back to Hvar in the late afternoon. The return journey offers a beautiful view of the setting sun over the Adriatic, a perfect end to a memorable family day out.

### Fun Fact:

The Pakleni Islands" name is derived from "paklina", a pine resin once used to coat ships, highlighting the islands’ historical significance in maritime trade.

This itinerary promises a blend of education, relaxation, and adventure, ensuring that every family member has a delightful experience at the Pakleni Islands.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Cathedral of St. Stephen (Hvar Cathedral)

Why Visit?

Welcome to a captivating and enriching day at the Cathedral of St. Stephen, a gem nestled in the heart of Hvar, Croatia.

Morning: Arrival and Exploration of Cathedral of St. Stephen

Start your morning with a delightful stroll through the charming streets of Hvar towards the Cathedral of St. Stephen, easily accessible from the main town square. This beautiful cathedral, a splendid example of Renaissance architecture, stands proudly at the end of the square. Take your time exploring the cathedral"s grand interior, which houses exquisite artworks, including the altarpiece by Stefano Celesti and the 16th-century choir stalls. Engage the kids by playing a "find the detail" game with the intricate carvings.

Midday: Bishop"s Palace and Treasury

Adjacent to the cathedral, visit the Bishop"s Palace, which now hosts a collection of religious art and artifacts in its treasury. Highlight to your children how these objects tell the story of Hvar’s spiritual and cultural history.

Lunch Break

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at one of the local restaurants around the square. Opt for a place with a view of the cathedral or by the port, where you can enjoy the sea breeze and some local Croatian delicacies like grilled fish or Pasticada.

Afternoon: St. Stephen’s Square and Surrounding Streets

Post-lunch, take a leisurely walk around St. Stephen’s Square, observing the Venetian architecture and perhaps catching a local performance or market. Explore the surrounding alleys where local artisans sell unique crafts—a perfect opportunity for souvenir hunting.

Evening: Sunset at the Fortress

Conclude your day with a hike to the Fortica (Spanjola) Fortress. The path starts near the main square and winds up the hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Hvar and the Adriatic Sea—ideal for a memorable family photo at sunset.

This family-friendly itinerary ensures a blend of culture, history, and leisure, creating lasting memories of your visit to Hvar Cathedral and its enchanting town.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Malo Grablje

Why Visit?

Malo Grablje, a quaint, abandoned village on the island of Hvar, Croatia, offers a unique glimpse into the region"s past. This hidden gem is perfect for a family day trip full of exploration and adventure.

Morning

Start your day in the town of Hvar. From there, hire a taxi or drive a rental car to Malo Grablje, which is about 6 km away. The drive offers scenic views of olive groves and lavender fields, making the journey as delightful as the destination.

Upon arrival, explore the stone ruins of this deserted village, which was abandoned in the 1960s. The silence and well-preserved structures give a haunting yet fascinating look into traditional Dalmatian life. Kids will enjoy playing detective, piecing together the village’s history from the ruins.

Lunch

Pack a picnic to enjoy in the shade of ancient olive trees, or head to Stori Komin, a rustic restaurant in the nearby village of Velo Grablje. Here, you can taste traditional Croatian dishes like Peka—slow-cooked meat and vegetables under an iron bell.

Afternoon

Post lunch, take a guided hiking tour through the surrounding hills. The trails are easy to moderate, ideal for families. The hike not only offers more stunning views but also a chance to learn about local flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for aromatic herbs like rosemary and sage, which are abundant in the area.

Evening

Wrap up your visit by joining a local olive oil tasting session. This region is known for its excellent olive oil, and families can learn about traditional and modern methods of olive oil production. It"s not only educational but also a tasty way to end your day.

This itinerary offers a balance of adventure, history, and cultural experiences, ensuring that every family member comes away with memorable stories from Malo Grablje.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Hvar Spanish Fortress (Tvrdava Fortica)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Hvar Spanish Fortress (Tvrdava Fortica)

Morning: Arrival in Hvar Town

Start your day early by arriving in Hvar Town. You can reach Hvar via a ferry from Split to Stari Grad, then a short bus or taxi ride to Hvar Town. Enjoy a light breakfast at one of the local cafés near the main square to fuel up for the climb.

Mid-Morning: Ascent to Hvar Spanish Fortress

Begin your ascent to the Spanish Fortress, locally known as Tvrdava Fortica, located on a hill above Hvar Town. The walk takes about 20-30 minutes from the main square. The path is well-marked and offers increasingly magnificent views of Hvar Town, the Pakleni Islands, and the azure Adriatic Sea as you climb. Remember to bring water and wear comfortable shoes.

Interesting Fact: The fortress was originally built in the early 16th century during the Venetian rule to protect the town from Turkish invasions. It was strengthened by the Spanish engineers, hence the name.

Noon: Explore the Fortress

Once at the top, explore the fortress" nooks and crannies. There’s a small collection of ancient amphorae recovered from the seabed, showcasing Hvar"s rich maritime history. The fortress also features a charming café where you can grab a snack or a refreshing drink while enjoying the panoramic views.

Afternoon: Descend and Lunch

Head back down to Hvar Town for lunch. Choose a seaside restaurant to experience local dishes like grilled fish or squid ink risotto.

Late Afternoon: Relax by the Beach

Wrap up your day with some relaxation at one of Hvar’s beautiful beaches. Bonj "les bains" is a great family-friendly choice with facilities and easy access from the town center.

Evening: Stroll and Dinner

Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll along the Hvar promenade and dinner at a family-friendly pizzeria or tavern in the town center, reflecting on the day"s adventures.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.