Family vacations offer your kids a chance at wonderful experiences and exposure that educate them about the world around them and create memories that last a lifetime. While taking a vacation is a great idea, choosing a kid-friendly, safe and peaceful place is much more important. There are many war-torn or disease-stricken countries that you cannot afford to traverse with your kids.
So, we have created a list of countries and cities that we see as the best international travel destinations for families. These cities and countries are mostly safe from crime and diseases that families can travel to with their kids:
Most Kid-Friendly Countries to Visit
- Paris, France
- Vietnam
- Madrid, Spain
- Toronto, Canada
- Cancun, Mexico
- Florida
- United Kingdom
- Puerto Rico
- New York, USA
- Dubai
1. Paris, France
France is one of the most kid-friendly countries to visit. It’s noted for many tourist attractions, with the most fascinating spot in Paris probably being the Eiffel Tower that welcomes over 7 million people from all over the world every year. It’s best to buy tickets to this tower in advance because the ticket lines can get too long and tiring.
You take your kids to Disneyland, Paris, which has two theme parks – Walt Disney Studios and Disneyland Park. The park boasts a village entertainment and shopping district as well as themed Disney hotels for families. Try taking your kids to Jardin Du Luxum Bourg, the largest park in Paris with kid-friendly amenities like puppet theatre, pony rides, and a big playground. It opens around 7:30 and closes at 6-7:30 pm.
2. Vietnam
Another one of our best international travel destinations for families in Vietnam. From water puppet theatres and beautiful islands to beach resorts, boats, cyclo rides, and trains, there is so much to enjoy and explore in Vietnam with your kids. Kayaking, cycling, hiking, and snorkeling will keep your teenagers entertained.
Visit Vietnam’s zoos and animal parks is a fun time for your kids. You can also visit cultural and historical landmarks like the Hanoi Opera House, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Water Puppet Theatre. March is the best month to visit the city; it is also a great time for adventure and trekking in the highlands and mountains.
There many affordable hotels in Vietnam with adjoining rooms and pools. This makes it one of the most kid-friendly countries to visit.
3. Madrid, Spain
Madrid is a family-friendly vacation destination with affordable, excellent accommodation, delicious foods, and a wide range of attractions that appeal to adults and children. Take your kids to the Prado Museum that displays work by some of Spain’s most famous artists, including Goya and Velázquez and Goya. The Palacio Real (Royal Palace) is also open to tourists.
The upscale shops in Salamanca or The El Rastro flea market provide many hours of shopping and sightseeing. If your kids are exhausted from a long day of traveling, you take them to an open-air cafe to relax, particularly the ones at the Plaza Mayor.
The easiest way to move around Madrid is by metro. The metro lines operate right from the Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) down the city’s southern suburbs. To move from the airport to Madrid, you can opt for the metro (line No. 8) for 4.50 to 5 euros (around $5.25 to $6).
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4. Toronto, Canada
From aquariums and zoos to beautiful beaches and national parks, Toronto has great things your adventurous kids can see and explore. The winter months in Toronto play host to snowbound activities such as ice skating, skiing, and sledding. Toronto’s zoo, which is always a great thrill for kids houses over 5000 animals.
Don’t forget to go to any of the food festivals to feast on a variety of delicacies such as Toronto Pizza Fest, Food Truck Fest, etc. Kidstown Water Park features free aquatic activities for kids including a tipping bucket. All these make Toronto one of the most kid-friendly countries to visit.
5. Cancun, Mexico
There are several all-inclusive resorts in Cancun that can keep your kids entertained and excited during your stay. Cancun boasts two water parks – Ventra Park (which has a small roller coaster and zip lines) and Sea Adventure. The park also has a kids’ club where your kids can have fun while you have some time to. A visit to Crococun Zoo is economical, educating, and exhilarating.
At Dolphin Discovery, kids will come in close contact with the ocean’s friendliest animals. If you haven’t rented a car, it’s best to get a taxi to explore the goodness of Cancun with your kid. Other fun-filled places to check out with your kids include Interactive Aquarium, Jolly Roger Pirate Show, Xcaret, and lots more.
6. Florida
Florida, which is one of the most kid-friendly places to travel in the world offers so much for your children to enjoy and explore. Your kids will love Walt Disney World that has two water parks, four theme parks, a camping resort, and entertainment spots (which are free to visit).
Your kids will also feel what it’s like to go into space at the Kennedy Space Center. Other amazing places you can check out with your kids are Ever Glades National Park, Naval Aviation Museum, Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, St. Augustine Alligator Farm, Kelly Park, etc. The best time to visit Florida is the end of November to Mid-May.
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7. United Kingdom
When it comes to having an action-packed family vacation, the UK has so much to offer from theme parks and museums to gardens and seaside towns – all in a safe and secured environment. The Warwick Castle is a must-visit for your kids. ZSL London Zoo has breath-taking exhibits to wow your kids – it houses over 17000 different animals.
Visit Chessington World of Adventures Resort where your kids will get to see Amu tigers and sharks and hop on a fast-paced roller coaster. Other cheap tourist places in the UK you can check out with your kids are Blackpool, Lancashire, York Dungeon, Drayton Manor Park, the lost garden of Heligan, etc.
8. Puerto Rico
If you’re planning to take a family vacation to Puerto Rico, you are on the right track. There are many incredible things to do in Puerto Rico with your kids. Families can enjoy a fun time at Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a seaside fort that is full of antique cannons, hidden passageways, and twisty stone corridors that children will like.
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Entry is free for children under 16. Hopping on (and off) the free trolley in Old San Juan is one of the free activities to do in this city with your kids. Allow your kids to splash around public foundations to cool off and feed on local treats. Another way families have fun here is to feed hundreds of tame pigeons at Parque de la Palomas.
9. New York, USA
Beyond the hustle and bustle of the streets of New York, the city is home to kid-friendly amenities and activities. A visit to the Statue of Liberty is something every kid must experience at least once a lifetime. Children’s Museum of the Arts is a 10,000square-foot edifice for kid-based activities. In this museum, your kids will get to see many hands-on art workshops and over 2,000 resplendently colored paintings and drawings most of which are made by kids.
Ensure your kids explore Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex, a 28-acre sports complex that has a pool, an 80,000square-foot field house, a bowling alley, a driving range, and an indoor ice-skating rink. Other fascinating places you can visit with your kids in New York are Central Park, the New Victory Theatre, the Spyscape, and New York City Fire Museum, etc.
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10. Dubai
From stunning infrastructure, dancing water fountains to theme parks and skyscraper views, visiting Dubai with your kid is interesting. A visit to any of Dubai’s waterparks is a must-see. There are three big water parks in Dubai- Wild Wadi, Legoland Water Park, and Aquarentine Atlantis.
Visiting the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa is always an awesome experience for kids. Also, Dubai’s dancing fountains is another experience you should have with your kids. Your kids will be mesmerized by the music and light rays of these fountains at the foot of the tallest edifice. Go shopping at Dubai Spice Soul and Gold Souk. You can also take a ride on a water taxi, water bus, or metro. Try taking your kids to a toy store in Dubai.
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