The Ultimate Family Vacation: Activities for Every Age

Ludlow’s is where family vacations turn into lifelong memories. With so many ways to explore, play, and relax, Ludlow’s is more than just a place to stay. It’s where you can slow down, reconnect with your family, and create your own adventures together.

Here’s what makes Ludlow’s the ultimate family-friendly escape—no matter how old your kids are. 

For the Littlest Explorers 

Toddlers and tykes love exploring everything the Island has to offer. Not only is taking the ferry over to the resort an adventure in itself, but that’s just where the fun begins. 

Ludlow’s is a haven for little nature explorers with an easy one-mile loop nature trail on the north shore that’s perfect for tiny legs. You’ll also encounter plenty of bench swings along the way to rest or stop for lunch.

Be sure to bring your binoculars to spot all the wildlife, including:

• Otters
• Raccoons
• Deer
• Loons
• Swans
• Bald Eagles
• Songbirds

Of course, you can’t come to an island without enjoying the beach. With a true sandy beach, the kids can build sandcastles, look for cool rocks and shells, and splash around in the water.

For the truly brave, you can take them down our waterslide for a memorable moment that will have them asking you to go again and again!

Fun in the water doesn’t just end at the beach. Take the kids out in our free canoes, paddleboards, and kayaks.

With countless narrows, islands, and bays to explore on Lake Vermilion, not to mention teeming with wildlife, your kids will never get bored exploring the waters around the island. 

Back on dry land, kids can play on our treehouse playground or grab a cane fishing pole and fish right off our docks. Kids have tons of luck reeling in fish from the dock, and nothing quite compares to the excitement of your little one catching their first fish.

And after a full day of nature hikes, swimming, boating, fishing, and play, your kiddo (and you!) might need a nap. Nestled away on a serene island, naptime is made easy with quiet and peaceful surroundings. Perfect for a truly restful mid-day break. 

Elementary Age Adventurers 

Ludlow’s is the perfect playground for kids this age. They’re soaking up new skills and discovering what they love, and we’re here to help them find what makes them light up!

The kids will remember the first time you let them try their own paddleboard, hop on their own hydrobike, or let them sit up front in the canoe and take charge of paddling.

Letting the kids explore and try out all our watercraft is a fun adventure for the whole family.
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Weekly Fishing Derby

The kids will also have a blast with our weekly Fishing Derby. Kids try to catch as many fish as possible in 20 minutes, and the one who catches the most fish wins the derby and walks away with a trophy, usually along with a new love for fishing.

With our swimming beach, climbing iceberg, and waterslide, every day can be a beach day before ending the evening with a cozy bonfire, marshmallows, s’mores, and stargazing. 

Independent Tweens 

The best part of staying at Ludlow’s for your tween?

Total freedom to roam, explore, and make their own fun—safely. Since we’re fully contained on the island, they can adventure with confidence (and you can relax)! 

Tweens can take out their own watercraft, go fishing, and take advantage of all the water toys at the beach before hanging out with the family around the bonfire.

The kids can also grab their siblings or parents and challenge them to a friendly game of racquetball, tennis, pickleball, or basketball on our courts.

They’ll also love our game room with ping pong, Nintendo Wii, and a trove of books and movies to check out. 

Quality Time with Your Teen 

Nothing beats an island vacation for your teenager. They can soak up the sun, relax, and unwind, giving them a break from school, homework, and their packed schedules. 

Our beach is just one spot to recharge — our sauna and Woodland Spa can be a great treat for you and your teen to enjoy some pampering together.

Nothing says “vacation mode” like starting things off with a mani or pedi. It’s the ultimate way to slow down, enjoy quality time together, and ease into that carefree, let’s-not-check-our-phones kind of vibe. 

Your teen might not admit it, but they’ll actually enjoy spending quality time together with game nights, bonfires, card games, hikes, and pontoon rides on Lake Vermilion.

Each cabin comes with poker chips, playing cards, and a cribbage board — great for cozy nights in and making those family memories.

Your teens can also strike out on their own, renting watercraft and boats or even taking a guided fishing trip.

After honing their fishing skills with the guided trip, many then rent their own boat and fishing equipment to take their younger siblings out on the water and pass along their new angler skills.

Camping Island & Picnic Island

Our Camping Island and Picnic Island are also both favorites for teens. These private islands are exclusively reserved for our guests and just a short kayak, canoe, or boat ride away.

Camping Island lets you camp out on your own private island with a small bunkhouse, fire pit, and dock.

What teen wouldn’t love that? They get to have a night on their own with friends and siblings or make it a special one-on-one time with a parent.

You just need to register in the lodge, and the Camping Island is all yours for a truly one-of-a-kind experience your kids won’t soon forget.

Picnic Island, also just a short kayak or canoe ride away, has a cozy fire pit and docks for your teen to spend an afternoon exploring, enjoying a leisurely lunch, and then wrapping it up with some early evening s’mores on the fire.

Perfect for those who might not be ready for a night out on Camping Island but still want to explore on their own!

No matter how old your kids are, Ludlow’s offers the perfect mix of adventure, independence, and quality time. So, ready to enjoy the ultimate family vacation? Your island getaway awaits!

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