places not to visit with family

• Last Updated On
• August 21, 2023

Places to Avoid in Pennsylvania: A Friendly Guide for Travelers

Planning a family trip to the Keystone State?

Pennsylvania boasts plenty of iconic sites, from the Liberty Bell to the rolling hills of the Amish country.

But just as there are must-visit spots, there are also some places to avoid in Pennsylvania.

Want to know which ones they might be?

As a fellow traveler who has been there and done that, I’m here to lend you a helping hand.

In this article, we’ll shed light on some tricky areas in Pennsylvania and the factors behind their elevated crime rates.

This way, you can maximize your experience while dodging unwanted safety situations.

Get in the know about areas with higher crime rates and navigate towards safer options to guarantee a delightful Pennsylvania adventure for your family.

Ready to journey wisely and joyfully?

Keep reading, and let’s make your Pennsylvania journey unforgettable for all the right reasons.

Key Takeaways

• Knowledge of high-crime areas is essential for a safe and enjoyable Pennsylvania trip.
• Balancing entertainment and safety involves researching alternatives to dangerous cities.
• Making informed decisions leads to a memorable vacation experience for the whole family.

Places to Avoid in Pennsylvania: Most Dangerous Cities

There are plenty of incredible places to visit in Pennsylvania.

But it’s also wise to be aware of the spots that may be risky.

Darby has a concerning crime rate that sadly puts it near the top of our list.

While you might be drawn to its rich history, it’s crucial to prioritize your family’s safety first.

Another city to be cautious of is McKeesport, which has seen a significant increase in crime.

The city’s stunning riverside location is undoubtedly appealing, but your family’s well-being should always come first.

For those of you considering a visit to Chester, beware.

While the waterfront may be lovely, Chester has a reputation for being one of the most dangerous cities in Pennsylvania due to high criminal activity.

Duquesne, Pottstown, and Wilkinsburg

Sadly, Duquesne, Pottstown, and Wilkinsburg are also on the list of places best to avoid.

Duquesne and Pottstown have experienced an alarming rise in crime rates, and Wilkinsburg ranks comparably high on the list of dangerous cities.

New Kensington and Mount Oliver

Two more cities requiring caution are New Kensington and Mount Oliver.

While they may not be the most dangerous, watchfulness is key.

New Kensington and Mount Oliver have seen their share of criminal activities, so be careful if you find yourself nearby.

Finally, let’s touch on Clairton.

This quaint city has a unique charm, but it’s best not to overlook its safety issues.

Crime rates in Clairton are high enough to warrant keeping your guard up.

Economic Factors

Unemployment rate.

The unemployment rate in Pennsylvania varies across the state, but some places are affected more than others.

For instance, Lehighton suffers from a frighteningly high 12.8% unemployment rate.

Poverty Rate

A high poverty rate can indicate the overall well-being and access to resources in a given area.

Pennsylvania, like many states, has been grappling with the challenges of poverty.

The poverty rate in Pennsylvania has hovered around 12 to 13% in recent years, placing it roughly in the middle compared to other US states.

Major cities, such as Philadelphia, have notably higher rates, with some estimates showing that 24% of its residents live below the poverty line.

Median Home Value

Affordability comes into play when considering housing in Pennsylvania.

Home values vary from city to city, with several areas having higher than the state average.

Here are some places with relatively high median home values:

• Newtown: $449,900
• Malvern: $417,600
• Doylestown: $423,400

Entertainment and Safety Compromises

Philadelphia.

Looking for the best things to do in Pennsylvania ?

Nobody wants to cut their vacation short due to an unpleasant experience or feeling unsafe when exploring a new place.

Entertainment is abundant in this state, but it’s crucial to make wise decisions on which places to visit with your family.

In Philadelphia, there’s no shortage of entertaining attractions for families.

But, be mindful of the crime rates in certain neighborhoods.

For instance, Nicetown is considered the most dangerous part of the city.

By doing your research, you might want to avoid these less safe parts of Philly to make your visit more enjoyable.

Heading over to Pittsburgh?

It’s home to some of the best places to visit in Pennsylvania .

This city offers diverse entertainment options, from sports events to art galleries.

But be cautious of the neighborhoods you visit.

Strip District, Crawford Roberts, Northview Heights, East Allegheny, and Troy Hill are known to have high crime rates.

It’s essential to keep this in mind when planning your itinerary.

Must-Visit Destinations

Pennsylvania suburbs.

Luckily, there are some fantastic alternatives to these less desirable spots we just discussed.

First off, consider checking out some of the safest suburbs in Pennsylvania.

These places often offer lower crime rates and a more relaxed atmosphere.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Pennsylvania has you spoiled for choice.

The state’s breathtaking Appalachian Mountains and over 120 state parks are a haven for nature lovers.

One such serene location is Cherry Springs State Park in Coudersport.

It’s especially perfect for people who prefer to avoid crowds.

This park offers a beautiful escape into nature and allows your family to immerse themselves in the calm and tranquility that every vacation deserves.

Another bundle of joy for families seeking a mix of history, culture, and entertainment would be the city of Bethlehem.

This city is known for its preserved historical sites, vibrant arts scene, and family-friendly events throughout the year.

Now, if you’re looking for something smaller and charming, Lititz might be right up your alley.

Tucked away in Lancaster County, Lititz has unique shops, delightful eateries, and festivals that celebrate its small-town vibes.

Known as America’s coolest small town , Lititz is ideal for families who want to experience a picturesque setting while making lasting memories.

Parting Words

So, now that we’ve discussed some places to avoid in Pennsylvania, it’s important for you and your family to be mindful of these areas during your visit.

Don’t let the most dangerous cities in Pennsylvania deter you from exploring the state’s many beautiful attractions.

Sure, certain neighborhoods or cities may have higher crime rates.

But it doesn’t mean you can’t experience the charm of small towns or the bustling excitement of larger cities.

Pennsylvania is home to beautiful landscapes, rich history, and friendly people.

Many residents find it a wonderful place to live, but like in any state, there are a few places with higher crime rates or other challenges.

By being aware of these, you can help ensure your family’s safety and enjoyment during your visit.

So pack your bags, buckle up, and get ready to experience the best of Pennsylvania—just remember to remain cautious and vigilant of potentially dangerous areas.

Happy travels.

Related: Is Pennsylvania Safe?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most dangerous cities in pennsylvania.

Johnstown, with a population of 18,400, has a crime rate 68% higher than the state average, making it one of the most dangerous cities in Pennsylvania. The total crime rate is 34.17 crimes per 1,000 citizens.

How Does Pennsylvania’s Crime Rate Compare To Other States?

Pennsylvania’s crime rate can fluctuate, but it is generally on par with surrounding states. As with any place, some areas experience higher crime rates than others. Staying informed about local crime trends and practicing safety measures can help protect you and your family.

Are There Any Particularly Unsafe Areas In Philadelphia?

Just like any big city, Philadelphia has areas with higher crime rates. For instance, the Kensington neighborhood is known for drugs and crime. When in Philadelphia, be cautious and avoid potentially dangerous areas to ensure a safe visit.

Are There Any Natural Areas That Are Particularly Hazardous In Pennsylvania?

The abandoned town of Centralia has been on fire underground since 1962 due to a coal mine fire. It has resulted in dangerous ground conditions, harmful gases, and unstable surfaces, making it a place to be cautious.

Are There Roads Or Highways To Be Avoided In Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania has notoriously challenging roads due to its hilly terrain and weather conditions. The Pennsylvania Turnpike, especially in winter, can be treacherous because of snow and ice. Always check road conditions and consider alternate routes during inclement weather.

You will be redirected to your dashboard shortly. We will also call you back in 24 hrs .

• Taking A Vacation At These 10 Places With Your Family Would Be Super Awkward

23 Mar 2023

There are vacations you remember for their natural beauty and the picturesque views and then there are trips that are remembered for hopping parties, salacious streets and wicked clubs. And even if your parents are willing to sponsor, you would be better off shedding your own moolah as well as your family for a trip to these places.

Here is a list of places that you must visit once in a lifetime BUT NEVER WITH YOUR PARENTS:

1. Kasol, India

Image Source

Described as the Amsterdam of India this stoner heaven is a perfect destination for a vacation that will get you high on life. All night Hippie parties next to Parvati River is definitely not a family trip you would want.

Must Read: 101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30 in 2022

2. Rio de Janerio, Brazil

Legions of scantily clad women and men with hot samba moves, the carnival capital of the world is full of exotic experiences that you will never forget. And none that you would want to share with your family.

Looking To Book A Holiday Package?

Book memorable holidays on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.

Spellbinding Cochin Family Tour 2D/1N Package @ Rs 2,750

Plan your trip today!

Himachal Family Tour Package 4D/3N @ Rs 8,750

Get quotes from multiple travel experts.

Exciting Andaman Family Trip 5D/4N @ Rs 10,250

Compare & customize quotes before booking.

Gangtok & Darjeeling Tour Package 5D/4N @ Rs 13,000

Have Questions? Talk to our travel experts today.

Wonderful Goa Family Package 3D/2N @ Rs 6,500

Best prices guaranteed.

Riveting Rajasthan Vacation 3D/2N Package @ Rs 6,499

EMI option available.

Enchanting Uttarakhand Tour 4D/3N Package @ Rs 7,199

Explore best destinations with our experts.

Delightful South Weekend Tour 3D/2N Package @ Rs 4,999

Thrilling weekend full of fun.

Marvelous Gujarat Tour 3D/2N Package @ Rs 4,999

Talk to our experts today.

See more at TRAVELTRIANGLE.COM

3. Las Vegas, USA

There is almost no place as infamous as Las Vegas for all that it has in store for its visitors. The original sin city, with it’s glittering showgirls, obscene landscape, ever flowing drinks and unending gambling tables is not a spot for parental guidance.

4. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Beer crawls, the famous Beer bike, a trip to the legendary dungeons, enthralling belly dancers, Canal cruises, fantastic clubs and the all famous Amsterdam Coffeeshops, the city has more to experience with a crazy group of friends than your mommy watching.

Planning your holiday but confused about where to go? These travel stories help you find your best trip ever!

Real travel stories. Real stays. Handy tips to help you make the right choice.

Nikhil Recites A Tale Of 11 Friends Who Went From Bengaluru To Ladakh

Bengaluru - Delhi - Leh - Ladakh - Leh - Delhi - Amristsar - Chandigarh - Bengaluru

Pranav Took A Solo Trip To Andaman & It Was Truly Wonderful

A backpacker's guide to the predominant Honeymoon destination!

Shivani Talks Of Her Trip To Mcleodganj & Dalhousie With Her Husband And Friends

Sunset views. Monasteries. Bhagsunath falls. And amazing street food.

Kanika Proves That Traveling With An Infant To Kerala Is Totally Safe & Wonderful

Beaches, Backwaters, Spas, & More. Take me there now, please!

Here's Why Aakanksha's Trip To Manali Changed Her Idea About Group Tours

Ideal long weekend getaway from Delhi! Isn't it?

Isha Elaborates On How She Went Solo To Kasol & Returned With Lots Of Friends

And tales of her exciting Kheerganga & Chalal trek...

Prasham's Account Of A Goa Tour Proves That Goa Is More Than A Party Destination

Adventure, sightseeing, laid-back beach tours, and it doesn't stop there!

Bhavya Gives An Extensive Account Of His Jaisalmer Trip With Friends

Desert safari, haunted Kuldhara village, & Gadisar Lake. There's more...

Ashish Tells Why Kashmir Turned Out To Be A Winter Wonderland For His Family

For Gondolas, Shikaras, and plenty of snow!

Arunav Can't Stop Praising His Adventurous Trip To Sikkim & Darjeeling With Friends

For adventure in Air, on Land, and in Water!

Avneet Describes Her Trip To Spiti With A Group Of Strangers That Became Friends

Sightseeing. Monasteries. Trekking. And beauty all along

5. Malana, India

This magical green rimmed village is a must-visit spot for the obvious reasons. An intoxicating mix of strict taboos and some of the best growing spots in the world, it is definitely not a place for a family vacation.

Must Read: 16 Most Beautiful Villages In India That You Must Visit In 2022

6. Bangkok, Thailand

The infamous red light area, bizarre eateries, ladyboy shows, go-go trails and the bloody Thai boxing shows, the steamy metropolis of Bangkok is filled with experiences which you would never forget and also never would want to share with your parents.

Must Read: 25 Exciting Things To Do In Bangkok In 5 Days With Friends Under 30K In 2022

7. Hamburg, Germany

Lined with strip clubs, bars, pubs and night clubs, the streets of Reeperbahn are completely transformed to a mecca of nightlife as soon as the sun sets. Home to one of Europe’s biggest red light districts, the legendary nightlife mile would be a challenging trip to pull of with your mom and dad accompanying you.

Must Read: 15 Experiences Not To Miss On Your Euro Trip

8. Cancun, Mexico

This tropical paradise is a 24 hour party destination, with party night cruises, laser shows, costume parties, clubs with acrobat and some of the best DJs from across the world. Experience the intoxicating nightlife of Cacun, but preferably without your parents.

Must Read: 30 Unpredictable And Non-Clichéd Places To Visit In Your 20s

9. Tel Aviv, Israel

Known worldwide for its hip nightlife scenes, Tel Aviv is a city that never sleeps. Beachfront parties, endless swinging hot-spots, legendary gay party scene, annual water war, Israel’s swanky metropolis hosts some of the world’s most famous DJs. Burn down the dance floor for a holiday you will never forget.

10. Montreal, Canada

Home to microbreweries, jazz bars, mega clubs, swanky rooftop terraces and with a legal drinking age of 18, it is not difficult to imagine why Montreal’s nightlife is so famous. So much so that the night buses run from 1 am to 5 am to carry you back to your respective destination. Perfect for a crazy vacation, but not for a wholesome family trip!

PS: Montreal Burlesque festival is a plus! ;)

This year, drop off the family at home and hit one of these destinations with your friends for a vacation which will create enough stories to fill up an entire lifetime.

Further Read: 13 Places in India You Must Visit with Your Family

Looking To Book An International Holiday?

Trip to Sri Lanka at Rs 13,500/-

Plan Your Vacation Today!

Trip to Singapore at Rs 20,499/-

Get Quotes From Local Experts

Mauritius Holiday Starting at Rs 65,000/-

Talk to Our Experts Today

Maldives Honeymoon Trip at Rs 39,800/-

Pay with easy EMI Option

Europe Trip at Rs 89,999/-

All Inclusive Deals

Vacation in Dubai at Rs 27,499/-

Hong Kong Holiday at Rs 24,999/-

Money Safe Guarantee

Thailand Holiday at Rs 7,999/-

Flights Excluded

Recent Posts

2024 में 32 दुनिया में सितंबर में घूमने की जगहें जो आपको एक शांत छुट्टी

10 Meilleurs endroits à visiter en juin dans le monde pendant vos vacances d’été en 2024.

8 Bucket List Ideas For Summer To Make Your Vacation Interesting

7 Nouvelles merveilles du monde: édition 2024!

28 दुनिया में अक्टूबर में घूमने की जगहें

Voici les 26 meilleurs endroits à visiter en avril 2024 si vous vous demandez où aller

Trending Blogs

20 Mysterious Places In India To Visit In 2023 More Bizarre Than The Bermuda Triangle

10 Scariest Roads In India That Are A Driver’s Nightmare

101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30 in 2024

35 Exotic Places To Visit In December In India 2024 To Enjoy A Surreal Vacation

60 Best Honeymoon Destinations In India In 2024

95 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World In 2023 For A Romantic Escape!

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best places to visit outside india by month.

• TravelTriangle
• Worldwide »
• Tour Packages
• Honeymoon Packages
• Family Packages
• Budget Tour Packages
• Luxury Tour Packages
• Adventure Tour Packages
• Group Tour Packages
• Kerala Tour Packages
• Goa Tour Packages
• Andaman Tour Packages
• Sikkim Tour Packages
• Himachal Tour Packages
• Uttarakhand Tour Packages
• Rajasthan Tour Packages
• Tour Packages From Delhi
• Tour Packages From Mumbai
• Tour Packages From Bangalore
• Tour Packages From Chennai
• Tour Packages From Kolkata
• Tour Packages From Hyderabad
• Tour Packages From Ahmedabad
• Kerala Tourism
• Goa Tourism
• Sikkim Tourism
• Andaman Tourism
• Himachal Tourism
• Uttarakhand Tourism
• Rajasthan Tourism
• Hotels in Kerala
• Hotels in Goa
• Hotels in Sikkim
• Hotels in Andaman
• Hotels in Himachal
• Hotels in Uttarakhand
• Hotels in Rajasthan

17 Uncrowded Spring Break Destinations for Families in the US.

To support this website, at no extra cost to you, we may earn revenue on links within this post. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Are you struggling to come up with the best spring break destinations for your family? I do every year! We try to avoid the crowds at popular spring break destinations such as Orlando (also, we live there.)

When you have only a week to get away, and everyone else is getting away that same week, you want to get out of town, avoid crowds, but also not have it take forever to get there. These best places for family spring break 2024 are fun, low-key spring break destinations.

These quiet spring break destinations for families are all in the United States, making it easy for you to fly or drive . These spring break ideas are all family-friendly, mostly avoid the crowds, and are a mix of warmth, adventure, outdoor activities, or skiing.

Table of Contents

Ocala, Florida

If you’re not yet familiar with Ocala, Florida, make it a part of your vacation next time you’re on your way to Walt Disney World . Even if you opt for a Disney vacation with the family for spring break, take a few days and get away from the crowds in the small town of Ocala. We had the fortune to visit here last summer, and I do wish it was cooler when we visited. Ocala is one of the least crowded spring break destinations. Plus, it’s only a short drive away from the Orlando area.

Read about our Ocala Vacation here .

One of the best things I love about Ocala is the horse trails. It is the horse capital of the world after all. We were able to take a horseback ride through Ocala at the Canyon Zip Line Adventure Park . This landscape is so different than the rest of Florida. You will be surprised by the steep cliffs, salty ravines, and tall trees. I felt as if we were horseback riding through Tennessee only with palm trees. Other great highlights in Ocala include Rainbow Springs where you’ll find crystal clear waters, waterfalls, and authentic Florida nature. Also, make time to take a glass-bottom boat in Silver Springs.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah Georgia is one of my favorite places to visit. It has that all Southern Charm, amazing food, interesting history, and museums, and it’s easy to get around. This is one of those vacations I would recommend for families with teenagers . You can easily let the teens loose wandering the downtown area. Plus in Savannah, the weather is warm, making it a perfect spring break destination. And you’re not too far away from the beaches if you want to visit Tybee Island.

I do think Savannah has something for everyone, but may not be as enjoyable for families with young children. Save this destination when your children are older. They will enjoy the food, they will enjoy the history, and they will enjoy the kooky things such as a ghost tour.

Favorites in Savannah include The Pirates House, the Riverwalk along the Savannah River, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room , and the Prohibition Museum .

Pensacola Beach, Florida

I like the Pensacola Beach area as one of the best spring break destinations for families because it’s relatively accessible without having to drive so far into Florida.

Located on the Gulf in the panhandle, Pensacola has incredibly beautiful beaches and emerald green waters. You may find this is a more popular destination, but you can make it an uncrowded one by renting a vacation home on the beach, rather than stay with the rest of the spring breakers.

Pensacola is a little less crowded than it’s nearby neighbor Panama City Beach.

In addition to the white sand beaches, Pensacola has some incredible aviation history. In fact, you may even catch a Blue Angels practice while in Pensacola. Favorite places include the Naval Aviation Museum, the Pensacola Lighthouse, which you can climb, and exploring the Gulf Islands National Seashore.

If you want a low key spring break vacation, heading to the beach at Pensacola might be the perfect way to go.

Park City, Utah

If you’re looking to still get in some last bits of skiing for spring break, Park City has you covered.

Utah is high on my bucket list and definitely an exciting vacation for the whole family for spring break. There is still plenty of time to go skiing during spring break.

However, even if you are not a skier, you can still enjoy winter activities in Park City . Because this was an Olympic Destination there are family activities such as the bobsled experience (age 16 and up) at Olympic Park. If your kids are too young to take a bobsled then perhaps a family sleigh ride, dog sledding, or even snowboarding in Park City should be on your agenda. Of course, there’s ice skating and winter tubing as well. Don’t just think of winter for skiing only. Plus, who doesn’t love some hot chocolate at the ski resorts after a long day in the great outdoors?

Washington, DC

Washington DC is one of my favorite places for the entire family. So why not take the kids there for spring break? The collection of Smithsonian museums along the National Mall truly has something for everyone.

Young kids will love the National Air and Space Museum and older kids will enjoy the National Museum of Natural History as well as the National Museum of American History. Pick up this book before you go to give kids things to look for in those three museums.

In addition to walking the National Mall, which is quite large by the way, other things to do in Washington DC include the International Spy Museum , the National Harbor , as well as visits to Presidential homes .

For example, have you ever wondered where is Mount Vernon? It’s not far from DC and this would be a perfect opportunity to visit.

On the Mall, visit the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Martin Luther King, Jr. monument, and many more.

The spring months are a great time to catch the cherry blossoms. They can bloom anywhere from late March to early April, so you may get lucky during your visit to the Nation’s capital.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is a popular place to visit in the summer, however, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, it is the perfect place to visit over spring break.

The National Parks are always a winner in my book when it comes to spring break family vacations . And visiting the iconic Yosemite National Park is a bucket list destination.

I would recommend staying at one of the many lodges in the national park over camping this time of year. However, camping is amazing if you want to bring your own RV Rental or Campervan . Tent camping may be too cold for younger ones.

The lodges are conveniently located in the Yosemite Valley area. Imagine returning to the lodge after a brisk day of hiking Yosemite Falls or Mist Falls and getting cozy in front of the fireplace.

While you’re visiting Yosemite, you can easily drive to visit Sequoia National Park . Both parks are an easy drive from San Francisco airport.

South Dakota

If South Dakota is not on your bucket list now is the time to add it. This incredible state is full of history and natural wonder, in addition to Mount Rushmore National Memorial .

And while most people only think of Mount Rushmore in South Dakota here you can visit what they call the Great Eight. That includes Custer State Park where you will find bison wandering along with elk, mountain goats, and more.

Also, head over to historic Deadwood and walk the Wild, Wild West and learn about the 1870s gold rush town. That’s just some of the things you can experience in South Dakota .

For a family spring break in South Dakota, I’d recommend driving or renting a car to cover as much ground as you can. Better yet rent an RV and stay near the Missouri River or Badlands National Park.

Gatlinburg is a popular year-round destination thanks to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park . And while it’s popular, spring break is not as crowded as summer or even fall when the leaves turn colors.

I love this park because it’s free. There are plenty of great hiking trails. But even if hiking isn’t your thing, the Smoky Mountain National park guides will tell you all about scenic drives. Spring Break should just start seeing the leaves peep. You’ll also find lots of wildflowers and animals this time of year.

The surrounding area in Gatlinburg can be a bit touristy, but that just means you’ll find some great prices on hotels and vacation rentals.

Ripley’s Aquarium is an excellent attraction. We also love eating at one of the various pancake houses in Gatlinburg.

Have you thought of San Diego as a spring break destination? Perfect – it’s spring break right now and you can take advantage of low spring break prices and (relatively) uncrowded spring break destinations.

Sightseeing: There is a wide variety of things to do in San Diego, from the world-famous San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Balboa Park, to Seaworld , to the Maritime Museum of San Diego, to the Whaley House (listed in several top ten ghost stories).

But why go spring break when you could go year-round? San Diego is beautiful year-round with its beaches, climate, and attractions. If you prefer warm weather during spring break or another time of year, San Diego has that too.

Accommodations: spring break hotels in San Diego start as low as $50 per person. San Diego has spring break deals year-round–the weather is nearly always spring break perfect and the prices are spring break cheap.

Now you may think, “Yeah but it’s spring break right now so everything will be crowded.”

South Carolina

Myrtle Beach may be a popular choice for spring break in South Carolina, but I encourage you to visit there, plus, Congaree National Park, Charleston, or Beaufort.

Highlights of spring biking at Congaree National Park include spring wildflowers and wetland forests. The spring is an excellent time for canoeing as the weather starts to heat up and the rivers’ water levels tend to be higher.

The spring is also a great time to visit Charleston, where you can enjoy beautiful flowers throughout the spring season. Spring is also a great time for bike tours in Charleston, as the spring flowers start to bloom and roads are relatively clear.

Beaufort, South Carolina is a hidden gem. It’s a coastal town nestled in the Sea Islands between Charleston and Savannah, Georgia. Despite it being a small town, you can find plenty of things to do in Beaufort, SC that are perfect for your spring break.

San Antonio

I recommend visiting San Antonio in the springtime because there is no spring break crowd and it’s awesome year-round! The spring weather is perfect for exploring outdoor activities at local attractions such as SeaWorld , Six Flags Fiesta Texas, The Alamo and Natural Bridge Caverns.

Puerto Rico

I highly recommend spring break travel to Puerto Rico because the spring weather is beautiful! Take advantage of spring temperatures by doing some scuba diving or snorkeling at the coral reefs surrounding the Caribbean island. Or, visit Old San Juan for shopping, dining, and historic sightseeing.

Lake Tahoe in spring offers a great spring break getaway with fun ski and snowboard conditions in the morning and excellent spring biking weather in the afternoon. Besides winter activities, spring is an awesome time of year to hike around Lake Tahoe , take scenic drives along Highway 88 or ski at Heavenly Mountain Resort.

Florida Keys

I recommend spring break travel to the Florida Key s because spring is a great time to explore Florida’s Everglades National Park. The spring weather provides the perfect opportunity for wildlife viewing and dolphin watching, which are both major attractions in springtime at Everglades National Park. I

n addition, spring marks the start of snapper season in the spring, so spring breakers who do a little deep-sea fishing can enjoy fresh snapper for dinner.

South Padre Island

If you are looking for an enjoyable spring getaway, I strongly suggest visiting South Padre Island. During March and April, the climate is perfect and ideal for a beach vacation; additionally, there is less of a tourist influx compared to the high season in the springtime.

South Padre Island is accessible from San Antonio or Houston and is about as south as you can get to Mexico without leaving the United States.

New Orleans

You may not think of New Orleans as an uncrowded spring break destination, but it can be depending on the time of year. If you’re not visiting during Mardi Gras or St. Patrick’s day , spring is a lovely time to visit the Big Easy. New Orleans offers ample spring vacation activities, from sightseeing and history tours to visits to the zoo or parks, as well as spring break nightlife, if you’re interested. Venture off the main street

in the French Quarter area. The best times of year for spring break in New Orleans are March and April. In springtime, the weather is mild and there is less of a spring break crowd.

Outer Banks

If you’re looking to get away from spring breakers, head to the Outer Banks of North Carolina in springtime. It’s between spring breaks in the northern and southern US schools, so it’s not too crowded. The spring season begins with the flowers in bloom, and it’s a lovely time to visit the OBX.

You’ll find spring break nightlife in springtime – but not too much spring break nightlife, and the same goes for spring break crowds. It’s still winter in spring on the Outer Banks, but it is not cold and there are plenty of activities to enjoy during spring break.

Pigeon Point Lighthouse near Manteo is a spring break destination in North Carolina if you’re looking for places to go for spring break.

Just looking for some cool places to stay during Spring Break? Check out. these epic Spring Break Vacation Rentals here.

Do you have favorite spring break destinations for your family? I’d love to hear about them. Leave me a comment to be included in a future article.

Tonya Denmark of Detail Oriented Traveler's Favorite Resources

✈️ my favorite way to check flights.

Skyscanner is a great way to check all flights and create watch lists for a change in flight prices.

🏩 My choice to check hotel prices

Booking.com has the most extensive list of hotels.

🏠 My go to for the Best Home Rental site

VRBO has better support for home rentals. I recommend using them.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 My absolute Best Tour Booking Site

Viator allows you to book now and pay later, plus has free cancellation.

🎠 My Go to for the the Best Attractions Pass

Go City all inclusive passes provide extraordinary value

Read my review of Go City Here.

Best Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance Master gives you quotes from a variety of insurance policies so you can pick the best one for you.

Best way to store your luggage

Luggage Hero is the perfect way to find storage options when you are touring a place for the day.

What's the best way to check rental car prices?

Discover Cars is my choice for trusted ratings and no hidden costs.

Best Travel Planning Guide

I have a comprehensive travel planning guide that you can buy here. Use code: WELCOME for 25% off.

About The Author

Tonya Denmark

How to avoid being a superspreader during the holidays

Oct 22, 2020 • 7 min read

If you decide to visit friends and family this holiday season, here's how to do it safely © FG Trade / Getty

Celebrating the holidays with loved ones can be stressful. Whether it's negotiating a political minefield over Thanksgiving dinner, finding a perfect gift for the person who has everything, or coping with the perils of precarious winter travel, there's always something worthy of worry.

But this year, navigating the on-going health crisis adds a new layer of stress. "Cases [of COVID-19] are up in 41 states, and 17 states are reporting unprecedented surges," reports Dr. Syra Madad, an infectious disease epidemiologist in New York City and Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center.

Madad, who appears in the recent Netflix docuseries "Pandemic: How to Prevent an Outbreak," says the recent spike in new infections, along with the impact on hospitalizations, "paints a grim picture." Virus cases in the US are climbing toward a third peak , "and it's only going to increase from there."

“I do not think anybody should be traveling this holiday season,” says Madad, though she recognizes that "abstinence isn't the only approach." If you choose to travel and want to visit loved ones safely, she recommends merging social bubbles after a fourteen-day quarantine and using a Swiss cheese strategy – which is more than just a tasty Thanksgiving appetizer. "You want to make sure that you're layering on as many preventative measures as possible," she explains, so if one measure doesn't stop you from spreading or contracting the coronavirus, another one hopefully will.

Here’s everything else potential travelers should do to avoid spreading the coronavirus this holiday season.

Research where you're going

"The preference is to keep things local and not travel too far," says Madad, but if a longer distance is unavoidable, investigate how your desired destination is handling COVID-19 .

To determine if a region is safe, Madad analyzes a few key benchmarks, including the daily number of new infections in an area, the overall percent positive, and whether new infections are increasing or decreasing. Ideally, a destination should have less than four new cases per 100,000 residents, a percent positive that's less than three, and a steady decline in infections for the week or two before you arrive.

Madad also suggests evaluating an area's testing infrastructure and hospital capacity. "You don't want to be in a place where the hospitals are overwhelmed," she says. "You want to know that hospitals in the area have 40% of their ICU capability free, so if you do get sick and require hospitalization, you can get the care that you need."

Next, it's necessary to research the travel requirements and restrictions for where you live and where you’re going. Laws differ between states and countries, and could include mandatory testing or fourteen-day quarantines. People who fail to follow guidelines may pay a hefty price, like in New York City, where a Florida visitor recently broke the state-mandated quarantine and now faces up to $1,500 in fines.

Plan how you're getting there

Many airlines, train services, and rest stops are doing an impeccable job keeping the public safe during the pandemic, but no transportation type is perfect.

If traveling by car , minimize the number of stops taken along your route by packing the essentials, including – but not limited to – drinks, snacks, toilet paper, face masks, and hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Wash or sanitize your hands immediately after using shared surfaces like gas pumps.

Anyone traveling by plane or train should be ready to wear a mandatory face mask (preferably an N-95) from the moment their journey begins until they reach their final destination. The CDC recommends touching as few frequently-used surfaces as possible, which means opting for digital tickets and using no-touch trash cans and doors when available. With limited food and beverage service on planes, remember to bring water and snacks for the trip, too.

To avoid getting squished next to a stranger for a long flight, check to see if your preferred airline will be operating at reduced capacity. For train rides, consider traveling at off-peak hours and leaving an empty row between yourself and fellow passengers when possible.

Get tested and quarantine

Getting tested for the coronavirus is an essential part of everyone's travel checklist and should be done both before and after a journey. Tests can be completed at urgent cares, pharmacies, most hospitals, and sometimes at sites like airports or hotels. Still, according to Madad, a test "shouldn't negate you from quarantining."

A negative test is only a snapshot in time - not a picture of the present - and some COVID-19 tests may yield false-negative results. If you plan on coming in close contact or gathering in tight quarters with social circles outside of your household, Madad says quarantining for fourteen days is the best way to ensure everyone’s safety.

Choose a long-term rental that’s right for you

When contending with a lengthy quarantine, investigate what home rentals in the area have adequate amenities for an extended stay. Spending two weeks cooking meals, catching up on Netflix, and working remotely in your home-away-from-home are far more enjoyable with your favorite creature comforts. If you're clocking in at the virtual office, ensure there's a strong wifi connection. Multiple rooms with plenty of privacy can be the saving grace for a large family. An outdoor space will help you stay sane. Never underestimate the power of a fully stocked kitchen or a long list of local delivery options.

Because of the coronavirus, many home-share platforms have implemented cleaning protocols to make their listings COVID-safe. In April, Airbnb introduced the Enhanced Cleaning Initiative , which allows hosts to earn an "Enhanced Clean" certification by following an extensive five-step cleaning process. Guests can search for participating hosts on the platform before booking their rental.

Hotels around the world have also updated their procedures to meet the needs of guests . Some offer contact-free check-in, apps with digital room keys, and a lengthy list of new cleaning and food safety standards. With limited room, no kitchen, and the possibility of running into people in elevators and shared spaces, most hotels still aren't ideal accommodations for travelers hoping to self-isolate, however.

Regardless of where you stay, make sure there's a flexible cancellation policy in the event of last-minute travel changes. The CDC also recommends asking your host or hotel about their cleaning and disinfecting policies and confirming that on-site staff will be wearing masks.

Establish expectations with loved ones

Events with friends and family – where spirits are high and guards are down – can be some of the most dangerous when it comes to COVID-19. "Even small gatherings are perpetuating the outbreak," says Madad, and following health guidelines is equally essential with those you trust.

While there's no magic number for a pandemic-friendly party, Madad says it's imperative to "limit the number of people who are together at one time." Whoever is hosting should safely fit all guests in an area with adequate ventilation – preferably outdoors – while maintaining social distancing (at least six feet apart) and keeping household units together. She also suggests limiting the number of meals shared as a group and opting for individually-plated food instead of buffet-style dining. The regular rules still apply, too: wear a mask, wash your hands, and stay home if you're feeling under the weather.

It helps to establish clear expectations around these protocols before your arrival. Communicating your boundaries will keep everyone safe and mitigate any potential misunderstandings in person. 

Use your imagination

Creativity is the key to celebrating the holidays this year. "I have three kids, two of whom are in elementary school, and they're very big on Halloween," Madad shares. She has a social bubble of her own and plans to invite a few friends over for a Halloween egg hunt on her property. "I'm not canceling Halloween, but I am taking precautions to reduce our risk, knowing that it won't be zero."

As for Thanksgiving and the holidays that follow, Madad hasn't decided what she'll do. "There are a lot of factors to consider as we move to the future holidays," she says. Infection rates could rise or fall, testing infrastructure could improve, and the only thing we should expect is the unexpected. "Things are changing so fast, and there's so much uncertainty," she says, "so I'm taking it one holiday at a time."

You might also like:

9 expert tips for a safe road trip during the pandemic Ask LP: are airlines doing enough to keep us safe from COVID-19? Has your job gone remote? These countries are welcoming digital nomads

Explore related stories

Apr 5, 2024 • 8 min read

Puglia is an Italian vacation destination that can satisfy the whole family. Here are the region's best things to do with kids.

Apr 2, 2024 • 10 min read

Apr 8, 2024 • 7 min read

Apr 9, 2024 • 7 min read

Apr 9, 2024 • 8 min read

Apr 8, 2024 • 13 min read

Apr 8, 2024 • 6 min read

22 Best Family Travel Destinations Worldwide (Vacation Inspiration)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 15, 2024

Looking for some family travel inspiration ? This guide features some of the all-time favorite family vacation destinations by families that live and breathe travel. This list includes family-friendly vacation spots from all over the world.

We are always looking for nice destinations to visit with family. In this quest for new ideas for family travel destinations, I decided to reach out to other traveling families and ask them to share their all-time favorite, best family travel destinations worldwide.

I received a variety of responses covering an amazing variety of family-friendly destinations from all over the world. From winter holidays in the Arctic to desolate beaches in the Pacific, from city breaks to ski resorts – there is something in here for everyone.

I’m happy to say that some of the world’s most well-traveled families have helped with this article. These are one by one families that have seen a lot of the world and they share their absolute favorite places to travel with family that they keep on going back to .

With their help, this guide to the world’s best family travel destinations was born. In this post, you’ll find some great family trip ideas and plenty of inspiration for family vacations for many years to come.

Read about the travel bloggers’ favorite family travel destinations and scroll all the way down to the bottom to find out our personal favorite as well!

Featured image by Eric Stoen from Travel Babbo

Some of the best family travel destinations worldwide:

1. Daintree Rainforest, Australia

Recommended by Caz and Craig from YTravelBlog.

One of our favorite destinations for families is the Port Douglas Daintree region in Tropical North Queensland .

Port Douglas has the largest reef system and the oldest rainforest in the world to explore. What more can you ask for? Our girls loved snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, zip-lining over the canopy of the Daintree Rainforest, playing on stunning beaches, searching for wild crocodiles on riverboat cruises, and enjoying delicious exotic ice cream made from the rainforest fruits.

It’s a relaxed and beautiful tropical destination with plenty for all members of the family to love.

TIP: You can also easily visit Daintree as a day trip from Cairns or Port Douglas. You can find the best selection of organized tours here .

Here you can find everything you possibly may want to know about visiting the Daintree Rainforest .

Recommended by Kevin and Christina from Wandering Wagars.

There are few places in the world that offer the opportunity for a family adventure like Iceland .

Where else can you spot Blue Whales from a schooner, swim in ice-cold glacier water while continents tear themselves apart around you, and feel the roar of Europe’s largest waterfall, all within a few hours drive of each other. If that isn’t enough to whet your appetite, Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world. You can even lookup the Prime Minister in the phone book.

Icelandic people understand the unique needs of children and families. It’s rare to find a restaurant that doesn’t have an area set aside for children to play.

Furthermore, Iceland is really easy to visit on your own. In summer, you can drive the entire Ring Road , or just focus on the South Coast attractions – there’s plenty to see and do, also with kids. If you don’t feel like driving in Iceland in winter , you can just stay in Reykjavik and make a couple of day trips.

You can read more about Kevin and Christina’s family trip to Iceland on their blog.

Our experience: We have been to Iceland multiple times and in all seasons and indeed, it’s a great place for a more adventurous family trip! On our blog, you can find a huge selection of Iceland destination guides, itineraries, and practical tips. Check our Iceland travel guide for the complete overview.

3. Bali, Indonesia

Recommended by Eric from Travel Babbo.

Bali has become one of our favorite family travel destinations the past couple of years. There’s a perfect mix of beaches and culture, and there’s always something to do, from attending festivals (which seem to take place all the time) to visiting water parks to hiking through rice fields.

The weather is warm year-round, although the rainy season (November through March) is exactly what it sounds like. The food is excellent and inexpensive. My 10-year-old’s favorite restaurant in the world is Cuca, near Jimbaran Beach.

Bali’s hotels are amazing, and virtually all welcome kids. We’ve stayed at hotels on the beach, but also in villas with private plunge pools overlooking river valleys and villas surrounded by rice fields. We always try to do activities through our hotels, like fish feeding, anti-gravity yoga, rice planting, ceramics, and local walks. We’re never ready to check out.

Even though there are more tourists every year, Bali never feels touristy. Ubud retains a really cool, artsy vibe. Plus there’s a monkey forest there – what kid doesn’t want to be surrounded by monkeys?

You can find more tips for visiting Bali with kids on Eric’s blog.

4. Costa Rica

Recommended by various families

Costa Rica is one of the most recommended family travel destinations in the Americas. It has all the ingredients for a perfect family-friendly travel experience: tropical climate, beaches, rainforests, lots of sightseeing possibilities, fun adventurous activities, and a big variety of wildlife.

No matter what kind of a family travel experience you’re looking for, Costa Rica makes it all possible.

Looking for a relaxing family vacation at a beautiful resort? Head to one of the many coastal destinations.

Looking for adventure and action-filled vacation with teens? Check out the La Fortuna – Arenal area , aka the adventure capital of Costa Rica.

Or plan a road trip and see the best that Costa Rica has to offer, and add some relaxing pool time to make it fun for the whole family.

The good thing about Costa Rica is that it’s an extremely family-friendly destination. And – if you’re coming from the US, you won’t have to cross too many time zones. It’s also a place that you can visit the whole year round (a tropical rain shower is always possible, however).

Here you can find a sample 2-week Costa Rica itinerary that covers some of the best places, gives you plenty of opportunities to see wildlife, get to know the culture, try some fun activities such as zip-lining or wild water rafting, and also plan some relaxing time by the pool or at the beach.

5. Crete, Greece

Recommended by Paul from A Luxury Travel Blog.

The Greek island of Crete is somewhere we’ve frequently holidayed as a family. Crete has everything we could possibly want – a lovely climate, pure relaxation, great beaches, excellent food, and a beautifully slow way of life. There are some superb hotels on the island too!

We’ve often been drawn to a small fishing town Elounda which has some excellent luxury accommodation and plenty to see and do.

If you are looking for a family-friendly destination in southern Europe, a place that has is all, then you can’t go wrong with the Greek Islands and especially Crete!

Check Paul’s blog for all things luxury travel .

6. Whitefish, Montana, USA

Recommended by Nicole – The Passport Kids.

If you are thinking about experiencing what a winter wonderland would be like, our recommendation is the Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort in Montana, USA. The resort offers many family-friendly amenities and activities including daycare and kids ski & ride school directly on the resort.

Enjoy some outdoor winter fun with snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing or sledding; then cozy up by the fire with some hot chocolate.

The resort and city of Whitefish offer a small-town American feel where life slows down for a while but still offers a great selection of hotels, restaurants and shopping.

Check Nicole’s blog for more information about Whitefish ski resort .

7. Gulf Shores, Alabama, USA

Recommended by Karen from Family Travels on a Budget.

Gulf Shores, Alabama is perfect for families because it’s got all the beach without all the crowds!

We love Gulf Shores for its white sand, seashells, sunsets, and seafood. But what makes it special is the space — wide beaches and smaller crowds mean we have more space to unwind.

Gulf Shores is more than a beach, though. We also enjoy hiking and biking the trails at Gulf State Park, catamaran day trips, paddle boarding and sunset dinners at local restaurants. It’s our home away from home — at the beach!

Read more about Alabama Beaches here.

8. Cape Town, South Africa

Recommended by Keri from Baby Globetrotters (and one of our personal favorites too).

Everything about Cape Town is simply breathtaking! Nestled beneath the unmistakable Table Mountain, many start their South African adventure at the lively V&A Waterfront.

Near to the city, you will find the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens and Tree Canopy Walkway, the Table Mountain Cable Car or why not take a ferry and tour around the now infamous Robben Island?

Heading further out of Cape Town for a couple of days is a must – head to where the oceans meet at the Cape of Good Hope, visit the Penguins at Boulders Beach and spot the seals at Hout Bay.

Next head east to the Stellenbosch wine region – so many family-friendly wine farms it’s hard to choose where to start. Finish off your Cape Town adventure with a simply breathtaking sunset over the Atlantic Ocean from Signal Hill or Camps Bay.

Find out more about Cape Town family vacation on the Baby Globetrotters blog.

Our experience: We completely agree with Keri – Cape Town and the whole of South Africa is amazing with kids and one of our own personal favorite places in the world. Here you can find more tips for visiting South Africa with young kids and here you can find a list of the best places to see in South Africa .

Recommended by several families, including us.

If you are looking for a truly unique family vacation destination, then definitely consider Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. It’s such a special place (and totally different from anything else on this list), but it has so much to offer for families!

From beaches to deserts, impressive skyscrapers, and sensational attractions for the whole family, there’s so much to see and do in Dubai that you can easily fill several family vacations here and never get bored.

Visit the world’s highest building, ride a camel in the desert, spend time at one of the many theme parks, or go swimming at some of the world’s most impressive water parks… These are just a few of the amazing things to do in Dubai with kids !

And while visiting a destination like this with the whole family can quickly get quite expensive, there are quite a few really nice free and cheap things to do in Dubai as well.

Furthermore, Dubai enjoys warm weather the whole year round (albeit a bit too hot in the summer months), and it’s a perfect family vacation destination for off-season travel as well.

What we also love about Dubai is that it’s extremely multicultural, and kids can get in touch with different traditions. We were pleasantly surprised by the food in Dubai as well! With so many cuisines and middle-eastern touches, the food is absolutely delicious. It’s also another great way to introduce your children to different cultures.

Here you can find more information and fun facts about Dubai , read more about the best tours in Dubai , and also find out how expensive Dubai is .

10. Cambodia

Recommended by Alanna from The Travelling Hams.

Most people don’t think of Cambodia as a family-friendly destination, but we wholeheartedly disagree! The country is full of stunning nature and some of the most beautiful temple ruins in the world.

Our toddlers loved exploring the ruins as much as we did! For our kids, the ruins were the ultimate playground. Each equipped with crumbling stairs to climb, plenty of rocks and leaves to play with, and even some wildlife to watch. It’s a great way to challenge their senses and it gives you a chance to enjoy them yourself – a double bonus!

Cambodians are some of the friendliest people in Southeast Asia. They love to stop you and chat about your children and give friendly pats and pinches. For those with really young ones- they even help to watch your children while you get a few mouthfuls of food in!

11. Rovaniemi, Finland

Recommended by Erin – Travel with Bender.

If you ask our kids out of the 67 countries they have been to in their 6 years of life, which was their favorite, they would unanimously agree – Finland . More specifically Rovaniemi to the North of Helsinki. Why? So many reasons!

First, it’s where the real Santa lives. When you send a letter to Santa it goes here. You can see all the pigeon holes from around the world with letters to Santa. You can even post your own! You can spend an evening with the elves in the forest, decorating trees, baking cookies, and learning Santa secrets.

In addition, when you are not visiting Santa, you can spend days doing all kinds of fun winter outdoor activities. Ride husky sleds through a winter wonderland, take a reindeer sleigh through the forest, opt for a snowmobile safari that also visits reindeer and huskies, or go snow tubing down giant hills and through ice caves.

Top that with snowmobiles to capture a glimpse of the Northern Lights and a hot dinner of reindeer meat and what could be more perfect?!

Here you can read more about winter holiday in Roveniemi Finland .

12. Portugal

Recommended by Alex – My Life Long Holiday.

Central Portugal has been a family favorite for us since my parents emigrated there a few years back. The area has such a laid-back vibe, great food, culture, and beautiful scenery.

For adventurous families, there are activities like cycling, hiking, and kayaking. But my kids equally like exploring little old villages up in the mountains which haven’t changed for ages, so long as there’s ice cream at the end of it!

The Portuguese love children and you’re welcomed wherever you go with genuine smiles and warm hospitality. Add to this the warm sunshine and you have the formula for a relaxing, easy holiday.

Check Alex’s blog for more inspiration for a trip to Portugal.

Our experience: Inspired by Alex’s suggestion, we decided to visit Portugal with kids . And we were hooked – it’s one of the most beautiful and family-friendly travel destinations in Europe! In fact, we loved it so much that we went back to Portugal and the Portuguese islands several times.

Nowadays, we go to Portugal a few times a year and the whole family loves it. Here you can read about one of our absolute favorite destinations – Algarve with kids . And here, you can find an overview of our Portugal travel tips .

13. Philadelphia, USA

Recommended by Eileen – FamiliesGo!

Philadelphia is close enough to home that it has been a frequent day trip for us. Now that we travel with a child we have begun to stay for a night or two, which has given us a new appreciation for all that this city has to offer for families.

Federal Hall is a must-see on your first visit (the Declaration of Independence was signed here). The city also has a lot of family-friendly museums.

Please Touch Museum will be a hit with younger kids, while school-going children will appreciate the Franklin Institute and the sprawling Museum of Art.

Philadelphia is also known as a great city for eating out. I recommend Federal Donuts near Rittenhouse Square, Hawthorne’s near South Street and Reading Terminal. Great city break for families.

Here you can read more about Philadelphia with kids .

LEARN MORE: How to See the Best of Philadelphia in One Day

14. The Canadian Rockies

Recommended by Melissa – Parenthood and Passports.

As a family who wants to see as much of the world as possible, it’s rare for us to visit the same destination twice. But there is one place we return time and time again: The Canadian Rockies .

The Canadian Rockies are one of the most naturally beautiful wonders on earth. The mountains have a rugged, majestic appeal. Nestled between them are glacial lakes that shimmer a vibrant shade of blue.

Banff National Park, located in the heart of the Rockies is one of the most family-friendly places we’ve ever visited. The establishments are very accommodating to children, and the area is great to explore with kids.

Banff is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll find everything from easy hikes to backcountry camping and winter mountain sports. We love exploring outdoors and hope to instill that same passion in our daughter. I can’t think of a better place to do so.

Read more about visiting Banff here.

15. Cook Islands

Recommended by Karilyn – No Back Home.

One of our favorite family destinations is the Cook Islands in the South Pacific . For West Coast travelers it’s a short overnight flight with only a 3 hour time change.

The largest and main island, Rarotonga, is actually quite small with a ring road only 29 miles long! You will be welcomed to the island by beautiful white beaches with excellent snorkeling in calm lagoons and lush green mountains as your backdrop.

With plenty of adventure activities from hiking to buggy driving to kayaking to private islands, your family will have the time of their life in this island paradise!

Read more about the family-friendly Cook Islands here.

16. Glacier National Park, USA

Recommended by Craig and Bryanna – Crazy Family Adventure.

Glacier National Park is one of the most visited National Parks in the USA and for a good reason. It’s also an amazing family travel destination! The views are out of this world, hiking is amazing, and there are so many fun activities for the whole family!

We really enjoyed driving the scary yet breathtaking beautiful Going to the Sun Road. You can see glaciers, waterfalls, and stunning mountains. There is also so much wildlife and you may even see a mountain goat, bighorn sheep, or a bear! We really enjoyed hiking to Hidden Lake, on the Trail of Cedars, and Apakuni Falls.

Each hike has something to offer from being able to step into the frigid cold glacier water, to seeing amazing waterfalls, or a lake surrounded by mountains. Everywhere you turn in Glacier National Park you are met with a view more beautiful than the last!

Read more about visiting Glacier NP .

LEARN MORE: Glacier National Park itinerary suggestions

17. Big Island, Hawaii, USA

Recommended by Bethany – Flashpacker Family.

Our family’s new favorite destination is the Big Island of Hawaii . Hawaii is such a special place but the Big Island really takes the cake. You can do everything here!

You can swim with turtles , stay in beautiful resorts, enjoy a luau, go whale watching and snorkeling, hike to waterfalls, visit a volcano, and even sail in a submarine.

The Big Island is great for families because it’s easy to rent a car, drive around and enjoy something new every day. There’s no excuse to be bored on the Big Island!

TIP: If you are planning a trip to Hawaii, don’t miss Maui – one of the most beautiful islands. Here you can find Maui itinerary suggestions and here you can read about the very best Maui activities . It’s a wonderful destination for families as well!

18. Florence, Italy

Recommended by Scarlet – Family Focus Blog.

Our favorite family travel destination so far has been Florence in Italy . And yes, it’s a city, but Florence is wonderful for families because there is so much to do and see both indoors and outdoors!

It is a great city to walk around in and explore and make memories that will last a lifetime. The whole family will enjoy the delicious Italian food, culture, and attractions.

In addition, Florence is located in the heart of Tuscany region with the beautiful rolling hill landscapes, charming little towns, and the most friendly locals that absolutely adore children!

More tips for a family trip to Italy .

Our experience: It’s not a secret that Italy is one of our absolute favorite countries in the world and we have visited with and without kids countless times. Tuscany is indeed a wonderful region for a family vacation and Florence is the most beautiful of the Tuscan towns . Rent a villa or look for a nice hotel with a pool, and you can have the best family trip ever – a perfect combination of sightseeing and a relaxing vacation.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Florence & Tuscany Itinerary

19. Hamilton, New Zealand

Recommended by Nadine – Le Long Weekend.

Our favorite family travel destination is Hamilton in New Zealand . Hamilton is New Zealand’s best-kept secret when it comes to family holidays.

Our favorite activities include the Waikato Museum with its dedicated kid’s discovery areas; the Zoo where cheeky Kaka land on your shoulder in the walk-through aviary; and the themed Hamilton gardens which will transport you into a new civilization at every turn!

But what really sets Hamilton apart are the many ‘destination playgrounds’. These amazing parks have the usual fun fixtures, water features, in-ground trampolines, and multi-story playhouses. Great for keeping the little ones busy while you enjoy coffee from a nearby cafe!

Read more about Hamilton, New Zealand on Nadine’s travel blog.

20. Florida Keys, USA

Recommended by Carrie Anne – Everything Mom.

When thinking about traveling to Florida with the kids the first place to pop into your mind is probably Orlando. Perfect if you’re looking for thrill rides, but the Florida Keys can offer families the chance to experience the more natural side of the state, specifically Marathon .

Take in a little history exploring the oldest home in the Florida Keys outside of Key West as well as remnants of the Flagler Railroad that connected all of the Florida Keys.

Kids, especially those too young to enjoy more adventurous water pursuits, will love a nature scavenger hunt, swimming with fish, or meeting rescued birds at the Wild Bird Sanctuary. You can even enjoy lunch under a large tiki hut restaurant just off of the scenic Seven Mile Highway.

Marathon also makes a great family destination due to how close it is to the other islands such as Key West and Islamorada. This amazing place proves that your Florida family vacation adventure doesn’t have to include any roller coasters.

Here you can read more about Marathon, Florida .

21. Dordogne, France

Recommended by Kirsten – Kids are a Trip.

The Dordogne region in France is one of our favorite places to explore as a family. With beautiful castles, rivers for canoeing, and medieval towns for exploring, it is the perfect place to get away from everything and spend some quality time with your kids.

We especially enjoyed the bucolic landscape and the friendliness of the locals and found there was plenty to do for families.

If you want to learn more, please read Kirstin’s post about her family visit to Dordogne .

22. Swiss Mountains

Our personal recommendation.

This list wouldn’t be complete without me sharing at least one of our personal favorite family destinations as well. And if I have to choose just one, it has to be Switzerland!

Switzerland in general, and the Swiss mountains , in particular, has been one of our favorite travel destinations for years. We just love the Swiss Alps!

We try to go to Switzerland at least twice a year: skiing in winter and hiking in summer , and every time we don’t want to leave. Kids have asked several times if we could just move to Switzerland…

Charming mountain villages and small towns have such an amazing atmosphere that is hard to find anywhere else in the world. Add to that stunning landscapes, great food, and a huge variety of things to see and do for families with children, and you cannot go wrong planning a family trip to Switzerland.

TIP: Some of our favorite places include the Lucerne area , Zermatt , Mt Titlis , Grindelwald , Jungfraujoch , and Schynige Platte , to mention just a few.

Here you can read more about some of our favorite places in Switzerland .

So, this is a small selection of great vacation destinations for families. I hope you found some inspiration for your next family vacation!

What’s your favorite family destination? Let us know – leave a comment below!

READ ALSO: Best Travel Gear for Kids – family traveler’s favorites.

TIP: For more family travel ideas, please check our guides to the best spring break destinations in the USA and the best spring break destinations in Europe .

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Saturday 13th of January 2024

Thank you for this list. I will be using it to plan our upcoming family vacations.

Monday 15th of January 2024

Glad to help, Jay. Happy travels!

Chitra Gupta

Friday 23rd of June 2023

Hi, we are a family of 4, kids aged 19 and 14 and have been to switzerland, dubai, milan, honkong, paris, istanbul already. We are unable to decide our next travel destination for November. What would you suggest?

Saturday 24th of June 2023

Hi Chitra, that's a tough choice indeed. Purely season-wise, I'd look into Southern Hemisphere for November I suppose. South Africa is amazing for a family trip and Namibia as well. Also Thailand could be a great option or Australia if you have more time. There are so many options. It also depends on where you live and how much time you have. We have quite some articles about the destinations mentioned above on our website, you can use the search button for some inspiration. Good luck!

world nomad

Friday 19th of May 2023

What an amazing article Wish I could go to all these places Your suggestion for sightseeing that is not tropical for August around the world? Cities and sightseeing is the focus

Monday 22nd of May 2023

There are many places that are not too warm in August. UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Scandinavia, also pretty much anywhere in Poland or Baltic States. If you are looking for destinations around the world, consider South Africa or Namibia (more nature), and certain parts of Australia (also cities). There are plenty of options. :) Good luck!

Tuesday 25th of April 2023

Beautiful locations, please share more.

Ha ha, I could easily add a few dozen other places to this list. There are so many amazing destinations all over the world, and more places are family-friendly than people tend to think. Our personal favorite countries to visit with kids are Italy, Portugal, and Switzerland. Happy travels!

Thursday 3rd of March 2022

Hi Jurga, thanks for all the suggestions. It's not easy to decide where to go next. We are a family of 4, kids age 8 and 11, and were thinking of Costa Rica, but are also considering Iceland. Thoughts?

Monday 7th of March 2022

Iceland vs. Costa Rica? They are so different... CR is warm, tropical, with beaches and pools, lots of fun outdoor activities, wildlife, and it's rather cheap compared to Iceland. Iceland is amazing but in a very different way - incredible vast landscapes, the most beautiful waterfalls, glaciers, great hot springs and geothermal pools to swim in... But - depending on when you travel - it can be really cold and - in winter - also dark. Even in summer, you'll usually need sweaters, jackets, etc. Iceland is also much more expensive... I think you should do a bit more research and see what interests you the most, or let it depend on the season - Iceland in summer and Costa Rica in winter. But if it's your first family trip, I honestly think that the entire family, and especially the kids will enjoy Costa Rica more, even if just for the weather. But after you do that trip, definitely do Iceland next - it's one of a kind!

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Family Vacations

7 Unexpected Kid-friendly Destinations That Offer Plenty of Adventure, History, and Culture

From Fiji to Uganda to Patagonia, these unexpected kid-friendly destinations around the world offer experiences the whole family will enjoy.

In our household, we have been talking about where we want to travel next — and we are dreaming big. Actually, we are dreaming bigger and better . If the pandemic showed us anything, it is that the travel we share as a family should be to destinations that not only need tourism dollars, but also where locals want tourists and will put those dollars toward conserving land, landmarks, culture, and wildlife for future generations.

We know that the i mpacts of climate change and population growth mean there are places in the world that will be different, if not lost, when our children become adults, so my partner and I decided that there are destinations they need to visit now — as they are and should be experienced.

Among the many lessons the past few years have provided, we fully understand that travel is a privilege, and it can be taken away at the drop of a hat, as can the spectacular gifts the world has given us — elephants, coral reefs, ancient forests, art, and architecture. Travel — regenerative, conscientious, and intentional trips — has the power to change us all.

So, yes, we are dreaming big for the future, and we hope to be lucky enough to make it to one of the following destinations soon.

Uganda: Observe Chimpanzees

When it comes to getting up close with primates, no one has a better track record of sustainability and impactful conservation projects than Volcanoes Safaris . At Kyambura Gorge Lodge in western Uganda , families have the opportunity to stay in deluxe bandas with private sitting rooms and terraces. Safari at the adjacent Queen Elizabeth National Park to witness its famous tree-climbing lions, and for kids 15 and older, take part in a thrilling chimpanzee trek in the Kyambura Gorge (they will see and hear many hippos, too). After an afternoon in the lodge's newly upgraded pool, participate in a local activity with Volcanoes Safaris' Kyambura Gorge Eco-tourism Project, a series of community and conservation programs designed to safeguard the delicate Kyambura Gorge.

Patagonia, Chile: Hike Torres del Paine National Park

The best places in the world are often the hardest to reach. Getting to Chilean Patagonia can be a haul, but kids can do hard things and travel long distances. It teaches them patience, and that all good things take time. Hiking Torres del Paine in Patagonia is long and difficult, but it's an achievable trek they will never forget. Stay at Tierra Patagonia , a gorgeous wind-inspired lodge whose career guides are experienced, engaging, and fun. Packed with a lunch, head off early in the morning for the full-day hike. There are many places to stop along the way to observe wildlife like foxes and pumas, as well as international backpackers. At the top, plan on spending an hour or two in the natural amphitheater beneath the soaring towers and by the edge of its sparkling blue-green lake, leaving everyone with a sense of accomplishment and awe in the wonders of nature.

Listen to Travel + Leisure's "Let's Go Together" podcast for more inspiring stories and adventures celebrating inclusivity in travel!

Egypt: Visit Valley of the Kings

Ideally, we want to engage our children in culture, history, and current events in all of our travel experiences, and Egypt checks every box. Just crossing the street in Cairo is an exciting experience for families. Intrepid Travel works with local guides to create seamless and safe itineraries, including visits to the Great Pyramids, train travel to Aswan, and trips to Luxor and the Valley of Kings. Being up close to the color and vibrancy of the ornate subterranean tombs at the Valley of the Kings, and actually seeing the mummy of King Tut, makes real the history of civilization children learn in school, as well as inspires them to keep exploring for years to come.

Japan: Hike the Nakasendo Trail

Hiking the Nakasendo Trail, an ancient trading route that connects Kyoto to Tokyo, and staying at a traditional Japanese ryokan along the way, has been on my personal travel list for decades. Now that my sons are seasoned hikers, we can go as a family. InsideJapan Tours can organize private travel for families with a desire to experience Japan on foot, or families can join small group itineraries that include activities such as cycling through rural villages, taking a masterclass in manga drawing, or learning taiko drumming.

Fiji: Snorkel the Great Astrolabe Reef

The first time I dove into the waters of the Great Astrolabe Reef, I couldn't believe my eyes. Bright corals in pink, red, purple, and blue resembled an underwater wildflower garden. I resolved then and there to return with my children, so they could see with their own eyes how a healthy coral reef should look and appreciate its place in the ocean ecosystem. To experience this natural wonder, stay at Kokomo Private Island resort, where the diving team led by on-island marine biologist Cliona O'Flaherty can guide families at Great Astrolabe Reef and introduce them to its Coral Restoration Project, which grows and restores the resorts house reef. If the timing is right, manta rays may be migrating past the island, and kids can swim along with these beautiful, gentle giants and help advance the Kokomo Manta Conservation Project, which tags, identifies, and offers an Adopt a Manta program in collaboration with the Manta Trust Fiji.

Ecuador: Experience the Galápagos Islands

One of my favorite trips of all time was to Ecuador with my then-10-year-old son. From visiting underappreciated Quito and exploring local markets, to working with the team from Me to We at schools in the Amazon, we helped build schools, counted macaws overhead, learned about water conservation and cacao production, ate roasted grubs (that tasted like bacon), and laughed well past sunset. We fell in love with easy-to-access Ecuador and have plans to return with the rest of our family — this time adding to our custom Audley Travel itinerary the historic city of Cuenca and perhaps the Galápagos Islands , with a focus on minimal impact to this delicate and biologically diverse environment. If the timing is not right, we will wait to observe and help preserve this singular "living laboratory of evolution."

Turks and Caicos

There's no better place to reconnect with the kids in your life than in paradise. More specifically, in Turks and Caicos, a 40-island archipelago in the Caribbean. The islands are just a short flight from the U.S. (direct if you're flying from cities like New York, Atlanta, or Miami), making it a breeze to get away with smaller kids in about three hours. It's a place where beauty abounds, and families can create lifelong memories snorkeling through its cerulean seas, dining on freshly caught conch, and experiencing this unique island culture, together.

• Work With Us

16 Best Family-Friendly Places to Travel in 2024 (from Real Parents)

Written by Becca

Updated on March 13th, 2024

Looking for vetted vacation ideas for family-friendly trips this year? Look no further than my list of destination ideas from some very travel-savvy parents I know!

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Table of contents

• Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada)
• Litchfield Hills, Connecticut
• New York City (+ Brooklyn)
• Northern New Jersey (Essex County and Jersey City)
• Point Pleasant Beach, NJ & the Jersey Shore
• Cancún, Mexico (Yucatán Peninsula)
• Lisbon, Portugal (and other parts of Portugal)
• Chicago, Illinois
• Medellin, Colombia

Boston, Massachusetts

• York, Maine (Southern Maine)
• The Dominican Republic
• French Riviera & South of France
• Montego Bay, Jamaica
• Atlanta, Georgia

Figuring out where to take your family for a vacation is no easy feat when you have a baby or young kids. If you’re like me, you’re thinking about the “family-friendly” factor, and if it will be easy to bring a stroller around.

I’ve looked into where to travel as a young family, and the answers are varied. So, what better way to figure out the best family-friendly travel destinations than to ask my friends?

The list that follows comes from the real experiences of some awesome parents I know. Their travels started as early as when their babies were a few months old. Some of them continue to travel with kids, up to three of them!

I hope you get some great ideas for trip destinations by reading about these real trips that range from US towns and regions to international cities that require a flight.

Let’s jump right in!

Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada)

Halifax, Nova Scotia, blew away our expectations for a family-friendly travel destination just up north in Eastern Canada. It was our first time flying with a baby as well as our first time traveling in the Canadian Maritime region.

A few family-friendly things we were able to do were eat at restaurants that offered us high chairs, feed our baby anywhere on the Halifax Waterfront without anyone batting an eye, visit the Discovery Centre (science museum geared toward children) and mostly always find a restroom with a changing table (especially public washrooms).

While our hotel wasn’t necessarily a family-friendly hotel, we were delighted with the thoughtful touches for coming with a young child. Reception presented us with a hotel teddy bear upon arrival for our baby, as well as a baby toiletries set. It was so sweet. For more on that, see my review of the Muir Hotel .

You can see all our trip photos, as well as the exact places we went in our family-friendly guide to travel in Halifax . For more inspiration, check out the list of day trips to take from Halifax in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Litchfield Hills, Connecticut

Neither Dan nor I knew much about the Litchfield County region of Connecticut, despite having grown up within a two-hour drive of the area. In my Googling of Litchfield when we decided to go, I found mostly upscale hotels, wedding information, girls’ weekend inspiration and dining guides.

After a three-day long weekend in Litchfield, though, Dan and I realized we had taken the best family-friendly trip we’d taken all summer. We saw lots of families with kids eating ice cream at Arethusa Farm Dairy , walked easy nature trails in the White Monument Nature Reserve with our baby in the baby carrier, visited Kent Falls State Park (older kids can go toward the water or up the steps near the waterfall) and took our stroller all around little towns like Kent.

One relaxing thing we did that children might like is the flower farm at White Flower Farm Store & Gardens . It’s a great place to teach kids about different types of flowers and plants.

For a full list of what to do on a family trip, see our travel guide for the Litchfield County region .

New York City (+ Brooklyn)

NYC is an intensely exciting place for travel. Based on our experience going into NYC with our child, we wrote a guide on how to plan a trip to NYC with a baby to show you!

I think you’ll get lots of different opinions on this, and I’d say it depends how you “do” a trip to NYC . The downsides of a family trip to NYC are limited space when it comes to accommodation, LOTS of walking, lots of traffic and subway stations that have LOTS of stairs and might lack elevators.

Aside from these (very crucial) aspects, NYC has loads of activities, sights and landmarks that kids will love. Just take it from my friends who traveled all the way from Dublin, Ireland, to check NYC off their bucket lists, with their toddler ! They stopped at every playground in every park, marveled at the skyline with him and walked for miles (and were very good sports about it) with their stroller.

As someone who grew up as a kid in NYC (that’s me!), I can tell you that my favorite things to do as a kid in the city were visit the Bronx Zoo , the New York Hall of Science (where I had my fifth birthday party) and the New York Aquarium (an absolute must).

Other incredible things to take small kids to in NYC are the Central Park Zoo (I’m quoted in this Best Life article about one secret thing to see there) and the Brooklyn Children’s Museum . If your child is into playgrounds like I was as a kid, check out all the places to play at Brooklyn Bridge Park (there are 9 in total!).

If you’ll be going to NYC soon for your first trip, see my guide to what to know about NYC travel for first-timers .

Northern New Jersey (Essex County and Jersey City)

Now that we live in Northern New Jersey and have chosen to raise our daughter here, all the child-friendly things to do stand out to us. For starters, we know that if there’s a nice day out, we have a heap of choices of family-friendly things to do nearby.

As we mention in our list of the best day trips from NYC , a cute kid-friendly hiking path near us is the Fairy Trail at South Mountain Reservation (Millburn entrance). This easy hiking route is short, mostly flat and lined with tiny “fairy houses” made mostly by children!

For a place the whole family will enjoy, check out the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo . Parents from far and wide bring their kids out for a day at “Turtle Back,” and the highlights for us are the train ride, the giraffes, the bears and the small sea life pavilion.

Venturing closer to NYC will get you to Jersey City and the locally famous Liberty Science Center . This impressive museum has everything to amuse and entertain kids in an educational environment. There’s a planetarium, 3D films, rotating exhibitions and tons of cool things to see, hear and get your hands on.

Point Pleasant Beach, NJ & the Jersey Shore

For a lot of parents (and a lot of friends of mine), a beach vacation is where it’s at. Point Pleasant Beach in New Jersey comes recommended by my friend Jamie AND my friend Jordan .

Jordan told me, “We rent a house down there every year. Jenkinson’s Boardwalk is amazing for kids, and the beach is clean.”

When Jamie and her family rented a house at Point Pleasant, she came in from out of state with a 20-month-old and her three-year-old toddler. We came down for a day to visit with our seven-month-old baby! The beach is wide, the boardwalk has kids everywhere and for kids who like mini golf, there’s no shortage of that.

The Jersey Shore is where most families in the Philly-NJ-NY area choose to vacation for the summer, and you’ll see why.

Cancún, Mexico (Yucatán Peninsula)

Cancun and the Yucatan (where we’ve been to Valladolid and Mérida as a couple) is always going to be a travel favorite for American families. There are lots of resorts that cater to families with children of all ages, and quite a few friends of mine have made this part of Mexico their winter escape vacation destinations .

My friend Lauren stayed at Villa del Palmar in Cancun , and it also has a location in Cabo. Lauren rated this vacation by saying, “It’s a great kid-friendly place, and fantastic for kids with their water slides, and free kids clubs from 9-4!”

As for the “kids clubs,” Lauren said it was a “great escape for the kids from the sun, and for me, (an escape) from them! These resorts have babysitters so you can go out at night.”

Cancun was also the first vacation my friend Kruti took with her young baby. Her family went to Cancun and stayed at The Grand at Moon Palace , an all-inclusive resort that they definitely found to be family-friendly!

Kruti said that the resort had “something for everyone, with lots of activities for kids, and it’s stroller-friendly.” Their baby was only three months, at the time (they are all-star travelers!), so they kept her in her bassinet most of the time with a stroller fan, and she was able to kind of “lounge and hang out alongside us.” The resort also had an amazing kids club and water park.

Last year before the baby, Kruti and her husband went to a different all-inclusive resort in Cancun, with her sister’s two kids (ages 6 and 3, at the time). They stayed at Finest (part of the Excellence collection) and found that it was an awesome resort for having little ones!

At the Finest in Cancun, Kruti says the food was great and always easily accessible with room service options, too. The hotel was super accommodating to allergies and dietary restrictions, which is helpful for children who are eating the hotel food.

Her family also had a swim-up suite (great idea!), which was brilliant for toddler naps: “The kids could be sleeping inside the room, and we’d be right outside with a monitor, hanging poolside!”

Lisbon, Portugal (and other parts of Portugal)

Lisbon is one of my favorite European travel destinations, and Dan and I stayed in Lisbon before road tripping to villages in the south of Portugal . We went back a second time a few years later because we love it so much, and have dreamed of going there as a family one day.

My friend Bona beat me to, it though, and went to Portugal as a family of three with her husband and their baby. They went to Portugal because doing a longer trip is more budget-friendly than the same amount of time in neighboring European countries. Bona said that of all the European countries, Portugal seemed to be the most affordable. I agree!

Additionally, Bona reminded me that there’s very little language barrier in major cities in Portugal: English is widely spoken, so it’s easy for American travelers to get around. Especially with having a baby or children, I think one of the greatest fears for traveling is having an unexpected situation and not being able to communicate about it.

Starting in Lisbon, they took my recommendation for accommodation and stayed at the Lisboans Apartments . Bona detailed all about how it was great for having a baby, which you can read in my review of the Lisboans Apartment-Hotel .

At the Lisboans, Bona and family stayed at a large one-bedroom apartment for about $250 a night. As the Lisboans is located right next to the Alfama District, it was central to nearly everything in Lisbon.

Hotel accommodation in Portugal with a baby

Bona said that regarding hotels in Portugal, “Every place we stayed provided a clean high chair, baby bathtub, and Pack’N’Play . There’s also a service called Let’s Go Baby where you can rent baby gear and they will deliver it to your hotel or Airbnb. They SAVED us when we were looking for a specific baby bottle brand after our baby was rejecting the one we had switched to, just weeks before!” Sounds like she chose right and did her research!

Priority service in Portugal for young families

In Bona’s experience, families with babies can cut the line for any tourist attraction or government facility.

“As soon as we landed in Lisbon, there was an employee pointing young families (including those with toddlers) to an expedited customs line. Then for sightseeing with our child, we got priority for the Belem Monastery, Peña Palace and more!”

Getting around with a baby in Portugal

When I was in Lisbon, it was soon apparent that public transport was plentiful and easy to figure out. Dan and I rented a car in Lisbon to drive to the Algarve, and that was pretty straightforward. Bona and her husband rented a car and noted that they could keep a car seat in the vehicle.

“It’s worth noting that Lisbon is mostly cobblestone and hills, so it’s tough for littles, but a good way to wear them out!” she says.

Restaurants in Portugal if you have kids

Bona said that after dining in restaurants in various parts of Portugal, “They literally don’t care if you have a kid. We went to a nice restaurant, and our table had a high chair waiting for us. We did not expect that! And all the wait staff came to say hi to our baby!”

A few more child-friendly places in Portugal

A couple more places that Bona traveled to in Portugal with her baby were:

This is a historic town outside Lisbon with castles. She did a day trip, but noted that you can easily go longer. Her favorite was the Quinta de Regaleira , “as there was more nature and places for kids to run around (versus Peña Palace, where it’s an indoor guided museum, so there’s lots of standing around and feeling stuffy).”

Morgado do Quintao

This is a vineyard (and also a hotel to stay at) in the Algarve. The restaurant does a lunch with wine pairings on the vineyard under a 2000-year-old tree. “We actually met another couple with a baby who was born the day before our baby!” Bona says.

Chicago, Illinois

While I haven’t gone to Chicago yet as a parent, my friend Marisa from The Neon Tea Party sure has, with her toddler! She cited the Shedd Aquarium and going to a Cubs game as the top things to do with a little kid in tote.

Marisa told me, “ The Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium are next to each other, so you can do them back to back! And, the Cubs game was a blast.” If you’re into baseball, you can bookmark the Cubs games schedule .

Chicago also is home to lots of kid-friendly food options for families, like the places with kids menus in this list of kid-friendly restaurants in Chicago from Eater .

Like many big cities in the US, Chicago makes a great spot for taking your kids. Just make sure to go in spring, summer or fall, unless you have a love for the bitter Chicago winter!

If you’re walking around Chicago and looking for things the parents may enjoy too, be sure to see our guide to the coolest spots for photos in Chicago .

Medellin, Colombia

I know what you’re thinking: Medellin? Colombia? Our friends Alex and Ryan are American expats living in this city with their toddler daughter and have all the kid-friendly recommendations for Medellin. We went to visit them when our daughter was 14 months old and we had a BLAST!

For couples who want to experience South America safely and in a family-friendly way, Medellin is a cool choice. The city is a growing hotspot for international expats and nothing is stopping families with young kids from calling it home!

According to Alex, there are lots of child-friendly things to do in Medellin, and for that reason, it’s an adventurous (yet also safe) place to travel once you have a growing family.

Things to do with your littles include visiting the Sunday Ciclovía (closed roads for walking, running and biking), Chocolate Tour , Botanical Gardens & Parque Explora , Plaza Mayorista market and taking day trips to the countryside, like to Guatape .

For where to stay with a baby or kids in Medellin, we 100% recommend Casacol’s Loma Verde Aparthotel building on a quiet street in El Poblao. We got a two-bedroom apartment for four nights, and our daughter had her own room. We cooked in the kitchen so that we could always prepare her food. Our room had a baby bath, travel crib and high chair.

See more at our Casacol accommodation review .

We even were able to get a medical referral from the concierge, for a doctor for our toddler when she had a fever (which led us to this list of tips for what to do if your child is sick while traveling ).

Check out this list of the best kid-friendly things to do in Medellin from Alex’s experience.

In collecting this list of kid-friendly vacation destinations, my friend Sarah reminded me about Boston! Boston is somewhere my family went when I was a kid, and we’d stop on the way when we’d visit my cousins in New Hampshire.

From Sarah’s experience visiting Boston with her toddler and baby, she says that, “Boston has a nice children’s museum and aquarium!” Other family-friendly ideas include a whale watching tour , walking in Boston Common and Boston Public Garden, and visiting the cute Make Way for Ducklings sculpture . For older children, follow the “Freedom Trail” walking path through the city. It leads to all the great historic landmarks.

I have two friends ( Ariella and Masha ) who live in Boston with babies and toddlers, too. My friend Ariella noted that, “Things are relatively close by in Boston, which is nice!”

Masha said families visiting Boston for vacation should check out the Boston Children’s Museum , The New England Aquarium in Boston , beautiful towns north of Boston (with lots of ice cream shops!), local coastal beaches and farms all over the greater Boston region. She recommends Connor’s Farm in Danvers, MA, and next to it is the (seasonal) Topsfield Fair , which is really fun for kids.

”We also just went to a whale watch,” Masha said. “I wouldn’t take my “non-chill toddler” there again until he’s older, but if he was chill, it’d be more fun!” To top off her suggestions, Masha said that, “ Southwick’s Zoo is amazing for kids.”

York, Maine (Southern Maine)

Maine is a lovely destination for vacations of any type, but my friend Breanne has the suggestion of York, Maine, as a family-friendly travel idea. York is only 10 miles into Maine from the border with New Hampshire, and if you were to keep driving, you could take the family onward to Portland, where I’ve gone on vacation!

“I grew up going to York, ME, and it was natural that was one of my daughter’s first trips. It has beaches, outdoor restaurants, candy and taffy-making stores and picturesque walks,” Bre says.

As a few highlights or sights to visit, Bre’s list of where to go with her baby or kids near York, Maine, includes candy shop Goldenrods , the easy ocean-side walking trail Marginal Way , Long Sands Beach , Chauncey’s Lobster Pound and the famous Nubble Lighthouse (which has a Just for Kids part of its website )!

Lastly, Breanne’s infant daughter really liked visiting York’s Wild Kingdom , a zoo and amusement park that also has a mini golf course.

The Dominican Republic

Every winter, the white beaches and blue ocean waters of the DR beckon me. And for some of my friends, they chose a family-friendly resort vacation in Punta Cana!

My friend Alex and her husband took their toddler to Finest Punta Cana , an all-inclusive resort also by the Excellence Collection. Traveling with a toddler is far from easy, and staying at a proven place for families like a kid-friendly hotel is key.

Alex’s resort had quite a few specifics just for little kids, from the Imagine Kids Club to three different pool areas, including a splash pool for the smallest children, to mini water parks for older kids. A “Stay & Play” area is the indoor-outdoor location for small kids to play while adults can supervise and stay safe.

There’s also a naptime room, and the “Imagine Lounge” where childcare is available if parents want to soak up some alone time.

We went to the North Coast of The Dominican Republic before we had our daughter. We’d totally go back with her and show her everything we liked about our trip.

My friend Becca and her husband Jacob, who we know from the Remote Year traveling community, went away with their infant daughter for a month, to work remotely and travel in the warm sun of Costa Rica.

They stayed in Playas del Coco , which is a family-friendly area of Costa Rica’s coastline where families with a baby or young kids can hop into a range of tropical activities. To learn more, I’d guide you to this list of family activities to do in Playas del Coco from Letstravelcostarica.com.

But wait, my friend Ariella went to Costa Rica with her baby and her husband around the same time, for more than two weeks! They were looking forward to this family vacation for months , ever since their baby was born.

“We went to Costa Rica partially based on stability, the medical system and the weather,” Ariella told me. “Then, we did not do much while there, which was what we wanted. I would say it was baby-friendly other than the non-major roads, but our daughter seemed cool with bouncing around in her car seat!”

French Riviera & South of France

My world-traveling friend and mom friend Kruti said her and her husband’s France trip with their 9-month-old to St. Tropez and Cannes was great.

“Overall, we felt that France was super baby-friendly!” she said. “There were clean changing facilities everywhere, high chairs at every single restaurant, and baby food options were available at every restaurant and hotel.”

In true European style, she said it felt like kids were encouraged to join so many “seemingly adult activities.” They were able to bring the baby on wine tours, and even to a bunch of day clubs in Cannes and St. Tropez.

“We brought her to Nikki Beach , but a friend of ours went to Gigi, a day club that has a section of their venue called Gigi Circus , a whimsical play area just for kids of all ages!”

Montego Bay, Jamaica

My friend Becca (yes, I have a friend Becca!) went on a family vacation with her young toddler daughter to Palladium in Montego Bay . Jamaica is another favorite for getting away from cold parts of the US during the cooler months of October to March!

Like other resorts, the Palladium has a kids’ club that offers theater shows, face painting, arts and crafts and a baby club for children between ages 1-3. There is supervision from caretaker staff so that parents can get some alone time at the beach or pool.

Atlanta, Georgia

I probably would not have considered Atlanta as a family-friendly city until my friend Melissa mentioned it. She highlighted the walkable areas and spacious restaurants you’ll find in Atlanta that make bringing her three kids there a treat!

Atlanta has “tons of playgrounds, the Georgia Aquarium , Coca-Cola Museum , sports museums and the zoo ,” she said. “Plus, it’s dog-friendly!”

“We had a great day once doing pottery, having lunch and then going to a playground,” Melissa concluded, about a visit to Atlanta with three kids under 10 years old, including a toddler.

What makes a destination “family-friendly”?

I asked myself this as well, as I was writing this list and interviewing my friends (who are very good travelers). What comes to mind for me, as a parent with an infant, are things like restaurants that don’t mind babies, restrooms that have changing tables and being able to freely feed a baby on the go in various spots.

For a toddler, my friend Ariella reminded me that children who can walk will be curious, and will always want to stop and play! “Family-friendly” for having a toddler means factoring that into car trips to stop at kid-friendly places where there are playgrounds.

With older kids (who have opinions), they will want to be part of the vacation planning, and will groan if something isn’t exciting enough. Traveling with older toddlers or elementary-school-aged kids means lots of action, fun and engaging activities.

To “resort” or not “resort?

One thing is for sure and that is that traveling with a baby, a toddler or kids is hard . While Dan and I are not the “resort types” of travelers, we know that a lot of parents want their first (or second or third) trip with a baby or kids to be at a resort because it can be simple. At a resort, especially an all-inclusive, your room ate already includes everything, and there are even kids clubs and babysitting options!

Going to a resort can also be great for traveling with extended family, so that everyone can relax, be near the beach and hit the pool, too.

If you’re not a traveler who books resorts, don’t worry. This list includes big US cities for family-friendly travel ideas, as well as smaller and lesser-known destinations that will keep kids happy and will be easier with a baby.

Domestic or international?

Deciding to travel domestically within your home country or internationally is ultimately up to parents, when looking for a family-friendly vacation! Dan and I love traveling internationally and seeing other parts of the world. We also like staying within the US and visiting friends and family, while doing things that are new for us in those places.

If you choose to take one of your first family trips outside the US, see our guide on how to get your baby a passport .

Pin Your Favorites on Pinterest!

You may also like

The Best Baby Carriers for Travel (Packable, Comfortable and Lightweight)

What are the best baby carrier brands and products for travel, especially for families? Check out this list of the best compact, packable and comfortable slings, carriers and wraps.

Baby Tula Explore Carrier Review: Sturdy, Comfy and Supportive

I tested a high-quality, strong and comfortable baby carrier for travel and being on the go. Is the Baby Tula Explore Carrier worthy of the investment? Read my review!

The Best Way to Change a Diaper on an Airplane (and a Simple Trick)

Is there any easy way for how to change a baby’s diaper on a flight? I’m sharing my expert tips on changing diapers in an airplane bathroom, and some tricks, too.

How to Take a Flight with a Baby (32 Tips)

How should you take your first flight with an infant? These important tips and tricks will get you through flying on a plane with your baby so that everything goes to plan.

BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light Review (Tried & Tested)

BabyBjorn’s travel crib is the lightest travel crib I’ve used, by far. Is it also the best travel crib for its price? My review details my experience and thoughts!

UPPAbaby Minu V2 Travel Stroller Review: Worth the Price Tag?

In looking for a travel stroller, we think we found the perfect one! The UPPAbaby Minu is lightweight and folds up small for flights. Is it worth the price tag?

Halo ! We’re Becca & Dan.

We created this blog to share some of the knowledge and experience that we have around travel , remote work , photography and beyond!

We're currently watering our plants.

Join the club

You’ll get emails with our latest articles, tips, advice and so much more! You won't find this content anywhere else!

This website may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Among other programs, Half Half Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

12 Best Places To Visit In Germany With Family In 2024!

T hinking about visiting Germany with your kids? Looking for the best places to visit in Germany with family in 2024? You’re in the right place!

Germany is a fabulous destination for families. It’s renowned for its rich history, gorgeous landscapes and interesting culture. Its fairy-tale old towns and castles add some magic and its big cities add some vibrancy. All up, Germany is a captivating blend of historical charm and modern appeal.

From landmarks such as the Berlin Wall and Neuschwanstein Castle to the beautiful landscapes of the Rhine Valley and the Black Forest to the great food and ease of getting around, there’s so much to love about traveling in Germany.

Germany isn’t just for adults though. There are many fantastic places to visit in Germany with kids. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best choices to add to your itinerary.

Why Is A Family Vacation In Germany A Great Idea?

Where to stay in berlin for families, where to stay in nuremberg for families, where to stay in rothenburg for families, where to stay in the rhine valley for families, where to stay in trier for families, where to stay in heidelberg for families, where to stay in europa park for families, where to stay in the black forest for families, where to stay near autostadt for families, where to stay in bremen for families, where to stay in lübeck for families, christmas markets.

Germany is an incredible destination for families for the reasons I mentioned above as well as many others. The fairy-tale castles are sure to capture your kids’ imagination.

A trip to the Berlin Wall can be a great accessible educational opportunity. A walk on cobblestoned streets through a colorful old town will take your kids right back to fairy-tale classics. Families are welcome almost everywhere.

There are, of course, many attractions in Germany for kids. From huge theme parks to children’s museums and fun markets, trains and more, there is a lot to love about traveling to Germany with kids.

The efficient train system and great road network also make it easy to get around and to explore as much of Germany as you like. There’s a great range of accommodation, including many hotels that specifically created for families.

The food can also be quite kid-friendly. It’s easy to enjoy a pretzel or a bratwurst (sausage) almost anywhere which is likely to appeal to even fussy eaters.

All up, it’s a very easy place for a family vacation that your kids won’t forget.

Best Places To Visit In Germany With Family

Here are my top 12 picks of the best places to visit in Germany with kids…

The capital of Germany, Berlin offers a fantastic blend of historical and family-friendly attractions. The Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall are must visits for all and a great learning opportunity for kids.

The DDR Museum is a hands-on way for your family to learn about life in the German Democratic Republic (East Germany). Berlin is a city with a super interesting past, and there’s no better way for your kids to learn and understand it than in the city itself.

For more family focused attractions in Berlin , the Berlin Zoo is a great place to head with a wide variety of animals. The interactive Legoland Discovery Center is also a favorite among children. Head to the German Spy Museum for lots of fun spy activities, like dressing up and debugging a room.

To let off some steam, make sure you head to Tiergarten. This huge park has plenty of space to roam with historical monuments, six playgrounds and row boats. It’s also home to the zoo. 

I recommend The Circus Apartments in a handy spot in Berlin. They have a variety of apartment options including two and three bedroom, fully self-contained apartments for up to six people.

Click here for more details and the latest prices.

Nuremberg is our pick of the best city to visit in Germany with family. It’s an easy city to explore with a great range of attractions that are easily accessible for families.

The Old Town is the natural place to start with super colorful houses and the Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle) keeping watch from above. You can also explore the city from underground and see how Nuremberg’s art collections were kept safe during World War II. You can find the Spielzeugmuseum (Toy Museum) in the Old Town with toys from various time periods.

Just outside the Old Town, the Deutsche Bahn Museum is a must visit. It centers on the history of the German Railways with old carriages, videos and more. What kids will really love is the model railway, the chance to take a light railway ride and the interactive play area specifically for kids.

If you have younger kids (10 and under), don’t miss a day out at the Playmobil FunPark. This amusement park with Playmobil theming was one of my 6 and 10 year olds’ favorite places in Germany. There are great playgrounds, pedal boats, water play area, castle area, go karts and more. It’s located just outside of Nuremberg.

You can read more about things to do in Nuremberg here.

We stayed at the Novotel Nuernberg Centre Ville which was perfect for our family. It’s on the edge of the Old Town by the main station and has family rooms. There’s also a great indoor pool, children’s playroom, restaurants and more.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Home to maybe the most photographed old town in Germany, Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber (or just Rothenburg) is a picturesque medieval gem, perfect for exploring with kids.

It’s only a small town, but this is part of its charm. Its colorful buildings, cobblestoned streets and well-preserved town walls will help you feel like you’ve gone back in time. 

The town walls are the perfect place to start exploring. They offer many pretty views, and there are information boards along the way to learn more. It’s a great way for kids to let off some steam while discovering Rothenburg. There are also some playgrounds around the walls.

Another place families will enjoy is the Christmas Museum. It’s located in the Käthe Wohlfahrt Weihnachtsdorf which is a popular chain of Christmas stores that open year round. It’s about the history of Christmas customs with many decorations on display.

A popular place to visit in Rothenburg is the Mittelalterliches Kriminalmuseum (Medieval Crime Museum). It’s located in a building which is 600 years old and covers over 1,000 years of the legal history of Germany and Europe. It focuses on interrogation (torture), crime and punishment.

This museum is for families with teenagers who have an interest – and it is a fascinating museum. I visited without my 6 year old, which was the right choice.

We stayed at the Pension das Lädle which is in the heart of Rothenburg’s Old Town. It has three and four person rooms with separate sleeping areas for kids.

Rhine Valley

The Rhine Valley may be best known for its wines but it’s also a fabulous place to travel to Germany with children. With gorgeous towns, stunning wineries and fairy-tale castles, the whole family will love a trip here.

Start your adventure with a relaxing cruise down the Rhine trying to spot the castles that dot it before driving around and visiting your favorites. Rheinstein Castle is a picturesque place to start or visit Schönburg Castle with its amazing views and slingshot simulator your kids will enjoy.

Of course, you can’t miss out on stopping in the beautiful towns. Bacharach may be the cutest with a town wall to explore, a pretty Old Town and wines to taste. Boppard is another town worth heading to with half-timbered houses, old wine taverns and a Roman fort.

There’s also a fun chairlift in Boppard with great views and nice walks at the top. You can take an easy stroll to Vierseenblick (Four Lakes View). This cool viewpoint is at a horseshoe bend in the Rhine River and gives the illusion that there are four lakes instead of one river.

We stayed at the Rhine Pearl Hideaways which is a building of apartments in the middle of Oberwesel, a picturesque town in the middle of the Rhine Valley. The apartments are modern and perfect for families.

Trier is not just the oldest city in Germany and home to nine UNESCO World Heritage sites but is also a great destination in Germany for children.

Located near the border of Luxembourg and not far from the Rhine Valley, Trier has had human settlement for over 6,000 years. It was an important place in Roman times and you can still see ruins from this time today. These ruins are fun to explore with kids and are great for capturing the imagination.

Start your adventure at Porta Nigra, a second century Roman city gate. It’s the best way to enter the Old Town and is massive. In the Old Town there are pretty streets, Hauptmarkt (the main square), many churches, an antique toy museum and more. Trier Cathedral still has parts from Roman times.

As you head further south, there are more Roman ruins from thermal baths to an amphitheatre. It is worth checking them all out.

For a more hands-on experience, you can also visit Freilichtmuseum Roscheiderhof, an open air museum, about eight kilometers from Trier.

We stayed at Ibis Styles Trier which is right in the center of everything. There are family room options.

Beautiful Heidelberg is definitely one of the places to visit in Germany with children. With its great setting by the Neckar River and surrounded by hills, there are plenty of places for kids to explore and roam.

Heidelberg’s famous ruined castle is a great place to start. You can either walk up here or get a fun cogwheel train up. In addition to exploring the castle area, you can visit the Deutsches Apotheken-Museum (German Pharmacy Museum) inside the castle which covers the history of medical science and pharmacies in Germany. It’s interesting even for young kids with old reconstructed pharmacies, labs and interactive games.

After the castle, consider taking the cogwheel train further up the hill to visit the Walderlebnispfad (Forest Adventure Trail). This is an easy 2 kilometer trail with many activities to do along the way aimed at children. There is also a small, older-style amusement park up there.

Our favorite thing to do in Heidelberg was to head up the opposite hill to explore Heiligenberg, where settlement first started in this area. There are great paths through the forest where you can feel like you are discovering Celtic and Roman ruins, old monasteries and Thingstätte, an amphitheater completed in 1935 by the Nazis to spread propaganda.

We stayed at the Heidelberg Apheartments in the heart of Heidelberg. They offer fully self-contained apartments for up to eight people.

Find more great hotels in Heidelberg here.

Europa-Park – Rust

When you travel to Germany with kids, this theme park is likely to be their favorite place in the country.

Considered one of the best in Europe, Europa Park is massive with 18 themed areas, over 100 attractions, 13 roller coasters, many live shows and so much more. Think Disneyland but with European theming. Most of the themed areas are based on different countries in Europe. There is also a separate water park here called Rulantica.

Even visiting in peak August, we had so much fun here. The kids absolutely loved the more family-friendly roller coasters, getting wet on the splash rides and watching horse shows. The  park’s VirtualLine feature in the app helped to ensure we never lined up for too long and had a great time.

There are many places to eat, stay and more and this is a great way to end a family vacation in Germany. It’s located near the French border between Heidelberg and the Black Forest.

One of the many great things about Europa Park is that there are six hotels adjacent to the park and in the immediate area each with their own theming. If you stay at any of the hotels, you can access the many facilities at all of them and you also get early access to the park.

We stayed at Hotel Castillo Alcazar which was a lot of fun. It has its own entrance directly into the theme park and is themed as a Medieval knight’s castle. There are many family room options, even for larger families.

Black Forest

The Black Forest is definitely a fantastic region to head to when visiting Germany with kids. It’s incredibly scenic with beautiful villages and plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors.

We loved hiking round lakes, swimming outdoors, exploring the towns and visiting picturesque castles like Hohenzollern Castle. You can visit the home of cuckoo clocks in Triberg or peddle your way around Titisee lake on a boat. You can bathe in the thermal pools at Baden-Baden or explore the picturesque Old Town in Freiburg .

Kids will love Badeparadies Schwarzwald Titisee, a big indoor waterpark with an amazing sauna complex for adults. And, of course, no visit is complete without a slice of the famous black forest cake (although technically it doesn’t come from here).

There are so many awesome experiences in the Black Forest for families that you could spend your whole trip in this region alone.

We stayed at the Feldberger Hof Family Hotel in the Black Forest. It’s an all inclusive resort specifically for families and it’s amazing. There are so many family friendly facilities (including an outdoor ropes course, horse riding and indoor pool area with water slides), activities, rooms and great food.

The hotel also includes an attractions pass for the region which gives free or discounted entry to 60 attractions plus public transport.

Autostadt Wolfsburg

Autostadt Wolfsburg is an automobile museum and theme park located in Wolfsburg, Germany. It tells the story of the history and development of automobiles, but also has attractions and activities related to automotive culture. This isn’t a big, dry museum.

Spread over 28 hectares, there are multiple museums, massive car towers, playgrounds, giant slides and various car pavilions. One of the coolest parts is definitely the round, glass, 60 meter towers that store Volkswagen cars ready to be delivered to new homes. It’s fully automated with cars being placed and removed from the tower with ease. You can take a ride up the towers yourself for an up close look.

This place is a whole world with plenty of cars and history to explore. Adults can test drive real vehicles while kids can learn to drive in some very cool miniature ones. There are many interactive exhibits. It’s easy to enjoy a half day here. 

For families, there are also some playgrounds including some huge slides up to 18.5 meters high. There’s a cool shop and plenty of eating options too.

For the full Autostadt experience, it is possible to stay on-site. The Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg Autostadt hotel is located here.

There’s a pool, sauna, two restaurants (Including a three Michelin star option) and a lounge. Rooms cater for up to four people.

If you’re heading to northern Germany, Bremen is a great place to stop for families. At the end of the Fairy Tale Route, Bremen celebrates the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale, the Bremen Town Musicians with a statue of the donkey, dog, cat and rooster from the tale in the main square.

There are also images and statues around town of these creatures and it’s fun to have the kids look out for them. If you aren’t familiar with this story, I recommend that you watch it on YouTube before you go.

The Old Town is fun to explore for all ages with a great main square, the stunning Bremen Cathedral and the laneways of Schnoor and Böttcherstraße. It’s easy to explore by foot. 

The Universum Science Centre is a standout attraction if you visit Germany with kids. It has interactive and educational exhibits which kids will enjoy. 

For a thought-provoking historical site, visit the Bunker Valentin. It’s an absolutely massive World War II submarine factory that has been left standing to illustrate the futility of war.

We stayed at the Best Western Bremen City . It has some great apartment style rooms for families within walking distance of the main attractions.

Also in northern Germany, Lübeck is a charming city home to a picturesque, UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town. It is a good mix of historical and kid-friendly attractions. 

The best place to start is with a wander through the well-restored Old Town. Encircled by the Trave River, there are many great views, churches, museums and more. A feature of this Old Town are the hidden courtyards. These are courtyards from the Middle Ages accessed via small walkways from the street. We made it a family game to try to spot as many as possible.

The world-class European Hansemuseum is worth visiting and an easy way to learn more about the Hanseatic League which played a big part in Lübeck’s past.

Lübeck is famous for its marzipan so a sugary treat at Cafe Niederegger is the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing. When you have finished exploring Lübeck, consider a trip to Travemünde on the Baltic Sea. Just 20 minutes from Lübeck, it’s the perfect place to have some beach time. It also has a pretty Old Town.

We stayed at Hotel Die Reederin . It’s a gorgeous boutique hotel in Lübeck’s Old Town. It offers a spacious family room option.

My final place to visit in Germany with kids is a special one if you are visiting in late November or December. I recommend you visit as many Christmas markets as you can if you visit at this time of year.

German Christmas Markets are incredibly magical and special. From the traditional food and drinks to the Christmas music and lights, they set the scene for a perfect Christmas.

Many Christmas markets and destinations in Germany have special events perfect for families at this time of year. For example, Quedlinburg has the “largest Advent calendar in Germany”. At 4:30pm every day in the lead up to Christmas, families meet up and search together for one of 24 houses with special Christmas decorations that are open to the public. Inside, there are surprises.

Nuremberg Christmas Market has a special section for kids with old-fashioned rides, crafts and activities. For novelty, head to Cologne for a floating Christmas market on a ship. Munich has a Kinderland section at one of its Christmas markets with special activities and a Christmas Post Office. In Hamburg, you can watch Santa fly overhead in his sleigh!

Christmas is a truly special time in Germany for the whole family so make sure you include plenty of Christmas markets in your itinerary at this time.

Final Thoughts

Germany is a fantastic place to visit for families. There is so much to enjoy here from the great outdoors to the interesting history that surrounds you.

There are plenty of kid-focused attractions, but it’s also easy to visit interesting historical and cultural attractions in a way that is interesting for kids too.

I hope this list helps you have one of your best family vacations in Germany.

Bio: Sharon Gourlay is a full-time blogger and mum of three who loves sharing her love of travel with kids with others, especially when it comes to sharing one of her favorite destinations, Germany! You can find more information to plan your ultimate adventure in Germany at Germany Footsteps .

32 epic bucket list family vacation ideas

Last updated on September 29, 2023

We love all sorts of family travel – from annual holidays in classic seaside towns to epic bucket list trips that broaden everyone’s horizons.

For this post, we’re focussing on the latter. We asked expert family travel bloggers to help us put together an ultimate round-up of bucket list family vacation ideas . From African safaris to a trip to Lapland , these are dream family trips to inspire your own family bucket list.

Some of them are ones we’ve done ourselves, and others are most certainly in our future plans. We’d love to hear which ones you’d love to do most. And are there any you think we’ve missed?

Europe family vacations

Visiting santa in lapland.

By Victoria

If the kids were creating a travel bucket list, this would surely be on it. Visiting Santa in Lapland is a dream come true for little ones, and there’s so much more to it than meeting the big man himself. It’s one of the most fun vacations for families.

Whizz around the forest on a sled pulled by huskies, or a sleigh pulled by reindeer . Ride snowmobiles , visit an amethyst mine and play in the powdery snow. You could even stay in a glass igloo beneath the stars or, even better, the Northern Lights !

We did this trip before we had kids and it was magical even as adults. We can’t wait to take Otis and Arlo (we’re thinking 4 and 6 could be a good age for it). See our full 4-day Lapland itinerary .

Whenever we go to London , it always blows Otis’ mind. I think it’s the sheer enormity of the place and the endless excitement of things to do. It’s a place where just being there is exciting.

London suits all ages, from toddler to teen to grandparent, and we recommend it for any family group. Take advantage of the free entry to museums and get your fill of history by simply wandering along the South Bank of the River Thames. There are galleries to explore, epic parks to play in, theatre shows to enjoy and no end of amazing food.

As Samuel Pepys said: If you’re tired of London, you’re tired of life”. See our guide to how to spend 7 days in London with kids . It’s the kind of place you could easily spend weeks, but it’s equally perfect for a weekend family trip with toddlers.

Iceland is one of those epic destinations that almost feels like being on another planet. And going there will tick boxes for kids and adults alike. Above all, it’s a place to absorb yourself in the majesty of nature, exploring everything from waterfalls to glaciers to ice caves.

Because of the abundance of outdoor adventures, we recommend going with slightly older kids who can hold their own on an icy hike. It would be a great one to do with teens who will love zipping around on snowmobiles and enjoying the steamy lagoons.  

We went in winter, which meant we had the chance to see the Northern Lights and explore the ice caves . But summer is also a great time to visit when you can drive the ring road and explore more of the country.

Iceland is an expensive destination, but also one that’s worth every penny – it’s definitely a trip worth saving for. Here’s our guide to how to spend five days in Iceland in winter .

Barcelona is brilliant for kids – they’ll love the fantastical architecture of Gaudi, the copious ‘churros con chocolate’ and the beachside location. Plus the city is well set up for kids with playgrounds in every neighbourhood and a culture that embraces families.

You’ll often see kids out late at night, playing in the squares while their parents eat tapas and converse at the local bars. It makes for a holiday that kids and adults will enjoy in equal measure.

We’ve put together a guide to the best things to do in Barcelona with kids , but some of the highlights include CosmoCaixa (the science museum), riding one of the gondolas and visiting the Sagrada Familia (Otis still talks about it now!).

You could also combine your trip with a visit to the Costa Brava where there are plenty of family-friendly seaside villages such as the very pretty Calla de Palafrugell. Or perhaps pick one of these epic Spanish road trips .

Spain as a whole is one of the best vacation spots for younger families as the culture is so family-friendly and there are plenty of vacation resorts with loads of kids’ activities. Majorca is another brilliant option (we particularly loved Puerto Pollensa ).

Italy adventure

By Chontelle at Mom’s Little Explorers

Italy is one of the most popular family vacation spots, perfect for people who love good food, culture and history. And what kids don’t love pizza, pasta and ice cream?!

From the big cities to smaller towns, lakes, beaches and mountains, Italy has something for everyone of all ages.

You could spend a few weeks to a few months there and still not see everything (although you could certainly try).

There is so much to do in Italy with kids . Some of the main attractions that families will love include the Colosseum in Rome , the gondolas in Venice , the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Uffizi Museum in Florence .

If you visit during the warmer months, the coastal areas, such as the Almalfi Coast and Cinque Terre are great places to visit for beautiful beaches too.

For those who love the mountains, the Dolomites in the north have great hiking tracks in summer and fantastic skiing conditions in the winter.

If you’re after a real cultural experience, Tuscany has some fantastic farm stays with spectacular views too. Italy is great all year round, but the time you should visit depends on what you want to do and see. The summer months from June-August are fairly hot and are great for beach holidays, but not so comfortable for exploring cities.  Winter is from December- February and it can get quite cold. In the north and near the mountains it snows during this period so it’s fantastic for snow trips and Christmas markets.  Spring and Autumn are great times to visit Italy if you’re planning to move around and like the milder weather. Our favourite time to visit is September, still warm enough for beach days, but cool enough to explore.

[Note from Victoria: We’ve travelled extensively in Italy (but not yet with kids) – see our guides to the best Italy road trips , plus itineraries for an Amalfi Coast Road Trip and one that includes Lake Como and Cinque Terre )

Backpacking Europe

By Bryanna at Crazy Family Adventure

If you’re looking for a bucket list family trip, we highly recommend a backpacking trip around Europe. We visited 13 countries in three months with our four kids aged 15, 12, 12 and 10 and it was a magical trip. We were able to see and experience so much together as a family while also learning how to live out of a backpack, stay in hostels (family rooms) and use public transportation everywhere we went.  If you can’t swing three months, go for however long you can! We recommend planning your trip in the off season when things are less busy and the weather isn’t hot. Carrying a backpack around gets heavy and hot so cooler weather is much better. We did our trip from March-June and it was the perfect time.  On our trip we covered Portugal , Spain , Italy , Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany , Belgium, Netherlands , France , England , Scotland , and Ireland . With our youngest turning 10 on the trip and our oldest being 15, it was the perfect age since they could all carry their own bags and walk for miles every day (which we did!).  You can get tips on how to plan your trip in our guide to how to plan a trip to Europe

Ireland road trip

By Janelle at Make the Trip Matter

Ireland is a beautiful country full of picturesque views and rich history. And an Ireland road trip is an ideal way to take in all that the Emerald Isle has to offer, from breath-taking coastlines to rolling green hills and ancient ruins. It’s also easy to tailor the trip so that everyone in the family, from toddlers to grandparents, can find something to enjoy. 

There are countless outdoor activities to explore in Ireland, such as kayaking and hiking, plus urban attractions like museums and art galleries, and relaxing beaches to rest on.

Make sure to stop in Galway. It’s one of the most kid-friendly cities with attractions such as the National Aquarium Galway and Loughwell Farm Park . 

Driving through Ireland  for a week or two will allow you ample opportunity to explore the gorgeous countryside and popular natural attractions. A few of the top stops include the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, and a trip out to the Skellig Islands.

For a unique idea, stay at one of the ancient Irish castle hotels. The whole family will love feeling like royalty for a night or two!

The best time of year to visit Ireland is spring through early fall when the weather is warmest and the days are longer.

By Annabel at Smudged Postcard

France is a fantastic place for travel lovers and one of the best places for a vacation with family. There’s so much to see – from its beautiful capital to the chateaux of the Loire, the fairy tale towns of the Alsace region to the chic resorts of the south. 

Summer is a great time for a  family holiday in France  – the 14 th  July sees locals across the country take to the streets to celebrate the French Revolution. And it’s a brilliant time to hit the coast. Enjoy the stunning rocky scenery in Brittany, experience excellent surfing on the Atlantic coast, and explore lovely islands by bike. Ile de Re is particularly good fun for families to explore on two wheels.

There are some brilliant theme parks in France including Parc Asterix near Paris and Puy du Fou near Nantes – where history and pyrotechnics ensure kids will be captivated by France’s turbulent past. And of course, there’s Euro Disney too.

If you’re looking for a winter city break, Paris is at its most exquisite at Christmas time when its streets and squares sparkle. Wintertime is when the French hit the ski slopes. There are some excellent resorts for families in France including Meribel and Alpe d’Huez. 

[Note from Victoria – we’re going to Ile de Re this year, so will be sure to report back. And we’ve also spent some lovely time in Colmar and on the French Riviera while doing the most colourful road trip in Europe !]

European Christmas markets

By Jenn from  ThoseJohnsonBoys.com

Looking for the ultimate trip to celebrate the holidays with your family? Planning a European getaway to enjoy the Christmas markets is the perfect way to celebrate. The magic of Christmas really comes to life while making your way through Europe, and kids of all ages will be able to enjoy themselves. Think quaint towns, mulled wine, hot chocolate fairy tale towns brought to life.

You can make the trip as short or as long as you’d like, as there are plenty of Christmas markets to visit around Europe. You could pick just one, or this  Christmas market itinerary  will send you on a two-week journey across three countries and five cities in the Czech Republic, Germany and Austria. 

While you can visit most Christmas markets any time from late November through Christmas, planning your trip around Saint Nicholas Day makes it extra special. On 6 December, many countries in Europe celebrate this holiday, allowing you and your family to experience a celebration that you may not see at home. 

Make sure to buy a souvenir from the markets as memento to decorate your tree at home. Your family will be talking about the memories made for years to come. 

North America family vacations

California road trip.

A California road trip is the stuff of dreams for kids and adults alike. Drive the iconic Pacific Coast Highway , stopping at gorgeous beaches, charming towns, redwoods, and cities along the way.

And then head inland for Yosemite, the gold rush towns of Tuolumne and lesser-known gems like Yolo and the Shasta Cascade region . And of course there are the world famous theme parks, including Disneyland and Universal Studios California .

There are endless fun things to do in California with kids and you can pick and choose a California road trip itinerary to suit you, perhaps focussing on the great outdoors or getting in a good mix of nature and city time. We’ve travelled extensively in California, both when the kids were babies and older, and it’s been a hit every time.

See our guides to things to do with kids in San Diego , Los Angeles , San Francisco , Sacramento and Tuolumne County .

Southern USA road trip

Another great USA road trip is to explore the Southern States, taking in Charleston, Savannah, New Orleans and more. The southern states are a riot for the senses, filled with picturesque towns, exquisite local food and the sounds of country, jazz and blues.

Kids can enjoy horse and carriage rides through Charleston, explore the art of Savannah and go to the amazing Mardi Gras museum in New Orleans (or even better, catch the real thing!).

The Blue Ridge Parkway is another fantastic place to explore, basing yourself in the hip and outdoorsy town of Asheville from where you’ll find plenty of kid-friendly hikes. It’s particularly gorgeous in the fall.

We did a southern road trip , starting in Atlanta and looping through the Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville , Charleston , Savannah and New Orleans. A good extension would be to add Nashville and Memphis too, perfect for music-loving families.

New York City

New York City is a bucket list destination for all ages with plenty to do for kids and adults alike. Children will likely be awed by the sheer size of it and all its skyscrapers. And older kids will get a kick out of spotting sights from their favourite movies or TV shows.

There’s an abundance of famous museums, galleries and sights, plus no end of kid-friendly attractions, from zoos to Central Park.

Go at Thanksgiving for the Macy’s Parade, or visit around Christmas to see all the lights. It gets fairly hot in the summer, so perhaps best saved for spring or fall.

We loved visiting New York with a baby as it’s easy to navigate and it was the perfect age for allowing us to do all the things we wanted to do as grown-ups! We even ate a Michelin Star restaurant !

Another great option for a USA city break is Chicago – see our guide to the best things to do in Chicago with kids .

Orlando’s theme parks

By Cora at Inside Our Suitcase.

Orlando, Florida is a fantastic bucket list destination for families and one of the most fun family vacations. After all, what child doesn’t want to go to ‘The Most Magical Place on Earth’.

The city is perhaps best known as the home of the Walt Disney World Resort , which includes four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and EPCOT) as well as two waterparks.

Honestly, the Walt Disney World Resort is more than enough to keep most families entertained for at least a week.

However, being Orlando, the family entertainment capital of the world, there’s still more to see, do and experience, including the epic Universal Studios Orlando Resort, home to Universal Studios Florida , Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay, SeaWorld, Gatorland, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, the Orlando Eye, and WonderWorks .

Meanwhile, just a short drive away you’ll also find Kennedy Space Center , LEGOLAND Florida and a number of incredible, white sandy beaches. 

The climate in Orlando, Florida is tropical so during the summer months (June to August) you’ll experience severe heat and humidity, while in the fall you may experience hurricanes and tropical storms. As such, it’s well worth planning your travel times well in advance and opting for Winter/Spring if possible.

(If you’re heading to the West Coast instead, we’ve written a full guide to visiting Disneyland with toddlers , including how to reduce wait times and save money).

By Marcie Cheung at Hawaii travel with kids

One of the best family vacation destinations is Hawaii. It has everything from amazing kid-friendly beaches to Hawaiian luaus to shave ice to swimming with dolphins.

The main four islands are Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. Read our post to find out about the  best Hawaiian island for kids , since the answer varies depending on the age of your kids and their interests. But Hawaii is definitely a blast with kids of all ages, including babies and toddlers.

It’s spectacular any time of year, although the winter months tend to get a decent amount of rain. Ideally, your trip will be 7-10 days, or 2 weeks if you plan on island hopping.

I recommend staying at a resort with an amazing pool area and possibly a kitchen and/or laundry facilities. The Disney Aulani Resort or the Hilton Hawaiian Village are great kid-friendly resorts on Oahu.

On Maui, the Honua Kai Resort & Spa or the Hyatt Regency Maui are popular options. The Grand Hyatt Kauai or the Koloa Landing Resort are amazing on Kauai. The Hilton Waikoloa Village or the Fairmont Orchid are top family resorts on the Big Island.

Key West, Florida

By Victoria of Florida Trippers

One of the top bucket list family beach vacations is Key West Florida. Just be sure to visit sometime between March and May. This way the weather will still be relatively mild and you’ll also be able to avoid the intense crowds of winter.

Try to spend at least 3 to 4 days here, so you can enjoy some of the best things to do in Key West like the Key West Aquarium , the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory , and Mallory Square. 

Mallory Square is especially lovely at sunset when the area comes alive with vibrant performances, from musicians, jugglers, and more – making it a true delight for adults and kids alike. 

But the real highlight of any family vacation to Key West is a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park. It’s an incredible natural oasis that’s only accessible by either seaplane or ferry, so even getting there is pretty exciting. If you book tickets aboard the Yankee Freedom ferry, your meals are also included. So no need to worry about packing lunch. 

Then, upon arrival, explore historic Fort Jefferson before enjoying the park’s pristine beaches and coral reefs.

No trip to Key West with the family would be complete without a tasty treat. So be sure to head to Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe and sample the town’s signature dessert, Key Lime Pie. 

The National Parks of Utah

By Stephanie at The Unknown Enthusiast

Doing a road trip around southern Utah is a great bucket list trip for families, full of epic landscapes and hikes.

There are five national parks in Utah (Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Zion, and Bryce Canyon). While these are all family friendly, I think Arches and Bryce Canyon are best for children, because there are plenty of easier hikes, and the rocks formations you’ll see when hiking in Arches and Bryce are unforgettable.

The smaller Goblin Valley State Park, between Canyonlands and Capitol Reef, is also perfect for kids as they can freely wander and explore the small, squat rock formations (the goblins) clustered throughout the valley. Or go explore narrow slot canyons found throughout the region.

Visiting in spring and fall are the best times as the weather isn’t too hot yet. If you do visit in summer, take advantage of the cooler mornings and evenings, and rest during the middle of the day. About 5-7 days is enough time to see and do a lot in Utah. 

This trip is best with kids who can hike and climb safely by themselves. This will vary from kid to kid, but elementary school and up is a great age range for exploring southern Utah. 

The Archway Inn in Moab (near Arches) is a great hotel, as it offers large family rooms and has a pool and playground on site. 

Canadian Rockies road trip

By Anu Agarwal of Destination Checkoff

A Canadian Rockies road trip is a bucket list family vacation to experience during the summer months of June to September. During summer the lakes are a beautiful turquoise and the towns of Banff and Jasper are alive with locals and tourists. 

Flying in and out of Calgary airport is the best way to do this road trip if you’re not local to Alberta. From there, go through the beautiful Banff and Jasper National Parks, the picturesque Lake Louise, and the scenic Icefields Parkway Drive. 

First stop is Banff National Park. Moose Hotel and Suites in Banff town is a great family friendly hotel with suites. And Banff gondola, Banff hot springs and hiking are some popular  activities to do in Banff in summer .

Next stop is Lake Louise, which is the most beautiful lake in this region surrounded by mountains. Then you will drive on the scenic Icefields parkway , which is one of the most beautiful drives in the world, to reach Jasper National Park.

Jasper has Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake to explore, as well as excellent hiking. Tekarra Lodge is a great place to stay with families in Jasper.  

Kids of all ages will enjoy the scenic road trip, but older kids and teens might enjoy and appreciate the excellent hiking opportunities, lakes, glaciers, and waterfalls. All ages will enjoy walking on the Athabasca glacier in Icefields parkway. 

You should plan at least 6-7 days for this road trip so you can spend a few days in both Banff and Jasper National Park and take in the amazing sights. 

Caribbean cruise

By Ruby at A Journey We Love

I love an inclusive family resort vacation and not having to worry about cooking food after a long day of exploring. That’s why I think a Caribbean cruise is a great bucket list thing to do for a family. Just pick the number of days you want to go on vacation and then customise the trip how you like.

Want a more energetic and activity-packed trip? Some cruise lines have onboard waterparks, shows, flow riders, and other sorts of fun activities and games onboard. Want to relax by the pool and just watch shows? You can do this on all of them! 

The best part about cruising is that you pay once for everyone’s fare and then a lot of onboard activities are included. It’s often a really affordable vacation, plus it’s super convenient, giving you the ability to visit a few island countries without worrying about travel between them, finding hotels or working out what to do on the island.

Think of doing a cruise as a sampler of what each island has to offer without the commitment of staying longer than a day. Mexico is one of the more popular ports, where you can take  shore excursions in Costa Maya  or Cozumel. 

Cruises are also great for multigenerational travel. There are plenty of things to do for all ages, from toddler to grandparent. And the kids can also be left in a kids’ club, so you can have date nights with a loved one or have adults-only time together.

Asia family vacations

Japan is one of the most exciting destinations I can think of – a fantastic mix of historic culture and zany, futuristic excess. It’s perhaps not an obvious choice for families, but kids will get a lot out of experiencing such a different culture. Plus there are some incredible kids attractions.

Top of the list is Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea , often touted as Disney’s best theme park. And now there’s Ghibli Park, a theme park where you can immerse yourself in the world of Studio Ghibli. There’s also the Ghibli Museum and Universal Studios Tokyo .

We spent 10 days in Japan on a kid-friendly trip that we’d be happy to take Otis on now (aged 5), but would perhaps better save for when he’s around 8 and can appreciate the culture a little more.

Kid-friendly highlights from our trip include seeing the snow monkeys, staying in a Buddhist temple on Mount Koya-San, seeing the deer in Nara and riding on a bullet train.

By Pete at The Backpacking Family

One of our top bucket list trips for families is Sabah. Sabah has it all: nature, adventure and wildlife.

Start in Kota Kinabalu with an island-hopping trip to paradise. Just turn up at the jetty around 8am-9am to buy tickets (roughly $10 – $15 depending how many islands you want to visit).

Head to Kundasang and take a mountain homestay. Pogimpaan homestay is great value for money and has breath-taking views of Mount Kinabalu. 

Don’t miss Poring hot springs (kids $3 and adults $4) and canopy walkway (kids $1 and adults $2). If you’re lucky you can see a rafflesia flower in bloom at the Vienna Rafflesia Garden (around $5). These unique flowers are the biggest in the world.

Travel to Sandakan to visit the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary ($4 – $8). The morning feeding session is 10am and the afternoon feeding session is 3pm. Arrive around 2pm and you may be able to see the orangutans very close up on the walkways as they gather for lunch. If possible avoid weekends and public holidays.

If you have time, consider a wildlife boat trip on Kinabatangan River to see Proboscis monkeys and wild orangutans (you can book trips with the Kinabatangan Wildlife Lodge for around $20 per person). If you love diving and snorkelling, head over to Marbul island for some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world. 

Booking trips and tours in this area can be very expensive, so if you’re on a budget go independent. The most convenient way to get around is a car rental – especially if you’re planning to spend some time around the Kinabalu area.

There are long distance buses between Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Semporna. These journeys are long and can be challenging. You can also take cheap domestic flights with Air Asia. There are airports in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau. Sabah is intrepid, so we recommend this for a family with older kids (over 5 years old).  

Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary

By Babs at Mums on Flip Flops

When you think of a bucket list-worthy family trip, what comes to mind? Chances are, you’ll be thinking about exploring one of the new Wonders of the World or visiting one of the Disney Parks. But what about getting up close and personal with elephants? That’s exactly what Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand offers. This ethical sanctuary is perfect for visitors of all ages (even babies!) and offers an amazing opportunity to learn about these beautiful creatures.

Located just outside the city, Elephant Nature Park is easy to get to and you can visit for a day, book an overnight stay or volunteer for a week (if your kids are 16+). There are over a hundred elephants living at the park, each with their own unique story. You can learn about them all, as well as how the sanctuary works to protect them and keep them safe. There are also plenty of other animals at the park that you can meet, including horses, water buffalos, dogs, and cats.

One of the best things about Elephant Nature Park is that it’s an ethical sanctuary. This means the animals here have been rescued from terrible conditions elsewhere and are now able to live out their days in peace.

You’re not allowed to ride them obviously (that is animal cruelty!), but bathing, feeding, and petting them isn’t allowed either. The staff at the park works tirelessly to make sure every visitor leaves having learned more about these animals and why it’s so important to protect them.

You feel in everything they do that the animals come first, which means that you can enjoy your time at the park with a clear conscience. Observing and learning about the elephants along with your children makes visiting Elephant Nature Park an experience that’s hard to forget. It’s definitely a bucket list item for families!

By Asha Bhatia from HomeTravelGuide

We loved our time in Bali with the kids, In fact we loved it so much we ended up staying six months! 

This gorgeous tropical Island offers something for all ages – from snorkelling, surfing and exploring spectacular temples and rice paddies, to night markets, spas and visiting nearby local islands.

One of the highlights for us was visiting Uluwatu Temple during the sunset and watching a kecak dance performance with the backdrop of the sea. And then tucking into some delicious Indonesian food at a local warung. 

Ideally plan a two-week trip to Bali so you can visit a few different places on the Island. Some of our recommendations would be Ubud, Sanur, Uluwatu, Amed and Nusa Lembongan. The best time to visit Bali is the start or end of dry season between April to October. The weather is mildest during this time making it ideal for families with children.

There are also many ceremonies and festivals taking place in Bali all the time which are beautiful to see, but the most interesting ones are the festivals of Galungan and Kuningan and Nyepi (New Years Day in Balinese calendar) also known as the day of silence.

For a unique experience in Bali we recommend a homestay or renting a private villa with a pool.

[Note from Victoria: We lived in Bali for six months and can vouch for it as an amazing destination. I recommend this road trip in the centre of the island and this trip to the southern beaches )

By Emma at Wanderlust and Wet Wipes

Jordan is a bucket list destination for many people, but most don’t think of it as a family friendly country. Yet Jordan is one of the most family friendly places we’ve been to.

There is so much to do and see in Jordan. The most obvious is Petra, the famous capital of the Nabataean Arabs that was later annexed to the Roman Empire, and is now one of the seven wonders of the world.

From the views from the Siq (a narrow gorge leading to Petra’s entrance) to the incredible archaeological artefacts that are located there, this is a must-see place.

But there is much more to Jordan, including experiencing the sensation of floating in the Dead Sea and following in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia with a Bedouin tour through Wadi Rum followed by a night in traditional tents.

If time permits, your trip can extend to Jerash, a Roman city so well preserved under dust it is known as Jordan’s Pompeii. And visit Madaba to see ancient mosaics and the nearby Mount Nebo where Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land.

In Amman, there are more impressive Roman ruins to explore. Should you require some R&R on your trip, head to Aqaba on the Red Sea for snorkelling and relaxing on the beach.

The best time to go to Jordan is usually in spring and autumn – the summers can get fiercely hot and the winters, while not brutal, aren’t the best time for wandering around ruins with kids. That being said, even in winter, it’s a very doable trip.

Kids of all ages can travel there although it’s not particularly stroller friendly around the ruins (take a carrier). An interest in walking and history is a plus.  Jordan itineraries  can be as long or as short as you make them, but anything from 5 to 14 days is ideal.

A top tip is to look up the Entertainer App which often has 2 for 1 deals on accommodation, including at the Mövenpick. You have to pay for the app, but it quickly pays for itself.

By Sinead at Map Made Memories

Mongolia isn’t the easiest place to explore, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges. Families can go trekking in the Gobi desert in southern Mongolia (the worlds’ sixth largest desert) and then visit world class museums and see enormous sculptures in the contrasting capital Ulaanbataar.

Explore the green wilderness of the Mongolian steppe, visit the Takhi (wild horses) in Hustai National Park, or go to historic Kharkhorin, Mongolia’s ancient capital.  

Mongolia is best visited in late Spring or early Autumn as its summers are very hot and its winters extremely cold. You should allow at least two weeks to explore this incredible country and, if possible, time your trip around the nation’s most popular festival, Nadaam, which takes place in early July.

Mongolians love children so kids of any age will be made welcome, but older children may be able to cope better with the long internal journeys on bumpy roads.

Legends Mongolia in Ulaanbatoor is a family friendly hostel and visitors should try to spend at least one night under a clear sky in a ger on the steppe. The stars are unforgettable. 

United Arab Emirates (Dubai & Abu Dhabi)

By Sarah Vanheel at CosmopoliClan

The United Arab Emirates, and the Emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi in particular, make for a wonderful and safe family travel destination. Dubai may have a reputation for attracting the insta-eager jet set, but it’s also packed with family-friendly activities.

Take a spin on the world’s tallest ferris wheel, watch the musical fountain shows, race down the slides at one of the exciting water parks, watch the city from the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, take a camel ride out in the desert, visit an aquarium. The list of kid-friendly activities is pretty much endless.

What’s more, some of the  best places to stay in Dubai  cater to kids of all ages. Hotels like the iconic Atlantis The Palm , even come with their own entire water parks. The same goes for Abu Dhabi. Go racing at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi , have fun at a theme park, visit one of the zoos, experience the scenic Jebel Hafit Desert Park, or go sandboarding in the desert. And why not add in a cultural trip to the spectacular Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?

Due to the scorching desert summers, it’s strongly recommended to plan your trip to the UAE between October and April. And if you visit during the first days of December, you can experience the national day festivities.

South and Central America family vacations

By Eileen at FamiliesGo!

Costa Rica envelopes you in nature almost every place you go. It has cool animals, beaches and outdoor activities, plus lots of kid-friendly foods and hotels that offer good value. It’s that rare destination that really can make kids across multiple age groups happy.

One essential all-ages activity is spotting wildlife in the national parks like Mañuel Antonio on the west coast. Who doesn’t get excited spotting a sloth or a family of monkeys in the treetops?

Families also like soaking in the hot springs that abound around Arenal, Rincon de la Vieja and other volcanos. Hotels and adventure centers have their own or you can buy day passes to pools fed by the springs.

Tweens and teens appreciate adventure activities like river tubing or zipline canopy tours, which you can find also find around Arenal and Rincon de la Vieja.

Take young kids who need a slower pace to ethical animal rescue centers like  Rescate Wildlife Center  near San Jose.

In the hills northeast of San Jose, agri-tourism farms like Corso Lecheria keep Jersey cows. Visitors watch the cows graze while enjoying the butter, cheese and amazing ice cream made from their high-fat milk.

You can count on kids of every age enjoying  Granizadas , a concoction of shave ice, red syrup and condensed and powdered milk sold from carts in the towns and on the beaches. Don’t leave without trying one!

Here’s a handy 10-day Costa Rica itinerary .

Machu Picchu and the Amazon in Peru

By Faith at 3 Tickets Please

From the wonder of Machu Picchu to the dense rainforest of the Amazon, Peru is an ultimate bucket list trip for families.  Adventurous families can sleep above a clay lick in a camouflage house under the Amazonian stars. Or train to Machu Picchu to one of the new seven wonders of the world. For foodie families, Lima has some of the best cuisine in the world.  Three weeks in Peru  is the perfect amount of time for this once in a lifetime trip.  Families wanting to experience the best of Peru should consider waiting until their children are 12. At 12, visitors to Machu Picchu can climb Huayna Picchu, the peak next to the ancient site for the best views. And while you can certainly take younger kids to the Amazon, tweens and teens will perhaps be better situated for the unique experiences of hiking and camping out in the forest. For your Amazon tour, be sure to choose local and sustainable companies like Bonanza tours. May through September is high season in Peru. But also most likely when families with school age children will visit. If you do visit Peru in June, be sure to coordinate your trip with the celebration of Inti Raymi, the Incan Sun God. The festival happens every year on 24 June during the Winter Solstice.

[Note from Victoria: We spent time in Peru before we had kids, and would also recommend visiting Lake Titicaca. If you have older kids, you could also travel down to Bolivia and the incredible salt flats, btu I wouldn’t do these with little ones as the trip and altitude is fairly challenging)

By Karilyn at No Back Home

One of the most epic family vacations you can take is to the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador . This once-in-a-lifetime trip is perfect for families who are looking for stunning landscapes, unique up-close views with wildlife and aquatic adventure.

Home to giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas and more, this paradise offers species not found anywhere else in the world, making it a true bucket list destination for animal lovers. Families can hike through lava tunnels, explore secluded beaches and snorkel with sharks and sea turtles. Ideally kids should be comfortable in the water as much of the sights here center around the ocean. 

While many think that the only way to see the Galapagos Islands is by a cruise, for families we highly recommend a do-it-yourself island hopping adventure. It’s not only more eco-friendly, it’s also economical. Fly into one island, such as Santa Cruz, take ferries to other islands for day trips and fly out of another island (San Cristobal) to get a feel for the various islands.

As the islands lie near the equator there is no bad time to visit. However the winter months in the northern hemisphere see the warmest waters. Regardless of when you go, you’ll experience amazing wildlife up close both on land and in the water, providing memories for life. 

Africa family vacations

Cape town and beyond.

By Rachel Collins, Mum With Wanderlust

Imagine a trip where you can experience some of the most incredible animal encounters on the planet and enjoy grown-up time while the kids have their own adventures, surrounded by stunning landscapes. All of this exists within a 4-hour drive of Cape Town in South Africa .

Travel along the Cape Peninsula to meet the African penguins that live on Boulders Beach. Head to Hermanus for a whale watching boat tour where you’ll see Humpback and Southern Right whales.

Stay at Gondwana Private Game Reserve for a family-friendly safari. Families with children aged under six are offered private drives to give younger guests the chance to see the wildlife safely.

Finally, visit a family-friendly vineyard in the Cape Winelands. Many have farms for the kids to explore. While the adults go wine tasting, the kids can enjoy adventure play areas, go horse riding, mountain biking and help with the farm animals.

You can visit any time of year, but whale season is only June – November. By October/November, the weather will be warming up which might take the trip more enjoyable for you.

I recommend going for 10 days –  you can read our 10-day South Africa itinerary in full here.  

[ Note from Victoria: We did our honeymoon in South Africa and have some good tips for places to stay and things to do that would still be relevant with kids. For example, don’t miss the gorgeous Babylonstoren ).

By Jenny from TraveLynn Family

Sub-Saharan Africa is perhaps not an obvious choice for a family holiday. Parents understandably worry about safety and the long drives. We spent 4 months traversing sub-Saharan Africa in a Land Rover when our boys were 1 and 3 years old, and if anyone asks me which African country to visit as a family for a first time, I always say to do  Namibia with kids ! Namibia is one of the most stable African countries, offers epic and diverse landscapes, and perhaps the best value (and easiest) wildlife viewing in all of Africa. Day entry for foreign adults to Etosha National Park is N$80 (£4.50) and children under 16 are FREE.

The low-growing vegetation over flat open plains promotes the best conditions for spotting the animals. You can literally see for miles! There is only the grass for animals to hide in, therefore spotting elephants, giraffe, zebras and even rhinos is pretty much guaranteed. Beyond a safari, there are shipwrecks to discover, massive sand dunes to run down, large seal colonies to discover – and, due to the German influence, some excellent bakeries.  The best way to get around is to hire a 4WD with roof tents and camping (Namibia has some superb campsites with excellent facilities). Just be prepared for long drives and stock up with food when you can. 

By Jenny from Explore Essaouira

Riding camels across the Sahara, sand boarding down dunes, hunting for fossils, trekking the Atlas Mountains on a mule, surfing the waves in  Essaouira , and shopping for spices in ancient medinas. Morocco offers epic experiences for kids, making it a superb bucket list trip for families.  We have visited multiple times with our kids, from when they were babies to more recently spending four months with them in Morocco aged 8 and 7.

Why do we keep going back? Because it’s easy to get around (either by public transport or hiring a car), Moroccans are extremely welcoming to families, and the colours, history, and general vibe make it feel so magical. As Morocco is just a three-hour flight from London, it’s accessible for just a long weekend if you’re based in Europe. Or you could easily stay for months at a time as most tourists are eligible for a three-month tourist visa.

Avoid the summer months of July and August as it’s unbearably hot. And note when Ramadan falls as most businesses close at this time, or have significantly reduced hours (although this is also a wonderfully quiet time to visit Morocco). 

Australasia family vacations

New zealand road trip.

Doing a New Zealand road trip is a quintessential bucket list vacation. Seeing as it’s such a far-flung destination, it’s one that’s best done when you have plenty of time, but you could also do a much shorter trip, focussing on a particular area.

We did a month-long New Zealand road trip, exploring both the North and South islands by campervan. It’s perfectly set up for road trips with plenty of excellent camp sites, making it a really easy place to travel with a family.  

The whole country is a beacon for outdoor lovers, filled with opportunities for hiking, kayaking, climbing and more. Queenstown is the adventure capital, and a place where older teens can brave adrenaline sports like bungee jumping or skydiving.

We also love the Bay of Islands where there are some lovely family-friendly boat trips, including one on a tall ship where you can pretend to be pirates for the day. See our full New Zealand itineraries for lots more inspiration: North Island itinerary and South Island itinerary .

Cairns to Sydney road trip

By Catrina at 24 Hours Layover

A  road trip from Cairns to Sydney on the East Coast of Australia  is an ultimate bucket-list vacation for many families. 

There are so many unique bucket-list experiences to be had and wonderful places to visit. From seeing kangaroos on Cape Hillsborough Beach to going on a boat ride to the tropical desert island ‘Pelican Banks’.

Visit Port Macquarie’s Koala Hospital , swim with leopard sharks in Byron Bay and see the iconic Sydney Opera House. Then ride a camel at Birubi Beach and feed wild dolphins at Tin Can Bay. You can even get the once-in-a-lifetime chance to swim with humpback whales in Hervey Bay!

Kids of any age will love this road trip, but try to avoid doing it in the summer months as the temperatures will be unpleasantly hot.

Seeing Australia is definitely best done on a road trip. Many families tend to do Cairns to Sydney over three weeks in a campervan. Staying in a campervan is cheaper and more convenient than hiring a car and staying in hotels, plus it gives you so much freedom and the kids will love having a house on wheels.

[Note from Victoria: I did this trip at 18 and absolutely loved it! I’d also recommend continuing on to Melbourne if you have the time]

Our top travel planning tips

If you’re planning a trip, be sure to have a look at all our top travel planning tips , including how to save money with the best credit cards, what to bring, and all our favourite tools and tricks.

For car rentals, we recommend booking with Discover Cars . We’ve found they always have the cheapest deals for mainstream retailers.

If you decide to book any Airbnb apartments, use  this link , as it’ll give you £25 off your first trip.

We found great last-minute deals on  Booking.com , getting a discount of up to 60%.

Have you ever considered a home exchange ? It’s our favourite way to travel (and the most affordable).

Our favourite place to book flights is  Skyscanner  – again, they always have great deals.

Don’t forget your travel insurance! We recommend  True Traveller  who offer reliable, comprehensive cover, including medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities. You can buy True Traveller insurance even when you’ve left home, which is unusual for travel insurance companies.

And if you’re travelling with a baby, see our survival guide to flying with a baby and all our best travelling with a baby tips .

Found this useful? Save it to Pinterest…

Creative family travel guides

We don’t think you have to sacrifice creativity and style when travelling with kids. Browse our guides for creative family travel around the world.

Family travel tips:  Tips for travelling with a baby  |  Baby packing list | Flying with a baby survival guide  |  Where to stay with a baby  |  Ultimate guide to Home Exchange  |  Bucket list family vacation ideas

UK :  Birmingham with kids  |  Bristol with kids  |  Cornwall with kids  | London with toddlers  |  Edinburgh with kids  |  Manchester with kids  |  UK family Christmas trips

Europe:   Barcelona with kids  |  Barcelona with a baby  |  Majorca (Puerto Pollensa) family holiday  |  Croatia (Sibenik) family holiday

USA:  Boston with kids | California with kids  |  Charleston with kids  |  Chicago with kids  | Florida with kids | Hawaii with kids |   Los Angeles with kids  |  New York with a baby  | Orlando with kids |  Portland with kids  |  Sacramento with kids  |  San Diego with kids  |  San Francisco with kids  |  Savannah with kids  |  Tuolumne County with kids

Asia: Koh Lanta with kids | Phuket with kids | Thailand family holidays

Family road trip itineraries:  Boston to Maine |California road trip  | New England road trip |  Pacific Coast Highway road trip  | San Francisco to Seattle road trip |  Southern USA road trip  |  Portugal road trip

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Get our posts direct to your inbox

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Visit Family Vacation Critic on Facebook!
• Visit Family Vacation Critic on Twitter!
• Visit Family Vacation Critic on Instagram!
• 1 Subscribe to stay up to date!
• Best Family Vacations

13 Family Vacations That Are Better Than Disney World

Jun 1, 2017

See recent posts by Amanda Norcross

We love Disney World — don’t get us wrong. But there are so many other destinations worthy of your family vacation time. Choose one of these vacations for something new, and don’t worry— The Mouse will always be waiting.

1. Bar Harbor, Maine

Head north along the coast of Maine and you’ll find some of the world’s loveliest beaches and seaside villages. One of our favorite  Maine family vacations  is  Bar Harbor , located just outside of Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island. Enjoy outdoor excursions by day— take in the views atop Cadillac Mountain; relax on Sand Beach or Echo Lake Beach; listen to the waves imitate a storm at Thunder Hole—before heading back into town for a puffin-spotting cruise and dinner (followed by ice cream at Udder Heaven Ice Cream Retreat, of course).

Recommended Hotel:   Bluenose Inn – A Bar Harbor Hotel

2. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

There is so much to do in and around  Pigeon Forge, Tennessee —not to mention how beautiful the surrounding area is. Activities include zip-lining through Great Smoky Mountain National Park , shredding powder at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area, and of course, a day (or several) at famous  Dollywood ! Dolly Parton’s namesake amusement park entertains families with rides and shows for all ages, as well as a beautiful amusement park hotel.

Recommended Hotel:   Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa

3. Disney’s Aulani Resort – Oahu, HI

You won’t find the characters and theming available at Disney resort hotels, but  Disney’s Aulani Resort  amuses families with a luxury experience on the island of  Oahu  in Hawaii. The oceanfront property features sparkling pools, family activities, delicious restaurants and superb accommodations. If you can manage to pull the kids (and yourselves) away from the resort, head to the famous North Shore, Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor or the Dole Plantation for delicious DoleWhips.

4. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin 

Did you know  Wisconsin Dells  is the  Water Park Capital of the World ? It touts 20 water parks! Many of the water parks are full water park resorts ( Great Wolf Lodge , Kalahari ), with water park admission (and tons of other amenities) included in nightly rates. But that’s not all this Midwest town offers. You can also check out the Rick Wilcox Magic Theater, Wisconsin Deer Park, and when you’re hungry, MACs for macaroni and cheese served in a dozen variations.

Recommended Hotel:   Great Wolf Lodge Wisconsin Dells

5. Lake Tahoe, California

The cobalt-blue waters will attract you; the outdoor activities will captivate you; and the ability to disconnect will have your family returning to Lake Tahoe again and again. Lakeside activities include hiking, biking, water sports and of course, simply relaxing on the beaches. Year-round, you can also visit Squaw Valley Ski Area or Heavenly Mountain Resort for more fun.

While the lake borders California and Nevada, we recommend  Lake Tahoe, California , for its wide range of accommodations, from budget motels to vacation rentals .

Recommended Hotel:   The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

6. Hood River, Oregon

The Pacific Northwest steals the show from Disney World… especially in the  Columbia River Gorge . This is a driving vacation for families who want to explore, and highlights include the Historic Columbia River Highway (the main highway through the area); the “Fruit Loop” for fresh produce, wine and more at the area’s farms; and drives to Multnomah Falls and Mount Hood. Plan to stay in Hood River, where you’ll find a nice range of hotels, restaurants and in the summer, amazing wind surfing. Or, combine your visit with a trip to Portland, Oregon, about an hour outside of this National Scenic Area.

Recommended Hotel:   BEST WESTERN PLUS Hood River Inn

7. Xcaret Park – Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Try something different this year—go to an amusement park in Mexico! Xcaret Park, located in Playa del Carmen, offers something for everyone in your family. Your youngest set will enjoy the Butterfly Pavilion and Coral Reef Aquarium while teens will beg to swim with sharks or get up close with stingrays. Together, the whole family can go scuba diving, watch a fantastical show or historic reenactment, and enjoy the flavors of Mexico at six onsite dining venues. Plan to spend several days at this adventure park!

Recommended Hotel: Hotel Xcaret 

Only a five-hour flight from New York City, Iceland is exotic, yet close to home for those who live on the East Coast. Your whole family will enjoy the scenery as you make your way around the famous Ring Road, where you’ll spot breathtaking waterfalls, glaciers and volcanos. In the capital city of Reykjavik, the geothermal pools with slides—including the popular Blue Lagoon—are another highlight for kids. Bonus: Iceland can be explored in less than a week’s time, making it optimal for family “microcations” year-round.

Recommended Hotel:   Alda Hotel

9. Dude Ranches – Multiple Locations

Dude ranches are so much fun for families, and they’re all-inclusive, too! The focus at dude ranches (also known as guest ranches) is on spending quality time together and enjoying the great outdoors. Families can expect to saddle up for horseback riding, archery, line dancing, bonfires, hiking, biking, swimming and more—all in some of the most beautiful parts of the U.S. Many dude ranches offer special activities for specific age groups, as well, from tots to teens. For adults, there are even spas and happy hours at some of the resorts! Not sure if a dude ranch is right for your cowboys and cowgirls?

Recommended Hotel : Wildcatter Ranch Resort & Spa

10. Costa Rica

Costa Rica  is essentially an outdoor amusement park in the rainforest. The fun includes hikes to active volcanoes; zip-lining through the treetops; spotting sloths and other wildlife; and stays at beautiful eco-centric resorts . The fruit is some of the freshest and sweetest you’ll ever eat, too! We highly recommend Manuel Antonio National Park, Quepos and/or Sarapiqui for your itinerary.

Recommended Hotel:   Si Como No

11. National Parks – Multiple Locations

Our national parks are family vacation treasures. Plus, they’re easy on the wallet ! Let the kids join in on a Junior Ranger program ; they’ll complete tasks as you make your way through the park, earning a badge of honor upon completion. The programs are a fantastic way to see the park. Visit National Park Family Vacations to start planning your trip.

12. Lake Champlain, Vermont

There’s something so magical about  Lake Champlain, Vermont , and the tiny towns that line its shores. Take a boat ride from the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in Vergennes; build a toy bear at the Vermont Teddy Bear Company in Shelburne; go for a hike at Mt. Philo State Park in Charlotte; visit Lake Champlain’s inhabitants at the ECHO Leahy Center in Burlington; and indulge in fresh maple creemees at Allenholm Farm in South Hero.

Perhaps the best highlight of a visit to Lake Champlain is the area’s lakeside resorts that harken to the vacations of yesteryear, with inclusive packages that cover family meals and activities—including plenty of water sports.

Recommended Hotel:   Tyler Place Family Resort

13. Disney Cruise

The best part about a vacation with  Disney Cruise Line  is that kids can meet and interact with all of their favorite characters sans long theme park lines. And that’s truly just the beginning. Disney’s ships offer amazing kids’ programming (re: Andy’s Room from Toy Story ), interactive dining experiences, professional shows and family-friendly accommodations and amenities—from spacious suites to baby bathtubs . Its excursions, which include the line’s private island, Castaway Cay , in the Bahamas , are top-notch too.

Related:   What to Pack for a Disney Cruise: The Ultimate Packing List

What to Pack for Your Next Trip

Women’s/mom’s summer outfit, shop the look.

'Nuria' Espadrille

Polarized Sunglasses

Straw Wicker Earrings

Men’s/Dad’s Summer Outfit

Vintage Round Sunglasses

Casual Button Down Shirt

Chino Shorts

Leather Platform Sandals

Teen boy’s cool cruise outfit for summer.

Pink Lemonade Shirt

Stone Utility Shorts

Teen Girl’s Cool Cruise Outfit for Summer

Colwyn Shirt

Bleach Joni Shorts

Canvas Tote Bag

Moment Espadrille

Our team of parents and travel experts chooses each product and service we recommend. Anything you purchase through links on our site may earn us a commission.

Related Articles

11 Best Road Trip Games for Families

The 10 Best Family Vacation Destinations in the U.S.

Family Vacations Are Bigger and Better in Anchorage

The 7 Best Weekend Getaways in New England

Your personal family vacation planning starts now.

Get expert advice, handpicked recommendations, and tips for your family all year round!

Get family travel & tips from our experts

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

Thanks for signing up!

Top 35 Best Family Vacation Spots in the US for 2023

By: Author Kim Tate

Posted on Published: January 13, 2023

Ready to plan your next family vacation and wondering where to go? For 2023, I combined my favorite family vacation ideas with a few recommendations from fellow travel writer friends. From coast to coast we’re ready to help you with our picks for the best family vacation spots in the US!

On this list you’ll find a variety of family vacation ideas, some are popular spots that you’ve heard of before. Other destinations are places that might be new to you. Some are big cities, other small towns. For each of the vacation spots on the list, I’ve listed why it works for families, plus I’ve given you a headstart on planning with some recommended places to stay or things to do!

In this article:

Why are Family Vacations Important?

Taking a family vacation isn’t just about having fun, there are some great benefits to family vacations .

The Benefits of Taking Family Vacations:

• Getting away helps you take a break from a high-stress lifestyle.
• You can model successful problem-solving and planning to your kids while on vacation.
• Family vacations provide an opportunity to learn new things.
• Traveling together can create a bond over shared experiences.
• You’ll create family memories that will last for many years.

How Much Does the Average Family Vacation Cost?

The cost of a family vacation varies based on many factors. Are you taking a road trip or flying? Are you planning to go to a lot of attractions with entrance fees or planning to do mostly free things. And, where are you staying? A five-star resort will obviously cost more than staying at a budget motel.

Based on my calculations, the average cost for vacation is $5,197. You can use my vacation cost calculator (in my cost for vacation post) to determine your expected costs. And you can print off my vacation budget planner if you’d like to calculate your vacation cost on paper.

How Long Should a Family Vacation Last?

There are a few factors that will decide how long a family vacation should be. Some studies have suggested that a vacation should be eight days long to capture the full benefits of your time away.

But for some families, you might be limited based on how many vacation days you have from work or school. Hotel and food can also add up fast, so longer vacations will mean spending more money on the trip.

For our family, we typically like to plan our main family vacations to be seven to eight days long depending on travel time. If we’re flying for most of the first day, then we might need an extra day to experience the destination.

However, I’ll be honest that by day seven most of us are missing home and a bit tired. You don’t want to be so busy on vacation that you feel like you need a vacation AFTER your vacation!

How Often Should You Take a Family Vacation?

As often as you can! :) Our family tries to take at least two family vacations a year, plus a couple of weekend getaways. But I’d say that you should try to plan at least one family vacation a year.

I know that responsibilities and finances can affect how often you can take a family vacation. But, even if you make time for a simple weekend getaway you’ll be creating memories with your kids and experiencing something new!

What is the Best Family Vacation Spot in USA?

It’s impossible for me to actually tell you the BEST family vacation spot in the US. That will depend on whether you’re looking for something close to you or far away.

Are you looking for a beach or mountain escape? Perhaps you want to visit a big city, or maybe you’re looking to explore the great outdoors. All these factors will help you decide the best family vacation spot for your family.

Some of the most popular destinations for families include Florida, California, Hawaii, DC, Yellowstone, and New York. However, every state has amazing activities and natural beauty that will make for a great family trip.

I’ve created my list below based on my own family vacations and with the help of some of my travel writing friends. Each of these USA destinations is a great family vacation idea!

I’ve included affiliate links in this post, if you choose to purchase from my links I may earn a commission.

Does the US have All-Inclusive Resorts that are Family-Friendly?

While all-inclusives are popular in the Caribbean (check out our fun stay at the Moon Palace Jamaica ), they’re not very common in the United States. There are a few all-inclusive resorts in the US that welcome families. Note that some simply have an all-inclusive package option that you can choose to add to your reservation.

• Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Port St. Lucie, Florida
• The Ranch at Rock Creek in Philipsburg, Montana
• Hana-Maui Resort (formerly Travaasa Hana), Maui in Hana, Hawaii
• Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island, Michigan
• Vista Verde Guest Ranch in Clark, Colorado
• Woodloch Pines Resort in Hawley, Pennsylvania
• Lodge on Little St. Simons Island in Little St. Simons Island, Georgia
• White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona
• Skytop Lodge in Skytop, Pennsylvania
• Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee
• Kachemak Bay Wilderness Lodge in Homer, Alaska

What is the Best State to Visit in the US For Families?

All 50! I’m slightly joking here but honestly, I think that all 50 states offer amazing discoveries that will benefit families. I think the best state for your family vacation is based on what kind of vacation you’re looking for.

The US offers states with amazing National Parks (like Montana and California), others have fabulous beaches on both the ocean or a lake (like Florida or Michigan), and still, others offer amazing historical educational opportunities (like DC and Alabama).

You might consider helping your kids get a start on a 50 State Bucket List Challenge and visit as many states as you can while your kids are young. Families who enjoy the outdoors might also get a National Parks checklist . And don’t miss my article about how you might be able to get a National Parks Pass for free!

Top 35 Family Vacation Ideas for a Perfect Family Holiday

Northern california.

One of our family’s favorite trips has been a road trip down the California coast . We all fell in love with Northern California. The towering redwood trees in the Redwood National & State Parks are absolutely amazing. And there are so many family-friendly hikes that will put you deep into these giants.

Glass Beach in Fort Bragg is a unique spot that makes for some fabulous family photos! The nearby MacKerricher State Park invites kids to get out, explore, and enjoy nature. And, you might even spot whales during the right season!

Northern California is also home to Lassen Volcanic National Park, where kids can see crazy thermal activity and beautiful waterfall hikes.

If you’re looking for a lake vacation, check out Shasta Lake or Whiskeytown Lake. Families will love paddling and splashing in the sun at one of these two large lakes.

Check out hotels in Northern California .

Estes Park, Colorado

Estes Park, Colorado is a fabulous vacation spot for families who are looking for a National Park trip with some small-town charm and big-city day trips thrown in. Estes Park is home to Rocky Mountain National Park which is one of Mia’s favorite parks. It’s filled with fun hikes, beautiful views, and lots of wildlife.

Estes Park is a charming main street town with lots of tourist shops, including some great candy and ice cream shops. They also have a fun pika scavenger hunt that will keep kids entertained while you stroll up and down the main street.

And when you’re ready for some big-city thrills, head into Denver. It’s about an hour and a half drive and the perfect way to have a vacation with nature and city sights. If you have any NFL fans, they can even book a tour of Broncos stadium.

Check out where to stay in Estes Park .

Oahu, Hawaii

One of my top picks for the best family vacation spots in the US is Oahu. This Hawaiian island is home to Honolulu but offers families so much more to explore. If you’re wanting to get a good feel for Hawaii, Oahu is the place to find it.

It’s easy to reach the island since most major airlines fly into Honolulu, east coasters might want to consider a short layover stop in California if they want to avoid the long flight.

Some of our favorite things to do in Oahu are to hike Diamond Head Monument, take a road trip around the island, eat a plate of shrimp, and of course, enjoy shave ice.

You’ll also find plenty of beaches and rocky overlooks to spend the day at. Popular spots include snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, watching the surfers on the north shore, and long walks along Kauloa Park and Secret Island.

Many families will choose to stay on Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, but some might prefer Disney Aulani which is about 45 minutes away from Honolulu. And you’ll want to catch a luau, either at the Polynesian Cultural Center or the Disney Aulani luau .

Check out hotel prices for Oahu .

Seattle, Washington

A little partial since we live in Seattle, but I do think it’s a fabulous city for a family vacation. Families will love exploring the Seattle Center area of the city where they can visit some of the top attractions.

The MoPop Museum should definitely be on your list. They have a lot of memorabilia of pop culture and some great hands-on music experiences, too. Currently, they have a Minecraft exhibit! It’s a museum all about pop culture!

Seattle also has a fabulous children’s museum, the Space Needle, a world-class zoo and aquarium, and the sea. Kids will love feeling the wind aboard a ferry, searching for crabs and shells along the beaches, and even going whale watching. And it’s easy to get to Olympic National Park from Seattle, where you’ll find amazing Pacific Northwest nature.

Parents will love all our great restaurants, breweries, and parks that offer amazing views and plenty of room to let kids run around. And if you’re a sports fan, Seattle has a football, baseball, soccer, and soon a hockey team all with fabulous fans!

Lots to see and do even if you only have a weekend in Seattle .

Check out hotels in Seattle .

Monterey, California

Many family travelers know all about the sunny destinations in Southern California, but central California also is great for families. Monterey, California offers sandy beaches along with some great outdoor hiking options and kayaking excursions.

Cannery Row is a popular tourist destination that is filled with some great hotels and restaurants, plus you can rent e-bikes to take a ride around the region. Most notably, Monterey is home to the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium which is filled with educational exhibits including a large touch tank.

Check out popular hotels in Monterey, California . One of our favorites is the Hyatt Regency , it’s perfect for families!

Moosehead Lake, Maine

If you’re looking for a relaxing lake vacation, Moosehead Lake, Maine could be the vacation spot for you. Moosehead Lake is the largest lake in Maine, and the largest mountain lake in the eastern US.

The lake is home to many cabin rentals, offering families a home away from home that lets them relax and make themselves at home. I had a chance to stay at two on my Moosehead Lake weekend trip.

Lily Bay State Park has a great beach and campground that families will love. You can book a moose safari where you go at sunrise or sunset to go out looking for moose — we saw two! You’ll find many cabins and lodges that offer kayaks and/or canoes for paddling out and enjoying the water.

Moosehead Lake is also very popular for hiking. It’s located near the Appalachian Trail and has plenty of mountains for challenging you to climb. We loved hiking up the Little Kineo Mountain Trail but the Screw Auger Falls hike will be extremely popular with adventurous kiddos.

Check out hotels in Moosehead Lake and Airbnbs .

Glacier National Park

Looking for a National Park to visit on your family vacation? We visited Glacier National Park last summer and loved it! The park is large but offers a completely different feel from the West Glacier side to the East Glacier side. If you’re traveling during the summer you’ll want to drive the Going to the Sun Road between the two park sections.

We stayed at two really awesome places during our trip to the park. For two nights we glamped at Under Canvas . This is my kind of camping, you get a toilet, shower, and fireplace in your tent! We also stayed inside an old train caboose at the Izaak Walton Inn . That was such a fun experience!

Glacier is also near Whitefish, Montana which offers families some fun activities at their mountain resort. And you’ll find some great dining and shopping in their mountain town.

Check out hotels near Glacier National Park .

Santa Rosa, California

Santa Rosa is the home of Charles Schulz, the artist, and creator of the Peanuts comic. There is a Charles Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa that should appeal to kids and adults alike. Kids can even try to draw the Peanuts in the museum’s art room. And, there’s a skating rink and a children’s museum within walking distance.

Santa Rosa is also home to the Safari West wildlife park. Families who are interested in learning more about African animals can visit and go on a jeep tour. You can even stay onsite in one of their glamping tents, where you’ll fall asleep with the sounds of birds and lemurs calling into the night.

Santa Rosa also offers parents plenty of opportunities to enjoy wine tasting. Wineries are family-friendly, and some even offer activities on-site to keep kids entertained while parents sip away.

Check out hotels in Santa Rosa .

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans may be best known for beads and Bourbon Street, but there is another family-oriented side to this Louisiana city. Creole cuisine and live jazz aren’t just for grown-ups, with lots of kid-friendly restaurants and music venues. Festive king cakes drizzled with Mardi Gras-colored icing and beignets doused in powdered sugar are tasty local treats for all ages.

Kids will especially love playing at the Louisiana Children’s Museum, which was completely redesigned and reopened in a new location inside City Park in 2019. This expansive park is also home to Carousel Gardens and Storyland theme parks, the New Orleans Botanical Garden, and the City Putt miniature golf course.

For a more educational activity, take kids to the National WWII Museum for an important lesson in history. Meanwhile, families will always remember searching for alligators on an airboat swamp tour in the Big Easy.

Adventurous children and their parents can even touch a millipede’s legs and taste cricket cookies at the Audubon Insectarium. For more traditional animal experiences, head to the impressive Audubon Zoo and Audubon Aquarium of the Americas.

To get a different view of N’Awlins, be sure to take a mule-drawn carriage ride of the French Quarter and sail the Mississippi River from Steamboat Natchez during your visit to Crescent City. The unique flavors, architecture, and friendliness of New Orleans make this city a must-see for families in 2023.

Check out hotels in New Orleans .

Austin, Texas

It’s quirky and cool like Portland – but oh, so much warmer! This vibrant and youthful city is famous for food, festivals and a fantastic live music scene ( Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of America).

Families can easily spend a whole day exploring the 361 acre Zilker Metropolitan Park, which includes an excellent playground, a miniature passenger train, a popular Nature and Science Center (Where kids can dig for dinosaur bones!) and the gigantic fresh water-fed Barton Springs Pool.

Thankfully, on those extra hot days when the mercury pushes past 90 degrees (July/August), you don’t have to venture far to have a good time in this city. Most Austin hotels have awesome pools to keep their guests happy and comfortable.

When it starts to cool off in the evening, join the crowds near the Congress Avenue Bridge to watch the bats take flight. From March through October, over a million bats make their home underneath the bridge and take to the skies just after dusk. It’s a pretty unique sight…and it’s free!

Check out hotels in Austin .

Chicago, Illinois

Looking for a big city family trip? Chicago, Illinois is the perfect place to go! They have some of the best museums in the country from The Shedd Aquarium to the Museum of Science and Industry and the Field Museum. All of these have plenty to do to keep the kids occupied. Plus there is an awesome Children’s Museum on Navy Pier!

Beyond the museums, there are unbelievable parks at locations like Millenium Park where you have to check out the Bean. And don’t miss the FREE Lincoln Park Zoo!

We love that in Chicago you are in the middle of a busy city yet you are able to be outside enjoying so many different fun things from ice skating to parks to walking around downtown.

One of the cool things about Chicago is all of the different neighborhoods. Each one has something unique to offer. Make sure to take time to explore the different neighborhoods and feel the different vibe in each one.

Beyond all of the amazing things to do, there are delicious restaurants and you can’t come to Chicago and not have a deep dish pizza or 2 or 3! You and your family will have an amazing time exploring everything the city has to offer.

Check out hotels in Chicago .

Key West, Florida

Despite its reputation of being a quirky party town, Key West, FL is a great destination for families. The quirkiness is real but just adds to the charm of this sun-soaked island in the Florida Keys.

Key West’s best attractions are arguably on the water, so be sure to book a snorkel tour or go parasailing. For something more laid back, a sunset cruise is a perfect way to wrap up a lazy day in paradise. Fury Key West or Sebago offers several tours and excursions that we enjoyed.

Besides soaking up some rays, other activities include a tour of Key West on the Conch Train or in the evening, learn about Key West’s spookier side on the Ghosts and Gravestones tour.

No trip would be complete without stopping by the Southernmost Point for a selfie, and if you love cats, the Ernest Hemmingway Home and Museum is the perfect way to spend a few hours. Fair warning though – you may fall in love with the cuddly 6-toed kitties and not want to leave!

Be sure to budget a day for a visit to Dry Tortugas National Park. You can reach the park by ferry or seaplane (the seaplane is awesome!), and it’s a fun adventure that the kids will love. Dry Tortugas is one of America’s most remote Parks and is really one of the most unique that we’ve visited. As far as day trips are concerned, this is one of the best we’ve been on.

Finally, don’t leave without sampling the key lime pie. It goes without saying, but there’s no better place to find it! Try a frozen slice on a stick dipped in chocolate from Kermit’s. You can thank us later!

Recommended by Carrick Buss from Along for the Trip. Read more about the fun activities in Key West with kids .

Check out prices for Key West hotels .

Yellowstone National Park

This is definitely a bucket list family vacation destination. Yellowstone is one of those trips that everyone should experience since it’s the oldest National Park in the United States.

Exploring Yellowstone will take you many days. Near the northern entrance is popular Mammoth Hot Springs and Larimar Valley where you’ll often see bison. South of Larimar Valley is the amazing Grand Canyon of Yellowstone waterfall . From the west entrance heading south you’ll be able to catch all the amazing geothermal pools and geysers, like Old Faithful.

There’s so much to see and learn at Yellowstone which makes it a great family vacation destination! If you’re thinking of taking a tour around Yellowstone, check out our Disney Adventures trip to Yellowstone .

Check out prices for Yellowstone hotels .

Raleigh, North Carolina

If you are looking for entertaining, free activities for families, along with plenty of chances to explore nature, Raleigh, North Carolina is a great option. The capital of North Carolina is an easy flight from many destinations and is affordable for a family vacation.

Free museums include the must-see North Carolina Museum of Natural Science. This museum is spread out over two different buildings and offers kid-friendly, hands-on exhibits and demonstrations. The onsite café is delicious, and features fresh, local food.

Nearby is the North Carolina Museum of History, which showcases the history of North Carolina. This Smithsonian affiliate is also home to traveling exhibits, and is free, although some special exhibits may have a fee.

We also enjoyed the North Carolina Museum of Art, which offers a beautiful outdoor park that connects art with nature in addition to traditional indoor exhibits. Kids can borrow a complimentary backpack, which includes items they can use to explore the park.

Families that want to get outside may want to visit nearby Jordan Lake. This 14,000-acre, undeveloped reservoir is the third largest lake in North Carolina. There’s also Go Ape, a treetop ropes course, which is located near Raleigh.

Recommended by Jodi from Family Travel Magazine. See more things to do in Raleigh here .

Find the best hotels in Raleigh, NC .

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas may not seem like an obvious location for a family vacation, but it was a great destination for our family. As long as the adults in your party are ok foregoing gambling and nightclubs, we recommend “Sin City” for families.

Direct flights are easy to find, and Las Vegas offers a plethora of amazing hotels that offer gorgeous pool areas that kids love. Because there are more hotel rooms in Las Vegas than any other US city, families can often score a great value for a luxury hotel on or off the Strip.

The Strip is the world’s most visited tourist attraction, and kids love the outdoor displays like Mirage’s Polynesian waterfall that “erupts” hourly during its evening shows, the fountains at the Bellagio and the Venetian canals.

Kids get a “taste” of New York, Paris, Venice, and Rome by exploring the Strip. My four-year-old son was so amazed by the half-scale Eiffel Tower that he begged us for four years to take him to Paris. (Lucky for him that our actual trip to Paris also included visits to Venice and Rome.)

There are also never-ending options for great meals. Our family particularly enjoyed Caesar’s Bacchanal Buffet and Lotus of Siam, which has been rated as the best Thai restaurant in the US. For families who want a break from the neon canyon, the Red Rocks and Hoover Dam are each just a short drive from Las Vegas and great day trip options.

Recommended by Catherine D’Cruz from We Go With Kids. Find out more from Catherine about Las Vegas with kids . Plus families can enjoy some great outdoor activities with kids near Las Vegas .

Check out prices for Las Vegas hotels .

Disneyland / anaheim, california.

For most families, a trip to Disney is a popular family vacation. Our family has certainly enjoyed a LOT of trips to both in the US. Disneyland is in Anaheim, California, and has two theme parks with lots of rides and attractions that are great for all ages.

Beyond Disneyland, Southern California has a lot of fun family-friendly attractions. You can check out Universal Studios — their backlot tour is so much fun! And you’re near some of the best California beaches, including Huntington Beach AKA Surf City USA.

If you want help booking your Disneyland vacation, my booking partners at Get Away Today are Disneyland experts and offer great discounts on tickets and hotel packages. Use my code ‘Stuffed Suitcase’ to get $10 off your booking of a 2+ night hotel package.

Disney World / Orlando, Florida

Disney World is in Orlando, Florida, and has four theme parks in addition to two waterparks. If you’re looking to be immersed in Disney, a weeklong trip to Disney World and staying onsite will certainly offer you a lot of Disney magic! We loved staying at the Disney Riviera Resort and using the Skyliner to get to the parks.

Read my tips for how I saved thousands on my Disney World vacation !

Beyond Disney World, which is launching. anew attraction, Tron, in 2023, Orlando and the Kissimmee area have many activities for families. You will have to take multiple trips to experience it all. My teens love Universal Orlando with its crazy thrill rides .

And if you’re planning a trip without the kids, Orlando is a great vacation spot for adults , too!

Looking for a deal on your Walt Disney World and Orlando vacation? My partners at Get Away Today can offer you great prices on hotels and tickets, PLUS they offer a Disney World concierge service and will book your fastpasses and dining reservations for you.

San Luis Obispo, California

California is filled with amazing family-friendly locations, but one often overlooked region is the San Luis Obispo area on the Central Coast. Located on the popular Pacific Coast Highway route between San Francisco and Los Angeles, this is an area worth stopping for a few days.

SLO CAL, as it is often called, offers families an abundance of year-round outdoor activities, animal sightings and even a few quirky sights too. From kayaking at Morro Bay with some of the world’s remaining sea otters to sailing with Captain Mark in search of whales, there is so much to do and see on the water.

For land-based families, you can try your hand at driving sand dune buggies or sand sledding at the one of a kind state park, Oceano State Vehicular Recreation Area.

On a coast filled with cool beaches, another must-visit in this area is Grover Beach where you can drive on the beach to set up your own bonfire wherever you want. Or head to Moonstone Beach to collect rocks while searching for the elusive moonstone.

Families into the quirky will love a visit to the Madonna Inn, Hearst Castle and of course the infamous Bubblegum Alley in San Luis Obispo. Don’t forget to look for check out the elephant seal rookery in San Simeon and the herd of zebras in the pastures nearby.

There is so much to do and see in this region that a quick pass through on Highway 1 can never do it justice. Book a room, stay for a while and give yourself time to see it all.

Recommended by Karilyn from No Back Home. Read about her weekend in San Luis Obispo .

Find hotels in SLO, CA .

Door County, Wisconsin

Door County, Wisconsin is one of our all-time favorite family destinations. Located just two hours north of Milwaukee, Door County is actually a peninsula surrounded by Lake Michigan on one side and Green Bay on the other. Families will love the year-round outdoor activities available, beautiful scenery, and laid back atmosphere.

For those planning a trip to the area, choose a home base in the center of the peninsula (we recommend Fish Creek or Egg Harbor) for easy access to all of the area’s attractions.

In the warmer months, families can enjoy picking fresh fruit, zip-lining through nature preserves, kayaking on the lake, and visiting the area lighthouses. They can even watch the latest movies at the local drive-in. In the fall, Door County is one of the top places for foliage with spectacular colors and Highway 42 is one of the most beautiful drives in the country.

Winter visitors can enjoy quiet hikes on the local beaches, trying winter sports in Peninsula State Park, or shopping in the charming small towns. One thing is for sure, Door County doesn’t disappoint any time of year and families will think it is the perfect getaway for all ages.

Recommended by  Kirsten Maxwell from Kids Are A Trip. Read more from her about Door County . 

Find hotels in Door County .

Folly Beach, South Carolina

Folly Beach in South Carolina is a friendly beach island just 25 minutes from Charleston, SC that’s perfect for families. It has plenty of rental properties and hotels right by the water, and the ocean is shallow enough for little ones to play in. For adults, there is an astoundingly high quality and variety of food and nightlife.

The overall vibe is relaxed and welcoming, and there are numerous water activities (we took an excellent boat tour out to an island with a lighthouse!) as well as biking, strolling, and being one with nature.

Did you know that Folly has DOLPHINS naturally frolicking in its waters?! Though the island is very popular in the summer, consider checking out Folly Beach in the off-season or shoulder season, as it’s still a great getaway then, and prices and crowds are lower.

Another perk: Because it’s surrounded on all sides by water, Folly Beach has some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets I’ve seen in my entire life!

Folly Beach was recommended by Lillie Marshall from Around the World “L”.

Check out some of the great hotels in the area !

New York City, New York

City adventures make for great family trips, and few places can top the urban wonderland that is New York City. One could almost ask, what doesn’t it have? The Big Apple is packed full of a wide variety of accommodation options, has an easy and affordable public transit system, tens of thousands of restaurants to choose from, and never, ever sleeps.

There’s something in the city for everyone. Families with younger kids can spend time in the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, check out the larger than life displays at the Natural History Museum, and run through Central Park and its Zoo. American Girl fans will love a stop at its flagship store, and every sweet tooth will enjoy Dylan’s Candy Bar or baked treats at Magnolia Bakery.

Older kids often want to be in the center of the action, so take them to Times Square at night. Ride up to the top of the Empire State Building (lots of selfie opps!) and fill them up with pasta and gelato at Eataly NYC Flatiron.

Walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, go on a Scott’s Pizza Tour, take in a Yankees, Knicks or Rangers game, and experience The Ride through Manhattan, one of the most unique attractions in the city.

New York has museums and art galleries to spare. Families with art lovers shouldn’t miss the Guggenheim, Met Museum, or the Frick Collection (for kids 10+).

Theatre-loving kids and parents can take in shows and plays to their heart’s content on Broadway. Frozen, School of Rock and Dear Evan Hansen (older kids) are great family theatre experiences.

Check out the massive Hudson Yards neighborhood with public art and cultural spaces like The Shed, restaurants, shops, markets, and the highest outdoor observation deck in the western hemisphere – 1,100 feet above the ground. As always, New York goes big.

Recommended by Claudia from The Travelling Mom .

Check out hotel prices in NYC .

The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the natural wonders of the world and indeed, you would be hard-pressed not to experience wonder and awe in front of its majestic beauty. Beautiful, engaging and easy to enjoy, the canyon is a fantastic destination for families and has a lot to offer to adults and kids of all ages.

In terms of activities, you have a vast choice of options to suit all levels of fitness. You can take one of the many hikes available (some, not all, are suitable for kids), you can explore the historic buildings and museums in the park or even simply enjoy the scenery using the handy and free shuttle bus that connects the many points of interest and viewpoints in the area.

The more adventurous types can opt for more strenuous canyon hikes, go cycling or even go rafting joining one of the family tours available. There is plenty to keep energetic kids entertained and it is an easy place to keep them away from the screen without boredom setting in.

Rangers hold regular family-friendly talks and activities in the park and the visitor centers offer good information booklets and materials to help you enjoy the park in your own time and at your pace, should you wish to do so. Families have a vast choice of accommodation options ranging from cabins, to lodges and beautiful hotels, making the Grand Canyon not just beautiful but also easy to enjoy at all ages.

Recommended by Marta Correale from Learning Escapes. Read her tips for visiting the Grand Canyon with kids .

Find hotels near the Grand Canyon .

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Located just 90 minutes from Denver, families should put Colorado Springs and the surrounding Pikes Peak Region on their radar for their next vacation. Family-friendly activities include a visit to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Within its 40 acres, kids will enjoy several up-close-and-personal animal experiences including feeding the giraffes.

Give your kids a taste of the Old West with a visit to the Ghost Town Museum. There’s nothing more magical to kids than visiting Santa, and families can do that from May – Christmas Eve at The North Pole – Home of Santa’s Workshop. All aboard Pikes Peak Cog Railway for year-round stunning views of the mountains. Load the family in the car for a scenic drive or hike at the always-free Garden of the Gods.

Drive a little farther into Canyon City and take in the view from the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, one of the world’s highest suspension bridges. And there’s so much more to do and see in Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak Region that one visit will not be enough.

Recommended by Diana Rowe from Traveling in Heels. Read her post about a multigenerational trip to Colorado Springs . Also, read about these things to do in Colorado Springs plus kid-friendly activities in Colorado Springs .

Check out hotels in Colorado Springs .

Southeastern Utah

Mary from The World is a Book says: Southeastern Utah boasts some of the country’s most picturesque and spectacular sceneries. Its unmatched landscapes are filled with red rocks and canyons, sandstone cliffs and towering rock formations. Don’t miss these attractions for an unforgettable family trip.

Moab is a great base to explore two incredible National Parks nearby. Arches National Park has the world’s largest concentration of over 2,000 sandstone arches. Canyonlands has been called the “showcase of geology” with several overlooks into deep canyons and amazing rock formations. There are plenty of easy hiking trails for families in both parks.

Moab is also an outdoor recreation paradise offering varied adventures. Families can go rafting on the Colorado River, go rock climbing, canyoneering, ballooning, hiking, fishing, biking or ATV riding. Lake Powell is North America’s largest man-made lake. It is a haven of houseboats (some with slides). It offers many water recreation activities against a backdrop of red rock canyons.

The iconic Monument Valley has been used as a backdrop for many films and a symbol of the American Wild West. We highly recommend doing the scenic and cultural tour to explore the back roads and learn more about the Navajo people.

Check out hotels near Moab .

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Kendra from Kendra Pierson Love, Learn, Travel says: Minneapolis makes the list of best places because it’s a location with interests for every member of the family in just about every season.

The family outdoors lover will love being able to fish in one of the more than 10,000 lakes while the art lover can explore the Walker Art Center. The best part is that quality fishing can take place within the city limits, so your family can split up for the day and still meet up for dinner in the eclectic foodie scene.

Families will also want to visit the Science Museum of Minnesota. Right inside their lobby is Mississippi River Visitor Center National Park. Sports fans will want to score tickets for one of the six professional teams.

Finally, everyone has to take a visit to the Mall of America. With a Nickelodeon themed amusement park in the center and no tax on clothing purchases, it’s just one of the places that you visit just to say that you have!

Check out hotels in Minneapolis .

Richmond, Virginia

Patricia from Fairfax Family Fun says: Old and new, high-tech and laid back, thrilling and peaceful… whatever you hope to find in a family vacation, it’s likely in Richmond. Love nature? How does spending a day in a gorgeous botanical garden sound? Richmond, Virginia (the state’s capital) is home to the Ginter Botanical Garden, a beautiful facility with a lovely children’s area, and the Metro Richmond Zoo, with many animals and a treetop adventure.

If science is more your speed, the Science Museum of Virginia will not disappoint, and neither will the children’s museum right next door.

The city offers much for history buffs, especially at Richmond National Battlefield Park, which commemorates 13 American Civil War sites, including Tredegar Iron Works, which supplied much of the artillery to the Confederacy.

Thrill-seekers and adventurous types might like the heart-pumping action of the Richmond Raceway or testing their own limits with fun rides at the Kings Dominion theme park (which has a wonderful – and tame! – kids’ area). But if you prefer to take it easy, Richmond has something for you, too, especially along the nice Canal Walk, where you can take in the city sights and learn about its 400-year history.

Check out hotels in Richmond .

Midcoast Maine

Francesca at The Working Mom Travels says: MidCoast Maine is a collection of small towns and islands and is a wonderful place for a family vacation. The region, just off of US-1 (the heavily traveled route between Portland and Acadia National Park ), simply has it all: excellent food; abundance of outdoor activities; arts and culture; and jaw-dropping scenery.

First off, the lobster. There can’t be talk about Maine without mentioning lobster. The whole family can enjoy a lobster dinner in MidCoast Maine for a fraction of what it might cost at home. Claws, a casual, family-friendly lobster shack in Rockland, is a top pick.

With mountains above and Penobscot Bay below, MidCoast Maine is a year-round, outdoor family playground. A great spot for families to enjoy the outdoors (along with that jaw-dropping scenery) is Camden Hills State Park. Hike, bike, or drive to the top of Mount Battie for sweeping views of the bay and Camden Harbor. Families looking to be out on the water are in luck. There is no shortage of schooner day cruises in MidCoast Maine.

For a bit of culture, families should head to Rockland, Maine’s new arts destination. Rockland is home to Farnsworth Art Museum and Center for Maine Contemporary Art (CMCA). Both institutions focus on MidCoast Maine’s role in the arts, from 100-year-old pieces at Farnsworth to modern creations at CMCA.

Check out hotels in Mid Coast Maine .

Cincinnati, Ohio

Nedra at Adventure Mom says: Cincinnati, Ohio is a great destination for families. Enjoy scenic views of the river from the swings, ride the carousel and make music as you step on the giant outdoor piano at Smale Park.

Take a ride on the streetcar and connect to the Over the Rhine neighborhood and enjoy a meal at one of the great restaurants on Vine Street and experience many of the activities at Washington Park.

You can visit Fiona, everyone’s favorite hippo at the Cincinnati Zoo. Thrill-seekers will love the ride options at Kings Island Amusement Park and families will appreciate their award-winning kids’ section.

The Cincinnati Reds games are held in a very family-friendly baseball stadium with a whiffle ball field and playground for kids who need a break in between innings.

The city is rich in history and the arts with fantastic art museums that are free to the public and creative street murals located on buildings throughout the city. Take in a gorgeous view from the observation deck of Carew Tower and don’t forget to try local favorites Cincinnati style chili and Graeter’s ice cream.

Check out hotels in Cincinnati .

Florida’s Space Coast

Tamara from We3Travel says: The Florida Space Coast is a beautiful gem on the East Coast of Florida with something for everyone. The beautiful wide sandy beaches on the Atlantic have made towns like Cocoa Beach a surfer’s paradise. With beachfront, affordable hotels, family-friendly dining, and kid-approved activities like miniature golf, there is everything you need for a relaxing family vacation.

But what makes this region so special is, of course, the Kennedy Space Center .

You don’t need to be into space to find KSC fascinating. Kids can, of course, learn about the history of the space program, but they can also learn to perform a mission in space, crawl through a model International Space Station, and walk under the massive Saturn V rockets. If you are really lucky with your timing, you may even get to see a rocket launch.

Only about an hour from Orlando, the Space Coast makes a great option for families that want to pair some beach time with a visit to the theme parks.

Check out hotels on the Space Coast .

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Lesli from 365 Atlanta Family says: The population of Chattanooga, TN stands at less than 200,000, but it’s not your ordinary small Southern town. Chattanooga is an outdoor playground, promising nature-loving families a weekend worth of fun. From caving to hang-gliding and rafting to rock-climbing, high adventure reigns.

After you work up an appetite, head into town for impeccable eats. Urban Stack is our family’s favorite but you’ll find plenty of locally-owned options to choose from.

Looking for more traditional attractions? Try Chattanooga Aquarium, Ruby Falls, Tennessee Valley Railroad, and Hunter Museum of American Art. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Moon Pie General Store – Moon Pies originated in Chattanooga!

While we do recommend a visit to the Chattanooga Choo-Choo Hotel during the day, The Chattanoogan remains our favorite overnight accommodation. You’ll find spacious rooms, an inviting lobby, and the perfect heated, indoor pool offering views over the neighborhood.

Also, read: Things to Do with Kids in Chattanooga Free or Cheap Things to Do in Memphis TN

Check out hotels in Chattanooga, Tennessee .

Boise, Idaho

Chez Chesak says: There are some good attractions for kids in Boise, like Zoo Boise and the Discover Center of Idaho. But they are relatively small and generally feel a bit worn. The real strength of Boise as a family destination are all the outdoor activities.

A system of public parks runs through the center of town, and the nine riverside parks are known collectively as the ‘Ribbon of Jewels’. These parks are full of walkways, playgrounds, trails, disc golf courses and other outdoor diversions.

The Greenbelt is a paved bike path that links all the parks (and much of the rest of the town) along the river. Further, when the weather is good, families can leisurely float the Boise River, and a regular bus will shuttle you back to the put-in point.

Camel’s Back Park, while not on the river, is filled with trails, playgrounds, etc. – and it’s located near a handful of great family-friendly restaurants (and Goody’s ice cream shop).

It’s worth your time to take the winding drive up to Bogus Basin, the local, nonprofit, ski hill. There are great hikes there, wonderful views of the city, and it can be a completely different temperature than in the valley itself. In the winter there is skiing (both downhill and cross-country) and a tubing hill.

Check out hotels in Boise .

Caribbean Cruise

Our family really loves cruising. And while most of the Caribbean isn’t in the US (except for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands), heading out on a Caribbean cruise is easy from multiple US ports of call like Miami, Galveston, and even NYC. Just know that you will need passports.

As the primary planner in the family, I love that the planning is pretty straightforward with cruises. You find a ship or cruise line that you think fits your family, look at the schedule and ports of call, and book.

Cruises allow families tons of freedom with dining. Everyone can find something they’ll enjoy! Plus kids can have some freedom to plan their own day, where they want to eat, what they want to do, and where they want to go next.

Cruising also offers you a chance to get a feel for destinations you wouldn’t necessarily plan an entire trip around. You’ll be able to pop into a few different ports of call. There are also small cruise ships that don’t have the same “city on the sea” feel of the mega-ships.

Check out prices for cruise vacations .

Alaska Cruise

If you’re looking for another cruise option, taking an Alaska cruise can be a fabulous family vacation! It’s an easy way to experience the largest state in the US. Alaska Cruises offer families the chance to see glaciers, and wildlife like whales and bears, as well as try some excursions like fishing and dog-sledding.

When you’re choosing an Alaska cruise for families, you’ll want to be mindful of the ship you book. Look for if it has enough activities on board to keep everyone entertained, but also know that larger ships might need to tender in Alaska ports, which can be an inconvenience.

My recent Holland America Alaska cruise with my teen was so much fun. We loved visiting Glacier Bay National Park, catching some salmon in the wild, and even hanging upside down on some ziplines in the forest. It’s a great vacation for families who like scenery and adventure.

Glendale, Arizona

For 2023, Glendale is a hot family vacation destination. They’re hosting the Super Bowl in February, which adds another big sports event to a region that already is famous for its annual Spring Training baseball season.

Beyond sports, Glendale is also welcoming the first of its kind, Mattel Adventure Park . Kids (and adults) can jump into the world of all their favorite Hot Wheels, Barbie, or Thomas and Friends characters. There will be rides and attractions for all ages, it’s the perfect place for families to PLAY ALL DAY!

There are so many great hotels in the Glendale region, but also in 2023, a brand new VAI Resort is opening. It gives me Vegas vibes, bringing oasis-level luxury to the middle of the desert. Definitely a destination hotel!

Indianapolis, Indiana

Another destination undergoing some improvements in 2023 is Indianapolis. Located in the heart of the midwest, Indy offers tourists plenty of activities including the largest children’s museum in the World!

One of my favorite spaces in Indianapolis is the White River State Park which offers some unique museums and their city zoon along a great paved riverwalk path. Near White River State Park is the Indianapolis Cultural Trail , which is adding another 2 miles in 2023 to help improve access to the city’s historical African American cultural district of Mass Ave.

Lastly, in 2023, the heart of downtown Indy will open a brand-new $30 million public gathering space, called Bicentennial Unity Plaza, with an outdoor seasonal skating rink, arts park area, restaurant, basketball court, shopping, and more.

Here’s more great inspiration for vacation planning:

If you’re working with a limited vacation budget, check out these  15 Cheap Vacation Spots . Or perhaps you’re looking for some Luxury Trip ideas .

How about escaping winter to these Warm Weather Destinations for Families — consider a visit to  Florida Beaches . Or one of my favorite states, discover great Spring Break Spots in California and Frugal Spring Break Spots .

And here are some other great ideas from my friends: What to Do in Nashville , the Mississippi Gulf Coast , a Family Vacation to Alaska , or go international with a Costa Rica Family Vacation .

Share and Save This Post:

George Creed

Friday 21st of May 2021

And close to home and reasonable - Chincoteague Island, Virginia and adjoining beach at Assateague Island. Watch the rockets launch from Wallops Island

Beach vacations are certainly one of my favorites!

Janine Waite

Thursday 16th of April 2020

Wow, what a fantastic post! You have traveled to a lot of cool places. There are few on your list that I haven't seen, so I'll have to check them out. Thanks for the thorough and helpful travel tips.

Amy Locurto

So many great places!! Been to some already, but I can't wait to visit the rest.

estaservice.us

Monday 16th of March 2020

The list is really interesting that you have shared. We were planning for a trip and really was confused which place to choose. After reading your blog we are definitely planning a visit to this beautiful country called US. Thanks to remove all our doubts of planning a trip.

dolphin tours

Thursday 19th of December 2019

Very exciting, this coming vacation me and my family want a best spot for coming 2020.nice tips.

• About the Blogger
• About the Globetrotters
• Community Groups
• Privacy Policy
• PR & Media Inquiries
• Guest Opportunities
• Giveaways & Offers

• Best Destinations
• Explore My City
• Australia & Oceania
• Middle East
• Pregnancy Travel
• Baby Travel
• Toddler Travel
• Tween & Teen Travel
• Theme Park Travel
• Travel Health
• Travel Photography
• Flying with Kids
• Beach Vacation
• Camping, Hiking & Outdoor Adventures
• Travel Toys
• Baby Travel Gear
• Toddler Travel Gear
• Outdoor Gear
• Airline Reviews
• Accommodation Reviews
• Attraction Reviews
• Book Reviews
• Travel Gifts
• Packing Lists
• Expat Life Blog
• Expat Money Matters
• Global Parenting Interviews
• Expat Entrepreneurs
• Family Life in Abu Dhabi
• Booking Tools

17 Unbelievable Hidden Gems for Family Travel in 2024

We have come together with our family travel blogger community one last time in this best destinations series to share with you some absolute all-time favourite family vacation spots – the one that perhaps surprised us the most and took our breath away, the Hidden Gems for Family Travel .

Now, if you’re ever-growing bucket list was out of control before, grab your pen; I guarantee you that list is about to get longer!

This post was first published in October 2016, and updated for world events and changes to some destinations in February 2022

We have some great pointers on how to start narrowing down that bucket list here! 

Antigua & British Virgin Islands, Caribbean

Lisa from travel loving family.

The Caribbean offers powder-white sandy beaches and crystal-clear blue waters perfect for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving.  Many people do not realise that there are 7000 islands in the Caribbean; of course, many of these are uninhabited. 

Many of the developed islands offer world-class family resorts with kids’ clubs, evening entertainment and child-friendly water sports. I spent three seasons working in the Caribbean onboard cruise ships, and after leaving for a life on land, I worked for a luxury tour operator as a Caribbean Travel Specialist, which involved frequent visits to the Caribbean. 

If I had to choose a perfect family holiday in the Caribbean, it would be a week in Antigua & Barbuda , home to 365 beaches and one of the most popular sailing destinations in the world, followed by a week in the lesser-known British Virgin Islands .

Antigua offers many fabulous family-friendly excursions. I can thoroughly recommend the following – taking a rib ride around the entire island stopping in English Harbour, a helicopter flight over Monserrat, a mangrove kayaking tour, learning to do the stingray shuffle and snorkelling with stingrays at Stingray City and a deep-sea fishing excursion.

Also not to be missed is the weekly Sunday BBQ party at Shirley Heights Lookout. I loved watching local kids and visitors dance to the steel drum music whilst watching the sun setting over the English Harbour from a viewpoint of 490ft above sea level!

The British Virgin Islands comprise 64 islands, islets and cays between Anguilla and Puerto Rico.  Only 19 of the 64 islands are inhabited.  The BVI is perfect for families who love water sports and wish to visit an unspoilt destination which is slightly off the beaten path. 

I would personally recommend staying on either Virgin Gorda island (Rosewood Little Dix is a super family-friendly property), home of the popular Baths and huge granite boulders which are great fun for exploring.  Or Peter Island, the largest private island in the BVI at 1,800 acres.  It has five beaches and offers a wide range of land and sea-based activities.

The main appeal for families is to be able to explore the different islands either on the inter-island ferry service which runs regularly throughout the day or via a private boat. All resorts offer a wide variety of water sports – paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking and scuba diving are particularly popular.

Flying between Antigua and BVI is easy with the recently added charter flight by VI.  Normally I like direct flights for travelling with my kids but this one-hour charter flight adds another adventurous element to a family holiday.  The views of the surrounding islands, St Kitts, Nevis etc are absolutely spectacular too.  

Learn More about Lisa’s picks for top 5 family-friendly destinations in the Caribbean 

Banff, Canada

Amy from passports & pigtails.

Banff, Alberta, is Canada’s majestic backyard, our larger-than-life playground  As only one of two municipalities incorporated into a Canadian National Park, Banff is a bucket list destination that calls to travellers around the world.

Sitting at an elevation of 1,383 meters, it is the highest town in Canada, and federal law keeps it from expanding beyond its current 3.93 square km border. 

But Banff is more than just a rocky mountain townsite.  Banff is mother nature in her finest moment, a haven of majestic views, unbeatable trails, powdery slopes and backcountry glory, with a splash of the animal kingdom and gourmet food for good measure. 

It is a place where Canada can showcase the true fortune of having four very distinct seasons, even allowing for a few to be experienced on the same day folks take in a morning of snowboarding followed by a bike ride in the sun of the afternoon.

In winter, the ‘Big 3’ mountain resorts reign supreme and in the summer, Banff is a hiking and camping paradise . With accommodations ranging from hostels and campsites to the luxury of the Fairmont Banff Springs , families can indulge in gondola rides and natural hot pools, grab a sweet along the shop-lined main street or tackle a day of hiking .

Banff is a place that will completely fill your family’s wander-list.

Read more about Alberta’s majestic backyard, Banff , and nearby Canmore with kids makes an excellent place to stay nearby.

Bukit Lawang, Sumatra, Indonesia

Jason from an epic education.

As a kid, I imagined being Indiana Jones. Hacking my way through the jungle, I would spar with panthers and flee from hostile natives — all in the pursuit of treasure. Now as an adult (in age only), I have discovered a close equivalent to my childhood fantasies: Bukit Lawang in Indonesia.

Aside from the dense rainforests, there are stark differences between this rural village and the daydreams of my youth. The locals here are actually warm and welcoming, and the real predator is the occasional mosquito (book accommodation near the river to avoid them).

The treasure? Incredible wildlife, including orangutans, monitor lizards, wild peacocks and monkeys of numerous sizes and species. There are also some interesting caves and a beautiful river for swimming and tubing — all available to kids who like swimming, jungle trekking and getting dirty. Bukit Lawang’s location is both remote and accessible.

Many traveling families visit Penang, Malaysia, and the Medan Airport in northern Sumatra is only a 45-minute flight away. Accommodation in Bukit Lawang varies in price and amenities, but most establishments can arrange pickup at the airport.

From there, it’s a bumpy 3-hour drive through villages and palm oil plantations to Bukit Lawang, which sits next to the Bohorok river. On the other side of that river is Gunung Leuser National Park, where the orangutans live.

We’ve been to Bukit Lawang twice and hope to return again soon. With the encroachment of palm oil and other industrialization, I encourage visiting sooner than later.

Learn more about Sumatra with Kids.

Burma (Myanmar)

Cathy winston from mummy travels.

NB, this contribution was made prior to the Coup d’état in 2021 – we would strongly advise against travel without checking government warnings at present.

Burma – or as it is presently known Myanmar – isn’t top of most people’s list of family travel destinations, and that’s understandable. It only opened up to tourism about five years ago, so it’s still off the beaten track for a lot of adults. But it’s actually a fantastic place to go with kids. 

Children are welcome everywhere: little ones will be the absolute centre of attention, so you never need to worry about whether you can go somewhere, and menus are happily adapted to fussy pre-schoolers. And there’s lots to entertain as well.

Visiting the ancient temples at Bagan might not sound appealing to young kids but with a good guide, it’s fascinating looking at the carvings, wandering through dark narrow passages and hearing tales and legends.

At In Dein , near Inle Lake , it was like discovering a lost city, while we also visited a Burmese cat sanctuary and saw the fantastic floating gardens.

On the west coast, the sand around Ngapali Beach is totally unspoiled, too and far fewer people to share it with. We also stayed in four/five-star hotels as I wanted reliable air con and a good pool after exploring, but the cost of living means that’s far more affordable here, while there are cheaper options if you’re on a budget.

Looking to plan a Burma trip with kids? Here’s a great guide . Don’t forget the need for a Myanmar Visa for US Citizen .

Etruscan Coast, Tuscany, Italy

Marta from learning escapes.

With images of rolling hills, historical towns, and mouthwatering food gracing the covers of travel brochures, the inclusion of Italy in a list of hidden gems may seem questionable.

However, some parts of the country are still undiscovered by international tourism and are a slice of heaven for families wishing to relax in beautiful surroundings. One such area is the Etruscan Coast, the part of Tuscany overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

My family has been spending holidays here for generations, and for good reasons.  Miles of soft sand and crystal clear shallow waters make it perfect for budding swimmers, and the food is so delicious even the fussiest of eaters accepts it in handfuls (now, that alone makes Tuscany worth it!).

If you fancy a break from the beach, historical towns are a short drive inland and outdoors lovers can explore the countryside on horseback, one of the most popular activities in the area.

Family comes first in Italy and Tuscany is no exception: kids are royalty here and hotels and resorts welcome families with open arms, with onsite playgrounds and kids activities, making this coast a real hidden gem locals have kept for themselves for a very long time.

Learn more about the undiscovered  beaches of the Etruscan Coast.

Krakow, Poland

Bec from wyld family travel.

When we told people we were heading to Poland, we got plenty of warnings about our ‘safety’ so as a worrier, I was straight away concerned about it. I could not have been so wrong.

We have spent some time in Krakow and other parts of Poland, and we can’t get enough. The kids are made to feel more than welcome, and we have not ever felt unsafe…which we have had in some other cities!

Krakow is a place easy to walk around, and the market is a favourite place for the girls. There are so many things to see and do in the city, especially the Kosciuszko Mound, which has stunning views over Krakow and Wawel Castle with its story of the dragon that lives under it.

A huge highlight for us was just outside the city, and it was Wieliczka Salt Mine. It was absolutely amazing to see, and the girls loved it. They were encouraged to lick some of the salt, but both were very quick to say ‘No, Thank You!’ It was opened in the 13th century and produced table salt until 2007.

Wieliczka was a real eye-opener for the girls as people made their lives down here by carving pictures into the walls of salt or making statues of significant people. There is a chapel in the mine where there are statues carved from salt, and even the chandeliers are made from salt! There are so many places to see…Krakow and Poland, in general, are real hidden gems that are so family-friendly!

Read more on travelling to Poland

Lolland, Denmark

Nicci from travels with boys.

Denmark is an extraordinary place for families to travel, but there’s so much more to it than the headline acts of Legoland, Tivoli Gardens, and fairytale castles. The island of Lolland, south of Copenhagen, is a family holiday paradise.

Before our holiday to Denmark this year, I had never heard of Lolland. I was unaware of the beauty of its forests, lakes and beaches. I didn’t know of its unique interactive attractions, designed with families in mind. 

One of our favourite places to visit was the Middelalder Centret (Medieval Centre) where we cheered on knights in a jousting battle, prepared the life-sized trebuchet (a siege warfare weapon) for firing, and had fun working the massive medieval machines.

Another favourite was Knuthenborg Safaripark, Northern Europe’s biggest safari park. Here we got up close to the 1,200 wild animals like wolves, tigers, and rhino, while driving our car through the beautiful 500-hectare grounds.

W hen we finished with the animals, we had an absolute blast at Limpopo Land, Denmark’s biggest nature water playground. If you love the outdoors, Lolland is a great place to be. Ride a bike or horse through the picture-perfect countryside, go kayaking, or discover seals in their natural habitat on a seal safari. Lolland also boasts the remarkable Danish Castle Centre, Lalandia holiday centre, and the warmest bathing waters in Denmark.  

Read more on why Lolland is heaven! 

Jennifer from Our Family Travel Adventures

Malta is our favorite spot to visit as a family. Malta is comprised of 3 islands in the Mediterranean between Sicily and Africa.  The weather is lovely with mild winters ( you can see why it makes our best winter sun destinations in Europe !) and warm summers.  English and Italian are widely spoken so it’s easy to communicate. 

Malta offers amazing archaeological sites, stunning architecture and some of the most beautiful beaches we have ever visited. Explore Mdina, the historic Phoenician walled city that served as Malta’s capital until 1530. 

Take a fun speed boat ride to the Blue Lagoon on Comino Island, for a day of snorkelling and swimming in crystal blue waters.  Or check out Ggantila, a large stone temple structure that dates from before the Egyptian pyramids were built. The Maltese are warm and friendly to visitors and welcome families to their island.

See more of what to expect in Malta.+ our guide to the best places to stay in Malta

Margaret River Region, Western Australia

Sally-ann from toddlers on tour .

The Margaret River Region has long been known for its great surfing, delicious wines and even the tasty local foods. But there is so much more to this hidden corner of the globe.

The Margaret River Region has a rich history involving the local Indigenous people and some of their dream time stories which are part of the area’s natural attractions.

When we visit Nilgi Cave the tour starts with the tale of how the good spirit Nilgi defeated the evil Wolverine and restored prosperity to the region. Then at our leisure, we are able to climb through the cave’s internal chambers viewing the stalagmites and stalactites lit up with pretty red, green, blue and purple lights.

There are several more caves to explore within the region, and as you drive to each one you bypass rocky coastlines hugging the turquoise ocean that laps onto the crystal-white sandy beaches.

However, if your kids need more stimulation, you won’t be sore for lack of entertainment with the Amaze’n Margaret River hedge maze , the wooden Yallingup Maze and its puzzle café, mini-golf, archery, Busselton Jetty’s longest wooden jetty in the southern hemisphere with an underwater exploratory centre at the end of the pier, or Xscape at the Cape for an action-packed adventure.

You can see why West Australians have enjoyed this hidden gem as a holiday destination since the early 1900’s and why we all continue to return – there is just so much to see and do in the Margaret River Region!

See more on the best family-friendly breweries in the Margaret River region

Jurga from Full Suitcase

When I told Keri that I chose Namibia for this post, she was like ‘Namibia? Family-friendly?’

Namibia has been a long-time dream for us. As soon as we thought that the kids were old enough, we booked a 4-week trip to visit this hidden gem of Africa. At the time we travelled, our oldest son was 5 and the twins were 3. Years later it’s still one of the best family trips we ever made. Here is why.

Namibia has lots of wildlife, amazing landscapes, great cultural diversity, and last but not least plenty of space for the kids to run, play, and just be themselves. Add good weather, amazing accommodations and some of the best food ever, and you have all of the ingredients for a successful family trip.  You can find a great self-drive itinerary here.  

Still not convinced? Let me share some of the best memories from our trip. Climbing the world’s tallest sand dunes and then rolling down all the way to the bottom. Tracking a herd of desert elephants over the river bed in a safari vehicle. Visiting Himba, Damara and San tribes and getting to know cultures that are so different from ours. Watching the most amazing sunsets every evening and millions of stars every night…

Want to know more? Read the whole story on our blog  Namibia with kids 

Oahu, Hawaii, United States

Debbie from travel with the greens.

With endless beaches and long summer days, there are so many reasons to make Hawaii your next family holiday.  Away from all the tourist traps, there are many hidden gems to be found. 

Hire a car, put the roof down and cruise around the island. Make Shark’s Cove, near Waimea Bay Oahu , top of your list for kid-friendly snorkelling .  Grab all your snorkel gear from Snorkel Bob’s in Waikiki before your drive. 

After all your tropical fish finding head across the road to eat lunch at the food trucks parked there. An easy walk for the family is to the Manoa Falls to discover the most spectacular waterfall. 

You will need to refuel with donuts from Leonard’s Bakery which are so delicious you will be dreaming of them for weeks after. For a view as far as the eye can see over Oahu head up to Nu’uanu Pali Lookou t.  This lookout off the Pali Highway will show off the highlights of the island from the mountains to the spectacular blue ocean.

Read more travel tips and hidden gems in Hawaii  

Find out how to get from Australia to Hawaii with budget airline Jetstar

Postojna Caves, Slovenia

Richard from life in our van.

There are some places that a guide book can never fully describe. So consider leaving the grace and splendour of Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, to discover a beauty that can sometimes only be found under the earth. A majestic, natural subterranean beauty some 50km from the capital.

The Postojna Caves hold over 21km of tunnels, caverns and halls. All accessed by an underground double-track train that descends through 5km of stalactites & stalagmites. The underground paths include a non-stick substance that helps children to walk safely across each fantastic bridge.

Each with amazing views of the caverns below full of magical shadows brilliantly lit without becoming overly touristic. What will blow everyone’s minds is the relatively small growth of these stalactites. Each only growing 1cm each 100yrs.

Prepare to be amazed further as the cave’s rich history extends to being owned by Italy, includes it’s own living baby dragons (Proteus Anguinus) and holds the world’s only underground post office!

An excellent audio guide brings to life the ‘Spaghetti’ , ‘White’, ‘Red’ chambers with their hippo, bird and crocodile-shaped rocks. Its constant 9 degrees means it is easily comfortable to do in casual daily clothing, and every child will love the train ride through the 40m high candle-lined concert hall.

Offering a good value morning activity it might even leave you the afternoon free to explore the nearby Predjama Castle (A Guinness World Record holder as the world’s largest cave castle!).

Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra

Maria from one tiny leap.

While breathtakingly beautiful, and a must-see if you’re visiting Lisbon, it would be stretching it a little to describe Sintra and its glorious Pena Palace as a “hidden gem.”

We’d like, then, to suggest an alternative if you don’t fancy tackling the crowds in Sintra: the gardens of the Quinta da Regaleira are a place we discovered ourselves only recently and would love to share with you.

Just a 20-minute hike uphill from Sintra (motor-taxis can be hired if you prefer), these lush and mysterious gardens are simply enchanting, and perfect for both little ones and grown-ups too! The grounds of this grand house cover four hectares, spanning several levels.

Explore hidden passageways through caves, stand on the Juliet balcony, cross the stepping-stones under a gushing waterfall and don’t miss the stunning Initiation Well, with its circular staircase carved into the rock.

The gardens are inlaid with Masonic symbology with references to the Knights Templar and alchemy, but in our opinion, their most important feature is they’re perfect for letting your little ones run around amid the creative structures, beautiful scenery and fresh air.

Sayulita, Mexico

Nicole from the passport kids.

Sayulita on Riviera Nayarit  is one of the best not-so-secret beach towns in Mexico ! It is 45 minutes away from the typical resort communities of Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta, which lets you see another side of Mexico along the Pacific coast.

This town has a great relaxed vibe where you can wander the streets, surf and boogie board the waves or enjoy the beach activities. Try some of the local traditional street food or dine in one of the restaurants along the beach.

It’s a spot where time feels like it slows down so you can enjoy the simple things, like building a sandcastle with your kids or jumping in the waves. It’s a place where locals and tourists mingle together; and although Sayulita has increasingly become more touristy since the sleepy little fishing village, there is still a sense of openheartedness in the town.

Away from the big fancy resorts of Mexico, the people and the atmosphere of Sayulita will let your family experience another side of the country, which is a must. Whether it is just a day trip from Puerto Vallarta or a few nights in town, we always recommend families go and check out this funky little surfer town if they are going to the area.

More ideas for helping you plan a day trip to Sayulita

Sivota, Greece

Karen from mini travellers.

A place we will inevitably travel to time and time again with the kids is Sivota in Greece .  Whilst Sivota itself is on mainland Greece, and you can fly to Preveza and drive down the coast, perhaps the easiest, and more scenic way to reach this secluded location is by flying to Corfu and taking either a private sea taxi or a ferry boat across to Sivota Harbour.

The coastline and the sunsets, combined with the welcome breeze make this relaxed area of Greece (although where in Greece isn’t relaxed) a hidden gem.  The sea is so blue you could easily be in the Caribbean , yet the ease at which you can get to this area from Europe makes it a truly exciting destination for those of you (like us) who are usually ten hours away from Caribbean-style beaches.

It’s difficult to express in words why this area captured our hearts, and so I’m cheating a little with this collage of photos!  Don’t you just think it looks like perfection for our little family!

Here’s a great family accommodation idea for Sivota .

Elizabeth from Wander Mum

It is not a place many instantly think about visiting with children but we adored Sri Lanka and it welcomed us with open arms. Sidestepping the capital Colombo, we spent time in the second largest city Kandy , where a  temple trip was followed by some traditional Kandyan dancing. My three-year-old daughter loved it!

In the Sri Lankan tea lands we discovered a cool sanctuary and hiked among the tea trees, learning a bit about the drink we consume daily. Older children could tackle the sacred mountain, Adam’s Peak, but there are plenty of hiking routes around the Ella and Hatton regions to explore.

We happened to visit during the Thai Pongal festival – a fascinating experience and interesting see how the local people prepared for the harvest festival event.

The best way to travel to the area is by train where you get a glimpse of some breathtaking scenery. Of course, no trip is complete without a ride in a tuk tuk , a highlight my daughter still talks about today. In the south, Sri Lanka has no shortage of idyllic sandy beaches.

Mirissa is a famous surfing spot with lessons for all the family and if nature is what you are after then there’s the Yala and Udawalawe National Parks  where you can see elephants and leopards.

Sri Lanka has opened up hugely to tourism in recent years. It is a wonderful, cultural experience. Discover it before everyone else does!

Find out more about why we love Sri Lanka too , a perfect short break from the Middle East

West Michigan, United States

Tonya from detail oriented traveller.

The western side of Michigan is my favorite hidden gem, and not only because it’s where I grew up. Most often, when people think of Michigan in the United States, they think Detroit area.

However, on the opposite side of the state, you have gorgeous beaches, wooded trails, craft beer and friendly people. What more do you need?

As for the beaches, the western shore of Lake Michigan is lined with sugary soft sand dunes. In fact, one of the US National Parks is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park near Traverse City.

The sand dunes make a great playground for the kiddos, and tires them out! The sand on the beach is super soft, free of shells and rocks. The water is fresh, but you feel like it’s an ocean. The smallest distance across Lake Michigan is 64 miles, after all!

Western Michigan also offers plenty of wooded trails and hiking opportunities. While it’s no mountain, it does make it easier for smaller kids to manage. In the winter, there are places to ski . Again, no mountains like in the Rockies, but they are still manageable for small children.

In Muskegon, the Winter Sports Complex offers sledding, cross-country skiing, ice skating trails and an Olympic-sized luge run – its one of our favorite small towns on the Great Lakes .

For the grown-ups, West Michigan is home to several craft breweries. Along with the local mid-western fare dining (think German and Polish roots) and friendly people, it’s the place I will continue to bring my family year after year.

Learn more about Sand Dune Rides in Lake Michigan

Bookmark this for later inspiration or save to Pinterest

 We have really enjoyed sharing with you this amazing travel destinations series – so many great ideas from travel bloggers around the world. I really encourage you to go and check out their blogs too, so many amazing stories to share.

Have we missed your favourite hidden gem? We’d love you to share!

SEE THE WHOLE BEST FAMILY TRAVEL DESTINATIONS SERIES

© Our Globetrotters

Like it? Share it!

9 thoughts on “ 17 Unbelievable Hidden Gems for Family Travel in 2024 ”

I would love to visit them all in 2021, thanks for sharing.

This is a great list, but you should definitely NOT go to Myanmar as there is a genocide going on there and it is most definitely not safe

Hi Audrey. This list is about 18 months old now and safety and circumstances in some locations may have changed since the post was originally published. We’d always advise people to check current government advisories before booking travel, especially to the more remote and exotic locations listed. We’ll make a note to update the post to explain this. Thanks for taking the time to read and hope you found some inspiration ~ Keri

Thank you for including my piece on Sri Lanka, Keri. There are so many places that are great for children. Feeling very inspired…I just need to create some more time so we can visit them all.

This is a fantastic list – so many added to my bucket list!! Thanks to you and all the other family travel writers for sharing. X

Thank you for including my hidden gem on the Margaret River Region. I also loved discovering a whole heap more hidden travel gems to explore.

Thanks for being a part of our Hidden Gems – its only grown the bucket list that bit longer again!!!

Thanks for including me! A fantastic list, and I’d love to visit them all someday!

So glad to see Banff in there. We had the most incredible winter experience there with the Globetrotters, can’t wait to do it again in the different seasons.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

TPG’s 8 top family vacation destinations for 2024

Deciding which eight destinations across the globe deserve a spot on TPG's list of best family vacation destinations to visit this year was no easy task.

We researched new resorts, activities and events and pulled from our own extensive travel experience to find the spots your family will still be talking about years after you return home from your trip.

Related: Where to go in 2024: The 16 best places to travel

Of course, we also had to throw in a few of our dream destinations.

Whether your family prefers cities, beaches , theme parks or the great outdoors, you'll find your perfect family vacation spot on this list.

With four major theme parks in the area, Orlando bills itself as the "theme park capital of the world." Because those parks are always competing for the top spot in travelers' hearts (and their wallets), there's always something new to do.

Disney is nearing the completion of Epcot's multiyear makeover with the recent opening of Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana and the debut of an all-new nighttime spectacular called "Luminous The Symphony of Us."

Related: Why Epcot is now Disney World's must-do park

In 2024, the focus will shift to Magic Kingdom, with the opening of Tiana's Bayou Adventure. The attraction is expected to open in late 2024. Perhaps more important than any new attraction, beginning Jan. 9, 2024, a Disney World visit will feel much like it did before the COVID-19 pandemic. This date marks the end of theme park reservations and 2 p.m. park-hopping restrictions , as well as the return of the Disney Dining Plan .

At Universal Orlando, 2023 saw the debut of Minion Land and the new Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast attraction. This is just Universal's first step to introduce more kid-friendly programming. In 2024, Universal Studios Florida will open a land themed to DreamWorks Animation films like "Shrek," "Trolls" and "Kung Fu Panda."

SeaWorld Orlando has been on a regular cadence of adding new attractions every year and 2024 is no different. After opening the Ice Breaker coaster in 2022 and Pipeline: The Surf Coaster in 2023, the marine-themed park will open a family-friendly launch coaster called Penguin Trek in 2024.

The Orlando area is also home to the headwaters of the Everglades, which provides ample opportunities for outdoorsy families to explore the flora and fauna that call the Everglades home. Both Wild Florida and Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures offer airboat tours where you're almost guaranteed to spot a few alligators. Or, you can take it slow on a kayak tour in one of Get Up and Go Kayaking's clear kayaks.

Where to stay

The Evermore Orlando Resort will open next door to Disney World on Jan. 1, 2024. The resort will feature a variety of accommodation types, from vacation villas to luxury hotel rooms at Orlando's first Conrad Hotel, as well as a 20-acre tropical beach complex with an 8-acre lagoon for swimming and water sports.

Room rates at the Conrad Orlando start at around $580 or 90,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Also near Disney World, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando recently completed property-wide renovations, including transformed guest rooms, new restaurants and dining menus, a reimagined spa and golf club and more. Room rates start at around $560 or 90,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Oahu, Hawaii

From swimming in the jewel-toned waters of the Pacific Ocean to hiking through lush green landscapes and experiencing Hawaii's rich history and time-honored traditions, Oahu has so much to offer families in search of a tropical beach vacation.

You are likely to stay at a resort with beach access, so let's explore some of Oahu's top attractions off the beach. If your kids are up for a hike, they'll be rewarded with picture-perfect views and a peek into Hawaii's military history on the Diamond Head State Monument . There is a small entry fee of $5 per person (free for Hawaii residents and children ages 3 and under).

About 30 minutes away by car, you can visit Pearl Harbor . Here, you can visit the Pearl Harbor memorials, explore a large collection of aircraft in the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, discover the USS Bowfin Submarine and so much more. Guided tours and individual ticket packages are available.

With six "Jurassic Park" films released in the past 30 years, your kids are likely as big fans of the franchise as you are. At Kualoa Ranch , you can visit some of the real-life filming locations from these films, along with other popular movies like "Kong Skull Island" and "50 First Dates."

Related: Save money: How you can book flights to Hawaii using points and miles in 2024

If you are a Disney family through and through, there's no better place to stay than Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa . You can spend your days swimming in the pool, snorkeling in the hotel's private lagoon and playing on the beach or check out the Disney offerings like character meet-and-greets, animation classes or movies under the stars. Kids ages 4-12 can visit Aunty's Beach House, a kids club included in the cost of your stay.

Room rates start at around $569 per night when booked with cash or from about $336 if booked with rented points from a site like David's Vacation Club .

Related: 11 best family resorts in Hawaii for a relaxing vacation

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort offers families direct access to Duke Kahanamoku Beach, but also has a smaller, calm lagoon that may be more popular with younger kids. This resort has five outdoor pools — some with waterslides — hula and lei-making lessons, fish feeding and luau feasts with traditional Samoan, Tahitian and Hawaiian dancing every Sunday through Thursday.

Rates at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort start at around $250 or 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Families who want to enjoy Arizona's natural beauty and year-round warm weather have a lot of new options to choose from in 2024 when it comes to places to stay and play.

In addition to timeless landmarks like the Grand Canyon , Monument Valley and Camelback Mountain, President Biden recently designated one million acres of land near the Grand Canyon as the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument , ensuring the land, which is home to several native tribes, remains protected. In addition, Chiricahua National Monument in Willcox, Arizona, may soon be Arizona's newest National Park.

Related: What to pack and where to stay: TPG's ultimate Grand Canyon family vacation guide

Slated to open sometime in 2024, Mattel Adventure Park in Glendale, Arizona, will feature attractions based on favorite toys like Hot Wheels, Barbie and more. There will be an entire land themed to "Thomas & Friends," two thrilling Hot Wheels roller coasters and a life-size Barbie Beach House with a rooftop bar and restaurant.

The Mattel Adventure Park mentioned above will be located at the also-soon-to-open Vai Resort . Vai will be the state's largest resort, with more than 1,100 rooms and suites, a world-class concert venue and a 6-acre swimming complex with a sandy beach.

In other recent opening news, the 141-room Global Ambassador Hotel opened on Dec. 6 at the crossroads of Paradise Valley, Scottsdale and Phoenix. This luxury property has a world-class spa and fitness center, select guest rooms with views of Camelback Mountain and a climate-controlled pool. Room rates start at around $560 per night, and it will also be part of Chase's Luxury Resort & Hotel Collectio n and Mr & Mrs Smith , beginning Jan. 1, 2024.

Guanacaste, Costa Rica

The Guanacaste province of Costa Rica is a destination where eco-conscious families can combine lazy days on the beach with outdoor adventures in the region's lush, tropical rainforest.

Related: 6 adventurous activities in Costa Rica for families

Playa Tamarindo — along with nearby beaches Playa Grande and Playa Langosta — is well-known for its surf-ready waves, even if you have little (or no) experience on a surfboard. A number of local surf shops offer surfing lessons or boogie board rentals if you aren't quite ready to brave the waves while standing.

If you can pull yourself away from the surf (and you should), there are ample opportunities to experience the jungles of Costa Rica.

Related: Epic wildlife and sustainable luxury define travel to Costa Rica in 2024

You'll need to travel a decent way inland, so the easiest option is to book a half-day or full-day tour that leaves from Guanacaste. Spend a day in the treetops of Monteverde's Cloud Forest, see some of Costa Rica's breathtakingly blue waterfalls or visit Arenal Volcano National Park.

If you book through Viator, you can get up to 10% cash back through the Rakuten shopping portal or earn miles through the Delta SkyMiles or AAdvantage portals .

Related: Frontier Airlines' unlimited all-you-can-fly pass now valid for kids, includes $200 flight credit

If you are looking for an all-inclusive option, check out The Westin Reserva Conchal on Playa Conchal. The resort has a dedicated section for families that is close to the pool, beach, restaurants and the included kids club. Family suites have bunk beds, a sofa bed and a queen bed so everyone can sleep comfortably. All-inclusive rates at The Westin Reserva Conchal start at $425 or 73,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, based on double occupancy.

Related: The 13 best all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica for beach visits or hiking trips

The JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa is another family-friendly option located on the shores of Playa Mansita, just a short drive from the town of Tamarindo. You can spend your days soaking in the large oceanfront pool, playing in the sand or exploring the shopping and dining in town. The JW Adventure Kids Club is open to kids ages 4-12 and offers supervised activities and a playground. Room rates start at around $617 or 36,800 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Disney's Lighthouse Point, Bahamas

While not a traditional destination you can drive or fly to and stay overnight, Disney Cruise Line's newest private island deserves a spot on this list. Beginning in June of 2024, select Disney Cruise Line itineraries will include a stop at Lighthouse Point. The inaugural sailing will be a seven-night sailing on the Disney Fantasy that stops at Lighthouse Point and Castaway Cay, but all other sailings that visit the new island will be on board the Disney Magic .

Related: Port alert: These 2 cruise lines are building new private destinations in the Bahamas

Lighthouse Point was thoughtfully planned and built to incorporate environmental and cultural awareness into its design and amenities. Disney partnered with local artists to create murals, sculptures and other elements of the island and also plans to offer programming in the island's Arts and Cultural Pavilion that honors Bahamian traditions and shore excursions developed in partnership with local tour operators.

Lighthouse Point will have a family beach with a water play area for kids and an adults-only beach with a dedicated bar and dining area. Cabanas are available to rent in both sections. Guests can also play volleyball, borrow bikes and water sports equipment or explore nature trails.

Paradise Coast, Florida

Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades comprise Southwest Florida's Paradise Coast, an area where you can experience the full breadth of what Florida has to offer. In Naples and Marco Island, you can enjoy five-star accommodations and pristine beaches; in the Everglades, you can immerse yourself in the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S.

At Everglades National Park , you can view wildlife including alligators, birds, otters and more, on one of the park's many hiking trails or on a guided tram, kayak or airboat tour .

Related: TPG's favorite national parks: A month-by-month guide

Families will also enjoy the educational fun at Golisano Children's Museum of Naples (especially if you are in need of a rainy day activity) and the wet and wild excitement of Naples' Sun-N-Fun Lagoon . If you aren't staying directly on the beach (or just want to hop around and explore), Vanderbilt Beach is a popular spot for swimming, shelling and watersports that's also close to shopping and dining. If you travel about 20 miles north of Naples to Lovers State Park, you can swim in more seclusion than the popular in-town beaches or soak up the dog days of summer with your canine companion at Dog Beach Park.

The Ritz-Carlton, Naples reopened in July of 2023 after an extensive transformation. The hotel added three new dining outlets, newly designed guest rooms and a redesigned pool area with four pools, luxury cabanas and immersive water features. What hasn't changed are Ritz-Carlton's extraordinary guest service and the breathtaking ocean views.

Room rates start at around $783 or 80,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Beginning in October 2024, families can visit the newest location in the Great Wolf Lodge water park resort family. Guest suites in this 500-room resort are designed with families in mind. Standard family suites have two queen beds and a sleeper sofa, but we recommend opting for one of the themed suites with a queen bed for parents and a separate bunk bed area for kids. Admission to the resort's 100,000-square-foot indoor water park is included in your stay. Room rates start at around $200 per night.

Regardless of when you visit the City of Light , you'll be greeted with endless museums, historical landmarks and sprawling green spaces to discover. There is one very special reason to visit in 2024 that may dominate your time in Paris, but it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those lucky enough to be there in person.

Related: 2024 Paris Olympics: How I used points and miles to save money on business-class flights and hotel nights

The 2024 Summer Olympics are being held in France from July 26-Aug. 11, and the opening ceremonies will kick off along the Seine in Paris. Some events will require you to travel outside of the city, but some are taking place right in the heart of Paris. You can watch beach volleyball near the Eiffel Tower, fencing and Taekwondo at the Grand Palais and tennis at the 95-year-old Roland-Garros Stadium.

While you're in town, you can get to Disneyland Paris by bus or train in under an hour. If you prefer to spend more than one day at Disneyland Paris, you can stay in one of the park's eight themed hotels, including the recently reimagined five-star Disneyland Hotel .

Securing hotel reservations in Paris during the Olympics could almost be a Games event in itself. Your best option is likely going to be an official Olympics travel package , which includes a hotel stay and tickets to one or more events.

Related: The best hotels in Paris

Indianapolis

All eyes will be on the sky in Indianapolis this spring. On April 8, 2024, millions of Americans will be in the path of a rare total solar eclipse , though only a handful of major cities will be along the path of totality with up to four minutes of dark skies.

Indianapolis is one such city along the so-called path of totality, and they are planning a full weekend of fun, including educational films and lectures, games, live entertainment and more between April 5–8, 2024. The best viewing spots will be at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and White River State Park, but events are being held all over town.

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Zoo are also getting in on the action. These also happen to be two of the best attractions for families visiting Indianapolis any time of year. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis recently renovated its interactive dinosaur exhibit, and the Indianapolis Zoo has rides and attractions in addition to animal habitats.

The JW Marriott Indianapolis is located within walking distance of White River State Park. Guest rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of downtown so you can enjoy the city skyline when you aren't looking up at the sky. Rates start at around $150 or 31,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Families can sleep in a converted 1920s Pullman train car at the Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station for a unique stay. Traditional rooms are also available, along with an indoor pool, two restaurants and nods to the property's former life as the country's first Union Station. Room rates start at around $170 or 22,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Bottom line

At TPG, we are on a never-ending quest to provide travelers with vacation experiences that fit their budget, family size and travel style. Families have endless vacation destinations to choose from, and we've compiled the best of the best to help you create your dream getaway.

Related reading:

• 21 best all-inclusive resorts for families
• The top credit cards for families
• Spare yourself the hassle and stress with these 8 perfect family staycation destinations
• 13 best family attractions in the US
• 25 best all-inclusive resorts in the world, according to frequent travelers

21+ Unusual Spring Break Destinations for Families

This post may contain affiliate links which means we receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

21+ unique and unusual spring break destinations for families, mostly in the USA. Cheaper ideas, amazing locations, and unforgettable travel adventures!

Every year February starts to ravel away, March gets ever closer, and I get this intense hankering to travel somewhere new. Spring break road trip ideas, trips, and thoughts of family vacations begin to bob around in my head.

It's like a craving, but it's not for food. Rather it's a craving to get outside, get away from the everyday norm, to travel, and go explore something with my family. It's like we're breaking out of winter and longing to get back out there.

But my family and I aren't really into party scenes. Instead we really enjoy flying under the radar, enjoying a little peace and quiet at off the beaten path gems, but at the same time adventure and fun for all ages.

All this hankering for a real vacation gave me motivation to create a list of unique spring break destinations and spring break ideas!

Hike Emerald Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park

Relax at Anchor Inn and Cottages on Sanibel Island

Visit the Arch in St. Louis, Missouri

Things to Do in Albany GA: 11 Best Family-Friendly Destinations

Backcountry Camping in Big Bend National Park

Cross the Rio Grande River and Visit Boquillas, Mexico

Orcas Island: The Most Relaxing Vacation Spot in the Pacific NW

12 Scenic Roads (and off the Beaten Path National Parks) in Colorado to Visit with Your Kids

Camping at Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas

Hiking Cedar Falls Trail in Petit Jean State Park

Things to Do in Branson MO

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

“Home”sick for a Mountain View Chalet in the Colorado Rockies

Hit the Beach at Padre Island National Seashore

7 Things to Do in St. Augustine with Kids

Very Large Array in New Mexico with Kids

Places to Visit in Hot Springs, Arkansas

The Ultimate Outer Banks Travel Guide: Plan Your Next Beach Vacation

Camping at Cosby Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Enjoy Beach Day Bliss on Captiva Island

6 Days New Mexico Road Trip with Kids

Hiking Hawksbill Crag in the Natural State

I'm so ready for a good spring break vacation. How 'bout you?

Love a Li'l Family Adventure?

I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to leave a comment, and follow me on Pinterest , Facebook , Instagram , and YouTube . You can subscribe to my email list too.

2 thoughts on “21+ Unusual Spring Break Destinations for Families”

What great ideas! Thanks for sharing all of them.

Thank you, Sherry!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Featured on ....

Work with Me

Dinner Ideas

Instant Pot

Slow Cooker

↑ Back To Top

50 Best Family Vacation Ideas on a Budget for 2024

From all-inclusives in the Caribbean to quick getaways in the U.S., there's something for every traveler in your group.

It's not lost on us that travel, like everything else, is getting more expensive, so we focused many of our picks on properties that provide great value. When we feature splurgy spots, rest assured they're worth every penny.

Whether you're looking to chill out at an all-inclusive resort , get active in the great outdoors , check out new attractions at a theme park, hit the beach or cozy up at ski resort , there's a destination or experience here to match every vacation vibe and party size. After all, bringing the grandparents comes with so many benefits, not the least of which is babysitting so you can score some much-needed time for an interruption-free dinner, spa treatment or romantic walk on the beach.

Use this guide to help narrow down your options, and then check out the Good Housekeeping Institute 's tried-and-tested list of essential travel gear and accessories to get ready for your trip. You can also consult our guides on how to choose a family-vacation hotel as well as how to keep all ages entertained . Since the early bird gets the best deal, shore up your spring break and summer vacation plans now.

Mexico and the Caribbean

Spend your days rolling in the waves, relaxing by the pool or enjoying quiet time (thanks to some superior kids' clubs) at these island resorts.

Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya, Mexico

With massive waterparks, daily slimings and Nickelodeon characters galore, the kids have it made at the all-inclusive Nickelodeon Hotels & Resort Riviera Maya, a Good Housekeeping 2024 Family Travel Award Winner. But grown-ups aren’t left out of the fun. Tequila tastings, spa treatments and romantic dinners can be on your agenda thanks to the supervised club for kids ages 4 to 12. And while you probably wouldn’t be booking a SpongeBob-themed room if you didn’t have the kids in tow, the decor is as mod and classy as it can be. All the accommodations are suites that sleep up to five and have two bathrooms. Suites have direct access to a pool from the balcony. (Yes, even on the top floor!)

RELATED: Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana Is the Best Place to Travel With a Baby and a Sibling

Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas

Winner of a 2024 Family Travel Award, Atlantis is a top choice for families of all ages looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure. Its adrenaline-pumping waterpark features high-speed slides, including a one-of-a-kind tube slide down a Mayan pyramid. Animal encounters, like getting up close to a dolphin, are thrilling in a different way. But on the other side of the massive resort, the beaches are super chill. The gentle water is just perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Supervised clubs for kids, tweens and teens truly wow, so adults can enjoy the casino and a meal at one of the resort's fine-dining restaurants.

EXPLORE NOW

Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, Dominican Republic

Movies under the stars, trapeze lessons, windsurfing — with cool activities like these, kids will never want to leave this newish resort in the lush, away-from-it-all part of the island. Supervised clubs for babies through teens keep the good times rolling while you’re at the adults-only Zen pool or doing treetop yoga. (Yes, that’s a thing.) Solar panels, recycling, plastic-free water bottles and other sustainable initiatives are part of the eco-minded resort culture.

Beaches Negril Resort & Spa, Negril, Jamaica

While this all-inclusive resort and 2024 Family Travel Award-winner caters to all ages, toddlers and preschoolers will be star-struck. Sesame Street characters entertain them with story times, dance parties and even puppet-making! That’s on top of the mini water slides, splash areas and a playground that makes little ones squeal with glee and wears them out, so they’ll hit the sack early.

Private childcare and supervised kids’ clubs (for babies through teens, including those with special needs) are an option when you want a spa treatment, a quiet dinner or just to read a book on the resort's idyllic 7-Mile Beach. All the rooms and suites got a glow-up in 2020, plus there are new villas with butler service (sign us up!)

RELATED: 20 Best Caribbean Resorts for Families to Visit

Fairmont Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

When it comes to baby and kid gear, this luxury resort has you covered. Need a bottle warmer? They got it. How about a step stool for a toddler to reach the sink? Yours for the asking. With these worries aside, you can concentrate on the beauty of the surroundings (the resort is surrounded by a lush mangrove forest) and incredible bucket-list activities, like kids’ carnivals and night kayaking. All the rooms have received a glow-up and there's a sleek new beach club to boot.

Rock House Resort, Turks & Caicos

Your family may never leave the water at this Mediterranean-inspired oasis , which opened in May 2022. In addition to a full kitchen and roomy living room, many of the villa-style accommodations feature a spacious private pool. (Yes way!) And if your crew ever tires of it, fun awaits at the resort’s oceanfront infinity pool and stretch of white sand beach, which is exclusively for resort guests. Just note that while a cliffside setting makes the resort incredibly picturesque, it’s impossible to navigate with a stroller — so bring the tweens, teens and even grandparents if they don’t have trouble climbing stairs.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort

A brand that's popular with families because it offers separate sleeping spaces for kids and adults, Embassy Suites recently opened a location in Aruba. (Pinch us now.) The 330-suite hotel boasts a kids' pool and playground and is just steps away from the iconic Eagle Beach. A breakfast buffet (with made-to-order items) is included in the price, which is already a value. Rooms also feature a kitchenette, so you can stash drinks and snacks and save your budget for the island's many incredible water activities.

New England Cozy

Lakes, lighthouses and hiking trails make New England a great place to visit in almost any season.

Quisisana Resort, Lovell, ME

Kids will get a digital detox at this all-inclusive lakefront resort , but they’ll be too busy playing to miss their devices. Without TV or a Wi-Fi signal in the comfortable, air-conditioned rooms and cabins, they’ll be fully immersed in the slew of included activities — from paddle boating to tennis to sandcastle-building. They might even learn to kayak or catch their first fish.

At night, music fills the resort. Broadway-style shows, held in a new outdoor theater, entertain all generations. There’s something about the fresh air and a choice of lollipops that keeps most kids from getting too wiggly, and the caliber of the performances is at least on par with good community theater.

The three included daily meals — with menu items like lobster rolls and Maine blueberry pie — will leave your crew’s bellies happy and full. And if you do need Wi-Fi occasionally, you can pop in the main lobby for a signal. Shh: The kids will be fine without it.

Hidden Pond, Kennebunkport, ME

Open from May to October, this nature-focused retreat provides a refuge from city life. Yoga sessions in the garden, a shed filled with arts and crafts supplies for kids, guided nature walks and outdoor art classes are easy-going yet exciting at the same time. Cottages with fireplaces foster togetherness, and complimentary breakfast arrives at your door every morning so there's no need to rush out for coffee.

Smugglers' Notch Resort, Jeffersonville, VT

Nestled in the Green Mountains, this resort is just as fun in the summer months as it is during prime ski season. Besides eight heated pools (some with waterslides!), the action-packed lineup of family activities has plenty to do whether you’re traveling with a toddler, teen or both. Sing-a-longs, magic shows and scavenger hunts keep little ones entertained while older kids will welcome the chance to take a guided hike, design and launch a water rocket or play glow-in-the-dark volleyball. A GH 2024 Family Travel Awards winner, condos at this property accommodate up to five bedrooms, making it possible for extended family and friends to stay together.

Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club, Brewster, MA

Beach, pool, eat, repeat — that’s how your crew will spend laid-back days at this Cape Cod gem . The private beach has gentle surf and at low tide, kids can spy little sea creatures in the tide pools. When the tide changes, head to the heated outdoor or indoor pools. Outdoor movies are the perfect wind-down to bedtime. And if you can pry the kids out of the water, activities like scavenger hunts, curated by the resort’s new director of fun (for real!) await. Just make sure to stay in the “mansion” section of the resort because that’s the part with private beach access.

Sebasco Harbor Resort, Phippsburg, ME

Kids will never forget sleeping in a lighthouse next to the ocean. The resort’s 1945 lighthouse contains recently renovated guest rooms with amazing views, sea breezes and conveniences like a fridge and microwave. The lighthouse rooms are also near the resort’s iconic oceanfront saltwater pool, which recently got a makeover. A vintage bowling alley, weekly pirate cruise and old-school kids’ club add to the New England charm.

Bluebird Cady Hill Lodge, Stowe, VT

A fantastic value, this new '70s-inspired cozy lodge is perfect for families who want to explore Vermont's Green Mountains. The scenic trails of Cady Hill Forest are just steps away and downtown Stowe is about a 10-minute walk. Two- and three-bedroom cottages at Bluebird Cady Hill Lodge have plenty of space for families and a kitchen to boot. A game room, fire pits for s'mores roasting and a pool make hanging at the lodge a nice respite in between nature activities.

California Dreamin'

Choose your Cali adventure: You can find bustling cityscapes, tranquil trails, stunning beaches and even a fairytale castle.

Los Angeles, CA

Tweens and teens won’t roll their eyes if you suggest a vacay in L.A. — where, trust us, they’ll ask you to eat at In-N-Out-Burger (look cool and say you already had it on the list). Some more must-dos: Visit the Griffith Observatory for the out-of-this-world exhibits and a stellar view of the Hollywood sign, and if you're an outdoorsy family you can hike down from the observatory to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and famous TCL Chinese Theaters .

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures , where anyone 17 and under gets in free, is conveniently located near the classic La Brea Tar Pits and the cool LACMA ( Los Angeles County Museum of Art). Some outdoor shopping at The Grove L.A. and a beach day in Santa Monica with a spin on the iconic wheel at the Santa Monica Pier will get you more well-deserved parent cred. Or, you can take a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood , where, for now, you can find the only Super Nintendo World open in the United States. Stay at The Garland in North Hollywood, a Good Housekeeping 2024 Family Travel Awards winner. It has a swanky trolley that transports guests to and from Universal, as well as other kid perks like dive-in movies and a retro-chic family suite with bunk beds.

San Diego, CA

Can’t decide between heading to the beach or exploring a big city? San Diego has the best of both worlds, with near-perfect weather to boot. Make your home base a beach resort like the Kona Kai San Diego Resort & Spa , San Diego Mission Bay Resort or, if you're bringing a big group, Shore House at Del, a Good Housekeeping 2024 Family Travel Award winner. Intersperse oceanside fun with short drives to the city’s famous zoo and museums in Balboa Park. Plan to spend at least a half day at Liberty Station , a cultural attraction that has many places to eat and shop. New stores and restaurants are open at Seaport Village , which has a classic carousel for kids to ride.

RELATED: The Best Things to Do in San Diego With the Whole Family

Monterey, CA

The number one reason to book a vacation in this coastal town: the aquarium. Yes, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is that good. It levels up the typical touch tank experience by letting little kids crawl through tunnels surrounded by tropical fish displays and use squirt toys to learn how animals stand up to big waves. There’s even a padded zone with eye-level exhibits for toddlers! And the whole family will be wowed by the aquarium’s newish exhibition, "Into the Deep: Exploring Our Undiscovered Ocean." Some of the creatures in the 21 live exhibit areas are newly discovered and haven’t even been named yet. Mind blown! Stay at the hotel next door, InterContinental The Clement Monterey .

Disneyland Resort and California Adventure, Anaheim, CA

If you're looking for a Disney trip with young kids, Disneyland may have the edge over an Orlando vacay. Here are some reasons why: You can get on more rides without as much walking in California, so that means fewer tired and cranky kids. Summer weather is also usually better in Anaheim than in hot-and-humid Florida. And rides like Radiator Springs Racers, which looks like it’s right out of the movie Cars , are Cali-exclusive. The new Villas at Disneyland Hotel offer options that sleep up to 12 guests plus the decor is whimsical.

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Make the Most of Summer

80 Quick and Easy Summer Dinner Ideas

In-Depth Shibumi Shade Review

70 No-Bake Summer Dessert Recipes

The Best Plus Size Swimsuits

30 Fun Summer Party Ideas

The Best Swimsuits for Women

The Best BBQ Rubs for Any Grilled Recipe

10 Best Beach Wagons and Carts of 2024

The Best Sunscreens

10 Best Beach Umbrellas for Summer 2024

The Best Summer Wedding Guest Dresses

• New York City
• Miami South Florida
• Philadelphia
• Washington DC
• Los Angeles
• San Francisco Bay Area
• Connecticut
• Long Island
• Westchester

HOME - New York City

Activity calendar, this week's picks, activity providers, submit an activity.

• News & Openings

NYC Baby Guide

Nyc for preschoolers, tweens & teens, neighborhood guides.

• Parks & Playgrounds
• Free Activities

Visitors' Guide to NYC

• Restaurants

NYC Moving Guide

Crafts for kids, science for kids, at home activities, online & virtual, camps guide, classes guide, preschools & schools guide.

• Birthday Parties

Party Providers

Best of spring, best of summer, best of fall, best of winter, family vacations.

• Theme & Water Parks

Resorts & Hotels

Adirondacks, hamptons & north fork, poconos guide, jersey shore guide.

• Staten Island
• Beaches & Lakes
• Best Of Lists
• Boredom Busters
• Christmas/Hanukkah
• City Guides
• Classes & Enrichment
• Crafts & Recipes
• Fairs & Festivals
• Fall Activities
• Family Travel
• Farms & U-Pick
• Hotels & Resorts
• Indoor Activities
• Parent Talk
• Play Gyms & Sports Centers
• Pools & Spray Parks
• Preschools & Schools
• Skiing & Winter Sports
• Special Needs
• Special Occasions
• Spring Activities
• Stores & Services
• Summer Activities
• Trains, Dinos & Heroes
• TV, Film & Movies
• Visitors Guide
• Weekend Events
• Weekend Trips
• Winter Activities
• Zoos & Gardens

12 Best Places To Visit in the South, USA with Kids

The best places to visit in the South are all wonderful in their own way. If you're looking for a warm and sunny destination to escape a cold winter, you'll find it in many parts of Florida , Georgia , and other southern states. Perhaps your family is drawn to the fabulous Orlando theme parks , the country-music scene in Nashville , or the rich history of charming cities like Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia . Or, maybe you just need a good dose of southern hospitality and cooking!

Whatever your reasons for traveling down south, here are the 12 best places to visit in the South with kids. From beautiful beaches and pristine parks to world-class museums and children's attractions, there's a southern destination on this list to suit every family's interests. For even more southern family vacation ideas, check out our Southern States Vacation Guide .

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Best Places to Visit in the South with Kids

1. myrtle beach, south carolina, 2. asheville, north carolina.

Asheville is not only one of the best places to visit in the South. It has actually landed on several of our best-of travel lists, including the best off-the-beaten-path vacation spots in the US —and for good reason. Families can explore the majestic Biltmore Estate and all of its activities, visit loads of kid-friendly museums, take gorgeous hikes through forests and past waterfalls, dine at delicious restaurants, and so much more. Asheville is also known for its family-friendly breweries, including the popular Sierra Nevada Asheville . And if you visit in December, you can check out the famous National Gingerbread House Competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn .

3. Charleston, South Carolina

This South Carolina city has it all—beautiful beaches and waterways, kid-friendly museums and historic sites, pretty parks and gardens, great restaurants, and loads of southern charm. The two-story, 385,000-gallon ocean tank full of fish, sea turtles, and sharks at the South Carolina Aquarium is a can't-miss. Kids will also love exploring the Old Exchange building downtown—including the dungeon where pirates and Revolutionary War prisoners were held—and playing at the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry . Be sure to check out the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier at Patriots Point , too. Hotel options range from charming inns to activity-packed resorts.

RELATED: Top Amusement Parks in the US for a Family Vacation

4. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Families flock to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for the area's multitude of amusement parks, including the world-famous Dollywood . But there's so much more to these Tennessee towns that make them a fabulous family vacation spot in the southern USA. If you want to explore nature, you can't get much better than Great Smoky Mountains National Park , with its gorgeous waterfalls and stunning mountain hikes. Check out interesting museums like the unique Gatlinburg Pinball Museum and the interactive Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge. Get an up-close look at marine life at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies . And stay in one of the area's many family-friendly hotels , from rustic lodges to full-blown resorts with water parks.

5. Nashville, Tennessee

If you've got a country music fan in your family, the best places to visit in the South are the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame  in Nashville. But even those who don't rock out to Blake Shelton or Carrie Underwood will find plenty to do in Music City. Kids will love riding a vintage train at the Tennessee Central Railway Museum , playing with the interactive water features and exploring the pretend shops at the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring , and seeing over 375 species of exotic birds and animals at the Nashville Zoo . And, of course, everyone will enjoy indulging in some delicious southern BBQ and fried chicken.

6. Sunny Florida Beach Towns

With hundreds of miles of sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and year-round warm weather, there's never a bad time to visit Florida's beach towns. Two of our favorites to visit with kids on the Atlantic coast are West Palm Beach —home of a sea-turtle rehabilitation center and the stunning John D. MacArthur Beach State Park —and Amelia Island , with its award-winning beaches, world-class golf courses, and loads of nature activities. Near the southern tip, Miami has a surprising number of things to do with kids, and you can't go wrong with any of the gorgeous islands that make up the Florida Keys . And on the Gulf Coast, try Clearwater Beach , Naples , or Destin .

RELATED: 100 Things To Do in Orlando with Kids (Other Than Theme Parks)

7. Orlando, Florida

If you're looking for a theme-park adventure in Florida rather than a beach vacay, obviously Orlando is the place to be. From Disney World to SeaWorld to Universal Orlando and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter , Orlando is the ultimate amusement-park haven. But there are so many more reasons to visit this Central Florida city with kids. There are tons of family-friendly attractions like the Orlando Science Center , WonderWorks , Gatorland , and even the world's largest McDonald's (we're not kidding). Add to that mild to hot temperatures all year long and loads of family-friendly hotels , and you've got yourself the perfect warm and sunny family vacation spot in the southern USA.

8. Jekyll Island, Georgia

This barrier island midway between Savannah, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida is one of the best places to visit in the South if you want to unwind and enjoy nature. Its 10 miles of natural shoreline include gorgeous and unique beaches like Driftwood Beach and Shark Tooth Beach . There's also a seasonal water park, tons of outdoor activities including biking and horseback riding, a nature center, historic sites, and even a sea turtle education and rehabilitation facility  (the only one in Georgia). Accommodations for families range from maritime-forest campgrounds to luxury villas with pools and other amenities.

9. Savannah, Georgia

When you think of the best places to visit in the South, the picture in your mind probably looks (and sounds) a lot like Savannah: cobblestone streets, oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, majestic riverboats, and live jazz music. With two children's museums, interesting historic sites, beautiful nearby beaches, sprawling parks, and family-friendly restaurants serving up delicious southern cuisine, Savannah is also a great city to visit with kids. Plus, the weather in Savannah is warm year-round, and there are plenty of affordable hotel options, making it one of the best winter vacation spots in the US for families.

RELATED: Columbia with Kids: 25 Best Things To Do in Columbia, SC

10. New Orleans, Louisiana

Sure, New Orleans may be one big party during Mardi Gras, but the rest of the year, it's an awesome city to visit with kids—so long as you stay off Bourbon Street. The Big Easy is full of great family-friendly museums (including the massive Louisiana Children's Museum ), places to see animals such as the Audubon Zoo and the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center , amazing parks to play in, steamboats and ferries to ride, and delicious local foods to try such as po-boys and gumbo. Be sure to explore the famous French Quarter, catch some live jazz music, and nosh on beignets at Cafe Du Monde.

11. Williamsburg, Virginia

There are so many reasons to visit Williamsburg with kids, especially if you have a history buff on your hands. The biggest draw is Colonial Williamsburg , an open-air living history museum that children absolutely love (my own included). There's also the Jamestown Settlement , where costumed historical interpreters demonstrate life in the first permanent English settlement in the New World, as well as Historic Jamestowne , the actual site of the original Jamestown fort and town. And there's the Yorktown Battlefield , site of the last battle of the Revolutionary War in 1781. When you need a history break, catch some thrills at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and the nearby Water Country USA . Williamsburg also has some amazing family resorts, including Great Wolf Lodge and Kingsmill Resort .

RELATED: Best Family-Friendly Beaches in Galveston

12. South Padre Island, Texas

When you want to escape the winter doldrums and have some fun in the sun, head to South Padre Island, home to some of the best beaches in Texas . Just don't visit during spring break, when it's popular with the college crowd! Any other time of year, South Padre Island is one of the best places to visit in the South with kids. In addition to beaches featuring soft, powdery white sand, there are some great hiking and water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding, a sea turtle rehabilitation center , a nature center and alligator sanctuary , a water park , and lots more. And if you really want an outdoor adventure, take the family camping at Padre Island National Seashore .

Featured Local Savings

• Entertainment
• Unsubscribe
• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions

Best Places To Travel With Your Family

• by Travel Contributor
• December 19, 2022 December 19, 2022

There’s nothing quite like traveling with your family. Whether taking a road trip to see the sights or flying to a new country to explore, spending time with your loved ones is always a special experience. When you travel together, you create memories that last a lifetime. Of course, traveling with your family can also be challenging at times.

If you’re considering taking a trip with your family, you have come to the right place. It can be hard to keep everyone happy with so many people to coordinate. However, the effort is always worth it when you can spend quality time together and create new experiences. This article will share some of the best places to travel with your loved ones and help you feel confident that you and your family can have the trip of a lifetime.

• 1 Hawaii, USA
• 2 The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
• 3 The Grand Canyon, USA
• 4 Cancun, Mexico
• 5 Alaska, USA
• 6 Paris, France
• 7 Yellowstone National Park, USA
• 8 Places You Should NOT Travel To With Your Family
• 9 Dubai, UAE
• 10 Bangkok, Thailand
• 11 New Orleans, Louisiana
• 12 Travel With Your Family Today!

Hawaii, USA

Hawaii is an amazing place to visit with your family. With its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and active volcanoes, there is something for everyone to enjoy. And best of all, it is a great place to relax and spend quality time together. The beaches are simply unbeatable. From the world-famous Waikiki Beach in Honolulu to the secluded shorelines of Kauai, there is a beach for every taste.

Hawaii is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. The scenery is breathtaking. From the snow-capped peaks of Mauna Kea to the dramatic cliffs of Molokai, there is always something new to marvel at, and, of course, there are plenty of activities to enjoy on the sand, from swimming and sunbathing to bodyboarding and surfing.

There is so much to do. In addition to spending time on the beach, families can go hiking, biking, snorkeling, kayaking, and even take a helicopter ride over active volcanoes. And, of course, no trip to Hawaii would be complete without experiencing some of the state’s unique culture and history. So if you’re looking for a truly unforgettable family vacation, look no further than Hawaii. Its incredible scenery and endless activities make it the perfect place to create lasting memories with your loved ones.

The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s most popular travel destinations, and it’s easy to see why. The reef offers something for everyone, from world-class diving and snorkeling to the incredible array of marine life. The reef is also home to many tourist attractions, such as the world-famous Whitehaven Beach.

Its crystal clear waters and powdery white sand make it easy to see why the Great Barrier Reef is such a popular destination for families. In addition to its natural beauty, the Great Barrier Reef is also a safe place to travel with your family. The Australian government has strict laws to protect the reef, and many tour operators offer family-friendly tours of the reef. As a result, you can be sure that your family will have a great time exploring the Great Barrier Reef.

The Grand Canyon, USA

The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, and it’s easy to see why. With its stunning views and vast size, the canyon is a natural wonder that people of all ages can enjoy. There are plenty of things to do in the Grand Canyon, from hiking and camping to swimming and rafting.

Whether you’re looking for an adventurous getaway or a family-friendly vacation, the Grand Canyon is a great place to travel. And, of course, no visit to the Grand Canyon would be complete without a trip to the famous Bright Angel Lodge. Situated on the South Rim of the canyon, the lodge provides visitors with an up-close and personal look at one of America’s most iconic landmarks.

Cancun, Mexico

Cancun, Mexico, is a great place to travel with your family. With its beautiful beaches, stunning ocean views, and various activities, there is something for everyone in Cancun. The resorts in Cancun offer a variety of activities for families, including swimming pools, water parks, and kids’ clubs.

There are also many restaurants and shops in Cancun that cater to families. In addition, Cancun is a very safe destination for families. The crime rate is very low, and the police are very visible. Cancun is also a very affordable destination for families. Some many cheap hotels and resorts offer great value for money. Overall, Cancun is a great place to travel with your family.

Alaska, USA

Alaska is a great place to travel with your family. The state is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, from the majestic mountains to the stunning glaciers. And there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, from hiking and biking to kayaking and fishing. With so much to see and do, there’s something for everyone in Alaska.

With its rich Native American heritage, Alaska is a fascinating place to explore. Plus, Alaska is a great place to learn about American history and culture. So if you’re looking for a destination that offers something for everyone, Alaska is the perfect place to take your family on vacation.

Paris, France

Paris is a great place to travel with your family. There are so many things to do, and the city is very family-friendly. For starters, Paris has a ton of great museums, like the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay. These are perfect for rainy or hot summer days when you need to take a break from the heat. There are also a lot of parks and playgrounds scattered throughout the city, so your kids can run around and burn off some energy.

And, of course, no visit to Paris would be complete without taking a spin on the carousel at the Tuileries Garden or riding the Ferris wheel at the place de la Concorde. Of course, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants to enjoy, so you can relax and watch the world go by while enjoying some delicious French food. So why not plan your next family vacation to Paris? Your kids will love it!

Yellowstone National Park, USA

Yellowstone National Park is a great place to take your family on vacation. There are plenty of things to do, and the scenery is breathtaking. One of the best things to do in Yellowstone is to go on a hike. There are trails of all different lengths and difficulty levels, so there’s sure to be something that everyone in your family will enjoy.

Another great activity is wildlife watching; the park is home to various animals, including bison, elk, bears, and wolves. Watching these animals in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. Finally, take some time to relax and enjoy the scenery. Yellowstone is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, and it’s well worth taking some time to simply soak it all in.

Places You Should NOT Travel To With Your Family

Dubai is often a luxury destination, and while it does have plenty of upscale hotels and restaurants, it’s not necessarily the best place to travel with your family. First of all, Dubai is extremely hot for much of the year, making it uncomfortable to be outside for long periods. Additionally, the city is quite crowded, which can overwhelm small children.

And finally, Dubai is quite expensive, so unless you’re prepared to spend a lot of money, you might not find it the best value for your family vacation. There are certainly worse places to visit with your family, but if you’re looking for a relaxing and hassle-free trip, Dubai might not be the ideal destination.

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand, is not a good place to travel with your family. The city is incredibly congested, making it difficult to get around. Public transportation is often overcrowded and unreliable, and the roads are full of potholes. In addition, the city is plagued by air pollution, which can cause various health problems.

And finally, Bangkok is notorious for its petty crime, such as pickpocketing and scams. As a result, it’s best to avoid traveling to Bangkok with your family. There are much better places to visit that are safer and more enjoyable.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a party atmosphere. However, it’s not the best choice for a family vacation. The city is known for its live music and nightlife, but it can also be quite noisy and chaotic.

There are also many people out and about late at night, which can make it feel unsafe. In addition, the weather in New Orleans can be extremely hot and humid, which can be uncomfortable for young children. If you’re looking for a place to take your family on vacation, there are better options than New Orleans.

Travel With Your Family Today!

No matter where you choose to go, there’s no doubt that a family vacation is a perfect way to spend quality time with your loved ones and create some amazing memories . So why not start planning your next trip today? Whether you want to explore the mountains of Alaska or enjoy the art and culture of Paris, there’s something for everyone in the world of travel. So why not pack your bags and travel with your family today? You won’t regret it!

Privacy Overview

Where to buy solar eclipse glasses near me? Some locations may still have glasses for last-minute eclipse watchers

Today's the day when the moon's shadow will (partially) blot out the sun for millions of Floridians, and some of them may still be scrambling for eclipse glasses so they can safely look at it without frying their eyes. Where can you still find them?

You may have to call around, or do some driving. Many retail locations have been selling solar eclipse glasses this year and some places have been giving them away, but availability is "while supplies last" and that will be different for every place.

There's an eclipse today? The procrastinator's guide to viewing the solar eclipse in Florida

Where can I find eclipse glasses?

Here are some places to check. Remember, some may have sold out, and not all locations may have been carrying them. Make sure any eclipse glasses you buy are legitimate and include an ISO rating, an ISO number and an address, avoid any that say "NASA Approved," and test them before you look up .

7-Eleven, Buc-ee's, Circle K and more

You may not have to go farther than the end of your street. Many convenience stores and gas stations have been carrying eclipse glasses and may still have some in stock.

Eclipse glasses have been spotted at 7-Eleven , Circle K, and Buc-ee's locations and many individual stores may have jumped on the opportunity.

Fake eclipse glases on sale online: Are yours safe? How to test before the April solar eclipse

Big chain stores such as Walmart, Lowes

Walmart has offered a wide variety of eclipse glasses in different styles, so has Target . However, all of the glasses on their websites are shipping only which will be a little late, so check your local store for availability.

Some other places where eclipse glasses have been spotted:

• Ace Hardware
• Cracker Barrel

Does Publix have eclipse glasses?

No, Publix did not carry eclipse glasses this year, according to a local customer service rep.

Warby Parker, Sonic offering free eclipse glasses

Prescription eyeglasses retailer Warby Parker began handing out free eclipse glasses at their locations on April 1 so definitely call first.

Sonic Drive-in locations are offering free eclipse glasses with the purchase of their new Blackout Sonic Float.

Does Amazon offer same-day delivery of eclipse glasses?

Online stores are great for fast service, but you may want to give it a miss this time. The   American Astronomical Society (AAS) does not recommend buying eclipse glasses online due to the number of counterfeit, unsafe glasses that have hit the market this year.

Shooting the eclipse with your phone: Can I take a photo of the eclipse with my phone? Yes, but take these steps so you don't fry it

Do I need to wear solar eclipse glasses?

If you plan to look directly at the sun, yes. Even a brief glance may cause temporary or permanent damage to your eyes and eyesight.

"Do NOT look at the Sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer," NASA advises . "The concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury."

How can I tell if my eclipse glasses are legitimate?

If you didn't buy your eclipse glasses directly from one of the vetted venders on the AAS list or a trusted source, check the text on the glasses for the  ISO 12312-2 standard listing and the address of the company. But these can be copied.

Don't trust any glasses that say they are NASA Approved . NASA doesn't do that.

Test your glasses first by putting them on inside and looking at a strong light source. You shouldn't be able to see anything, according to the AAS, although very bright lights may show up but would be very faint.

Go outside, put them on, and look at sunlight reflections or glance at the sun very quickly. You shouldn't see anything around you and the sun should appear to be a "sharp-edged, round disk" that's comfortably bright.

Can I watch the eclipse without looking at it?

Yes! If you don't manage to get glasses in time, there are several ways to see the eclipse that won't risk your eyes with items you probably have around the home.

Anything with a round hole in it can be held up to cast an image of the eclipse onto the ground or a sheet of white paper. Pinhole projectors, colanders, a slotted spoon, a Ritz cracker, even lacing your fingers together.

Or you can look under a tree. The sun shining through tree leaves and branches creates its own pinhole projector, casting lots of little crescent-moon shapes on the ground.

What time is the eclipse in Florida?

The eclipse will last roughly 2½ hours in Florida, starting around 1:40 p.m. EDT and ending around 4:17 EDT. The time of maximum coverage will be just before 3 p.m. EDT for most of the state.

You can find eclipse times for your ZIP code on the map below, just tap your location:

Blog The Education Hub

https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2024/04/02/how-to-claim-15-hours-free-childcare-code/

Thousands of parents of two-year-olds benefit from 15 hours free childcare - here's how

We’re making the  biggest investment  by a UK government into childcare in history, doubling the amount we expect to spend over the next few years from around £4 billion to around £8 billion each year.  

We've already started to rollout the first phase of the expansion. As of April 2024, eligible parents of children who have turned 2-years-old before 1 April are getting help with their childcare costs by accessing 15 hours of government-funded childcare.

The rollout of support is part of our plan to help families – freeing thousands of couples from having to choose between having a family and a career.

This builds on existing government-funded childcare and later in the year the support will be extended to include some children from when they turn 9-months-old.

• Currently, eligible working parents of 3 and 4-year-olds can access 30 hours of childcare support.  
• Eligible working parents of 2-year-olds are also now able to access 15 hours childcare  support.
• From  September 2024 , 15 hours childcare support will be extended to eligible working parents with a child from 9-months-old.  
• From  September 2025 , support will reach 30 hours for eligible working parents with a child from 9-months-old up to school age.  

When can I apply?  

Applications are now open for eligible working parents whose children will be 2 or older by the 31 August to receive 15 hours childcare, starting from September 2024.

And from 12 May, eligible working parents whose children will be aged between 9- and 23-months old on 31st August, can apply to receive 15 hours childcare starting from September 2024.

It’s important to remember that codes need to be renewed every three months, so parents applying close to 12 May will need to renew their code prior to the offer starting in September.

You are able to claim your place the term after your child turns the relevant age. This gives local authorities and childcare providers enough time to prepare.

How do I apply?   

You apply online here on   Gov.uk once you have checked our  eligibility criteria .  

You’ll need to make sure you have the following information to hand before starting the application:  

• your national insurance number (or unique taxpayer reference if you are self-employed)  
• the date you started or are due to start work  
• details of any government support or benefits you receive  
• the UK birth certificate reference number (if you have one) for your child.  

You may find out if you’re eligible straight away, but it can take up to 7 days.  

Once your application has been approved, you’ll get a code to give to your childcare provider.  

Eligible parents are also able to access Tax-Free Childcare through the same application system. You can apply for Tax-Free Childcare at any time. However, you don't need to apply for Tax-Free Childcare to be eligible to apply for the 15 hours childcare scheme.   

What happens once I receive my code?  

Once you receive your code, you’ll need to take it to your childcare provider, along with your National Insurance number and your child’s date of birth.  

Your childcare provider will process the code to provide your place.  

Places will be available for September in every area of the country, but a significant minority of settings hold waiting lists of over six months. If you have a preferred nursery for September, you should reach out now to secure a place for your child ahead of receiving your code.  

Your local authority can provide support for finding a government-funded place in your area.  

What if I’m already registered for Tax Free Childcare?  

Parents must reconfirm that they are still eligible for Tax-Free Childcare every 3 months.  

Parents who are already claiming Tax-Free Childcare and need to reconfirm their eligibility between 1 April and 12 May will be automatically issued a code in the post from HMRC soon after the 12 May.   

This is to ensure every parent can give their code to their provider in good time. This code will be valid to apply for 15 hours of government-funded childcare from September.   

If I receive a code in a letter from HMRC, does this make my code on my Childcare Account invalid?  

No. Both codes will be valid.   

Do I need to wait for my reconfirmation window to add another child to my account?  

A parent who is already using the childcare service for another child can add a new child to their account at any time.  

Your reconfirmation cycle for your current Tax-Free Childcare will not affect this.  

How are you making sure there will be enough childcare places for eligible parents?  

Parents that have a preferred place for September should reach out now to their local provider to secure a physical place for their child ahead of time.  

To make sure there are enough places available, we’re investing over £400 million in 2024-25 to increase the hourly rates paid to local authorities.  

The Institute for Fiscal Studies has independently reported that the average funding rates for two-year-olds and under 2s paid by government from April 2024 are projected to be substantially higher than the market rate paid by parents last year, and we have committed to further increases to provider rates for the next two years.  

We have also committed to increasing hourly funding rates over the next two years by an estimated £500 million, to make sure providers can increase places at each phase of the rollout.    

You may also be interested in:

• Budget 2023: Everything you need to know about childcare support
• Before and after school childcare: Everything you need to know about wraparound care
• Free childcare: How we are tackling the cost of childcare

Tags: 15 hours free childcare , Applying for 15 hours free childcare , Childcare , Free childcare 2024 , Free childcare eligibility , tax-free childcare , When to apply for 15 hour free childcare

Sharing and comments

Share this page, related content and links, about the education hub.

The Education Hub is a site for parents, pupils, education professionals and the media that captures all you need to know about the education system. You’ll find accessible, straightforward information on popular topics, Q&As, interviews, case studies, and more.

Please note that for media enquiries, journalists should call our central Newsdesk on 020 7783 8300. This media-only line operates from Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm. Outside of these hours the number will divert to the duty media officer.

Members of the public should call our general enquiries line on 0370 000 2288.

Sign up and manage updates

Follow us on social media, search by date, comments and moderation policy.

• Personal Care

Solar Eclipse Eye Safety: How to Protect Your Eyes When Viewing Nature's Wonder

Here's what to know about solar retinopathy and why using proper vision protection is important.

• Added coconut oil to cheap coffee before keto made it cool.

Whether you've traveled to see it or you're one of the lucky ones living in the total solar eclipse's path , protecting your vision is important if you'll be looking up to the sky Monday. 

A total solar eclipse happens when the moon momentarily blocks the sun's face, resulting in a cool and arguably eerie darkness. It's the same type of eclipse that happened in 2017; last year's was only an  annular eclipse . 

Whether you're in the path of totality or catching part of the eclipse, it's important you know the safety guidance  and find the right eye protection . Aside from the very short moment of darkness that is the total solar eclipse, the sun will be partially eclipsed on Monday, making special eclipse glasses crucial if you plan to be outside or viewing the sky in any way. 

Dr. Ronald Benner, president of the American Optometric Association, told us in October that unsafe viewing of a solar eclipse can cause solar retinopathy, which is a type of retinal damage he compared to sunburn on the "satellite dish of the eye." Failing to wear proper eye protection will let in a dangerous amount of ultraviolet radiation and damage the macular tissue in the retina. 

"Once it's burned and scarred, it's a bad thing," Benner said. 

Read more: Last Solar Eclipse for 20 Years Is Coming: Here's How to Watch It  

NASA's map shows the lucky strip of the US that will be within the viewing area of the total solar eclipse this April 8. 

How to find eclipse glasses last minute 

Unfortunately, sunglasses aren't going to cut it. Proper solar viewers or eclipse glasses are  thousands of times darker  than sunglasses, according to NASA.

Both the  American Optometric Association  and the  American Academy of Ophthalmology  say to look for glasses that have been given the OK by the American Astronomical Society. The AAS includes glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 standard. Importantly, counterfeit glasses or those that don't meet safety standards can also claim this or use it as a logo -- so make sure you verify your glasses before the big event . (The AAS notes that if you have glasses from a vendor not listed, it doesn't mean that they're unsafe by default, they're simply not vetted.) 

Some brick-and-mortar stores sell glasses in-store that meet safety standards, the AAS says. So if you need a pair last-minute, it's worth swinging by one of these stores to see what they have in stock: 

• Walmart 
• Lowe's
• Cracker Barrel 
• Bucc-ee's 
• Meijer 
• Menards 

According to information from Warby Parker provided to CNET Sunday evening, the free eclipse glasses Warby Parker was giving away are out of stock at all locations. 

In addition to glasses, you can use a  pinhole eclipse projector to view the eclipse. 

Read more:   Want to Take Photos of the Total Solar Eclipse? Here's What to Know 

Relive the Total Solar Eclipse: Best Photos So Far

Make sure to check your eclipse glasses

Even if you've done all the right things by referencing the AAS website to find the right glasses or viewers, it's a good idea to give them a test run before the main event. 

You can do this by putting your glasses on and wearing them around other sources of light, like street lights or car lights. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, you shouldn't be able to see any light in your eclipse glasses,  besides the sun or sunlight  reflected in a mirror. If light comes through, Benner said, "they're not good." 

For more, follow these tips to see whether your glasses are fake or the real deal . 

Solar retinopathy: What happens to your eyes if you look at a solar eclipse

For folks who will be in the path of totality, there is a "brief and spectacular" period of time when it's safe to look at the sky without glasses, according to NASA , but it's crucial to keep them on during the other phases of the eclipse while the sun is still partly visible. According to the National Park Service , the total block lasts only for about 2 to 4 minutes, depending on where you are in the path of totality. 

And for people viewing a partial eclipse outside the path of totality, there's never a safe time to view the eclipse without glasses. If the sun is out, even just a sliver, don't look at it without glasses . 

Put simply, solar retinopathy is  damage to the retina , and you run that risk by exposing your eyes to the sun. Benner said the damage usually takes about six to 12 hours to show up.  Common symptoms  include blurry vision, blind spots, distorted color vision or otherwise warped vision. 

If you notice these symptoms, you should see a doctor right away to pinpoint the source of your vision problems. Many patients will regain normal vision acuity within a few months, though it may be random. Benner added that recovery may take up to six months or a year, and that sometimes people don't fully recover and their vision acuity is affected from then on.

Is there anyone who might be more susceptible to solar retinopathy? No, Benner said.

"Every individual is a unique individual," Benner said, but no one's immune to damage when it comes to the delicate parts of the eye. In other words, don't think you'll be safe to steal a peak because you don't sunburn often.

"When it comes to the retinal tissue, it's so much different," he explained.

There's also no specific amount of time that you can look at the sun before you're at risk of retinal damage. According to the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, even  a few seconds  can cause permanent harm. 

For parents of younger kids, Benner has an extra word of caution: Watch them closely with their glasses, or just keep them in the house to watch it on TV. Us adults know better than to risk looking at the sun, but children may not. 

Personal Care Guides

• Best Places to Buy Glasses Online
• Best Places to Buy Replacement Prescription Lenses
• Best Eye Drops
• Best Places to Buy Contacts Online
• Best Prescription Sunglasses
• Best Blue Light Blocking Glasses
• Best Electric Toothbrush
• Quip Toothbrush Review
• Best Invisible Braces
• Best Teeth Whitening Strips and Toothpaste
• Best Teeth Whitening Kits
• Best Mental Health Apps
• Best Teas for Stress and Anxiety
• Best Fidget Toys for Anxiety
• Best Online Therapy
• Best Online Couples Therapy
• Best Online Psychiatric Services
• Betterhelp Online Therapy Review
• Cerebral Review
• Talkspace Online Therapy Review
• Talkspace vs. Betterhelp
• Best Sunscreen
• Best Shower Filter
• Best Hand Soap
• Best Period Underwear
• Contact Lens King Coupons
• 1-800 CONTACTS Coupons
• Discount Contact Lenses Coupon Codes
• ContactsDirect Coupons
• EZ Contacts Coupons
• Zenni Optical Promo Codes
• SmartBuyGlasses Coupons
• EyeBuyDirect Coupons

Morning Rundown: Special counsel says history 'refutes' Trump argument, lawyer kills ex-daughter-in-law in deposition, and the most stunning images from the eclipse

Late-night shooting at popular outdoor mall in Miami suburb leaves two dead, 7 injured

A shooting at a bar in a popular outdoor mall in a Miami suburb early Saturday left two dead and seven injured.

According to local law enforcement, an altercation at a martini bar at the CityPlace Doral complex broke out around 3:30 a.m. Saturday, prompting a security guard working the scene to intervene. A man involved in the altercation subsequently produced a gun and shot and killed the guard.

"You start hearing shots. And it wasn’t one. It was one after another, after another, after another," recalled Peter Andres Jordan, who was in the bar at the time.

Two police officers then shot and killed the alleged gunman, but not before one officer and six bystanders — five men and a woman, according to police — were wounded in the shootout.

Two of the bystanders were listed in critical condition, while the officer was listed as stable after being shot in the leg. That officer, a four-year veteran of the force, applied a tourniquet on himself immediately after being struck, Doral Police Department Chief Edwin Lopez said.

One individual, identified as the man who the gunman was arguing with, was taken into custody.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the local police officers' use of force.

"It’s too early to tell who was shot by who, but we’re actively investigating that incident," a law enforcement spokesperson said at a press conference Saturday.

In a statement, a spokesperson for CityPlace Doral called it an "isolated incident," and that it had put a number of additional security measures in place. It said the mall's south parking garage, as well as the onsite retail surrounding the Plaza Fountain areas, are closed. The north side of the development will open at 6pm today, it said.

Officials said Miami-area law enforcement agencies had conducted a mass casualty training exercise at CityPlace Doral one year ago. Opened in 2017, CityPlace is an $800 million, 55-acre mixed-use development featuring some 40 restaurants and retailers, as well as a residential complex.

"You think that it’s never gonna happen to you, in a night where you’re just having fun, right — you’re 2 feet away," Jordan said. "I could be dead right now, you know."

Rob Wile is a breaking business news reporter for NBC News Digital.

Marissa Parra is a national correspondent for NBC News based in Miami, Florida.