Whatever type of vacationers your family is, from beachgoers to culture enthusiasts, these top vacation spots offer something for everyone. From top-rated cities to national parks, each destination provides the ideal combination of fun and education.
Recharge on Florida beaches or experience Miami arts with these top family getaways. Additionally, visit quaint Southern towns rich with history and nature for some enchanting outdoor exploration or take the kids to mega theme parks for unforgettable family fun!
Orlando
Orlando is known as “The Theme Park Capital of the World,” making it an incredible destination for family vacations. Its world-famous theme parks offer visitors of all ages the chance to interact with favorite characters, ride thrilling roller coasters, and watch amazing shows—an experience not to be missed!
Orlando offers many exciting attractions and activities beyond its well-known theme parks, from Madame Tussauds wax figures of their favorite celebrities and politicians, to taking a ride on the world-famous Orlando Eye or spending an exhilarating day exploring SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium’s underwater world.
Visit the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts for a fun and educational experience that highlights African American artists. This cultural and historical center honors Zora Neale Hurston—author, folklorist, and anthropologist best known for her novel Their Eyes Were Watching God—while offering exhibits that will delight both adults and children. Located in Downtown Orlando’s core, this museum provides plenty of options sure to keep all members of the family busy for hours on end!
Families looking for an unforgettable outdoor activity should visit Discovery Cove Resort. Here they can snorkel among rays and tropical fish with limited capacity of 1300 guests per day to ensure an outstanding experience – then cool off by taking a refreshing swim or relaxing on the beach afterwards!
Families looking to make the most of their vacation in Florida should spend some time relaxing on its beautiful sandy beaches, like Cocoa Beach near Kennedy Space Center or Crystal River, where they can swim and snorkel with wild manatees in their natural habitat. To maximize this trip, take some time off from theme park fun to experience some Florida sunshine on Cocoa Beach near Kennedy Space Center for some sunbathing and picnic lunching, or visit Crystal River, where swimming with wild manatees is also an option!
Sedona
Sedona, Arizona lies in the heart of Northern Arizona amidst towering red rocks and undisturbed wilderness, making it an idyllic retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and spiritual seekers. Sedona boasts its own distinctive energy and natural beauty which offer numerous family-friendly activities and experiences designed to rejuvenate both mind and body alike.
One of the most captivating activities in Sedona is a hot air balloon tour—it offers an unparalleled opportunity to view Red Rock Country from above! For an unforgettable tour, book one with Red Rock Balloons to fly at sunrise and witness how vibrantly red rocks appear with each rising sun.
Once you arrive, take time to visit Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. Here, you’ll find exquisite galleries and shops surrounded by a magical forest of towering sycamore trees—an amazing browsing experience! Don’t be surprised to spot gifted Sedona artisans absorbed in their craft as you wander the galleries. There are also plenty of locally made souvenirs and gifts to shop from.
Hiking is an absolute must when visiting Sedona. The area has many trails, such as Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, and Boynton Canyon Trail, which attract hikers of all types. Additionally, Vortexes exist that many use for meditation, yoga, and spiritual awakening.
Spring and fall are ideal times to visit Sedona, with temperatures that don’t get too hot and the landscape offering vibrant splashes of colors. Winter may be slightly chillier but is still enjoyable for hiking as snow covers Red Rocks for an unforgettable sighting of their full glory.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is an outdoor adventurer’s haven in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, boasting stunning mountain vistas and unique family friendly attractions that can’t be found elsewhere. From visiting Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies to riding Anakeesta mountain coaster rides – there is something here for everyone in Gatlinburg’s popular vacation destination!
Gatlinburg offers such an expansive list of activities and attractions that one week’s vacation simply isn’t enough time to see everything this Tennessee city has to offer. Families can explore hiking trails, take raft rides, visit National Park wildlife, ride roller coasters or miniature golf, as well as shop arts and crafts stores.
Visit Iris Theater for an incredible show showcasing illusions and magic tricks or Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre for musical comedy entertainment. Be sure to bring coats, hats and mittens as temperatures can quickly decrease at higher elevations in the Smoky Mountains.
One of the top activities in Gatlinburg is taking a scenic trolley tour, which offers stunning panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains from above. WonderWorks, an indoor amusement park that combines education and entertainment in one package, can also be an unforgettable experience.
Gatlinburg offers delicious cuisine to satisfy every craving—from breakfast through lunch and dinner! Restaurants and diners cater to every palette; one such establishment is The Donut Friar, which features delectable treats each morning!
Outer Banks
Outer Banks (OBX) offers endless family-friendly activities that will delight children while creating lasting memories. From endless stretches of pristine beaches to fascinating history and stunning sunset views, there is something here for every family member to enjoy. Families love coming back time after time!
Outer Banks vacation rentals often welcome your furry family member! From charming villages and delicious cuisine to water sports activities, wild horses, and photogenic lighthouses, OBX has something to offer everyone—including being pet-friendly!
The Outer Banks region of North Carolina boasts some of the best kid-friendly attractions. At Roanoke Island Festival Park, children can step aboard a 16th-century ship to experience world’s first English settlement at sea; Elizabethan Gardens offer visitors an opportunity to learn about flora and fauna of their area; other family-oriented spots include Wright Brothers National Memorial, Jockey’s Ridge State Park and Roanoke Island Bird Sanctuary.
The Outer Banks is a year-round destination, but when to visit can depend on your family’s preferences. Summer is peak season; therefore it is recommended that vacation rentals be reserved early. Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head offer ample amenities as well as some of the top Outer Banks attractions for kids. Fall and winter visits also tend to be popular since core amenities such as grocery stores remain open while hotel/rental home prices tend to drop dramatically.
Aruba
Aruba boasts some of the Caribbean’s most picturesque beaches, making it a dream destination for families. As part of the ABC islands in Dutch Caribbean (Aruba is comprised of Bonaire and Curacao), Aruba boasts exquisite white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters; well outside hurricane belt and is therefore safe and welcoming for all kinds of traveller – with resorts that feature kids clubs or other supervised activities to give parents some much-needed down time or take advantage of other amenities offered at their resorts.
Eagle Beach in Aruba is an excellent family beach option, featuring wide expanses of soft white sand and tranquil turquoise waters that are popular with tourists of all ages. There is ample parking, shaded areas and some beach huts along with watersport activities to be found here.
Other family-friendly beaches on the island include Baby Beach on its southern shore and Mangel Halto on its eastern coast, both featuring shallow waters that make them great options for families with young children.
Aruba’s Waterpark near Hooiberg provides fun-filled days for all. Offering numerous slides and water activities sure to delight young members of your family.
Aruba offers plenty of activities and sights beyond beach fun. Nature enthusiasts should visit Arikok National Park; home to flamingos, sea turtles and iguanas among its rugged desert terrain is magnificent – ideal for hiking, driving, bicycling and jeep tours for families to experience its wonders!