2026 Top Family Vacation Destinations for Memory Making and Incredible Experiences

Everyone already has too much stuff. People have a growing desire for experiences over material things. Families want vacations that strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.

Imagine cracking up over an inside joke that happened on a family vacation three years ago. Or talking about how one particular day on a family trip is a core memory. These are things you can only get when you get out of your daily routine and spend quality time together. 

Explore our list of top family vacation destinations and choose one for your family to go on this year!

Key Takeaways:

• Things that make a family vacation memorable

• 10 family travel destinations

• Planning tips for stress-free family travel

What Makes a Great Family Vacation Destination

Before you get lost in the Pinterest rabbit hole, let’s talk about a few things that make a great family vacation destination. 

Think about who is going—little kids, teens, grandparents? The destination needs to be safe and accessible for the entire family. Book family-friendly accommodations and activities that everyone can participate in and will enjoy.

A day at Disney World might be fun for elementary school kids, but grandparents might have a tough time on their feet all day and on some of the rides.

Spending time at the beach allows kids to play in the sand and ocean while adults read a book or work on their tan.

Plan a good mix of downtime and activities. Everyone needs a little time to relax (it IS a vacation after all!). This is a great time to spend quality time with the ones you love most.

10 Family Vacation Destinations for 2026

Selecting a family vacation destination in 2026 is all about finding the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. Each spot on this list offers something unique for every family member. The best vacations are the ones you’ll still be talking about years from now.

1. Maui, Hawaii

Maui is perfect for families who crave both adventure and rest. Mornings start with the sound of waves and fresh pineapple, and plans unfold as easily as the ocean breeze. One day, you might find yourselves snorkeling alongside sea turtles. The next day, you could be lounging by the pool or watching the sunset paint the sky over Lahaina. It’s the kind of place where you trade schedules for slow moments.

Must-do experiences:

• Road to Hana

• Haleakalā Sunrise

• Family Luau

2. Banff National Park, Canada

Banff is where nature brings families closer. Towering peaks frame every photo, and turquoise lakes are the perfect location for canoe rides that turn into laughter-filled adventures. You’ll wander easy trails past waterfalls, spot elk grazing near the road, and end the day soaking in hot springs under a pink mountain sky. In Banff, every day feels like the best kind of outdoor classroom.

Great family experiences:

• Banff Upper Hot Springs

• Hike Tunnel Mountain

• Ride the Banff Gondola

3. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod is a slice of coastal nostalgia where summer days stretch long into the evening. Live like a local and ride bikes down the shaded Rail Trail, stop for ice cream in tiny towns, and climb lighthouse steps for amazing ocean views. There’s always a salty breeze in the air and sand between your toes. By sunset, everyone gathers for clam chowder at a seaside shack. It’s the kind of simple, timeless escape that feels like summer the way you remember it.

Things to do in Cape Cod:

• Go whale watching from Provincetown

• Explore a lighthouse

• Eat lobster rolls and ice cream by the water

4. Alaska Cruise (departing from Seattle or Vancouver)

An Alaska cruise is pure family wonder wrapped in comfort and discovery. Between ports, kids chase adventure while parents enjoy the view from the deck. Together, you’ll spot whales, pan for gold, and learn just how big and beautiful the world can be, all without ever repacking a suitcase.

Try these excursions:

• See Glaciers Calving at Glacier Bay National Park

• Pan for Gold in Skagway

• Ride the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway

5. Orlando, Florida

In Orlando, childhood dreams and family memories collide in the best way. From the magic of Disney castles to the thrills of roller coasters and character parades, the excitement never stops. While your feet might be tired by the end of the day, your heart will be full. Orlando is an adventure playground that reminds families how fun it is to believe in magic again.

While you’re there, plan these activities:

• Walt Disney World & Universal Orlando Resort

• Visit Kennedy Space Center

• Airboat Ride in the Everglades

6. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a trip that excites and teaches at the same time. Families hike around volcanoes, zipline through rainforest canopies, and cool off at the beach. Kids learn firsthand what it means to protect nature. It’s a tropical vacation that blends play with purpose, leaving your family a little more connected to the planet and to each other.

Unique experiences in Costa Rica:

• Zipline Through the Rainforest

• Visit Arenal Volcano National Park

• Take a Chocolate or Coffee Farm Tour

7. Niagara Falls, New York/Canada

Few places capture the power of nature like Niagara Falls. The moment your family steps onto the boat and feels the mist on their faces, you realize you’re witnessing something unforgettable. Between rides on the Maid of the Mist, exploring nearby trails, and evening light shows, Niagara delivers a rush of adventure wrapped in pure wonder.

Pro Tip: Visit both the U.S. and Canadian sides for different perspectives!

Don’t miss these activities:

• Ride the Maid of the Mist

• Walk the Cave of the Winds

• Take the Whirlpool Aero Car

8. Lake Tahoe (California/Nevada)

Lake Tahoe is where families go to breathe in the mountain air and rediscover simple joys. In summer, the lake is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or skipping rocks along the shore. Winter getaways bring snowball fights, ski lessons, and hot chocolate by the fire. Whether you’re taking a gondola ride high above the trees or watching the sunset reflect off the water, Tahoe invites families to slow down and savor every season together.

Add these to your itinerary:

• Take a Lake Cruise

• Spend a Beach Day at Sand Harbor

• Ride Heavenly Mountain Gondola

9. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)

Yellowstone is like stepping into a living science lesson, but way more fun! Geysers burst skyward, rainbow-colored hot springs bubble, and bison roam freely across open plains. Families wander boardwalks and marvel at just how alive the Earth feels here. Each day ends with stories by the campfire and skies so full of stars they hardly seem real. It’s a place that makes you feel small, but in the best way.

Family favorites:

• Watch Old Faithful Erupt

• Spot Wildlife in Lamar Valley

• Explore the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

10. San Diego, California

San Diego is sunshine and smiles all year long—a place where every day feels like the perfect family day. Mornings start at the beach, building sandcastles or spotting seals at La Jolla Cove, followed by afternoons exploring the zoo or Balboa Park’s museums. Evenings bring oceanfront dinners and soft pink sunsets that make you linger a little longer. San Diego is full of moments you’ll want to relive again and again.

Mix in these activities:

• Visit the San Diego Zoo

• Spend a Day at Legoland California

• Explore Balboa Park

Tips for Planning a Memorable Family Vacation in 2026

As you start to plan your 2026 family trip, remember to book early. Travel demand continues to rise, and it’s recommended to book flights and hotels three months in advance for domestic travel and six months in advance for international trips.

Prioritize experiences over structured schedules and itineraries. Leave space to wander and relax. A jam-packed itinerary might allow you to do and see a lot of things, but it will leave you feeling like you need a vacation FROM your vacation.

Involve your kids in planning! Teach them how to research things to do and ask their opinions on what they would like to do.

Book Your Family Travel Destination

Family travel in 2026 is all about shared experiences and lasting memories. Start planning your next adventure before your calendar books up!

To remember the trip for a lifetime, book a family photography session on your vacation! We document the genuine connections and spontaneous moments that make your family unique. Learn more and book your session!

FAQs About Family Vacation Destinations

Where to go internationally with kids?

When traveling abroad with kids, look for destinations that are safe, family-friendly, and full of activities for all ages. Japan, Italy, Costa Rica, and Canada are great family vacation destinations for kids.

What country is the most kid-friendly?

Japan often tops the list of kid-friendly international travel destinations. It’s incredibly safe and clean, has extensive public transportation that’s easy to navigate for tourists, and has unique attractions for kids.

What is the cheapest family vacation?

Some of the most budget-friendly family vacations combine affordable flights, low-cost accommodations, and activities that are mostly free or low-cost. Mexico, Southeast Asia, and U.S. National Parks are great options.

Where are the best all-inclusive family resorts?

All-inclusive resorts make family travel easier because meals, activities, and entertainment are included. Some ideas include Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and the Bahamas.