Planning family vacations is one of my favorite things to do. There’s nothing quite like watching my kids’ faces light up as they discover new places, meet new people, and experience adventures they’ll remember for a lifetime. Over the years, we’ve traveled to some incredible family-friendly destinations around the globe. Let me take you on a journey to a few of our favorites!
1. Orlando, Florida – Theme Park Paradise
I’ll never forget the first time we visited Orlando. Watching my kids meet their favorite Disney characters at Magic Kingdom was magical. We spent hours riding attractions at Walt Disney World, and the nightly fireworks were the perfect way to end each day. But Orlando isn’t just about Disney—Universal Studios and LEGOLAND offered just as much excitement, especially for my slightly older kids who loved Harry Potter World.
What I love most about Orlando is how easy it is to plan family-friendly activities. Even dining is fun, with themed restaurants that cater to kids while giving adults a chance to relax. Pro tip: Go during off-peak times to avoid long lines and save on accommodations!
2. Kyoto, Japan – Culture Meets Adventure
Japan was a destination I was hesitant about at first, thinking it might be challenging with kids. But Kyoto quickly proved me wrong. It’s the perfect blend of cultural exploration and kid-friendly fun. My kids adored feeding the deer in Nara Park (just a short trip from Kyoto), and we had a blast dressing up in kimono for a day to walk through historic districts like Gion.
One highlight was our visit to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. It felt like stepping into another world, and my kids loved the nearby monkey park where they got to see playful macaques up close. Plus, Japanese food is surprisingly kid-friendly—who knew my picky eaters would fall in love with ramen and tempura?
3. Reykjavik, Iceland – A Natural Wonderland
Our trip to Reykjavik was hands-down one of the most unique family vacations we’ve ever taken. Iceland’s landscapes are like something out of a storybook. The Golden Circle tour had all of us in awe—seeing geysers erupt and standing near the edge of Gullfoss waterfall felt like an adventure movie come to life.
The Blue Lagoon was another unforgettable experience. I wasn’t sure how my youngest would handle the geothermal waters, but he loved it. It’s such a family-friendly destination because kids are welcome almost everywhere, and the sense of adventure is contagious.
4. Sydney, Australia – Beaches and Beyond
Sydney is the ultimate outdoor playground for families. Bondi Beach was a hit with my water-loving crew, but even non-swimmers will love exploring the coastal walks and rock pools. Taronga Zoo was another highlight. Seeing kangaroos and koalas up close had my kids squealing with excitement.
One of my favorite moments was taking a ferry ride to Manly. It’s a simple activity, but the views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge were breathtaking. Plus, Manly’s laid-back vibe was a nice break from the city’s hustle and bustle.
5. Tuscany, Italy – Relaxation Meets Exploration
I wasn’t sure how my kids would handle a slower-paced destination like Tuscany, but it ended up being one of the most rewarding trips we’ve ever taken. Staying at a countryside villa gave us a chance to relax while still being close to charming towns like Siena and San Gimignano.
The best part? Cooking classes where we learned to make homemade pasta. My kids were covered in flour, laughing the whole time, and they still talk about how “they” made dinner that night. Of course, gelato stops were mandatory daily!
