Do you dream of traveling to amazing places but you just don’t know where you can travel to that will have enough for the kids to do while also giving you a sense of adventure and some incredible views? I totally get it but there are some simple family-friendly places to travel to that won’t make you feel overwhelmed
Travel is a topic on everyone’s mind so it’s hardly surprising that there are so many lists about where everyone is travelling to and where you should be adding to your bucket list, from smaller travel sites to big names in the travel industry like Time Out Worldwide, Condé Nast Traveller and Trip Advisor.
This post was actually going to be different, it was going to be a mash up of all of the most popular travel destinations but as I started reading through the various pieces of research I realised I needed to change my plan. I couldn’t share these lists with all of you who are trying to travel with kids, maybe even for the first time.
I’m sure there are some parents who would have no problem taking their two year old to an eco-lodge in the Chiriquí Province in Panama or a jungle trek in Gabon but there needs to be a realistic list to draw inspiration from for people who don’t enjoy that kind of travel. If you’re one of those people that are looking for jungle trekking or eco-lodges then I’ve linked some of the sites where you can read more about those places in the text above.
Quite frankly, the complexity of some of these places would probably be overwhelming, stressful and drain you of hope – not really the feeling I want you to get from reading anything on my site!
Then I realised, I can still scour all of these lists, research articles and forums but pull together the most popular family-friendly places to travel, places that have a simplicity to them so that you won’t feel overwhelmed or anxious.
Whether you’re planning your first major adventure or adding another vacation to your already packed travel list, these simple destinations will provide inspiration and practical ideas to help you plan family-friendly travel for everyone to enjoy
What’s in this post?
In this post we take you through some simple family-friendly places to visit so that you can stop the procrastination over where to visit and add some of these incredible places to your travel bucket list!
Not only will you get a summary on each destination but also some family-friendly ideas of things you can do in each destination, and as a bonus we’ll link you to some popular flight, hotel and activity booking companies so you can immediately find out how much your favourite destinations are going to cost.
There’s a good mixture of city breaks, beach holidays, historical sightseeing and dreamy countryside escapes so you’re bound to find the right inspiration for you here!
If there’s something on this list you’re particularly interested in you can skip straight there by clicking on that section in the contents below. If not, then scroll down to read about each of the family-friendly places to travel.
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Sydney, Australia
I said simple places to travel to, not cheap … but Sydney is one of those rare big cities that feels immediately approachable for families. The best part is that you can switch from a city break to a beach holiday by jumping on a ferry for under 30 minutes
Things to do with kids in Sydney
Outside of the beaches and harbour there are so many family friendly things to do in Sydney. You can start with the well known Sydney attractions like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, or Bondi beach. Once you’ve ticked these off you can move on to grab lunch in Manly, wander around Darling Harbour or even Luna Park.
What are other family-friendly destinations in Australia?
Australia is well suited to longer family trips thanks to its variety and infrastructure. From Sydney, you can easily head into the Blue Mountains or Jervis Bay to escape the city. Outside of Sydney there are many cities perfect for families like Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, or Adelaide. Queensland is also great for kids with family-friendly locations with Cairns and the Gold Coast.
Basel, Switzerland
Basel is absolutely an underrated family-friendly place to travel in Europe. A small and tidy city, its calm atmosphere, excellent public transport, and walkable centre make it easy to navigate with children and perfect for families. While Switzerland can feel expensive, Basel offers value through free attractions, efficient transport, and plenty of outdoor spaces and activities.
Things to do with kids in Basel
Wander through the old town of Basel to visit the Basel Minster and have a picnic around the Tinguely Fountain. If the weather is nice you can visit one of the many parks with popular choices being Park Lange Erlen, Park im Grünen, and Schützemattpark.
You can also visit one of the many museums such as the Naturhistorisches Museum, or the Tinguely Museum. During warmer months, locals float down the river, creating a unique experience to watch or join. If you’re looking for something completely different, Basel sits at the corner of three countries – Switzerland, Germany and France, and you can visit the monument to this in Basel called Dreiländereck (Three Country Corner).
What are other family-friendly destinations in Switzerland?
Switzerland is perfect for families who love nature and scenery. Beyond Basel, destinations like Lucerne and Interlaken offer mountain views, lakes, and easy cable car access.
Zurich will give you the big city experience, whereas train journeys like the Glacier Express or Bernia Express allow you to experience Switzerland with a panoramic view.
London, England
London often surprises families by how manageable it actually feels. Despite its size, the city is very walkable, especially the main tourist sites. This is supported by excellent public transport in the underground (or tube). London’s biggest strength for families is choice – from busy sightseeing days to slow afternoons in one of the many parks or pub gardens.
London consistently appeals to families looking for family-friendly places to travel that combine culture, history, and simplicity.
Things to do with kids in London
There’s plenty of choice in free family-friendly activities in London from museums like the Science Museum or Natural History Museum, to the large parks dotted throughout the city such as Hyde Park or Regent’s Park.
If you don’t mind spending some money there’s even more choice with educational attractions like the London Dungeons, London Transport Museum or the Royal Greenwich Observatory. You can also go for pure entertainment with the London Eye, Madame Tussauds or Babylon Park – London’s underground theme park.
What are other family-friendly destinations in England?
England is ideal for extending a family trip beyond London with castles, seaside towns and national parks (country parks in England) within easy reach. Day trips options include Windsor, Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton, and the Cotswolds. All of these are accessible by train and you can book tickets through Trainline or direct with National Rail.
Destinations like Bath, Cornwall, York or Manchester are great if you have a longer stay and want to explore England a little more. Due to the size of the country, road layout and public transit system it’s easy to travel around England, even with younger children.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is an affordable European city that works beautifully for families, with a relaxed atmosphere and welcoming locals.
With sunshine, delicious food, and plenty of open spaces, it’s easy to see why Lisbon earns its place among the most family-friendly places to travel for a balanced city break.
Things to do with kids in Lisbon
Lisbon offers plenty of easy, engaging activities for families. Riding the iconic trams is exciting for kids and provides a break from walking on those long travel days when little legs are tired. To experience some of the city’s vast history and culture head to the castle Castelo de São Jorge, or the Lisbon Story Centre where you can learn the history of Lisbon.
Stroll along the waterfront area of the Tagus (Tejo) river for plenty of shops, restaurants, and family friendly activities. If you want to plan a beach day you can get to both Cascais and Estoril in under an hour from Lisbon – perfect for a day trip!
What are other family-friendly destinations in Portugal?
Portugal is extremely family-friendly beyond Lisbon. For another walkable city with riverside charm head to Porto in the North.
Whereas the Algarve in the South will provide wide sandy beaches, tourist towns with tons of shops and restaurants, and family resorts offering large hotels with plenty of onsite kids activities.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
While it’s become known for luxury, Dubai is surprisingly manageable for families. It was built with convenience and efficiency in mind, which makes it one of the easiest destinations to travel with kids. With modern infrastructure, reliable transportation, and a huge variety of attractions that are designed specifically for families there’s plenty to choose from to keep everyone entertained.
Things to do with kids in Dubai
Dubai offers a huge range of family-friendly attractions. From white sand beaches to an indoor rainforest and even a desert safari!
Get a break from the sunshine at one of the malls, visit the Museum of the Future, or head to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.
For the thrill seekers amongst you there’s plenty of theme park and water park options in Dubai including spending a day at IMG Worlds of Adventure – Dubai’s indoor theme park, the Hollywood inspired theme park Motiongate, or Aquaventure Waterpark.
What are other family-friendly destinations in the UAE?
Beyond Dubai, the UAE offers quieter destinations such as Abu Dhabi, with cultural attractions and family-friendly beaches. The country’s small size makes it easy to take a day trip and travel with minimal stress.
Accommodation options often include family-focused amenities, at a great price but the summer heat does require some planning so visiting during the cooler months are more ideal for exploring with kids.
Paris, France
Paris has a reputation for romance, but it’s also surprisingly well suited to family travel. The city encourages slower sightseeing, with walkable streets and neighbourhood cafés great for people watching.
Public transport is efficient in the Metro and there are bakeries everywhere meaning you can grab breakfast and lunch for a reasonable price.
Things to do with kids in Paris
Paris offers plenty of low-pressure activities for families. Seeing the Eiffel Tower, whether from nearby parks or on a short visit up, is exciting without being exhausting.
Seine river cruises allow kids to sightsee while resting, while parks like Jardin du Luxembourg allow space for the kids to burn off some steam with playgrounds, pony rides, and open space.
There are plenty of museums and art galleries that have family-friendly attractions or activities such as the Centre Pompidou or Musée d’Orsay
What are other family-friendly destinations in France?
With its mix of culture, countryside, and coastline France is extremely family-friendly beyond Paris. For outdoor adventure head to the French Alps, head to the Cote d’Azur for a beach holiday, or explore the Loire Valley’s castles.
If you have a longer stay then jump on the Metro to Disneyland Paris. It’s easy to get to Disneyland from Paris and is very manageable for a theme park day trip or weekend itinerary.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi is a fantastic option for families seeking cultural immersion without excessive cost. While busy in places, the city’s strong café culture, walkable neighbourhoods, and friendly locals help families settle in quickly. Stay near the Old Quarter for a quieter stay while having easy access to attractions.
Things to do with kids in Hanoi
Hanoi offers family-friendly experiences that are simple yet cost effective, like walking around Hoan Kiem Lake, visiting a temple and enjoying street food.
Visit train street for an exciting experience at one of the many cafes that line the train line, see a puppet show, or visit one of Hanoi’s many museums such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and X Space Immersive.
Combine outdoor activities and excursions with fun with sightseeing to keep kids engaged. This could be a Ha Long Bay cruise with additional activities like kayaking or swimming, or explore the city in a vintage open top Jeep.
What are other family-friendly destinations in Vietnam?
Vietnam is increasingly popular with families thanks to its general affordability and variety. Not only in food and accommodation, but domestic travel is also affordable, allowing families to cover multiple regions without long or overly expensive journeys.
Combine with a visit to Ho Chi Minh City for another large city experience, or head to destinations Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Da Nang offer scenic beauty and sandy beaches.
Rome, Italy
Rome may seem chaotic at first, but it’s surprisingly engaging for family travel. The city is like an open-air museum with history visible everywhere without even needing to step inside attractions. Like much of Europe, Italian culture is very welcoming to children and meals are relaxed rather than rushed.
Things to do with kids in Rome
Rome offers many family-friendly activities so you can flex depending on what interests your family have. There are places of cultural and historical significance to explore like the Colosseum, Sistine Chapel and Vatican.
For something different you can throw coins in the Trevi Fountain, wander through piazzas or jump on a hop on hop off bus to explore the city in style! If you’re looking for something more kid focussed download a scavenger hunt activity, head to Villa Borghese Gardens or make of Italy’s food culture with a cooking class aimed at kids – who doesn’t like pasta, pizza, and gelato!
What are other family-friendly destinations in Italy?
Italy is exceptionally well suited to family travel.
Beyond Rome you can explore cities like Florence and Venice or head to Sardinia and Sicily for stunning beaches. Visit Tuscany for countryside, farms, and relaxed village stays or explore the history and culture of Pompei.
Train travel between cities is easy with kids in Italy as trains are efficient and comfortable so you could combine a couple of cities on a longer adventure.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona combines culture, beach vibes, green space and city life in a way that works effortlessly for families. With warm weather, walkable streets, and child-friendly dining, Barcelona consistently ranks among the most enjoyable family-friendly places to travel in Europe.
Things to do with kids in Barcelona
Barcelona offers plenty of low-stress activities for kids. Aside from the beach there are loads of parks to explore like Parc de la Ciutadella or Park Güell.
If you’re looking for a cultural experience visit places like the science museum CosmoCaixa, Basílica de la Sagrada Família or The Cathedral of Barcelona.
There are also plenty of food options with tapas restaurants great for sharing lunches or markets such as La Boqueria for casual meals and picnics.
If you’ve done a lot of walking and want some days that are calmer you can see the city in comfort from one of the two cable cars or an open top bus tour.
What are other family-friendly destinations in Spain?
Spain as a whole is incredibly welcoming to families. Beyond Barcelona, destinations like Madrid, Valencia, and Seville offer walkable centres and family-friendly attractions.
Coastal areas like Salou, Torremelinos or Cádiz provide relaxed beach stays, outdoor activities and family friendly restaurants.
Outside of mainland Spain there are groups of islands that offer a mix of family-friendly, activities, cultural experiences, good food and stunning coastline. The most popular Balearic Islands are Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera. The most popular Canary islands are Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote.
Bangkok, Thailand
At first glance Bangkok seems chaotic, but the city offers affordable accommodation, excellent food, and welcoming service. Bangkok is often used as a short introduction to Southeast Asia, with many families combining a few days in Bangkok with a longer stay in one of the beach resorts like Phuket or Krabi.
Things to do with kids in Bangkok
Bangkok offers many family-friendly experiences, from boat rides along the river to visiting temples, or finding somewhere interactive for them to burn off some energy.
Shopping malls often include indoor play areas and food courts, making them practical stops with kids. While attractions such as aquariums and cultural shows like the Bangkok Trick Art Museum or Akara Sky Hanuman provide structured entertainment away from the heat of the day.
Let them burn off some energy by visiting kid friendly parks with playgrounds, ponds and cycling routes. Popular options include Lumphini Park offer green space and opportunities to relax. Benjakitti Park, Chatuchak Park or Benjasiri Park
What are other family-friendly destinations in Thailand?
Thailand is extremely popular with families due to its affordability and variety, with many families using Bangkok as an initial base before moving on to beach areas like Krabi or Phuket for family style resorts.
Beach destinations like Phuket and Krabi offer calm waters and family resorts, while northern regions such as Chiang Mai provide cultural experiences at a slower pace. Head to Northern areas like Chang Mai and Chang Rai for a more authentic Thai and cultural experience.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is a compact, storybook city that feels naturally suited to family travel. The historic centre is walkable and safe with plenty of things to see and do to keep everyone in the family engaged. The food and language all be familiar to most making it a great beginner family travel destination too.
Things to do with kids in Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s attractions naturally appeal to children with museums, a dungeon, a castle, and plenty of outdoor space.
Probably Edinburgh’s most famous landmark, Edinburgh Castle sparks imagination with stories of kings, queens, and battles. Plan an afternoon visit to visit during the One O’Clock Gun to see a cannon fired from the castle. As the name suggests this happens every day (except Sunday) at 1pm.
To experience some of the capital’s history and uniqueness then visit the National Museum of Scotland, the Dynamic Earth Museum. Edinburgh Dungeon or Museum of Edinburgh.
What are other family-friendly destinations in Scotland?
Scotland offers incredible opportunities for family travel beyond Edinburgh. No matter where you visit in Scotland you’ll find plenty of history, castles, lochs, and coastal walks keep children engaged without the formal attractions you get in the main cities.
One of the most popular trips in Scotland is the Highlands where you’ll find dramatic landscapes, wildlife spotting, and outdoor adventures. Follow the NC500 route to take a road trip through the Highlands that’ll take you to all the main sights. Islands like Skye or Arran provide slower-paced trips for those families who love being in nature.
New York City, United States of America (USA)
New York City may seem overwhelming, but it can be surprisingly family-friendly when approached with realistic expectations. It’s also really easy to get around with public transport which means you don’t need a car – in fact I’d advise against it! The key is not trying to do everything because NYC offers endless variety but it takes longer to get around than you think it will.
Things to do with kids in New York City
New York City has an incredible mix of free and paid activities for families. Central Park alone can fill multiple days with playgrounds, open space, and seasonal activities. We loved the Heckscher Playground with great views of the city and plenty of different play equipment for kids to enjoy.
If the weather means you need to find some indoor activities then head to interactive attractions like the Natural History Museum, the Museum of Mathematics (MoMath), or see a show on Broadway,
If you don’t mind traveling around 30 minutes outside of the city a visit the American Dream Mall is an absolute must for a rainy day. It’s a HUGE mall full of all the normal stuff you’d expect to find in a mall like shops, restaurants, a water park …
… yes, it also has a water park, an indoor theme park, a Ninja Kidz action park, mini golf and even a ski slope.
To get the best view of NYC there are several options for observation decks that are suitable for children of all ages. Our personal favourite is Summit One but you can also visit the One World Observatory, Top of the Rock, the Empire State Building, and Edge NYC.
What are other family-friendly destinations in the USA?
The United States offers endless family travel opportunities beyond New York City. Cities like Washington DC and Chicago are packed with free museums and green space, while national parks provide unforgettable outdoor experiences.
Head to southern state like Florida or California, South Carolina or Georgia for a beach stay. If food is more your thing then try out the BBQ in Texas or one of the Carolina’s, or enjoy delicious seafood in the North East.
Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hotels to more expensive family-sized rentals. Getting around by car is the easiest option with road trips being particularly family-friendly, allowing flexibility and more control over cost timing.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo surprises many families with how calm and organised it feels. Despite its size, it’s clean, safe, and incredibly efficient with easy to use public transport. Everything in Tokyo runs smoothly which makes daily routines, such as eating and getting around straightforward once you arrive.
Things to do with kids in Tokyo
Tokyo has endless family-friendly activities, but it’s important to choose selectively.
Theme parks like Tokyo Disneyland offer familiar fun, while neighbourhoods such as Asakusa and Harajuku provide cultural contrast. There are many classes to choose from, including origami, sushi making, and – possibly the coolest thing – samurai sword lesson.
What are other family-friendly destinations in Japan?
Beyond Tokyo, Japan is well suited to families and Japan’s rail system makes long-distance travel smooth and predictable.
To experience true Japanese culture visit temples in Kyoto or Nara, or visit the culinary hub of Osaka. If you enjoy learning about history head to Himeji to visit castles, or Hiroshima for reflection on the history tied to WWII. Finally, outdoor lifestyle can be found in the natural hot springs of HakoneFuji Five Lake (Fujigoko) where you can also experience the beauty of Mount Fuji.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini is often seen as a couples’ destination, but it can work beautifully for families when approached at the right pace.
The island is compact so travel days are short making it easy to travel around with kids. Rather than packed attractions, the lure of Santorini is in delicious food, beaches and boat days.
Things to do with kids in Santorini
There are many beaches in Santorini with some of the best being Perissa and Kamari. If you enjoy being out in the water you’ll find catamaran tours that include snorkelling and food, or kayaking excursions.
Explore villages like Oia and Fira but plan this for earlier in the morning to move around before all the crowds arrive!
What are other family-friendly destinations in Greece?
I think it’s fair to say that pretty much anywhere in mainland Greece or a Greek island will be family-friendly as their culture is so family centered.
Beyond Santorini, islands like Cyprus, Zakynthos, Crete and Corfu are especially family-friendly, offering beaches, villages, and historical sites without crowds.
While mainland Greece provides mountains, culture and history in Athens with the Acropolis and Parthenon. Greek food is absolutely delicious and so kid friendly making eating out stress-free with kids, even for the fussiest eater.
Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech can feel intimidating at first, but Moroccan culture is very family-oriented, and children are generally welcomed warmly which makes it easier for families to travel here. The city can feel chaotic and busy so rather than trying to see everything, try focusing on a few experiences and allowing plenty of downtime away from the hustle and bustle.
Things to do with kids in Marrakech
Marrakech offers a range of activities that can be tailored to children’s energy levels – whether thats chaotic and loud or slow and calm.
Exploring the souks is an adventure in itself but it can be overwhelming on your senses and feel chaotic so many families enjoy simple experiences like mint tea on a rooftop or exploring gardens such as Le Jardin Secret or Jardin Majorelle for a calm break from the busy medina.
For a slower pace you can soak in the history and culture in palaces and museums, like Medersa Ben Youssef, El Badi Palace, and Bahia Palace.
Exploring the souks is an adventure in itself but it can be overwhelming on your senses and feel chaotic so many families enjoy simple experiences like mint tea on a rooftop or exploring gardens such as Le Jardin Secret or Jardin Majorelle for a calm break from the busy medina.
For a slower pace you can soak in the history and culture in palaces and museums, like Medersa Ben Youssef, El Badi Palace, and Bahia Palace.
What are other family-friendly destinations in Morocco?
Morocco offers excellent variety for families beyond Marrakech.
Coastal towns like Essaouira or Adair are calmer and ideal for beach-focused stays or lazy days by the pool. Desert trips are well organised and can be a fun excursion for families to experience something different than the typical resort, with quad bike or camel rides and desert camping.
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is a city easy to visit with kids as the city’s main attractions are concentrated in walkable areas, allowing families to explore without long journeys. Turkish culture is very family-oriented, and children are often welcomed warmly in restaurants and public spaces.
Things to do with kids in Istanbul
Istanbul offers family-friendly sightseeing in a city that’s easily walkable. Having said this, little legs can get tired quickly so there’s also the option of the open top bus to help you get around the main sights.
Introduce history and culture by visiting landmarks like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace Museum, and Basilica Cistern. While outdoor activities and excursions like a boat ride on the Bosphorus, walking the ancient land walls, travel on the heritage tramline, and exploring bazaars combine fun with sightseeing.
What are other family-friendly destinations in Turkey?
Turkey offers diverse family-friendly destinations beyond Istanbul. Aside from places to stay, Turkey’s affordability makes longer stays possible and the food is varied and very kid friendly.
Coastal resorts like Marmaris, Antalya, Boston and Ölüdeniz provide beach-focused stays. While Cappadocia offers unique landscapes and easy outdoor exploration, including the daily hot balloon rides.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali has become increasingly popular with families because it combines affordability, comfort, and adventure in a very kid-friendly way.
With days revolving around pools and beaches means you can have flexibility and relaxation over packed sightseeing schedules.
Things to do with kids in Bali
Bali offers a wide range of activities that suit different ages and energy levels – from spending time at one of the many beaches or hotel pools to exploring sanctuaries and temples.
Highlights include Ubud Palace, Uluwatu Temple and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
What are other family-friendly destinations in Indonesia?
Indonesia offers incredible diversity for families who want to extend their trip beyond Bali.
Nearby islands like Lombok are quieter and ideal for beach-focused travel, while Java offers cultural and historical experiences. For a truly unique experience jump on a short flight to Flores Island and visit the Komodo Dragon National Park.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is one of the easiest capital cities in the world to visit with kids because it’s small, safe, and calm compared to most city destinations. This means you’re never far from cafés, playgrounds, or your accommodation.
Icelandic culture values nature, fresh air, and simplicity, which naturally suits family travel – especially if you prefer nature over theme parks.
Things to do with kids in Reykjavik
It’s not always thought about as a family friendly destination, mainly due to the high costs of food and activities, but there’s so much to do with kids in Reykjavik from swimming in lagoons to boat trips to spot puffins and even lava shows.
Take a tour around the golden circle, swim in the blue lagoon or the geothermal swimming pool Laugardalslaug, take in Reykjavik from the Hallgrímskirkja Observation Tower, or take a break in the evening to spot the Northern Lights
Spend time indoors at the Perlan Nature Museum or the Saga Museum, both family-friendly with plenty for kids to do.
What are other family-friendly destinations in Iceland?
If you want to explore beyond Reykjavik you can take a mini roadtrip in Iceland to drive the Golden Circle route with geysers, waterfalls, and tectonic landscapes. Outside of this you can camp out on a northern lights tour, swim in the thermal blue lagoon, and visit Reynisfjara black sand beach.
Summary
Travelling as a family doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or exhausting to be unforgettable. If you’re not someone who knows how to create a bucket list or who feels comfortable booking travel, choosing where to travel next can be overwhelming.
This is only made worse when you’re traveling with kids because you have the added stress of considering if it’s safe, what is there to do, what can they eat and how do you keep them entertained in a country where you can’t speak the language?
If this is you, hopefully this list highlights that there are destinations you can travel to for simple, family-friendly travel all around the world!
