Family travel opens up incredible opportunities to bond, learn, and create lasting memories. The world is an expansive classroom, and exposing children to different places and cultures can profoundly shape their perspectives in positive ways. Planning a family vacation, however, can feel overwhelming. A common question parents ask is, “Where are the Good Family Vacation Spots that are actually suitable for my kids’ ages?”.
Choosing the right destination depends on various factors, most importantly, the interests and ages of your children. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, this guide provides tailored recommendations for good family vacation spots categorized by age, drawing from extensive family travel experiences. Consider this your inspiration to embark on unforgettable adventures with your loved ones.
Finding the Perfect Family Getaway: It’s All About Your Child’s Passions
Instead of searching for a universally “perfect” destination based solely on age, consider your child’s individual interests and passions. Does your child love animals, history, beaches, or thrilling adventures? Tailoring your vacation to these interests will ensure a more engaging and memorable experience for everyone. Make the trip about them, and you’ll discover that almost any destination can become a good family vacation spot.
However, we understand the desire for concrete suggestions! So, while keeping in mind that every child is unique, here are some fantastic good family vacation spots categorized by age, offering a starting point for your family travel planning.
Top Vacation Spots for Families with Young Children
Ages 0-3: Flexibility is Key – Choose Your Dream Destination
The beauty of traveling with babies and toddlers is their adaptability. At this age, destination is less critical than the overall travel style. Want to explore historical sites like the Great Wall of China, witness the pyramids of Egypt, or wander through Dubrovnik’s old city? Now is a surprisingly good time! While flights can be challenging with infants under two, the flight duration is temporary, and the world awaits upon arrival. Nap schedules and feeding routines remain, but young children are remarkably adaptable travelers.
The key is to adjust your travel style to suit their needs. Avoid destinations requiring extensive car travel if your child dislikes car seats. Museum visits might be shorter, replaced with park outings and playground adventures. Embrace a slower pace, and focus on enjoying experiences together, wherever you choose to go.
Our daughter at one year old in Naples, Italy, experiencing the simple joys of outdoor exploration, highlighting that even everyday locations can be good family vacation spots for young children.
Age 4: Australia – Down Under Wonder for Little Explorers
Australia is a fantastic good family vacation spot for four-year-olds. The English-speaking environment makes navigation easy, and the unique wildlife is captivating for young minds. Imagine encounters with kangaroos, koalas, and colorful birds! Australia boasts stunning beaches perfect for sandcastle building and paddling. Even picky eaters will find familiar foods easily. Public transportation is efficient, eliminating the need for car rentals in many cities. While climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge has an age restriction, most other attractions are accessible and enjoyable for four-year-olds.
A four-year-old girl in Sydney, Australia, holding souvenir koala ears, exemplifying Australia as a fun and engaging family vacation spot for young children.
Blog Post: A California Getaway to Australia to Cuddle Koalas
Brisbane Hotel Suggestion: The Brisbane Hilton – Central and budget-friendly.
Age 5: Spain, Italy, and Portugal – European Charm and Kid-Friendly Culture
For a taste of Europe, Spain, Italy, and Portugal are excellent good family vacation spots for five-year-olds. Italy, with its rich history and delicious cuisine, is a personal favorite, having been explored with kids since infancy. Spain and Portugal offer equally compelling experiences. All three countries boast historical sites, walkable cities, fantastic food, and welcoming outdoor dining cultures perfect for families. Beautiful beaches add to their appeal. Traveling during shoulder seasons (April/May or September/October) allows you to avoid peak tourist crowds and enjoy pleasant weather, ideal for families with pre-kindergarten or kindergarten children who have more schedule flexibility.
Children aged 3 and 5 enjoy playing in an Italian olive orchard, highlighting the relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere of an Italian villa, making Italy a wonderful choice for good family vacation spots.
Blog Posts: Kid-Friendly Adventure in Trentino, Italy’s Stunning Val di Fassa; Adventures with Kids in the Dolomites: Two Days in Trentino’s Val di Fiemme; Florence with Kids – What to Do and Where to Stay in Our Favorite City; A Villa in Tuscany for a Month; How to Visit Cinque Terre
Barcelona Hotel Suggestion: Hotel DO Placa Reial – Perfectly located with spacious connecting rooms.
Florence Hotel Suggestion: Palazzo Belfiore – Apartments with laundry in a great location.
Rome Hotel Suggestion: Albergo del Senato – Overlooking the Pantheon.
Venice Hotel Suggestion: Hotel al Ponte Antico – A favorite hotel, consider booking two rooms for families.
Cascais Hotel Suggestion: Hotel Baia – Great location and views.
Age 6: Costa Rica and Panama – Adventure and Wildlife in Central America
Costa Rica truly offers the best of all worlds, making it one of the most versatile good family vacation spots for six-year-olds. Beaches, rainforests teeming with wildlife, and exciting activities abound. Base yourselves at a family-friendly resort and venture into national parks to spot monkeys, sloths, and toucans. Panama presents a similar experience to Costa Rica, with the added attraction of the Panama Canal and generally fewer tourists and lower prices. Direct flights from the US make both countries easily accessible.
A family with three children, ages 6, 9, and 11, standing together in a lush, green environment in Costa Rica, illustrating Costa Rica as a vibrant family vacation spot.
Blog Posts: Punta Islita – Amazingly Family-Friendly Costa Rica; A Panama Vacation with Thomson Family Adventures
Costa Rica Hotel Suggestions: Hotel Punta Islita and Los Suenos Marriott – Both are kid-friendly with beach access and good room setups.
Panama Hotel Suggestion: Hotel recommendations for Panama are limited.
Engaging Destinations for Elementary School Kids
Age 7: Scandinavia or Canada – Outdoor Adventures and Natural Wonders
Seven is an ideal age to embrace the great outdoors. Scandinavia, particularly Norway and Sweden, are exceptionally good family vacation spots for this age group. Safe, walkable cities are combined with easy access to nature via public transportation. In Oslo, a short metro ride takes you to hiking trails, lakes for swimming, and barbecue spots. Forests for berry picking are also readily accessible. For a unique experience in Sweden, consider Kolarbyn, where you can sleep in forest huts, canoe to a floating sauna, and cook over campfires – a truly magical, nature-immersed experience.
A cozy forest hut nestled in the woods at Kolarbyn, Sweden, illustrating the unique and immersive nature experiences that make Scandinavia an excellent choice for good family vacation spots focused on outdoor adventures.
If staying closer to home is preferred, Canada offers similar appeal. From June to September, Canada’s weather is perfect for outdoor activities. Alberta, in particular, is stunning year-round, offering kayaking, hiking, skating, snowshoeing, wildlife encounters, and cool cities to explore. The (mostly) English-speaking environment is a bonus. Manitoba and Alberta, with Banff and Lake Louise, are highly recommended.
A family canoeing at Oak Hammock Marsh in Manitoba, Canada, demonstrating the wildlife and outdoor activities that make Canada a good family vacation spot.
Family enjoying snowshoeing at Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada, set against a backdrop of stunning winter scenery, highlighting the diverse seasonal activities that make Canada a year-round destination for good family vacation spots.
Blog Posts: Manitoba, Canada with Kids: Three Days of Animal Adventures!; Exploring the Magical Forests of Central Sweden
Sweden Hotel Suggestion: Kolarbyn Eco Lodge – Camp-like experience with no electricity or wifi.
Winnipeg, Manitoba Hotel Suggestion: The Fort Garry Hotel – Centrally located with spacious suites.
Lake Louise, Alberta Hotel Suggestion: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – Iconic and perfectly situated.
Age 8: Antarctica or Japan – Unforgettable and Diverse Experiences
Antarctica is an extraordinary and unforgettable good family vacation spot for eight-year-olds. This was the destination of my first blog post, inspired by taking my daughter at this age. Eight-year-olds are fascinated by the unique wildlife – penguins, seals, whales – and the icy landscapes. They handle boat trips well and are enthusiastic participants in hikes and kayaking. Their lighter weight is even advantageous for snow walks! While often considered a retirement trip, Antarctica is truly magical for children aged 8-10 and up.
An eight-year-old girl standing on a snowy landscape in Antarctica, surrounded by penguins, highlighting Antarctica as a unique and adventurous family vacation spot.
Japan offers a contrasting but equally captivating experience. It’s a cultural immersion blending ancient temples with modern anime culture – a fascinating mix of zen and vibrant energy. Japan is a fantastic good family vacation spot for eight-year-olds, sparking curiosity and wonder.
A child exploring Kyoto, Japan, in front of a traditional building, experiencing the rich culture and history that makes Japan an intriguing and educational option for good family vacation spots.
Blog Posts: Antarctica with an 8-Year-Old; Adventures with Disney Antarctica: A Magical Expedition; Tokyo with Kids Made Easy; Kyoto with Kids
Tokyo Hotel Suggestion: The Park Hyatt Tokyo – Iconic, offering a “Lost in Translation” experience.
Kyoto Hotel Suggestions: Kyoto Inn Gion – Cute inn in a good location. Park Hyatt Kyoto – A luxurious new option.
Age 9: Bali – Beaches, Culture, and Tranquility in Indonesia
Bali is a consistently popular choice, with both of my daughters selecting it for their 9-year-old trips. It’s a diverse good family vacation spot offering beaches, wildlife encounters (the Monkey Forest is a hit with kids), rich culture, yoga retreats, and a peaceful ambiance. Bali provides a wonderful transition for children moving beyond purely “kid-focused” vacations, offering deeper cultural experiences alongside fun activities.
A scenic rice field in Ubud, Bali, at early morning, representing the cultural and natural beauty of Bali as a family vacation spot.
Blog Post: Bali with Kids
Hotel Suggestions: In Ubud: Komaneka at Monkey Forest – Walkable location. Tanah Gajah – Luxurious option outside town. Near the beach: Kayumanis Jimbaran – A favorite beachfront hotel.
Age 10: African Safari or the Amazon Rainforest – Wildlife Adventures and Natural Wonders
An African safari is an incredible good family vacation spot, particularly for ten-year-olds. While we took our kids at ages 5, 8, and 10, ten seemed to be the sweet spot. Older children handle the longer safari drives better, and any necessary vaccinations and medications are easier for them to manage. Witnessing wildlife in their natural habitat is an awe-inspiring experience.
Zebras and other wildlife roaming freely in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, depicting the thrilling wildlife viewing opportunities that position an African safari as one of the most exciting good family vacation spots.
If an African safari is beyond budget or too far, Brazil’s Amazon rainforest offers a similarly adventurous and wildlife-rich experience closer to home. The Amazon was my favorite kid-trip ever, and ten is an excellent age to appreciate its wonders. Jungle exploration, animal spotting, and the digital detox of being unplugged make it a truly unique and memorable good family vacation spot.
Sunset over the Rio Negro in Brazil's Amazon Rainforest, viewed from a boat, illustrating the natural beauty and adventure of the Amazon as a family vacation spot.
Blog Posts: An African Safari with Kids; How to Book an Affordable African Safari; Packing List for a Family Safari; Five Tips for Taking Your Kids on an African Safari; The Amazon Rainforest with Kids: A Magical (Unplugged) Expedition
Teen-Approved Travel Destinations
Age 11: Greece – History Comes Alive in the Mediterranean Sun
Greece is a perennial family favorite, and a particularly enriching good family vacation spot for eleven-year-olds. By this age, children are often learning about Greek history and mythology in school, making a trip to Greece incredibly relevant and engaging. Exploring ancient ruins like the Parthenon and experiencing Greek island life brings their studies to life in a tangible and exciting way.
Late afternoon view of the majestic Parthenon in Athens, Greece, highlighting the iconic historical landmarks and cultural significance that position Greece as a compelling choice for good family vacation spots.
An eleven-year-old walking through Paros, Greece, at sunrise, capturing the scenic beauty and island charm of Greece as a family vacation spot.
Blog Posts: Naxos Greece: Our Favorite Island | Three Weeks on the Greek Island of Naxos (with Kids); Paros Greece with Kids; A Day Trip to Santorini from Naxos
Hotel Suggestion: Nissaki Beach Hotel on Naxos – A favorite in Greece.
Age 12: Paris – Art, Culture, and Parisian Flair
Paris is captivating at any age, but twelve-year-olds are particularly well-suited to appreciate its cultural offerings. Museum visits become more engaging, especially with kid-oriented tours. Twelve-year-olds also start to enjoy the shopping and trendy aspects of Paris. From iconic landmarks to charming cafes, Paris is a classic and enriching good family vacation spot.
Family enjoying a moment of respite from the summer heat at the Louvre Museum in Paris, highlighting the cultural and iconic attractions that make Paris a timeless choice for good family vacation spots.
Blog Posts: Tips for Visiting Paris on a Budget; The Best Things to Do in Paris with Kids; 10 Tips for a Perfect Family Vacation in Paris
Hotel Suggestion: Hôtel de Londres Eiffel – Minutes from key attractions, offering family room setups. Apartment rentals are also a great option.
Age 13: Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand – Southeast Asian Culture and Adventure
Thirteen-year-olds might still crave beach time or animal encounters, but they are also ready for deeper cultural explorations. Southeast Asia is a safe, accessible, and fascinating region to introduce them to. Vietnam and Laos remain relatively less touristy, while Cambodia (especially Siem Reap) and Thailand are more established tourist destinations. Delicious food, incredible historical sites, and vibrant cultures await. Combining cultural experiences with beach or resort time is easily arranged in this diverse region, making it a flexible and enriching good family vacation spot.
A scenic view from the top of Phousi Mountain in Laos, representing the cultural and scenic beauty of Southeast Asia as a family vacation spot.
Intricate stone carvings at Cambodia’s Bayon Temple, showcasing the ancient history and architectural wonders that make Cambodia a culturally immersive and fascinating choice for good family vacation spots.
Blog Posts: Asia with Kids: A Crazy Three-Week, Six-Country Itinerary; Soneva Kiri: Kid-Friendly Perfection in Thailand; Six Senses Ninh Van Bay in Vietnam: Pure Relaxation!
Vietnam Hotel Suggestions: Almanity Wellness Resort in Hoi An and Six Senses Ninh Van Bay. For Ha Long Bay: Hera Cruises.
Laos Hotel Suggestion: Satri House in Luang Prabang – Colonial charm.
Cambodia Hotel Suggestion: Shinta Mani Hotels in Siem Reap: Bensley Collection | Shinta Mani | Shinta Mani Shack – All wonderful options.
Thailand Hotel Suggestion: The Peninsula in Bangkok in Bangkok. On the islands: Soneva Kiri on Ko Kood (luxury).
Age 14: India – Cultural Immersion and Sensory Overload
India is a personal favorite and an incredibly rewarding, albeit intense, good family vacation spot for teenagers. While possible to visit with younger children, it’s best appreciated by teens who can handle the chaos and cultural immersion. India is not about beaches; it’s about vibrant culture, colors, and adventures. Camel rides in Rajasthan, witnessing the Taj Mahal at sunrise, exploring desert forts, and experiencing the spiritual intensity of Varanasi are just a few highlights. A visit to Mumbai slums can provide a powerful reality check. India offers a profound and transformative travel experience for teenagers.
The Taj Mahal bathed in the soft light of sunrise in India, underscoring the iconic beauty and cultural depth that make India a compelling and unforgettable destination for good family vacation spots.
Blog Posts: Around the World (Again) with a 10-Year-Old!; Ten Incredible Places to Visit in India; The Time I Went to a Royal Wedding in India
Jaisalmer Hotel Suggestion: Suryagarh – A palace hotel experience.
Mumbai Hotel Suggestion: The Taj Mahal Palace – Iconic and well-located, choose the Palace wing.
Age 15: Patagonia, the Faroe Islands, or Greenland – Adventure and Remote Beauty
Patagonia, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland share a common thread: stunning, remote landscapes perfect for adventurous families. Fifteen-year-olds are typically ready for more challenging hikes and appreciate the raw beauty of these destinations. Hiking becomes easier and more enjoyable as children grow older. For families seeking active adventures and off-the-beaten-path experiences, these are excellent good family vacation spots.
Family hiking amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Chilean Patagonia, with towering mountains and a serene lake in the backdrop, highlighting the adventurous and visually stunning experiences that define Patagonia as a top choice for good family vacation spots.
Hiking in the Faroe Islands, through a sheep pasture with cliffs in the distance, representing the unique and rugged beauty of the Faroe Islands as a family vacation spot.
Colorful houses lining the harbor in Greenland, with boats gently bobbing in the water, representing the remote charm and unique cultural experiences that make Greenland a distinctive choice for good family vacation spots.
Blog Posts: Spring Break in Patagonia; A Multi-Sport Adventure in Argentinian Patagonia; An Amazing Week in the Faroe Islands (with Kids); South Greenland: Kid-Friendly Adventure in a Stunning Destination; The Beauty of Unplugging in South Greenland
Patagonia Hotel Suggestion: Tierra Patagonia – Amazing lodge.
Faroe Islands Hotel Suggestion: Gjaargardur Guesthouse Gjogv – Favorite hotel.
Greenland Hotel Suggestion: Sheep farm stays – information in blog post.
Age 16: The Maldives – Relaxation and Luxury in Paradise
The Maldives are the epitome of relaxation and luxury, making them an ideal good family vacation spot for a special splurge trip at age sixteen. While suitable for younger children (ages 7+ can fully enjoy bike riding around resorts), sixteen is a perfect age to appreciate the Maldives’ beauty, tranquility, and independent exploration opportunities. Consider it a reward and a chance to unwind in paradise.
Relaxing in hammocks at Chill Bar in the Maldives at sunset, showcasing the relaxation and luxury of the Maldives as a family vacation spot.
Blog Posts: Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives: Our New Favorite Resort Anywhere; Six Nights in Paradise – A Return to Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives
Hotel Suggestion: Six Senses Laamu – A world-favorite resort.
Your Turn: Share Your Family Vacation Spot Ideas!
These are just starting points! The best good family vacation spots are those that resonate with your family’s unique interests and travel style. What destinations would you recommend for each age group? Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below!
Travel Insurance and Points/Miles: Practical Tips for Family Travel
Health Insurance: Travel insurance is essential, especially for families. After a personal experience needing medical care abroad, an annual plan through G1G is recommended for peace of mind.
Points and Miles: To make these dream destinations more affordable, utilize travel points and miles. Consider a credit card that earns travel rewards, charging everyday expenses to accumulate points for flights and hotels. Opt for a card without foreign transaction fees for international travel.
Happy travels and may your family adventures be filled with joy and discovery!
