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Planning a vacation is a daunting task these days. Even more so when you’re determined to make it a surprise for your children. How should you surprise them? When should you surprise them? Read this article for some of the best ideas for surprising kids with vacation.

How to Surprise Kids with a Vacation Reveal

“Experiences over things” has become my motto as a parent. It isn’t always easy to achieve that goal, but it is so rewarding when it happens. Young children may not understand the correlation between vacations as gifts over toys, but don’t give up just yet.

My oldest children are finally seeing the value in these types of presents. In fact, we’ve even been able to get away with replacing birthday parties with vacations some years too. These are just a few fun ideas for surprising kids with a vacation reveal.

Have Kids Wear a Shirt with the Reveal

Personally, I think it’s hilarious to have kids wear things with “secret” information on them when they can’t read. Some parents may think this is mean, but I think the surprise far outweighs not being “in” on the joke. This DIY Disney Tee for a Surprise Trip is so simple to make and really cute for littles.

It obviously would not work for older kids that could read what their shirt says, so maybe try one of these other ideas.

Vacation Reveals with a Puzzle

Another fun option to reveal a vacation would be to make the kids work for it. This is especially fun when they’re old enough to accomplish the tasks on their own. If you’ve got a cutting machine, you can DIY this Christmas Puzzle Family Trip Reveal yourself!

I love the idea of using your own creativity to personalize this!

Special Delivery Box Vacation Reveal

Name someone who doesn’t love getting an unexpected package on the front step. Don’t worry, I’ll wait. The answer is most definitely no one! Even better, this Surprise Vacation Reveal involves kids tearing into things like paper and a box!

I won’t lie, I would want to be surprised with a vacation this way. I’m a sucker for tearing open wrapping paper and unexpected packages on my doorstep! This reveal would be perfect for kids of any age because it’s simple and give immediate satisfaction upon completion!

Vacation Scavenger Hunt Surprise Reveal

An additional surprise option for older kids would be a scavenger hunt. There are so many variation of this experience out there, you can really customize it to your family. This Balloon Pop Scavenger Hunt Surprise draws out the fun.

First, kids have to pop the balloons containing the letters of the destination. Then, they have to assemble the letters. Finally, they have to read what the letters spell! Drawing out the surprise is worth the look on their faces, I promise.

Disney Vacation Reveal Printable

Last, but certainly not least, my favorite way to surprise my own kids comes in the form of a free printable. I love the versatility of a printable because you can wrap it, email it, take a picture of it; basically, you can do whatever you want with it!

Our surprise Disney vacation is coming up, and I can’t wait to wrap up this “letter from Mickey” and the “tickets” to the park.

For the sharpest printing, download your free Disney vacation surprise reveal letter here. My free Disney vacation printable is compatible with either Disneyland or Walt Disney World, so download it and save it for future uses!