32 epic bucket list family vacation ideas

Last updated on December 11, 2025

We love all sorts of family travel – from annual holidays in classic seaside towns to epic bucket list trips that broaden everyone’s horizons.

For this post, we’re focussing on the latter. We’ve done many of these sorts of trips ourselves – I’m a big believer in a ‘carpe diem’ approach to life so try to pack things in before it’s too late! But for the ones that are still on our to-do list, we asked expert family travel bloggers to help us put together an ultimate round-up of bucket list family vacation ideas.

From African safaris to a trip to Lapland, these are dream family trips to inspire your own family bucket list.

Many of them are ones we’ve done ourselves, and others are most certainly in our future plans. We’d love to hear which ones you’d love to do most. And are there any you think we’ve missed?

See all our family travel guides, including road trip itineraries and cool places to stay with kids.

Europe family vacations

Visiting Santa in Lapland

By Victoria

If the kids were creating a travel bucket list, this would surely be on it. Visiting Santa in Lapland is a dream come true for little ones, and there’s so much more to it than meeting the big man himself. It’s one of the most fun vacations for families.

Whizz around the forest on a sled pulled by huskies, or a sleigh pulled by reindeer. Ride snowmobiles, visit an amethyst mine and play in the powdery snow. You could even stay in a glass igloo beneath the stars or, even better, the Northern Lights!

We did this trip before we had kids and it was magical even as adults. We can’t wait to take Otis and Arlo (we’re thinking 4 and 6 could be a good age for it). See our full 4-day Lapland itinerary.

London

By Victoria

Whenever we go to London, it always blows the kids’ minds. I think it’s the sheer enormity of the place and the endless excitement of things to do. It’s a place where just being there is exciting.

London suits all ages, from toddler to teen to grandparent, and we recommend it for any family group. Take advantage of the free entry to museums and get your fill of history by simply wandering along the South Bank of the River Thames. There are galleries to explore, epic parks to play in, theatre shows to enjoy and no end of amazing food.

As Samuel Pepys said: If you’re tired of London, you’re tired of life”. See our guide to how to spend 7 days in London with kids. It’s the kind of place you could easily spend weeks, but it’s equally perfect for a weekend family trip with toddlers.

Iceland

By Victoria

Iceland is one of those epic destinations that almost feels like being on another planet. And going there will tick boxes for kids and adults alike. Above all, it’s a place to absorb yourself in the majesty of nature, exploring everything from waterfalls to glaciers to ice caves.

Because of the abundance of outdoor adventures, we recommend going with slightly older kids who can hold their own on an icy hike. It would be a great one to do with teens who will love zipping around on snowmobiles and enjoying the steamy lagoons.  

We went in winter, which meant we had the chance to see the Northern Lights and explore the ice caves. But summer is also a great time to visit when you can drive the ring road and explore more of the country.

Iceland is an expensive destination, but also one that’s worth every penny – it’s definitely a trip worth saving for. Here’s our guide to how to spend five days in Iceland in winter.

Barcelona

By Victoria

Barcelona is brilliant for kids – they’ll love the fantastical architecture of Gaudi, the copious ‘churros con chocolate’ and the beachside location. Plus the city is well set up for kids with playgrounds in every neighbourhood and a culture that embraces families.

You’ll often see kids out late at night, playing in the squares while their parents eat tapas and converse at the local bars. It makes for a holiday that kids and adults will enjoy in equal measure.

We’ve put together a guide to the best things to do in Barcelona with kids, but some of the highlights include CosmoCaixa (the science museum), riding one of the gondolas and visiting the Sagrada Familia (Otis still talks about it now!).

You could also combine your trip with a visit to the Costa Brava where there are plenty of family-friendly seaside villages such as the very pretty Calla de Palafrugell. Or perhaps pick one of these epic Spanish road trips. We also highly recommend Caserio del Mirador in Alicante if you have younger kids – it’s the perfect place for your first vacation with kids.

Spain as a whole is one of the best vacation spots for younger families as the culture is so family-friendly and there are plenty of vacation resorts with loads of kids’ activities. Majorca is another brilliant option (we particularly loved Puerto Pollensa).

Italy adventure

By Victoria

Italy is one of the most popular family vacation spots, perfect for people who love good food, culture and history. And what kids don’t love pizza, pasta and ice cream?!

Go to Rome, Florence or Venice for awe-inspiring history and architecture. And then head to the coast to be enchanted by the likes of the Amalfi, Cinque Terre and Puglia. Between it all, there’s bucolic countryside dotted with charming towns. And don’t forget the lakes – Lake Como wows me every time I see it.

There is so much to do in Italy with kids. Some of the big cultural hitters that families will love include the Colosseum in Rome, the gondolas in Venice, the remains of Pompeii, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Uffizi Museum in Florence.

But we also recommend getting slightly off the beaten path. Italy has some lovely agriturismos where you can stay on family farms and get an insight into local life. Tuscany is a good spot for this, but we also recommend lesser-known destinations like Trentino.

If fact, Trentino is one of our top picks for Italy – see our full guide to things to do in Trentino with kids. We did an amazing road trip in the Trentino Dolomites with the kids, which has been one of our best holidays yet. It’s a bit quieter than the Tyrol side of the Dolomites.

In terms of when to go, Italy is a year-round destination, but it wears sunny days best, so unless you want to ski or visit xmas markets, I would avoid winter. Also remember that many places in Italy are suffering from overtourism, so if you go in the peak months especially, try to visit lesser-known areas.

We’ve travelled extensively in Italy, both with kids and without. See all our Italy guides here including the best Italy road trips, plus itineraries for an Amalfi Coast Road Trip and one that includes Lake Como and Cinque Terre

Backpacking Europe

By Bryanna at Crazy Family Adventure

If you’re looking for a bucket list family trip, we highly recommend a backpacking trip around Europe. We visited 13 countries in three months with our four kids aged 15, 12, 12 and 10 and it was a magical trip. We were able to see and experience so much together as a family while also learning how to live out of a backpack, stay in hostels (family rooms) and use public transportation everywhere we went. 

If you can’t swing three months, go for however long you can! We recommend planning your trip in the off season when things are less busy and the weather isn’t hot. Carrying a backpack around gets heavy and hot so cooler weather is much better. We did our trip from March-June and it was the perfect time. 

On our trip we covered Portugal, Spain, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, England, Scotland, and Ireland. With our youngest turning 10 on the trip and our oldest being 15, it was the perfect age since they could all carry their own bags and walk for miles every day (which we did!). 

You can get tips on how to plan your trip in our guide to how to plan a trip to Europe

Ireland road trip

By Janelle at Make the Trip Matter

Ireland is a beautiful country full of picturesque views and rich history. And an Ireland road trip is an ideal way to take in all that the Emerald Isle has to offer, from breathtaking coastlines to rolling green hills and ancient ruins. It’s also easy to tailor the trip so that everyone in the family, from toddlers to grandparents, can find something to enjoy. 

There are countless outdoor activities to explore in Ireland, such as kayaking and hiking, plus urban attractions like museums and art galleries, and relaxing beaches to rest on.

Make sure to stop in Galway. It’s one of the most kid-friendly cities with attractions such as the National Aquarium Galway and Loughwell Farm Park. 

Driving through Ireland for a week or two will allow you ample opportunity to explore the gorgeous countryside and popular natural attractions. A few of the top stops include the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, and a trip out to the Skellig Islands.

For a unique idea, stay at one of the ancient Irish castle hotels. The whole family will love feeling like royalty for a night or two!

The best time of year to visit Ireland is spring through early fall when the weather is warmest and the days are longer.

[Note from Victoria: I’m half Irish and have travelled all over, but not yet with the kids. It’s definitely one that’s on our bucket list. Problem is, I have about 1000 cousins over there, so it’s going to be a busy trip!]

France

By Annabel at Smudged Postcard

France is a fantastic place for travel lovers and one of the best places for a vacation with family. There’s so much to see – from its beautiful capital to the chateaux of the Loire, the fairy tale towns of the Alsace region to the chic resorts of the south. 

Summer is a great time for a family holiday in France – the 14^th July sees locals across the country take to the streets to celebrate the French Revolution. And it’s a brilliant time to hit the coast. Enjoy the stunning rocky scenery in Brittany, experience excellent surfing on the Atlantic coast, and explore lovely islands by bike. Ile de Re is particularly good fun for families to explore on two wheels.

There are some brilliant theme parks in France including Parc Asterix near Paris and Puy du Fou near Nantes – where history and pyrotechnics ensure kids will be captivated by France’s turbulent past. And of course, there’s Disneyland Paris too.

If you’re looking for a winter city break, Paris is at its most exquisite at Christmas time when its streets and squares sparkle. Wintertime is when the French hit the ski slopes. There are some excellent resorts for families in France including Meribel and Alpe d’Huez. 

[Note from Victoria: We’ve also been to France many times, including doing an epic France road trip that was a combination of this amazing road trip up the west coast of France and a road trip through Provence. We’ve also spent some lovely time in Colmar and on the French Riviera while doing the most colourful road trip in Europe! See all our suggested France itineraries here. I particularly recommend this surf camp – which is one of the best holidays we’ve ever had as a family.]

European Christmas markets

By Jenn from Those Magical Days

Planning a European getaway to enjoy the Christmas markets is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays. The magic of Christmas really comes to life while making your way through Europe, and kids of all ages will be able to enjoy themselves. Think quaint towns, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and fairy tale towns brought to life.

You can make the trip as short or as long as you’d like, as there are plenty of Christmas markets to visit around Europe. You could pick just one, or this Christmas market itinerary will send you on a two-week journey across three countries and five cities in the Czech Republic, Germany and Austria. 

While you can visit most Christmas markets any time from late November through Christmas, planning your trip around Saint Nicholas Day makes it extra special. On 6 December, many countries in Europe celebrate this holiday, allowing you and your family to experience a celebration that you may not see at home. 

Make sure to buy a souvenir from the markets as memento to decorate your tree at home. Your family will be talking about the memories made for years to come. 

North America family vacations

California road trip

By Victoria

A California road trip is the stuff of dreams for kids and adults alike. Drive the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, stopping at gorgeous beaches, charming towns, redwoods, and cities along the way.

And then head inland for Yosemite, the gold rush towns of Tuolumne and lesser-known gems like Yolo and the Shasta Cascade region. And of course there are the world famous theme parks, including Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood.

There are endless fun things to do in California with kids and you can pick and choose a California road trip itinerary to suit you, perhaps focussing on the great outdoors or getting in a good mix of nature and city time. We’ve travelled extensively in California, both when the kids were babies and older, and it’s been a hit every time.

You could extend your California road trip up the coast, going from San Francisco to Seattle. We did this when the boys were really young and we loved it. Or you could also just focus on an Oregon road trip, which is a great place to get outside and experience the Pacific Northwest lifestyle.

See our guides to things to do with kids in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento and Tuolumne County.

Southern USA road trip

By Victoria

Another great USA road trip is to explore the Southern States, taking in Charleston, Savannah, New Orleans and more. The southern states are a riot for the senses, filled with picturesque towns, exquisite local food and the sounds of country, jazz and blues.

Kids can enjoy horse and carriage rides through Charleston, explore the art of Savannah and go to the amazing Mardi Gras museum in New Orleans (or even better, catch the real thing!).

The Blue Ridge Parkway is another fantastic place to explore, basing yourself in the hip and outdoorsy town of Asheville from where you’ll find plenty of kid-friendly hikes. It’s particularly gorgeous in the fall.

We did a southern road trip, starting in Atlanta and looping through the Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, Charleston, Savannah and New Orleans. A good extension would be to add Nashville and Memphis too, perfect for music-loving families.

New York City

By Victoria

New York City is a bucket list destination for all ages with plenty to do for kids and adults alike. Children will likely be awed by the sheer size of it and all its skyscrapers. And older kids will get a kick out of spotting sights from their favourite movies or TV shows.

There’s an abundance of famous museums, galleries and sights, plus no end of kid-friendly attractions, from zoos to Central Park.

Go at Thanksgiving for the Macy’s Parade, or visit around Christmas to see all the lights. It gets fairly hot in the summer, so perhaps best saved for spring or fall.

We loved visiting New York with a baby as it’s easy to navigate and it was the perfect age for allowing us to do all the things we wanted to do as grown-ups! We even ate at a Michelin Star restaurant!

Another great option for a USA city break is Chicago – see our guide to the best things to do in Chicago with kids.

Orlando’s theme parks

By Cora at Inside Our Suitcase.

Orlando, Florida, is a fantastic bucket list destination for families and one of the most fun family vacations. After all, what child doesn’t want to go to ‘The Most Magical Place on Earth’?

The city is perhaps best known as the home of the Walt Disney World Resort, which includes four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and EPCOT) as well as two waterparks. [Note from Victoria: We have a guide to Disney World with kids too as well as a full guide to where to stay at Disney World]

Honestly, the Walt Disney World Resort is more than enough to keep most families entertained for at least a week.

However, being Orlando, the family entertainment capital of the world, there’s still more to see, do and experience, including the epic Universal Studios Orlando Resort, home to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay, SeaWorld, Gatorland, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, the Orlando Eye, and WonderWorks.

Meanwhile, just a short drive away you’ll also find Kennedy Space Center, LEGOLAND Florida and a number of incredible, white sandy beaches. 

The climate in Orlando, Florida is tropical so during the summer months (June to August) you’ll experience severe heat and humidity, while in the fall you may experience hurricanes and tropical storms. As such, it’s well worth planning your travel times well in advance and opting for Winter/Spring if possible.

(Note from Victoria: If you’re heading to the West Coast instead, we’ve written a full guide to visiting Disneyland with toddlers and Disney California Adventure including how to reduce wait times and save money. You can see all out theme park guides here.)

Hawaii

By Marcie Cheung at Hawaii travel with kids

One of the best family vacation destinations is Hawaii. It has everything from amazing kid-friendly beaches to Hawaiian luaus to shave ice to swimming with dolphins.

The main four islands are Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. Read our post to find out about the best Hawaiian island for kids, since the answer varies depending on the age of your kids and their interests. But Hawaii is definitely a blast with kids of all ages, including babies and toddlers.

It’s spectacular any time of year, although the winter months tend to get a decent amount of rain. Ideally, your trip will be 7-10 days, or 2 weeks if you plan on island hopping.

I recommend staying at a resort with an amazing pool area and possibly a kitchen and/or laundry facilities. The Disney Aulani Resort or the Hilton Hawaiian Village are great kid-friendly resorts on Oahu.

On Maui, the Honua Kai Resort & Spa or the Hyatt Regency Maui are popular options. The Grand Hyatt Kauai or the Koloa Landing Resort are amazing on Kauai. The Hilton Waikoloa Village or the Fairmont Orchid are top family resorts on the Big Island.

[Note from Victoria: Also see our guide to all the best things to do in Hawaii with kids]

The Florida Keys

By Victoria

One of the top bucket list family beach vacations in the USA is a visit to the Florida Keys. We did an amazing Florida Keys road trip, which combined with Miami and the Everglades, was a perfect complement to visiting Orlando, and made our 2-week Florida itinerary less theme-park heavy. This is a good idea if everyone in your party isn’t equally enthusiastic about Disney!

The Florida Keys are particularly fun for families as they’re about as close to the Caribbean as you can get in the USA, and with that comes a laidback approach and perfect holiday vibes. There are some brilliant Florida Keys family resorts to choose from.

While renowned for romantic retreats and the lively nightlife of Key West, the islands are a playground for all ages, and there’s plenty to do in the Florida Keys with kids. From water adventures to wildlife centers and kid-friendly museums, you could easily fill up your days with activities.

Our itinerary takes you from Miami to Key West, stopping in the Everglades, Key Largo and Marathon en route. Some of the best things to do in Key West are the Key West Aquarium, the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, and sunset at Mallory Square. And don’t miss the turtle hospital in Marathon.

No trip to Key West with the family would be complete without trying some key lime pie! Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shop is a popular spot.

Try to visit sometime between March and May. This way the weather will still be relatively mild and you’ll also be able to avoid the intense crowds of winter.

New England Road Trip

By Victoria

We fell head over heels for New England and spent a whole month there on an epic New England road trip. If you’re a fan of the Gilmore Girls, I can guarantee you’ll love it. And even if that reference is lost on you, so long as you like charming towns, forests, a wild coastline and quaint islands, New England will win you over.

We started by driving from Boston up to Maine, stopping in the towns of Portsmouth, Ogunquit, Camden and Portland before landing in Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Next, we went across New Hampshire to Vermont and down through Connecticut, before rounding back to Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. The landscapes are spectacular and you have no end of farms and towns to explore.

One of the highlights for us in New England are the amazing places for families to stay. I’ve put together a guide to the best New England family resorts, including the best in Maine and Vermont. But perhaps best of all is the glamping, which lends itself perfectly to the landscapes. Fortland, just off the coast of Portland was my favourite, but I also recommend these places too.

The National Parks of Utah

By Stephanie at The Unknown Enthusiast

Doing a road trip around southern Utah is a great bucket list trip for families, full of epic landscapes and hikes.

There are five national parks in Utah (Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Zion, and Bryce Canyon). While these are all family-friendly, I think Arches and Bryce Canyon are best for children, because there are plenty of easier hikes, and the rock formations you’ll see when hiking in Arches and Bryce are unforgettable.

The smaller Goblin Valley State Park, between Canyonlands and Capitol Reef, is also perfect for kids as they can freely wander and explore the small, squat rock formations (the goblins) clustered throughout the valley. Or go explore narrow slot canyons found throughout the region.

Visiting in spring and fall are the best times as the weather isn’t too hot yet. If you do visit in summer, take advantage of the cooler mornings and evenings, and rest during the middle of the day. About 5-7 days is enough time to see and do a lot in Utah. 

This trip is best with kids who can hike and climb safely by themselves. This will vary from kid to kid, but elementary school and up is a great age range for exploring southern Utah. 

The Archway Inn in Moab (near Arches) is a great hotel, as it offers large family rooms and has a pool and playground on site. 

Canadian Rockies road trip

By Anu Agarwal of Destination Checkoff

A Canadian Rockies road trip is a bucket list family vacation to experience during the summer months of June to September. During summer the lakes are a beautiful turquoise and the towns of Banff and Jasper are alive with locals and tourists. 

Flying in and out of Calgary airport is the best way to do this road trip if you’re not local to Alberta. From there, go through the beautiful Banff and Jasper National Parks, the picturesque Lake Louise, and the scenic Icefields Parkway Drive. 

First stop is Banff National Park. Moose Hotel and Suites in Banff town is a great family-friendly hotel with suites. And Banff gondola, Banff hot springs and hiking are some popular activities to do in Banff in summer.

Next stop is Lake Louise, which is the most beautiful lake in this region surrounded by mountains. Then you will drive on the scenic Icefields Parkway, which is one of the most beautiful drives in the world, to reach Jasper National Park.

Jasper has Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake to explore, as well as excellent hiking. Tekarra Lodge is a great place to stay with families in Jasper.  

Kids of all ages will enjoy the scenic road trip, but older kids and teens might enjoy and appreciate the excellent hiking opportunities, lakes, glaciers, and waterfalls. All ages will enjoy walking on the Athabasca glacier in Icefields parkway. 

You should plan at least 6-7 days for this road trip so you can spend a few days in both Banff and Jasper National Park and take in the amazing sights. 

Caribbean cruise

By Ruby at A Journey We Love

I love an inclusive family resort vacation and not having to worry about cooking food after a long day of exploring. That’s why I think a Caribbean cruise is a great bucket list thing to do for a family. Just pick the number of days you want to go on vacation and then customise the trip how you like.

Want a more energetic and activity-packed trip? Some cruise lines have onboard waterparks, shows, flow riders, and other sorts of fun activities and games. Want to relax by the pool and just watch shows? You can do this on all of them! 

The best part about cruising is that you pay once for everyone’s fare and then a lot of onboard activities are included. It’s often a really affordable vacation, plus it’s super convenient, giving you the ability to visit a few island countries without worrying about travel between them, finding hotels or working out what to do on the island.

Think of doing a cruise as a sampler of what each island has to offer without the commitment of staying longer than a day. Mexico is one of the more popular ports, where you can take shore excursions in Costa Maya or Cozumel. 

Cruises are also great for multigenerational travel. There are plenty of things to do for all ages, from toddlers to grandparents. And the kids can also be left in a kids’ club, so you can have date nights with a loved one or have adults-only time together.

Asia family vacations

Japan

By Victoria

Japan is one of the most exciting destinations I can think of – a fantastic mix of historic culture and zany, futuristic excess. It’s perhaps not an obvious choice for families, but kids will get a lot out of experiencing such a different culture. Plus there are some incredible kids attractions.

Top of the list is Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, often touted as Disney’s best theme park. And now there’s Ghibli Park, a theme park where you can immerse yourself in the world of Studio Ghibli. There’s also the Ghibli Museum and Universal Studios Tokyo.

We spent 10 days in Japan on a kid-friendly trip that we’d be happy to take the kids on now, but would perhaps better save for when they’re around 8 and can appreciate the culture a little more.

Kid-friendly highlights from our trip include seeing the snow monkeys, staying in a Buddhist temple on Mount Koya-San, seeing the deer in Nara and riding on a bullet train.

Thailand

By Victoria

Thailand is one of the most family-friendly countries in Asia with options that range from easy package holidays to off-the-beaten path adventures. For us, the ideal Thailand family holiday is visiting some of the islands and relaxing into that their pace of life.

Our kids became their best selves in Thailand – us too – because the vibe is pervasively positive and laidback. It’s one of the first places I recommend when families say they want something a little more adventurous than Europe/America, but still relatively safe and easy.

Our favourite place to visit in Thailand is Koh Lanta and we have a whole guide to visiting Koh Lanta with kids, including a round-up of the best Koh Lanta family hotels. It’s a perfectly family-friendly island that allows parents to re-live the more sane side of their backpacker days, even with kids in tow. From beach days to snorkelling trips and night markets, it’s a beautiful place to be.

For more resort-style vibes, there’s Phuket (see our guide to Phuket family resorts), or for alternative islands, head to Koh Phangan, which despite being famous for its full moon parties, is also very family-friendly. For more inspiration, see our full list of Thailand family holiday ideas.

Borneo

By Pete at The Backpacking Family

One of our top bucket list trips for families is Sabah. Sabah has it all: nature, adventure and wildlife.

Start in Kota Kinabalu with an island-hopping trip to paradise. Just turn up at the jetty around 8am-9am to buy tickets (roughly $10 – $15 depending on how many islands you want to visit).

Head to Kundasang and take a mountain homestay. Pogimpaan homestay is great value for money and has breathtaking views of Mount Kinabalu. 

Don’t miss Poring hot springs (kids $3 and adults $4) and canopy walkway (kids $1 and adults $2). If you’re lucky you can see a rafflesia flower in bloom at the Vienna Rafflesia Garden (around $5). These unique flowers are the biggest in the world.

Travel to Sandakan to visit the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary ($4 – $8). The morning feeding session is 10am and the afternoon feeding session is 3pm. Arrive around 2pm and you may be able to see the orangutans very close up on the walkways as they gather for lunch. If possible avoid weekends and public holidays.

If you have time, consider a wildlife boat trip on the Kinabatangan River to see Proboscis monkeys and wild orangutans (you can book trips with the Kinabatangan Wildlife Lodge for around $20 per person). If you love diving and snorkelling, head over to Marbul Island for some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world. 

Booking trips and tours in this area can be very expensive, so if you’re on a budget go independent. The most convenient way to get around is a car rental – especially if you’re planning to spend some time around the Kinabalu area.

There are long distance buses between Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Semporna. These journeys are long and can be challenging. You can also take cheap domestic flights with Air Asia. There are airports in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau. Sabah is intrepid, so we recommend this for a family with older kids (over 5 years old).  

Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary

By Babs at Mums on Flip Flops

When you think of a bucket list-worthy family trip, what comes to mind? Chances are, you’ll be thinking about exploring one of the new Wonders of the World or visiting one of the Disney Parks. But what about getting up close and personal with elephants? That’s exactly what Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand offers. This ethical sanctuary is perfect for visitors of all ages (even babies!) and offers an amazing opportunity to learn about these beautiful creatures.

Located just outside the city, Elephant Nature Park is easy to get to and you can visit for a day, book an overnight stay or volunteer for a week (if your kids are 16+). There are over a hundred elephants living at the park, each with their own unique story. You can learn about them all, as well as how the sanctuary works to protect them and keep them safe. There are also plenty of other animals at the park that you can meet, including horses, water buffalos, dogs, and cats.

One of the best things about Elephant Nature Park is that it’s an ethical sanctuary. This means the animals here have been rescued from terrible conditions elsewhere and are now able to live out their days in peace.

You’re not allowed to ride them obviously (that is animal cruelty!), but bathing, feeding, and petting them isn’t allowed either. The staff at the park works tirelessly to make sure every visitor leaves having learned more about these animals and why it’s so important to protect them.

You feel in everything they do that the animals come first, which means that you can enjoy your time at the park with a clear conscience. Observing and learning about the elephants along with your children makes visiting Elephant Nature Park an experience that’s hard to forget. It’s definitely a bucket list item for families!

Bali

By Asha Bhatia from HomeTravelGuide

We loved our time in Bali with the kids, In fact we loved it so much we ended up staying six months! 

This gorgeous tropical Island offers something for all ages – from snorkelling, surfing and exploring spectacular temples and rice paddies, to night markets, spas and visiting nearby local islands.

One of the highlights for us was visiting Uluwatu Temple during the sunset and watching a kecak dance performance with the backdrop of the sea. And then tucking into some delicious Indonesian food at a local warung. 

Ideally plan a two-week trip to Bali so you can visit a few different places on the Island. Some of our recommendations would be Ubud, Sanur, Uluwatu, Amed and Nusa Lembongan. The best time to visit Bali is the start or end of dry season between April to October. The weather is mildest during this time making it ideal for families with children.

There are also many ceremonies and festivals taking place in Bali all the time which are beautiful to see, but the most interesting ones are the festivals of Galungan and Kuningan and Nyepi (New Years Day in Balinese calendar) also known as the day of silence.

For a unique experience in Bali we recommend a homestay or renting a private villa with a pool.

[Note from Victoria: We lived in Bali for six months and can vouch for it as an amazing destination. I recommend this road trip in the centre of the island and this trip to the southern beaches)

Jordan

By Emma at Wanderlust and Wet Wipes

Jordan is a bucket list destination for many people, but most don’t think of it as a family friendly country. Yet Jordan is one of the most family friendly places we’ve been to.

There is so much to do and see in Jordan. The most obvious is Petra, the famous capital of the Nabataean Arabs that was later annexed to the Roman Empire, and is now one of the seven wonders of the world.

From the views from the Siq (a narrow gorge leading to Petra’s entrance) to the incredible archaeological artefacts that are located there, this is a must-see place.

But there is much more to Jordan, including experiencing the sensation of floating in the Dead Sea and following in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia with a Bedouin tour through Wadi Rum followed by a night in traditional tents.

If time permits, your trip can extend to Jerash, a Roman city so well preserved under dust it is known as Jordan’s Pompeii. And visit Madaba to see ancient mosaics and the nearby Mount Nebo where Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land.

In Amman, there are more impressive Roman ruins to explore. Should you require some R&R on your trip, head to Aqaba on the Red Sea for snorkelling and relaxing on the beach.

The best time to go to Jordan is usually in spring and autumn – the summers can get fiercely hot and the winters, while not brutal, aren’t the best time for wandering around ruins with kids. That being said, even in winter, it’s a very doable trip.

Kids of all ages can travel there although it’s not particularly stroller friendly around the ruins (take a carrier). An interest in walking and history is a plus. Jordan itineraries can be as long or as short as you make them, but anything from 5 to 14 days is ideal.

A top tip is to look up the Entertainer App which often has 2 for 1 deals on accommodation, including at the Mövenpick. You have to pay for the app, but it quickly pays for itself.

Mongolia

By Sinead at Map Made Memories

Mongolia isn’t the easiest place to explore, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges. Families can go trekking in the Gobi desert in southern Mongolia (the worlds’ sixth largest desert) and then visit world class museums and see enormous sculptures in the contrasting capital Ulaanbataar.

Explore the green wilderness of the Mongolian steppe, visit the Takhi (wild horses) in Hustai National Park, or go to historic Kharkhorin, Mongolia’s ancient capital.  

Mongolia is best visited in late Spring or early Autumn as its summers are very hot and its winters extremely cold. You should allow at least two weeks to explore this incredible country and, if possible, time your trip around the nation’s most popular festival, Nadaam, which takes place in early July.

Mongolians love children so kids of any age will be made welcome, but older children may be able to cope better with the long internal journeys on bumpy roads.

Legends Mongolia in Ulaanbataar is a family friendly hostel and visitors should try to spend at least one night under a clear sky in a ger on the steppe. The stars are unforgettable. 

United Arab Emirates (Dubai & Abu Dhabi)

By Sarah Vanheel at CosmopoliClan

The United Arab Emirates, and the Emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi in particular, make for a wonderful and safe family travel destination. Dubai may have a reputation for attracting the insta-eager jet set, but it’s also packed with family-friendly activities.

Take a spin on the world’s tallest ferris wheel, watch the musical fountain shows, race down the slides at one of the exciting water parks, watch the city from the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, take a camel ride out in the desert, visit an aquarium. The list of kid-friendly activities is pretty much endless.

What’s more, some of the best places to stay in Dubai cater to kids of all ages. Hotels like the iconic Atlantis The Palm, even come with their own entire water parks. The same goes for Abu Dhabi. Go racing at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, have fun at a theme park, visit one of the zoos, experience the scenic Jebel Hafit Desert Park, or go sandboarding in the desert. And why not add in a cultural trip to the spectacular Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?

Due to the scorching desert summers, it’s strongly recommended to plan your trip to the UAE between October and April. And if you visit during the first days of December, you can experience the national day festivities.

South and Central America family vacations

Costa Rica

By Eileen at FamiliesGo!

Costa Rica envelops you in nature almost every place you go. It has cool animals, beaches and outdoor activities, plus lots of kid-friendly foods and hotels that offer good value. It’s that rare destination that really can make kids across multiple age groups happy.

One essential all-ages activity is spotting wildlife in the national parks like Mañuel Antonio on the west coast. Who doesn’t get excited spotting a sloth or a family of monkeys in the treetops?

Families also like soaking in the hot springs that abound around Arenal, Rincon de la Vieja and other volcanoes. Hotels and adventure centers have their own or you can buy day passes to pools fed by the springs.

Tweens and teens appreciate adventure activities like river tubing or zipline canopy tours, which you can find also find around Arenal and Rincon de la Vieja.

Take young kids who need a slower pace to ethical animal rescue centers like Rescate Wildlife Center near San Jose.

In the hills northeast of San Jose, agri-tourism farms like Corso Lecheria keep Jersey cows. Visitors watch the cows graze while enjoying the butter, cheese and amazing ice cream made from their high-fat milk.

You can count on kids of every age enjoying Granizadas, a concoction of shave ice, red syrup and condensed and powdered milk sold from carts in the towns and on the beaches. Don’t leave without trying one!

Here’s a handy 10-day Costa Rica itinerary.

Machu Picchu and the Amazon in Peru

By Faith at 3 Tickets Please

From the wonder of Machu Picchu to the dense rainforest of the Amazon, Peru is an ultimate bucket list trip for families. 

Adventurous families can sleep above a clay lick in a camouflage house under the Amazonian stars. Or train to Machu Picchu to one of the new seven wonders of the world. For foodie families, Lima has some of the best cuisine in the world. Three weeks in Peru is the perfect amount of time for this once in a lifetime trip. 

Families wanting to experience the best of Peru should consider waiting until their children are 12. At 12, visitors to Machu Picchu can climb Huayna Picchu, the peak next to the ancient site for the best views. And while you can certainly take younger kids to the Amazon, tweens and teens will perhaps be better situated for the unique experiences of hiking and camping out in the forest. For your Amazon tour, be sure to choose local and sustainable companies like Bonanza tours.

May through September is high season in Peru. But also most likely when families with school age children will visit. If you do visit Peru in June, be sure to coordinate your trip with the celebration of Inti Raymi, the Incan Sun God. The festival happens every year on 24 June during the Winter Solstice.

[Note from Victoria: We spent time in Peru before we had kids, and would also recommend visiting Lake Titicaca. If you have older kids, you could also travel down to Bolivia and the incredible salt flats, but I wouldn’t do these with little ones as the trip and altitude is fairly challenging.

Galapagos

By Karilyn at No Back Home

One of the most epic family vacations you can take is to the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. This once-in-a-lifetime trip is perfect for families who are looking for stunning landscapes, unique up-close views with wildlife and aquatic adventure.

Home to giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas and more, this paradise offers species not found anywhere else in the world, making it a true bucket list destination for animal lovers. Families can hike through lava tunnels, explore secluded beaches and snorkel with sharks and sea turtles. Ideally kids should be comfortable in the water as much of the sights here center around the ocean. 

While many think that the only way to see the Galapagos Islands is by a cruise, for families we highly recommend a do-it-yourself island hopping adventure. It’s not only more eco-friendly, it’s also economical. Fly into one island, such as Santa Cruz, take ferries to other islands for day trips and fly out of another island (San Cristobal) to get a feel for the various islands.

As the islands lie near the equator there is no bad time to visit. However the winter months in the northern hemisphere see the warmest waters. Regardless of when you go, you’ll experience amazing wildlife up close both on land and in the water, providing memories for life. 

Africa family vacations

Cape Town and beyond

By Rachel Collins, Mum With Wanderlust

Imagine a trip where you can experience some of the most incredible animal encounters on the planet and enjoy grown-up time while the kids have their own adventures, surrounded by stunning landscapes. All of this exists within a 4-hour drive of Cape Town in South Africa.

Travel along the Cape Peninsula to meet the African penguins that live on Boulders Beach. Head to Hermanus for a whale watching boat tour where you’ll see Humpback and Southern Right whales.

Stay at Gondwana Private Game Reserve for a family-friendly safari. Families with children aged under six are offered private drives to give younger guests the chance to see the wildlife safely.

Finally, visit a family-friendly vineyard in the Cape Winelands. Many have farms for the kids to explore. While the adults go wine tasting, the kids can enjoy adventure play areas, go horse riding, mountain biking and help with the farm animals.

You can visit any time of year, but whale season is only June – November. By October/November, the weather will be warming up which might take the trip more enjoyable for you.

I recommend going for 10 days – you can read our 10-day South Africa itinerary in full here. 

[Note from Victoria: We did our honeymoon in South Africa and have some good tips for places to stay and things to do that would still be relevant with kids. For example, don’t miss the gorgeous Babylonstoren.]

Namibia

By Jenny from TraveLynn Family

Sub-Saharan Africa is perhaps not an obvious choice for a family holiday. Parents understandably worry about safety and the long drives. We spent 4 months traversing sub-Saharan Africa in a Land Rover when our boys were 1 and 3 years old, and if anyone asks me which African country to visit as a family for the first time, I always say to do Namibia with kids!

Namibia is one of the most stable African countries, offers epic and diverse landscapes, and perhaps the best value (and easiest) wildlife viewing in all of Africa. Day entry for foreign adults to Etosha National Park is N$80 (£4.50) and children under 16 are FREE.

The low-growing vegetation over flat open plains promotes the best conditions for spotting the animals. You can literally see for miles! There is only the grass for animals to hide in, therefore spotting elephants, giraffes, zebras and even rhinos is pretty much guaranteed.

Beyond a safari, there are shipwrecks to discover, massive sand dunes to run down, large seal colonies to discover – and, due to the German influence, some excellent bakeries. 

The best way to get around is to hire a 4WD with roof tents and camping (Namibia has some superb campsites with excellent facilities). Just be prepared for long drives and stock up with food when you can. 

Morocco

By Jenny from Explore Essaouira

Riding camels across the Sahara, sandboarding down dunes, hunting for fossils, trekking the Atlas Mountains on a mule, surfing the waves in Essaouira, and shopping for spices in ancient medinas. Morocco offers epic experiences for kids, making it a superb bucket list trip for families. 

We have visited multiple times with our kids, from when they were babies to more recently spending four months with them in Morocco aged 8 and 7.

Why do we keep going back? Because it’s easy to get around (either by public transport or hiring a car), Moroccans are extremely welcoming to families, and the colours, history, and general vibe make it feel so magical.

As Morocco is just a three-hour flight from London, it’s accessible for just a long weekend if you’re based in Europe. Or you could easily stay for months at a time as most tourists are eligible for a three-month tourist visa.

Avoid the summer months of July and August as it’s unbearably hot. And note when Ramadan falls as most businesses close at this time, or have significantly reduced hours (although this is also a wonderfully quiet time to visit Morocco). 

Australasia family vacations

New Zealand road trip

By Victoria

Doing a New Zealand road trip is a quintessential bucket list vacation. Seeing as it’s such a far-flung destination, it’s one that’s best done when you have plenty of time, but you could also do a much shorter trip, focussing on a particular area.

We did a month-long New Zealand road trip, exploring both the North and South islands by campervan. It’s perfectly set up for road trips with plenty of excellent camp sites, making it a really easy place to travel with a family.  

The whole country is a beacon for outdoor lovers, filled with opportunities for hiking, kayaking, climbing and more. Queenstown is the adventure capital, and a place where older teens can brave adrenaline sports like bungee jumping or skydiving.

We also love the Bay of Islands where there are some lovely family-friendly boat trips, including one on a tall ship where you can pretend to be pirates for the day. See our full New Zealand itineraries for lots more inspiration: North Island itinerary and South Island itinerary.

Cairns to Sydney road trip

By Catrina at 24 Hours Layover

A road trip from Cairns to Sydney on the East Coast of Australia is an ultimate bucket-list vacation for many families. 

There are so many unique bucket-list experiences to be had and wonderful places to visit. From seeing kangaroos on Cape Hillsborough Beach to going on a boat ride to the tropical desert island ‘Pelican Banks’.

Visit Port Macquarie’s Koala Hospital, swim with leopard sharks in Byron Bay and see the iconic Sydney Opera House. Then ride a camel at Birubi Beach and feed wild dolphins at Tin Can Bay. You can even get the once-in-a-lifetime chance to swim with humpback whales in Hervey Bay!

Kids of any age will love this road trip, but try to avoid doing it in the summer months as the temperatures will be unpleasantly hot.

Seeing Australia is definitely best done on a road trip. Many families tend to do Cairns to Sydney over three weeks in a campervan. Staying in a campervan is cheaper and more convenient than hiring a car and staying in hotels, plus it gives you so much freedom and the kids will love having a house on wheels.

[Note from Victoria: I did this trip at 18 and absolutely loved it! I’d also recommend continuing on to Melbourne if you have the time.]

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