The 30 best places to go with kids

written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 6/6/2022
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To help you find destinations that are as much fun for children as for grown ups Rough Guides' family travel experts have put their heads together and come up with the top 30 best places to go with kids. So whether you want a relaxing beach break or something a little more adventurous, we've found somewhere in the world for every child and parent in 2023.

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You might also want to take a look at our list magical places to visit with children. And if you're travelling with older kids finding ways to keep them wowed is easier with inspiration from our gallery of seriously weird places around the world.

1. Places to go with kids in Maribor, Slovenia

Slovenia is a small but brilliant country, especially for places to go with kids. Rent a car and head north from the capital to Maribor, a compact city that's just a stone’s throw from active entertainment for all ages.

There’s canoeing on the river Drava in summer and skiing in the nearby resort of Pohorje in winter. In spring, try the resort’s single-track toboggan run that hurtles down the ski slopes at up to 30mph.

What to do in Slovenia

Try a half-day rafting tour on the Soča River. It's a thrilling adventure for the whole family and and kids can learn about the sport of rafting from experienced local guides.

Spend a day at Canyon Učja, the biggest zipline park in Europe. Fearless teens will love flying on the 250 to 600 meters long ziplines which rise to 200 meters above the canyon of the river Učja.

Tailor-made trips in Slovenia

Plan and book family breaks with Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips to Slovenia. Take a look at sample itineraries like Treasures of Slovenia and use the details to create a personal itinerary for you and your kids.

Where to stay

Find more accommodation options in Maribor

2. Reserva Monteverde, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a world leader in eco and adventure tourism, with Monteverde as a prime example. About half of this protected area is conserved as the Bosque Eternal de los Niños ("Children's Eternal Forest"), a huge stretch of lush cloudforest, rainforest and montane evergreen forest threaded with trails and full of wildlife-spotting opportunities.

As you'd expect, there are plenty of outdoor activities: hiking, camping, zip lines, canopy tours and horse riding. Nearby Monteverde Cloudforest Biological Reserve offers yet more pristine forests and adventure activities, while Reserva Santa Elena even has pushchair-friendly trails.

What to do in Monteverde

Let kids explore the lush Monteverde cloudforest with a ride on the Sky Tram and an unforgettable hike over the Sky Walk Hanging Bridges. Stop to spot monkeys and other rare animals, then gaze out over the beautiful Nicoya Gulf.

Try the Mega Mix Adventure Tour in Monteverde for its combination of ziplines, high rope courses, rappelling and jungle swings. This is another experience that includes stunning views of the Nicoya Gulf, but this one ends with a typical Costa Rican lunch.

Tailor-made trips in Costa Rica

See sloths, toucans, monkeys and more on Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips to Costa Rica. Take a look at sample itineraries like Beaches and Volcanoes and Tropical Costa Rica and use them to personalise your own itinerary.

Where to stay

Find more accommodation options in Monteverde

3. Bali & the Gili Islands, Indonesia

Bali has an enchanting Hindu culture and jaw-dropping tropical landscapes which will leave any family spellbound. But there’s also no shortage of fun activities to keep kids interested, from Ubud’s monkey forest and shadow puppet shows to waterfall swimming at Gitgit and dolphin-watching off Bali’s north shore.

When it’s time for tranquillity, the idyllic Gili islands are a short boat ride away. With white sands and still waters, Gili Air is the perfect place to enjoy the irresistibly slow pace of island life, although the turtle hatchery at Gili Meno is also worth a day trip.

What to do in Bali

Let kids learn to surf on Kuta beach, one of the best beaches in Bali. Fully qualified instructors are English speaking and surfing lessons last for two hours and include pick up from local hotels.

Sail from Lombok and find out why Gili Nanggu is called Paradise Island on a full day private snorkelling tour which also includes visits to the islands of Gili Sudak and Gili Kedis.

Tailor-made trips in Bali

Discover Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips to Bali. Take a look at itineraries like Rest and Relaxation in Bali and Lombok and use them to personalise the ideal family trip for your kids.

Where to stay

Find more accommodation options in Bali

4. Family activities in Havana, Cuba

Beyond experiencing the faded grandeur of this exciting city, Havana has a host of places to go with kids.

A tour of the planetarium walks you around four floors of rooms, charting a journey through the cosmos, from the Big Bang (represented by a light and sound display) onwards. Or try Parque Almendares. As well as being a welcome expanse of greenery, it's also a perfect picnic spot and offers rowing on the river and crazy golf.

Tailor-made trips in Cuba

Plan and book a family trip with Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips to Cuba. Have a look at our sample itineraries, like the active family adventure or a family, beach and culture trip, then personalise the details to suit your own family.

Where to stay

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5. Places to go with kids in Rosario, Argentina

While Argentina isn't too well known as a family destination, it has a lot to recommend it. The food is delicious and kids will particularly appreciate the traditional heladerías, or ice cream parlours. There's also a stunning variety of landscapes and outdoor activities and the wildlife-spotting is second to none.

If you want to venture away from Buenos Aires, Rosario makes a good base. Not only does it have child-focused attractions like the Jardin de los Niños and the Museo de los Niños, but you can head out on river tours or rent a car and work your way north to the awe-inspiring Iguazú Falls.

What to do in Argentina

Give your kids the incredible experience of the full force of Iguazu Falls on a boat tour of Gran Aventura before going on an adventure through the surrounding jungle in a 4×4.

Alternatively, go guided horseback riding in the Puerto Iguazú jungle, tour the historic missionary country, then pay a visit to the local Guaraní community.

Tailor-made trips in Argentina

Think about planning a family holiday with Rough Guides Tailor Made Trips to Argentina. Have a look at sample itineraries like Magical Patagonia and Buenos Aires for inspiration, then create your own family trip.

Where to stay

Find more accommodation options in Rosario

6. Movie magic in North Island, New Zealand

New Zealand is top of the most beautiful countries in the world, as voted by you. And while the country's North Island might not have snowcapped mountains, it doesn't skimp when it comes to dramatic scenery.

Kids will be enthralled by the sulphur stink at Rotorua, the tiny living lights in the glowworm caves of Waitomo and the bubbling pools at Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula. If you hire a motorhome you can explore at your own pace.

These days it's impossible to separate New Zealand from the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and young fans will love the hobbit holes at Hobbiton, as well as Wellington's Weta Workshop, the centre of New Zealand's film industry, where kids can learn all about prop building and prosthetics.

What to do in North Island

Experience the magic of a guided Hobbiton Movie Set tour. Immerse yourself in the sights, smells, sounds and tastes of the Shire as featured in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies.

Explore the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a 45-minute guided tour. Glide by boat and marvel at the sight of magical glowworms above you.

Tailor-made trips in New Zealand

Plan and book a family trip with Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips to New Zealand. Have a look at our sample itineraries, like a self-drive trip to Auckland, then personalise the details to fit your own family.

Where to stay

Find more accommodation options in North Island

7. Fun family holidays in San Ignacio, Belize

Belize is one of the best of the world's smallest countries and one of the safest and easiest in Central America countries to explore with children. Apart from its colorful marine life and beautiful beaches, its malaria-free rainforest interior Belize provides tropical excitement.

At Caves Branch Jungle Lodge near San Ignacio you can float downriver in an inner tube through luxuriant forests full of cheeky spider monkeys and squawking toucans, then wake up to a dawn chorus of chirping cicadas.

What to do in San Ignacio

Take a half-day canoeing tour with kids. Drive through a Mennonite community to the remnants of an ancient Mayan civilization then explore the cool watery underground caverns of Barton Creek by canoe.

Spend a half-day tubing in San Ignacio. Enjoy a cool swim in the refreshing waters of a natural pool, formed between cave entrances, before floating downstream to relax as you learn about Mayan culture and see stunning cave formations.

Tailor-made trips in Belize

Think about planning a family holiday with Rough Guides Tailor Made Trips to Belize. Have a look at sample itineraries like highlights of Guatemala and Belize for inspiration, then create your own family trip.

Where to stay

Find more accommodation options in San Ignacio

8. Explore the great outdoors in Colorado, USA

You won't find finer views and cleaner air than in Colorado and if you're looking for a family trip that embraces the great outdoors, this state begs to be explored.

Start in the compact, mile-high city of Denver, from where it's a short drive to the sparkling alpine lakes and majestic peaks of the Rockies. Hidden further east is Colorado's answer to the Grand Canyon, the dramatic Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, one of America's most overlooked national parks.

Older kids with an interest in history will also be fascinated by the Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde in state's southwest corner.

What to do in Colorado

Connect with nature on a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver. See the Flatirons rock formations and Stanley Hotel from "The Shining" film, then stop for a picnic lunch.

Uncover Denver’s dark history on a haunted walking tour of the city’s oldest neighborhood, Capitol Hill. Choose between a 1-hour tour or a 1.5-hour extended tour, both with local guides.

Where to stay

Find more accommodation options in Denver

9. Experience family-friendly Kerala in India

Kerala offers the Indian experience at a more manageable pace for families with babies or small children.

Start in quaint Fort Cochin, a small, chilled-out quarter of Kochi with good hotels and restaurants. The peaceful backwaters can easily be reached on a day trip from here, but if you want to overnight along serene waterways on a houseboat made of wood and palm leaves, start out from Alappuzha (Alleppey) or Kumbakonam.

Kids will also love the state’s national parks, with elephant spotting in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, and for teenagers, there’s bamboo rafting.

What to do in Kerala

Cruise the backwaters of Alleppey on a private houseboat tour from Cochin. Discover the famous inland waterways of Kerala, see traditional villages and learn about backwater life.

Enjoy a trip to the hill station of Munnar, 1700 meters above sea level. This private full-day tour from Kochi includes visits to a tea museum as well as tea and spice plantations with mountain views.

Tailor-made trips in India

Discover Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips to India. Take a look at itineraries like the Indian wildlife safari and use them to personalise the perfect family trip to work with ages and stages of your kids.

Where to stay

Find more accommodation options in Kerala

10. Nairobi, Kenya

On the surface, this sprawling city doesn’t seem like one of the most sensible places to go with kids. But Nairobi has access to some wonderful child-friendly attractions. Nairobi National Park, where lions, leopards, giraffe and zebra roam free within sight of the city, is the perfect day trip for wildlife-watching.

For a more hands-on experience, try the Giraffe Center where you can feed these elegant, long-necked beasts from a raised gallery. Alternatively, visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust where orphaned elephants are rehabilitated and prepared for life in the wild.

What to do in Nairobi

Tour Nairobi National Park on a full-day game viewing drive and discover the elephant orphanage and giraffe center before visiting the Bomas of Kenya to learn about traditional culture and dance.

Experience spectacular natural beauty and legendary elephant herds on an overnight safari in Amboseli National Park discovering a range of unique Kenyan flora and fauna along the way.

Tailor-made trips in Kenya

Plan and book a family wildlife experience with Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips to Kenya. Have a look at our sample itineraries, like the family safari in Kenya, then personalise the details to suit your own children.

Where to stay

Find more accommodation options in Nairobi

11. Places to go with kids in Puglia, Italy

Puglia, in the heel of Italy’s boot, is a great choice for a family holiday in the sun. With no end of pristine beaches, the Salento peninsula is a highlight and the seaside town of Otranto, with its hulking castle, also has family-friendly appeal. To see more of Puglia's coast take a look at 20 best beaches in Italy.

Inland Puglia is charming too, not least the fairytale trulli houses. Kids will love spotting these pint-sized limestone dwellings with conical roofs, which are dotted throughout the region. Head to UNESCO-protected Alberobello for a town full of trulli. For added fun, you can even spend a night in one.

What to do in Puglia

Book a full day Salento tour with professional guides and discover the beautiful peninsula and get a local perspective on the historic towns of Galatina, Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca and Gallipoli.

Go on a two-hour guided trulli trail and explore World Heritage Listed Alberobello with a local guide. Wander pretty streets, visit the famous houses and learn about the town's extraordinary history.

Tailor-made trips in Italy

Plan and book your next family holiday Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips to Italy. Our local experts can create customised itineraries packed full of places to go with kids and designed specifically to suit your family.

Where to stay

Find more accommodation options in Puglia

12. Family days out in the West Midlands, England

The West Midlands are perhaps not the most obvious destination for a family holiday in England, but the region has tons of amazingly good fun activities for kids.

You can see big game at the West Midlands Safari Park or visit the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley to go back in time to the 1930s and eat the best chips ever. The secret is frying them in beef dripping.

Then there's Birmingham, which has an excellent Sea Life Centre. Or you could head to Derby, a pleasant gateway to the Peak District. And let's not forget the Severn Valley Steam Railway, which runs between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth.

What to do in the West Midlands

Take kids on a self-guided smartphone treasure hunt in Birmingham. Solve clues at the most famous city sights and discover lots of hidden gems too.

Book family tickets for Alton Towers Resort and try 40 rides and attractions including world-first rollercoasters and the UK’s only CBeebies Land.

Tailor-made trips in the UK

Discover Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips round England. Take a look at itineraries like the Great British Road Trip and use them to personalise the perfect family trip to work with ages and stages of your kids.

Where to stay

Find more accommodation options in the West Midlands

13. Go vampire hunting in Bran, Romania

For older children, Transylvania in Romania is a feast of freaky folklore. The historic city of Brasov is one of Rough Guides things not to miss in Romania and it's near neighbour Bran Castle is one of the reasons it's a must-do with kids.

With its grim facade, turrets, ramparts, and precarious position, teetering atop a rocky bluff against a mountain backdrop, Bran Castle is the quintessential vampire count’s lair.

The historical figure behind Romania’s Dracula legend (Vlad Țepeş) is as terrifying as Bram Stoker’s fiction: he wasn’t known as “the Impaler” for nothing. There are countless other atmospheric sites linked to the legend, not least Poenari Castle, where Vlad once lived, and the country’s “cult of the dead” is never far from the surface.

What to do in Transylvania

Book a Bran Castle guided tour with your kids to learn the infamous history as you explore its many rooms and hear real and fictional tales.

Go on a small-group brown bear watching tour in Brasov where kids can see these amazing animals in their natural habitat from a specially-designed observation hide in the Transylvanian forest.

Where to stay

Find more accommodation options in Transylvania

14. Find family festivals in Edinburgh, Scotland

The capital of Scotland has a small enough city centre to stroll around and hosts a number of fun and educational attractions for the whole family. And it also happens to be one of the most beautiful places in Scotland as voted by Rough Guides readers.

But what makes Edinburgh really stand out are its festivals. There are 12 major festivals throughout the year from a storytelling event to a science festival and not forgetting the famous Fringe.

If you don't go during festival season, the Camera Obscura makes for some ridiculous family photos. Then of course, there's the Museum of Childhood, where you can get nostalgic and the kids can get hands-on.

What to do in Edinburgh

Don't miss the Harry Potter magical guided walking tour round Edinburgh, the city where the world of Harry Potter was born. Kids can test their knowledge with an audio-visual quiz, find their Hogwarts' House, and visit Tom Riddle’s grave.

Take an Edinburgh underground vaults tour with older kids to explore beneath the Old Town. The vaults date back to the early 18th century and are packed with tales of murders, witches and other sinister happenings.

Tailor-made trips in Scotland

Book your family holiday in Scotland with Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips. Take a look at itineraries like the Highland Tour and use them to personalise the perfect family trip for you and your kids.

Where to stay

Find more accommodation options in Edinburgh

15. Family seaside fun in Brittany, France

For a European bucket-and-spade holiday, it's hard to beat Brittany the ruggedly beautiful northwest region of France. For families it offers everything from charming seaside resorts and friendly campsites to remote coves and rocky promontories.

For a first visit, base yourself in Saint-Malo, where a strip of gorgeous beaches stretches east from the winding streets of the old walled town. Older kids can try windsurfing or catamaran sailing at the Saint-Malo surf school, while grown-ups will find fresh oysters to feast on and local ciders to sample.

What to do in Brittany

Visit the Grand Aquarium of Saint-Malo with kids for 2 hours of total immersion and discovery in the company of the 10,000 fish and other marine creatures.

Take a full-day tour of Mont Saint-Michel and Saint-Malo and learn, about the amazing history and architecture of both. Kids will love stories of pilgrims, pirates and famous explorers.

Tailor-made trips in France

Plan and book a family break in Brittany with Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips to France. Have a look at our sample itineraries, like the Northern France Tour, then personalise the details to suit your own family and the ages of your children.

Where to stay

Find more accommodation options in Brittany

16. Astronauts and Alligators in Florida, USA

Of course Florida can't be beat on theme parks, but even if Orlando isn't your idea of a holiday, don't discount the Sunshine State. In the Northeast you can drive on the beach at Daytona, or have your bones rattled on the Shuttle Launch Experience at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

For something a little more serene, kids will be fascinated by gators in the subtropical wilderness of Everglades National Park, or you could head further up the coast to Tampa Bay and the northwest to swim with manatees in the Crystal River.

What to do in Florida

Skip the line with kids and book Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex tickets in advance. Then enjoy a full day of unique experiences at the world's most authentic space attraction without any waiting around.

Ready for an up close gator encounter? Try an Everglades National Park Airboat Tour, see the extraordinary wetlands with guides and take in a wildlife show where kids have the chance to hold a baby alligator.

Tailor-made trips in the USA

Plan and book a family break in the US with Rough Guides recommended US itineraries. Have a look at itineraries like the National Parks Loop or the Deep South and Florida, then personalise the details to suit your own family and the ages of your children.

Where to stay

Find more accommodation options in Florida

17. Explore kid-friendly Toronto, Canada

Toronto is a-buzz with kid-friendly activities, from cheap thrills like marvelling at the slick skyline and crisscrossing town on a streetcar to splashing out on a ticket to ascend the famous CN Tower or seeing dinosaur bones and Native Canadian headdresses at the Royal Ontario Museum.

Chinatown and nearby Kensington Market are great browsing and wandering territory, and the Toronto Islands are only a ferry ride away, but a world apart from the city's hustle and bustle. You can also venture south to the spectacular Canada side of Niagara Falls or north to the rocky islets of Georgian Bay.

What to do in Toronto

Take a Niagara Falls day tour from Toronto. Stopover in Niagara-on-the-Lake and view attractions such as the Floral Clock and Whirlpool Rapids, then enjoy up to 3 hours free time at the falls.

Plan ahead and book tickets for the Royal Ontario Museum. Canada's largest museum, it contains a world-class art collection and artefacts ranging from dinosaurs to mummies.

Tailor-made trips in Canada

Plan and book a family break in Canada with Rough Guides recommended Canadian itineraries. Have a look at itineraries like Classic Canada or Best of the Maritimes, then personalise them to fit your family.

Where to stay

Find more accommodation options in Toronto

18. Have a seaside break on Isle of Wight, UK

For the kind of nostalgic, bucket-and-spade holiday that brings back rosy memories of your own childhood, look no further than the Isle of Wight.

There’s plenty to keep kids entertained here, from rockpooling and playing on safe sandy beaches to a raft of old-school attractions, including a model village and a steam railway.

Don't miss Blackgang Chine, the UK’s oldest amusement park. Set in rambling cliff-top gardens, it's a child’s fantasy of pirates, cowboys and princesses, though the star turns are the life-sized animatronic dinosaurs.

To enjoy a spectacular view of the South Coast, visit the Emirates Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth. Then drop in on Shanklin, it's one of our top 30 best seaside towns UK.

What to do in Isle of Wight

To see how Victorian royalty lived, book tickets for Osborne House. Reportedly Queen Victoria's favourite home, kids will love exploring the private beach and rambling round the adventure playground.

Alternatively book tickets for Carisbrooke Castle, another of the island's royal residences and quite a bit older than Osborne House. This visit comes with some sinister tales and the bonus of cute Carisbrooke Donkeys.

Tailor-made trips in England

Discover Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips round England. Take a look at itineraries like England Historical Highlights and use them to personalise the perfect family trip to work with ages and stages of your kids.

Where to stay

Find more accommodation options in Isle of Wight

19. Reykjavík, Iceland

This landscape of rare geological youth feels utterly alive – the earth belches out gasses, waterfalls cascade as if bursting forth for the first time, and the Northern Lights dance around the skies. You can easily experience much of the wonder on day-trips from the pint-sized, child-friendly capital, Reykjavík.

The “Golden Circle” circuit is well established, while the otherworldly Blue Lagoon is also a simple excursion. Bathing in the Lagoon's warm waters with steam rising all around, children will feel like they’ve entered another realm. If you want to know more take a look at the best places to stay in Iceland: an expert's guide.

You can also remind them, that Iceland is home to the Huldufólk, or “hidden folk”, magical creatures invisible to the human eye. Local residents believe in them so strongly that building projects have been diverted to avoid their supposed habitats.

What to do in Reykjavik

Take a full-day tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle. Experience the stunning natural scenery and see the see the legendary Geysir area as well as spectacular Gullfoss waterfall and Þingvellir National Park.

Head out from Reykjavik on a whale watching cruise of Faxaflói Bay. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphin and if you or your kids don't spot a whale you get another trip, free of charge.

Tailor-made trips in Iceland

Plan and book a family break with Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips to Iceland. Have a look at our sample itineraries, like Landscapes and Lagoons, then personalise the details to suit yourself and your kids.

Where to stay

Find more accommodation options in Reykjavik

20. Go wild in Zion National Park, USA

If you’re looking to introduce young kids to the joys of the outdoors in Utah, spectacular Zion National Park is one of the most accessible places to start.

Shuttle buses and well-marked trails (starting at just half a mile long) make getting to the stunning waterfalls and wildlife of Zion Canyon a breeze. Add in horseback rides, ranger-led youth tours and s’mores by the campfire in one of the park’s three campsites and you’ve got the makings of an unforgettable family trip.

What to do in Mount Zion National Park

Take kids on a Crimson Slot Canyon tour of Zion National Park. Experience a thrilling UTV ride followed by a stunning hike in the backcountry of East Zion to see the famous Slot Canyon formations.

Book a sunset ATV adventure near Zion National Park. See spectacular Southern Utah and Sand Hollow State Park on a thrilling ride with views of the desert and its iconic red rock formations.

Tailor-Made Trips in Utah

Plan and book a family break in the US with Rough Guides recommended US itineraries. Have a look at itineraries like the National Parks Loop or the Deep South and Florida, then personalise the details to suit your own family and the ages of your children.

Where to stay

Find more accommodation options in Utah

21. Show kids Lake Retba in Senegal

Senegal in Africa has a lot to offer families, from wide open beaches on the wild Atlantic coast to some seriously curious natural wonders.

There's the pink-hued Lake Retba, which, at its brightest, is a startling sight. There are undulating sand dunes ripe for you and your 4X4 to explore, and don't miss Ile de Fadiouth – a small island in the south made entirely from shells.

What to do in Senegal

Go on a Senegal family safari with your local guides and you and your kids will have the opportunity to walk with lions at Fathala Wildlife Reserve, one of the country's most famous parks.

Take a half-day tour of the Pink Lake from Dakka or Saly and let kids see the wonderful waters of Lake Retba up close in the company of expert local guides.

Where to stay

Find more accommodation options in Saly Portudal

22. Activity packed Antalya in Turkey

Antalya, in southern Turkey, is packed with activities to keep the whole family entertained. Behind Konyaaltı beach lies the Antalya Aquarium (complete with 4-D cinema), the Wildpark (devoted to insects and reptiles) and – for when the kids really can't bear the heat – an indoor snow park.

Next door is Antalya Minicity, which has 1:25 scale re-creations of some of Turkey’s most iconic landmarks. The Toy Museum at Antalya’s harbour also provides a fun distraction from the beach.

What to do in Antalya

Try a quad bike safari in the Taurus Mountains from Antalya. These jagged peaks divide the coastal region of southern Turkey from the Anatolian Plateau and make a thrilling adventure for older kids and teens.

Have a day out with younger kids at The Land of Legends theme park close to Antalya. The park is packed with thrilling rides, roller coasters, animal encounters and spectacular shows and your book-ahead tickets include return transfers.

Also check our list of the best things to do in Turkey and find some more ideas for your future trip.

Tailor-Made Trips in Turkey

Plan and book a family break in Turkey with Rough Guides recommended Turkey itineraries. Have a look at itineraries like The Turquoise Coast, then personalise the details to suit your own family and the ages of your children.

Where to stay

Find more accommodation options in Antalya

23. Take family time in Tokyo, Japan

There are loads of kid-friendly destinations in Japan, but when it comes places with activities all the family will enjoy – as with everything – you're spoiled for choice in Tokyo.

The Ghibli Museum and Odaiba are highlights, and the city has plenty of huge parks and interactive museums to explore together. Tokyo Disneyland is also nearby, while Yokohama (for Chinatown and yet another ferris wheel), Kamakura and Nikkō (more nature and history, less neon) are all doable on a day trip.

What to do in Tokyo

Book ahead for Tokyo Legoland Discovery Centre and let kids immerse themselves in an indoor world of play and learning surrounded by over 3 million LEGO bricks.

See Tokyo from the water on a river cruise from Asakusa to the city's Odaiba district. Sail along the Sumida River and Tokyo Bay and take in views of the Tokyo Skytree, Hamarikyu Garden, Rainbow Bridge and more.

Tailor-made trips in Japan

Plan and book a family break with Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips to Japan. Have a look at our sample itineraries, like Japan Highlights: Tokyo to Osaka, then personalise the details to suit yourself and your kids.

Where to stay

Find more accommodation options in Tokyo

24. Adventure together at Cape Tribulation, Australia

Cape Tribulation in Queensland is an amazing adventure for children, and adults too. With both lush forests and palm tree-lined beaches, there are plenty of activities on offer.

You can also take a boat trip from the cape to the Great Barrier Reef or trek through Daintree Rainforest on the look out for prehistoric cassowaries, avoiding crocodiles, spiders and snakes along the way. The brave might want to try a night-time rainforest walk, or a thrilling tree top jungle zip wire.

What to do in Queensland

Thrill kids with a Cape Tribulation ocean safari off the Daintree Coast. It's an out of this world half-day cruise which includes snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef with experienced local guides.

Take a tour of Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation by 4WD with friendly and expert guides. Spot wildlife in their natural habitat, enjoy spectacular views and learn about the extraordinary environment.

Tailor-made trips in Australia

Plan a family adventure with Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips to Australia. Have a look at our sample itineraries, like Explore South Australia and the Northern Territory, then personalise the details to suit yourself and your kids.

Where to stay

Find more accommodation options in Queensland

25. Kids will be wild about Wales, UK

It's hard to choose one place to base yourself in Wales because the country is brimming with family-friendly holiday locations.

Pembrokeshire has beautiful beaches and a rugged coastline ripe for exploration, whether you want to take a walk on the Coast Path or get a bit more hands-on with some coasteering and kayaking.

Up in North Wales, adventure hubs like Zip World, where a four-person zip line is capable of speeds up to 100mph, and Bounce Below, a series of trampolines inside underground caves, are bound to keep kids happy.

What to do in Wales

See Snowdonia National Park from the water on a Llyn Padarn guided kayaking adventure. Paddle the glacial lake, enjoy fresh mountain air, see historic Welsh castles and even go for a swim.

Explore the stunning south east of Wales on a full day tour of the Wye Valley and Brecon Beacons. Kids will love the friendly local guides and you get to see everything from Tintern Abbey to the Upper Wye Gorge.

Tailor-made trips in Wales

Discover Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips in Wales. Take a look at itineraries like the Great British Road Trip and use them to personalise the perfect family trip to work with ages and stages of your kids.

Where to stay

Find more accommodation options in Wales

26. The Maldives, Indian Ocean

The Maldives might seem like a honeymoon-only destination, but don’t be put off. Most resorts are child-friendly, although it’s best to check first, to avoid being surrounded by just-married couples.

Rent a hut on the beach and children will spend hours playing in the white sand, jumping in waves and snorkelling in the shallow waters. Many islands have swimming pools and offer beach games, kayak hire, and dolphin-spotting trips too, with diving courses for older children.

Tailor-made trips in the Maldives

Plan and book a family break with Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips to the Maldives. Have a look at our family-friendly itineraries, like Luxury Sri Lanka and the Maldives, then personalise the details to suit your kids.

Where to stay

Find more accommodation options in the Maldives

27. Winter sun breaks in Ko Lanta, Thailand

Ko Samui or Ko Lanta are great options for family holidays, with plenty of facilities and lots of distractions for kids. If the thought of resorts makes you shudder, Thailand has a well-developed traveller infrastructure making it fairly easy to head to a more secluded island or part of the mainland.

Thailand is especially great for kids in January – National Children's Day (second Saturday of the month) means free activities and public transport for children throughout the country.

What to do in Ko Samui and Ko Lanta

Book an ethical elephant sanctuary tour in Ko Samui and your kids can spend time with elephants in their jungle home, learn all about these wonderful animals and make some of the best holiday memories ever.

Join a half-day mangrove kayaking tour in Ko Lanta and explore an eco-paradise of wild jungle, incredible birds and untamed nature. Older kids and teens will love this adventure. Family Time

Tailor-made trips in Thailand

Plan and book a family trip with Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips to Thailand. Have a look at our sample itineraries, like Thailand's Islands and Highlands then personalise the details to suit your own family.

Where to stay

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28. Cape Town, South Africa

The outdoors is never far away in Cape Town, which makes the city a particularly great destination in South Africa for children.

It's hard to beat the city's fabulous beaches, the highlight of which for most kids is Boulders, home to a resident penguin-breeding colony. The beach at Fish Hoek, a little further north, boasts a playground alongside its beautiful beach and gentle waves.

Cape Town also offers an abundance of parks and open spaces – perfect for picnicking in fine weather, while for rainy days there's a handful of good, interactive museums.

What to do in Cape Town

Take a Cape Point and Boulders Beach full-day tour with your kids, visit the famous penguin colony and possibly even spot whales at the right time of year.

Older kids will be fascinated by a Robben Island tour from Cape Town. Take a ferry to visit the prison where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, then learn about South Africa's history from one of the former prisoners.

Tailor-made trips in South Africa

Plan and book a family break with Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips to South Africa. Have a look at our family-friendly itineraries, like Complete Cape Town: Wildlife, Wine and Whales, then personalise the details to suit your kids.

Where to stay

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29. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

The fearless wildlife of the Galápagos Islands make adults feel like kids – and make kids feel like they just can't believe their luck. They’ll tiptoe in between giant tortoises, have birds land inches from their nose, splash around in the shallows with playful baby sea lions, and snorkel near hammerheads and enormous turtles.

When they tire of the wildlife one-on-ones, regale them with tales of 16th and 17th century pirates who hid out on the islands. The landscape remains (almost) exactly as those old sea dogs would have found it and there’s even some ancient pirate graffiti to boot.

What to do in the Galápagos Islands

Take a Bartolome Island and Sulivan Bay day trip with kids to see the exraordinary landscape of the Galápagos, play on beaches and go snorkelling with penguins.

Book a full-day yacht tour in the Galápagos Islands and visit Tortuga Bay Beach, La Lobería, Canal del Amor and Playa de los Perros to see sea lions, marine iguanas, reef sharks, and other marine animals.

Tailor-made trips in Ecuador

Discover Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips in Ecuador. Take a look at itineraries like, Wild Ecuador: from the Amazon to the Galapagos, and use the details to personalise your own perfect family trip.

Where to stay

Find more accommodation options in the Galapagos Islands

30. Explore kid-size Tobago, Caribbean

Tiny Tobago is perhaps the most laid back place in the Caribbean for kids as it provides dozens of activities and wildlife experiences, from beachside horse-riding to hummingbird spotting.

Instead of high-rise hotels you’ll find small-scale guesthouses accustomed to catering to families. Kids will love steel bands and street eats, fresh juice and safe swimming beaches. Just remember, once you've been "Tobagoed" you will want to go back.

What to do in Tobago

Take a half-day highlights tour of Tobago with kids and visit the city of Scarborough and Fort King George. Then take a cross-island drive and discover the Atlantic coast.

Tailor-made trips in Trinidad & Tobago

Plan a family break with Rough Guides recommended Trinidad & Tobago itineraries. Have a look at itineraries like A Week in Tobago, then personalise the details to suit your own family and the ages of your children.

Where to stay

Find more accommodation options in Tobago

The Places to Go with Kids Guide Top Travel Tips

OK so you've read all the way through the article and you're now armed with a list of places to go with kids in tow. But what about getting there?

We've all been on an airplane with a crying baby or unruly toddler and felt the parent's pain. And we're not going to lie: long-haul travel with the whole clan can be challenging, but there are some ways to make family travel go more smoothly.

  • If your children are old enough, get them involved in trip planning. Talk to them about where you're going and ask them to think about a special day out or activity that they'd like to do while you're there.
  • If your kids are creative, think about a scrapbook they can start to work on before you leave, then add to it while you're away.
  • Let your kids pack their own mini suitcases or backpacks with games and favourite toys. And don't feel guilty about letting your kids watch movies on the flight!
  • Traveling with a baby or toddler? First of all, give yourself a break. Many of your fellow travellers will have been in your position and understand the stresses and strains.
  • Get to the airport early so you don't have the additional stress of being late for your flight.
  • Different airlines have different rules about free seats or discounts for children, so do your research and you could save yourselves money.
  • Be realistic about what you can see or achieve in a day and enjoy the downtime as much as your exploring time.
  • Young children will take a while to adapt to new timezones, temperatures and cuisines, so be patient with them (and your partner!).

We may earn commission when you click on links in this article, but this does not influence our editorial standards - we only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

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written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 6/6/2022
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