Discover The Magic Of Other Family Vacations
We understand that Disneyland is where childhood dreams come true, but there are other destinations the whole family can enjoy, too. From Florida's Space Coast to a medieval castle town in France, take your little princes and princesses on a vacation that's even better than Disneyland.
1. Dinosaur Valley State Park, Texas
Kids, and big kids alike, love dinosaurs. The Dinosaur Valley State Park claims to have some of the best-preserved dino tracks in the world. It's the dinosaur capital of Texas, where kids can get a thrill adventuring around the park by foot or wagon ride and learn about the creatures that once walked this Earth.
2. The Strong National Museum of Play, New York
The Strong National Museum of Play is heaven for youngsters and grownups. You can spend the entire day there and still need more time to experience it all. Take a nostalgic trip to their vintage pinball arcade, play your way through a hall of video games, or take your Ken-lover to the Barbie exhibit. There's an endless amount of fun for all ages.
3. Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Aspen Snowmass is a massive kid-friendly ski town that's been hosting families for decades. The resort holds children's programs and activities daily as well as ski and snow board lessons for all ages. The whole family can also enjoy dogsledding, dining in a cabin, or snow tubing.
Hoffman, Ron, Photographer (NARA record: 8464743) on Wikimedia
4. Florida's Space Coast
Almost every kid at some point in their youth thinks they want to be an astronaut when they grow up. Take your little rocket scientists on an educational trip to Florida's Space Coast and experience outer space by the beach. It boasts all kinds of incredible activities like space tours and a rocket launch simulator.
Leonard J. DeFrancisci on Wikimedia
5. The Canadian Rockies By Rail
Whether you have a choo-choo train-loving kid or not, a trip through the Rockies by rail is highly recommended. A few train operators take you on a breathtaking scenic tour, making stops at several destinations including glaciers, lakes, and small mountain towns. Train rides are perfect for young kids who don't have to sit for hours in a car seat.
6. Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi is the place to be if you want Christmas at any time of year. It's the home of Santa's Village where you can meet the jolly man himself along with his elves and reindeer. Kids and families can decorate trees, bake cookies, or take an adventure on a sled ride through the forest or a snow tube down a giant hill. It's a winter wonderland with a chance to see the Northern Lights dance across the night sky.
7. Portugal
Portugal is a recommended country for a family vacation. The vibe is relaxed and slow-paced, offering great food and gorgeous scenery. Kids can enjoy the natural landscape, warm sunshine, beaches, and quaint towns. Portugal's a great destination if you want a sun holiday without being at an over-crowded resort.
8. Legoland, New York
With vibrant attractions and interactive exhibitions, it's hard not to resist a trip to the iconic Legoland. You can build and play all day in a world made of Lego pieces. Highlights include a water playground and a Certified Autism Center with low-sensory activities for children.
9. Cook Islands
If you want an escape to tropical islands with the whole family, get lost on the Cook Islands. The main island, Rarotonga is ideal for young swimmers with calm lagoons and soft sand beaches. It's a wild paradise to explore by land and water that kids and parents will equally enjoy.
10. Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is a kid-friendly adventure town. There's a mountain-top zoo and numerous hikes suitable for little feet. The whole family can enjoy unique outdoor activities like walking across America's highest suspension bridge or wandering around the fascinating Garden of the Gods.
11. Wisconsin Dells
Did you raise human fish children? Well, Wisconsin Dells is basically the water park capital of the world. Kids of all ages can splash around one or many of the themed water parks with looping slides, massive dump buckets, and interactive splash pads.
Yianni Mathioudakis on Unsplash
12. Algonquin Park, Canada
Take your little explorers to this natural oasis in Ontario, Canada. You'll feel like you're at camp with various lodges and campgrounds to stay at. Kids can enjoy nature tours, family-friendly canoe adventures, and lakeside beaches. Algonquin Park will convince your kids to love and play in the great outdoors.
13. Pacific Coast Road Trip
If you're going to take a family road trip, let it be on the Pacific Coast highways. The scenery is breathtaking from start to finish and you'll never run out of pit-stops. There are plenty of beaches to stop for a picnic or a dip in the ocean and the seaside towns are laid-back and fit for families.
14. Hamilton, New Zealand
New Zealand is home to friendly people, jaw-dropping scenery, and family adventures. Hamilton in particular is equipped for children, with a discovery area in the Waikato Museum, multi-story playhouses, and parks with novelty attractions. There's always a playground nearby, inside and outside.
15. Plimoth Plantation, Massachussets
Step back in time on a family trip to an old pilgrim village. The plantation is a popular field trip for school kids that is full of historical fun and learning. The recreation of the village transports you to the 17th century with costumed actors to answer all of your questions.
Swampyank at en.wikipedia on Wikimedia
16. Dordogne, France
Take the kids on a trip through an historical fairytale. Dordogne offers families tours of gorgeous castles, medieval towns, and gentle rivers for canoe rides. You can enjoy a relaxed family holiday wandering the countryside and dining in the quaint villages.
17. Denver, Colorado
Denver is recommended for a city-style family trip. The city offers plenty of kid-friendly attractions like the Children's Museum of Denver, the Phipps IMAX 3D Theater, and a free open-air trolley. Denver is also home to America's famous century-old zoo.
Pieter van de Sande on Unsplash
18. National Parks
Any of the national parks across North America offer wilderness vacations for families. From Banff National Park in Canada to the Grand Canyon, these nature parks come equipped with activities for all ages. A family holiday to the wilderness is a learning experience as well as a ton of fun.
Shenandoah National Park from Virginia on Wikimedia
19. Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe has been a family holiday destination for generations all year round. There's so much to see and do, from water sports to napping on the dock. You can hit the slopes if you're a family of skiers or take a self-guided cycling tour by the lake.
20. Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Halifax is a seaside city on Canada's East Coast with all of the maritime vibes. It's laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals makes it a wonderful city to travel with family. Eat the freshest seafood or go on a family fishing trip and catch dinner yourself. Watch a hockey game, visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, or take a tour of the lighthouse.
