Do you have your sights set on a dream family vacation for 2024? Are you already exploring your options and seeking to book early to lock in a great rate? This guide is for you!
We’ve put together an exhaustive list of family vacation ideas, whether you and the little ones are into theme parks, national parks, water parks, cruises, all-inclusive resorts, group trips, or staycations.
Let’s get started.
Water Park and Theme Park Vacations
Few things put a megawatt smile on the kids’ faces faster than telling them you’re taking them on a theme park vacation.
Well, except for maybe a water park vacation.
These classic destinations offer all the amenities you and the family need for one memorable trip.
1. Walt Disney World – Orlando, Florida
No list of theme park vacations is complete without mentioning Walt Disney World.
Unlike most parks, which you and the kiddos can complete in a day or several, you can easily spend a week or two in Disney World and still have things left to see.
» MORE: Which Disney Park Has the Most Rides?
Ping-pong with the family between four parks, each worth spending at least a day.
Your choices are the Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and the Magic Kingdom. Disney is for the kid in all of us, even you, Mom and Dad!
As an added bonus, Walt Disney World has several water parks on its grounds, so it combines theme and water parks in one vacation. Visit Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach.
» MORE: What Can I Bring to Disney World?
2. Chula Vista Resort – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Wisconsin Dells has some of the best water parks in the country, with Chula Vista Resort a family fave.
The water parks span more than 200,000 acres, so if you have very young kids who can’t do more than bob around in the water and teens looking for a thrill, everyone is happy.
The water parks are indoors and outdoors, so even a rainy day can’t detract from your itinerary!
Parents can treat themselves to a top-10 chophouse for fine dining, play at an 18-hole golf course, or indulge in a five-star spa. The resort also offers ziplining, a 4D cinema, and an arcade.
3. LEGOLAND California – Carlsbad, California
LEGOLAND is one of the most popular Golden Coast parks, and for good reason! It includes an aquarium, theme park, and water park for beating the Cali heat.
The innovative ride styles are like stepping onto real Lego cars or circling around a true-to-life Lego dinosaur.
After splashing around in the water park all day, you and the family can retire to a room at the Lego Hotel with family vacation packages available.
Plan a trip to the SEA LIFE Aquarium before you go, as the kids can pet, feed, and play with animals.
4. Crown Reef Beach Resort & Waterpark – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Although spending all your time in Myrtle Beach on the shore is tempting, take a different kind of vacation in 2024.
The Crown Reef Beach Resort & Waterpark offers stunning oceanside rooms, a water park built into the hotel (that’s right!), and the largest lazy river in Myrtle Beach.
The water park is open year-round and offers 600 feet of thrilling, twisting water slides. You’ll also find pools aplenty, a four-story sundeck, and a pool bar for the parents.
» MORE: Road Trip from Chicago to Myrtle Beach, SC
You’re also not far from golfing, go-karting, sailing, museums (WonderWorks is a great science museum for the kids), aquariums, or the Myrtle Beach boardwalk.
5. Universal Orlando Resort – Orlando, Florida
A stay at Universal Orlando Resort is a dream come true for any child. It’s a huge change of pace from Disney but likelier to appeal to your kids as they grow up.
The park has rides and attractions for franchises like Harry Potter, Minions, and Jurassic Park.
» MORE: How Far Is Disney World from Universal Studios?
Don’t miss a visit to Volcano Bay, Orlando’s resort water park with an aqua coaster, tube slides, rentable family cabanas, and so much more.
CityWalk is its own built-in boardwalk with dining, shopping, and entertainment.
6. Kalahari Resorts & Conventions – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Another Wisconsin Dells water park to add to your travel plans in 2024 is Kalahari Resorts & Conventions.
You and the children can explore more than 125,000 feet of splashes and thrills. The resort has indoor and outdoor water parks and amusem*nt rides at Tom Foolery’s.
Booking here is about as cost-effective as it gets. Your stay at the resort includes free admission to the water park, Timbavati Wildlife Park, and Tommy Bartlett Exploratory.
The resort also offers fine and family dining options, a salon, meeting spaces, an arcade, shopping, and golfing.
7. Dollywood – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Get away to the Smokies at Dollywood, the esteemed theme park in Pigeon Forge and TripAdvisor’s top-ranked US theme park.
Dollywood offers more than 50 rides and events, top-notch dining, and entertainment.
Cool down at Dollywood’s Splash Country with plunging slides, rushing rapids, and a children’s splash area. It’s the perfect place to plan an inclusive vacation.
Dollywood offers resort or cabin lounging and even has dinner shows.
8. Great Wolf Lodge – Scotrun, Pennsylvania
Great Wolf Lodge offers play unlike any other in the heart of the Pocono Mountains.
No matter how snowy and cold it may be outside, you and the family can splash and play, as this resort’s water park is indoors.
The family-friendly attractions on the resort grounds include a ropes course, bowling, mining, mini golf, and an arcade.
Stay at a suite or villa and enjoy dining for all tastes and budgets, including plenty of kid-friendly fare.
9. Disneyland Park – Anaheim, California
Why visit Disneyland over Disney World? It was the Walt Disney Company’s first park with design involvement from Walt Disney himself.
Plus, it’s a nice change of pace if you and the young ones have already visited Orlando.
Disneyland Park is the home of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the Star Wars-themed part of the park with authentic cuisine, décor, and merch. The attractions here will make any young Jedi smile!
» MORE: What Rides Can Babies Ride at Disneyland?
Disney California Adventure Park offers Pixar Pier, Cars Land, Avengers Campus, Grizzly Peak, Buena Vista Street, Pacific Wharf, Paradise Gardens Park, and Hollywood Land, so there’s plenty to explore as a family.
Camping and National Park Vacations
Does turning off your phone and stepping away from emails sound like something you desperately need?
Are you interested in getting the kids to step away from social media and games, even if only for a weekend?
The following camping destinations in national parks across the country are the perfect places to take a vacay.
10. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is the first US national park and one of the most beloved in the country.
Based primarily in Wyoming (but also located in Idaho and Montana), Yellowstone is about 3,500 square miles, which is 2,221,766 acres.
Beloved for Old Faithful, the cone-shaped geyser that’s stood since 1870, the park has many other memorable sights to work into your travel plans.
They include Mammoth Hot Springs, Thumb Geyser, Yellowstone Lake, Grand Prismatic Spring, Hayden Valley, and many more.
You can rough it if it suits you and the family, or stay at a beautiful, rustic lodge such as the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Lake Lodge Cabins, Grant Village Lodge, and Roosevelt Lodge.
You’ll wake up to a breathtaking view each morning!
11. Zion National Park
Utah’s Zion National Park is a wonder to behold. Its sandstones are red, pink, and cream and must be seen to be believed.
The unbridled wilderness is an excellent backdrop for river trips, rock climbing, day hikes, canyoneering, and backpacking.
Drive or walk through the park and sleep under the stars at one of three campgrounds. Zion has bicycling trails, almost 300 bird species, ranger-led tours, and seasonal horseback riding to make your family vacation one for the record books.
12. Yosemite National Park
Spread across almost 1,200 square miles, Yosemite National Park offers unparalleled views, including waterfalls and larger-than-life Sequoia trees.
Enroll your kids in a ranger program or explore the open wilderness as a family on foot, horse, or bike.
Sleep in a tent, and you can see stars go by, or stay in nearby Yosemite Village and treat yourself and the kids to shops, dining, and lodging.
The area is home to the Ansel Adams Gallery and the Yosemite Museum.
13. Grand Canyon National Park
Have you ever taken the kids to the Grand Canyon? This is an experience the entire family can appreciate, whether you have little ones, tweens, or teens.
This Arizona attraction is a part of Grand Canyon National Park, which features over 250 miles of the flowing Colorado River.
The red rock that’s visible throughout is a testament to the dance of time and erosion. Some of the sand dates back millions of years, and with the area also being a native ancestral homeland, every step you take is full of history.
» MORE: Can You Drive the Grand Canyon?
A tour of the Grand Canyon with your kids will foster a healthy appreciation of nature and different tribes.
The South Rim is an excellent spot for biking and hiking, and the North Rim is less crowded if you want a more isolated experience.
14. Rocky Mountain National Park
Northern Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park features an assortment of wilderness, from tundras to forests and mountains.
The 265,807-acre park is one of my favorite places to take my family, as there are so many kid-friendly places around if you know where to look.
» MORE: Best Places to Take Your Kids in Rocky Mountain National Park
I personally recommend Dream Lake Trail (about 12 miles away from Estes Park), Coyote Valley Trail, Lily Ridge Trail, and Alpine Ridge Trail if you’re looking for some kid-appropriate hiking spots.
This park is also exceptional for wildlife viewing, fishing, or sledding in the winter.
15. Grand Teton National Park
The majesty of Wyoming is awaiting at Grand Teton National Park. This 310,000-acre park is a sought-after destination for families.
The Teton Range, an astonishing 40 miles, is one of the most astounding sights at the park, and you can park-hop between here and Yellowstone since they’re close.
You’re also within the vicinity of Jackson Hole, a favorite family destination for kids. The area has museums, whitewater rafting, rodeos, hot springs, rock climbing, and smaller parks to explore in an afternoon.
» MORE: Things to Do in Jackson Hole with Kids
If you choose to kick back and spend time in nature at Grand Teton, you won’t be lost for activities. You can go biking, fishing, climbing, wildlife viewing, or take a scenic drive.
Family Cruise Vacations
Vacation planning sure is tough, isn’t it? Why not let a cruise line take care of all the transportation? You can just pack your bags and get ready for a boatload of fun!
16. Disney Cruise Line
Take the adventure of a lifetime on a Disney Cruise Line.
You and the family can visit Europe, Canada, Alaska, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Panama Canal, Hawaii, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, the South Pacific, Pacific Coast, or the Caribbean.
» MORE: 11 Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive Caribbean Resorts for Couples
So what’s included with your cruise? Only everything you could ever want, including fine dining, meet and greets with Disney characters, youth clubs, night clubs for adults, musicals, fireworks shows, pools, private islands, and large rooms designed for families.
17. Carnival Cruise Line
See the world on a Carnival Cruise Line and give the family the vacation they deserve in 2024.
The destinations overlap with many of the options Disney Cruise Lines offer, but Carnival has unique destination options such as New England, Greenland, Tasmania, New Guinea, and the Great Barrier Reef.
The entire family can spend their vacation their way on a Carnival Cruise Line, with a Cloud 9 spa for relaxing, Family Feud Live for fostering the spirit of healthy competition, the SkyRide, the WaterWorks water slides, and an adult-only retreat.
18. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Where do you want to go? Royal Caribbean Cruise Line can help you get there with affordable cruises the world over, including the Arabian Gulf, Asia, and Latin America.
Royal Caribbean always runs deals, so taking a cruise can be cost-effective.
The Icon of the Seas is arriving in 2024, just in time for your family vacation. It includes Category 6, an onsite water park with six slides that break records for height.
Surfside is a mini neighborhood with a kid-friendly aquapark, and the ship also features seven pools.
19. Norwegian Cruise Line
With hundreds of cruise vacations available, the Norwegian Cruise Line has something for your family.
Known for its European, Alaskan, Caribbean, and Bermudan cruises, Norwegian also offers cruises to many of the other locales above, including weekend cruises!
The family-friendly entertainment is nonstop. You and the kids can go bowling, ride water slides, play mini golf, and enjoy kid-centric meals.
Norwegian even has youth programs for kids six months, 3 to 12 years, 13 to 17 years, and late night if you want to hit up the spa or see a Broadway show alone.
All-Inclusive Family Resorts and Vacations in the US
An all-inclusive resort makes planning your family vacation cost-savvier than ever. You’ll find plenty of these resorts scattered around the US. Here are some of my favorites.
20. Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
How about a stay at the Number 1 family hotel in the US as rated by U.S. News & World Report, TripAdvisor, and Veranda? That can only be the Largo Mar Beach Resort & Club.
This Fort Lauderdale vacation destination has a private beach, pools, sports, a playground, and a concierge to introduce you to local sightseeing, live entertainment, flamingo gardens, watersports, and museums.
The club is conveniently located near the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District, home of the Broward Center for Performing Arts and the Museum for Art-Fort Lauderdale.
» MORE: 21 Best Family Vacation Spots in the US
21. Mohonk Mountain House – New Paltz, New York
Beach resorts are plentiful, but what about a Victorian castle resort?
Mohonk Mountain House and its 40,000 acres of forest are a National Historic Landmark with a quaint farm-to-table vibe.
The activities are included as part of your rate and are quite interesting!
You and the young ones can go horseback riding, learn to play tennis, swim in the indoor heated pool, take a tour to learn about the area’s history, go fishing or kayaking, lounge on the private beach, or let kids and teens join in the family program while you play a round of golf.
Stay at the Grove Lodge with its Victorian architecture, warm wood accents, earthen colors, and rich Hudson Valley history.
Your stay includes evening entertainment, indoor pool and wellness class access, and three meals per day.
22. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Lake Buena Vista, Florida
How about a slice of life in the French Quarter in Florida?
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort delivers an authentic experience of life on the bayou – Alligator Bayou, to be exact!
The cottages here and the gorgeous mansions that overlook Magnolia Bend set up the atmosphere for one festive vacation.
The resort even has its own French Quarter serving French and New Orleans cuisine, such as beignets, jambalaya, and gumbo.
A three-acre pool with a waterslide is sure to make the kids happy, while a food court serves meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for fast accommodations on the go.
» MORE: How Far Is Daytona Beach from Disney?
23. Woodloch Resort – Hawley, Pennsylvania
USA Today voted Woodloch Resort its top family resort in the US in 2019, 2021, and 2022.
This Pocono Mountains resort has a legacy of more than 60 years and offers all the entertainment you need to make your 2024 family vacation your best yet.
The resort amenities are designed for kids, with go-karting, a climbing wall, pools, an indoor adventure playground, bumper cars and boats, outdoor disc golf, mini golf, and sports courts.
As if that wasn’t great enough, Woodloch also offers escape rooms, game rooms, arcades, art classes, and live entertainment like comedy shows and magic shows.
24. C Lazy U Ranch – Granby, Colorado
Take a dude ranch vacation in 2024 at the C Lazy U, a Colorado ranch that’s received awards from USA Today, Travel + Leisure, Wine Spectator, and Conde Nast Traveler.
The rustic setting will inspire the whole family to get outside and go fishing, horseback riding, cycling, or ziplining.
There’s a hatchet room for older kids, a game room for the little ones, and beehive tours the entire family can enjoy.
C Lazy U Ranch is even better in the winter, as you can spend the time snow tubing, horseback riding through the snow, cross-country skiing, or taking a sleigh ride.
» MORE: Colorado vs. New Mexico: Which Vacation Is Better?
25. Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is the perfect backdrop for your Florida summer getaway.
The flagship resort offers stunning Atlantic Ocean views, which look especially great on the outdoor pool terrace.
The rooms boast balconies, rain showers, and full kitchenettes or kitchens, so you and your family can sit down to homemade meals while listening to the crashing of the ocean waves in the background.
26. Vista Verde Guest Ranch – Clark, Colorado
Another great ranch to vacation in is Vista Verde Guest Ranch in Clark.
This inclusive luxury resort features AAA Four Diamond amenities that make your vacation out of the ordinary.
The top-notch kids’ program is for children six and up, and the resort is as exciting to visit in the summer as it is in the winter.
The programs are different for kids, tweens, and teens, so you won’t have to worry about your older kids being bored or your younger kids struggling to keep up with bigger children.
The winter kids’ program includes snowshoeing, horseback riding, and tubing.
» MORE: 15 Kid-Friendly Hotels and Resorts in the US That Cater to Families
27. Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa – San Diego, California
Beachfront luxury awaits the family at the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa.
This San Diego family vacation destination will keep everyone busy with a spa, watersports, Mission Bay beaches, beach bonfires, Bahia Belle sternwheeler boat cruises, and bird encounters.
The family rooms are at least 430 square feet with several bedrooms, a private patio or balcony, a dining area, and your own kitchenette.
The views offer glimpses of downtown San Diego or Mission Bay for a tranquil start to each day.
» MORE: How Long Is Summer Break in California?
28. Tyler Place Family Resort – Swanton, Vermont
A top-rated all-inclusive family resort, Tyler Place in Swanton doesn’t just shuffle off the kids into a program. It gets everyone involved with the activities offered on the resort grounds, no matter the season you visit.
Canoe or kayak on the lake, play mini golf, go fishing, explore the nearby nature on a bike, or get competitive during family field days.
The suites and cottages are an idyllic place to rest your head after the perfect family fun day.
29. Blackberry Farm – Walland, Tennessee
Blackberry Farm crafts luxury vacation experiences in Tennessee.
Kids will get the treat of a lifetime with the resort’s Family Adventure Series, which takes them through Hesse Creek and paths around the farm. The young ones will see creatures from salamanders to black bears.
More so, they’ll learn useful life skills like navigation, compass travel, and direction-finding. They’ll also learn how to commandeer a boat, gather chicken eggs, and more.
30. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai – Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
No list of US-based family vacations would be complete without a Hawaiian destination.
The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai will serve as the backdrop of unforgettable experiences that will make your 2024 trip one the entire family will talk about for years.
Take a private charter boat (you must reserve it ahead of time for a separate expense), learn standup paddle boarding as a family, or partake in the hotel’s incredible marine program.
The gorgeous accommodations offer ocean views, and some afford ocean access.
» MORE: What to Wear on a Plane to Hawaii
31. Sandpiper Bay Resort – Port St. Lucie, Florida
It’s time to play at the Sandpiper Bay Resort.
This all-inclusive, family-centric Florida vacation spot has a pool and spa, an 18-hole golf course (and mini golf if the young kids aren’t ready for the real deal), watersports like paddleboarding and sailing, and ping-pong, soccer, and other sports.
Do you want to explore the spa kids-free for a while?
The Baby Club is for infants between four and 23 months old, the Petit Club is for kids 2 to 3, the Mini Club is for children between 4 and 10 years old, and Latitude 27 is suited for kids 11 to 17 years.
All-Inclusive Family Resorts and Vacations in the Caribbean and Mexico
You don’t have to take an all-inclusive family vacation exclusively on American soil.
Mexico and the Caribbean have some of the best spots for kids and adults in the whole world. Check out this list before you begin booking your 2024 getaway.
32. Franklyn D. Resort & Spa – Runaway Bay, Jamaica
A 2020 and 2021 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice recipient, the Franklin D. Resort & Spa will be your kids’ new favorite vacation destination.
The Yellow Bird Kids’ Club is open daily and includes daytime and nighttime beach games, beach picnics, tie-dye lessons, and gaming consoles.
The resort also features Big Blue, a 100-foot water slide.
Oh, and if Mom and Dad want some time to themselves to explore Jamaica, the resort offers an onsite nanny to watch the kids.
33. Beaches Turks & Caicos – Turks & Caicos
Beaches Turks & Caicos might be one of the most cost-effective all-inclusive vacations on this list, as it’s several resorts in one.
Pick among the Italian Village, Caribbean & Seaside Villages, French Village, or Key West Village and play at the others.
The festive party atmosphere is perfect for kids, who will also have a blast at the Pirates Island Waterpark, playing table tennis, scuba diving, competing in the Xbox Play Lounge, or visiting with Sesame Street characters.
The kids can ride a train through the resort and play at the Royal Port Arcade. There’s an unlimited number of kids’ activities.
34. Club Med Punta Cana – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Club Med is among the most esteemed names in vacation getaways, and the Punta Cana location proves why.
The resort provides views of Hispaniola unlike any other, and with childcare available from four months and up, now is the perfect time to go if you’ve put off a vacation due to your growing family.
Oh, did I mention that kids six and under stay free? That will make planning for your vacation easier and more affordable.
The resort offers baking workshops, pancake parties, and snacks to further foster a family-friendly environment.
35. Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa – St. Lucia
Envelope yourself in the beauty of St. Lucia at the Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, an 85-acre resort.
The Splash Wing is a family-friendly spot to be, including bright and sunny accommodations, water slides, a lazy river, and a paintball facility.
The Kidz Klub features indoor playrooms with air conditioning, a play pirate ship, and a water feature. You can get away for an afternoon tour, spa visit, or kitesurfing.
36. Beaches Negril – Negril, Jamaica
If you like what you read about the Beaches resort, but you’re visiting Jamaica instead of Turks and Caicos, don’t miss Beaches Negril.
This family-friendly destination received accolades from U.S News, TripAdvisor, and the Travvy Awards.
Sink your teeth into ten restaurants on the resort and enjoy the same amenities and kid-friendly activities Beaches resorts are known for.
The Kids Camp features infant, toddler, child, tween, and teen programs and private daycare.
37. Moon Palace Cancun – Cancun, Mexico
Moon Palace Cancun will charm kids and adults.
The Dreamery is just for children, featuring a Candy Girl who hands out sweets, a Bounce Zone (for kids 4 through 12), a playroom, water features, and cookie-making as a family.
Mascots wander around for photo ops or hugs, kids can tee off at mini golf, and fairytale makeovers are available for girls between 4 and 12.
These once-in-a-lifetime experiences will have your kids begging to go back.
38. Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
You’ll spend plenty of time together as a family at the Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana all-inclusive resort.
The Canopolis Water Park features five slides and water cannons so the kids can splash and play all day. Save some energy for the beach bashes, parties, and live entertainment galore.
The Lost City of Anac Pac Kids & Teen Club for kids 13 through 17 includes supervised activities and games so moms and dads can relax at a private cabana or receive a spa or beauty treatment.
39. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts – Mexico
Does it get any better than a vacation at a Nickelodeon Resort? Not if you’re a kid, it doesn’t!
This five-star resort (also located across the Caribbean) has activities, rides, and entertainment themed after all the kids’ favorite Nick characters, from Spongebob to the Ninja Turtles.
Character meet and greets, a water park called Aqua Nick, and games at Nickelodeon Place craft an awesome experience for the little ones.
Just be aware you might get slimed, but it’s all part of the experience.
40. Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa – St. Lucia
Another treasure in St. Lucia is Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa, which combines refreshment, relaxation, and adventure.
Explore the nearby 44-acre Pigeon Island, do some light browsing at the Baywalk Shopping Mall, or shop at the Castries open-air market.
Rent some watersports equipment and play together as a family or let the kids enjoy the Coral Kidz Club with beach games, table tennis, nature walks, arts and crafts, and crab hunts. The club is for children four to 12 years old.
41. Royalton Bavaro Resort & Spa – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
All-ages entertainment has never looked so good as at the Royalton Bavaro Resort & Spa.
This all-inclusive Autograph Collection casino and resort has plenty of child-friendly entertainment, from a FlowRider surf simulator to a lazy river (that’s 1,200 feet!) to a Kids’ Club.
Led by the resort mascot Turbo the Turtle, kids of all ages will be entertained all day by activities like video games, ping-pong, beach volleyball, and billiards. There are even cooking and dance classes for teens.
Guided Family and Group Tour Vacations
Are you traveling in a large group with extended family and thinking a guided tour would make for a more enjoyable vacation?
Here are some must-see destinations and guided tour options.
42. Italy
I’ve always wanted to go to Italy, as my husband visited once for a destination wedding, and I never stopped longing for the experience.
If Italy is a bucket-list destination for your family, a guided tour could be the perfect way to group everyone together and go.
You can take food, beach, and museum tours, or see whatever side of Italy you want. You can’t go wrong no matter what kind of tour you choose.
43. Japan
Have you ever wanted to sample the street food of Japan or ride one of its ultra-fast bullet trains?
Maybe you want to go from Osaka to Tokyo and back again or take a 10-day guided tour to see all the hotspots this country has to offer.
A guided tour to Japan will be a chance of a lifetime. Japan has beaches, amusem*nt parks, and festivals, so you can bet the kids will love it.
They’ll also have a great opportunity to soak in a new culture.
» MORE: How Long Is Summer Break in Japan?
44. France
Don’t just dream of seeing the Eiffel Tower – make it happen!
France guided tours will take you to see the tower and every other landmark this gorgeous European country is known for. You can take guided day tours or overnight tours.
Some tours are multiregional so you might experience several European countries in one vacation. What could be better?
45. India
Take a much-deserved group getaway to India to see the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Amber Palace, Gateway of India Mumbai, and every coveted sight in this country. Tours last 5 to 11 days, so you won’t miss a thing.
Road Trip Vacations and Staycations
Maybe you want 2024 to be the year you and the family keep it local. Why not hop in the car and take a road trip?
Alternatively, you can stay ultra-local by taking a staycation in your own home state.
Here’s a collection of vacation ideas for making these local trips just as fun as venturing abroad, if not more so.
46. Have a museum day
Ask the kids to pick a museum they’ve always wanted to see. It can be an art, science, or history museum as long as everyone agrees.
Then book some tickets and spend the day there taking in the exhibits, eating lunch together as a family, and maybe treating the kids to something at the gift shop.
What if you’ve visited all the museums in your area? Venture further into your state or an adjoining state.
Taking a mini road trip to the museum will build up the excitement and make the kids eager for this family fun day.
You can even plan to visit several museums for an extended mini-vacation. It will surely be cheaper than booking airfare and hotels.
47. Tour a new part of your state
Most states across America are massive. You might know your own backyard well, but what about 50 miles north or 100 miles south?
What’s to the east and west of your humble hometown?
Pack up the car and take the kids to a new part of the state. It’s fine if you’ve visited before, just as long as the kids haven’t.
However, it’s even more exciting if no one has been there, as it will feel new for everyone.
Research the area in advance before you go, planning family-friendly activities like arcades, amusem*nt parks, water parks, toy stores, museums, paintball, zoos, and the like.
Don’t tell the kids what’s on the itinerary, as the goal is to surprise them.
The whole day will be filled with novelty and smiles, and you’ll have a deeper appreciation for your state.
48. Camp in your backyard
Keeping it local this spring or summer doesn’t have to be boring. Rather than take the kids to a campsite, have them camp in your backyard.
Erect a tent in the yard and build a firepit (if it’s legal where you live). Ask the kids to grab blankets, pillows, fireworks, and bug repellant.
When the sun goes down, light the fire and help them make hot dogs on a spit and roast marshmallows.
You and the kids can tell ghost stories around the fire, play flashlight games, and look up at the stars while listening to the crickets and outdoor ambiance.
The best part about camping in your backyard is that if the kids get scared or don’t like roughing it, they’re only steps away from their nice, warm beds.
If they like it, you should take them camping for real for your next family vacation.
49. Build your own water park
Water parks are a blast, but there are some downsides, at least from a parent’s perspective.
The parks are expensive and crowded, and you always worry about how clean the water is.
Alleviate all those concerns and treat your kids to a fun afternoon by creating your own custom water park in your yard.
You only need some tarps, splash pads, pool noodles, and sprinklers. Fill up balloons with water, blow up a few cheap inflatables, and let the kids ride and slide all afternoon.
This idea might be so popular that don’t be surprised if some neighbor kids come over interested in using the water features.
At the end of the day, everyone can dry off and go inside; no sitting in the car on the ride back all wet.
50. Watch movies on a projector
Movie nights are great bonding opportunities, but you always watch yours inside on the couch or at the theater, right?
Try something new by purchasing a projector, bringing speakers outside, and broadcasting a movie outdoors.
Pop popcorn, grab snacks, and toss a few beanbag chairs on the back lawn. Turn the movie on, lie back, and enjoy this unique, fun moment with your kids.
You might make projector movie nights a regular part of your family activities, not just for your staycation.
51. Become a beach bum
If the kids deserve a vacation, but money is tight, don’t necessarily stay at a beach resort. You can take day trips to the beach instead.
Plan these trips for a random weekday if you can swing the time off work.
That will make the trip feel more special for you and the kids. You can also enjoy a far less crowded beach.
Once you find a beach that you and the kids love, plan return visits all season long. You might consider purchasing seasonal beach badges to save on your trips.
