The Ultimate Vacation Guide: 10 Family-Friendly Destinations That Will Delight Everyone
Vacations are all about spending time together, making unforgettable memories and having a lot of fun. But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to start. To simplify things, here’s a list of 10 family-friendly destinations that are sure to delight everyone.
1. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho
The vast and spectacular Yellowstone National Park is a must-visit for any family. Completely encompassing three states, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, Yellowstone offers an unparalleled array of geothermal features such as hot springs, grand waterfalls, deep canyons, and over 10,000 geysers. Touring the park is a great way to learn about nature and conservation, providing your kids with unique, educational experiences that they won’t forget. There’s lots of fun to be had in the park too – including visiting a natural bison herd, spotting wolves, bears and other elusive wildlife, and exploring ancient forests.
2. Disney World, Florida
What list of family-friendly destinations would be complete without Disney World? Located in the sunny city of Orlando, Florida, the Disney World Resort is a playground full of amazing attractions. Start your vacation at Magic Kingdom where you can ride classic rides, like the Haunted Mansion and Pirates Of The Caribbean, before moving onto one of the four other amazing Disney Theme Parks: Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, or Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. Then don’t forget to take in some of the incredible shows and parades or check out the shopping and dining opportunities!
3. Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
If you’re looking for a unique and exciting family vacation, then Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories of Canada is a great choice. Adventurers can explore ancient mountains and pristine forests and view some of the world’s rarest animal species, such as polar bears and caribou. There are also a variety of activities to participate in, including river paddling, fishing, kayaking, and even dog-sledding. With breathtaking views and a vibrant nightlife, Yellowknife is sure to provide your family with the ultimate outdoor adventure.
4. Santa Fe, New Mexico
For those looking to explore a unique and iconic city, Santa Fe is the perfect destination. This charming city retains the spirit of the American West, with plenty of art galleries, interesting architecture, and natural wonders like the Santa Fe National Forest and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Other attractions include the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum — a must-see for any art-loving family — as well as golf courses, Spanish-style cuisine, and hot-air balloon rides.
5. Atlantis, Bahamas
Located on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, the Atlantis resort is an all-inclusive destination that offers something for everyone. With an incredible array of water parks, beach-style swimming pools, and water-slides — you’ll never run out of fun activities for the whole family. There’s also a golf course, daily dive-in movies, a spa, fire pits, and even a casino — ensuring that everyone gets a chance to experience something new.
6. Lake Placid, New York
Situated in the High Peaks region of Upstate New York, Lake Placid is a great destination for families looking to spend time outdoors. Activities include hiking, rock-climbing, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing on the crystal clear Mirror Lake, as well as the unique opportunity to experience the Olympic Bobsled and Luge Ride, which was featured in the 1932 Winter Olympics.
7. Washington D.C.
Being the nation’s capital, D.C. is full of iconic landmarks and attractions. There’s something for all ages — from visiting the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and the Lincoln Memorial, to spotting the pandas at the zoo. Plus, there’s plenty of award-winning family-friendly dining and shopping opportunities. D.C. is also known for its vibrant nightlife and live music venues, so adults can slip away for a date night if the mood takes you.
8. Niagara Falls, Canada
The magnificent Niagara Falls is the perfect family destination. View the falls from multiple angles on both the Canadian and American sides, or hop aboard one of the iconic Maid Of The Mist boat tours for an unforgettable ride. There’s also a wide range of activities to engage in — from wildlife watching and adventure-based amusement parks, to exploring the many wineries and shops in the area.
9. Atlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City is an iconic destination that’s known for its boardwalk and casinos, but it’s also home to world-class family attractions, too. There’s a huge range of activities, ranging from water sports, roller-coasters, and carnival rides to nature trails and miniature golf. Add to this the superb shopping and dining opportunities and you’ve got the perfect family vacation.
10. New York City
To close this list, no vacation would be complete without a trip to the ‘Big Apple.’ New York City, offers something for everyone — whether you’re a fan of history and culture, enjoy museums and galleries, or even love to shop. Don’t forget to explore the iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, Statue Of Liberty and Rockefeller Center, or try out horse-and-carriage rides in Central Park and ice skating at the Rink in Bryant Park.
Wherever you choose to take your family, from the majestic Yellowstone National Park to the vibrant and exciting city of New York, the most important thing is to keep the fun going and make lasting memories together. Afterall, when families take time to explore the world together, it can create a lifelong bond that lasts beyond the vacation.
