As many parents know, travel isn’t always easy with young children in tow. But it doesn’t have to be stressful! With the right kid-friendly travel destination, you can even turn your family’s vacation into an unforgettable one.
When you travel with your kids, you want to make sure that you can have fun and still give them the experiences they deserve.
Of course, you don’t want to send them off by themselves while you explore the local nightlife (tempting as that may be) – but at the same time, you needn’t be tied down by them 24/7.
This list of seven kid-friendly travel destinations will give you plenty of ideas on where to take your family next time you go on vacation – and maybe even help you decide where to go next.
Australia
If you’re looking to take your family somewhere they’ll have a blast while still having fun, check out Australia. The land down under offers a huge variety of things to do to keep everyone occupied and entertained.
You can visit some of its many beaches, go on a wildlife safari or tour its many sites. The weather is mostly nice and warm, which is always a plus when traveling with kids.
United States
While some kids may argue otherwise, visiting your home country is great. There’s no shortage of things to do when traveling to the U.S., from taking in famous landmarks to getting lost in a theme park.
With plenty of options and activities geared toward kids, you won’t have any trouble keeping everyone entertained, from SeaWorld Orlando and Disney World Florida to Santa Monica Pier California and New York City.
Europe
If you’re going to bring kids along on your vacation, it helps to have an exciting and manageable place. Many American cities tend to be overstimulating, but Europe offers plenty of historic cities with some kid-friendly travel destinations without being too overwhelming.
Check out Paris (for little ones who like culture), London (for those who want to see a world capital), Berlin (which will appeal to anyone with a sense of adventure) or Madrid (for families looking for more affordable options). Munich is another great option if you’re looking for a kid-friendly German city—it’s known for its beer gardens, perfect for summertime fun.
Mexico
If you’re looking to book a vacation about fun in the sun, then head straight to Mexico. In addition to being warm and sunny year-round, there are also countless activities in and around resort towns that will keep your kids entertained.
Mexico has it all from go-karting, surfing and bungee jumping to mini-golf, bowling alleys and water parks. Check out one of these family-friendly Mexican resorts: Cozumel Palace; Grand Oasis Sens, Playacar Beach Resort And Spa; Playacar by Palladium Hotel & Spa or Iberostar Paraiso Maya Beach.
Reykjavik, Iceland
While many travelers want to visit places with a long and illustrious history, giving your kids something fun and exciting is still good. Reykjavik fits that description perfectly.
Home to just under 200,000 people (as of 2014), it offers plenty of fun things for kids. Places like Laugardalslaug – one of Iceland’s most popular swimming pools – keep little ones busy.
You can enjoy a hot drink from the local coffee shop in Iceland, as they have a rich culture surrounding coffee. And don’t forget to check out Geysir, a geyser named after what happens there: springs!
Jamaica
Most people think of Jamaica as a destination for couples who want a little time away from their kids, but Jamaica has plenty of child-friendly things. For example, Dunn’s River Falls is an excellent and unique option for families.
This historic site includes gentle hiking along rocks and a waterfall that runs all year long. It also has a fun pool at its base and a picnic area where you can rest after climbing.
Or try more adventurous options like horseback riding along beautiful white sand beaches or taking a catamaran cruise across picturesque waters.
St. Lucia
In addition to its rich history and scenic beauty, St. Lucia makes for a great kid-friendly vacation destination. The main attractions are water activities like swimming and snorkeling, but there are also plenty of other family-friendly attractions such as taking a ride on an airboat or feeding iguanas at Anse Chastanet Beach.
And don’t forget about exploring these great landmarks: Fort Charlotte (Jardin Delise), Castries Waterfront, Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Rue De La Republique) and Saut D’Eau Park.
Traveling with kids can and should be a fun adventure. Keeping kid-friendly travel destinations in mind will ensure you have an unforgettable vacation and create a ton of memories during your trip.