7 amazing family friendly travel destinations you will love from real parents

7 Awesome Travel Destinations You Will Love From Real Parents

When a family grows by one or more little humans, traveling can get a whole lot more complicated. Of course, there are so many different factors that make it challenging but I found that finding a destination to travel that is family friendly shouldn’t be one of them but a particular one that many parents ask about. So, I did some of the work for you, here are 7 awesome family-friendly travel destinations you will love from real parents.

Winter Destinations

If your family love the snow and cold weather activities these winter family-friendly travel destinations from real parents.

1. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada, USA

If you are a snow bunny and enjoy a snowy destination, Lake Tahoe makes a great family friendly travel destination. It is a great Winter travel destination as there are many winter sports and snow activities such as skiing, snowboarding and sledding. 

Activities recommended by parents:

Snow Play: Lake Tahoe offers snow tubing, sledding and snowshoeing which don’t require lessons and are also doable for younger children.

Kid-friendly Ski Schools: Many of the resorts in Lake Tahoe offer specialized ski schools for kids as young as 3 and 4 years old. They incorporate games to keep their interest and make it fun.

Ice Skating: The South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena is a recommendation from parents. They have family friendly ice skating sessions. 

Lake Tahoe is a great travel destination if your family love winter destinations and snow sports. Check out the 7 awesome travel destinations recommended by real parents

Parent Tip: Since many of the resorts offer ski schools for young children, there are also many kid-friendly snow play areas! Make sure you pack your snow gear for your little ones. If you come from an area where snow gear is not a common outfit many shops in Lake Tahoe offer affordable rentals for kids. 

What’s the cost?

A family trip to Lake Tahoe sounds nice but how much is it? All those ski lessons don’t sound cheap. But it is quite affordable. 

Accommodation: You’re looking at $150 – $300 per night for family-friendly hotels or rental properties

Ski Passes: If lessons aren’t needed passes to hit the slopes range between $100-$150 per day per adult. Kids under 5 years of age often ski free and youth passes (age range of 6-12 years old) range from $50-$100 per day per youth. 

Activity Costs: Snow tubing is about $30-$50 per person for a few hours.

Snowshoe Rentals: $10-$20 per day 

Ice skating: About $15-$25 per person and it includes the skate rentals

2. Lapland, Finland

According to these parents this is the “ultimate winter wonderland for families”. They have fun Christmas activities to really bring that winter wonderland feel around full circle. Finland is another awesome family friendly travel destination recommended by real parents.

Activities recommended by parents:

Santa Claus Village: There is a Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi where you can meet Santa! It is open all year-round but if you go in the winter time, it adds to the magical atmosphere with the lights and snow. 

If you love snowy destinations, check out the 7 awesome travel destinations recommended by real parents

Reindeer and Husky Rides: Kids love this magical ride through snowy forests with reindeer or huskies. Not only does it provide an amazing memory for the kids, it also offers an opportunity to learn about traditional Sami culture. 

Snow Activities: If you’ve never tried snowmobiling, you can in Finland where a guide can safely allow you to experience the thrill. There is also an Ice Hotel that you can check out!

Parent Tip: Be sure to bring warm clothing with you during your outings as temperatures can drop drastically. Pack multiple layers of warm clothing and keep the kids entertained with simple, sun winter games like snowball fights and snow angels. The snow is magical there. 

What’s the cost?

If you’re coming from the Americas like me, other than the flight, I think you will be pleasantly surprised to see that the accommodation costs are quite reasonable. 

Accommodation: $120-$150 per night for family rooms or cabins (See! Very affordable!)

Santa Claus Village: Entry is free, however activities like meeting Santa and reindeer rides can cost between $30-$50 per child. 

Winter Activities: Husky Sledding $90-$150 per person

Snowmobiles: Family tours are around $100-$150 per person, but some tours offer child discounts.

Ice Hotel: Entry is also free but activities within can be pricey. Each activity can be $30-$50 per person. 

For those who want to escape their cold winter for warmer climates but still love to explore check out:

3. Canary Islands, Spain

If you’re looking for a warmer winter getaway, the Canary Islands is recommended by these parents since it offers mild temperatures and beautiful beaches. Families are welcome to explore volcanic landscapes and can visit waterparks. 

Parent Tip: Stay at resorts that offer all-inclusive amenities to simplify dining and activities. 

Unfortunately I wasn’t able to get a cost breakdown but still wanted to share because, uh it’s spain and who doesn’t want an excuse to go to spain. 

Spring Destinations

4. Kyoto, Japan

Springtime in Kyoto is breathtaking, said a mom with kids. Viewing the temples and gardens surrounded by cherry blossoms. Kids will enjoy the railway museum and the bamboo grove. 

Activities recommended by parents:

Looking for a wonderful spring get-away that is family-friendly? Find out where on the blog

Kyoto Railway Museum: Your kids will love exploring real trains, watching train simulators in action and learning about Japan’s rail history. 

Fushimi Inari Shrine: Walking through the beautiful iconic red torii gates. This will likely be more enjoyable for older kids. 

Bamboo Forest: Take a gentle walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. There is also a kid-friendly scenic train ride through the forest. 

Parent Tip: Use the JR Pass for family-friendly travel across Japan. Kyoto is stroller-friendly but be prepared for some uneven terrain in places like the bamboo grove. 

What’s the cost?

Flight and accommodation can be pricey but the activities are wonderfully kind to the wallet. 

Accommodation: $100-$250 per night for family-friendly hotels. In Japan you’re likely going to be in a small space so something to be prepared for.

Kyoto Railway Museum: Entry cost $5-$10 per person

Fushimi Inari Shrine: Entry is free!

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Free entry but nearby attractions such as the monkey park costs $5-$10 per person. 

Summer Destinations

If you’re looking for outdoor adventures, beaches and theme parks, here are some recommendations from real parents. 

5. Crete, Greece

Crete has beautiful beaches and amazing ancient ruins that make a wonderful family vacation destination. 

Beaches, sunny days and many outdoor adventures then check out where to go in my blog post: 7 awesome travel destinations recommended by real parents

Activities recommended by parents:

Beach Fun: The beaches on Crete are shallow which makes it easy for young children to enjoy. Elafonissi Beach is known for its soft pink sand. 

Heraklion Archaeological Museum: Although little kids might not be able to fully appreciate ancient ruins this museum offers many hands-on experiences with replicas and interactive exhibits making it fun for all ages. 

Knossos Palace: Kids will marvel at the grand ruins of the ancient Minoan civilization and explore the labyrinth. 

Parent Tip: Opt to stay in family-friendly resorts with pools and child care options. Visit the island’s many farm experiences, yes you heard right, FARM. Where kids can interact with animals and learn about local agriculture. 

What’s the cost?

Accommodation: $80-$250 per night for family-friendly hotels or rentals properties

Knossos Palace: Entry around $15-$20 per adult, kids under 18 years old are typically free. 

Crete Beaches: FREE! However you may want to rent beach chairs and umbrellas. Available for $10-$20 per day. 

Cretaqurium: Entry cost $12-$15 per person 

6. San Diego, California, USA

San Diego has great beaches, theme parks like SeaWorld and the Zoo. The sunny weather in the summer is perfect for outdoor fun! It is an awesome family friendly travel destination.

Activities Recommended by parents:

San Diego Zoo: Famous for its vast animal collection. The zoo is ideal for kids to see animals up close such as pandas, elephants, and koalas. 

Legoland California Resort: Wonderful for younger children. Legoland features themed rides, interactive areas, and a Mini-land made from Lego bricks. 

Beaches: Coronado Beach is calm and perfect for little ones to play in the sand and shallow water. 

Parent Tip: Rent a stroller for the zoo or parks to help with walking long distances. Book tickets in advance for Legoland and take advantage of the park’s “Parent Swap” feature if your kids are too young for certain rides. 

What’s the cost?

Accommodation: $150-$300 per night in family-friendly hotels near the beach or parks. 

San Diego Zoo: $60-$70 per adult and $50 per child (ages 3-11)

Legoland California Resort: Around $100-$120 per person for single-day tickets. 

Beach Access: Free for most beaches but parking can cost between $5-$20 per day.

Fall Destinations

7. Bavaria, Germany

Famous for its charming castles such as Neuschwanstein, beer gardens, and scenic autumn landscapes. Also if you go in the fall you get to experience Oktoberfest with kid-friendly activities. 

Activities recommended by parents:

Visit Castles: Neuschwanstein Castle is the iconic fairy-tale castle that your kids will love. Many castles have family-friendly tours that focus on myths and legends. 

Fall destinations that are family friendly on the blog.

Oktoberfest: The Munich Oktoberfest offers family-friendly days with amusement rides, games and Bavarian music. 

Visit a Traditional Farm: The Bavarian countryside offers family-friendly activities like visiting working farms, where children can see animals and help with simple farm chores.

Parent Tip: Visit nearby nature parks for family-friendly hikes. Make sure you pack warm layers as evenings can get chilly. Look for family rooms in guesthouses or hotels. 

What’s the cost?

Accommodation: $100-$200 per night for family rooms

Neuschwanstein Castle: Entry around $15-$20 per adult, children usually get a discounted entry around ($15-$30)

Oktoberfest: Free entry to the festival grounds, but food, drinks, and rides can cost $15-$30 per person.

Farm Visits: Around $5-$15 per person. 

Adventure Destination

Here is one extra travel destination recommended by parents who love adventure!

Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown is known to be the adventure capital of the world for its adventure sports and offers plenty of other fun outdoor activities such as biking, hiking and jet boating

Are you a family who loves that adrenaline rush? Check out what real parents recommendation for those adventure sports enthusiats

Activities recommended by parents:

Jet Boating & Bungee Jumping (for older kids): Check out the fun jet boating tours. If you have older kids they might even love the chance to try bungee jumping!

Hiking: There are many family-friendly trails, including those around Lake Wakatipu, where kids can enjoy a short hike with scenic views.

Skyline Gondola: Take a ride up the mountain for breathtaking views. At the top, you can enjoy a luge ride, which is great for kids. 

Parent Tip: The Skyline Gondola for stunning views and to access easy hiking trails. Queenstown has a very laid back vibe with plenty of activities for adrenaline junkies and families. Check out local farms that offer animal feeding sessions for younger children. 

What’s the cost?

Accommodation: $120-$300 per night for family-friendly lodgings

Skyline Gondola: Approximately $25-$35 per adult and $15-$25 per child.

Jet Boating: Around $60-$120 per person for a 30-minute ride

Bungee Jumping: Not recommended for young children but for older children (12 years and up) and adults, costs range from $150-$250 per person. 

I hope these 7, well, actually 8, family friendly travel destinations from real parents with a breakdown of activities and approximate costs will help you plan your next family trip! If you have additional locations and activities to add to the list, please share them in the comments below! 

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