How to Pick Family Friendly Destinations for Adventurous Families

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If you have a family like mine that thrives on adventure, traveling with kids can be an incredible experience.

But not every destination is suitable for kids. Choosing a family friendly destination will ensure an exciting and enjoyable family vacation for everyone.

It will also be less stressful for you. When you visit somewhere geared towards families, they typically keep kids of all ages in mind.

Whether you’re seeking thrilling outdoor activities or unique cultural experiences, finding the right spot for your adventurous family doesn’t have to be a challenge.

I’ve put together this guide with things you should consider when trying to find a family friendly destination for your next vacation.

Why Choose a Family Friendly Destination?

A family friendly destination caters to the needs of all family members, making it easier to plan activities and accommodations.

These places often offer kid-friendly amenities, safe environments, and a variety of activities that keep everyone entertained.

For adventurous families, a family friendly destination means the opportunity to create lasting memories while ensuring that even the youngest explorers are part of the fun.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Family Friendly Destination

Adventure Options for All Ages

The first thing you want to look for in a great family friendly destination is one that offers activities that cater to every age group. Look for places with a mix of adventurous and low-key activities so everyone in the family has something to enjoy.

These are some things that different age groups may enjoy:

• Toddlers: Nature trails, petting zoos, or gentle boat rides.
• Teens: Rock climbing, zip-lining, or snorkeling.
• Parents: Hiking, cultural tours, or wine tasting (for some adult downtime!).

That said, you know your kids best. My oldest son is 4, and I think he’d love rock climbing. My husband made him a rock climbing wall in our house, and he’s always on that thing. But this wouldn’t be suitable for every young kid.

Pro Tip: Invest in a durable child carrier backpack for younger kids—it’s perfect for hikes and long walks. We have one, and we use it all the time. Getting a good quality one can be a bit pricey, but it’s been totally worth the money for our family.

Safety First

When traveling with kids, you need to keep safety in mind. Choose destinations with reliable infrastructure, clean facilities, and well-maintained attractions.

For adventurous families, this might mean picking places with trained guides for activities like kayaking or horseback riding.

Check online reviews and look for family friendly certifications or ratings. National parks and popular tourist destinations often have detailed safety measures in place.

Kid-Friendly Accommodations

If you’re traveling for an adventure vacation, where you stay can make or break your trip. If you’re too cramped, or the accommodations are a bit run down, it can put a damper on things.

Look for accommodations that cater to families—think cabins with space for everyone, resorts with kids’ clubs, or campgrounds equipped with play areas.

These options often make your stay more enjoyable and stress-free.

Look for amenities that will make your stay easier. For instance, pick a site close to the washrooms if you’re camping.

If you’re choosing indoor accommodations, having some on-site dining or the ability to cook your food will make a big difference.

Also, make sure that the sleeping situation where you stay will work for your family. Not all places will have a crib, so if you have a child who still sleeps in one, you may consider getting a portable crib.

Activities that Promote Learning

If your adventurous family is like mine, you value opportunities to learn while having fun. Look for destinations that combine excitement with education. For example:

• Visit a marine sanctuary where kids can learn about ocean life.
• Take a guided tour through a historical site or cultural village.
• Explore interactive museums that engage kids and adults alike.

If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, you can turn any nature destination into a learning experience. There are so many things you can learn about when you’re outside.

When we go on hikes, we look for things like animal tracks and different types of trees and plants. I also really like birds, so I use the Merlin Bird ID app quite a bit.

Ease of Travel

Minimizing travel hassles ensures everyone arrives happy and ready for adventure. When selecting a family friendly destination, consider travel time and how long your kids can travel and still arrive happy.

For road trips, make sure the route is scenic and packed with stops for exploring. Your kids will need to get out and stretch their legs regularly. And if they’re still in a car seat, try to plan stops that fall within the manufacturer’s guidelines for time limits in the seat.

If you’re worried about keeping your kids entertained while traveling, check out my post about traveling with kids for some ideas.

Seasonal Considerations

Some destinations are good for year-round travel, and others are geared toward more seasonal travel.

Choose destinations where the weather aligns with the time of year and your planned activities:

• For summer adventures, consider national parks like Yosemite or Glacier.
• For winter fun, ski resorts like Breckenridge or Lake Tahoe are perfect for families.
• Tropical destinations like Hawaii or Costa Rica offer consistent weather for year-round options.

Traveling off-peak can also help you avoid crowds and save on costs while enjoying all the family friendly perks.

Obviously, you can’t go too off-season for a more seasonal destination, but going camping in June or September instead of July or August can be more enjoyable.

September is my favorite month to camp. It’s the perfect mix—the humidity and bugs are gone, but you often get warm weather.

Top Family Friendly Destinations for Adventurous Families

Banff National Park, Canada

Banff is a great year-round family friendly destination. With its majestic mountains and crystal-clear lakes, Banff is an adventurer’s paradise.

Activities like canoeing, cycling, and family-friendly hiking trails make it a perfect spot for outdoor-loving families in the summer.

In the winter, your family can enjoy things like skiing, ice climbing, and snowshoeing.

Costa Rica

Known for its biodiversity and eco-tourism, Costa Rica is packed with opportunities for adventure.

Zip-line through rainforests, explore volcanoes and relax on beautiful beaches. Its emphasis on sustainability makes it a unique and educational destination.

Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Lake Tahoe offers year-round activities for families. In the summer, enjoy water sports and hiking. In the winter, hit the slopes at one of the family friendly ski resorts.

Yellowstone National Park, USA

America’s first national park is full of geothermal wonders and wildlife. It’s a fantastic destination for families who love exploring nature and learning about the environment.

Great Smoky Mountains, USA

The Smoky Mountains combine stunning landscapes with plenty of adventure.

This national park is an excellent family option, from scenic drives to family-friendly hiking trails.

Packing Tips for a Family Friendly Adventure

Making sure you have the right gear ensures you’re prepared for anything. Here’s what to bring:

• Backpacks: This Camelbak hydration pack has space for everyone’s essentials and doubles as your water source, so you don’t have to carry extra water bottles if you don’t want to.
• Clothing: Layers are key for varying climates.
• Footwear: Durable hiking shoes or boots for everyone.
• Snacks: Keep energy up with easy-to-carry snacks and reusable water bottles.
• Toys/Games: Portable games keep kids entertained during downtime.
• Safety Gear: Don’t forget sunscreen, bug spray, and a compact first aid kit.

Making the Most of Your Family Friendly Adventure

Involve the Kids in Planning
Letting kids help pick activities gets them excited and ensures everyone feels included. We meet less resistance to most things if we allow our 4-year-old to help with the planning.

Plan Downtime
Even the most adventurous families need to recharge. Plan quiet activities or rest days to keep energy levels up. My kids would go, go, go, and not realize sitting down might be beneficial. They don’t feel we’re missing out on something if we plan for it.

Capture the Memories
Make sure you remember to take photos along the way. I’m terrible at this. I tend to enjoy the moment as it’s happening, but I try to take a few pictures so we can remember our adventures.

Try Something New
Push your boundaries as a family by trying activities like paddleboarding or zip-lining together. Of course, you’ll want to find age-appropriate activities, but don’t underestimate your kids. I’ve found that, more often than not, I’ve been surprised by how capable they are.

Why Family Friendly Adventures Matter

Traveling as a family isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the journey.

Family friendly adventures allow parents to bond with their kids, teach them valuable lessons about the world, and instill a love for exploration.

This is especially true for families whose kids are in school or daycare. Out of necessity, they spend a good amount of time away from their parents. Having an activity that doesn’t involve screens, chores, or errands helps kids feel valued.

Choosing a destination that caters to adventurous families creates a space where everyone can thrive. These experiences will spark curiosity, foster resilience, and leave you with stories to share for years.

Final Thoughts

Finding the perfect family friendly destination can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With a bit of planning and the right gear, you can create an adventure that’s both exciting and relaxing.

So pack your bags, gear up, and get ready to explore some of the world’s most incredible places. Adventure awaits!