19 Of The Best Family-Friendly Vacations That People Actually Swear By
Taking a family vacation is supposed to be fun, but sometimes it can be hard to find the perfect place.
And while travel looks very different these days — especially for kids under 12, who aren't able to get vaccinated yet — I think it's safe to say that many of us can't wait for the day when we can go on a family adventure again.
So if you're struggling to pin down the ultimate family-friendly destination, we're here to help. We recently asked members of the BuzzFeed Community to share the best places to visit when traveling with family. Check out some of the best responses below.
1.Have the adventure of a lifetime in Iceland.
"Iceland is incredibly kid-friendly. From the wide open spaces to the many family-friendly hot springs, Iceland has so much to offer. Plus, in my experience, the country is very safe. An added bonus is that most of the activities (like visiting amazing waterfalls) is free."
2.Pay a visit to Gothenburg, Sweden.
"Gothenburg on Sweden's west coast is safe and clean. Almost everyone speaks English so if your kid runs off, they can always ask for help. The food is amazing, and the parks are incredible. Also, the public transportation is some of the best I've seen."
3.Explore the attractions in Los Angeles, California.
"Los Angeles is great for kids. The Getty Museum has a fun area for younger children, a beautiful garden, scenery, and so many outdoor sculptures. The Natural History Museum is amazing too. It's adjacent to the Rose Garden at USC’s campus, and it boasts many interactive exhibits. Depending on the season, it may have a visiting butterfly or spider enclosure set up."
4.Take a national parks vacation in the Canadian Rockies.
"We took the kids to Alberta to go camping in both Banff and Jasper National Parks, and we had an amazing time. There's so much to see and do every day, and there are amazing hikes everywhere."
5.Seek thrills at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio.
"Cedar Point is where our family loves to go. There are rides for little kids in addition to huge roller coasters, a luxurious hotel, and a pretty beach. You need more than one day to experience it all." —benb4267193d3
6.Explore the canals in Amsterdam.
"It's a city made for kids. There are great museums, it's easy to get around, the locals are friendly, the food is good, English is widely spoken, and you can easily explore the lovely countryside just outside of the city."
7.Book a stay at the Atlantis Bahamas.
"The resort is so family-friendly and fun, not to mention breathtakingly beautiful. There’s a huge water park, a massive underground aquarium, and, of course, the ocean just steps from your hotel room. My two girls loved our trip there."
8.Explore the mountain town of Red River, New Mexico.
"Red River, set in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains just 40 minutes from Taos, is my family’s go-to spot. We always go during off-season when travel is more affordable, and there is still so much to do. Family activities include shopping, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, etc. And the views are incredible."
9.Hang with the fam at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
"There is always magic there for you and your kids, no matter the age."
10.Take an urban adventure to St. Louis, Missouri.
"The best place we have ever travelled with our kid is St. Louis. We visited family there earlier this year and discovered the city offers so many free, kid-friendly activities. There's a world-class zoo, Shakespeare in the Park, a great art museum (our kid loved the display of medieval weapons), Grant's Farm, and the Budweiser brewery tour, where you can meet the famous Clydesdale horses. The only attraction we spent money on was the City Museum, one of the best museums I've been to. We can't wait to go back next year to visit the Botanical Garden and take advantage of the free summer concert series."
—NC89
11.Go sight-seeing in San Diego, California.
"Balboa Park in San Diego, CA has lots of great attractions for kids. The main destination is the San Diego Zoo, but the park’s many museums are definitely worth checking out. It takes more than a few days to see them all, and there’s something for every kind of kid. I especially recommend the Model Railroad Museum, which is easy to miss, and the Fleet Science Center.
12.Enjoy the great outdoors at Nitmiluk National Park in the Northern Territory, Australia.
"It's truly a hidden gem and one of the most beautiful places on earth. There are so many things to do, but the most famous site is Katherine Gorge, a system of deep gorges carved in ancient sandstone. There are also natural hot springs that are just gorgeous. Edith Falls is another highlight."
13.Entertain the whole family in Japan.
"The cities are amazing, the landmarks are gorgeous, and my parents could relax, even with four toddlers there. The food was the best I have ever had. There's really something for everyone."
14.Traverse around Boulder, Colorado.
"My family traveled to Boulder, and we went whitewater rafting, hiked a lot, and explored downtown. The beautiful and happening downtown area was my favorite...in fact, I’m thinking of going to college there!" —allisonistired
15.Soak up the sun in Belize.
"Belize is by far the coolest place I’ve ever been with my family. There's the beautiful turquoise ocean, reefs full of marine life, lush jungle, and impressive ruins. It’s less main stream feeling than a place like Mexico, which instills in travelers a sense of adventure. Plus the locals are so nice. Every place we stayed was awesome in its own way, and each offered so many unique, family-friendly experiences from cave tubing and snorkeling to exploring the cute towns." —gabriella0345
16.Take a road trip across the US.
"My family has been taking cross-country road trips since I was 9 or 10. When I was 13, we did a month-long trip to Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone and Glacier National Park. Get your kids outside to see how many amazing places can be found right in the US."
17.Take a ranch getaway in Loveland, Colorado.
18.Enjoy quality family time in New Hampshire.
19.Finally, spend a weekend on the lake in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
"We have a lake cabin up in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. It’s been in the family for decades, and we go up every summer. It’s hands down my favorite place in the world and a perfect destination for families."
What's the best family vacation you've been on? Let us know in the comments!
Note: Some submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Disclaimer: This article was written to provide future travel recommendations or suggestions. However, it’s important to keep in mind your own health, community health, and COVID-19 exposure risk.
