Looking at where to travel with kids? Travelling as a family is a great way to share awesome experiences and create memories to last a lifetime. In this post, we’ve sourced the best family vacation destinations for 2019. From culture experiences in your own backyard to all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, there’s somewhere perfect for every adventurous family.
The world is a big place full of incredible places, faces, food, and adventures to be had. Exposing children to all the world has to offer will open their hearts and minds to the beauty out there and give them a sense of wonder, and wanderlust. Choosing where to go can be tough when there’s so much on offer. We hope to narrow your search down with this travel list of the best family vacation destinations for 2019. Try our user-friendly app and search engines to help you source the best flights, hotels, and car rentals on your next family holiday.
Best Family Vacation Destinations
1. Nadi, Fiji
Great for: Families who want a vacay in paradise
Imagine flying the family to the South Pacific islands of Fiji, a place where time slows down to “island time”. Forget about everything and relax into a tropical beach family vacation that offers sun, surf, culture, and unique experiences. The gateway to Fiji’s 300-plus islands is Nadi on the main island of Viti Levu. While there are countless resorts and hotels in Nadi, heading to one of the nearby islands will bump your holiday with kids to the next level.
Plantation Island Resort is a gorgeous spot for families with kids. The family resort is on Malolo LaiLai, just 16kms from Nadi. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed as you step off the transfer boat. Kids aged 4-12 will love the Coconut Kids’ Club, while teens hang at the Lairo Club. There’s also a bunch of water-based activities that the whole family will enjoy: banana boat, kayaking, snorkelling, and swimming in the sheltered lagoon.
There are countless water and land-based activities and excursions to fill your days, and several dining options to fill your stomachs.
2. Cairns, Australia
Great for: Water babies and wildlife lovers
Cairns is a city in the tropics of Far North Queensland, Australia. It’s also the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Any kids that love Finding Nemo will know all about the reef and be excited to have a look for Nemo themselves. Sure, there are plenty of ocean-based activities off the coast of Cairns, but that’s not all there is to love about this area.
Right in the heart of the city, there’s a manmade lagoon. It’s free, shallow, and an awesome spot for families with young ones. Nearby, there’s many restaurants, cafes, ice cream shops, playgrounds, and shopping to balance your time.
To escape the city, take a scenic drive to the neighbouring hot spots of Kuranda and Port Douglas to visit butterfly farms, crocodile viewing, wildlife sanctuaries to feed kangaroos, and some of the best beaches in Australia.
3. Tokyo, Japan
Great for: An action-packed city family vacation
The fast-paced, neon-lit city of Tokyo may not readily spring to mind when travelling with kids but don’t knock it until you try it. Japan is a treasure trove of adventure and excitement for kids and adults alike. There are markets, museums, discovery centres, zoos, theme parks, and anime galore.
A great way to introduce kids to the food is with a walking tour. The Shibuya Walking Food Tour or a sushi cooking class at Tsukiji Fish Market makes eating new foods fun.
Visit during the spring to see the cherry blossoms, but really, Tokyo is a year-round family destination.
4. Singapore
Great for: Fun in the sun and city
It’s not uncommon to see Singapore on a travel list of best family vacation destinations. Considering it is a city, it’s extremely clean, organized, and safe. Also, it’s easy to get around and full of adventurous fun for the whole family.
If you do nothing else while travelling with kids in Singapore, be sure to spend some time on Sentosa Island. Here you’ll find all the fun at Universal Studios, Adventure Cove Waterpark, Hard Rock Hotel, and iFly, indoor skydiving.
For a real treat and high-flyer experience, stay at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Guest access to the rooftop infinity pool is worth every cent. It’s also close to the Singapore Flyer and Gardens by the Bay.
5. Dubai, EAU
Great for: Opulent, resort-style family vacation
First of all, Dubai is an essential hotspot for families who love luxury and the finer things. A stay at Atlantis The Palm hotel may set you back, but imagine the look on the kids’ faces when you sit down to dinner in an aquarium.
Waterparks are enormous in this sandy city as the temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius. Guests of Atlantis receive free admission to Dubai’s largest waterpark, Aquaventure. For the most part, you’d never have to leave th hotel.
Indoor skiing, world’s highest tower (and gob-smacking elevator ride), Hello Kitty Day Spa (!), spectacular wildlife reserves, desert safaris, and the impressive Dubai Miracle Garden, which features an Emirates airplane covered in flowers, will keep everyone buzzing and dazzled.
6. Halifax, Nova Scotia
Great for: Families seeking fresh air and authentic Canadian culture
Sailboats, lobster, fish and chips, salt air, foggy mornings and a famous lighthouse are just a few reasons to spend a summer family holiday in Nova Scotia. The Halifax Waterfront is a buzzy hive of activity from Canada Day to Labour Day when seasonal shops and eateries welcome visitors while buskers entertain in the sunshine.
Little ones will love seeing Theodore Too bobbing up and down awaiting passengers to board for a harbour cruise. The ex-navy warship HMCS Sackville is another option for anyone who’s interested in all things seaworthy. Playgrounds, museums, take-out seafood, and well-deserved ice creams will fill a whole day at the waterfront.
The Public Gardens, Citadel Hill, The Commons playgrounds, and of course, a day trip to Peggy’s Cove offer ample opportunity for family holiday photos and memories.
7. Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Great for: Nature loving, active families
One of the best places to travel with kids in British Columbia is Vancouver Island. Not only is the capital city of Victoria teeming with cool things for kids and families, but the west coast of the island is an awesome family vacation spot for nature lovers.
Head to Tofino and Long Beach for a camping or glamping vacay with the kiddos. Families who love the outdoors will enjoy hiking, kayaking, surfing, boogie boarding, and wildlife spotting along the stunning coastline of the Pacific Rim Reserve.
8. Los Angeles, USA
Great for: Theme park-loving families
We couldn’t leave California of a list of best family vacations destinations. Besides, there’s more than Disneyland in Anaheim on offer, but if your family’s into theme parks, then LA is a no-brainer.
Universal Studios Hollywood has all your movie-themed high-adrenaline rides and themes. Knott’s Berry Farm has lots of rides for younger kids. LEGOLAND California is perfect for creative brains and their new waterpark opens in March 2019. If you can’t bear the thought of leaving, why not stay onsite at the LEGOland Castle Hotel?
Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Kids
Nickelodeon Hotel & Resort, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Great for: Fun-loving families with a sense of humour
The name Nickelodeon oozes humour, jokes, and tons of laughter. Who knew the infamous kids’ network had its own resort in the Caribbean?
The Nickelodeon Hotel & Resort in Punta Cana offers an all-inclusive option that serves up gourmet cuisine, drinks, personalized service, and a plethora of quirky activities. Before you ask, yes, there’s sliming. Love SpongeBob Squarepants? You can even stay in a pineapple with your own private butler (no, it’s not Squidward).
Barcelo Maya Palace, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Great for: Families who want to do a little, or do a lot
Nestled on the shores of the Caribbean Sea is the beautiful Barcelo Maya Palace in Playa del Carmen. The complex of five hotels features spacious family suites, six dining options, multiple swimming pools, gym, shopping centre, day spa, and fun activities. This all-inclusive resort is perfect for families with young kids and teens.
The Barcelo Kids Club and U-Kids Spa will entertain and educate kids aged 4-12 years old. Teens will stay busy at the mini golf course, swimming pools, water park or nearby beach. There’s also snorkelling, diving, and fishing excursions that leave from the resort’s private jetty (cost-based).
Disney Cruise Line
Great for: Families with kids aged 6 months and older
A cruise ship is just a giant floating resort, isn’t it? And what cruise line could be better for families than an all Disney liner? When you want a family holiday that offers minimum running around, a cruise is the way to go. The Disney Cruise Line includes your room, lots of food, oodles of entertainment, youth club access, nightlife, and a trip to Disney’s private island (Caribbean cruises only). Of course, there are onboard things like shopping and photography that cost extra.
With a wide range of ports of call, worldly destinations, and themed cruises to choose from, this could be the ultimate family vacation for people who just want to have fun.
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