Family vacations are a great way to spend quality time together, relax, and create lasting memories. Choosing the perfect vacation spot that will appeal to everyone can be difficult. Certain destinations are better suited for families with young children, while others are ideal for families with teenagers. Factors like budget, distance, interests, and time of year all play an important role. This comprehensive guide covers the top family vacation ideas according to kids’ ages and interests, time of year, location, and budget. With something for every family type, this list can help narrow down the best vacations to take with kids of all ages.
Vacation Ideas for Families with Young Kids
Families with preschoolers or early elementary aged kids have different needs than those traveling with tweens or teens when it comes to picking the ideal vacation spot. Locations that offer lots of outdoor activities, kid-friendly attractions, and slower pace are ideal. Here are some top vacation ideas for families with young children:
Beaches
Nothing beats a beach vacation with small children. Popular family beach destinations in the U.S. include [1]:
- Florida beaches – Clearwater Beach, Miami Beach, Panama City Beach offer calm waters and plenty of kid-friendly resorts and entertainment.
- Oahu, Hawaii – Waikiki Beach has calm, shallow waters perfect for little ones. The Aulani Disney Resort offers family-centered activities.
- San Diego, California – Beaches like La Jolla Shores and Coronado Beach are great for families. Lots of other attractions like the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld to visit.
- Cape Cod, Massachusetts – Calm waves and sandy beaches make Cape Cod a classic family vacation spot.
- Virginia Beach, Virginia – A 3-mile boardwalk, calm waters, and beachfront hotels and restaurants keep families busy.
National Parks
Introducing kids to America’s national parks is a wonderful way to spend time together and create lasting memories. Top national parks for families with young kids include [2]:
- Yellowstone National Park – See iconic geysers and wildlife including bison. Stay in park lodges.
- Grand Canyon National Park – Take in awe-inspiring views of the canyon. Older kids can hike short trails.
- Yosemite National Park – Spot wildlife and waterfalls on gentle hikes. Stream splashing is fun for kids.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Ride horses together and enjoy firefly shows at night.
- Zion National Park – Take the open-air tram to see cliff walls and canyons up close.
Dude Ranch Vacations
A dude ranch offers a unique family vacation combining the experience of a ranch with fun activities for kids like horseback riding, campfires, hiking and fishing [3]. Top family dude ranches include:
- Alisal Guest Ranch, California – Rustic lodging and all-inclusive activities like horseback riding, swimming, tennis, campfire singalongs. Kids club available.
- Triple J Ranch, Idaho – Lodging in cozy cabins. Activities include horseback riding, archery, hiking. All meals included.
- Tanque Verde Ranch, Arizona – Family-owned ranch with horseback riding, hiking, biking, kids camp, and family activities. Luxury lodging and all meals included.
- Vista Verde Guest Ranch, Colorado – All inclusive ranch experience with horseback riding, fishing, sports, art activities. Lodging in cabins and lodge rooms.
Cruises
Cruises allow families to visit multiple destinations while only needing to unpack once. Kids clubs and activities make cruises a popular family vacation. Top family cruise lines and destinations include [4]:
- Disney Cruise Line – Cruises to the Caribbean, Europe and Alaska. Youth activities and entertainment cater toward young kids.
- Royal Caribbean – Family friendly ships with kid’s clubs, pools, slides and rock climbing walls. Sail to Caribbean, Europe and more.
- Carnival Cruise Line – Affordable cruises to the Caribbean, Mexico and more. Extensive youth programs and activities.
- Norwegian Cruise Line – “Splash Academy” kids club for kids ages 3-12. Cruise Alaska, Hawaii, Caribbean, Europe.
All Inclusive Resorts
All inclusive resorts simplify the vacation planning process by covering lodging, meals, drinks and activities for one price. Some of the best options for families include [5]:
- Beaches Resorts – Caribbean resorts with kids camps, waterparks and Sesame Street themed activities.
- Club Med – Family friendly villages located around the world. Kids clubs are available for babies through teens.
- Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay – Jamaica resort with kids club, playground, crafts and activities for children.
- Hard Rock Hotels & Resorts – Properties in Mexico, Dominican Republic and elsewhere with kids clubs, themed suites, pools and activities.
Amusement and Water Parks
Thrills, spills and family fun await at America’s top amusement and water parks. Some top picks for families with younger kids [6]:
- LEGOLAND, California or Florida – Rides, shows and attractions centered around LEGO toys. Geared for ages 2-12.
- Schlitterbahn Waterparks – Numerous locations in Texas, Kansas, New Jersey. Kid friendly pools and rides.
- Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park – Disney themed water slides and attractions. Areas for smaller kids and families.
- Dollywood, Pigeon Forge TN – Rides and entertainment shows appealing to preschool and young elementary aged kids.
- Great Wolf Lodge – Indoor water parks, kid activities and themed suites. Locations across the U.S.
Vacation Ideas for Families with School-Aged Kids
As kids grow into the school-aged elementary and tween stage, destinations with more opportunities for active adventures, exploration, and hands-on learning become ideal. These vacation ideas are tailored for families with kids ages 6-12.
City Destinations
Major cities like New York, Washington D.C. and San Francisco offer interactive museums, parks, tours, shows, restaurants and attractions guaranteed to wow school-aged kids. Top family-friendly cities include [7]:
- New York City – See landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Central Park Zoo, Rockefeller Center. Catch a Broadway show.
- Washington, D.C. – See monuments and Smithsonian museums. Take a bike ride on the National Mall.
- San Francisco – Ride a cable car, explore Pier 39, see sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf.
- Chicago – Visit the Field Museum, Willis Tower, Navy Pier. Catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field.
- Orlando – Of course, the theme parks of Walt Disney World and Universal Studios are top attractions.
Disney World & Disneyland
When it comes to thrilling school-aged kids, it’s hard to beat the magic of Disney’s theme parks. Both Disney World and Disneyland offer great options for this age group [10]:
- Disney World – Ride roller coasters like Space Mountain. Explore Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. See shows and fireworks.
- Disneyland – Ride classics like Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Walk through Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.
Vacation Ideas for Families with Teens
Planning a vacation with teenagers can be tricky. Destinations that offer opportunities for adventure, independence, natural beauty, and cultural immersion tend to be the best fits. These vacations ideas are great for families with pre-teens, teens and young adults.
Adventure Travel
Trips focused on outdoor adventures like hiking, rafting, kayaking and climbing allow teens to challenge themselves and bond with family. Top adventure destinations include [11]:
- Costa Rica – Whitewater rafting, ziplining through rainforests, surfing, snorkeling and hiking amid diverse wildlife.
- Alaska – Take a dogsledding or glacier hiking excursion from lodges like Tutka Bay. Multi-sport cruises explore Alaska’s coast.
- Hawaii – Try out volcano hiking on the Big Island, kayaking to the Na Pali Coast on Kauai, surfing on Oahu’s North Shore.
- Colorado – Mix mild activities like horseback riding with thrilling whitewater rafting. Explore mountain towns.
- Wyoming – Go on wildlife safaris in Yellowstone and Teton national parks. Try outdoor adventures like rafting.
Europe Vacations
Iconic European cities, medieval towns, natural wonders and ancient history enthral teens. Top destinations include [12]:
- London, England – See Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye. Take a day trip to Stonehenge. Catch a Premier League football match.
- Paris, France – Climb the Eiffel Tower. Tour the Louvre museum. Walk the Champs Elysées. Indulge in crepes and croissants.
- Rome, Italy – Tour the Colosseum, see the Sistine Chapel, eat gelato and pizza, explore charming piazzas.
- Iceland – Trek on a glacier, relax in geothermal baths. See waterfalls and the Northern Lights.
- Greece – Island hop to explore Santorini, Mykonos. Visit ancient sites like the Acropolis in Athens.
Beach Resorts
With opportunities to both chill out and enjoy watersports like snorkeling, paddleboarding and surfing, beach vacations are sure to please teens. Top destinations include [13]:
- Hawaii – Maui offers stunning beaches, hiking and rafting. Oahu blends natural beauty with cultural attractions in Honolulu. Kauai dazzles with the Na Pali Coast.
- Florida – Head to Miami for culture, nightlife and watersports. Check out the theme parks in Orlando. Relax in the Florida Keys island chains.
- Puerto Rico – Lounge on beaches in San Juan. Explore the bioluminescent bay on Vieques island. Go snorkeling at Culebra island.
- Jamaica – Swim under waterfalls, cliff jump at Blue Hole, climb Dunn’s River Falls, tube through caves and float in bioluminescent lagoons.
- Costa Rica – Learn to surf at beginner-friendly beach towns like Nosara and Tamarindo. Snorkel, ATV, zipline.
Budget-Friendly Family Vacation Ideas
Family vacations don’t have to break the bank. There are many destinations and accommodation options that offer value for money along with fun activities. Here are some of the most budget-friendly vacation ideas for families:
Camping
Camping is one of the most affordable ways to vacation as a family. Not only are campground accommodations significantly cheaper than hotels, it encourages family bonding through nature hikes, campfires, fishing and more. Some top family camping destinations include [14]:
- State Parks – Over 10,000 state park campgrounds nationwide featuring hiking trails, lakes, beaches, historical sites and more.
- National Parks – Roughly half of national parks allow camping for tents and RVs. Amenities vary. Advance reservations often required.
- KOA Campgrounds – Private campgrounds with amenities like pools, playgrounds, mini golf, and activity programming. 500+ locations.
- RV Rentals – Renting an RV provides convenience and saves on lodging costs. One-way RV rentals allow for multi-destination trips.
Beach Towns
Beach vacations don’t have to be overpriced. There are plenty of budget-friendly beach destinations across the U.S. Some affordable options include [15]:
- Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Alabama – Affordable condo rentals and campsites along the beach. Fishing charters and waterparks for family fun.
- North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – Cheap eats along the boardwalk, budget campgrounds and hotels under $100/night nearby.
- Galveston Island, Texas – Hotel rooms and rental condos for under $150/night steps from the beach. Carnival rides and museums for entertainment.
- Long Beach, California – Less expensive than neighboring LA and Anaheim. Discount hotels near the water, free beach access.
All Inclusive Resorts
At all inclusive resorts, lodging, meals, drinks and activities are covered under one rate. This allows families to control costs and avoid budget surprises. Top affordable options in the Caribbean, Mexico include [16]:
- Hotel Riu Dunamar, Cancun – All inclusive rates below $200/night. Massive pools, kids club, tennis, daily activities.
- IBEROSTAR Costa Dorada, Dominican Republic – Starting rates around $180/night. Waterpark onsite plus meals and drinks.
- Holiday Inn Resort, Montego Bay – Starting around $210/night. Kid’s club, basketball court, beachfront location.
Road Trips
A road trip vacation allows families to cover multiple destinations on a budget. You can save money by staying in budget motels, packing snacks and lunch, and cooking some of your own meals. Top budget-friendly road trips include [17]:
- National Parks of the Southwest – See the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Arches National Park, staying in budget motels.
- Pacific Coast Highway – Drive from Seattle to San Diego, taking in beaches and natural beauty without breaking the bank or sticking to one place.
- Outer Banks, NC – Drive the scenic route stopping for adventures and affordable motels along the way.
Family Vacation Ideas During Winter Months
Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. You can still plan an amazing family vacation over the winter months. Here are some of the top winter vacation ideas for families:
Ski Trips
Hitting the slopes is the quintessential winter family vacation. Top family-friendly ski resorts around the U.S. include [18]:
- Park City Mountain Resort, Utah – Ski schools for kids of all ages. Family friendly Mountain Village area. Lots of beginner terrain.
- Snowmass Resort, Colorado – Children’s programs starting at age 3. Kids ski free packages available. Longest beginner trail in the country.
- Boyne Mountain, Michigan – Discounted lift tickets for kids 6-12. Winter ziplining, tubing, indoor waterpark and kids camp.
- Okemo Mountain Resort, Vermont – Family friendly Jackson Gore area with beginner trails. Excellent ski schools with all day programs.
- Deer Valley Resort, Utah – Impeccable service, lessons and ski schools tailored for kids. Family ski concierge available.
Warm Weather Getaways
Escape winter by vacationing where it’s warm. Top family-friendly destinations include:
- Florida – Enjoy theme parks, beaches, resort pools and more in Orlando, Miami or the Florida Keys.
- Mexico – All inclusive resorts in Cancun, Riviera Maya, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta. Kid’s clubs, water activities, great weather.
- Caribbean Islands – Kid favorite spots like Punta Cana, Bahamas, Jamaica, Cayman Islands offer affordable all inclusive resorts.
- Arizona – Play in the pools at resorts in Phoenix/Scottsdale. Explore
Winter Carnivals & Festivals
These cold weather celebrations offer families a chance to embrace the snow through activities, parades, concerts, food and more. Popular picks [20]:
- Winter Carnival – St Paul, Minnesota – Ice carvings, parades, snow sculpture contests, dance, concerts. Runs end of Jan into Feb.
- Quebec Winter Carnvial – Canada – Massive ice palace, night parades, snow slides, food. Happens in February.
- SnowDays – Cincinatti, OH – Multi-week event with snow tubing, ice skating, shows, food. Typically end of Jan through Feb.
- Lake Tahoe SnowFest! – Snow sculptures, fireworks, entertainment, dog sled demos, and snow play. Held in North Lake Tahoe in March.
References
[1] Parents Magazine – Best Beaches for Families
[2] National Geographic – Best National Parks for Kids
[3] Travel Channel – Top Dude Ranch Vacations for Families
[4] U.S. News & World Report – Best Cruise Lines for Families
[5] Travel + Leisure – Best All Inclusive Resorts for Families
[6] TripSavvy – Best U.S. Amusement Parks for Families
[7] Family Vacation Critic – Best U.S. City Vacations with Kids
[8] Travel Channel – Best U.S. National Parks for Kids
[9] Condé Nast Traveler – Best Dude Ranches for Families
[10] Travel + Leisure – Best Disney World & Disneyland Rides for Kids
[11] AFAR – Where to Go for the Ultimate Adventure Travel Trip
[12] Oyster.com – Best Europe Vacations for Families
[13] Travel & Leisure – Best Beach Vacations for Families
[14] AAA – Best Campgrounds for Families
[15] Family Vacation Critic – Most Affordable Beach Vacation Ideas
[16] Travel + Leisure – Best Affordable All Inclusive Resorts for Families
[17] TripSavvy – Best Budget-Friendly Road Trips for Families
[18] Parents Magazine – Best Ski Resorts for Families
[19] Travel Channel – Best Winter Trips to National Parks
[20] Family Vacation Critic – Best Winter Carnivals for Families
