Be it high-end resorts or calm low-key beaches, traveling with family is a great way to make lasting memories. However, exploring new travel destinations can be a little challenging if you have an overtired toddler at hand. To make it easier for you to travel with kids, we have put our heads together to create this list of 7 kid-friendly getaways that every parent should have on their travel bucket list.

Here are our top 7 picks for the best family-friendly vacation spots that should definitely be on your radar this year:

1.    The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Orlando Florida

When you are traveling with kids, you need to keep them entertained with things that they like. At the same time, you need to find that sweet-hitting middle-ground that allows you to enjoy as well. And what’s more all-age appropriate than Harry Potter?

Since the reboot of Harry Potter films is in the making, this is a perfect time to introduce your toddlers to the magical world of Hogwarts and brush up on your memory too. While you are in Florida, you can stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. It’s right at the entrance to Universal Orlando and will save you a ton of money on your commute. 

Enjoy magical theme rides like “Flight of Hippogriff”, sizzling Butterbeer at Leaky Cauldron, and sightseeing on the Hogwarts Express which connects the two parks at Universal, Hogsmead, and the Diagon Alley.

You can also buy a magical wand from Ollivander’s at Diagon Alley, however a pro tip:  if you are thinking of buying a wand, do it on the first day of your visit. Your interactive wand will allow you to perform magic at different spots in the park. If you get your wand just before leaving, you will be missing out on a lot of magical fun.

2.    Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is a perfect example of a busy and booming metropolis –which is why it’s a great option to provide constant stimulation to active toddlers. Besides futuristic skyscrapers, cute cafes, and theme parks like Tokyo Disneyland, the capital city of Japan is also famous for its long-standing culture of hospitality. This means that the locals are very welcoming and warm towards tourists with babies. In addition to this, the city restaurants, parks, and public places are also very clean. You will also find stroller parking areas and nursing rooms in most places.

And the best thing of all is that navigating and exploring neighborhoods is super easy, thanks to their intuitive metro system and bullet trains. Simply put, Tokyo is a great family-friendly vacation spot to visit with your family since its hotels and restaurants have all the amenities to accommodate their pint-sized guests.

3.    Paradise Island, Bahamas

If you want to experience a more upscale and lavish trip with your kids, Atlantis Resort is a dream travel bucket-list destination for many. You will have access to not only the serene sights but also exclusive pools and delicious food. The well-placed Royal Hotel is just a few steps from amazing kid-friendly experiences like dolphin cay, Adventure Waterpark, and playgrounds.

However, if Atlantis is a bit out of your budget, you can consider Comfort Suites, Paradise Island, Bahamas. It’s just adjacent to Atlantis, and the guests are given an access pass to all the amenities provided at the Atlantis Resort including the famous Adventure Waterpark.

4.    Reserva Monteverde, Costa Rica

About half of the cloudy lush forest of Monteverde is conserved as the Bosque Eternal de los Niños (“Children’s Eternal Forest”). Of course, it also has plenty of fun activities like hiking, zip lines, camping, and canopy tours for older kids. There are additional virgin woods and adventurous activities at the nearby Monteverde Cloudforest Biological Reserve, and Reserva Santa Elena even includes routes that are suitable for strollers.

Even if you have small kids who can’t hike, you can simply pique their interest in nature and connect with wildlife by seeing sloths, toucans, and Monkeys.

5.    Amsterdam, Netherlands

While Amsterdam isn’t the most obvious pick for a family-friendly vacation, but take it from us, this charm-filled Dutch capital is a very accessible, reasonable, and easy-to-explore option for a well-deserved city break.

The guided boat tours along famous canals will teach you and the kids about the history of this city. In addition to this, the flight seats are quite reasonable, which lets your wallet breathe, especially if you have to buy multiple seats. The kids will undoubtedly love their NEMO Science Museum and the local cafes sell flavorful snacks like Dutch apple pies and Pancakes that will satisfy even your picky eaters.

6.    O’ahu, Hawaii

If you crave a family-friendly location where you can practically live in your swimsuits, Oahu is the place for you. Hawaii is known for its stark blue beaches and tons of amazing kid-appropriate experiences. You can go on eco-tours, swim with dolphins, visit historic sites like Pearl Harbor, and experience hikes like Diamond Head.

So, if your kids are thrilled by the gushing sound of the ocean and the warm sand beneath their feet, Oahu is a dream getaway for families with kids.

7.    North Island, New Zealand

Are your kids obsessed with the Lord of the Rings trilogy? Then, why not let them experience movie magic in North Island? While it might not have snow-covered mountains, this place still doesn’t skimp on dramatic scenery.

The kids will be enthralled by the sulfur stink in Rotorua, glowworm caves in Waitomo, and the bubbling pools at Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula.

You can also spark their movie knowledge by visiting hobbit holes at Hobbiton as well as Wellington’s Weta workshop at the heart of the film industry, where kids can witness and learn about the magic of movie props and prosthetics.

If you have been thinking of packing your bags and flying off to experience the world with your family and kids, this is your cue to do it! We hope that these top picks from our travel bucket list helped you plan your next family holiday!