The Best Child-Friendly Travel Destinations

When you have young kids or teenagers, it can be difficult to plan a vacation that everyone will enjoy. Sometimes it feels so impossible; families decide to boycott heading abroad, settling for a nearby location. While this may make you, the parents, feel safer, you are taking away your chance, and your kid’s chance, of experiencing and seeing the world.

If you want to head abroad, here are the best child-friendly travel destinations.

NIagara Falls, Toronto Canada - Sept. 2018

Edinburgh, Scotland

Sometimes heading to a capital city can leave parents worried, wondering if it’s too big for their kids to handle; however, Edinburgh is big enough to keep you and your children entertained, but small enough so that you do not feel overwhelmed. Edinburgh is notorious for its major festivals throughout the year, including the Fringe festival or the science festival. Other major points of interest include the Museum of Childhood, the Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street, and the Old Town. For a relaxing day, though, head to Holyrood Park, where you can walk, cycle or simply look at the loch.

Florida, USA

When you think Florida, you will, of course, concoct visions of theme parks and Disney World. You’ll also dream about sunny weather and beaches galore, for both parents and kids to relax and sunbathe on. If you want to explore, though, you can visit the Shuttle Launch Experience which can be found at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, or you can grab a vehicle from a trusted car rental and drive to the Everglades National Park so that the whole family can see alligators and the subtropical wilderness.

Disney World Florida

Toronto, Canada

Toronto will wow your kids, with its abundance of child-friendly activities, such as ascending the famous CN Tower or seeing dinosaur bones at the ROM. You can also visit Chinatown and the Kensington Market, or see the glittering skyline from afar when the sun dips. The main attraction, however, is Niagara Falls, which will be a wet and wild experience for all family members to enjoy and remember for years to come.

Niagara Falls

North Island, New Zealand

While the North Island may not have snow-capped mountains, it does still offer dramatic and beautiful views you’ll never forget. Plus, it is difficult to separate New Zealand from Lord of the Rings, so be prepared to recognize rolling, green hills, hobbit houses, and vivid vistas. Popular places of interest include Rotorua, Waitomo, and Wellington.

Tokyo, Japan

Japan itself can seem like a giant playground. With neon lights and anime seemingly everywhere, kids can settle quickly and be kept entertained incredibly easily. If your children are avid gamers or fans of Pokémon, then the Pokémon Center is right up your street – just be prepared to have to buy a few plushies! If you have teenagers, you can take them to Akihabara, the Electric District, where the latest gadgets and geek culture can be found. Mount Fuji and the beautiful Nikko are also only a short drive or train journey away if you’re after a more traditional view of Japan.