Best Family-Friendly Destinations

Are you planning your next family holiday or adventure but unsure of where the best family-friendly destinations are? Traveling as a family is a wonderful way to bond and create lasting memories and is one of the main reasons why we love to travel.

Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, a relaxing beach holiday, or a somewhere with theme parks and educational opportunities, there are plenty of family-friendly spots around the world that offer something for everyone. In this blog, we’ve highlighted some of our favourite family-friendly travel destinations that may be perfect for your next family vacation.

Outdoor and Hiking Destinations

1. Utah - United States of America

Utah is a treasure trove of natural beauty, with its iconic red rock landscapes, towering canyons, and expansive national parks. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, Utah has plenty of family-friendly hikes that offer a chance to explore some of the most stunning scenery in the United States—without pushing little legs too hard. Places to hike include:

• Zion National Park - the Riverside Walk is a fantastic option for families. This paved, 2.2-mile round-trip trail follows the Virgin River and offers beautiful views of Zion’s canyon walls

• Delicate Arch - Arches National Park (although not stroller friendly)

• Antelope Island State Park - The park is home to bison, antelope, and numerous bird species, making it a great place for kids to learn about wildlife and the environment

• Canyonlands National Park - Hike to the Mesa Arch

Delicate Arch

2. Tasmania - Australia

• The Dove Lake Circuit at Cradle Mountain is one of Tasmania’s most famous hikes, and it’s also perfect for families. The trail loops around the beautiful Dove Lake, offering views of the dramatic Cradle Mountain in the background. While parts of the trail may have some uneven ground, it's well-maintained and suitable for children with some walking experience.

• The Wineglass Bay Lookout trail in Freycinet National Park is a short and rewarding hike with incredible views. From the lookout, you’ll see the stunning Wineglass Bay with its white sand beach and crystal-clear waters. The walk is uphill but not too strenuous, making it a good option for families with kids of all ages.

3. Slovenia

• Lake Bled - The Lake Bled Walk is a lovely, easy stroll around Lake Bled, one of Slovenia's most iconic and picturesque spots. The path follows the lake's shoreline, offering stunning views of Bled Castle, the Bled Island with its church, and the surrounding mountains.

• Just a short drive from Lake Bled, Vintgar Gorge is a stunning natural wonder where you can walk along wooden pathways and bridges that cross the crystal-clear waters of the Radovna River. The gorge is surrounded by lush forest and features waterfalls, small rapids, and mesmerizing rock formations.

Cultural Destinations

1. Japan

Japan is a wonderful family-friendly destination. You can find our suggested itinerary here. But what makes Japan an excellent family destination is that it:

• is renowned for its safety and cleanliness. The country consistently ranks as one of the safest places to visit, with low crime rates and a strong sense of respect for others. This makes it an ideal destination for families, especially those traveling with young children.

• has the most efficient and user-friendly public transport in the world, making it easy to get around with children in tow.

• family-orientated - from the hotels, to restaurants, to the theme parks and outdoor areas.

  
  

2. Italy

Italy is one of our all-time favourite destinations. From the food, museums, and natural beauty. There is so much to see and do in Italy - from the major touristy towns like Rome, Florence, Venice, Bologna and Milan to the smaller towns like Modena, Ravenna, Verona, Turin and Brescia. We especially love Lake Garda for its natural beauty but for families you have to visit Gardaland - which is much like Disneyland.

Beach Destinations

1. Vietnam

In 2024 we spent a week at the luxurious Melia Ho Tram resort. We had the all-inclusive package which included breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as unlimited drinks and a 1 hour massage. This was one of our most relaxing beach holidays as a family and would highly recommend this destination! We spent the days lazing by the pool, riding bikes, playing tennis or just eating fantastic Vietnamese food!

Melia Ho Tram, Vietnam

2. Bali

One of our other favourite beach destinations for just doing nothing but relaxing is Bali. We love the Intercontinental in Jimbaran. They have a fantastic kids club, restaurants with the hotel right on the beach.

3. Australia

But for family-friendly beach destinations you can't go past Australia. Australia is home to some of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches in the world, making it an ideal destination for families looking for a sun-soaked holiday. Whether you're seeking calm, shallow waters perfect for young children or adventurous waves for teens, there’s something for everyone. Our favourite spots are Port Douglas and Hamilton Island at the top of Queensland, Noosa in South-East Queensland, Port Stephens and Kiama in New South Wales.

Theme Park Destinations

1. Orlando in Florida USA has been one of our favourite family theme park holidays. Here is our suggested itinerary for visiting Disney World. However, we also loved visiting Universal Studios and Kennedy Space Centre.

   
   

2. Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, is a fantastic family destination offering beautiful beaches, theme parks, and a laid-back coastal vibe. It’s a perfect place for families looking for both relaxation and adventure. Some of the theme parks to visit include Dreamworld, Sea World, Outback Spectacular and Wet N Wild.

Obviously, every family has different preferences for what makes a great holiday - but we have done all of the above and each one has special memories for us. There are also so many more that we could add to this list and we look forward to updating this blog as we discover more family-friendly destinations!