10 Best Family Trips We Took and Loved

You’ll create lifelong memories exploring Point Pleasant Beach’s classic boardwalk, snorkeling Australia’s Great Barrier Reef with 1,500 fish species, and wandering Tulum’s ancient Mayan ruins overlooking turquoise waters. Villa Del Palmar in Cancún offers stress-free all-inclusive fun with kids’ clubs, while Olympic National Park provides diverse ecosystems perfect for wildlife viewing. Italy’s pasta-making classes and Rome’s 2,000-year-old ruins captivate all ages, and Jamaica’s baby-friendly resorts guarantee everyone’s comfortable. These destinations combine adventure, relaxation, and educational experiences that’ll transform your family’s travel expectations.

Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey – Boardwalk Magic and Family Fun

Point Pleasant Beach delivers that perfect blend of nostalgic boardwalk charm and modern family entertainment that’ll keep everyone in your crew happy. You’ll find everything from classic arcade games to thrilling rides along the mile-long oceanfront boardwalk.

The aquarium’s interactive touch tanks and shark feeding demonstrations provide the perfect indoor escape when you need a break from the sun. Your kids will love the bumper cars and dropping rides, while you’ll appreciate the clean facilities and variety of dining options from pizza to full sit-down restaurants.

Beach access costs $14-15, but you’re getting prime Atlantic Ocean waves and that authentic Jersey Shore experience that creates lasting family memories. Located just minutes off Exit 98 on the Garden State Parkway, it’s easily accessible for day trips from New York City or Philadelphia.

Villa Del Palmar, Cancún – All-Inclusive Paradise With Kids’ Clubs

Villa Del Palmar Cancún transforms family vacations into effortless luxury where parents actually get to relax while kids have the time of their lives. The Kids’ Club keeps children ages 4-12 entertained with supervised activities while you unwind at the Village Spa or float in one of five pools.

Your spacious suite features ocean views and 24-hour room service – perfect for picky eaters or late-night snacks. Six Mediterranean restaurants ensure everyone finds something delicious, and unlimited beverages mean you’ll never hear “I’m thirsty” complaints.

The floating Aqua Park creates endless water fun, while beach activities like volleyball keep older kids engaged. Families can also enjoy water sports like kayaking as part of the all-inclusive activities. With everything included, you’ll actually stick to your vacation budget for once.

Tulum, Mexico – Ancient Ruins Meet Pristine Beaches

While all-inclusive resorts offer convenience, Tulum delivers something money can’t buy – the chance to walk through 1,000-year-old Mayan ruins perched on dramatic seaside cliffs above impossibly turquoise waters.

You’ll explore El Castillo, which served as a lighthouse for ancient traders, and the Temple of the Wind God overlooking the Caribbean Sea. After touring structures dating from the 6th to 15th centuries, you can access hidden Playa Ruinas directly below the ruins via a steep wooden staircase. These are the only coastal ruins in the Mayan empire, making this site truly unique among ancient archaeological destinations.

Your kids will love swimming in crystal-clear waters after learning about Mayan astronomy and trading history. Buy tickets onsite for M$80, arrive early to beat crowds, and plan two hours for this unique combination of education and beach time.

Costa Rica Adventure – Rainforests, Ziplining, and Wildlife

Costa Rica transforms your family vacation into an adrenaline-pumping nature adventure where kids can zipline through misty cloud forests one moment and spot three-toed sloths hanging from cecropia trees the next.

You’ll find 80% of rainforest tours guarantee sloth sightings, especially in Manuel Antonio’s 109 mammal species habitat.

Monteverde’s mile-long ziplines soar 500 feet above canopy while offering tandem options for nervous first-timers.

Your children will shriek with delight on La Fortuna’s 8-kilometer course spanning 10 cables through primary rainforest.

Corcovado’s 163 square miles hide jaguars and tapirs, while Tortuguero’s canal-bordered forests provide boat-based wildlife spotting. While Costa Rica faces some tourism challenges, the country’s incredible biodiversity and adventure activities continue to make it a premier family destination.

Combo packages seamlessly blend rainforest hikes, ziplining thrills, and animal sanctuaries with kid-friendly trails and educational biodiversity programs.

Montego Bay, Jamaica – Tropical Escape With Baby-Friendly Resorts

Montego Bay’s pristine beaches and baby-friendly resorts create the perfect Caribbean escape where your toddler can splash in calm turquoise waters while you sip rum punch from a poolside cabana.

You’ll love Royalton Blue Waters’ splash pad and spacious family suites with separate sleeping areas.

Catalonia Montego Bay offers free stays for kids under six plus a private island for snorkeling adventures.

The all-inclusive packages eliminate meal planning stress – Dreams Rose Hall serves amazing food while Iberostar Waves features three reservable restaurants alongside their fantastic buffet.

Don’t miss Hilton Rose Hall’s Sugar Mill Falls Water Park, Jamaica’s largest, with slides and lazy rivers.

For nearby excitement, take bamboo rafting down Martha Brae River or visit the magical bioluminescent Glistening Waters at night. The proximity to Sangster International Airport means you’ll have more time enjoying the beach and less time traveling with tired little ones.

San Diego, California – Zoo, Museums, and Pacific Coast Beauty

Trading Caribbean waves for Pacific coastline, San Diego delivers the ultimate family adventure where world-class attractions meet year-round sunshine. You’ll spend magical days at the renowned San Diego Zoo, where over 3,700 animals roam cageless exhibits that mirror their natural habitats. Your kids will love the Skyfari rides and koala encounters that make this 100-acre wonderland unforgettable.

Balboa Park becomes your cultural playground with 17 museums spanning 1,200 acres. The Fleet Science Center‘s hands-on exhibits and dome IMAX theatre captivate curious minds, while the Natural History Museum‘s dinosaur displays spark imagination.

You’ll discover Belmont Park‘s beachfront thrills, from the classic Giant Dipper roller coaster to arcade games overlooking the ocean. Don’t miss the tide pools at Point Loma—timing low tide reveals fascinating sea creatures. For the ultimate sightseeing experience, the Old Town Trolley provides hop-on, hop-off service that eliminates parking hassles while offering narrated tours packed with kid-friendly facts about the city’s major attractions.

Olympic National Park, Washington – Wilderness Meets Bavarian Charm

Where towering mountains meet pristine coastline, Olympic National Park transforms your family into wilderness explorers across nearly one million acres of diverse ecosystems. You’ll discover Hurricane Ridge’s panoramic mountain vistas and spot Olympic marmots in alpine meadows.

At Lake Crescent, Washington’s second-deepest lake, your kids will love the 1.8-mile Marymere Falls Trail leading to a spectacular 90-foot waterfall.

The Pacific coast delivers magic with Rialto Beach’s Hole-in-the-Wall sea arch and Ruby Beach’s towering seastacks. Don’t miss tidepooling adventures revealing thousands of sea creatures. Prime whale watching season runs from May through October, when humpback, gray, orca, and minke whales frequent these waters.

The temperate rainforests receive 14 feet of annual rainfall, creating lush ecosystems where massive Roosevelt Elk roam freely.

Base yourselves in Port Angeles, your gateway city offering marine exhibits and easy shuttle access to park attractions.

Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee – Hiking Trails and Mountain Culture

Spanning over 522,000 acres across Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park welcomes your family to America’s most visited national park with 848 miles of trails and rich Appalachian heritage.

You’ll discover everything from easy kid-friendly paths to challenging summit hikes leading to Rainbow Falls and Chimney Tops. The park’s 150 official trails include 74 miles of the famous Appalachian Trail, while scenic drives like Cades Cove Loop Road offer stunning mountain views from your car.

Your family can explore over 22,000 documented species in old-growth forests and grassy balds.

Choose from 10 developed campgrounds with 1,000 sites, or enjoy day trips from 11 picnic areas. The park preserves over 90 historical structures including houses, barns, churches, and gristmills that showcase authentic Southern Appalachian heritage.

Whether you’re seeking frozen waterfalls in winter or wildflower displays in spring, the Smokies deliver unforgettable mountain adventures.

Italy Family Adventure – Roman History and Pasta-Making Memories

While Italy welcomed 65 million international visitors in 2024, your family’s adventure through the Eternal City will feel uniquely yours as you explore 2,000-year-old Roman ruins and create fresh pasta from scratch in a local kitchen.

Rome’s cultural attractions achieved an impressive 93.4/100 sentiment satisfaction rating, making it perfect for families seeking authentic experiences. You’ll discover that slow travel works best here—spend longer exploring the Colosseum’s underground chambers while kids imagine gladiator battles above.

Book accommodations early, especially with the 2025 Jubilee Year expecting 30-35 million visitors to Rome. Consider visiting during shoulder seasons to avoid crowds. The four major basilicas serve as focal points for the year’s special religious ceremonies and cultural celebrations.

Your pasta-making class in Trastevere will create lasting memories as children learn centuries-old techniques from local nonnas.

Australia Expedition – Great Barrier Reef and Outback Discoveries

From the ancient cobblestones of Rome, we journey to Australia’s natural wonders where your family can snorkel among 1,500 fish species in the Great Barrier Reef and camp under endless starry skies in the rugged Outback.

You’ll discover 400 coral types and swim alongside sea turtles at the world’s largest green turtle nesting site. Book full-day reef tours from $189-$715, or take scenic flights for breathtaking aerial views. The reef’s 2,500 individual reefs span an incredible 344,400 km². Over 2.3 million travelers visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site annually, making it one of the world’s most beloved family destinations.

Plan your visit between May and October for ideal water conditions and visibility. From Cairns, you’ll easily access both reef adventures and outback experiences.

Watch for turtle hatching season from January to March – it’s magical for kids to witness this natural spectacle firsthand.

Last Words

You’ve got incredible adventures waiting ahead! Whether you’re craving boardwalk treats in New Jersey, exploring ancient ruins in Mexico, or spotting wildlife in Costa Rica, these destinations’ll create memories that’ll last forever. Don’t overthink the planning – pick what excites your family most and plunge into it. Your kids won’t remember perfect itineraries, but they’ll treasure the laughter, discoveries, and bonding time you’ll share together on these amazing journeys.