Reserving a vacation with kids isn’t really about where you are, so much as it’s about having the right atmosphere. Some safe-but-fun, relaxing-but-never-boring place. You want a place where kids can run and play and burn off energy, and where parents feel like they are on vacation too. So here are some destinations that strike a balance between family fun and some relaxation for you.
- Zanzibar, Tanzania
For those who would prefer to relocate a bit away from the traditional European seaside resort, Zanzibar has something special in store. White sandy beaches, blue water, and plenty of space to run around, splash about, and build sandcastles. The island is actually more child-friendly than you may imagine. Kids will enjoy spice farm tours, spotting dolphins, or Stone Town tours too.
And naturally, health and safety are a consideration when taking children abroad. Zanzibar’s infrastructure has indeed advanced in great strides over the years, and many places are specifically designed for families. If you want to know how to make the most of it, here is a helpful guide to Zanzibar with kids that offers common sense advice and ideas for family travelers.
- Lake Garda, Italy
Italy’s always a good bet with kids and Lake Garda in particular is a winner with most families. It’s got lakeshore beach, cable-car rides, family-friendly walks, and the trendy Gardaland theme park nearby. Kids can swim in the lake, bike along the lakefront, and eat tasty gelato. Towns like Sirmione or Riva del Garda offer that perfect blend of Italian charm and convenience, with plenty of child-friendly activities and restaurants.
- Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon has hills, yes, but it also has trams. And for kids, riding those vintage yellow trams feels like being on a mini rollercoaster. Add in castles to climb, oceanariums to explore, and pastries to devour, and you’ve got a city that keeps everyone entertained.
It’s also completely family-friendly. The majority of the locals have children of their own and won’t think twice about your kids being a little loud or curious at dinnertime.
The coastal resorts like Cascais or the fable town of Sintra are great day trips when you’re tired of the urban pace.
- The Dolomites, Italy
For families who love the outdoors or families who want their kids to be outdoorsy, few places compare to the Dolomites in the summer. Fresh air, open alpine vistas, easy scenic routes, and plenty of cable cars mean you can visit high altitudes without a several-hour walk.
Much of the area, such as South Tyrol, has summer children’s camps, family farms, and even alpine playgrounds with zip lines and treehouses. It’s fun in nature, and it’s a wonderful way to disconnect.
- The Azores, Portugal
If you’re a nature-loving family looking for something off the beaten path but still easy to navigate, the Azores are a smart pick. These Portuguese islands in the Atlantic are full of volcanic landscapes, hot springs, crater lakes, and dramatic coastlines. Families can go on a whale-watch tour, hike to waterfalls, or even take a swim in a naturally warmed ocean pool. And the islands are tiny, so it doesn’t take hours to drive somewhere.
A great family holiday isn’t about miles covered or sights seen off the list — it’s about the laughter, the surprises, and the joy of being together in between. Choose somewhere that suits everyone, and memories will naturally follow.
