THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE SEE MY DISCLOSURES. FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Traveling with children can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s important to pick the right destination.
Kids are curious by nature, so they need stimulating places that appeal to their interests and offer plenty of fun activities.
To help make your family vacation a success, we’ve compiled a list of the top 12 travel destinations that have been tried and tested by kids and parents alike!
From vibrant cities filled with culture to natural wonders where you can explore the outdoors, this comprehensive guide features something for everyone.
So get ready to sit back, relax, and create some incredible memories together as you embark on your journey around the world!
#1. New Hampshire
Despite being one of the smaller states in the U.S., New Hampshire shouldn’t be underestimated as a vacation spot when you have children.
New Hampshire is filled with gorgeous landscapes and a host of nature-based activities to enjoy, whether the family wants to go hiking or even do something that might not be quite as normal where you live, like apple picking.
Even though you might not find Disneyland there, there are places to visit that are designed for kids.
This includes places like Story Land, a storybook theme park where children can get up close and personal with fairy tales, and Santa’s Village, a theme park with exciting rides, a water park, and plenty of shopping and dining establishments.
It’s great all year, but you should have an East Coast fall trip at least once!
#2. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Are you yearning for a tropical getaway?
If so, look no further than Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
Playa del Carmen is a coastal town that offers stunning views of the Carribean Coastline.
While Playa del Carmen is the perfect place for adults, that doesn’t mean there’s not plenty for kids to enjoy too.
From exploring the great blue sea and getting lessons to booking a suite at Gran Velas Riviera Maya, where they have their own kids club, there’s no shortage of activities to keep the fun going.
Just remember to explore the unique cultural attractions while you’re there!
#3. Outer Banks, North Carolina
If you’re a fan of history and water, Outer Banks, North Carolina, is sure to make a splash with everyone.
For those who prioritize visiting the beach and doing beach-themed activities while on vacation, Outer Banks offers ample fun in the form of Hatteras Island, the Roanoke Island Festival Park & Maritime Museum, and even the N.C. Aquarium On Roanoke Island.
If you want something to do on land, visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial, check out the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, and have fun at the Paradise Golf & Arcade.
#4. Mexico City, Mexico
Looking for something that’s new but offers amenities that are a little closer to home?
You might enjoy Mexico City instead.
Mexico City is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Mexican culture and history, and you’ll never run out of things to do.
If you’re taking your kids along for the ride, make sure to hit up spots like the Xochimilco to ride through the Mexico City canals, experience exciting and vibrant art exhibits at the Museo de Arte Popular, and satisfy your sweet tooth with something from El Moro Churros.
#5. Drumheller, Canada
Drumheller is one of the most kid-friendly places to visit in Alberta.
If you have some time after you visit Jasper, going to Drumheller is certainly worth it.
Arguably one of the biggest attractions in Drumheller that’s perfect for children is the Royal Tyrrell Museum, dedicated entirely to dinosaurs with many fun activities and exhibits to spur their wonder.
You can also visit the Horseshoe Canyon, see the hoodoos, and take in all the other strange sights and experiences only Drumheller offers.
#6. San Diego, California
California is a massive state with much to do and see.
However, if you want a more focused trip, San Diego can be one of the best cities to land.
If you’re looking for something fun and exhilarating, visit Belmont Park for old-school rides and enjoy Belmont Park Playground, located right across the street, or visit LEGOLAND.
If you have a little explorer, take them to the San Diego Zoo so they can get up close and personal with a wide range of animals.
Make sure San Diego’s Balboa Park is on your list too.
#7. Medellin, Colombia
While Medellin didn’t always have the best reputation, it has cleaned up its image recently, making it an excellent potential vacationing spot for parents with children.
Some of the attractions that might be perfect for children include guided tours around the city where you can learn more about what it has to offer and things that should be on your itinerary, visiting the Centro or the Plaza Botero, or even giving them something cool and enriching, like a cable car ride or a trip to the Antioquia Art Museum.
It might be a bit more mature, but it’s great for kids hungry to learn and explore the world around them.
#8. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana has plenty of all-inclusive resorts to enjoy, but one in particular is perfect for families: Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts.
These getaways are also all-inclusive and have water parks, character meetups, daily slimings, and more.
There is also plenty for adults too, including day care if you want to go out to dinner, just the two of you.
#9. Jasper, Canada
Jasper is the perfect place for parents and children, offering a stunning landscape that adults will surely appreciate and plenty of amenities and attractions that will keep kids entertained.
Whether they enjoy the water and would love to take a dip at the Miette Hot Springs, want something a little more thrilling like the Jasper Tramway, or enjoy something more traditional like the Jasper Planetarium, this is a family trip they will remember.
#10. Lovelle, Maine
Nestled in this small town is Quisisana Resort, a place with no wifi or TV.
In other words, you can get back to your roots.
With ample outdoor activities, both kids and adults will have a great time.
#11. Portugal
Portugal is a massive country, which means that you can easily find things that the whole family will enjoy.
Some ideas to help you get started as you put together your Portugal family-friendly vacation include:
- Riding a tuk-tuk in Porto or Sintra.
- Visiting the gorgeous garden of Quinta de Regaleira in Sintra.
- Plunging into the Grutas de Mire de Aire to explore the wondrous caves.
#12. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is one of those states that people might not pay too much attention to when considering going on vacation.
But if you find yourself in Pittsburgh, there’s more than enough fun for the whole family.
From sports at the Senator John Heinz History Center’s Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum to learning at the Carnegie Science Center and even attractions like the Duquesne Incline’s wooden cable cars, you don’t have to look far for activities that will fill the day.
The Most Overrated Destinations You Should Avoid
We’ve all been told of great travel destinations we have to see.
But too often, these places turn out to be a waste of time.
From nothing to do to overpriced items, here are the places you need to avoid.
10 Genius Ways to Entertain Kids on Long Trips
Traveling with kids can be a nightmare.
In order to avoid the inevitable “Are we there yet?”, here are the best ways to keep your kids entertained during travel so you can keep your sanity.
HOW TO KEEP KIDS ENTERTAINED ON LONG TRIPS
10 Cities to Erase from Your Travel Plans
Have you ever been on a trip and the minute you arrived, you knew it was not going to be good?
Here are the top cities people traveled to and refuse to go back.
Make sure you cross them off your list so you too don’t waste your time.
How To Travel Cheaply
If traveling is your thing but the costs have gotten too high, you might think you need to scale back.
But you don’t. You just have to learn how to travel smart on a budget. Here are the tricks to know.
How To Get Free Money
The idea of free money sounds like it can’t be true. But it actually is.
There are many ways you can get free money, from playing games, to watching videos, and more.
Here are the best ways you can get free money without having to work for it.
I have over 15 years experience in the financial services industry and 20 years investing in the stock market. I have both my undergrad and graduate degrees in Finance, and am FINRA Series 65 licensed and have a Certificate in Financial Planning.
Visit my About Me page to learn more about me and why I am your trusted personal finance expert.