My family loves to keep a list of summer family vacation ideas to inspire us for future trips. Over the last few years, we’ve been fortunate enough to visit more than 50 countries and hundreds of cities around the world.
Over time, we’ve learned what each family member looks for in a vacation, which has helped us plan more enjoyable trips. So, whether you’re planning a relaxing, thrilling, culturally rich, or educational summer family vacation, here are my top recommendations based on trips that my own family has loved.
The best family vacation spots in the US
This list includes a mix of the best places to travel with kids in the US that are all easy to reach from a major airport. Spread across the US from coast to coast (as well as further afield), they also offer lots of family vacation ideas on a budget.
1. Martha’s Vineyard, MA
When I first visited Martha’s Vineyard with my family, I was nervous that my kids might run out of things to do. I couldn’t have been more wrong. By the end of our summer vacation there, they didn’t want to leave.
This charming island is about an hour from Boston and offers a slower, carefree pace of life, with plenty of beaches, towns, and restaurants to choose from. My family caught dozens of fish on a half-day guided fishing boat trip, ate delicious New England lobster rolls, admired the view from the iconic ‘Jaws bridge’, and strolled through the historic streets of Edgartown. If you’re looking to plan a trip away from a big city, Martha’s Vineyard is a no-brainer.
2. New York, NY
The Big Apple is one of the best family vacation spots and has something for everyone. You can watch world-class performances while taking in a Broadway show, or admire the iconic New York City skyline from an observation deck My top pick is SUMMIT One.
You can set up a family picnic in Central Park, or get a dose of culture by visiting a world-class museum or art gallery. There’s also a great zoo and aquarium, which my kids love, as well as the Statue of Liberty. When we visited, each family member got to pick one activity, and at the end of our vacation, everyone left happy and satisfied. The list of things to do may feel a little overwhelming, but a visit to NYC is always worthwhile.
3. Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Santa Rosa Beach is situated on the Gulf Coast of the Florida panhandle and is home to a beautiful stretch of idyllic beaches and charming towns across Highway 30A. Instead of the hustle and bustle of Miami, this area features calmer vibes, where you can rent bikes and golf carts to hop around the multiple towns.
Seaside is a must-visit for its grassy central space and food trucks based out of Airstream trailers, while Rosemary Beach takes inspiration from European villages for its charming aesthetic. But don’t stress about deciding which towns along the 30A to go for, because all of them have access to the crystal clear aqua hues of its Gulf water, one of the main draws in this beautiful area.
4. Las Vegas, NV
Mainly known for its adult-oriented activities, Las Vegas has been steadily increasing its family-friendly offerings over recent years. This makes it a particularly good destination for multi-generational family vacations. Many Vegas hotels now have kid-friendly activities, like the Big Apple Coaster at New York New York, or the Tournament of Kings at Excalibur.
There are also dozens of live shows to catch, but if you’re looking for something a little different, check out the Omega Mart, an immersive experience produced by the creative and surreal minds at Meow Wolf. End each day with a stroll along Las Vegas Boulevard as the hundreds of neon displays on the Strip light up the desert sky.
5. Washington, D.C.
In the summer months, Washington, D.C. offers a perfect blend of historic outdoor monuments and a seemingly endless supply of museums to pique your kids’ interests. My children loved the International Spy Museum, which offered several immersive experiences. They even got to play out an interactive storyline where they assumed undercover roles and completed a spy mission.
After a full day exploring the city, you can take a load off in a variety of restaurants along The Wharf – we particularly enjoyed the burgers at Lucky Buns. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to spot the President flying back to the White House on the Marine One helicopter from there.
6. Asheville, NC
If you’re over visiting the beach every summer, why not opt for some picturesque hills instead? Asheville is a wonderful city to explore and serves as a great starting point for the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway drive towards the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
The downtown area is very walkable, home to several microbreweries, many of which have kid-friendly activities like lawn games, board games and play structures. You can also explore the historic Biltmore Estate and wander its lush gardens. Families with younger children will enjoy the WNC Nature Center, which is home to more than 60 animal species native to the region.
7. San Diego, CA
I grew up in San Diego and love to return in the summer not only for its great weather but also for the varied selection of family-friendly activities. To start, theme parks like Belmont Park, LEGOLAND, and Sesame Place are perfect for thrill-seekers of all ages.
If you want to incorporate some learning activities into your vacation, head to Balboa Park and choose from 18 different museums. My favorite is the Fleet Science Center. If all that exploration has left you hungry, don’t miss what I consider to be the best tacos in the world at Tacos El Gordo.
8. San Antonio, TX
San Antonio is a fantastic city to visit for those looking for a more budget-friendly family vacation, and despite being a big city it still has plenty of small-town charm. From strolling the famous River Walk to browsing the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico, Market Square, San Antonio has lots to enjoy.
The city is also home to one of our kids’ favorite museums, the DoSeum. The DoSeum is filled with interactive exhibits that will ignite your kids’ imaginations while providing plenty of learning opportunities to keep their minds sharp.
9. Chicago, IL
I was pleasantly surprised by the range of family-friendly activities that Chicago has to offer. If you go, you’ll want to start off at the Navy Pier, which hosts the Chicago Childrens’ Museum, as well as various amusement rides like the Wave Swinger and the Centennial Wheel.
My family also really enjoyed taking a riverboat architecture tour. We learned about Chicago’s rich architectural history and how it has led the way in many urban planning and design efforts across the last few centuries. Millennium Park also offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy, from gazing at the Cloud Gate (informally known as “the bean”) to catching a live music show at Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
10. Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs should be near the top of the list for family summer vacation ideas on a budget. Start your trip at the US Olympic Museum, where the whole family can be inspired by stories of Team USA’s sporting triumphs on the global stage.
For those who love exploring unchartered territory, the Cave of the Winds provides hourly tours of its deep caverns. Its thrill rides include the Terror-dactyl, which drops and swings you from the side of a gorge into a canyon below and back.
11. Honolulu, HI
There’s a certain magic to Hawai’i that’s hard to explain. You have to visit to really feel it. The island of Oahu is a fantastic destination for a fun family vacation. One of my kids’ fondest memories from our previous trip there was when they visited the Dole Pineapple Plantation. They got to explore a pineapple garden maze and learn about how the fruit is cultivated while riding the Pineapple Express train tour.
When you’re not busy frolicking on Waikiki Beach, gorge on traditional Hawai’ian cuisine at Germaine’s Luau, or learn more about the Pacific islands at the Children’s Discovery Center.
Family vacation ideas in Europe
Some of the best summer vacations around the world for families aren’t where you might expect. From snow-bound islands to buzzing cities, here’s where to go if you’re happy to travel a bit further.
12. Reykjavik, Iceland
For outdoor adventure enthusiasts, Iceland is a paradise packed with breathtaking glaciers, majestic waterfalls, rejuvenating hot springs, and idyllic landscapes. Simply put, it is one of my most recommended family vacations within six hours of many major US airports.
In the summer months, expect around 20 hours of sunlight a day and moderately warm to cool temperatures. It’s the best time of the year to visit. Due to the length of some hikes and age restrictions for certain activities (like hiking on a glacier), an Iceland vacation is more suitable for families with older children or teenagers.
13. Paris, France
If your family is intent on flying to Europe for the summer, one of the great destinations is Paris. Aside from visiting classic tourist attractions like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, the family will uncover unexpected adventures while wandering around the historic streets or people-watching from an outdoor cafe.
The Palace of Versailles is also great for making unforgettable memories, as you discover thousands of artworks and admire the opulent gardens and grounds. Finally, if the family misses a taste of home, Disneyland Paris provides hours of entertainment and thrilling rides with Mickey and his friends.
14. Algarve, Portugal
Portugal’s southern coast is a long tangle of beautiful beaches, atmospheric coves, picturesque villages and bustling towns. In the summer months, there’s nowhere in Europe more guaranteed to serve up cloudless skies and constant sun.
For a beach-bound family vacation, Lagos in the west is a great base from which to explore. Its thriving old town restaurants spill onto the street day and night creating a lovely, buzzy family environment.
Take the kids kayaking into crazy cave formations like Benagil. Snorkel in calm coves and bodyboard on frothing waves. Head inland to one of the mega waterparks like Slide & Splash. Slow things down with a coastal hike to the famous Ponta da Piedade cliffs, that shine like gold in the evening sun.
15. Dubrovnik, Croatia
If you’ve got older children who loved Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik’s ancient walled city might just be their new Disneyland. Although they would more likely know it as King’s Landing, for the city it played in the hit TV show. But this city is much more than one show, and it makes history cool for all the family.
On the southern tip of Croatia’s spectacular Dalmatian Coast, entering through one Dubrovnik’s two giant gateways is to step into a fantasy world, an unblemished testament to history and culture. Climb the ancient battlement walls and walk its entire circumference, taking in startling views on one side and the glistening Adriatic Sea on the other. For even more impressive views, ride the (admittedly expensive) cable car to the cliffs above – or take on the walk if you’re in no rush.
Family vacation ideas around the world
Summer to me means golden beaches and elaborate sandcastles, melting ice cream and the constant gurgle of children laughing, having fun. Near and far, getting into nature is as good as guaranteed to make every member of your family have fun. Here are some of the most tropical, nature-friendly family vacations from around the world.
16. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Mexico is a fantastic destination for fun family vacations. Playa del Carmen (close to Cancun) stands out for its rich Mayan cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and outdoor adventure parks like Xcaret. Just one week will see you on plenty of adventures.
Come face to face with varied marine life at some of North America’s best snorkeling locations. Zip line for over a minute above the trees. Tour one of the New Seven Wonders of the World at the Mayan city of Chichén Itzá. If you’re looking for a more relaxing vacation, you can’t go wrong with an all-inclusive resort like the Iberostar Paraiso Lindo. Here you can lounge on the beach while the kids are entertained at their excellent kids’ club.
17. La Fortuna, Costa Rica
For a tropical vacation, Costa Rica is hard to beat. In particular, La Fortuna is known for its proximity to the Arenal volcano, which provides a beautiful backdrop for the adventures found nearby. If you’re planning a visit, I recommend staying at one of my favorite hotels in the world, The Springs Resort.
This resort runs the Club Rio Adventure Center, where the whole family can go kayaking, tubing, and horseback riding. Afterward, relax in one of the many hot springs on the resort, which are maintained at different temperature levels. Ultimately, La Fortuna is a great place to come and create unforgettable memories for the whole family.
18. Galápagos Islands
For many, me included, the Galápagos Islands far from the Ecuadoran coast are the ultimate wildlife destination. There’s no better way to enjoy them than on a boat expedition, sailing from island to island, from one adventure to the next. For kids and adults of any age, they paint a constant and unique tapestry of extraordinary animal encounters.
The original – and Ecuadoran owned – Metropolitan Touring is my choice. In particular the magical Origin of Species Adventure aboard the La Pinta expedition ship is perfect for families. Island explorations, snorkeling with turtles and sealions, giant tortoises and the hilarious blue-footed booby birds. And at night, from the rear deck peer overboard to see Galápagos Sharks restlessly circling the boat in search of dinner.
19. Darwin, Australia
Brave enough to pack up the whole family on a serious long-haul vacation? Good on you, because Australia is absolutely worth the effort. Bypass the big glitzy family attractions of Sydney, the Gold Coast and the like, and instead head into the Northern Territories to get up close and friendly with its infamous wildlife.
Gateway to the massive Kakadu National Park, among the bountiful animal encounters you’ll also connect with the oldest living culture on Earth. Explore waterfalls, go croc spotting, fishing and boating on the lakes, and explore indigenous rock art reaching back 20,000 years. It’s an unparalleled way to bring history to life in the eyes of your kids – truly the vacation of a lifetime!
More summer family vacation ideas
There are almost too many kid-friendly destinations to choose from when it comes to planning a fantastic summer family vacation. One tip that works well for our family is to involve each family member in the planning process.
That way, you’ll get a good understanding of what matters most to each of them. While there may have to be compromises made, at least it reduces the possibility of certain family members feeling surprised or underwhelmed by a particular destination.
If you’d like more summer travel inspiration, here are some other places that are great to visit in June, July, and August.
