The 13 Best Vacation Destinations for Families
These family-friendly spots are perfect for a trip away with the kids
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Planning the perfect family trip comes with plenty of challenges; factors like safety, the weather and accessibility are equally as important as having enough things to see and do.
If you’re struggling to find the perfect family holiday, we’ve chosen 13 vacation destinations for families that are recognized for a mix of all the factors that kids and parents could ever need.
1. Riviera Maya, Mexico
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Although Cancun has been a popular family vacation spot for decades, the rest of the region is currently undergoing a transformation that is removing the blockers that have held it back. Poor roads are being upgraded, a brand new train line has been installed and areas deemed unsafe or unfit for tourists are shaping up to welcome visitors to the Yucatan.
And why? Well, the incredible preserved Mayan ruins, endless beaches, unspoiled jungle, stunning cenotes (lakes carved into the rock ideal for swimming) and almost perfect year-round weather. It’s the perfect spot to explore a natural paradise and engage with a part of Mexico’s culture that was once only open to intrepid explorers with sturdy boots and a four by four.
Now, you can whisk the kids up to Tulum or the (in our opinion) more impressive Chichén Itzá on a transfer from your hotel without too much additional effort.
2. Majorca, Spain
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Majorca has been at the heart of Spain’s tourism boom that is entering its seventh decade. Majorca, or Mallorca depending on your Spanish, was once a sleepy island where fishing and growing anything you could were the main events. Now, ultra family friendly Mallorca resorts, water parks and a surprisingly well-equipped main city (Palma de Mallorca) allow families to enjoy the best of Spain without the need for a phrasebook or in-depth understanding of Spanish culture.
Majorca welcomes tourists and especially families, and you’ll find everything, from transport to the room you’ll stay in, has been planned with families in mind. Resorts like Soler, Alcudia, Cala d’Or and Magaluf offer an endless choice of hotels with beachfront views and easy beach access, but the mountains of Majorca offer some great hiking too if you head inland.
3. Japan
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Before we get to the main attractions, there are a few things about Japan that will appeal to parents instantly:
It’s incredibly safe, with very little crime even in the massive cities
It’s ultra-clean, with public spaces extremely well looked-after
Families are given priority in Japanese culture, and especially tourists with children – expect to skip lines and enjoy right of way if you have a pram
Public transport is quick, accessible and gets you pretty much anywhere
Beyond the practicalities, almost every corner of Japan will engage and excite children of all ages. Japanese culture is symbiotic with the media, and you’ll see characters everywhere! From Pokemon to Super Mario to Hello Kitty, the brands you and your kids will be used to are seen everywhere, from the Subway to theme parks to city streets. Tokyo Station’s dedicated ‘character street’ is testament to the importance and sheer joy Japanese people, including adults, get out of fun characters and a touch of color.
One fun activity you have to try if you have teenagers is real-life mario karting! Hop in a go kart and swerve through the streets of Tokyo dressed as your favourite character – great fun for everyone.
Areas like Harajuku in Tokyo and Minami in Osaka are neon playgrounds where teenagers can roam, and you know they’ll be safe. Japan isn’t short of theme parks either, with Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Osaka and
4. Orlando, Florida
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Hopefully it should be obvious why Orlando is one of the best places for families to visit on earth! Orlando just happens to be theme park central, with multiple Disney parks, a sprawling Universal Studios park and attractions like SeaWorld are all well-connected to Orlando and you won’t struggle to find a place to stay.
If you want to venture further afield, key attractions like the Kennedy Space Center and Busch Gardens in Tampa aren’t hard to get to.
We recommend the Orlando Freedom pass if you plan on visiting several Orlando theme parks.You’ll save by not having to buy individual entry tickets and you won’t have to worry about waiting in line to buy on the day.
5. Barbados
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The Caribbean is an exceptional vacation destination for all ages, but the small island of Barbados is especially appealing for families. Everything is easy to reach, there are some truly exceptional resorts, and the white beaches and crystal-clear waters make it great for relaxing by the water.
If the kids get restless, snorkeling, watersports and even horseback riding are easy to find. You can even go and spot monkeys at the Barbados Wildlife Park or venture underground into the epic Harrison’s Cave.
We recommend The Crane, a luxurious Barbados resort that has villas and residences perfect for families. With multi-room accommodations and dedicated children’s club and babysitting services, parents can get some ‘me time’ too!
6. San Diego, California
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San Diego is a great city for families thanks to the weather, some great beaches and plenty of culture, but in reality you’ll likely be making trips to SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo a key part of your San Diego adventure. This huge zoo, the world’s largest in terms of both square footage and number of animals and species, needs a few days to fully explore and appreciate, so consider a multi-day entry ticket.
You can pair your San Diego Zoo visit with a trip to SeaWorld. Although the center of some negative attention in recent years, SeaWorld is undergoing a programme of transformation that sees it move towards a center for conservation, rehabilitation and animal-first care and breeding programmes. Things look a lot different compared to the past, and kids will take home some vital lessons alongside amazing memories.
As these attractions are extremely popular, we always advise booking as far in advance as possible. Check out our partner GetYourGuide for the latest San Diego attraction ticket deals to save yourself a few bucks.
7. Lake District, UK
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If you love hiking and the great outdoors, then this lesser-known gem in the Northwest of England is a slice of heaven. Home to mountains, lakes, rivers and forests, it's one of the best places in Europe to get away from the crowds and get back in touch with nature.
Hike England’s tallest mountain, Scafell Pike (it’s surprisingly accessible, making it good for older teenagers) or meander around the edge of Windermere, one of the most beautiful lakes in England.
A trip to Ullswater can’t be missed either, with restored steamboats (today with modern engines) ferrying visitors across the water. Aira Force waterfall, England’s tallest, is especially incredible in Spring when rainwater runoff makes the falls look even more dramatic. The opportunities for family photos here are endless.
There’s no shortage of attractions either, with the South Lakes Wildlife Park, World of Beatrix Potter and the Lakes Motor Museum offering day trip ideas if the weather isn’t particularly great.
8. Crete, Greece
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If your kids are at the age where forgetting about homework and relaxing by a pool or the sea sound appealing, then Crete should be on your list. This gorgeous Greek island has no shortage of family-friendly resorts paired with superb beaches and some gorgeous landscapes.
Crete’s history is also second to none. Allegedly home to the Minotaur’s labyrinth, legend and history are separated at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, home to some of Greece’s best-preserved relics and artworks. You can also explore fantastic Venetian-era forts, crumbling monasteries and ancient Greek and Roman temples – great if your young ones are studying history.
Our favorite thing to do on Crete however is simply to hire a car and go hunting for the best views. There’s no shortage of incredible beaches, bays and hillsides across the island, all hued with the deep blues of the Mediterranean.
9. Dubrovnik, Croatia
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Along the same lines, Dubrovnik has no shortage of amazing history either, but the Star Grad (old town) of Dubrovnik is an enchanting playground that feels more like a fairytale than somewhere to dive into the past.
However, the main draw to Dubrovnik is its spot on the incredible Adriatic coastline of Croatia, with pretty beaches and gorgeous islands popping up for some amazing views. Hop in a kayak and head out on a tour of the town’s walls (used extensively for scenes in Game of Thrones), or take a ferry to Mljet Island to get away from civilization from the day. The cable car offers sublime views across the historic city and out across the Adriatic.
After a tough day of adventuring, you can kick back at one of the city’s resort hotels, but we advise booking a hillside villa or apartment for better access to the shops, cafes and restaurants.
Top tip: Include a day trip to Kotor, Montenegro in your itinerary. This beautiful town sits in one of the most amazing inlets in Europe, with unmissable views including island churches and pretty hillside villages.
10. Sydney, Australia
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Australia’s largest city is fun, family-friendly and jam-packed with attractions, day trips and plenty of natural wonders within easy reach of the city.
Your typical Sydney must-sees like the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Bondi Beach are reason enough to visit Sydney with kids, but you’ll also have a great time once you’ve ticked those off. Taronga Zoo, across the harbor, is probably Australia’s best zoo and one of the most ethical zoos on earth. If marine life is your thing, then the SeaLife Aquarium back in town is great fun too.
At the northern end of Sydney Harbour Bridge you’ll find Luna Park, a Sydney staple for families and home to fun rides, fairground stalls and the usual diversions to entertain big and little ones for a few hours.
If your kids are particularly adventurous, then the bridge itself can be climbed, with amazing views par for the course. This is one of Sydney’s most popular activities, so make sure you book ahead to avoid disappointment!
11. Singapore
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Singapore frequently makes it onto ‘best cities in Asia’ lists, but its offerings for families can get overlooked. This unique city may be sprawling and incredibly busy, but visitors can skip the crowds and head straight to some of the best attractions in Asia to keep the kids entertained.
Stop number one needs to be Sentosa Island. This gigantic resort is packed with top-tier hotels, a huge aquarium and the excellent Universal Studios Singapore. You can easily spend a week or longer exploring Sentosa’s attractions before exploring the rest of Singapore.
Other great fun family adventures in Singapore include the Singapore Flyer, a ferris wheel with great views, the adrenaline-packed Skyline Luge, and the world-famous Gardens by the Bay.
No matter what you choose to do in Singapore, the whole family will have a memorable experience.
12. Lapland
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Why is this frequently cold, snowy and remote region of Finland family friendly? Well, it is the home of Father Christmas after all! Every winter, the Lapland region becomes a hub for all things Christmas, mainly thanks to the snowy pine forests and abundance of reindeer and sleigh bells.
The city of Rovaniemi, Lapland’s capital, is the best place to fly to to experience Christmas at its best and of course attend an audience with Santa Claus himself. Joulupukin Pajakylä, or Santa Claus Village, is a short drive from Rovaniemi’s international airport. Explore this cute Christmas wonderland, hop in a reindeer-driven sleigh and sip hot chocolate before receiving your Christmas gifts from the big man himself.
Hotels and attraction tickets go very quickly, so consider booking your Lapland trip at least a year in advance!
13. Dubai
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Dubai’s ascent to one of the world’s most famous and popular tourist destinations has created a massive selection of family-friendly hotels, activities and things to see. It’s also safe, very accessible and benefits from practically perfect weather regardless of the season.
Mega attractions like the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Dubai Mall, Aquaventure Water Park and the growing number of theme parks, including Legoland Dubai and IMG Worlds of Adventure provide endless hours of child-friendly entertainment. You’ll also find a great selection of quality hotels that cater to families, with swimming pools and kids clubs all over the city.
A great spot for adventure-loving families with older kids is Ski Dubai. The region’s only indoor ski slope also has toboggan hire and is a welcome escape from the desert heat.
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