Written by lifestyle and travel writer Angela Saurine.
Top Family-Friendly Travel
Destinations for 2025
Top Family-Friendly Travel Destinations for 2025
Published 19 Jan, 2024
Planning the perfect family getaway in 2025? Whether you're dreaming of sun-soaked beaches, thrilling theme parks, or cultural escapes, choosing the right destination is key to creating unforgettable memories. From tropical island paradises to exciting city escapes, we’ve rounded up the top family-friendly destinations where adventure meets relaxation.
1. Maldives
Dreamy images of overwater bungalows, white sand beaches and crystal-clear water have made the Maldives a luxe honeymoon destination, but this Indian ocean paradise also has loads to offer families looking for a tranquil escape. Many resorts boast bungalows with private plunge pools the kids will love, as well as waterslides and fabulous kids’ clubs. Its warm waters also make it a fantastic destination for young ones to learn to snorkel. Expect to see tropical fish, sea turtles and even manta rays. You may also spot dolphins and whale sharks on a wildlife cruise, or embark on a big-game fishing adventure!
2. Maui, Hawaii
Best for: Stunning beaches, rich cultural experiences, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
While the historic town of Lahaina is still recovering after the devastating 2023 wildfires, the rest of Maui is open and welcoming visitors. Now is a great time to support the tourism industry — and there’s plenty of good reasons to do so! As well as beautiful beaches, Maui offers rich cultural experiences, including traditional lū‘au feasts with music and dancing. Go hiking amid volcanic landscapes in Haleakalā National Park, take a snorkelling cruise to the crescent-shaped island Molokini Crater and wander among the fragrant fields at Ali‘i Kula Lavender Farm. It’s also an excellent destination for whale watching from December to May, and you can often see turtles nesting on the beach.
See: Maui Official Travel Site: Find Vacation & Travel Information | Go Hawaii
3. Byron Bay, Australia
With some of Australia’s best stretches of sand it’s no wonder this holiday hotspot on Australia’s east coast has become a mecca for celebrities like Chris Hemsworth, who has a home a just south of town. Known for its relaxed vibes, it’s an ideal choice for families who enjoy nature experiences and wildlife encounters. If your kids are old enough, the Walgun Cape Byron Walking track will take you to the lighthouse at the country’s most easterly point, with the chance to see koalas snoozing in gum trees en route. You can also book a dolphin kayaking tour and take a trip to the hinterland to swim in majestic waterfalls.
4. Phuket, Thailand
With everything from quiet coves to vibrant beaches with vendors offering massages and water sports, this popular island off Thailand’s south-west coast caters for all type of travellers. It has an international airport, so it’s super easy to get to, and also acts as a gateway to many other islands. Take a day trip to visit the island where the James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun was made, and Phi Phi Lee, which was the setting for The Beach. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary also provides the opportunity to get up close to the gentle giants, and even to feed and shower them.
5. Cozumel, Mexico
Best for: Crystal-clear waters, family-friendly resorts, and educational experiences.
Fancy the idea of taking the clan snorkelling or scuba diving in the Caribbean? Look no further than the tiny island of Cozumel, which lies off the coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. It has an international airport, so it’s easily accessible, and there are some fabulous family-friendly resorts. The tranquil beaches on the island’s west coast are particularly enticing for those with younger kids, and you can give them an educational experience with a tour of a pearl farm or a visit to Mayan ruins. Catch a Mexican fiesta with a mariachi band while you’re there.
6. Fukuoka, Japan
This lesser-known prefecture is slowly but surely capturing global attention. Located on the northern coast of Japan’s third largest island, Kyushu, it abounds in cultural experiences. Learn about samurai swordsmen and philosophers at Kokura Castle, try Yaki udon stir-fried noodles in the town where they originated and explore the charming port town of Mojiko by bike. It’s also worth visiting Futamigaura Bay to indulge in freshly grilled oysters from the huts operated by local fishermen along the Itoshima Peninsula and see ancient tombs at Itokoku History Museum.
7. Santa Barbara, California
This upmarket town on the California coast is a firm favourite among young, social-media savvy tourists, but it also has plenty to offer families looking for relaxed beach days, with a bit of celebrity spotting thrown in. Located around a 1.5-hour drive from Los Angeles and 2.5 hours from Disneyland Resort, Santa Barbara is well known for its Spanish Mission-style architecture. Spend a day at Santa Barbara Zoo, learn about the past at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and get hands on with the interactive exhibits at MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.
See: Santa Barbara, CA | Hotels, Restaurants, Events & Activities
8. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Best for: picturesque towns and mouthwatering cuinsine.
Combine culture and the coast with a trip to this glamourous UNESCO World Heritage-listed region in southern Italy. As well as picturesque towns and mouthwatering cuisine, the Amalfi oozes with history and nature experiences. Book a boat tour with plenty of swimming stops to keep the kids happy, or a cooking class to learn how to make pasta. You can also do a day trip to Pompeii to explore the archaeological ruins for a history class they will never forget. Or just pull up a sun lounger at one of the famous beach clubs.
See: Home - Visit Amalfi
9. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
This resort city lies in the middle of a 60-mile-long string of beaches known as the Grand Strand on the east coast of the United States. A mecca for golfers thanks to its many celebrity-designed courses, it provides an old-school Americana holiday experience, with arcade halls along its boardwalk, a pier and a seaside amusement park with one of the country’s tallest Ferris wheels. There’s also an aquarium, a Hollywood wax museum and loads of mini golf courses.
See: Welcome to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina | Visit Myrtle Beach
10. Algarve, Portugal
Known for its beautiful cliffs, golden beaches and bays, the Algarve is not only gorgeous, but also offers activities for people of all ages. The calm beaches in Portugal’s southern-most region are perfect for younger children, and its mild climate makes it a great destination for hiking, biking and water sports. Book a boat tour to the highly Instagrammable Benagil Cave sea grotto, explore medieval castles, forts, and Roman ruins, and enjoy some fun family bonding time at its seasonal water parks and theme parks.
Ready for your next vacation?
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