Vacations give us a chance to unwind and bond with the people we love most—our family. Deciding on the perfect thing to do can be tricky since you need to pick a place that’s enjoyable for everyone and kid-approved. Small kids thrive on new experiences, but they also need familiar routines and comfortable accommodations. To help you plan the perfect trip, we’ve created a list of vacation ideas tailored for families with small kids!
Local City Breaks
If you have babies or toddlers, you’ll want to get out of town without traveling too far, making urban destinations a perfect option. Decide whether you want to go to a local big city or stick to a smaller one. Typically, larger cities have museums, aquariums, and interactive science centers where you can participate in hands-on activities. On the other hand, small towns often have boutiques, parks, and local festivals that are perfect for families with young kids.
Not sure where to go? Think about the cities close to your home. If you live in Northern Illinois, you could go to Chicago, Milwaukee, or Madison. And if you live in Southern California, there’s Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Barbara. These cities offer a wide range of entertainment options for families with kids of all ages.
Parent Tip
As you look at local cities, note a possible excursion that your kids would love. Going to Chicago? Your little animal lover may adore Lincoln Park Zoo. By looking at what’s close by, you’ll have several outings to fill your days.
Beach Vacations
Beach trips are a classic choice because the sandy shore alone offers something for everyone; the kids can build sandcastles while parents lounge under the sun. When planning a beach vacation, consider the type of beach that suits your family’s needs. Generally, beaches along the Gulf of Mexico are fairly calm, making them ideal for families with toddlers and young swimmers. In other areas like Hawaii, the beaches are stunning, but the waves are stronger, which may be better suited for older children and experienced swimmers.
As you plan your trip, look for family-friendly beaches with calm waters, lifeguards, and nearby amenities like restrooms and snack bars. Many coastal destinations provide equipment rentals for beach wagons, umbrellas, and water toys, eliminating the need to pack bulky items. Beach vacations allow families to move at their own pace without strict schedules or time constraints.
Family-Friendly Resorts
Staying at an all-inclusive resort eliminates the stress of traveling by providing a place to stay and restaurant options. Some resorts even offer kids’ clubs that have supervised activities led by trained professionals, so the parents can take a little break and spend time together. Plus, resort amenities typically include family pools with shallow areas, splash pads, and water slides designed for different age groups.
Before looking at resorts, think about where you want to go. Do you want to visit a specific state or country? Are you looking for a beach vacation or a mountain retreat? Answering these questions will help narrow down your options and make it easier to choose the right resort for your family.
Camping Trips
There’s nothing like a bit of fresh air and getting out to explore nature! Camping introduces children to nature while providing affordable vacation options for budget-conscious families. National and state parks offer junior ranger programs that teach environmental stewardship through interactive activities and nature walks. Not to mention, you all can gather around the campfire to sing songs and roast marshmallows in the evening.
Choose established campgrounds with level sites and easy access to facilities rather than remote wilderness locations. Additionally, look for campgrounds that provide amenities like clean restrooms, playgrounds, and camp stores. This ensures that your family is comfortable and safe during your camping trip.
Parent Tip
If you’re not a fan of traditional camping, look for sites that offer cabin rentals. This way, you can still enjoy hiking, fishing, and exploring with your kids, but have the comforts of home throughout the trip.
Theme Park Stays
Theme parks are a dream destination for families, offering immersive entertainment experiences that cater to kids and adults alike. The designers created them with families in mind, featuring areas specifically for people of all age groups. If you have toddlers, you may stick to gentler rides, while older kids may prefer roller coasters. Likewise, some theme parks have characters and mascots that little ones can meet and interact with, while others offer thrilling shows and parades that everyone can enjoy.
Try planning a theme park stay during the offseason to avoid overwhelming crowds while enjoying reduced wait times. Typically, this means going in late spring or early fall. You may also want to look into multi-day deals, which allow you to explore the park at a more leisurely pace without feeling rushed.
Cruises
Similar to all-inclusive resorts, cruises offer a wide range of activities and amenities for all ages. These floating resorts often have multiple pools, water slides, mini-golf courses, movie theaters, live entertainment, and even kids’ clubs to keep little ones entertained while parents relax. One of the biggest advantages of a cruise vacation is the ability to visit multiple destinations without having to constantly pack and unpack, making it ideal for families who want to explore different cities or countries in one trip.
Tips for Planning Your Family Vacation
Once you have some vacation ideas that are suitable for families with small kids, it’s time to start planning. Here are some tips for the perfect trip.
Consider the Kids’ Ages When Planning Activities
The age of your children plays a big role in where you’ll go and what you’ll do. Toddlers may not be interested in long hikes or museum tours, but most would love playing in the sand or splashing around in a pool. Older kids may enjoy more adventurous activities like kayaking or zip-lining. Make sure to consider your children’s interests and abilities when planning activities to ensure everyone has a good time.
Choose the Right Luggage
Having the right luggage makes a difference no matter where you go. While most adults use spinner luggage, this can be hard for a child to juggle. Instead, consider kids' ride-on luggage for your little one. Unlike traditional options, ride-on luggage features handles and a seat, allowing your child to push themselves with their feet or have you pull them whenever they use it. This eliminates the need for a stroller, making it easier to navigate through busy airports and hotels.
Parent Tip
Younglingz has numerous options for ride-on luggage that your little one will love! Plus, our luggage works as an approved carry-on for most airlines.
Focus on Fun and Flexibility
While you may plan out every detail of your vacation, this isn’t what makes it perfect. A fun trip comes down to being flexible and open to new experiences as you enjoy the moment with your family. This is especially important when traveling with children, as they may have different ideas or needs throughout the trip. After all, it may be those unplanned moments that become the most treasured memories of your trip.
