Discover the best family vacation destinations around the world, as well as what there is to do and see at these destinations that make them so perfect for a family vacay.
From helicopter tours, to road trips, city explorations, sight-seeing, and adventures in nature, family vacations present kids the opportunity to discover the richness of this beautiful world.
For adults, nothing beats a spa treatment, golfing a day away, sharing intimate moments with a partner overlooking spectacular backdrops, or for the whisky geek – hopping from one distillery to another, touring and tasting.
Finding the perfect balance between adult and kiddie fun is easy. For family vacations with ‘something for everyone’, consider these top 5 destinations:
- Islay, Scotland
The island of Islay is a whisky capital, and a hidden treasure for those seeking a remote destination for a quiet vacation with kids.
Kids get a kick out of playing at the beach, connecting with nature and wildlife, fishing, bird watching, pony trekking, cycling, and kayaking.
There many things to do in Islay and you can pack in more with the Whisky and Irons Islay Escape Package. Arrive in a private chartered flight and check in to the luxurious Machrie Hotel—the most strategic place for vacation makers seeking to unwind, have fun at the beach with kids, go kayaking, and visit distilleries.
Enjoy a full Scottish breakfast overlooking Laggan Bay—a pristine beach spanning seven miles– and then kick off your family vacation with a guided distillery tour to two distilleries, followed by a quick stop at four others if you wish.
The Isle of Islay’s eight distilleries include Ardbeg, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, and the famous Kilchoman Distilleries featuring Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroaig on the south coast.
The picturesque Kilchoman Distilleries are a stone’s-throw away from the Machrie Hotel. Kids are welcome, and their visitors’ center has a restaurant where you can enjoy a sumptuous meal ahead of the tour.
Taking advantage of PureGray Spa’s treatment (included in the package), spend 50 minutes of pampering to relax your muscles and mind. The gym and sauna are great options too, as is golfing at Machrie’s golf course.
For a view of Islay from the water, go kayaking to the Goat Island. Seals love following from behind—truly a sight to behold!If you are lucky, you’ll get flapjacks and hot chocolate as you enjoy a view of the colorful landscape.
- Maui, Hawaii
For a perfect family vacation in Hawaii, ‘Maui no ka ‘oi’ locals say, meaning, ‘Maui is the best’. Maui is primed as a family vacation destination because of its thriving wildlife, intriguing history and culture, an array of fun options–in and out of town, a great cuisine exploration scene, and a climate that allows for outdoor activities.
One of the many things you can do in Maui is to attempt the Jungle Treasure Hunt Adventure where you get to hike, swim, and hunt for hidden treasures. They cater for kids as young as 4, and they too have roles to play. Rainforest and Waterfall adventure in Kahului is popular with families too.
If you love water sports, and marine biology, the Maui Ocean Centerwill be a treat. Kids will get hands-on experience with marine life, they will love snorkeling trips from Wailuku—which will also give them a chance to come up close with sea turtles.
Road trips present an opportunity to soak in the beauty of Maui, and one of the best is a drive to the Haleakala volcano—popularly known as Maui’s sleeping volcano.
Winding up, explore Honolua in a comfortable luxury vehicle for a view of the scenic West Maui Mountains and breathtaking cliffs, followed by a swim at Fleming Beach, and a visit to local art galleries for your gift shopping.
3. Branson, Missouri
You have endless options for tours and fun activities to enjoy in Branson. Fun things to do include WonderWorks experiences—the interactive sandbox, bubble room, Xtreme 360 bikes, and illusion art gallery.
According to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions poll, Branson is also home to one of the Top 10 Amusement Parks in the US. Silver Dollar City, which sprawls over 100 acres, offers on-park entertainment, festivals, over 40 rides and attractions including Time Traveler—which is the “world’s tallest, steepest and fastest complete-circuit spinning roller coaster,” according to USA Today 10 Best.
There are many places to bond over interactive activities too, some conveniently found in one place, e.g., Branson’s Amusement Park, Water Park, Lincoln Logs, Hot Wheels track, and the coin-operated rides at the World’s Largest Toy Museum.
Kids get a kick out of the World’s Largest Toy Museum, as do adults enjoying a walk down memory lane. As kids enjoy dressing up as superheroes and looking at a collection of over a million toys, you’ll go back time in seeing ‘…toys you had, toys you wished you’d had, toys you wish you had back and toys you forgot all about having had’ says the USA Today Top 10.
- Honolulu, Oahu
Honolulu is a metropolitan capital city at the heart of Oahu Island. Like all of Hawaii, the Alohavibe of peace, love and compassion is not lost in Honolulu. The locals are charming, warm, and convivial. There’s never a dull moment, and kids are free to be kids.
It’s a top destination for families seeking luxury, entertainment, stunning scenery, pristine white beaches, and countless engaging fun activities.
There are hundreds of things to do in Oahu. They can be classified broadly (but not exhaustively) into adventures, cruises and water tours, air balloon and helicopter tours, day trips and excursions, private tours, sightseeing, theme parks, walking and cycling tours, water activities and extreme sports, and cuisine tours.
- San Diego, California
San Diego always features among top destinations for family vacations. From the wildlife at San Diego Zoo which includes polar bears and pandas, to kid-friendly attractions like SeaWorld San Diego where a theme park, oceanarium and aquarium are all wrapped into one fascinating attraction, your family vacation will be fun in San Diego.
The other top attraction for families in San Diego is Balboa Park. Head out to La Jolla Cove by boat for breathtaking views, a close look at seals, sea cucumbers, tropical fish and other marine creatures. Swimming, diving, and snorkeling are fun options too.
If you are a fan of beach and water sports, have La Jolla Shores Park on your to-go places. The water is warm and the wave breaks are gentle.
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