In 2026, many parents are looking to give their kids fewer things and more memorable experiences. Choosing a birthday trip over a big party or pile of presents is one alternative way to celebrate their big day, especially as kids get older and can appreciate travel. Not only are birthday trips fun for kids, but they can also be opportunities to explore their interests with IRL learning.
When does a birthday trip work best instead of gifts? Milestones are one such occasion. A birthday trip to celebrate a 10-year-old or 13-year-old might be the perfect gift. Alternatively, younger kids might appreciate a short overnight trip to a water or theme park. So much depends on your own unique kid, but we’ve put together a list of the best birthday trip ideas for kids to cover a variety of interests, locations, and more. Here, you’ll find 14 birthday trip ideas for kids from weekend birthday getaways to bucket list family vacations.
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How to choose the best birthday trip for kids
Choosing the best birthday trip for your child starts with their interests. Are they an animal lover who’d relish a unique encounter with their favorite species? An active and outdoorsy kid constantly on the move? Or a budding fashionista who’d relish a trip to New York City or Paris?
Of course, budget and duration are also things to consider, so we’ve provided a list of birthday trip ideas and destinations for kids with the following guidelines:
- Kid’s age and interests
- Weekend/overnight getaways and longer family vacations
- A mix of U.S. destinations and international trips
Additionally, parents will want to consider whether their birthday be a special one-on-one experience with one or both parents. Or will the whole family come along?
Birthday weekend getaways in the U.S.
Dream day at the American Girl Place
Best for: Ages 5-10
Locations: Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York City, Orlando, Washington D.C.
For kids who love pretend play, a trip to The American Girl Place and Cafe is a special experience. We spent my daughter’s seventh birthday at The American Girl Place in Chicago, and she declared it “the best day of her life.” Part of her birthday gift was choosing her very own American Girl Doll while her younger sister and cousin pampered themselves at the beauty salon.
What to do
Plan on lunch at the cafe, book a complimentary private shopping consultation, and consider any of their “beauty” treatments like hair braids, nail polish, and more at the salon. Their dolls come with for every experience! Make the trip extra memorable with an overnight or weekend hotel stay and check out other nearby attractions in whichever major city you visit. Or if you spent your budget at The American Girl Place, seek out free entertainment at nearby playgrounds or parks. We made stops at the free Maggie Daley Park and Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.
Waterpark trip to Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
Best for: All ages
Locations: Pocono Mountains, PA, Round Rock, TX, Sandusky, OH, Wisconsin Dells, Spotsylvania, VA (opening in 2026)
Not all parents want to sign up for an indoor water park, but Kalahari offers so much more than just water slides. With locations throughout the U.S., an indoor waterpark getaway can be a warm-weather-like treat for kids—especially those with birthdays during the colder winter months.
What to do
Beyond the waterslides, pools, and splash pads in the water park, Kalahari offers daily family-friendly activities, character appearances, adventure parks with rides, arcades, and bowling (each location has slightly different offerings). For parents, there are a variety of on-site dining options, as well as a spa for those who want to take a break.
Preschooler’s paradise at Sesame Place
Best for: Toddlers and preschoolers
Locations: Philadelphia, PA, and San Diego, CA
If your little one is Elmo- or Abby-obsessed—and you love a little dose of nostalgia—consider Sesame Place as a birthday trip getaway for kids under 5. The Philadelphia park is about two hours from New York City, and the San Diego location could be a day-trip tacked onto a longer beach vacation.
What to do
First, look for ticket deals. Unlike Disney theme parks, Sesame Place frequently has discounted tickets. Once at the park, check out Elmo’s World and Cookie Monster’s Land with plenty of rides available for toddlers and up. And if traveling during warmer months, both parks have waterpark sections to cool off. For a more in-depth review of Sesame Place, see our review from a toddler mom who took her daughter to the park.
Big city getaway to NYC
Best for: Ages 8+
A weekend trip to New York City can be tailored to your child’s interests in so many different ways, with tons of options for shopping, museums, musicals, and more. Just be sure your kid is keen to walk (or take the subway) while exploring on this birthday trip.
What to do
Some quintessential NYC experiences could be seeing the Statue of Liberty or attending a kid-friendly musical on Broadway, like The Lion King, Aladdin, or Wicked. Traveling to NYC in winter? Perhaps add ice skating at Wollman Rink, hot cocoa at a rinkside igloo, a stroll through Central Park, and a stop by the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to channel their inner Kevin McCallister.
Mountain adventure in Colorado
Best for: Ages 10+
Have an active kid who loves the outdoors? Then a mountain town getaway in Colorado could be a perfect birthday trip destination.
What to do
Colorado is known for its snowy winters, so you could plan a cold-weather adventure trip with skiing, snowtubing, or dog-sledding in Breckenridge. For fall colors or a summer trip, stay in quaint Estes Park, a short drive from Denver, for some of the best hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. Stroll down Estes Park’s main street, Elkhorn Avenue, for shopping, glass-blowing demonstrations, and taffy tastings. At night, families can enjoy a movie at the Historic Park Theater or grab dinner and a game of bowling at the women-owned Bull Pin, an elevated bowling alley with tasty eats.
Read more: The Best Family-Friendly Hotels and Resorts to Visit in Colorado—Even if You Don’t Ski
Birthday trip ideas for kids in the U.S.
Sea life trip to Monterey Bay, CA
Best for: Ages 8+
For a few years, my kid was obsessed with whales, dolphins, sharks, octopus—basically anything that lived in the sea. We borrowed marine life books from the library and watched Finding Dory on repeat. So when we made a trip to Northern California, the Monterey Bay Aquarium—the one that inspired Dory’s in the movie—was a must-see on our visit. If you have a sea-obsessed kid, too, this Northern California spot has so much to offer for a birthday vacation.
What to do
First stop, the Monterey Bay Aquarium to explore hands-on tide pools, watch playful otters, and view the impressive open sea exhibit with sharks and more. Take a stroll down historic Cannery Row to see views of the ocean animals in their natural habitat. Consider a bucket list whale-watching tour for older kids (Pro tip: dress in layers and grab motion sickness meds if anyone in the family is prone to sea sickness). Extend your visit by taking the scenic 17-Mile drive to charming Carmel-by-the-Sea for a beach day.
Theme park visit in Orlando, FL
Best for: All ages
It’s no secret that Orlando, Florida, is the epicenter of kid-friendly vacations. Between Disney World, Universal Studios, Legoland, and more, the area is perfect for a birthday trip to celebrate your special kiddo. Depending on their age, there are a number of Orlando-area theme parks perfect for their interests.
Kids under 5
Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is hands-down the best Disney theme park for little ones. Book Disney princess and character meet-and-greets, check out some of the classic rides without height requirements like It’s a Small World, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid. Plan for an afternoon parade to see all their favorite characters while you take in the charm of Main Street U.S.A. A perk for little ones celebrating their birthdays, toddlers under 3 get into Disney Parks for free!
Kids ages 6-10
Elementary school is the prime age for a kid’s first Disney trip, in my opinion. They’ll still be excited about meeting the characters (hey, I still enjoy it as an adult!), they can go on most of the rides, and they’ll remember the trip. Any of the four Disney theme parks will be great to visit. And, if budget allows, spring for a park hopper ticket so you can check out more than one. And don’t forget to stop by Guest Relations, where the birthday boy or girl gets a special button to alert cast members it’s their special day.
Tweens and teens
When thrill rides are more their style, older kids may want to check out the new Epic Universe, just opened in May, 2025. It includes five immersive worlds: the central Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk.
National Parks outdoor adventure trip
Best for: Ages 8+
Locations: All over the U.S.
The U.S. has so many incredible National Parks for a once-in-a-lifetime birthday vacation. Some of the most memorable and family-friendly include Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Grand Canyon in Arizona, Zion National Park in Utah, Yosemite, and Sequoia National Parks in California.
Yellowstone
If your kid is hoping to spot wildlife, Yellowstone National Park’s Lamar Valley is known as the “American Serengeti.” May is a great time to see the newly born baby bison—and maybe even wolf pups—before summer break crowds. Plus, catch the iconic Old Faithful geyser erupt from the Upper Geyser Basin.
Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce Canyon
The Grand Canyon is on so many family bucket lists, with plenty of hikes available for young kids. For a longer national park vacation, you can combine a Grand Canyon trip with Zion and Bryce Canyon. For breathtaking views, Zion’s shuttles make it an accessible destination to visit on shoulder seasons before the area gets too hot (June through August can be in the 100s). Stay at the family-friendly Cable Mountain Lodge near the park entrance and take a day trip to Bryce Canyon to see the crimson-colored hoodoos.
Sequoia and Yosemite
Walk amongst giant redwood trees in Sequoia National Park—and potentially spot black bears, mule deer, and big horn sheep. Exploring Yosemite (about two and a half hours away) will scratch an adventurer’s itch with more intense hikes and flowing waterfalls, like the Mist Trail.
Dude ranch vacation
Best for: Ages 8+
When unplugging is the goal, a dude ranch vacation in Texas or out West might be the perfect birthday trip for the whole family. And if your kid is in their horse girl era, all the better.
What to do
You’ll likely want a full week for the dude ranch experience. So this birthday trip is ideal for spring breaks or summer vacations. A family ranch vacation, like those offered by The Greenhorn Ranch in California, will typically include activities like horseback riding, fishing, cookouts, and live music. See our full review of the best dude ranches for families here.
International birthday trips for kids
European city getaway to Paris or London
Best for: Ages 10+
Consider one of the bigger European cities for a kid’s birthday trip that’s easier to get to for a shorter getaway. Perhaps you can celebrate a mother-daughter excursion to Paris for little fashionistas or fans of Madeline. Or take a holiday to London for royal vibes, a history lesson, or a treat for budding thespians who’d adore the West End theater scene.
What to do
With so much to do in these two cities, families could easily stretch these into a longer trip. But if choosing a kids’ birthday getaway, opt for hitting the highlights (i.e., the Eiffel Tower, London Eye, or London Bridge). Sample the local fare from a Parisian bakery or a London market. And grab an outdoor table for people watching in a new part of the world.
Disney Cruise
Best for: All ages
Not ready to fully commit to a Disney trip in Orlando or California? A Disney cruise can give kids a mini taste of the Disney experience and potentially check off their first international trip.
What to do
The Disney cruise fleet now includes eight ships traveling to worldwide destinations, including Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico, Asia, and Europe. The cruise line offers short 3-day itineraries, which could be great options for a kid’s birthday trip, leaving from ports in Fort Lauderdale and San Diego. Each ship has its own perks, including Broadway-caliber shows, waterslides, splash zones, and wading pools, as well as Disney-themed dining. Read one mom’s full review of the Disney Wish here.
Escape to Costa Rica
Best for: All ages
Would your kid be open to ziplining through the rainforest, excited to build sand castles on the beach, or keen to spot sloths and monkeys in their natural habitat? With direct flights from many U.S. cities, Costa Rica is an accessible international destination for an epic kid’s birthday trip.
What to do
Consider a mix of jungle and beach locations for your family vacation to Costa Rica. If celebrating a little nature-lover, turtle nesting season (July–October) is magical time to visit for kids. Here, one mom who spent a month living in Central America’s “happiest nation” shares more, including the best resorts for families to consider in Costa Rica.
Exploring Greece
Best for: Ages 8+
Does your kiddo love Percy Jackson? Then a birthday trip to Greece might be the best gift ever.
What to do
The Paros and Naxos islands offer the charm of Greece without the crowds. Calm beaches and walkable towns make island hopping on the ferry manageable with kids. Exploring ancient ruins will be a must for kids inspired by Greek mythology.
Epic African safari
Best for: Tweens and teens
A bucket-list vacation of a lifetime, choose an African safari for a milestone birthday like 13 or 16, for a trip they’ll truly appreciate.
What to do
For a trip across the world, you’ll want to plan for a minimum of 10 days. And adventure will be baked into every safari, not only in exciting tent camping or glamping and open-air 4×4 vehicles, but also possibly venturing out into the wild on foot, boat, or even horseback. If looking for a core-memories birthday trip, you can’t beat an African safari. Read our African safari guide for families, from a mom who’s taken her kids at every age.
Tips to make their birthday trip extra special
Of course, the trip is the birthday present, but here are some ideas to make the trip one to remember:
- Give them their very own suitcase, passport holder, or personalized luggage tag as a gift to open in advance of the trip.
- Have them unwrap something to capture memories of the trip, like a travel scrapbook or point-and-shoot camera.
- Include a “surprise experience” while you’re there, like a special dinner, private tour, or hands-on class.
Kathy Sisson, Senior Editor
Kathy Sisson has been a key contributor in the editorial parenting space for eight years, not only as a full-time editor at The Everymom but previously as a freelance writer for top parenting sites, including Scary Mommy, Motherly, Parent Co., and more. As an editor at The Everymom, she has produced hundreds of articles on a range of parenting topics, reviewed dozens of family-focused products, interviewed leading experts in the children and parenting world, and created viral parenting social media content. A mom of two, she is committed to sharing the honest, helpful, and often humorous stories of motherhood.
Images in feature graphics credited to Ebony Forsyth | Dupe, Madison Watkins | Dupe, Agus Mariano | Dupe, Kathy Sisson, and Toa Heftiba | Unsplash
