Our choices for the best places around the world for your next family adventure!
Traveling with family can create some of the most cherished memories. Choosing the right destination is key to ensuring a vacation that’s enjoyable for both kids and adults. Here’s a list of some of the top family-friendly destinations around the world and why they stand out as great choices for families.
1. Oahu, Hawaii, USA
Why It’s Great for Families:
- Beautiful Beaches: Enjoy family-friendly beaches like Waikiki and Kailua, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and building sandcastles.
- Outdoor Activities: Hike up Diamond Head for breathtaking views or explore the lush Waimea Valley.
- Cultural Experiences: Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center for an immersive experience in Hawaiian culture and history, or explore the historic Pearl Harbor site.
- Family-Friendly Resorts: Many resorts in Oahu cater to families with amenities such as kids’ clubs, pools, and on-site activities.
2. Tokyo, Japan
Why It’s Great for Families:
- Cultural Experiences: Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea provide magical experiences, while traditional attractions like the Edo-Tokyo Museum offer educational fun.
- Technology and Entertainment: Visit the interactive digital art museum teamLab Borderless or explore the Odaiba district for a mix of science and fun.
- Safety and Cleanliness: Tokyo is known for being a safe, clean city, which is ideal for families with young children.
- We loved spending a week in Tokyo last year. Read all about our visit HERE.
3. London, England
Why It’s Great for Families:
- Historical Attractions: Visit the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the Natural History Museum for a blend of history and education.
- Parks and Open Spaces: Enjoy outdoor activities in places like Hyde Park and the Diana Memorial Playground.
- Family-Friendly Shows: The West End offers numerous family-friendly theater productions, including popular musicals like “The Lion King.”
- Check out our mini guide to London HERE.
4. Sydney, Australia
Why It’s Great for Families:
- Outdoor Activities: From the famous Bondi Beach to Taronga Zoo, Sydney offers plenty of outdoor fun.
- Interactive Museums: The Australian Museum and the Powerhouse Museum provide interactive exhibits that engage children.
- Harbor Adventures: Take a ferry ride across Sydney Harbour for stunning views and a fun experience for kids.
- It is possible to visit Sydney on a budget. See how we did it HERE.
5. Copenhagen, Denmark
Why It’s Great for Families:
- Tivoli Gardens: One of the world’s oldest amusement parks, Tivoli Gardens offers rides, games, and beautiful gardens.
- Biking City: Copenhagen is bike-friendly, making it easy to explore the city with children.
- Kid-Friendly Museums: The National Museum of Denmark has a special children’s museum, and the Experimentarium offers hands-on science fun.
6. Barcelona, Spain
Why It’s Great for Families:
- Beaches: Enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches, which are perfect for a day of family fun.
- Unique Architecture: Explore the whimsical works of Antoni Gaudí, including Park Güell and Sagrada Familia, which captivate both kids and adults.
- Parks and Outdoor Spaces: Montjuïc offers cable car rides, a castle, and stunning views of the city.
- After visiting Barcelona several time, we share our ultimate list of what to see and do in THIS blog post.
7. Singapore
Why It’s Great for Families:
- Sentosa Island: Home to Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, and Adventure Cove Waterpark, Sentosa is a haven for family entertainment.
- Gardens by the Bay: Explore the futuristic Supertree Grove and the Cloud Forest Dome.
- Cleanliness and Safety: Singapore is known for its cleanliness and safety, making it a comfortable destination for families.
- Read our 3 day itinerary for Singapore HERE.
8. Cape Town, South Africa
Why It’s Great for Families:
- Natural Beauty: From Table Mountain to Boulders Beach (home to penguins), Cape Town offers stunning natural attractions.
- Family-Friendly Safaris: Nearby safari parks provide opportunities for family-friendly wildlife viewing.
- Interactive Museums: The Two Oceans Aquarium and the Iziko South African Museum offer engaging exhibits for kids.
9. Paris, France
Why It’s Great for Families:
- Iconic Landmarks: Climb the Eiffel Tower, explore the Louvre, and take a boat ride on the Seine.
- Disneyland Paris: Just outside the city, Disneyland Paris offers a magical experience for kids.
- Parks and Gardens: Enjoy a picnic in Jardin du Luxembourg or play in the Tuileries Garden.
10. Vancouver, Canada
Why It’s Great for Families:
- Outdoor Adventures: From Stanley Park to Grouse Mountain, Vancouver offers numerous outdoor activities.
- Family-Friendly Attractions: Visit the Vancouver Aquarium or Science World for educational fun.
- Cultural Diversity: Experience a variety of cultural festivals and events throughout the year.
Choosing a family friendly destination is about finding a place that offers a mix of fun, education, and relaxation. These destinations are renowned for their ability to cater to families, providing activities and amenities that ensure everyone has a great time. Wherever you choose to go, the most important thing is to create lasting memories with your loved ones. Happy travels!