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December 2025 – January 2026 North‑America Adventure

Viewed by 188 travelers

Day 1: 18 Dec 2025 – Johannesburg → Los Angeles

Morning: Depart O.R. Tambo (JNB) on Qatar Airways flight QR739 bound for Los Angeles (LAX).
Afternoon: Arrive at LAX, clear customs and transfer to the Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport for check‑in.
Evening: Relax with a casual dinner at the hotel’s rooftop garden and adjust to the time difference.

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Day 2: 19 Dec 2025 – Los Angeles – Universal Studios

Morning: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel, then head to Universal Studios Hollywood for the park’s opening show.
Afternoon: Explore the thrilling Jurassic World™ – The Ride and let the 7‑year‑old marvel at the dinosaur animatronics.
Evening: Dine at CityWalk and stroll through the illuminated boulevard before returning to the hotel.

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Day 3: 20 Dec 2025 – Los Angeles – Culture & Nature

Morning: Visit the Griffith Observatory for spectacular city views and interactive space exhibits.
Afternoon: Explore the California Science Center, where the kid can see the Space Shuttle Endeavour.
Evening: Sunset walk along Santa Monica Pier followed by dinner at a family‑friendly beachfront restaurant.

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Day 4: 21 Dec 2025 – Los Angeles → Las Vegas

Morning: Check out and drive (or take a short flight) to Las Vegas; check in at the Luxor Hotel & Casino.
Afternoon: Wander the iconic Las Vegas Strip, stopping at the Bellagio Fountain Show and the Mirage Volcano.
Evening: Enjoy a family‑friendly magic show at the David Copperfield Theatre.

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Day 5: 22 Dec 2025 – Las Vegas – Christmas Eve

Morning: Explore the interactive exhibits at the Discovery Children’s Museum.
Afternoon: Visit the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay and have a festive lunch.
Evening: Experience the Christmas lights display at the Winter Village on the Strip.

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Day 6: 23 Dec 2025 – Las Vegas – Christmas Day

Morning: Attend a special Christmas brunch at the Caesars Palace buffet.
Afternoon: Take a short drive to the scenic Red Rock Canyon for a family hike.
Evening: Return to the hotel for a relaxed evening with a holiday movie night.

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Day 7: 24 Dec 2025 – Las Vegas → Española, New Mexico

Morning: Check out and fly to Albuquerque (flight AA456), then rent a car to drive to Española (≈2 h).
Afternoon: Check in at the Casa de los Pinos Boutique Inn and explore the historic downtown plaza.
Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner featuring New Mexican cuisine.

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Day 8: 25 Dec 2025 – Española – Guru Ram Dass Ashram

Morning: Participate in a guided meditation session at the HeCienda de Guru Ram Dass Ashram.
Afternoon: Take a gentle nature walk around the ashram’s gardens; the kid can join a storytelling circle.
Evening: Celebrate Christmas with a simple communal feast organized by the ashram community.

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Day 9: 26 Dec 2025 – Española → Las Vegas

Morning: Depart Española and drive back to Albuquerque, then fly to Las Vegas on flight UA789.
Afternoon: Check in at the Vdara Hotel & Spa for a comfortable stay before the onward flight.
Evening: Free time to relax or revisit favorite Strip attractions.

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Day 10: 27 Dec 2025 – Las Vegas → Toronto

Morning: Final check‑out and head to McCarran International Airport.
Afternoon: Board Air Canada flight AC1234 to Toronto (YYZ).
Evening: Arrive in Toronto, transfer to the Fairmont Royal York and settle in.

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Day 11: 28 Dec 2025 – Toronto – City Highlights

Morning: Visit the iconic CN Tower and its glass‑floor observation deck.
Afternoon: Explore the Royal Ontario Museum, perfect for a 7‑year‑old with dinosaur fossils and interactive galleries.
Evening: Stroll through the festive Distillery Historic District and enjoy holiday lights.

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Day 12: 29 Dec 2025 – Toronto → Niagara Falls (Day Trip)

Morning: Drive to Niagara Falls (≈1.5 h) and board the Hornblower Niagara Cruise for a close view of the falls.
Afternoon: Explore Clifton Hill attractions, including the Great Canadian Midway arcade for the child.
Evening: Return to Toronto and enjoy a dinner by the waterfront.

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Day 13: 30 Dec 2025 – Toronto → Ottawa

Morning: Take VIA Rail to Ottawa (≈4 h) and check in at the Lord Elgin Hotel.
Afternoon: Tour the Parliament Hill grounds and the interactive Canadian Museum of History.
Evening: Ice‑skate on the Rideau Canal (weather permitting) or relax at the hotel.

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Day 14: 31 Dec 2025 – Ottawa → Montreal

Morning: Depart for Montreal by train (≈2 h) and check in at the Hotel Bonaventure.
Afternoon: Wander the historic Old Montreal, visiting the Notre‑Dame Basilica and the Science Centre for kid‑friendly exhibits.
Evening: Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Place Jacques‑Cartier outdoor festivities with fireworks over the St. Lawrence River.

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Day 15: 1 Jan 2026 – Montreal – Relaxed Exploration

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely brunch at a local café, then stroll through the Botanical Garden.
Afternoon: Visit the Montreal Biodome, a hit with children for its recreated ecosystems.
Evening: Return to the hotel for a relaxed family night.

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Day 16: 2 Jan 2026 – Montreal → Toronto

Morning: Fly back to Toronto on Air Canada flight AC5678 and check in at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto.
Afternoon: Spend time at the Toronto Islands – rent bikes and visit Centreville Amusement Park for the child.
Evening: Dinner in the vibrant Kensington Market area.

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Day 17: 3 Jan 2026 – Toronto – Day Trip to Algonquin Park

Morning: Drive to Algonquin Provincial Park for a family‑friendly nature walk.
Afternoon: Join a guided wildlife spotting tour; the kid can learn about moose and loons.
Evening: Return to Toronto and relax at the hotel.

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Day 18: 4 Jan 2026 – Toronto – Shopping & Leisure

Morning: Visit the Eaton Centre for some souvenir shopping.
Afternoon: Explore the Aquarium of the Bay at the Harbourfront – perfect for the youngster.
Evening: Farewell dinner at the family‑friendly CN Tower 360 Restaurant.

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Day 19: 5 Jan 2026 – Toronto – Final Day

Morning: Pack and enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel.
Afternoon: Optional visit to the Ontario Science Centre if time permits.
Evening: Prepare for departure; early night to rest.

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Day 20: 6 Jan 2026 – Toronto → Home

Morning: Check out and transfer to Toronto Pearson Airport.
Afternoon: Board Air Canada flight AC1704 back home (destination TBD).
Evening: Arrive home, ending the adventure.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Universal Studios Hollywood – 6 hrs – $120 per adult, $110 per child
  • Jurassic World – The Ride – 1 hr – Included in Universal ticket
  • Griffith Observatory – 2 hrs – Free (parking $5)
  • California Science Center – 3 hrs – $18 per adult, $15 per child
  • Bellagio Fountain Show – 30 min – Free
  • Discovery Children’s Museum (LV) – 2 hrs – $15 per person
  • Shark Reef Aquarium – 2 hrs – $25 per adult, $20 per child
  • Red Rock Canyon – 3 hrs – $15 vehicle fee
  • Guru Ram Dass Ashram (Española) – 4 hrs – Donation $20
  • CN Tower – 2 hrs – $38 adult, $28 child
  • Royal Ontario Museum – 3 hrs – $23 adult, $13 child
  • Hornblower Niagara Cruise – 1 hr – $30 adult, $20 child
  • Clifton Hill attractions – 3 hrs – $40 total
  • Parliament Hill tour – 2 hrs – Free
  • Canadian Museum of History – 2 hrs – $20 adult, $12 child
  • Science Centre (Montreal) – 2 hrs – $20 adult, $15 child
  • Montreal Biodome – 2 hrs – $24 adult, $15 child
  • Toronto Islands bike rental – 3 hrs – $30 family
  • Algonquin Park guided tour – 4 hrs – $50 family
  • Ontario Science Centre – 2 hrs – $22 adult, $13 child
  • Hotels (average per night) – 19 nights – $180 per night = $3,420
  • Flights (JNB‑LAX, LAX‑LAS, LAS‑YYZ, YYZ‑Home) – Approx. $1,850 total
  • Car rentals & transfers – $400 total
  • Meals (average $60/day) – 20 days – $1,200
  • Miscellaneous (souvenirs, tips) – $300
  • Total Estimated Cost: $12,412

Tips

If you need to shorten the trip, consider dropping the day‑trip to Algonquin Park and the extended stay in Montreal, which will reduce travel time and costs by roughly $1,500. To extend the adventure, add a two‑day visit to Quebec City for its charming winter atmosphere and historic sites, or spend an extra night in Niagara Falls to explore the nearby Whirlpool Aero Car. All attractions listed are family‑friendly, with plenty of activities to keep a 7‑year‑old engaged throughout the journey.

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