Family vacation planning can be overwhelming. Between keeping little ones happy, finding activities everyone enjoys and staying within budget, parents often argue over the perfect vacation destination. The good news? There are incredible family friendly destinations all over the world, many of which offer excursions, learning opportunities and relaxation for all ages.
So whether you’re after seaside action, mountain-top activities, inquisitive cultural immersion or a dose of theme park adrenaline; we’ve found the spots where there’s family fun to be had. We’ve picked spots that are fun for kids and adults, while also being safe, welcoming places with enough to do to keep everyone happy.
The Importance of Selecting the Right Family-Friendly Destination
Choosing a family-friendly destination isn’t just about looking for a spot that has a pool and playground. The best family vacations are the ones that are not just relaxing or affordable, but smooth as butter and something everyone in the family will enjoy, regardless of their age. Pick the right destination, and it’s less stress on parents, more smiles from kids and memories that can individually last a lifetime.
The best family destinations have a few things in common: They’re easy to get to, whether by foot, plane or automobile; there are lots of hotel and rental options for families; and they’re friendly to both parents and children. They even offer a chance for families to connect, learn together and try something new beyond their typical routine.
Orlando, Florida: Winter Park-a-dise
Orlando is North America’s undisputed top destination for family fun. Home to more theme parks per square mile than anywhere else in the world, this Florida city has long thrived as a place delivering unforgettable experiences for families.
What Makes Orlando Special
Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld and LEGOLAND are right around the corner for every member of your family. Disney’s four parks alone offer a week’s worth of vacationing (and that is not even taking into account Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where the impossible gets picture perfect).
Beyond the large parks, Orlando has plenty of unassuming attractions too, such as Gatorland — where kids can see real Florida alligators close up — and interactive museums like WonderWorks (a fun way to slip in some education). The weather remains warm all year, allowing for outdoor activities in winter as well.
Activities for Different Ages
Toddlers and preschoolers: Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland, character meet-and-greets, Sesame Street at SeaWorld
Elementary school kids: Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Epcot interactive exhibits, water parks
Teenagers: Thrill rides in Busch Gardens, Universal’s roller coasters, shopping at Disney Springs
Adults: Fancy table-service dining, resort spas and nightlife at CityWalk
Budget Planning
| Expense Category | Budget Option | Mid-Range Option | Premium Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | $80-120 | $150-250 | $300-600 |
| Park Tickets (per day) | $109-150 | $150-200 | > $200 (Express Pass) |
| Food (per day, family of 4) | $80-120 | $150-200 | > $250 |
| Transportation | Rental car: $40-60/day | Uber/Lyft: $50-80/day | Private car service: > $100+/day |
Pro tip: Come during the off-peak months (September, early November or January through February) for shorter lines and lower hotel rates.
San Diego, California: Where the Surf Meets Adventure
San Diego puts perfect weather, beautiful beaches and kid-pleasing attractions into one great family package. The Southern California gem has outdoor adventures, educational experiences and low-key beach vibes that allow families to really relax.
Beach Life and Ocean Activities
San Diego beaches, with more than 70 miles of coastline, have varying levels of comfort. La Jolla Shores has shallow waves that are great for children and beginners to surfing; Coronado Beach is known for its soft sand and gently rolling waters, making it a perfect terrain for castles. Many of the beaches are also near playgrounds, picnic areas and tide pools where kids can spot sea creatures.
Families can rent kayaks, try stand-up paddleboarding, take surf lessons or sign up for whale-watching trips. San Diego’s mild climate makes the beach a year-round affair (not just in summer).
Educational Entertainment
One of the best in the world, the San Diego Zoo is home to more than 12,000 animals spanning 100 acres of meticulously constructed habitats. Children learn about conservation while watching pandas, polar bears and elephants in settings that replicate their natural habitats.
At the retired aircraft carrier USS Midway Museum, families can interact with naval aviation history. Children can climb into real fighter jets, try out flight simulators and listen to stories from veteran docents who served on the ship.
Balboa Park
This downtown urban park spans 1,200 acres and is home to some of the top museums, gardens and theaters in San Diego, including the San Diego Zoo. Families in particular will find plenty to see and do with:
- Fleet Science Center with interactive experiments
- Natural History Museum with dino fossils
- Model Railroad Museum, with large intricate displays
- The Spanish Village Art Center studios, in which artists create and sell their works open to the public
Washington D.C.: History Comes Alive
Enjoy a mix of excellent and free world-class museums, memorials, historical sites in the nation’s capital with its rich history. Educational because one, it’s D.C. and your kids are going to learn a lot just by being here, without needing to go broke at all the commercial attractions. For more travel inspiration and deals, visit https://calltoflights.com.
The Smithsonian Museums
All Smithsonian museums — they are all free, after all — give families endless access to some of the nation’s greatest treasures. Kids will be delighted by the rockets, airplanes and space capsules at the National Air and Space Museum that they can walk through. The Natural History Museum includes dinosaur skeletons, the Hope Diamond and an insect zoo where plucky children can handle live tarantulas.
The National Museum of American History displays such disparate objects as the original Star-Spangled Banner and the gowns worn by First Ladies, as well as Julia Child’s kitchen and Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz.
Monuments and Memorials
Walking among a kaleidoscope of monuments transforms history lessons into directly experienced reality. The Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the World War II Memorial provide powerful spaces where families can share moments reflecting on American history. At sunset, the monuments gleam against the evening sky, and many families make pilgrimages there to see them.
Interactive Learning Opportunities
The International Spy Museum (admission required) allows kids to try out their spy skills in interactive exhibits, which reflect real-life espionage gadgets and techniques. The National Archives, where visitors can see the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, forge linkages from past to present.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring: The city is colored pink by cherry blossoms (late March-early April)
Summer: Outdoor concerts, food festivals and late museum hours
Fall: Pleasant temperatures that are conducive to walking tours
Winter: Christmas decorations, ice skating on the National Mall
Tokyo, Japan: A Mix of Old World Culture and New World Fun
For families with a sense of adventure, Tokyo is a bewitching mix of the ancient and ultra-modern that can provide experiences unlike anywhere else. Language barrier aside, Tokyo is a fabulous place for families with it being super safe & clean and has the necessary infrastructure to support little ones.
Theme Parks with Japanese Flair
Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea have characters that you know, but different attractions not available anywhere else. DisneySea is definitely for slightly older kids, with more impressive design and elaborate performances. The two parks match the usual Disney grade quality that is filled with Japanese service and detail.
Cultural Experiences for Kids
Families can experiment with wearing traditional kimonos, learn to make sushi, watch sumo wrestling practice sessions and take part in tea ceremonies adapted for children. The Ghibli Museum interprets the films of Studio Ghibli (think My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away) with imaginative installations designed to delight.
Technology and Innovation
Hyper-immersive digital art museums like TeamLab Borderless are designed to bring kids into lush landscapes of projected animations that react to their movement. The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, known as the Miraikan (literally “Future Museum”) also has robots on exhibit.
Practical Family Benefits
- Great public transportation; kids ride for free
- Numerous restaurants have plastic food displays, so it’s easy to order despite the language barrier
- Clean, safe streets with very little crime
- Convenience stores around the corner that have snacks, food and more
- Family rooms and baby cots/cribs are typically available at hotels on request
Costa Rica: Nature’s Playground
Costa Rica is the top choice for families looking for adventure in a safe and secure environment. This Central American nation crams an astounding amount of biodiversity into a relatively modest area, which means you can feasibly visit its rainforests, volcanoes and beaches in one trip.
Wildlife Encounters
Children don’t have to use binoculars to see animals in Costa Rica — the wildlife is everywhere. Monkeys swing through hotel grounds, sloths dangle from trees near walking trails and colorful toucans pose on branches. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve features hanging bridges through the canopy over jungle that provide families with bird’s-eye views.
Manuel Antonio National Park offers a rare combination of unspoiled beaches and jungle trails where families are likely to see three kinds of monkeys, iguanas and dozens of species of birds.
Adventure Activities by Age
Ages 6-12:
- Passing through rainforest canopies on children’s-designed zip lines
- Chocolate tours where kids get to help make chocolate from cacao beans
- Mild, class II-III white water rafting
- Day trips to animal rescue centers
Ages 13+:
- Longer zip line courses
- Surfing lessons on beginner-friendly beaches
- Canyoning adventures (rappelling down waterfalls)
- ATV tours through mountain trails
Eco-Lodges and Sustainable Tourism
Sustainability and education are the kingpins of many Costa Rican accommodations. Eco-lodges organize guided night hikes to see nocturnal animals, farm tours of organic crops and programs that introduce children to the environment of rainforests. These are excellent experiences for children to learn how they can help the environment even from a young age.
London, England: History Remains an Integral Part of the Nation’s Heart
London does an excellent job of combining hundreds of years’ worth of history with modern attractions perfect for the entire family! Its compact city center, and extensive public transportation, makes it a breeze to get around with even young children in tow.
Free World-Class Museums
Like Washington D.C., London has a lot of free museums. The British Museum is home to Egyptian mummies, Greek sculptures and treasure from across the world. The giant blue whale in the Natural History Museum and dinosaurs are by far among the highlights. The Science Museum features hands-on galleries where children can experiment themselves.
Royal Experiences
Free entertainment with a child-pleasing flourish can also be found at the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. The Tower of London (admission is required) has some interactive reveals about the Crown Jewels, things on display related to suits of armor and stories about imprisoned royals. Children get activity packs that make it a treasure hunt while you’re there.
Harry Potter Magic
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London brings families the behind-the-scenes of Harry Potter offering a sneaky peek behind the scenes of one of the most successful film series ever made. Visitors explore real sets, props and costumes while learning the secrets of filmmaking. Families can also visit Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station, where they can take Harry Potter walking tours in the city.
Parks and Outdoor Spaces
If sightseeing is on the agenda, Hyde Park, Regent’s Park and St. James’s Park all give children room to run while exploring the city. Playgrounds, boating lakes and outdoor cafes are abundant in most parks. The Princess Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens has a fantastic pirate ship climbing frame that children love.
Picking the Perfect Destination for Your Family
Choosing from these wonderful places will depend on your family’s needs, interests and situation. Consider these factors:
Age Range of Your Children
Theme-park destinations are good fits for families with young children in elementary school. Teenagers may want to take in adventure activities or cultural experiences. Families with wide-ranging age groups can opt for variety when it comes to destinations.
Budget Considerations
Do the math: Add up all costs for transportation, lodging, dining out and entertainment (including souvenirs). Some places have steep entry costs but feature free attractions, while others offer limited free activities and charge for most of them.
Travel Distance and Jet Lag
Shorter flights are less stressful for young children. For international travel, think about time zone differences and how they could impact your sleep schedule and mood.
Season and Weather
Look up the weather at your destination for the days you’ll be traveling. Some destinations experience rainy seasons, extreme heat or cold that may put a damper on outdoor activities.
Special Interests
Is your family a fan of nature, history, technology or theme parks? When you match destinations to your passions, you have more meaningful experiences.
Maximizing Your Family Vacation Time
No matter where you are going, here’s how to make family travel work:
Before You Go:
- Include kids in preparation to promote excitement
- Make a loose schedule with ample free space
- Pack child-friendly comfort items
- Download maps and translation apps for international travel
During Your Trip:
- Begin days early when children are at their peak energy
- Schedule downtime to avoid meltdowns
- Give each family member a vote for an activity
- Document but also exist in experience
- Let them try new foods, but have something familiar on hand for picky eaters
After You Return:
- Go through a photo album or make one together
- Let children tell you their favorite memories
- Set souvenirs up for all the world to see
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should you take kids on a big family vacation?
There’s no one perfect age, but for many families, kids ages 6-12 will get the most out of big trips. They’re old enough to remember being somewhere and young enough to still be amazed when they get there. Meanwhile, successful family vacations occur at any age with the right planning.
How can we go for a family vacation easy on the pocket?
Look at cities with free attractions such as Washington D.C., travel in shoulder or off-season when rates are lower, stay in vacation rentals and eat in to save on food costs, consider package deals and use credit card points or travel rewards. The most expensive places can become budget-friendly with a little planning.
Should we make plans and book activities in advance or wait until we get there?
For top attractions, booking in advance avoids disappointment and it’s not unusual to get a discount. But leave a few days open for unscripted exploring or resting as necessary. The sweet spot might be around 60 percent planned, 40 percent flexible.
How do we make it work for everyone when family members have different agendas?
Let each person pick one absolutely-must-do activity, and fill in the rest with things that are going to offer as much variety as possible. One day could be focused on one person’s interest, but balanced out by others focusing on other people. Compromise and give-and-take prevent bitterness.
What if someone falls ill or gets injured while we’re away?
Get travel insurance before international flights. Research the closest urgent care or hospitals at your destination. Bring a simple first-aid kit and any prescription medications. Almost all family-friendly destinations offer good medical care.
How many programs and activities should we aim for each day?
As a general rule, plan one big activity in the morning and another in the afternoon, with time for meals and rest in between. Over-scheduling leads to conflict and fatigue. Remember that your vacation should bring relaxation, not feel like an athletic event.
Creating Memories That Last Forever
Family vacations are more than just fun, they leave lasting memories, instill values and open your children’s eyes to new perspectives that help shape their character. The greatest destination isn’t necessarily the most exotic or expensive; it’s one that brings your family together, and makes stories you’ll tell for years.
And whether you opt for the theme park wonder of Orlando, the beach paradise of San Diego, the educational bounty of Washington D.C., the cultural awakening that is Tokyo or Costa Rica’s natural playground (not to mention London’s history heaven), you are gifting your family an adventure with purpose!
You can begin planning your family’s next holiday today. Research suitable destinations to match the interests of the whole family, establish an achievable budget, get everyone involved in making decisions and be ready for an adventure that will make memories well beyond your trip. There are many amazing places in the world just waiting for your family. All you have to do is pick one (or several!) and go!
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