Taking a vacation with kids can feel like more trouble than it’s worth with the packing, the nap schedule, the tantrums, and the hassles – it can all be intimidating. But studies show that kids that grow up traveling from a young age are often more adaptable to travel throughout their childhoods and that well-traveled children tend to grow up to become well-rounded adults.
But admittedly, some travel destinations are better suited to families than others. For example, a trip to wine country or hardcore adventure sports destinations might be better reserved for adults-only vacations. However, there are many places around the globe that are great to visit with kids, and some of them might surprise you.
In no particular order, here are some of the best places in the world to take a vacation with kids.
London, United Kingdom
London is a magical place for kids because it’s the setting of so many favorite childhood storybooks, like The Hundred and One Dalmatians, Mary Poppins, and Paddington. It’s so easy to plan an itinerary in London because there are so many famous attractions here. You can hop on one of those red double-decker buses to hit the top sights or stroll around the sprawling city on foot. This is a fun way to teach your kids about history without it being too stuffy or boring. There is a fee for most of the museums here, but it’s often reduced for children. Top sights to see with your kids include the Tower of London, the British Museum, Tower Bridge, the Royal Air Force Museum, the London Eye, and the ceremonial Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. There are also lots of kid-friendly musicals and theater performances to check out here.
Nassau, Bahamas
The Bahamas is a great destination for friends and family travel. Nassau is the most popular and easily accessible place in the Bahamas and a popular cruise ship stop. Bring your kids here to spend lots of time in the water and on the beach. There are lots of resorts here that cater to kids, ranging from budget options to luxury retreats. One of the best places to stay is Atlantis on neighboring Paradise Island with its wading pools, slides, and kids’ clubs. There’s also a Pirate Museum in Nassau that’s fun for kids, and lots of the restaurants have children’s menus.
Banff - Alberta, Canada
To get your kids out in nature and admire the beauty of the environment, consider taking a family trip to Banff. This Alberta, Canada city is 60 miles west of Calgary and in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Downtown Banff is a fun place to take a walk and explore the shops. The Cave and Basin National Historic Site is a good starting point for your adventures, and the Banff Gondola will take you to the top of Sulphur Mountain for epic views and an interpretative center and restaurants. Families can take a dip in the local hot springs, go horseback riding through Banff National Park, and go skiing at the Lake Louise Ski Resort, which has a kids’ ski program.
Tokyo, Japan
To introduce your kids to a unique culture that may be much different from what they are used to, Tokyo, Japan is an excellent international travel destination for families. The city is a colorful place with quirky characters and robots in the shops and advertisements all over town. There is a Disneyland location in Tokyo, video game arcades to play in, and the anime-centric Ghibli Museum. It is easy to get around the city even if you only speak English and use the public transportation system with kids in Tokyo with just a little advance planning.
Lisbon, Portugal
An underrated family travel destination is Lisbon, Portugal, a city that offers lots of things to do with kids while you stick to a reasonable spending budget. It’s fun to introduce kids to European cities like Lisbon to get a taste of international architecture, customs, and cuisine. There is a minimal language barrier and a convenient public transportation system here. With your kids, you can explore the small neighborhoods of Lisbon, visit museums, and eat ample fresh seafood. The Baixa and Chiado districts are popular places to stay for visiting families because they are centrally located and don’t have a late-night party vibe.
Sydney, Australia
You’re never too far from the water in Sydney, which is full of adventure and fascinating history. To start your journey, consider taking a ferry ride with your kids to explore the inlets and coves here. It’s also fun to take kids to the Sydney Fish Market to experience the activity and have an outdoor lunch. Head to the city’s vibrant Chinatown for a delicious dinner that will make every family member happy. The city has a pretty good public transportation system to get around and kids’ fares are cheaper. Top attractions to visit with them include the Botanic Gardens of Sydney, Opera House, Beaches of the Eastern Suburbs, Taronga Zoo, and Bridge Climb over Harbor Bridge.
Costa Rica
Kids who enjoy animals and playing outside will love exploring Costa Rica with you. This is a great place to introduce your kids to adventure sports, like zip-lining and hiking. The top regions to visit are the Monte Verde Cloud Forest, Arenal Volcano, Montezuma, and Peninsula Nicoya. Canopy tours are a must with kids in Monteverde or elsewhere in Costa Rica. You can take your kids on a light river rafting adventure or safari float too. Take a dip with them in the natural hot springs, make a splash at a beautiful beach, and soak under the fun waterfalls on hot days. You can also teach your kids about wildlife and conservation efforts, and what kid doesn’t like to see monkeys in the wild?
Reykjavík, Iceland
Outdoorsy and adventurous families will love taking their kids to Iceland to experience some of the most beautiful places in the world. Some of the best things to do here for families include horseback riding to tour the landscapes, seeing the puffins on a boat tour, and whale watching from a boat or along the shore. Dog sledding, geothermal pool swimming, and seeing the Northern Lights are other popular itinerary options for families. In the capital city of Reykjavik, you can go skating on Tjörnin Lake and visit the Christmas Village if you visit during winter. Family travel is very safe in Iceland, and there are many tour companies that cater to families with kids.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is a wonderful place to visit with a family and more kid-friendly than you might think. This is a place to learn about temples, get adventurous with water sports, and immerse yourself in the local culture. You can get outside and active while hiking at Mount Batur and visit the Ubud Monkey Forest to see many different types of monkeys among the serenity of nature. There’s a water theme park called Waterbom Bali that kids love and also the Taman Segara Madu Water Park to cool off when the temperatures heat up. Spend time at the beaches, visit the Bali Safari and Marine Park, and check out the Bali Bird Park to keep everyone entertained during your vacation.
Barcelona, Spain
Many cities in Spain make excellent family travel destinations, including Barcelona. Some of the top spots to take your kids to Barcelona include Park Güell, the Cosmocaixa science museum, and the Tibidabo Amusement Park. There’s an aquarium in Barcelona to check out and many family-friendly hotels. The city is easy to get around on foot and has a great public transportation system. La Rambla’s vendors and street entertainers are fun to see in the open-air market, and the Chocolate Museum is also a big hit with kids.
Auckland, New Zealand
Adventurous families often visit New Zealand and make the city of Auckland their home base. This is a place where kids can have wildlife encounters, thrill-seeking adventures, and cultural experiences. Ziplining on canopy tours, wildlife parks, and museums are popular things to do here with kids. The beautiful city of Auckland has beaches to enjoy and hotels that cater to the needs of families with kids.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai is packed with family-friendly attractions, making it an exciting place to take the kids when you are craving an international trip. Some of the best vacation ideas here include the Lost Chambers Aquarium and Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis the Palm, IMG Worlds of Adventure, and indoor skydiving adventures. There is LEGOLAND Dubai, which offers themed rides, shows, and building experiences for kids who love the LEGO brand. Other options to fill your itinerary include the Motiongate Dubai Theme Park, and Ski Dubai located in the Mall of Emirates.
Singapore
One of the most family-friendly destinations in all of Asia is Singapore. It’s clean, eco-friendly, inviting, friendly, and very modern. This makes traveling with kids much easier than in other parts of the continent, and English is widely spoken. One of the best places to go here is Sentosa Island, which has many different attractions and family-friendly hotels. Make sure to see the dolphins at the S.E.A Aquarium and compare Universal Studios Singapore to the U.S. one if you’ve been. Other top attractions in Singapore for families with kids include the ethnically rich Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. Ride the tram at Night Safari, a nocturnal wildlife park, through the rainforest and jungle. Take a bumboat ride along the Singapore River for a different view, and visit Snow City, an indoor snow center, to cool down on hot days.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam is much more than the Red Light District and its famous coffee shops. It’s actually a wonderful family-friendly destination that is marked by beautiful canals, historic buildings, and bicycle culture. Take a canal cruise to see the city from the water. Popular attractions to take kids to include the Anne Frank House, the museum quarter (Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum), and the windmills of Zaanse Schans. Rent some bicycles if your kids know how to bike well to explore the town and surrounding countryside.
Stockholm, Sweden
Many parents are hesitant to take their kids on a trip to Europe, but there are lots of kid-friendly things to do in Europe’s great cities, especially in Stockholm. This is a clean, safe, and compact capital city that has well-preserved historic sites and even castles. You can take public transportation everywhere you go, and buses are typically free if you’re bringing a stroller. Don’t miss the fairytale world of Junibacken and the amusement park Gröna Lund. The island of Långholmen has a nice beach where your kids can play, and Skansen is a great open-air museum that features Nordic animals, an aquarium, a children’s zoo, and historic buildings.
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is a vibrant and exciting place to visit with kid-friendly museums and world-class historical attractions. Many families have spent their days in the city with visits to La Ciudadela Market for artisan shopping, Chapultepec Park for the zoo and green space, and Xochimilco for a traditional boat ride through the canals. Visitors will often enjoy beautiful weather, sprawling green parks, and incredible food to satisfy even the pickiest little eaters.
Rome, Italy
Kids learn about Roman history in school, so what better way to reinforce those lessons than actually traveling to the center of ancient life? In Rome, the Colosseum and Roman Forum are a must, as are the Pantheon, Sistine Chapel, and catacombs. Plan to spend three or four days here with kids, and brush up on your history lessons before visiting.
Cape Town, South Africa
There are lots of opportunities for families with kids in Cape Town, South Africa, which makes it a top international destination too. Older kids may enjoy climbing Table Mountain and taking a cycling tour of Langa Township to learn about the city’s history. There are beaches along the city’s rugged coastline for families, including Bloubergstrand Beach and the four Clifton Beaches. Boulders Beach is a famous area for viewing African penguins. You and the kids can take a cooking class, admire street art, and see what’s going on at the V&A Waterfront for entertainment during your trip.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
On a trip to Buenos Aires with your family, you can spend lots of time in lovely parks, learn about local history, and take a scenic side trip to Iguazu Falls. This is a family-friendly city that is diverse and one of the top Latin American destinations for families with kids. Things to do with kids here include visiting the Presidential Palace on Plaza de Mayo, viewing the street art, walking through the colorful La Boca neighborhood, and catching an impromptu tango performance. You can get tickets to watch a football (soccer) game while you’re in the city and try many different local food specialties that you just don’t find anywhere else in the world.
Shanghai, China
Shanghai is a cosmopolitan city that has an “east-meets-west” vibe and plenty of things to keep you and your kids busy and entertained. Some of the top attractions for families are the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, Shanghai 3D Magic Fun House, and Shanghai Natural Wildlife Insect Kingdom. Family trips to Shanghai are both educational and recreational, as there is a Disneyland park, a chocolate factory, classically elegant gardens, and ultra-tall buildings to take in the views. Consider doing a hop-on/hop-off bus tour to get to know the city in a convenient way and book an urban hotel with a fabulous pool.
