It’s such a family-friendly formula: boatloads of food, entertainment, and enough activities for children and teens. That’s why cruising has been a mainstay of group getaways for more than four decades—it solves so many logistical problems for families who want to vacation together.

Here are some toys, books, apps, and activities that harness children's innate curiosity about the world, preparing them not only for specific vacations but also instilling a spirit of exploration that will bring a lifetime of joy.

Best known for such historic national landmarks as the White…