A popular pastime for families of all types and sizes would be a vacation. These promote togetherness and bonding. They can be educational, as visitors see new places, experience new things, and learn about new cultures. Plus, trips are just fun for older children, families traveling with kids, couples, siblings, extended members, and beyond!
While many groups head to Disney theme parks each year, there are surely familial units that want something different and better than Disney World… something like the 10 ideas that are on this list. These locales can be found around the globe; some may be reached via a road trip, while others could require booking a flight. They are areas that offer up a variety of activities, as well, whether people are into vacays full of adventures or ones that are more relaxed and chill. And any of them would make the perfect setting for a family trip!
10 Soak Up The Sun In The Riviera Maya
Cancun, Mexico. The Caribbean coastline. Quintana Roo. The Yucatán Peninsula. Those dreaming of these tropical locations should start planning a trip to The Riviera Maya ASAP! Many all-inclusive resorts can be found in the area, which offers up water-based activities such as jet-skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming. There are also archaeological sites to check out like Chichen Itza, making this a destination suggestion that can be filled with R & R and learning, as well.
9 Ride Coasters At Cedar Point
Thrill-seekers can visit Cedar Point, an amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio, which holds so many records: It is the second-oldest theme park operating in the country. It has 72 rides, which is a world record. It is the planet’s only theme park with six roller coasters that are at least 200 feet. And it is the most visited seasonal theme park in the nation.
While many have ridden Disney’s rides, not everyone can say they have visited this notable place!
8 Visit Major Tourist Attractions In NYC
New York City is a top travel destination, and families will have no trouble finding ways to keep busy in the city that never sleeps! Watch plays on Broadway. Go see the Statue Of Liberty. Eat and shop in Times Square. Take a nap in Central Park. Remember the past at One World Trade Center. Look down from the top of the Empire State Building. Or dive deeper, act like a local, and appreciate more than just tourist attractions.
7 Get Cultured In Jolly Ol’ London
Another bustling city full of attractions is London, the capital of England, and a place full of rich history and culture. Some of its well-known sights include the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, and The London Underground.
Even without ever entering into a single building, a person who ends up in jolly ol’ London could be entertained and fascinated, with all the gorgeous views and buildings that can be found here.
6 See A Variety Of Animals In San Diego
If there are family members interested in animals, then maybe San Diego should be considered, as it is home to the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and SeaWorld San Diego.
Of course, this city also boasts historic sites like Mission San Diego de Alcalá, a booming local craft brewing industry, and other exciting landmarks like LEGOLAND California. That being said, families with younger or older kids could have some real fun.
5 Learn About National History In D.C.
Everyone should travel to the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., at least once in their lifetime. It has national monuments and museums, such as the Capitol building, the Washington Monument, the White House, the Smithsonian, and the Lincoln Memorial. It is amazing to see and learn about America’s past, in an up-close and personal way, and people will find that it is easy to spend hours and days and weeks doing so in D.C.
4 Become One With Nature In Arizona
Another suggestion located in the Western part of the U.S. is Arizona. It has ski resorts. Around one-quarter of the state is made up of Indian reservations. And, of course, it is home to the Grand Canyon National Park, which is one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Many parks and forests and outdoor adventures can be enjoyed in this state, making it an ideal pick for nature-loving groups, couples, and individuals!
3 Have Family Fun In Chicago
Some families may go to Chicago, with its famous landmarks. There is Navy Pier, made up of 50 acres of parks, shops, restaurants, and exhibitions. There is the Field Museum of Natural History, one of the largest of its kind in the world. There is Cloud Gate, a.k.a. The Bean, in Millennium Park, which is seen often in photographs. And those are just three of numerous ideas when it comes to all this city offers.
2 Visit The Oz Museum In Kansas
Next up is a vaca spot located in the Southern part of the country and, specifically, in Kansas: Wamego; it has historic sites like The Dutch Mill and the Wamego Historical Museum and Prairie Town Village. But it also has the Oz Museum, which has more than 25,000 artifacts from/related to The Wizard of Oz.
Other businesses followed suit, as visitors to Wamego can also find the Oz Winery, Toto's Tacoz, and an annual OZtoberFEST.
1 Embrace A Whole New World In Tokyo
A final idea would be to head to Tokyo, the capital of Japan! Some ideas for activities here include visiting the Tokyo Tower, learning about Japanese pop culture in districts such as Shibuya or Harajuku, hiking up/around Mount Fuji, or going to museums like the Tokyo National Museum. Of course, there is also a Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, which is the only Disney park of its kind, so if/when there, one might as well check it out…!