Traveling with my 2 1/2-year-old has been an amazing and rewarding experience as a parent. While there are moments that can be tough, like when nap schedules go haywire or dealing with jet lag and an overtired toddler, seeing the world through a child’s bright eyes brings immense joy. Every challenging moment becomes worthwhile because of the sheer delight of exploring with my little one.
Certain places are more family-friendly due to various factors like a variety of activities, outdoor options, or hotels that cater to young guests. Looking ahead to 2024, I’m excited about exploring destinations that might not be the first to come to mind for family travel, such as Dubrovnik and Tokyo. At the same time, I want to highlight the kid-friendly aspects of beloved domestic cities like Charleston and New York City.
Here are ten fantastic family travel destinations to consider for your upcoming trips.
Tokyo, Japan
Yes, Tokyo is a big and bustling city with lots of bright lights and sounds, but that’s great for keeping active toddlers and kids engaged. Apart from the modern skyscrapers, historic temples, and fun places like Tokyo Disneyland, the capital of Japan is known for being very clean and having a welcoming attitude toward families with babies.
There are convenient spots for parking strollers, and you’ll find nursing rooms as well. Getting around the city and exploring different areas is easy, thanks to the user-friendly metro system. The same applies if you plan to take the bullet trains to places like Kyoto and Osaka.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Even if your kids haven’t watched Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik’s magical charm captivates travelers of all ages. It’s famous for its fairytale-like buildings and ancient city walls.
Here’s a tip: visit early to avoid big crowds and increase your chances of taking a family photo without lots of other tourists around.
The pleasant Mediterranean weather makes it a top choice in Dalmatia, perfect for visits throughout the year. However, Dubrovnik is especially delightful from late spring to early fall when the Adriatic coastline is bustling with vacationers exploring the nearby Elaphiti Islands, taking ferries to Lokrum, and enjoying kayaking adventures.
Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
Just a short 30-minute drive from Liberia International Airport, Peninsula Papagayo is like a private neighborhood with houses to rent and family-friendly resorts. We had a fantastic time celebrating my son’s first birthday at the Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica. They even have golf courses for parents to play and spas for relaxing while kids have fun at the kids’ club or with a babysitter.
Costa Rica’s pura vida lifestyle shines through with access to beautiful natural places. There are stunning beaches for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding. If you’re up for more adventures on the island, it’s easy to plan activities like zip-lining through the rainforest, horseback riding, and wildlife-watching tours.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam, the charming Dutch capital, might not be the first choice for a family vacation, but trust me, it’s an incredibly accessible and kid-friendly city that’s easy to explore by walking or biking.The airport has many direct flights every day, and ticket prices are usually reasonable, especially when buying multiple seats. Enjoy guided boat rides along the famous canals to learn about the city’s history.
Spend a whole day with the kids at the NEMO Science Museum, and when it comes to food, from pancakes and Dutch apple pie to fries and bitterballen, there are plenty of local treats that even picky eaters will enjoy.
New York City
Many parents may dismiss the “city that never sleeps” because of its constant energy. However, the advantage of this non-stop excitement? There’s always something to do — whether it’s watching a Broadway show (The Lion King and Aladdin are great for kids), experiencing the bright lights of Times Square, exploring a variety of restaurants, or having a blast at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan and the Museum of Ice Cream.
The paved Hudson River Greenway is stroller-friendly and has lots of grassy areas and playgrounds for kids to play and burn off energy. Central Park is the ultimate green space in the Big Apple, featuring a carousel, zoo, and large lawns.
Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve, Portugal’s sunny southern region, is a paradise for beach enthusiasts with its extensive sandy coast, glistening ocean, and a relaxed atmosphere that encourages instant relaxation.
Older adventure-seekers can enjoy learning to surf, while little ones can frolic in the warm water. Family-friendly hiking trails wind through breathtaking coastal landscapes, and there are hidden coves and sea caves waiting to be explored by boat.
Charming villages host casual eateries serving authentic local dishes like octopus rice and seafood stew. The Algarve is also budget-friendly, even during the peak summer season, making it an affordable option for families seeking a memorable holiday.
Fiji
For parents who don’t mind a longer flight, Fiji feels like a true getaway, leaving stress miles away. (FYI, there are direct overnight flights from Los Angeles International Airport to Nadi International Airport, so you might have some sleepy heads who snooze the entire time in the sky).
Upon arrival on the South Pacific island, it’s all about sandy beaches and crystal-clear water. As expected, it’s a popular spot for snorkeling. Fijian dance and language lessons provide great opportunities to introduce youngsters to the local culture.
The acclaimed resort VOMO has introduced new two-bedroom beachfront villas with bunk beds and paddle pools for tots.
Newport Beach, California
Many families on the West Coast save up vacation days for San Diego and Santa Barbara, but Newport Beach deserves attention too. Perfect for those seeking a blend of culture, nature, and nostalgic charm, this coastal city in Southern California impresses with its beaches, surf spots, harbor cruises, and delightful year-round weather.
Balboa Pier is dotted with restaurants and shops. The Balboa Fun Zone, a classic amusement park, brings joy to kids (and parents) with its rides and games. The Resort at Pelican Hill fully embraces the concept of a family vacation, offering amenities like youth yoga, pirate treasure hunts, and in-room tents.
Anguilla
An idyllic island in the Lesser Antilles, Anguilla is my preferred sun-soaked Caribbean spot for families seeking relaxation and sunshine. Its unspoiled, powdery beaches are perfect for building sandcastles and digging in the sand. The crystal-clear, tranquil waters beckon for swimming, snorkeling, and sailing.
Relaxed dining spots like the SunShine Shack offer freshly caught fish and ribs. For a more upscale experience, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla is a great choice, featuring a kids club, multiple swimming pools, and spacious accommodations.
The Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club is set to become a family haven with the upcoming opening of a water park and new kids and teens clubs in the months ahead.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, the informal capital of Southern charm, is a charming South Carolina city famous for attracting couples and bachelorette groups. However, it’s also a fantastic destination for families. The kid-friendly Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry and the South Carolina Aquarium are must-visit attractions.
Parents and older kids can enjoy historic walking tours along The Battery, where they can admire waterfront mansions (little ones might just point and smile at all the “big houses”). The city is dotted with parks, and the nearby islands offer a delightful change of pace.
Sullivan’s Island, for example, is car-free and perfect for biking and beach outings. Plus, you won’t need to negotiate with kids to savor delicious Lowcountry dishes like shrimp and grits.
Add comment