My children love spending vacations building sandcastles and splashing in pools. However, it’s easy to get stuck in a travel rut. Instead of planning the same type of trip year after year, I created a bucket list for family trips. Now, instead of planning annual beach trips, I take my kids on family adventure vacations and other epic journeys around the globe. The world is a big place, and I want my kids to see as much of it as possible.
Once I started thinking more creatively about where to go on vacation, my family’s trips got so much better. We do enjoy lazy days by the ocean. We also go on incredible hikes in rainforests and on glaciers, marvel at the wonders of the world, and experience the awe of seeing a dark sky full of twinkling stars in the desert. It’s never too early to start creating your own bucket list for family trips. Even very young children can enjoy family adventure trips, from seeing kangaroos in Australia or giant tortoises in the Galapagos to wandering the streets of Tokyo pretending to be a ninja.
Planning a family adventure vacation or bucket list family trip may require more advanced planning than your typical week at the beach or visit to Disney World. Moreover, family bucket list trips often require careful budgeting and saving. Even though it may take a few years for a family adventure trip to become a reality, the payoff is worth the time and money you invest in making it happen. The memories your entire family creates on these epic trips are priceless and will last a lifetime.
Key takeaways
When it comes to planning epic family vacations, the world is your oyster. Even if a family adventure trip is years away, start planning now. My family’s bucket list started with destinations we wanted to visit, such as Japan and Iceland, and experiences we wanted to share, such as seeing the northern lights and swimming with penguins. Our family travel bucket list has evolved over the years to reflect new interests and vacation destinations, so I consider it a work in progress. If you aren’t sure where to start, here are my family’s favorite adventure trips, excursions, and accommodations, after traveling to 30 countries.
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Epic family adventure vacations
Editor’s Note: When researching or booking international family travel, it’s important to be cognizant of the latest travel advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State. Click here to view all current travel advisories.
Antarctica
Best ages for kids: 5-Teen
Best time to visit: October-March
Tip: Pack books and coloring pages to help pass the time during at-sea days.
Must-do experience: Kayaking alongside penguins in the Southern Ocean was a highlight of the trip for my entire family.
Why we loved it
One of the items on my family’s bucket list is going to all seven continents. We made it to our 6th continent when we traveled to Antarctica over our winter break (it was summer there). I chose to travel with HX Expeditions because they have over 130 years of experience, allow children as young as five to sail to the frozen continent, and have family-friendly trips. My family loved marveling at penguins as they waddled down “penguin highways,” sailing in small zodiac boats to see icebergs, seals, and whales, hiking on glaciers, and riding in a science boat to help scientists collect samples.
Onboard, my children enjoyed the ship’s science center and attended a kids-only meeting with Antarctic scientists. Between landings, the ship’s game library and unlimited milkshakes kept my kids happy and full. My 10-year-old was able to fully participate in all of the activities, as were several younger children on our trip. If you can’t make it all the way to Antarctica for a family adventure trip, HX also sails to Svalbard in Norway, which is a similar experience but much closer to home.
Where to stay
My family sailed aboard HX’s newest ship, the MS Fridtjof Nansen, which has a pool, an onboard science center, and plenty of kid-friendly meal options.
Japan
Best ages for kids: 6-12
Best time to visit: March-May or October-November
Tip: Book activities in advance. Many popular attractions in Japan sell out weeks or months in advance.
Must-do experience: My family’s visits to teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless were a highlight of our trip to Japan. If you only have time to visit one, we recommend teamLab Planets, which includes an interactive room just for the youngest visitors.
Why we loved it
For years, whenever I asked my kids where they wanted to go, Japan was at the top of their personal bucket lists. Planning a trip to Japan with kids seemed overwhelming, so I booked a family tour with Intrepid Travel. The tour took us to Japanese hot spots, including Tokyo and Kyoto. However, we also visited the mountain town of Hakone, known for its onsens, the historic city of Hiroshima, and small towns in between.
To round out our trip, we stayed in Tokyo for a few days before the tour started and ended with a few days in Osaka. My kids loved taking the bullet train, visiting Mt. Fuji, feasting on ramen, and becoming steeped in Anime culture. Additionally, I booked a Ninja training through GetYourGuide for my son, and he hasn’t stopped talking about the experience since. My kids also loved visiting Japan’s amusement parks. In Tokyo, we spent a day at Disneyland. In Osaka, we visited Universal Studios Japan.
Where to stay
The Grand Hyatt Tokyo is the perfect base for families. It’s within walking distance of many of Tokyo’s attractions, has multiple on-site restaurants, from a casual cafe to a traditional steakhouse with Japanese influences, and it is close to a metro stop. At select times of the year, the hotel launches themed rooms, including a Pokémon suite.
Galapagos Islands
Best ages for kids: 7-12
Best time to visit: December-May
Tip: Many trips to the Galapagos Islands involve water-based activities such as snorkeling and kayaking. Although life vests are usually available, most kids will have a better trip if they have at least basic swimming skills.
Must-do experience: Snorkeling with Galapagos sea lions is a unique experience you can’t have anywhere else.
Why we loved it
I visited the Galapagos Islands before I had kids. The unmatched feeling of being immersed in untouched natural landscapes and walking among wildlife not found anywhere else in the world stayed with me. A return trip with my children had been at the top of my family-trip bucket list for years.
After having a great experience with HX Expeditions in Antarctica, I booked an expedition cruise with them to the Galapagos Islands for the following year. In the Galapagos, families can hike to see blue-footed boobies, sit with flamingos on the beach, snorkel with seals, and watch penguins waddle. Onboard, children can ask scientists questions about everything they see and experience, and get more hands-on learning in the ship’s science center.
Where to stay
My family stayed aboard HX’s Santa Cruz II. The ship holds no more than 90 passengers, but has plenty of space for families to enjoy, including a restaurant, lounge, and several outdoor decks perfect for wildlife spotting (especially sharks!) or relaxing.
Iceland
Best ages for kids: 5-Teens
Best time to visit: May-September
Tip: The best time to visit Iceland depends on what you want to do. The northern lights usually shine brightly throughout the fall and winter, but aren’t visible in the summer when the Midnight Sun shines 24 hours a day. Puffins emerge in the spring, while whales are abundant in the summer.
Must-do experience: A visit to the Blue Lagoon is a must-do for every family. The famed geothermal spa allows children as young as two to soak in its milky-blue waters.
Why we loved it
Iceland is less than a five-hour flight from New York, yet it feels like a completely different world. My kids loved wandering around Reykjavik’s famed Rainbow Road, standing between tectonic plates in Þingvellir National Park, seeing puffins in the wild, hiking on dormant volcanoes, and exploring ice caves. Iceland’s magnificent waterfalls are another draw for many families. Visiting Iceland’s natural hot springs and geothermally heated pools was a highlight for my family. Iceland is known for its hot dogs and ice cream, which will keep most kids very happy when it’s time to eat.
Where to stay
Hotel Ranga is a family-owned and operated hotel ideally located on Iceland’s South Coast, yet less than an hour from Reykjavik. The hotel is very family-friendly, and the staff is always willing to help plan activities nearby.
Jordan
Best ages for kids: 6-12
Best time to visit: April – October
Tip: Even in the summer, Jordan’s Wadi Rum desert gets cold at night. Be sure to bring layers.
Must-do experience: Take a sunrise or sunset camel ride in the Wadi Rum desert.
Why we loved it
My family explored Jordan on an Intrepid family tour that took us to Petra, Wadi Rum, Amman, the Dead Sea, the Red Sea, and beyond. Even though Jordan is a relatively small country, there is so much to explore. Each stop on our trip was distinct and wondrous in its own way.
Wandering the ruins of Petra and seeing the iconic Treasury building alongside my children is one of my favorite family memories. Spending the night in the Wadi Rum desert is a rare opportunity to wander outside and see the Milky Way with almost no light pollution. My children also loved traveling to the coast and covering themselves in mud before floating in the Dead Sea. Additionally, my son returned from Jordan with a deep love of falafel.
Where to stay
Near the Dead Sea, stay at the Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa. The family-friendly resort has direct access to the Dead Sea and multiple pools, including a shallow kids’ pool, a family pool, and infinity pools.
Grenada
Best ages for kids: 2-12
Best time to visit: December-April
Tip: Try some of Grenada’s nutmeg ice cream, flavored with spices grown on the island.
Must-do experience: Book a bean-to-bar experience to see how chocolate is made and make your own chocolate bar.
Why we loved it
When it’s time to plan a Caribbean vacation, Grenada might not be the first island that comes to mind. However, Spice Isle is a paradise for families, especially those who don’t want to spend their entire vacation being beach bums or fighting crowds. In Grenada, families can snorkel in calm, crystal-clear blue waters, hike through the island’s rain forest, see monkeys in the wild, and swim under waterfalls.
I loved the varied experiences in Grenada, which made my time there distinct from visits to other Caribbean islands. This family bucket-list destination is still sparsely visited compared to other places in the Caribbean. Traveling there is a rare opportunity to enjoy the region’s unmatched sun and sand without the crowds.
Where to stay
SilverSands Grand Anse is the perfect choice for families visiting Grenada. The beachfront hotel has the longest infinity pool in the Caribbean and an on-site kids’ club. Families can book a private oceanfront villa if they need more privacy or space. For a more budget-friendly pick, Blue Horizons Garden Resort blends super affordable rates, family-oriented accommodations, and a breezy atmosphere.
Turks and Caicos
Best ages for kids: 5-12
Best time to visit: December-April
Tip: If you stay at an island resort, you may be tempted to spend your entire trip there. However, try to venture off the property at least once.
Must-do experience: Snorkel or scuba dive at Grace Bay Beach, often recognized as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Why we loved it
Providenciales in Turks and Caicos is a relaxed Caribbean island with some of the bluest waters and softest, white sand anywhere on earth. The island is known worldwide for its outstanding snorkeling and diving. During our visit, my kids loved building sandcastles, snorkeling, and swimming in the ocean. My daughter even tried scuba diving a few times during our visit.
Families also enjoy visiting Little Water Cay, also called Iguana Island, and riding horses on the beach. Attending Turks and Caicos’ weekly Fish Fry, held every Thursday evening, is a great place to try local cuisine and soak up local culture. Turks and Caicos are one of the few places my well-traveled kids ask to go back to again and again.
Where to stay
The all-inclusive Beaches Resort is a family-friendly paradise right on the ocean. The resort has multiple kids’ clubs for toddlers through teens, several “villages,” including the new Treasure Beach village, multiple pools, and activities all day (and night) long. Beaches offers “snuba” experiences using diving equipment for children as young as 8. Kids 10 and up can take an open water diving course at Beaches and try their hand at diving.
An African Safari
Best ages for kids: 8-12
Best time to visit: May-October
Tip: If malaria is a concern, look for a malaria-free option, such as in parts of South Africa or Kenya.
Must-do experience: Go on at least one walking safari to see sub-Saharan Africa’s landscapes and wildlife from a different perspective.
Why we loved it
Animal lovers in the family will love going on an African safari. No two safaris are the same because the landscape and wildlife throughout Africa vary greatly depending on where you go and when. The Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya is a popular family-friendly safari destination that offers a good chance of seeing the “Big 5”: African lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and Cape buffalo. Botswana is another good choice for a family adventure trip. The country’s Okavango Delta offers opportunities for both canoe and land safaris. Intrepid Travel offers family safaris for children as young as 5. After having been on a safari solo, returning for an adventure trip with my children is at the top of my family’s travel bucket list.
Where to stay
Enduata Camps in Tanzania makes families its priority with its Explorer Program, where younger guests learn essential bush skills, try their hand at Maasai bow-and-arrow shooting, and learn to identify animal footprints.
Hawaii
Best ages for kids: 5-12
Best time to visit: March-September
Tip: Consider island hopping for a varied experience.
Must-do experience: Don’t leave Hawaii without trying some of the state’s famous Shave Ice.
Why we loved it
Hawaii is a bucket-list family trip for many families for good reason. The islands have stunning beaches, fantastic hiking, and easy access to cultural activities. During my trip to Hawaii, I loved visiting Oahu in Honolulu, where I lounged and swam on the iconic Waikiki Beach, and visited Pearl Harbor. I enjoyed Maui’s great mix of beaches, whale watching, hiking, and restaurants. The Big Island, confusingly named Hawaii, is perfect for a more secluded experience, with black sand beaches and the chance to explore Volcanoes National Park.
Where to stay
Wailea Beach Resort in Maui has four pools and the longest resort waterslide in Hawaii, making it perfect for families. It has easy access to the ocean and water-based activities, including canoeing and paddleboarding, as well as fantastic restaurants and on-site cultural activities. The hotel has a kids’ club and an adult-only area for parents, which I enjoyed for several kid-free hours during my stay.
Australia
Best ages for kids: 5-12
Best time to visit: March-May and September-November
Tip: Sydney makes a great base for families, but plan at least a few day trips out of the city.
Must-do experience: See kangaroos in the wild.
Why we loved it
The New South Wales region, home to Australia’s capital, Sydney, is a rare destination with something for everyone. Kids of all ages can appreciate Australia’s wildlife, varied landscapes, and iconic attractions. In New South Wales, families can visit the Taronga Zoo overlooking Sydney Harbor to get up close and personal with native Australian wildlife or go on a safari at the zoo’s Dubbo location. Sydney’s famed Bondi Beach includes a free children’s pool, while older kids can take surf lessons. Families can consider taking the Bondi to Coogee walk, an easy-level hike with stunning coastal views.
Because it takes so long to get to Australia from the U.S., it makes sense for families to spend time exploring beyond Sydney. For adventurous families, consider hiking in the Blue Mountains, just an hour outside of Sydney. Down the coast, you can go glamping under the stars at the pristine Jervis Bay down the South Coast, take a dolphin or whale-watching cruise, or have your best chance to spot kangaroos in the wild at Pebbley Beach in Murramarang National Park. North of Sydney, visit the seaside paradise of Port Stephens to sandboard the largest dunes in the southern hemisphere.
Where to stay
The Hilton Sydney is a centrally located, family-friendly hotel with an indoor pool. Families can book the Sydney Family Escape package, which includes connecting rooms and arrival gifts, among other perks.
FAQs
What are the most popular bucket list destinations?
One of the most popular bucket list destinations for families is Peru, where I am headed next on an Intrepid family trip that includes Machu Picchu and time in the Amazon. Other popular bucket list destinations for families include the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Japan, Iceland, and the Taj Mahal in India. I’ve taken my kids on all of these bucket list trips except to see the Great Barrier Reef, which we hope to do soon. They are all incredible and popular for good reason.
What are the best budget-friendly adventure family vacations?
Bucket list vacations are often expensive. However, it is possible to make these extravagant–sounding family adventure trips more affordable. I use points and miles to cover the cost of flights and hotels for many trips. I traveled independently for most of my life, and I enjoy taking my kids to adventure destinations on small-group family tours. Sharing the cost of a guide, transportation, and other expenses helps lower the cost of planning a similar trip on my own.
Although families with kids in school are often tied to traveling during the summer, spring break, and the winter holidays, traveling off-peak can help save a bundle. Additionally, consider shorter trips to save. Iceland is only four hours from New York, and it’s possible to have a great trip and even see the northern lights over a long weekend.
What’s the best age for an adventure family vacation?
Age 7 and up is a good guideline for planning a family adventure vacation. However, the best age for a family adventure vacation is as soon as you feel comfortable. Look at the activities you have planned to help guide your decision. For example, toddlers who don’t yet know how to swim probably aren’t old enough for an adventure trip to the Galapagos Islands. Kids who aren’t yet able to walk long distances won’t be able to explore much of Petra. However, children of all ages can enjoy the northern lights in Iceland or watch kangaroos in Australia.
What’s the #1 thing on your family travel bucket list you’d recommend?
Whenever I ask my kids about their favorite bucket list trip, they always say Jordan. They loved exploring Petra, spending the night in the desert, and taking camel rides at sunrise. Iceland, Antarctica, and the Galapagos are close seconds.
Jamie Davis Smith, Contributing Writer
Jamie Davis Smith is a mother of four, an attorney, a disability advocate, and an avid photographer living in Washington, DC. She writes about travel, parenting, health and wellness, reviews, food and drink, beauty, and more. In addition to The Everymom, she has written for Fodor’s Travel, Viator, Yahoo, The Huffington Post, The Washington Post, Tinybeans, Business Insider, Scary Mommy, The Expedition, Reviewed, Washington Family Magazine, and many others.
