Think having kids means pausing on planning your dream vacation? Think again. You can absolutely still travel with kids in tow, to a new destination in Canada or abroad. In reality, there’s a whole myriad of places you can travel with a toddler or baby, and this list is about to tell you about the best of them.
That’s why we made this list for all types of parents, from first-time explorers to thrill-seeking families. Keep reading to find the best places to travel (near or far) with your toddler or baby.
Flying with your child for the first time: top tips
Travelling with a baby can be nerve-wracking, especially if it’s your first time on a flight with your child. For your first trip with your baby or toddler, consider somewhere easily accessible by car or a domestic flight (with no layover!) where you’ll still feel comfortable and more at home. There’s a few other important things to consider when travelling with a baby or toddler, including:
- Are there good kid-friendly amenities at the destination?
- Does the place provide kid-friendly transportation services?
- The local laws for breastfeeding in public
- Are there paddling pools at the hotel?
- Are there any kids clubs at the hotel?
- Is the destination accessible for strollers?
- How long are the flights?
These top 5 family vacation destinations tick lots of the above boxes, so read up and you’ll be planning your kid-friendly getaway in no time.
Best place to travel with a toddler for the first time: Toronto, Ontario
Try a family-friendly getaway to one of Canada’s most exciting cities
When looking for places to travel with a baby or toddler, it’s important to consider what basic amenities you’d like to have access to during your trip with your child. Flying or driving to a domestic destination that can offer you access to shops and services you are familiar with can really take the stress out of a first-time trip.
A long weekend getaway to Toronto is a great place to start for a first-time vacation with the kiddos. Canada’s biggest city has an extensive public transport system, which you’ll find is very accommodating for families travelling with a stroller. The same goes for most public spaces in Toronto, as they have wide and giving sidewalks. Toronto also has a plethora of kid and baby-friendly activities to keep the entire family entertained.
First, take your little ones to Ripley’s Aquarium to meet some sharks and stingrays. If you’re visiting Toronto during the warmer months, visit one of the city’s many wading pools (which are supervised by City of Toronto staff for extra safety) or any of the Toronto Islands with a pre-planned picnic for a day spent lakeside. Other Toronto must-do attractions with kids include the Ontario Science Centre and the Toronto Zoo, as both provide lots of interaction to engage those young, curious minds.
And just FYI, the latest local laws for the city of Toronto state that all parents have the right to breastfeed/chestfeed their child in public. Same goes for the entire province of Ontario and Canada at large, as the practice is protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Breastfeeding is actually not illegal in most countries around the world (with the exception of a few), so it’s important to know and honour your right to breastfeed, if you so choose to do so with your child.
Where to stay with kids in Toronto
Need a place to rest your head after your exciting day in Toronto? The chic Gladstone Hotel is located in an area full of good food and family-friendly vibes. Although cribs can’t be added, children under 17 can use an extra bed for free. If a crib in the hotel room is a must, the very popular Chelsea Hotel is a hit with most tourists and in a walkable zone very close to the downtown core of Toronto.
Best beach destination to visit with a baby or toddler: Riviera Maya, Mexico
You can’t go wrong with the calm seas and adventurous opportunities in the Mayan Riviera
If you’re seeking a family getaway by the beach, look no further. Mexico’s Mayan Riviera is beautiful, affordable, and very family friendly. Aside from the fun to be had beach-side you’ll find the Riviera is packed with waterparks, playgrounds, and restaurants all designed with travelling parents (and their little ones) in mind.
We recommend looking for a kid-friendly all-inclusive resort on a beach club in the Mexico’s Mayan Riviera. This is because there are usually specially designed paddling pools, family suites, and all sorts of extra amenities for baby and toddler care such as beach toys and kids’ clubs. You’ll also have all your meals taken care of, so you can just focus on being there for your family and making some unforgettable memories in this beautiful part of Mexico.
Where to stay with kids in Riviera Maya
Azul Beach Resort has a gorgeous, kid-friendly property in Puerto Morelos, which is just a 45-minute drive away after a direct flight to Cancun from anywhere in Canada.
All rooms at the Azul come with a small mini fridge if you want to stock some pre-pumped breast milk for future baby feedings. There’s also a waterpark to enjoy with the kids, along with the 6 outdoor pools on-site. Oh, and Azul isn’t just kid-friendly — it’s kid-focused, with a special Toddler & Baby Inclusive program you can add on to your package, Gourmet Gerber meals for your baby to enjoy the lavish lifestyle, and even Fisher-Price Little People-themed family suites to make it all about them.
Best travel destination for the family looking for adventure: Portugal
From beach towns to bustling cities, Portugal is an ideal European destination for a travelling family
Portugal is a fantastic country to travel to with kids. There are direct connections to Lisbon, Porto, or the Azores from Toronto and Montreal, making Portugal one of the more accessible European destinations to get to from Canada.
But easy access isn’t this nation’s only charm. Life in Portugal revolves around the family, so not only will you be able to wander impressive ancient plazas, stroll along golden beaches, and eat flaky pastel de natas, you’ll be able to do it with baby in tow thanks to the excellent transport, amenities and hugely accommodating people. In a practical sense, there’s an efficient public transport system to help get around much of the country, and supermarkets where you can find all your baby and toddler essentials.
Breastfeeding is also really accommodated and respected in Portugal, even in public, so no need to worry; you’ll have no problem doing so in public or even on the street. Most malls and public spaces also have a breastfeeding room built in for added privacy.
Where to stay with kids in Portugal
If you’re sticking to the big city, the Martinhal Lisbon Chiado is known to be one of the most kid-friendly hotels in Lisbon’s bustling city centre, offering family-style suites and extra cribs.
As for de your craving a more seaside destination, Ericeira is a lovely beach town about 45 km northwest of Lisbon, only about an hour and 6.50 Euro bus ride away. Ericeira is overrun with baby and toddler-friendly activities, such as the Viveiros Batalha garden centre and zoo (which is free for kids, by the way). There’s also plenty of gorgeous beaches to choose from, so you’re not feeling too stuffed by the other visitors. Otherwise there is the famous Algarve, where European families flock every summer for sun and sea.
Best vacation destination for the budget-conscious family: Bratislava, Slovakia
Get some quality family time in this underrated central European city
Countries where your Canadian dollar can go far and are safe and accessible for babies include parts of central Europe, such as deeply underrated and stunningly beautiful Slovakia. Let us introduce you to its capital city of Bratislava, an ideal kid-friendly destination. The city is exciting but small and cozy, easy to get around, and full of gorgeous sightseeing options. Your child will be as relaxed as you will be as you push them around the cobblestone streets munching on a bryndzové halušky (a traditional Slovakian potato dumpling).
Slovakian people are often quite creative and are more than happy to support you when it comes to looking for quiet places to breastfeed or change your baby. Bloggers have reported that when needed, staff at restaurants are happy to usher you to a quiet corner of their place, or push some tables together to offer you or the breastfeeding parent some privacy. Breastfeeding in public is legal and very widely normalized in Europe, so don’t worry about getting any weird looks. You won’t!
Where to stay in Bratislava with kids
For accommodation, The LOFT Hotel in the core of Bratislava is a great place to stay, is close to the train station, and offers spacious rooms for families. For those needing a bit more of home’s comfort in the room, a classic chain hotel like the Radisson Blu, which offers extra beds and cribs at no additional cost for children under 2.
One of the best ways to get to Bratislava from Canada is to fly direct to Vienna, Austria. After Vienna, it’s a quick 1.5-hour train ride to downtown Bratislava.
Best vacation spot to spend quality time as a family: Banff National Park
Make everlasting memories with the family in one of Canada’s top national parks
If you want a nature escape but with all the amenities, we recommend a family-friendly national park like Banff. Here, you can rent a cabin or stay at a resort to get some quality family time – it might be just what you need for a short and sweet family getaway.
Banff National Park is a feast for all senses, from its stunning scenery to its fresh air scents, but make sure you remember to pack some extra layers for yourself and your little one, if you’re going in the summer. If you’re planning to do some hiking on one or more of the dozens of trails around, you might find yourself getting a little chilly if you climb a little higher than planned – and watch out for that, too, as babies can be more sensitive to altitude than adults, and anything over 1,500 metres results in lower air pressure that requires adjustment.
Take the Banff Airporter shuttle to get to your destination if you plan on flying in from Calgary. Children under five ride for free, so why not take advantage? Then, get ready to show your little ones the beauty of Canada’s nature. Go on a kid-friendly canoe ride on the turquoise waters of Lake Louise, find a flat path to hike if you’re planning on bringing a stroller (like the Banff Legacy Path, which is entirely paved), and of course, walk around the streets of Banff, which is a charming town all on its own.
Where to stay in Banff with kids
Camping with a little one can be a bit of a challenge, but if you’re up for it, you can find camping passes for families here. Alternatively, you can enjoy a more glamorous stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs which offers free beds and free cribs for children under three.
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Want to read more?
- Check out these top tips for flying with a baby
- All you need to know about flight cancellations and refunds
- These underrated travel destinations are worth the trip
