Are you a parent looking for family vacation ideas that everyone in the family will enjoy? As parents of teenagers ourselves, we know that with the changing times and ever-evolving travel restrictions, planning for a family getaway can be difficult.
I remember when our teenage daughter was begging us to go somewhere fun and exciting, while our son wanted something more relaxing. After much deliberation, we decided on a beach trip that had something for everyone – from adventure activities and great local seafood to live music and lounging by the beach. That’s why we’ve put together a list of places you should consider for your next family vacation.
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You too can have an amazing family vacation with your teens or younger children! Whether you’re looking for domestic or international destinations, there are plenty of great options out there. Our original list of 7 best family vacation destinations (2022) has been updated many times because as we travel to new places, we discover new favorites. Our list today for the bet family travel destinations 2023 includes places for all budgets, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly family getaways.
This list of vacation ideas for families now includes more than a dozen destinations, so you’re sure to find something your family will enjoy. From beach resorts in Florida and the Caribbean to adventure trips in Costa Rica and Mexico, we are confident you’ll find the perfect getaway for your family. Plus, each destination includes recommendations of activities and attractions that you can explore together or separately.
Vacation Ideas for Families
Check out our list of 12 best family travel vacation destinations to visit this year and start planning your next getaway today!
Singapore
No better place to assimilate other than the bustling streets of a city! Singapore is the best for those families who love going through loud streets full of entertainment, history, and, most importantly, food!
In addition, Singapore has plenty of varying neighborhoods that are safe and easy to navigate, ensuring that the destination is great. So whether you’re looking through options for solo travel for women or bringing your kids with you, you can never go wrong with Singapore.
With the diverse cultures currently residing in Singapore, you and your family will never miss out on mesmerizing imagery, excellent cuisine, exciting events, and beautiful people! With this at hand, you will be able to create significant memories with your family.
When it comes to meals, you can enjoy traditional chicken rice and refresh yourselves with fresh fruit juice across the street. But, if that’s not your kids’ taste, you can bring them to a rooftop bar that guarantees a pretty sight that the kids will enjoy as they eat their meal.
Alaska
If your family is up for a more challenging adventure or is just a lover of cold weather, Alaska should be on your list of destinations. This vast American state has towering peaks of mountains blanketed with fluffy snow, wildlife that never fails to amaze, and national parks. Denali National Park is a place of beauty and awe, with the iconic Mount Denali being a sight to behold. The Alaska Railroad offers service between the park and Anchorage and is a magical journey through the wilderness.
Kenai Fjords National Park has its own unique charm, boasting lush forests, breathtaking glaciers and fjords, and a plethora of wildlife such as bald eagles, orcas, dolphins, and more. Activities here include hiking across the glacier valleys or taking an outdoor cruise boat to explore further.
We missed our opportunity to cruise alongside the Kenai Fjord glaciers in 2021 because of rough seas, but did the Resurrection Bay Cruise out of Seward, Alaska and absolutely loved it. The abundance of marine life and the breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains were worth every penny. We saw orcas, seals, puffins, Bald Eagles, mountain goats, sea otters, and more.
For another animal sightseeing experience add the Musk OX Farm to your itinerary to see animals whose descents walked alongside Wooly Mammoths. Located about an hour from Anchorage, this is a great place to get up close and personal with these exotic animals, and the kids will love it.
If you and your family enjoy fishing, see Kenai Riverside Lodge – One of Alaska’s Best Kept Secrets for All-Inclusive River Fishing. Not only is this experience great for those who fish, but it also has amazing views of the Kenai River and its surrounding landscape.
The kids can learn a lot when it comes to Alaska’s history too, as there are plenty of museums dedicated to the state’s past. This includes the Alaska Native Heritage Center, which provides hands-on activities for children of all ages.
If you and your kids are avid fans of the sea breezes and salty air, you can always take a cruise route to get to Alaska or enjoy a road trip with the whole family. It’s a cruise and destination that doesn’t require a passport!
Nassau Paradise Island, Bahamas
Continuing on the lovers of sea breezes, the world-renowned crystalline waters of the Bahamas are a destination each family should aim to travel to at least once. A combination of warm sunlight, refreshing breezes, and cool drinks at reach is a surefire way of resting and relaxing during your travel adventures.
The resorts in Nassau Paradise Island are excellent spots for the kids, as there are many activities to try. From family-oriented swimming with the dolphins to fun water sports such as kayaking or boating around the island, it’s impossible to run out of things to do.
The Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island has several hotel properties to accommodate a range of budgets and some are explicitly designed for families. This includes an aquarium and resort waterpark complete with high-speed waterslides, a lazy river, multiple swimming pools, and a tube ride that takes you under their shark lagoon. It’s sure to keep the kids busy for hours!
Baha Mar has three distinct luxury hotels to choose from, you can stay at any of them depending on your family’s preference and budget. They include Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Rosewood Baha Mar, and SLS Baha Mar. The resort is home to the island’s newest water park with attractions for all ages and thrill levels. Plus the Wildlife Sanctuary offers a unique educational experience for the kids. Engaging in these activities will undoubtedly strengthen your family’s bond even further.
Bahamas Cruise
You can also take a more relaxing route, aka a Caribbean cruise. Cruise ships are fun and exciting for families, as there are plenty of activities and entertainment to keep everyone entertained. Plus, the scenery changes every day so you can experience a range of cultures without having to change hotels.
On board Royal Caribbean ships, kids can enjoy adventure parks with rock climbing walls and mini golf courses; an onboard arcade; a surf simulator; an ice-skating rink, and even a 3D movie theater. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy some time for themselves at the spa or casino.
On board Carnival Cruise ships, adults and kids alike can enjoy the onboard pool, comedy club shows live music performances, a casino, and various adventure parks. The heated pool is equipped with its own hot tubs and even an outdoor cinema where you can watch movies under the stars.
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Budapest, Hungary
There’s no better place than bringing in the old with the new. Budapest has an incredible history literally in its walls but still has a touch of modernity to the city. Budapest is an excellent stop along the way if your family is traveling the entirety of Europe – their hotels are also top-notch, so there’s no harm in staying a couple of days.
In addition, Budapest has many family-centered attractions that will let the kids enjoy and make your visit worthwhile. Attractions such as museums, zoos, trampoline parks, and scientific wonders will allow you and your kids to spend a significant bonding time together.
The Hungarian Parliament Building is an excellent destination to get your history lesson in. It has a labyrinth of staircases and the building itself is an ornate architectural beauty, making it a great picture spot. Moreover, you can explore the Castle Hill area which houses several museums and galleries that will educate both kids and adults alike.
A sightseeing boat tour at night is also a great way to explore and see the city’s beauty. You will be able to witness some of the most popular monuments in Budapest like Buda Castle, Chain Bridge, Margaret Island, and more!
Budapest was voted one of the best family vacation destinations 2022. With so many great family vacation ideas, attractions, and activities for everyone to enjoy, it’s no surprise why!
Burgundy, France
Visiting the countryside of France is an excellent warm-up for all of the main events a family could consider. Burgundy is a place well known for its wine, quite literally named after the region. Therefore, a refreshing gaze at the region’s vast luscious greens would be a sight that can heal the soul – not to mention that if you catch a whiff of the morning dew, you and your kids will surely feel refreshed.
There are many family activities to consider when visiting Burgundy. There are various options depending on your family’s taste, such as zoos where you can meet exotic animals up close and adventure forests that have different obstacle courses to play with your kids. If your family wants to relax, you can get your own boat and cruise through the rivers of Yonne and the Canal du Nivernais.
A family vacation to Burgundy isn’t complete without trying a few of the local dishes. Not surprisingly, the region is known for its highly praised wines and you can take a day trip to discover its many vineyards. If your kids are more fond of sweet treats, explore some of the chocolateries located in Cluny, a small town in the region.
Crete, Greece
You’ve probably already done your research when it comes to traveling internationally, and you’ve already encountered this destination’s main attraction – the white-washed buildings topped with blue roofs. This destination has many accessible beaches, family-friendly attractions, and theme parks that are perfect places to spend an amazing holiday with your family.
Azure waters surround this enormous island, making it attractive for families who love the sea, particularly kids. The waters are tempting, but you can also grab a spot for deep historical learning since Crete has been around since the 7th millennium B.C., making this destination lovely for tradition and relaxation for the whole family.
You can explore the archaeological sites of the Minoan civilization, and you can also visit some of the most amazing caves in Europe. The Samaria Gorge National Park is also a great destination for families who are interested in outdoor activities such as hiking, rock-climbing, and camping.
Santorini is also a great place to visit and we recommend the best Santorini hikes here. But if you want to visit Greek Islands without larger crowds, we have a few ideas there too.
So why wait when you have such a lovely vacation spot to explore the antiques of Crete or Santorini, the azure water, and the serene view of the mountains in the backdrop? When visiting Crete or Santorini, remember you’ll need to get your visas in order prior to arrival. Global Residence Index can help take care of the visa application process for you so you can focus on enjoying your family vacation
Doha, Qatar
If your family is keen on staying dry, there’s no better city than Doha, Qatar. Doha perfectly encapsulates the Middle Eastern experience. The city has a beautiful economy due to its contribution to the world’s gas; this brings in people from other Middle Eastern and African countries, along with the people, their culture, food, entertainment, and company.
If your kids are up for more historical learning, then this city is your best option, thanks to the plethora of museums and experiences scattered around the city. Moreover, since Qatar is peninsular, your options for staying by the ocean aren’t limited!
While staying in Qatar, you must visit the Souq Waqif market. This bustling market is filled with shops and stalls of everything from spices to clothes. It’s best to go there during the night when all the lights are lit up and it gives off a beautiful romantic vibe! Besides that, you can visit the mushroom-shaped Qatar Museum of Islamic Arts and the fantastic Qatar National Library.
You can also take a Dhow with your family or enjoy a meal, literature, music, visual arts, and an exhibition in the Cultural Village of Katara that will make your vacation gratifying.
Clearwater Beach, Florida
Florida is a popular destination for a family beach vacation, and its fantastic beaches are one of its main draws. The best family-friendly beach in Florida to visit is Clearwater Beach. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Clearwater Beach offers stunning white sand, emerald waters, and plenty of activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are numerous beachside restaurants, ice cream shops, and boutiques to explore.
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a great place to spend the day with your family. Home to Winter the Dolphin from the movie Dolphin Tale, this aquarium houses more than 100 species of marine life from around the world. Kids can also take part in various educational activities that teach them about the ocean, its inhabitants, and how to protect it.
Note: Winter has passed on and is no longer at the aquarium, but you can still experience the aquarium’s educational activities and exhibits of other marine animals.
If your family is up for more adventure, then jet skiing, kayaking, or parasailing are all great options for exploring Clearwater Beach’s beauty from the sea. Tampa and St. Pete’s are located just over the bridge, so you can also take a day trip to explore this bustling city. There’s Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, and much more.
Related: See our guide to 4 days in Tampa Bay for a fun family itinerary
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Costa Rica holds a special place in family vacations and in my heart. La Fortuna is one of the most stunning and awe-inspiring places to visit. Home to Arenal Volcano National Park, this destination offers amazing natural beauty with plenty of activities for kids and adults alike.
I first visited back in 2019 and explored the capital city of San Jose, the Arenal area, and the cloud forests of Monteverde. La Fortuna and the area around Arenal Volcano were my favorite spots.
La Fortuna is home to a variety of activities that are perfect for families with kids. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, Arenal Volcano National Park has plenty of trails that offer stunning views of the volcano and rainforest surroundings. I hiked through the La Selva Biological Station and Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, explored the national park, went zip-lining through the canopy of trees, soaked in thermal hot springs, and enjoyed some delicious food.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly destination that offers plenty of activities, stunning views and great food, then La Fortuna is the perfect place to visit. It’s amazing budget friendly with lodging options ranging from hostels with hammocks to luxury villas.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Mexico’s Riviera Maya is a great destination for families in Mexico located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. From Cancun to Tulum, the area offers plenty of outdoor activities and stunning scenery that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.
From snorkeling and swimming in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea to exploring ancient Mayan ruins like Tulum and Chichen Itza, there’s something for everyone in the Riviera Maya. The area also offers plenty of eco-tourism and nature parks, such as Xcaret or Xel Ha, where visitors can explore ancient culture and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities like swimming with dolphins, rappelling, zip-lining, and more.
The family-friendly all-inclusive resorts located along the Riviera Maya make it a great spot for family fun. Grand Velas Riviera Maya is considered the best overall resort in the area with kids club, teen programming, and more. Sian Ka’an Village has plenty of activities suitable for all ages and abilities and is a good choice for eco-tourism.
Washington D.C.
Being the history lovers that we are, my family always enjoys visiting Washington D.C. and exploring the nation’s capital. Home to iconic monuments, free Smithsonian museums like the National Zoo and Air and Space Museum, and plenty of educational attractions, DC is a great destination for families who want to learn more about our nation’s history while having a blast.
The International Spy Museum, Mansion on O Street, and District Wharf entertainment area are all great attractions that are less focused on history. For families looking for outdoor activities, DC’s Rock Creek Park offers miles of trails for biking or hiking, and kayaking in the Potomac River is a blast. There are great walking tours of the city, along with food tours and interactive scavenger hunts.
Related: Read my 4-day itinerary -Washington D.C.
Takeaway
Family vacations are significant to everyone. It is the moment when you can spend quality time together with your kids and develop your family’s bond even stronger. With that in mind, these vacation ideas for families offer a variety of activities suitable for all ages and abilities. Find the perfect spot for your next family vacation and start planning an unforgettable experience!
Remember that taking time to travel as a family and going to the destinations suggested above will make your vacation worthwhile.
So what are you waiting for? Set your budget, make a plan, pack your stuff, and bring your kids to these best destinations of 2023. You won’t regret it!
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
- Facebook Page
- Family Adventures Facebook Group
- Easy Camp Cooking Facebook Group
Don’t forget to invite your friends to our Facebook groups! We would also love to see your vacation pictures!
For more family travel inspiration, check out our latest posts here:
- OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark: The Ultimate Family Getaway in Oklahoma City
- Splash Around for 3 Days of Family Adventure along Tennessee’s Ocoee River
- Winter Wellness for the Whole Family: Snowshoeing, Saunas, and Outdoor Culture in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
- The Ultimate Teen-Friendly Paradise: Why Velas Vallarta Leads Puerto Vallarta’s All-Inclusive Scene
- Finding the Sweet Spot: A Family Stay at Buenaventura Grand Hotel Puerto Vallarta
- Finding Family Magic on Mexico’s Pacific Coast: A Teen-Friendly Guide to Puerto Vallarta
Ready to Start Planning Your Trip? Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!
- AIRFARE
- Find low fares with airfarewatchdog, Skyscanner, and WayAway.com.
- Get airfare deal alerts up to 90% off from Dollar Flight Club (free & paid membership options)
- Book your plane ticket with Expedia or Kayak
- Book your Airport Parking Reservations and save money.
- ROAD TRIP/CAR RENTAL
- Take the scenic route and rent an RV from RVShare
- Get packed for an epic road trip and don’t forget the Road Trip Games to Play in the Car Need more space? Get a rental car thru Discovercars.com.
- LODGING
- From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or booking.com.
- For camping and RV campgrounds, find the ideal location with Campspot.
- PACKING
- Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from Away and Eagle Creek.
- For packing cubes, we love these from Eagle Creek and these reusable silicon bags for a 3-1-1 bag from Stasher.
- TRAVEL PLANNING
- Looking to start travel hacking and want a place to keep track of it all? There’s the free TravelFreely site.
- For budgeting help, get our road trip budgeting tips here.
- ATTRACTIONS/ACTIVITIES
- Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with
- Tiqets for cultural events, museums, Broadway shows, etc.
- CityPASS for multi-day attraction passes at up to 55% off in select cities
- Get Your Guide and Viator for guided tours/excursions, day trips, and activitties
- Groupon for discounted local attractions and event tickets
- Undercover Tourister for discounted theme park tickets
- Find guided outdoor activities led by local guides at 57Hours.
- Find information on local trails with the AllTrails App.
- Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with
- LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
- We use and recommend Rosetta Stone to learn a new language. We bought the $179 lifetime option with unlimited access to ALL 25 of their languages.
- Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
- Facebook Page
- Family Adventures Facebook Group
- Easy Camp Cooking Facebook Group
Don’t forget to invite your friends to our Facebook groups! We would also love to see your vacation pictures!
For more family travel inspiration, check out our latest posts here:
- OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark: The Ultimate Family Getaway in Oklahoma City
- Splash Around for 3 Days of Family Adventure along Tennessee’s Ocoee River
- Winter Wellness for the Whole Family: Snowshoeing, Saunas, and Outdoor Culture in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
- The Ultimate Teen-Friendly Paradise: Why Velas Vallarta Leads Puerto Vallarta’s All-Inclusive Scene
- Finding the Sweet Spot: A Family Stay at Buenaventura Grand Hotel Puerto Vallarta
- Finding Family Magic on Mexico’s Pacific Coast: A Teen-Friendly Guide to Puerto Vallarta
Ready to Start Planning Your Trip? Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!
- AIRFARE
- Find low fares with airfarewatchdog, Skyscanner, and WayAway.com.
- Get airfare deal alerts up to 90% off from Dollar Flight Club (free & paid membership options)
- Book your plane ticket with Expedia or Kayak
- Book your Airport Parking Reservations and save money.
- ROAD TRIP/CAR RENTAL
- Take the scenic route and rent an RV from RVShare
- Get packed for an epic road trip and don’t forget the Road Trip Games to Play in the Car Need more space? Get a rental car thru Discovercars.com.
- LODGING
- From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or booking.com.
- For camping and RV campgrounds, find the ideal location with Campspot.
- PACKING
- Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from Away and Eagle Creek.
- For packing cubes, we love these from Eagle Creek and these reusable silicon bags for a 3-1-1 bag from Stasher.
- TRAVEL PLANNING
- Looking to start travel hacking and want a place to keep track of it all? There’s the free TravelFreely site.
- For budgeting help, get our road trip budgeting tips here.
- ATTRACTIONS/ACTIVITIES
- Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with
- Tiqets for cultural events, museums, Broadway shows, etc.
- CityPASS for multi-day attraction passes at up to 55% off in select cities
- Get Your Guide and Viator for guided tours/excursions, day trips, and activitties
- Groupon for discounted local attractions and event tickets
- Undercover Tourister for discounted theme park tickets
- Find guided outdoor activities led by local guides at 57Hours.
- Find information on local trails with the AllTrails App.
- Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with
- LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
- We use and recommend Rosetta Stone to learn a new language. We bought the $179 lifetime option with unlimited access to ALL 25 of their languages.
- Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners.
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