5 Great Destinations for Family Travel with Kids

If you are planning travel with your family there are some great destinations in the US and abroad that we love. Here are my 5 family travel recommendations to help you plan the perfect trip.

Vail, Colorado

This is one of the locations that we’ve recently visited. Whether you visit in winter for skiing and snow activities or in summer to take in the fresh mountain air there is plenty to do. There are lots of family-friendly activities to do here in summer such as hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, and enjoying the views. In winter hit the ski slopes or sledding hills!

The town is also home to an excellent children’s museum if you end up with a rainy day and need some inside activities. A walk through the Betty Ford Alpine Garden or a scenic trip up the mountain via the gondolas would be a good option for kids of all ages.

When it comes to food, there are delicious options in Vail. If you are looking for something on the healthier side, La Bottega offers higher-end Italian fare. They have a great variety of salads, pasta, and pizzas. For a more indulgent meal, check out Mountain Standard. The menu features locally sourced ingredients and has items such as bison short ribs and grilled elk chops. Bluemoose Pizza and The Little Diner are two very family-friendly options for dining.

Destin, Florida

We spent two weeks here at the end of 2020 and really enjoyed it. We took a road trip and enjoyed several of the local beaches. If you decide to visit check out these three beaches we really liked;
Crystal Beach
Alys Beach
Rosemary Beach

We opted to stay in an Airbnb but you have the option to either rent like we did or stay in one of the many local hotels.

Some of the other things to do in Destin include; golfing, lots of fishing, go paddle-boarding rent a kayak, and paddle away! When it’s time to eat we loved The Donut Hole Bakery for sweet treats. The Crab Trap is another local favorite for seaside seafood and especially – crabs! There are a few halal restaurants in Destin too. Holi Indian Cuisine and Taste of Jerusalem are worth considering.

San Clemente, CA

We have visited San Clemente several times as a family and always stay near the pier. It’s the perfect spot for families to visit!

Things to do in San Clemente include; visiting the pier, checking out local shops and restaurants, going to the beach, and playing at one of the many parks. The beaches here are definitely family-friendly with plenty of lifeguards on duty. Trestles is a great spot for surfing if your kids are a little older.

Get out on the water and take the kids on a whale-watching adventure in San Clemente! Whale watching season in California is typically December through April but you may get lucky and see some earlier in the year or a little bit later. There are several different bike and walking trails like the San Clemente Coastal Trail and the Sea Summit Trail. Bring or rent bikes and pack a picnic at the beach for a really fun day.

If you are looking for a place to eat near the pier, Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar is a great option. The menu has classic seafood items such as fish and chips as well as more unique dishes like ahi poke tacos. Another family-friendly restaurant we love is Nick’s San Clemente. They have a large menu with tons of kid-friendly options like burgers, chicken fingers, and macaroni and cheese.

Washington DC

For those who want to explore historic/educational spots w their kids, Washington DC is a must-see! It’s my hometown, so I have a lot of tips for first-timers.

There are so many family-friendly things to do in DC! You could easily spend a week here and not see everything. A few of our favorite places to visit include; the National Zoo, the Smithsonian Museums, and the National Gallery of Art. Best of all – each of those activities is FREE! If you have time, I would also recommend checking out Mount Vernon which is just outside of Washington DC. Taking a walk along the Tidal Basin is especially lovely during spring or fall visits.

Pop in and visit the Beauvoir Outdoors Playground after 6 pm where kids can really burn off some energy at this really cool playground. With slightly older kids a visit to the International Spy Museum will be a hit.

For food, there are plenty of great options in DC. If you are looking for something quick and easy, grab a slice at We, The Pizza. Comet Ping Pong is another really fun option for adults and kids as you’ll get a good meal and also can play with the ping pong tables! There are dozens of halal restaurant options in DC too so no matter what area you’re staying in, chances are there’s something close nearby.

Istanbul, Turkey

For an international family vacation, this is the perfect place! While Turkey is struggling a little economically right now, this means the dollar goes further and you can have a really fantastic experience at a lower price than it might normally be while also supporting the local economy.
So what should you do in Istanbul with kids?

First, take a ride on the Bosphorus Ferry. It’s a great way to see the city and get orientated. You can buy tickets right at the docks. Make sure to go up to the top deck for the best views!
A visit the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia should also be on your list. The kids will be fascinated by these beautiful and historic buildings.
After that, take a stroll through the Grand Bazaar. With over 4000 shops, you can find just about anything here. If the kids get tired, stop for some Turkish ice cream – it’s delicious and generally includes a theatrical presentation!

If you’re looking for a place to relax, head to one of Istanbul’s many parks. Yildiz Park is a great option and has a beautiful pond where you can feed the ducks. There are several different areas near the water to walk as well.

Finally, no trip to Istanbul would be complete without a visit to the Turkish Baths. These are not just for tourists – many locals use them as well. You can find several around the city. This might be an activity that only mom or dad might like but you never know!

There are plenty of family-friendly restaurants in Istanbul, but one of the best is Hafiz Mustafa 1864. They have a wide range of traditional sweets and pastries that the kids will love. Turkish food is amazing and there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants to choose from. Koy Sofrasi is another great option if you want traditional Turkish food.

Turkey is known for its kebabs but there are plenty of other great options too. If you’re looking for something a little different, try kumpir – a baked potato loaded with toppings such as cheese, butter, and mayonnaise. For something a little different, try Lokma. They serve Turkish donuts that are covered in syrup – so good!

I hope these 5 family-friendly travel recommendations to help you plan your summer vacation. With so many great options, it’s hard to go wrong! Just remember to do a little research beforehand so you know what to expect and how to best be prepared so you can make the most of your trip.

Where have you taken a family vacation with your kids that you loved? Share in the comments below to help me plan my next destination!