5 Easy, Family-Friendly Vacation Destinations to Explore with Kids
Planning a vacation that’s exciting for kids but still relaxing for parents doesn’t have to be complicated. I mean, let's get real, it is always going to be a LITTLE complicated with kids because of logistics, gear, kids energy levels, adjusting to a new place, etc. But if you go into the trip with a prepared and flexible mindset, it can go great!
A big trick in making everything go smoothly is choosing destinations that are naturally family-friendly. Think places with simple logistics, lots of kid-approved activities, and built-in fun for every age. From sunny California beaches to the fjords of Norway, these five spots are places that we have been (a little mix of spot in the US and a few international faves) that make travel feel worth it (and unforgettable).
1. San Diego, California
Why It’s Great
San Diego has that magic combination of sunshine, beaches, and endless kid-friendly attractions. It’s easy to get around, the weather is gorgeous year-round, and there’s a mix of outdoor fun and cultural experiences that appeal to every age group. As locals here, there's so many things I can recommend here. Guaranteed everyone will find something to love here. If you want a FULL guide on our favorite San Diego places, check out my other post here.
Top Things to Do
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San Diego Zoo: home to over 12,000 animals and consistently ranked among the best zoos in the world. Just make sure you bring a stroller. It's a lot of walking!
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Coronado Beach: wide, soft sand perfect for toddlers and sandcastle-builders. We love to rent bikes here and ride around the island. It's so fun!
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La Jolla Cove: spot sea lions and explore the tide pools. La Jolla Shores beach is nearby and it a perfect tiny wave beach so it's great for little kids. Heads up if you come in summer though, get here early because it gets nuts with parking.
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Balboa Park: museums, gardens, and playgrounds all in one place. It's a gorgeous place to spend the afternoon.
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Belmont Park: an old-school boardwalk with rides, games, and ice cream shops.
Best Time to Visit
July through October brings warm weather and long beach days, though winter’s mild climate makes San Diego an easy year-round option. Personally we love beach days in August here the most.
Where to stay:
Where you want to stay depends a lot on the activities you're doing. There's so many options, but here's a few faves:
Downtown Courtyard by Marriott: Quick to get to from the airport and good for bigger families. It's also close to everything.
Omni La Costa Family Resort: The spa here is incredible and great for a little relaxing time. It's close to tons of great beaches and Legoland for a fun family day. The pools here are so fun for kids too.
What Type of Family Will Love It
Perfect for laid-back families who love a balance of beach days and light adventure. If your ideal day includes sunshine, a picnic, and maybe a trip to the zoo or aquarium, San Diego is your happy place.
2. 30A, Florida
Why It’s Great
Stretching along Florida’s Emerald Coast, 30A is a collection of charming seaside towns. Think white-sand beaches, pastel cottages, and bike paths instead of highways. The calm Gulf waters and small-town atmosphere make it stress-free and relaxing. We have been here multiple times with our whole family and it's a great spot for family reunions, laid back quality time on the beach, and exploring the fun towns.
Top Things to Do
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Bike the Timpoochee Trail between Seaside, WaterColor, and Rosemary Beach.
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Beach-hop between Grayton Beach, Seaside, and Alys Beach. Look up what beaches need passes and which are open to the public! The beaches here are incredible and SO warm. We love to bring some floaties to blow up and let the kids play around on in the shallow water.
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Catch an outdoor movie or concert at The Hub or Seaside Amphitheater. This is so fun to do on summer nights.
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Try local favorites like shrimp tacos, fresh grouper, or the famous donuts from Charlie’s.
Best Time to Visit
Late April to early June or September to October when it's warm enough for swimming, but not too hot or crowded.
Where to stay:
We have rented houses when we have a big group, or you can check out one of these top rated hotels:
WaterColor Inn & Resort: This spot is SO family-friendly. The pools are amazing and it has beach access which is important if you're in this area of 30A. The area the hotel is in is very walkable, which I love. They also have family suites with 2 rooms so everyone can fit!
What Type of Family Will Love It
Ideal for families who crave relaxation! The kind who pack beach games, books, and bikes instead of itineraries. If you love slow mornings, evening walks by the water, and simple coastal living, 30A is your perfect match.
3. Norway’s West Coast (The Fjords Region)
Why It’s Great
Norway’s west coast feels like a storybook come to life. Towering cliffs, mirror-still water, and postcard-worthy villages make it one of Europe’s most beautiful regions. It’s clean, organized, and incredibly safe which makes it perfect for families ready to explore nature without sacrificing comfort. We took an RV around the west coast of Norway and absolutely loved our time here. It was such a fun family trip and is a great one to start off dipping your toes into international travel. If you want a full guide or Norway and a map with tons of bookmarked family-friendly places, check out my guide here.
Top Things to Do
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Cruise through the fjords from Bergen or Flåm, you might spot seals and waterfalls along the way. We did a RIB speedboat fjord tour in Flåm and it was such a blast.
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Ride the Flåmsbana Railway, one of the world’s most scenic train rides. We didn't do this because we had the RV, but if you don't do an RV, this is highly recommended.
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Wander Bryggen Wharf in Bergen, a colorful UNESCO World Heritage Site. We only stayed here for half a day and I wish we had stayed longer. The town is so cool and beautiful!
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Take easy family hikes with views over Geirangerfjord or Trollstigen. Bring a carrier for little kids. The views here are out of this world.
- Visit Viking Village in Gudvangen. This was a highlight of the trip for the kids. They loved learning about Viking culture and experiencing Viking life.
Best Time to Visit
June through August, when the days are long and the scenery is at its greenest. We visited in September and it was a tiny bit chilly but there were NO crowds. And it was just at the cusp of the end of tourist season, so everything was still open
Where to stay:
This is a great spot to take an RV if you're feeling up for it! We fit our family of 6 into an RV, the roads are easy to drive, and it made the trip so affordable and easy because we could just drive it a new spot every night. Their "right to roam" policy makes it easy to stop and camp on open land for the night, and there's lot of RV and camping parks too. We rented our RV through McRent.
What Type of Family Will Love It
Best for adventurous and nature-loving families who want to trade theme parks for real-life wonder. If your kids love exploring, wildlife, and big open landscapes, this is a once-in-a-lifetime destination.
4. New Zealand (South Island Focus)
Why It’s Great
New Zealand is one giant outdoor playground! It's full of lakes, mountains, glowworm caves, and friendly locals. It’s safe, English-speaking, and surprisingly easy to drive and navigate, making it perfect for families who love to explore freely. This is another great spot to try out if you want to start doing some international travel in an easy way.
Top Things to Do
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Queenstown: gondola rides, luge tracks, lake cruises, and mountain views. This town is so beautiful. The kids swam, we explored the shops, and just loved our time here so so much.
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Milford Sound: cruise past waterfalls and watch for dolphins or seals. We did a helicopter ride over here from Queenstown and it was incredible. Then we did a cruise through the sound. Highly recommend this!
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Wanaka Lavender farm — Such a fun spot to take the kids. There's beautiful flower fields and tons of lavender. Don't forget to grab some lavender ice cream. We also had dinner near here at a place called Hook and LOVED it. You can catch your own fish and then they cook it right there for you!
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Akaroa Penguin tour — we loved doing this with the kids! You get to drive out with guides to see the Blue Penguin colony out there, learn about their conservation efforts, and get up close and personal with the penguins.
Best Time to Visit
December through March for sunny, warm weather, or September–November for wildflowers and smaller crowds.
Where to stay:
This is a great spot to take an RV as well! There were so many places we wanted to see on the south island, so doing an RV so we could see it all just made sense.
What Type of Family Will Love It
Ideal for active, adventurous families who love the outdoors. If you love hiking, kayaking, road-tripping, and exploring at their own pace, this place is for you. If you’re the kind of crew that packs hiking boots and swimsuits in the same suitcase, New Zealand is your dream trip.
5. Vancouver, Canada
Why It’s Great
Vancouver offers the best of both worlds, stunning natural beauty and all the comforts of a modern city. We love it so much here and have been many times with the kids. With beaches, mountains, and urban parks just minutes apart, it’s easy to fill your days without ever feeling rushed.
Top Things to Do
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Bike the Stanley Park Seawall, one of the most scenic rides in North America. It's an easy ride with kids and there's lots of family-friendly bike shops to rent from nearby.
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Explore Granville Island’s Kids Market, packed with crafts, toys, and treats. It gets crowded on weekends, so try to go on a week day. We love grabbing food from the market here for lunch. And don't miss the old broom shop where they hand make brooms!
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Ride the gondola up Grouse Mountain or walk the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Both of these things are just a short drive from downtown Vancouver. They're a bit pricey, but are such fun experiences in my opinion. I'd pick one and budget it in.
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Visit Vancouver Island: Wow we love this place! We go up to Tofino and it's the most beautiful spot to relax with the family. It's a bit of a drive, but we love to stay at Pacific Sands Beach Resort. Stunning views, right on the water, and perfect for relaxing, playing at the beach as a family, and enjoying quality time.
Best Time to Visit
May through September for warm weather and outdoor activities. December brings festive lights and cozy winter charm.
Where to stay:
In Vancouver, it's fun to stay somewhere close in the city so you can get around using their subway system (which is super easy and family-friendly btw!). Here's where I recommend:
Fairmont Waterfront: The location is fantastic. And it's so family-friendly. They explicitly offer a “Family Package” with added perks like board-games, in-room movie each day, kid-friendly snacks, and children under a certain age dine free.
What Type of Family Will Love It
Perfect for families who love variety and exploration — part city-sightseer, part outdoor adventurer. If your family likes a mix of culture, food, and nature (and can’t choose between hiking boots or city sneakers), Vancouver checks every box.
Final Thoughts
Family travel doesn’t have to be complicated or chaotic. The hardest part is just starting, but once you have that momentum, you'll feel so much more capable of doing another trip. So start easy! The best trips are often the ones that blend simplicity with adventure, where the memories happen naturally between the plans.
Whether you’re chasing sunsets on 30A, watching your kids marvel at sea lions in San Diego, or cruising through Norway’s fjords, these destinations make it easy to say “yes” to travel with kids.
So grab your passports, pack the snacks, and get ready for a new kind of family adventure where everyone gets to have fun.
And as always, if you have questions about destinations, or want to run an itinerary by me or need some recommendations for family-friendly places or activities, you can always send me a DM on Instagram or TikTok!