Whether you are looking for an adventure-packed getaway or a relaxing escape, family vacations provide the perfect opportunity to reconnect with your loved ones. But putting together the perfect trip can feel daunting. Thankfully, there are plenty of fun family vacations that fit any budget.
The most popular family vacation destinations include iconic theme parks, such as Disneyland and Universal Studios in California. However, there are also lots of other kid-friendly activities that will delight your entire crew. For example, you can take a ride on a snowmobile to see the Midnight Sun in Lapland, or head to Pai in northern Thailand for mesmerizing waterfall hikes and elephant camps.
For a more relaxing family vacation, consider visiting one of the world’s top beach resorts. You can find all-inclusive beach vacations for kids of all ages at resorts like Club Med Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa in St. Lucia, which feature separate family (“Splash”) and adults-only (“Harmony”) accommodations. Kids enjoy the kids’ club and other kid-friendly activities, while parents can kick back on a hammock or lounge by the pool.
The best East Coast vacations for families offer everything from classic beach destinations to historic cities that cater to multi-age travelers. Boston, for example, has a ton of kid-friendly attractions, from dinosaurs and kinetic sculptures to the USS Constitution, the Aloha Tower and the Children’s Discovery Center. And a visit to the city’s Fenway Park or the Charles River Esplanade for a Red Sox game can be an unforgettable family experience.
Similarly, a coastal city like Cocoa Beach in Florida’s Space Coast is a surfer’s paradise that has plenty to keep the whole family busy, from the Space Center and Kennedy Space Flight Museum to kid-friendly restaurants serving up local favorites, such as Cincinnati chili and Graeter’s ice cream. In addition, the wide stretches of sandy beaches in Cocoa Beach are a perfect place to relax.
Chicago is another big city that’s ideal for family vacations. The city’s many hands-on museums and activities, such as the Color Factory and the Harry Potter Magic at Play museum and Sloomoo (an exhibit all about slime), are sure to thrill kids of any age. And don’t leave without trying a deep dish pizza from one of the city’s acclaimed restaurants.
Shanghai may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of family vacations, but this extraordinary Chinese city has something for everyone. The old and new are seamlessly blended at landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower, which boasts an incredible view of the city through its transparent floor. And for animal lovers, there’s the renowned Featherdale Wildlife Park and Taronga Zoo.
While you’re in the area, make a stop at Glendale, which is playing host to the 2023 Super Bowl. It’s also home to the first-ever Mattel Adventure Park, where kids can immerse themselves in their favorite Hot Wheels and Barbie doll worlds.
