Family vacations create memories that last a lifetime! While many memories fade for children as they age, they’re likely to remember the important events and places they go and see and all of the amazing things they experience and learn on a family vacation. As travel restrictions begin to ease around the world, many families are quite eager to get on with their next family vacation, especially for child-friendly getaway destinations.
Tired of the local zoo or museum? Plan a child-friendly getaway that every member of your family will enjoy. In this article, you’ll gather some ideas to add to your bucket list for family vacations. Whether your children are into history and exploring or beach activities, this list of child-friendly getaways has something for every type of family.
1. Miami Beach, Florida
While Miami is often a popular spring break location among college students, you’ll be surprised to learn it is also quite family-friendly. Miami has beautiful tropical beaches, allowing you and your family to explore the sun, water, and sand. Miami also has many attractions geared specifically towards children, such as Jungle Island and the Children’s Museum. This child-friendly getaway is perfect for middle school-aged children, around 8 to 12.
2. Los Angeles, California
Like Miami Beach, Los Angeles is another great family getaway destination spot. With excellent weather year-round, you can’t go wrong no matter what month you travel in. In addition to Los Angeles beaches, Los Angeles is less than 30 minutes away from one of the world’s most iconic theme parks, Disneyland. What could be more kid-oriented than Disneyland? LA is also close to Legoland and Universal Hollywood, meaning the options are endless for kid-friendly fun in the sun!
3. Riviera Maya, Mexico
Riviera Maya, quite close to Cancun, is a popular destination among travelers of all ages. Home to some of the best all-inclusive resorts, Riviera Maya, has resort options that are both adult-friendly and kid-friendly. Beyond the many family-friendly and engaging activities available at the resort, there are also many nearby excursions for the whole family to enjoy — whether it’s snorkeling in a freshwater cenote (natural pool of water), beach horseback riding, or picnics, boating, fishing, and the list goes on. You can even climb a Mayan ruin nearby! Riviera Maya has lots of options to bring out the inner explorer in your children to keep them active and interested throughout the holiday.
Also Read: 10 Best Child-Friendly Holiday Destinations in India
4. Orlando, Florida
Orlando, Florida, titled the “theme park capital of the world”, is home to some of the most exciting activities for families. Disney World encompasses magical castles and galactic star-wars filled adventures, catering to children of all ages and genders. Not to mention Disney World’s amazing food and drinks for parents to enjoy!
In addition, Orlando is home to Sea World, a great place to bring children to explore and interact with dozens of sea animals. Pet a penguin or swim with a dolphin, there’s something for every animal-loving child! For older children seeking a more thrilling-ride experience, check out Universal Studios theme parks with larger rollercoasters catered to older children and adults.
Orlando, Florida, is also home to some of the largest outdoor water parks in the country. Universal’s Volcano Bay features a tropical-themed water park with activities for the whole family to enjoy together, such as round raft rides. Even better, the weather in Orlando, Florida, is warm enough to enjoy year-round!
5. Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg, Virginia, is the perfect family getaway that is both fun and educational. Williamsburg is rich with lots of American history activities, such as reenactments put on at Colonial Williamsburg, the world’s largest living history exhibit. Not only will your kids have lots of fun, but they’ll also learn some important history about the foundations of American history. In addition, Williamsburg also has two fun-filled theme parks: Busch Gardens and Water Country USA.
Busch Gardens has exciting events and rides for every member of your family. From the Food and Wine Festival to Beer fests, there are lots of attractions to ensure parents have a blast on a Williamsburg, Virginia trip too!
Final Thoughts
Want to get started planning your next family vacation but aren’t sure where? Research some of these top child-friendly getaway destinations to see what sparks your children’s interest.
Miami Beach is a great destination to enjoy warm, tropical beaches and play in the sand. Orlando is a top spot amongst families who love theme parks, such as Disney World, Sea World, Discovery Cove, and Universal Studios. For a further venture, check out Riviera Maya, Mexico for a fun-filled Mayan temple exploration and all-inclusive resort getaway. No matter where your interests lie, these top five destinations will help your family create vacation memories that last a lifetime.
Should you seek travel advice and more info about COVID-19 vaccinations for children, check out this helpful resource about traveling in a post-COVID era with children.
Photo by Vincent Gerbouin from Pexels
Also Read: Travelling with kids: 10 kick-ass benefits you should know!
