Planning an international family vacation gives you the chance to create lifelong memories by exploring new cultures and sights together. Here are the top 20 family-friendly destinations around the world for memorable vacations with kids:
London, England
Between its royal palaces, double-decker buses, and iconic red phone booths, London creates lasting memories for little travelers. Pose with family in front of Big Ben and Buckingham Palace to feel like royalty. Little princes and princesses will love touring Kensington Palace, the childhood home of Queen Victoria and Princess Diana.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China –
China’s first national forest park, Zhangjiajie, was the inspiration for the fantasy world of Avatar. Kids with active imaginations will think they landed on another planet surrounded by towering quartz-sandstone pillars and dense forests.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland’s cool, northern setting provides a kind of adventurous travel perfect for families. Kids can learn about the Viking history of Reykjavik at the National Museum of Iceland and imagine the past heroes who walked the city streets.
Dubai, UAE This modern metropolis in the Arabian Desert blends family fun with luxury. Kids will beg to spend hours playing games and riding rides inside the gigantic IMG Worlds of Adventure indoor theme park.
Banff National Park, Canada – Families who love outdoor adventures in stunning landscapes will find a dream destination in Banff National Park. Ride the Banff gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies.
Cape Town, South Africa –
From penguins to mountain adventures, Cape Town appeals to families seeking a mix of wildlife encounters and cultural experiences. Visit Boulders Beach to see endangered African penguins up close with South Africa’s famous natural backdrop in the distance.
Cancun, Mexico –
Cancun is a top family vacation spot for its beautiful beaches, resort amenities, and nearby ancient ruins. Kids can splash in the waves of beaches like Playa Delfines and build epic sandcastles.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona’s vibrant culture, architecture, and cuisine bring Spanish flair to a family vacation. Tour Antoni Gaudí’s fantastical architectural creations like La Sagrada Familia and Parc Güell.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini’s whitewashed villages perched on clifftops above deep blue waters create the iconic Greek island paradise. Kids will love riding donkeys up the winding cobblestone path leading to the village of Fira for amazing caldera views.
Ecuador
A trip to the Galapagos Islands allows families to discover unique wildlife and marine habitats up-close. Kids will be thrilled to spot giant tortoises in their native environment at the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Cape May, New Jersey
Scenic Cape May on New Jersey’s southern shore offers small town charm perfect for family vacations. Kids love climbing the 199 steps to the top of the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse for sweeping ocean views.
Hamilton, Bermuda
This charming island in the Atlantic makes families feel like they are worlds away, but is much closer than many tropical destinations. Watch kids play in the gentle surf and make new friends on pink sand beaches like Elbow Beach and Horseshoe Bay.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Mexico’s Riviera Maya coastline offers families sun, sand, and access to ancient ruins. Tour the nearby awe-inspiring ruins of Tulum, perched high above the turquoise Caribbean.
Bali, Indonesia
From lush jungles to golden beaches, the Indonesian island of Bali tempts families looking for an exotic vacation. Feed monkeys at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud.
Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley may be famous for its vineyards, but families can still find activities in this scenic wine region. Bike through the vineyards, stopping for picnic lunches along the way.
Montreal, Canada
Montreal perfectly blends a European vibe with kid-friendly attractions. Little ones love staring in awe at the underground world of the Biodome, home to colorful birds, life-size insects, and more.
Turks and Caicos
With soft sand beaches galore, Turks and Caicos ranks highly for family beach vacations. Little kids can paddle in the calm, shallow waters of Grace Bay Beach protected by a barrier reef.
Charlevoix, Quebec
Charlevoix provides families with a taste of rural Quebec mingled with outdoor adventures. Bike through the rolling hills and villages of the countryside along Le Petit Train du Nord linear park.
Costa Rica
From rainforests to beaches, Costa Rica offers families plenty of natural wonders to explore. Go ziplining high above the tree canopy with the whole family at Selvatura Park.
Yellowstone National Park –
Families who enjoy the great outdoors will find endless adventures awaiting in Yellowstone National Park. Kids will be amazed to see the park’s legendary geysers, like Old Faithful and the Fountain Paint Pot.
With so many incredible destinations around the world, choose one that aligns with your family’s interests and budget. Focus on making memories together by exploring new cultures, natural wonders, and sights.
