Top 10 Family Travel Destinations This Summer

Alright, let’s cut the travel-influencer nonsense and get real: family travel is not glamorous. It’s beautiful, chaotic, sticky, loud, and somehow exhausting even when you’re sitting on a beach. But it’s also the stuff your best memories are made of—some on purpose, most by accident. If you’re staring at Google right now, typing “family travel destinations” while one kid is screaming and another is packing six mismatched socks, here’s a no-fluff list of summer destinations that actually work for families.

1. San Diego, California – Chill and Sunny, Just Like You Pretend to Be

Talking about family travel destinations, San Diego is that rare unicorn of a place where your kids can run wild, and you don’t feel like you’re constantly about to lose your mind. Gorgeous beaches, the San Diego Zoo, playgrounds, tacos... It’s all easy here. No over-scheduling, just sunshine and space to breathe.

2. Orlando, Florida – It’s a Lot, But You Know You’re Going Anyway

Let’s be honest: if your kids know what Disney is, you’re already halfway to Orlando in your brain when it comes to family travel destinations. Just lean into it. It’s loud, it’s hot, it’s crowded—but it’s also magical, especially when you see your kid lose their mind hugging a sweaty person in a Mickey costume. Pack patience and backup snacks. Lots of both.

3. Yellowstone National Park – Nature’s Version of a Giant, Free Playground

You’ll get dirty. There will be bugs. But if your crew can handle a hike (or even a short walk), Yellowstone is absolutely worth it when it comes to family travel destinations. The geysers are wild, the bison are huge, and there are zero gift shops every 10 feet. That alone is a win.

4. Washington, D.C. – Where Museums Are Free and Nobody Judges Your Stroller

D.C. is surprisingly perfect when it comes to family travel destinations. Free museums that your kids might actually enjoy? Yes. Big green spaces for running off jet lag? Also yes. Plus, they can’t break anything at the Lincoln Memorial (hopefully), and you can sneak in a little learning without anyone noticing.

5. Banff, Canada – For When You Need to Stare at Mountains and Breathe Again

Banff is one of those family travel destinations that makes you feel like you’ve somehow entered a screensaver. It’s peaceful, full of fresh air, and shockingly good for kids who need to run wild. Hike, paddleboard, throw rocks into the lake—then eat poutine and crash early. Everyone wins.

6. Lake Tahoe – The Low-Key Vacation You Actually Want

Beach meets forest meets “let’s just chill for a while.” Lake Tahoe is all about nature, but with plenty of creature comforts nearby when it comes to family travel destinations. No itinerary needed. Just pack a couple of swimsuits, some bug spray, and maybe a few bribes for the long car ride.

7. Tokyo, Japan – Wild, Clean, and Weirdly Kid-Friendly

Okay, Tokyo might not scream “easy family travel destinations,” but hear me out—it’s shockingly manageable. The trains are clean, people are polite, and your kids will lose their minds over vending machines and Pokémon stores. Plus, it’s a place where adults can geek out too (hello, ramen and robot cafés).

8. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – No-Frills Fun by the Ocean

Sometimes you don’t want “boutique.” You just want a beach, fried food, and a place where your kids can be loud without judgment. That’s Myrtle Beach. Mini golf, arcades, and beachy chaos. It’s affordable, chaotic, and weirdly perfect if you lower your expectations just a tiny bit when it comes to family travel destinations.

9. London, England – Classy Chaos, But Everyone Speaks English

Yes, London can be pricey, but it’s packed with free parks and museums. Plus, tea time is basically just a classy snack break. Bonus: Harry Potter stuff everywhere. You’ll walk a ton, your kids will pass out early, and you’ll feel very worldly in the process when it comes to family travel destinations.

10. Amsterdam – Bikes, Boats, and Pancakes

Amsterdam is surprisingly chill for families. Rent bikes (they even have kid seats), ride a canal boat, explore science museums, and eat Dutch pancakes every morning like it’s your job. And when the kids nap? You sit in a canal-side café and feel like a person again.

Final Thoughts: Traveling with Kids Is Just Parenting in a Different Zip Code

Here’s the thing—every single one of these family travel destinations has its ups and downs. You’ll forget something. You’ll deal with a meltdown. You’ll probably eat lunch at 10:45 a.m. and dinner at 4 p.m. But you’ll also laugh at weird moments, take a hundred blurry photos, and come home with some stories you’ll tell forever. So don’t wait for the “perfect time.” It doesn’t exist. Book the trip, bring backup snacks, and lean into the chaos. Check out our website for more details.