15 Fun Family Trip Ideas To Upgrade Your Holiday

 

When planning a fun family trip, many get stuck at phase one - finding what to do or the place to go. As all travel lovers know too well, there’s one thing worse than having too many options to choose from. It’s having none.

So, if you find yourself in this pickle, we’re here to help!

From classic holidays like beach getaways and camping trips to thrilling adventures in nature, there will be something for the whole family to enjoy in our list, and all that we suggest are absolutely family-friendly.

There is also a sprinkling of educational and cultural activities that can leave both the adults and little ones in awe. 

You can spin the globe and decide on a random destination for your next best family trips with kids then list out what you think your family can possibly do. Or, you can jot down these fun family trip ideas and kid-friendly destination recommendations to save yourself the hassles.

1. Treehouse Camping

A wholesome family holiday connected with nature. Photo by mobilise248 - stock.adobe.com

It’s a height twist to the classic on-the-ground or van camping experience. Instead of the usual set-up, your family can now enjoy the much more spectacular view from above while nestling in cosy rooms amongst the treetops. Don’t forget to bring binoculars. You may catch a glimpse of wildlife rummaging from afar through the forest floor. And when night falls, be sure to gaze at the unobstructed views of the night sky with thousands upon thousands of stars.

Canopy and Stars

You can choose from rustic cabins nestled in dense forests or cosy bungalows overlooking majestic hills available for rent across the UK and Europe.

Out'n'About Treehouse Treesort LLC, Oregon

Your family can enjoy a mix of camping and glamping this summer. There are loads of things to do, from ziplining to trampoline and horseback riding. And when you want to take it slow? Relax by the pool or spend an evening by the campfire.

2. Caving Expedition

Add thrills to your fun family trip by going underground and exploring caves and taverns. There are plenty of expedition tours that allow children and adults to discover hidden formations and ecosystems. It’s a perfect chance to teach kids to embrace these less talked about charms of nature.

Waitomo Caves, New Zealand

They are homes to the magical glowworms. You can spend the first half of the day observing them on a raft then the rest exploring the neighbouring impressive caves and hiking trails. 

Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, USA

Explore one of the longest cave systems in the world filled with ancient formations. Just as exciting as it is underground, there are a lot of activities above ground too; for example: hiking, stargazing, and horseback-riding.

3. Beach Camping

There’s nothing like beach camping bliss. Photo by Mediteraneo on Adobe Stock.

No fun family trip planning should be without a beachside adventure. Set up camp with your family on the beach and experience waking up to the sounds of the ocean and seabirds. You can spend the day playing water sports under the sun. Remember to pack extra swimwear and beach bags.

Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park, Wales

The famous Three Cliffs Bay is just a short walk away from this campsite. Your family can choose from a range of options, from luxurious glamping tents to minimalist pitches with clear views of the sea.

Pentewan Sands, Cornwall, England

This five-star campsite offers stunning beach-view spots alongside family-friendly facilities and entertainment like magic shows and an owl sanctuary. Want to find more beach camping spots around the UK? Learn about it here.

4. Farm Stay

Glamping on a farm is a wonderful opportunity to take a break from the bustling city life and connect with nature. Kids and parents can enjoy a wide range of activities, such as animal feeding, egg collecting and fishing. It’s a perfect mix between vacationing and learning.

Feather Down Farms

With locations across Europe, you and the little ones can enjoy the weekend immersing in a true British farm living experience. There are dairy and beef farms as well as a nearby beach. Prices range about £500 for a 3-night stay with 2 canvas hideaways.

La Ferme du Château, France

Farm life and historical buildings make for an unforgettable experience. La Ferme du Château offers various vintage accommodations and plenty of activities like bottle-feeding baby goats and pony grooming. 

5. Cruise Holiday

Each port of call is a unique opportunity to experience something new. IG: @grollia

Cruise holiday makes a fun family trip because you can enjoy multiple destinations and a lot of interesting entertainment activities. To make it even more fun for the kids, you can go on themed cruise vacations. Remember to learn cruise packing tips to keep things hassle-free.

Disney Cruise Line (Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, and Europe)

From themed clubs and restaurants to live musicals and character meet-and-greets, Disney cruise line offers an unforgettable experience for the little ones. The adults can also have their fun with a wide range of themed adult-only facilities like lounges and pubs.

Princess Cruises to Alaska

Have a change of scenery somewhere cold and breathtaking with majestic ice walls, glaciers, and glimpses of whales. Your family can also enjoy kid-friendly activities such as dog-sledding at one of the stops. However, there won’t be many children on Princess, consider Royal and Carnival if your kids love meeting others their age. Refer here for a kid-friendly Alaska packing list, or a general one here. 

6. Paddle Boarding Adventure

Leisure paddle boarding is one of the best water sports for a fun family trip, either in the ocean or on a river. Casual paddle boarding on calm water is not at all challenging, and you get to observe stunning nature and wildlife up close. A lot of paddle boarding spots are also free to launch and park if the budget is your concern.

Lake Tahoe, USA

Lake Tahoe’s calm and crystal-clear water is perfect for young travellers wanting to paddle board. You can paddle board, set up camp, and go on a hike in the beautiful mountainous backdrop.

Whistler, Canada

With many calm water lakes to choose from and a rich range of kid-friendly outdoor activities, Whistler is one of the best destinations for a family-friendly water adventure.

7. Day Hike

Take steps together and create lasting memories. Photo credit: Emmi

Looking to get active on a family trip? Day hikes are amazing for enjoying nature and getting fit together. It’s also very easy to plan and pack for a family day hike. Just grab a hike-friendly backpack that you can wear as both a travel bag and a casual bag.

Opt for ones that come with quick-access compartments to easily reach for things like a milk bottle, toys, or snacks. If you’re looking for suggestions, CabinZero’s selection of adventure backpacks is one of the best places to start. 

To make day hikes fun for children, you can choose historical trails that go through monuments, ancient formations, and old villages. 

Jurassic Coast, Dorset, England

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most famous trails in England for fossil hunting. Your family can embark on a memorable journey across cliffs and beaches looking for fossils dating back to Jurassic, Triassic, and Cretaceous periods. 

Bear Mountain Loop, New York, USA

America has no shortage of stunning hike routes. This trail offers a spectacular view of the Hudson river and is suitable for families with older children. There’s the Trailside Museums and Zoo, a seasonal ice-skating rink, a playfield, and picnic areas.

8. Wildlife Safari

A chance to get close and personal with the animals. Photo by Irina Schmidt - stock.adobe.com

For this fun family trip, go and observe wild animals, such as lions, zebras, and giraffes, in their natural habitats. Not only is it an eye-opening experience, it’s also thrilling and educational for both adults and older children.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger National Park is home to the famous Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo). You can spot them hunting, sunbathing, or tending to their young on guided tours and relax at family-friendly lodges.

Masai Mara, Kenya

It’s the best place to witness the Great Migration and explore the epic savannah with knowledgeable guides. 

9. Hot Springs Retreat

If your goal for a fun family trip is ultimate relaxation, then there’s nothing better than a stay at a hot spring resort. Unwind in the therapeutic water and take in the beautiful scenery. 

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

This hot spring is known for its milky-blue water and silica mud that is good for the skin. Children under 13 travelling with parents are admitted free. When done soaking, don’t forget to don your gear and enjoy the land of ice and fire’s natural beauty.

Arenal Hot Springs, Costa Rica

Located near the famous Arenal volcano, your family can enjoy the hot water with the view of the volcano and lush tropical forest. Before a good soak, get active with a rainforest hike and a zip-lining trip. Remember to bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and other essential items.

10. Ice Hotel Stay

Planning a fun family trip for the winter season? An ice hotel is something that walks right out of your children’s favourite fairytale. Staying in one sure does sound like one of the most magical experiences ever for your whole family.

ICEHOTEL, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

It’s the world’s first and largest ice hotel. Rebuilt using ice from the Torne River every year, it offers unique rooms, an ice art gallery, and family-friendly activities like a northern light viewing tour. 

Hotel de Glace, Quebec City, Canada

It’s North America’s only ice hotel and located just less than half an hour away from the bustling Quebec City. You can expect stunning ice structures, themed suites, and outdoor activities in the snow. 

11. Cultural Stays

Immerse in culture and bond as a family in a traditional accommodation. Photo by sima-box - stock.adobe.com

For your upcoming fun family trip, instead of regular hotels, try staying in a traditional accommodation of a country. Experience cultural and truly authentic charms. You get to relax and learn something new as well.

Unique Accommodation for Fun Family Trips

• In Japan, try Ryokans. They are a type of Japanese inn that often comes with traditional meals, tatami floors, kimono-wearing, and tea ceremonies. 
• In Turkey, try cave hotels. They are ancient caves repurposed into hotels while still maintaining the fairytale-like structures.

12. Cross-country Train Ride

Don’t feel like planning for a family road trip? Cross-country train rides, especially scenic ones, are amazing alternatives for family-friendly weekend getaways. You can enjoy the views, relax, and spend quality time with your family altogether. 

Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz, Switzerland

This 8-hour train ride takes you through the Swiss Alps, where you can admire the stunning valleys, villages, and snow-capped peaks. 

Cinque Terre Express from Levanto to La Spezia, Íaly

This train ride goes along the Ligurian coastline, offering you views of the Mediterranean Sea, colourful cliffside towns, and terraced vineyards.

13. Theme Park With A Fun Twist

Another fun family trip idea is to go on a behind-the-scenes tour of a theme park. Many parks offer tours that let you see how actors get into action and how the machines operate. Add this twist to your regular theme park visits for more excitement. 

Disney's Keys to the Kingdom Tour

The tour lets you explore the underground tunnels and backstage areas of this iconic theme park as well as many other hidden details. It’s 5-hour of walking and learning all there is to know about the magic kingdom and what’s behind the curtain. However, only kids age 16 or above are allowed (to preserve the magic for the younger ones).

Universal Studios VIP Experience, Hollywood

The VIP experience allows you glimpses of what goes on behind the curtains - or cameras - of some of Hollywood’s best movie productions. It can be an inspiring experience for the little ones.

14. Museum-hopping

If you don’t have much time for a multi-day fun family trip somewhere foreign, spend the day hopping between local museums and art galleries. Look for ones that have workshops or immersive exhibits occurring for more activities to do.

Children’s Museum, Indianapolis, Indiana

As the name implies, it proudly holds the title of the world's largest children's museum. Spanning over 500,000 square feet across five floors, it offers a vast array of activities that delight and engage visitors of all ages, from the youngest explorers to seniors.

NEMO Science Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands

An absolute delight for kids and a wholesome family trip. NEMO is packed with interactive exhibits where kids can have hands-on fun to their heart’s content, whether that is creating giant soap bubbles or exploring the human body. 

15. Family-friendly Festival

What better ways to spend a family holiday with good music, art, culture, and a great bout of kid-friendly activities?

Fairy Tale Festival, Queensland, Australia

It’s a magical event celebrating storytelling, music, and art for children and families. There are music and dance workshops, performances, and craft activities where parents and children can work on projects together.

Big Feastival, Cotswolds, England

The Big Feastival combines food, music, and family fun on a farm in the Cotswolds. You can watch live cooking shows, taste the food, and enjoy performances from popular artists.

Ready For A Fun Family Trip?

We hope these fun family trip ideas inspire your next unforgettable adventure with your family. 

The most important thing to remember is to find what everyone can enjoy together. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add fun flairs to the usual itinerary. 

If you find this article useful, don’t forget to leave us a comment or contact us via social media. We’d be more than thrilled to hear your amazing travel stories.

Nguyen Tran Gia Khanh