Many families look forward to going on an adventure together and a lot of planning goes into achieving that goal. When it comes to planning a family vacation, finding a destination that caters to everyone’s interests is important.
Here are top 5 family-friendly destinations that offer excitement, relaxation, entertainment and unforgettable memories for families for all ages:
LONDON
London is an ideal destination for family vacations because it has amazing attractions and diverse activities for both adults and children. This city features numerous parks, playgrounds, and museums that are suitable for families.
Where To Stay
Families visiting London can decide to stay in areas like South Kensington or Covent Garden. These areas offer a range of family-friendly accommodations, from hotels to serviced apartments, providing comfort and convenience.
What To Do
•Buckingham Palace: Families can visit the iconic Buckingham Palace to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
•The Science Museum: this is a great place for adults and kids to see, touch and experience science first-hand with scientific activities and displays that will intrigue and engage curious young minds.
•Thames River: Families can also enjoy a stroll along the Thames River and take in sights like the London Eye and Tower Bridge.
•The London Zoo: it is home to different types of animals and interactive exhibits, providing an educational yet entertaining experience for kids.
•The Harry Potter Studio Tour: families who are fans of the Harry Potter series can enjoy a magical wizardry journey featuring Harry Potter props, costumes and sets.
•Shopping centers: London has quite a number of places to shop for budget or luxury items for the family and also restaurants and little cafes for food.
Pro Tip
For convenience and easy navigation around the city, families should consider using the London Underground Tube or buy a Visitor Oyster Card to get discounted fares on public transportation.
DUBAI
The glitzy city of Dubai is a family-friendly destination that is perfect for all kinds of travel experiences. From white-sand beaches to popular landmarks to luxury stores, and family-centric activities, Dubai has it all. This city prioritizes safety and comfort for both residents and visitors thereby ensuring a safe and enjoyable vacation for families.
Where To Stay
Choose family-friendly locations such as Jumeirah Beach Residence, The Palm, Dubai Marina, or Deira. These areas have a lot of hotels and resorts that are fit for families.
What To Do
•Dubai Parks and Resorts: Dubai houses a collection of theme parks like Motiongate Dubai, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Virtual Reality park, and Legoland where families with kids of all ages can go on thrilling rides and be entertained. Families can also enjoy a relaxing and quiet time in any of the beach resorts as well as participate in some beach activities.
•Aquaventure Park: located in Atlantis, The Palm, this water park has over 105 slides. Kids can experience a refreshing and fun-filled adventure by going on river rides or viewing marine animals.
•Dubai Miracle Garden: this can be considered to be a floral wonderland with colourful themed gardens, captivating both adults and children. It also offers a stunning backdrop for family pictures.
•Kidzania: this is an interactive edutainment center where kids can role-play various professions which can promote creativity and learning through play.
•Dubai Mall: a visit with the family to the Dubai Mall can be an exciting experience where families can shop in many of the stores, eat in some of the restaurants serving both local and international dishes, go skating at the Mall’s Ice Rink, watch the Dubai Fountain or visit the Dubai aquarium and Underwater Zoo.
•Burj Khalifa: families can visit the Burj Khalifa regarded as the world’s tallest building to get breathtaking views of Dubai from the observation deck.
•Desert Safari: a tour of Dubai’s desert offers families many exciting activities such as dune bashing with live entertainment shows, camel ride, sand ski, and BBQ dinner.
Pro Tip
Dubai is usually hot, so schedule indoor activities during the day and outdoor activities in the evening when the temperature is cooler. Additionally, buy a Dubai Pass to get convenient access to most of Dubai’s famous attractions at discounted rates.
MAURITIUS
Mauritius’ warm hospitality and relaxed environment makes it a great fit for families to vacation there. Other than its clean beaches, Mauritius has a lot for families to explore while on holiday.
Where To Stay
Areas like Flic-en-Flac, Trou aux Biches and Grand Baie are family- friendly and they offer a range of suitable accommodations for families.
What To Do
•Casela Nature Park: a visit to this park gives visitors the opportunity to interact with wildlife including lions, tigers, giraffes, and camels through Safari tours.
•Pamplemousses Botanical Garden: this garden consists of tall water lilies and exotic plant species where families can enjoy an educational tour round the park.
•Ile Aux Cerfs: families can visit this beautiful island and indulge in beach or water activities such as building sand castles, parasailing, snorkeling, and swimming in crystal clear waters.
•La Vanille Nature Park: this park is home to giant tortoises and crocodiles. Families can get informative tours and interactive experiences as they learn about these animals.
•Catamaran Cruise: families can go on a sailing trip on a catamaran cruise from Grand Baie to discover 3 Northern Isles. There’s also a BBQ lunch for everyone onboard.
Pro Tip
Plan your activities based on the weather conditions in Mauritius. The country enjoys a tropical climate and so it’s best to plan all outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
FLORIDA
Florida, USA is popular for its sunshine and beaches. This city also has numerous attractions that make it a top destination for families seeking a memorable vacation. Florida has a mix of relaxation, entertainment, and educational experiences for visitors.
Where To Stay
Orlando, Kissimmee, and Clearwater Beach are ideal locations in Florida for families to vacation and they have in abundance different accommodation options such as hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals that are convenient for family stay.
What To Do
•Walt Disney World Resort: this is a popular landmark featuring various theme parks, character meet and greet and live experiences, and thrilling rides for families.
•Universal Studios: families can get a magical experience at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or enjoy movie-themed attractions, shows and events.
•Legoland: this park is specifically designed for kids where they can enjoy Lego-themed rides, shows and activities.
•Clearwater Beach: for a serene, natural beach experience, families can visit Clearwater Beach. Engage in water activities like swimming, surfing, parasailing or go on dolphin-watching tours.
Pro Tip
To avoid the tourist crowds, visit theme parks during weekdays and consider purchasing multi-day passes for access to Florida’s many attractions. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated, especially on hot days.
KENYA
From diverse landscapes to rich wildlife, pristine beaches, friendly locals, and tasty traditional meals, Kenya is an amazing destination for families who desire a wonderful family vacation.
Where To Stay
For comfort and convenience, families visiting Kenya should opt for family-friendly areas like Nairobi, or Diani Beach.
What To Do
•Maasai Mara National Reserve: families can embark on game drives to view the Big Five and other wildlife animals in their natural habitat.
•Giraffe Center: a visit to this wildlife conservation park gives visitors the opportunity to get up close with Rothschild giraffes and feed them from a high platform.
•Diani Beach: for some relaxation and water activities, families can visit this beach with its turquoise blue waters and coral reefs.
•Nairobi Markets: for a taste of local life, interact with local traders and buy street foods and souvenirs in any of the city’s markets.
Pro Tip
For better wildlife viewing, go on a safari tour early in the morning or late afternoon. Dress appropriately for the weather and carry insect repellent.