Taking a trip with the whole family is bound to create new, beautiful memories, but it also means the destination needs to have everything you will need for a successful trip. Activities suitable for all ages, appropriately sized accommodations and specific amenities are just a few of the factors you must consider before planning family/kid-friendly summer vacations. It is not easy to find a place that can keep the youngest members of the family to the oldest both entertained and comfortable, but it is possible.
Many destinations around the world anticipate families with young kids and work to make traveling altogether easier and more enjoyable. This is done through supervised kids’ clubs, proximity to airports and transportation, spacious accommodations, kid-friendly activities and more.
Here are 15 places to consider traveling to that make for worthwhile kid friendly summer vacations.
Orlando, Florida
Known as the theme park capital of the world, Orlando is home to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld and LEGOLAND Florida Resort. These attractions offer endless entertainment for kids and families. In addition to theme parks, Orlando offers a variety of other family-friendly activities and attractions, such as indoor entertainment centers, mini-golf courses, museums, wildlife encounters and shopping complexes like Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk. Orlando also offers a wide range of family-friendly accommodations, including themed resorts within the theme parks themselves, as well as hotels and vacation rentals catering to families. Many of these accommodations offer amenities like pools, kids’ clubs and shuttle services to the theme parks.
To top everything off, traveling to and from Orlando, as well as within, is pretty simple. Orlando is easily accessible from major cities around the world, thanks to its international airport and well-developed transportation infrastructure. Once in Orlando, getting around is convenient with rental cars, shuttles and public transportation options available. Orlando is a commonly listed destination for kid friendly summer vacations but that is because it caters to families and so often makes for a great time.
San Diego, California
San Diego boasts some of California’s most beautiful beaches, including Coronado Beach, La Jolla Shores, and Mission Beach, offering family-friendly opportunities for swimming, surfing and building sandcastles. Families can also visit world-renowned attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, home to over 3,500 animals and LEGOLAND California Resort, featuring themed rides, shows and interactive LEGO experiences. Want to explore the city’s culture and main attractions? Explore Balboa Park, home to museums, gardens and the historic Old Globe Theatre, or visit the USS Midway Museum to learn about naval history aboard a retired aircraft carrier. Furthermore, with all the concerns that come with family vacations, San Diego’s weather is not likely to be one of them. Its pleasant climate allows for a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, kayaking in La Jolla Cove and biking along the Mission Bay Bike Path.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach offers 60 miles of sandy beaches along the Grand Strand, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, building sandcastles and enjoying water sports like kayaking and parasailing. Families can enjoy attractions such as Broadway at the Beach, a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex featuring attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium, WonderWorks and the SkyWheel. Myrtle Beach is also home to several amusement parks, including Family Kingdom Amusement Park with its classic rides and Splashes Oceanfront Water Park for water slides and lazy rivers. Also known as the Mini-Golf Capital of the World, Myrtle Beach offers numerous mini-golf courses suitable for families, as well as championship golf courses for adults.
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
For a fun trip abroad, take the fam to the Gold Coast, which boasts some of Australia’s most famous beaches, including Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads, offering golden sands and excellent surf conditions. Experience a thrill-packed day at Gold Coast’s theme parks, including Warner Bros. Movie World, Dreamworld, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild Water World, offering rides, shows and animal encounters. You can also explore the lush hinterland of the Gold Coast with rainforest walks, waterfall hikes and wildlife encounters at places like Lamington National Park and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. In addition to surfing and swimming, families can enjoy activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, jet boating and whale watching cruises during the whale migration season (June to November).
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, and is also great for kid friendly summer vacations. The city offers a rich cultural experience with iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell and Gothic Quarter, providing opportunities for family exploration and learning. Families can relax and play at Barcelona’s beaches, including Barceloneta Beach and Nova Icaria Beach, where kids can swim in the Mediterranean Sea and build sandcastles. You can even still experience the thrill of amusement parks in this city. PortAventura World, located near Barcelona, is one of Europe’s largest theme parks, offering thrilling rides, shows and water attractions suitable for all ages. Additionally, Barcelona offers a variety of family-friendly accommodations, including hotels, apartments and resorts. Areas like Barceloneta and Eixample are popular for families, with options ranging from budget-friendly to luxury accommodations.
Tokyo, Japan
Visit the neon-lit city of Tokyo for an awe-inspiring experience in every facet of your trip. Tokyo is home to a plethora of family-friendly attractions, including Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, as well as kid-friendly museums like the Ghibli Museum and National Museum of Nature and Science. Experience incredible Japanese culture at places like Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple and Meiji Shrine, participate in tea ceremonies and enjoy performances of traditional arts like kabuki and taiko drumming. Tokyo also offers diverse shopping and dining experiences that make even the simplest activities fun, from bustling markets like Tsukiji Outer Market to themed cafes like the Pokémon Cafe and character-themed restaurants in districts like Akihabara and Harajuku. Choose from various accommodation options suitable for families in Tokyo, including hotels, serviced apartments and traditional ryokan guesthouses. Family-friendly hotels often offer amenities like family rooms, cribs and childcare services.
Cancun, Mexico
Cancun is the spot for amazing beaches for the whole family to visit. Its stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling and building sandcastles. Popular beaches include Playa Delfines, Playa Tortugas and Playa Chac Mool. Families can enjoy a variety of water activities in Cancun, such as snorkeling at the Mesoamerican Reef, swimming with dolphins at Dolphinaris Cancun and exploring the underwater museum, Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA). Or they can take day trips to nearby attractions like the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum, the eco-park Xcaret and the island of Isla Mujeres, offering opportunities for cultural exploration and adventure. Cancun offers numerous all-inclusive resorts catering to families, providing amenities like kids’ clubs, water parks and organized activities for children. Resorts like Beach Palace, Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun and Moon Palace Cancun are popular choices.
Phuket, Thailand
Thailand is quickly becoming a must visit destination abroad for many, and this also includes families. Phuket, Thailand is famous for its pristine beaches with turquoise waters and soft sands, such as Patong Beach, Karon Beach and Kata Beach, offering plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling and building sandcastles. Families can enjoy a variety of water activities in Phuket, including snorkeling, diving, kayaking and boat tours to nearby islands like Phi Phi Islands and Phang Nga Bay, where they can explore limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons. Or you can visit cultural attractions like the Big Buddha of Phuket, Wat Chalong and Old Phuket Town, featuring vibrant markets, temples and historical sites. Phuket also boasts numerous family-friendly resorts and hotels, many of which offer kids’ clubs, water parks and organized activities for children. Popular options include JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket and Angsana Laguna Phuket.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu offers some of Hawaii’s most famous beaches, including Waikiki Beach, Lanikai Beach and Hanauma Bay, where families can swim, snorkel and relax in the sun. Take the kids to attractions like the Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium and Bishop Museum, offering educational experiences and opportunities to learn about Hawaiian culture, history and marine life. Or explore outdoor adventures such as hiking to the summit of Diamond Head for panoramic views of Honolulu, taking a scenic drive along the North Shore or embarking on a catamaran cruise to spot dolphins and sea turtles. Honolulu offers a variety of family-friendly accommodations, including beachfront resorts, condominiums and vacation rentals. Popular options include Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, and The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort.
Anaheim, California
Anaheim is one of the main spots for kid friendly summer vacations for Disnayland alone. The Californian city is home to Disneyland Resort, featuring Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, offering a magical experience with beloved characters, thrilling rides and live entertainment for the whole family. However, there is even more to Anaheim that makes it suitable for summer vacation. Families can also visit attractions like Knott’s Berry Farm, a historic theme park with rides and shows, and Adventure City, offering rides, petting zoos, and interactive attractions designed for younger children. For even more thrills, Anaheim’s central location in Southern California makes it easy to explore other nearby attractions, such as Universal Studios Hollywood, SeaWorld San Diego and beaches like Newport Beach and Huntington Beach. Anaheim offers a wide range of family-friendly accommodations, including hotels, resorts and vacation rentals within close proximity to Disneyland Resort. Options include Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Anaheim Marriott and Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod offers picturesque beaches like Cape Cod National Seashore, Coast Guard Beach and Nauset Beach, where families can enjoy swimming, sunbathing and building sandcastles. They can also check out attractions such as the Cape Cod Children’s Museum, Cape Cod National Seashore Visitor Center and Cape Cod Inflatable Park, all of which offer indoor and outdoor activities suitable for children of all ages. Cape Cod also provides opportunities for outdoor adventures such as biking along the Cape Cod Rail Trail, kayaking in Cape Cod Bay and whale watching cruises to spot humpback whales and dolphins. A variety of family-friendly accommodations are available in Cape Cod, including beachfront resorts, vacation rentals and charming bed and breakfasts. Popular options include Sea Crest Beach Hotel, Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club, and Chatham Bars Inn Resort & Spa.
Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver offers a perfect blend of city amenities and outdoor adventures. The city boasts stunning natural landscapes, including Stanley Park, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Grouse Mountain, providing opportunities for hiking, picnicking and wildlife viewing. Furthermore, Vancouver offers a wide range of outdoor activities for families, including biking along the Seawall, paddling in False Creek and exploring the beaches and forests of Pacific Spirit Regional Park. Find various family-friendly accommodations in Vancouver, including hotels, resorts and vacation rentals in downtown Vancouver and surrounding neighborhoods. Options include Fairmont Pacific Rim, Pan Pacific Vancouver, and The Westin Bayshore.
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Take your family to visit the 10 miles of pristine, secluded beaches of Kiawah Island, including Kiawah Beachwalker Park, offering calm waters and soft sands perfect for swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing. Or spend the day enjoying outdoor adventures such as biking along the island’s scenic trails, kayaking in the tidal creeks and wildlife spotting at Kiawah’s nature reserves and marshlands. Kiawah Island is great for kid friendly summer vacations as it features luxury resorts like The Sanctuary Hotel at Kiawah Island Golf Resort and Kiawah Island Golf Resort Villas, which offer amenities such as kids’ clubs, pools, golf courses and nature programs. Kiawah Island offers a range of other accommodation options, including beachfront resorts, vacation rentals and private homes. Families can choose from properties managed by Kiawah Island Golf Resort or rental agencies like Pam Harrington Exclusives and Akers Ellis.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a wonderful place to take the family for a vacation pretty much anywhere within the country you choose to go. It’s known for its stunning natural beauty and biodiversity and environmental efforts to conserve it, offering opportunities for families to explore lush rainforests, pristine beaches and diverse ecosystems. Costa Rica is a paradise for adventurous families, with opportunities for zip-lining through the rainforest canopy, hiking to hidden waterfalls, white-water rafting on scenic rivers and exploring volcanic landscapes. Additionally, the country is home to abundant wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, toucans and sea turtles. Families can visit wildlife reserves, national parks and biological reserves for opportunities to observe and learn about native species. Costa Rica offers a range of family-friendly accommodations, including eco-lodges, beach resorts and jungle retreats. Options include Nayara Springs in Arenal, Westin Golf Resort & Spa in Playa Conchal and Lapa Rios Eco Lodge in the Osa Peninsula.
Sydney, Australia
You can visit iconic landmarks in Sydney such as the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach, providing opportunities for sightseeing, photography and family outings. Families can visit attractions like Taronga Zoo, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and Wild Life Sydney Zoo for a chance to see native Australian wildlife up close and learn about conservation efforts. Sydney also offers a variety of outdoor activities for families, including coastal walks along the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, picnics in Royal Botanic Garden and ferry rides to Manly Beach or Taronga Zoo. Spend your time in Sydney at one of its numerous family-friendly accommodation options, including hotels, serviced apartments and waterfront resorts. Popular choices include Shangri-La Hotel Sydney, Novotel Sydney Darling Square, and Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay.