Where to Travel with Kids by Age: Your Guide to Family Adventures
Planning a family vacation can be overwhelming, especially when trying to find a destination that works for your kids’ age and interests. Whether you have a curious toddler, a thrill-seeking preteen, or a stroller-bound baby, there’s a perfect getaway waiting for you. With insights from Mango Tree Travel, we’ve put together a guide to family vacations tailored to every age group.
Baby-Friendly Vacation Spots
Traveling with a baby means prioritizing ease, comfort, and a good nap schedule. You’ll want destinations that allow for relaxed exploration and offer baby-friendly accommodations.
Beachside Bliss
Coastal resorts are ideal for babies. Look for places with calm, shallow waters and shaded areas for lounging, such as beaches in Turks and Caicos or Florida’s Gulf Coast. Many family-focused resorts offer amenities like cribs, high chairs, and even in-room bottle warmers, making it easy to maintain your baby’s routine while you enjoy the ocean breeze.
City Getaways with Convenience
Cities like Charleston, SC, and Savannah, GA, combine walkable streets with family-friendly attractions. Visit gardens, historic homes, and parks all at your pace. Hotels with adjoining rooms or suites make nap times stress-free while giving parents some downtime too.
Pro Travel Tips for Babies:
Choose non-stop flights and short drives to reduce travel time.
Pack lightweight gear, such as a collapsible stroller or baby carrier.
Opt for accommodations with kitchenettes for easy meal prep.
Toddler-Friendly Vacation Ideas
Toddlers are explorers by nature, so choose destinations with plenty of interactive opportunities. A mix of active fun and downtime is the recipe for a happy toddler (and a happy parent).
Farms and Countryside Retreats
Toddlers love animals, so a farm stay can be magical. Look for working farms that let kids feed goats, collect eggs, or run through sunflower fields. Vermont, Pennsylvania’s Amish Country, and even regions in Northern California offer immersive farm-stay experiences.
Theme Parks Designed for Littles
While they might not be ready for roller coasters, destinations like LEGOLAND, SeaWorld, and small-scale waterparks have rides and activities perfectly tailored to toddlers. Their excitement at meeting life-size characters will be unforgettable.
National Parks for Tiny Adventurers
Parks like Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah are excellent choices for short, scenic hikes that even tiny legs can tackle. Combine nature with kid-friendly visitor centers and wildlife spotting to create lasting memories.
Pro Travel Tips for Toddlers:
Plan mornings full of activities and save the afternoons for naps or quiet time.
Pack plenty of snacks—hungry toddlers aren’t fun travel companions!
Book accommodations with kitchens to prepare meals that match their favorites.
Best Vacation Ideas for Kids Ages 5-8
This age group is bursting with curiosity and boundless energy. They’re old enough to handle longer travel days and enjoy learning about the world around them.
National Parks and Outdoor Fun
Introduce your kids to the wonders of nature by visiting Yosemite, Acadia, or Yellowstone. Junior Ranger programs offer interactive activities that teach kids about wildlife, geology, and history. These parks also feature short, engaging trails with plenty of rewards—think waterfalls and scenic vistas.
Historical Adventures
Bring history to life with trips to places like Colonial Williamsburg, where kids can see blacksmiths at work and try on 18th-century attire. International destinations, like castles in Ireland or archaeological sites in Greece, offer a fascinating blend of adventure and education.
All-Inclusive Resorts with Kids Clubs
For a mix of adventure and relaxation, look for resorts in destinations like Mexico or Jamaica. Many all-inclusive resorts cater to kids in this age group with kids’ clubs, water slides, and beach activities while parents enjoy some downtime.
Pro Travel Tips for Ages 5-8:
Involve your kids in the planning process; let them pick an activity or destination.
Look for accommodations with swimming pools—a universal kid pleaser.
Pack a small backpack of travel-friendly games and books to keep them entertained on the go.
Incorporate the magic of mailing a new friend (aka Plush Pal) to your child for their arrival adding to the magic of their stay the moment they arrive and have them take their new friend with them on all the family memory-making adventures
Vacation Ideas for Preteens and Teens
As kids grow older, vacations become an opportunity for shared adventures and family bonding. This age group is ready for more complex itineraries and active experiences.
Thrills and Adventure
Destinations like Costa Rica offer zip-lining, volcano treks, and kayaking that are perfect for adrenaline-seeking teens. Similarly, the national parks of Utah, such as Zion and Bryce Canyon, are great for challenging hikes and awe-inspiring landscapes.
Urban Exploration
Older kids often appreciate city trips that let them explore independently (with you nearby). Paris, London, and New York City offer museums, shopping districts, and iconic landmarks that feel exciting and new. Teens can snap Instagram-worthy photos while enjoying some freedom to wander.
Cultural Immersion
Travel to places where your kids can immerse themselves in a different culture, such as Japan or Morocco. Cooking classes, local markets, and art workshops create engaging and memorable experiences.
Pro Travel Tips for Preteens and Teens:
Give them a sense of autonomy by letting them choose some activities.
Use group tours or excursions where they can meet peers their age.
Look for accommodations with Wi-Fi to keep them connected with friends during downtime.
Start a new family tradition - collect an ornament from each travel destination so it refreshes the nostalgic experience at unexpected times throughout the year
Planning a family vacation doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right destination, your trip can be a joyful experience that creates lasting memories for every member of your family. Ready to start packing?
