52 Best Family Vacation Ideas that are Fun for All Ages (2024)

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What are the Best Family Vacation Ideas?

When it comes to traveling as a family, the destination can be a huge hold up in the planning process.

Use this list of family vacation ideas to jump start your brainstorming and point you in the right planning direction. Some places we’ve been to ourselves, others are on our own bucket list. 

Once you have an idea of what kind of vacation you want for your family, you can narrow down where you want to go. 

From there it’s a simple step to start booking the trip and requesting those vacation days.

Happy adventures!

~Katie

USA National Park Vacations

National Parks have always been a great family friendly destination. They are now more popular than ever before as families add more outdoor vacations to their calendars.

There are way more National Park options than this modest list, but it gets you started with a good variety.

1. Saguaro National Park

Walking into Saguaro National park is like walking into a Dr. Suess book.

The saguaro cactus is so tall and can have various forms that is surreal walking by them.

Plus there are simple trails that offer great views. Saguaro National Park is near Tucson Arizona which has zoos, museums, shopping, and food. About 2 hours away you’ll find even more family friendly vacation fun in Phoenix, Arizona.

2. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is home to stunning waterfalls, granite cliffs, beautiful valleys, and giant sequoia trees.

With so much to do and see, Yosemite is one of the most visited National Parks in California.

There are different hotels, lodges, and campsites within the park, or you can find lodging nearby.

3. Sequoia National Park

If you are impressed by Yosemite’s Sequoia Trees, then head to Sequoia National Park to check out the largest tree in the world, General Sherman. While you’re there peek inside Thorps Log, a cabin made from a fallen Sequoia log.

With cute little marmots and a chance of seeing bears, this Sequoia National Park should be on your list.

Not far away is Kings Canyon National Park, great for a 2-parks-for-one family vacation.

4. Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Watch the bats fly out of the main cave at dusk. It is a site that you have to experience if you love animals.

During the day, tour the many caverns and be awestruck by the stalactites and stalagmites in this National Park.

If you’re looking for accessible caves, Carlsbad Caverns is one of the best preserved cave systems in the world.

5. Glacier National Park

The “Crown of the Continent, ” Glacier National Park is full of glacial lakes, mountain peaks, and valley meadows. 

Located in Montana about 6-7 hours from Yellowstone, Glacier National Park preserves 1 million acres of land.

6. Yellowstone National Park

The first National Park in the United States, Yellowstone is a must for your family vacation.

I remember seeing bison and geysers on a trip with my family as a kid, and can not wait to take my own girls to visit. Just be aware that Old Faithful doesn’t always erupt on schedule…even so, Yellowstone is worth the trip.

7. Everglades National Park

Switching gears to a completely different ecosystem, Everglades National Park in Florida is home to various wetland habitats.

Take a guided tour by tram, air boat, canoe, or kayak to take in the amazing biodiversity.

Look for alligators, crocodiles, the Florida panther, and even manatees among many other species. 

You can either camp in the park, or find lodging nearby.

8. Denali National Park

With Mount McKinley being the highest peak in North America, Denali is home to many amazing wildlife and landscapes.

The big animals you may find include bears, moose, and caribou. You can also see Dall’s sheep and may catch a glimpse of some wolves or the golden eagle.

9. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Who wouldn’t want to explore 2 active volcanoes? With an historic 33-room Volcano House or plenty of lodging close by, you will be rewarded with amazing views.

Take a tour, drive, or hike through the park. You may even catch a glimpse of lava depending on if the volcanoes are currently active.

10. Zion National Park

Zion National Park is amazing. With sandstone cliffs, rivers, and slot canyons there are trails for all ages and abilities.

Canyon Overlook Trail is an easy 1 mile hike that leads to a rewarding view (hence the name), and the Riverside Walk is a flat 2.2 mile walk leading to the entrance of the famous & more difficult Narrows slot canyon hike through the river.

With only one lodge actually located in the Zion National Park Canyon, Ponderosa Ranch is an amazing resort nearby with cabins, a pool, mini-golf, and horseback riding.

11. Joshua Tree National Park

No overnight hotels or lodges in this National Park, but you can camp within Joshua Tree or stay at a nearby location.

Drive into the park to see Joshua trees, Skull Rock, the Cholla Cactus Garden, and so many other desert wonders.

Just 3-4 hours from San Diego, or 2 hours from Las Angeles, it makes for a great weekend destination.

Worldwide National Park Vacations

The US isn’t the only country with amazing National Parks.

We had the amazing experience of visiting Banff National Park in Canada, and have since added many more worldwide national park destinations to our wish list of family vacations.

12. Banff National Park

Canada’s first National Park, Banff is located in the Canadian Rocky Mountain Range. 

There is so much to do and see in Banff and in Canmore, a small town right next to Banff National Park.

Plan your hike according to the season you prefer to experience, but I definitely recommend going in winter or early spring to catch frozen waterfalls, see snowy mountains while in the natural hot springs, and catch a sled dog ride.

13. Jasper National Park

Nearby Banff is Jasper National Park which is the largest National Park in the Canadian Rockies.

Hard to drive between the two during winter, Jasper offers a less crowded landscape full of amazing natural beauty and wildlife.

14. Wapusk National Park

Located in Churchill, Canada, Wapusk National Park is known as the polar bear capital of the world.

Definitely on my personal top 5 bucket list locations, Wapusk can offer polar bear tundra excursions, kayaking with belugas, and a chance to see the northern lights. 

It may be a little difficult to get to if planning yourself, or expensive if going through a package deal, but well worth the planning efforts.

15. Serengeti National Park

This is the place to be if you’re looking to spot your typical safari animals. 

Elephants, giraffes, zebras, gazelles…this national park in Tanzania offers a great experience for seeing African plains wildlife.

Book a tour to get the most out of your trip.

16. Ranthambore National Park

Take a trip over to Rajasthan, India for a chance to see tigers and ancient ruins.

This national park also boasts hundreds of species of birds and a chance to also see elephants, leopards, and sloth bears.

Be sure to check which zone you want to tour. It seems there’s a better chance to see wildlife on a jeep tour versus a walking tour.

17. Khao Sok National Park

If you go to Thailand, you can not skip over visiting Khao Sok National Park.

It is the oldest rainforest in the world, so you can imagine the amazing nature and wildlife you will find. Asian elephants, sun bears, various species of monkeys and birds…plus you can stay in a floating resort, riverside cottage, or even a luxury lodge.

There are tours available to help make the most of your family vacation, plus so much to do and see and eat.

18. Galapagos National Park

Perhaps most famous for Darwin’s Origin of Species and the giant Galapagos Tortoise, the Galapagos National Park is a group of islands known for a large variety of wildlife. 

Book a cruise or stay in a hotel, just know that the Galapagos is a sensitive habitat so some areas may have more strict regulations than others (such as requiring a certified guide).

19. Thingvellir National Park

Wanting to go to Iceland? Put Thingvellir on your list. This national park has volcanic activity and rests on 2 tectonic plates: North America and Europe.

It is one of 3 main stops on Iceland’s Golden Circle Tour also including Gullfoss Waterfall and the Geysir Geothermal Area.

20. Kakadu National Park

One of the largest national parks in Australia, Kakadu preserves Aboriginal culture and offers a wide variety of wildlife and tropical ecosystems.

See giant termite mounds, wallabies, and crocodiles. 

There are lots of accomodation options in the park and surrounding areas.

21. Torres del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine in Patagonia is known as a “hikers paradise.” Located in the southern Andes Mountains of Chile, there are so many gorgeous landscapes to discover.

Plus you can go camping or stay in more modern hotels & comfort accommodations.

With blue glacial lakes, mountains, and valleys, Torres del Paine is a natural work of art you do not want to miss enjoying with your family.

Southern California Camping Vacations

If camping in a National Park interests you, then camping may be a great way to go for a vacation choice.

With so many kid friendly locations and camping gear available, it just makes sense to add a tent or RV adventure to your list.

Prepare with our list of camping activities for kids that don’t require packing extra stuff.

Of course there are hundreds and hundreds of campsites in the US, but here are some of our top camping experiences so far in southern California.

22. Catalina Island

Catalina Island is a small island located just off the coast of southern California. With the Trans Catalina Trail, it attracts many backpackers ready and willing to hike from campsite to campsite for 38.5 miles.

What people don’t know is that you don’t have to hike the 38 miles to enjoy camping on the island.

Pick from Hermit Gulch campground by Avalon and enjoy the shopping and restaurants in town, or stay at Two Harbors Campground on the less touristy port (which has 1 shop and 1 restaurant if you really don’t want to go off the grid).

They are both great introductions to family backpacking vacations.

23. Thornhill Broome Campground in Point Mugu State Park

If you want to go beach camping with your kids, camp here. 

Take your tent or rent and RV and set up camp right on the beach. There are also sites across the street, but I recommend getting a site on the beach itself if you can.

There is nothing like falling asleep to the sound of the waves, waking up and seeing the ocean literally right there outside your tent window.

24. Crystal Cove State Park

If you’re looking for another beach campsite that gives you a great view of the ocean from the seaside bluff, then definitely check out Crystal Cove State Park.

You can drive right up to your campsite for traditional car camping at Crystal Cove Campground, or expand your backpacking experiences with a 3 mile hike to Lower Moro Campground.

Just be sure to bring some kind of shade tent.

25. Green Valley Campground

This family friendly campsite has plenty of shade from oak trees and a creek nearby where you can swim.

The water gets busy in the summer with people visiting just for the day to cool off, so time your visit to the swimming holes before mid-day. Be sure to pack swim floaties for your toddler as an extra precaution.

26. Oak Grove Campground

This campsite is quiet and you can hear the owls in the oak trees every night.

It was so relaxing and the campsite had plenty of room for kids to run around. If you take a walk around the campgrounds, you’ll come across a stage perfect for an impromptu performance.

27. Boulder Basin

If you’re looking for boulders to climb, going to Boulder Basin in San Bernardino National Forest is a must.

There are all shapes and sizes of boulders. We even had a medium sized flat boulder, perfect for the girls to climb. This area is often frequented by rock climbers.

Plus, catching the sunrise from the Black Mountain Lookout Tower hike is absolutely amazing.

Zoo & Aquarium Vacations

Zoos and Aquariums are a popular family friendly destination with over 700 million people visiting zoos every year.

These are our top picks at some zoos in the United States. Most people plan for about 4 hours at a zoo, so keep that in mind when building your family vacation itinerary.

That being said, if you want to see every animal, demonstration, and attraction plus eat and shop, then plan to be at the park the entire day.

28. San Diego Zoo

It isn’t the World Famous San Diego Zoo for nothing, although being a native San Diegan I may be a bit biased.

Located adjacent to downtown San Diego, it is the first zoo to adopt an open-air, natural exhibit (as opposed to bars and cages).

It has 100 acres and over 650 species, and recently upgraded their children’s zoo area to be completely interactive. Your kids might never want to leave the splash pad playground, but you’ll definitely want the family to check out the polar bears and tigers and elephants and- everything!

I grew up going to this zoo, and enjoy the animals and atmosphere every time we go.

29. San Diego Safari Park

Owned by the same company as the San Diego Zoo, the Safari Park earns its own place on this list.

It’s sprawled out over 1,800 acres, but don’t worry. Not all of that property is available for guests to walk. You can look out over their savanna from view points or take the tram to see giraffes, rhinos, and other plains animals all mixed together in this natural-style habitat.

It’s 35 miles from the San Diego Zoo, so plan for 2 separate days if you want to see both in the same vacation.

Plus you can add on an amazing opportunity to sleepover at the Safari Park.

30. SeaWorld

SeaWorld has 3 locations: San Diego, San Antonio, and Orlando.

This is the perfect mix of zoo and theme park as SeaWorld prides themselves on their stellar animal care and their fast coasters.

Don’t worry, they also have rides for the little ones. Kids can also meet Sesame Street characters and everyone can enjoy seasonal festivities year-round. Our favorite is the Spooktacular at Halloween time and meeting Santa in December.

Don’t forget to add on an interactive experience like meeting Beluga Whales up close.

31. Aquarium of the Pacific

Southern California’s largest aquarium, Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is amazing. With over 100 indoor and outdoor exhibits and 12,000 animals, it is definitely a fun place for your family to explore.

Plus, they host cultural festivals and art shows. In fact, their newest expansion includes an art gallery and an immersive theater.

32. Georgia Aquarium 

As the biggest aquarium in the United States, the Georgia Aquarium is the only aquarium to have whale sharks and manta rays.

As if that wasn’t enough to make you want to visit, they also have beluga whales and dolphins among 500 other species of animals.

33. Bronx Zoo

One of the biggest city zoos, the Bronx Zoo is a great addition to your family vacation. 

It has over 700 species of animals, and guests ages 3 and up can climb over a system of rope bridges for a really fun view of the park.

34. Monterey Bay Aquarium 

You might recognize this one from “Finding Dory.”

Seals, sea otters, whales, and dolphins often pass through Monterey Bay. This makes their Ocean Viewing decks a very unique part of their 2-story aquarium.

35. North Carolina Zoo

Sitting on over 500 acres, the North Carolina Zoo is the largest natural habitat zoo. 

They even have a Zoo Trekker program where guests can complete quests or activities to collect stamps and earn a souvenir pin.

36. Moscow Zoo

The oldest zoo in Europe, Moscow Zoo combined their old infrastructure with new buildings.

The entrance is now a beautiful fairy tail rock castle, and their children’s zoo features animals from common fairy tales.

37. Beijing Zoo

One of the oldest and largest zoos in China, the Beijing zoo is where you can see pandas.

The San Diego Zoo worked with China on a panda conservation program, but once that was completed the pandas went back home.

This zoo also has over 450 species of land animals and over 500 species of marine animals.

38. Melbourne Zoo

Melbourne Zoo is another world leader in animal conservation. 

It is Australia’s oldest zoo and hosts great habitats where you can see lions, elephants, sea animals, gorillas, and (of course) animals from the Australian bush.

Don’t forget their “Growing Wild” interactive play area where kids can climb around and see some more amazing animals.

Fairs & Theme Park Vacations

Looking for something a bit less outdoorsy? More along the lines of rides and yummy food?

Theme Parks make for amazing family vacations, as do local fairs and amusement parks.

Disney is our number one choice (and included below), but don’t pass over these other great ideas too.

39. Disneyland

Grab your Loungefly backpack and let’s head off to Disneyland! You just can’t beat the nostalgia, in depth world of family centered fun Walt Disney created.

Stay at one of the Disneyland Resort Hotels, such as the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, for a splurge you won’t regret or at a nearby Goodneighbor Hotel for some great deals.

Check out our full list of over 50 tips, hacks, & info on how to make Disneyland and California Adventure the best family vacation ever. 

Plan about 2-5 days to fully enjoy everything both parks have to offer.

40. Legoland

Completely different experience than Disneyland, Legoland is also an amazing vacation destination. 

There is a mix of theme park and local fair atmosphere to Legoland that just works.

Choose one of 8 locations worldwide and stay in a Legoland resort hotel, eat the apple fries, and have fun on interactive rides.

Definitely a lot to do at Legoland with toddlers, so don’t count them out of the theme park fun.

41. Universal Studios

Looking for some non-Disney theme park fun? Head over to Universal Studios in California, Florida, Japan, Beijing, or Singapore. 

Florida has the Volcano Bay Water Park, and both Florida and California host the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

You can also find rides themed for Jurassic Park, Despicable Me, and more!

Super Nintendo World is currently in Japan and is expected to arrive to California in 2023.

42. Walt Disney World

Think Disneyland but bigger. Much bigger. You’ll need time to explore all of what Walt Disney World has to offer.

The Magic Kingdom is Florida’s version of Disneyland Park in California, but they also have Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and EPCOT (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow). 

Not to mention there are 2 different water parks and Disney Springs for shopping and restaurants. Don’t worry, there are great deals on Walt Disney World vacation packages and helpful travel planners at Get Away Today to make your planning super easy.

43. Knotts Berry Farm

With many more thrill rides for the older kids, Knotts Berry Farm is a great choice for a Southern California family vacation.

Don’t worry, their Camp Snoopy area has great rides for toddlers and younger kids too. 

If you like berries, do not miss their Boysenberry Food & Wine Festival. This theme park can easily be tackled in one day for your vacation itinerary.

44. 6 Flags

6 Flags has a lot of locations in the US and worldwide, so you have tons of options if including this theme park into your family travel itinerary.

Check out 6 flags in various cities of California, Texas, Missouri, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, and New York.

Worldwide, you can find 6 Flags theme parks in Mexico, Canada, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and China.

I often thought 6 Flags was only for older kids, but they do have some Looney Toon themed rides for toddlers and little kids with no height requirements.

45. MN State Fair

Let a state fair or city fair be your inspiration here, but if you do want to travel, then check out the Minnesota State Fair.

We actually saw Sweet Martha’s Cookies highlighted on a documentary show (I think it was about best fair foods or best cookies…), so naturally it was one of the first things we bought at the Minnesota State Fair.

Even with all of the foods, rides, and performances it is worth the trip for that bucket of cookies alone.

46. Santa Monica Pier

If you’re looking for an amusement park on a pier on the west coast of the US, then Santa Monica Pier is your one and only choice. And what a great choice it is! This amusement park also boasts the only solar powered ferris wheel.

Santa Monica Pier offers typical rides, food, and carnival games. Plus you can walk down to the beach, check out local shops and restaurants, or even visit the Getty Museum nearby.

47. Renaissance Fair

There are many Renaissance Fairs, but one of the first to be created is the Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Irwindale, California.

Step into an English market in the 1580s. Whether you dress up in costume yourself or not, you can enjoy a variety of food, games such as archery and fencing, and shop for unique handmade crafts and trinkets.

Don’t miss out on comedian shows or the Queens Jousting tournament.

All Inclusive Resort & Resort Vacations

Resorts are a very typical of most family vacations. Sitting poolside with a drink, enjoying hotel amenities, checking out local tourist attractions…what’s not to love?

These resorts check all the boxes, and most on this list are all inclusive. This means that the accommodations, food, and entertainment are are included with your payment.

Those listed that are not all inclusive still over great package deals or have fun activities and events that are included.

48. Great Wolf Lodge

An indoor water park resort with 19 locations across the United States, Great Wolf Lodge has all inclusive packages available or more a-la-cart options.

With tons of kids activities, dining options, and shopping, this resort makes a great family vacation destination- no matter what state you choose.

49. Club Med

With over 70 locations worldwide, Club Med is a frontrunner in truly all-inclusive family vacations where kids under 4 stay for free.

Enjoy a family trip to the Caribbean, North America, South America, Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean, and even in Europe.

The room, food, and activities are all under one cost. This includes lift tickets for their all new ski resort in Canada. 

50. Beaches

Located in Turks & Caicos and Jamaica, this resort includes lodging, food, drinks, activities, entertainment, gratuities and taxes.

Even SCUBA diving is included for those PADI certified.

It is known as a pricier destination, but if you take full advantage of everything included it could quickly be worth the price.

51. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts

Fancy a getaway with your kids to Mexico or the Dominican Republic?

Defined as “where luxury meets lol” this all-inclusive slime filled beach vacation has family fun written all over it.

Meet your favorite Nickelodeon characters, enjoy entertainments and activities, splash around at their water playground, and let the kids (ages 4-12) have fun at Club Nick.

52. Atlantis

Not really all-inclusive, but this made the list because it is such an awesome resort. 

You can swim with dolphins, shop, eat, enjoy the beach or pools (or both!). There are also amazing, fast water slides in a water park that covers 141 acres.

Right across from the Bahamas capital city, Nassau, you can also be a tourist in an amazing place. Be sure to head over to the Twin Brothers Restaurant for Conch Fritters.