Some of the best family destinations are meant for springtime! Although it’s not quite time to lose the sweaters and jackets, days in the sun are top of mind. This brings back great memories of our Harran Lampoon multi-generation getaways, jam-packed with adventure. Schools will let out soon and with summer just around the corner, it’s time to nail down the eight best family destinations!
Not quite sure of places to go with family? Is your family a group of adrenaline junkies, foodies, or history buffs? Keep reading to get some inspiration for that family trip you will never forget!
Best Family Destinations
Camp in Canada
Jacques Cartier State Park, in upstate NY, is known for its breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River. It wasn’t quite Canada, but we were able to see our northern neighbor from our campsite!
Expose family of all ages to the great outdoors, but beware of the wildlife rifling through your trash! My cousin, a toddler at the time, trapped herself inside the tent, surrounded by skunks! She tried to leave the tent to pet the ‘night kitties’. The Thousand Islands region has something to offer everyone, including a tour up the river by boat. Ottawa is a short hour and a half ride away if you are looking for a fun day trip.
Travel through time in Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is where history feels alive! One of our favorite summer vacation family trip adventures included setting out on a 10-hour road trip to Colonial Williamsburg. After a close encounter on I-95 with a Kraft cheese truck, we finally arrived in Virginia to discover all this historic region offers. There are over 40 historical sites including taverns and art museums.
After we had our fill of grandpa’s history lessons, we beelined it Busch Gardens for some adventure. From the Sesame Street Forest to the Alpengeist roller coaster, smiles became easy to find on our faces.
Eat your way through Coastal Maine
One of the best family destinations is the southern coast of Maine. It’s the best place to soak up the sun during the warmer months. My family has rented cottages from Wells to York Beach. It is a great getaway from the hustle and bustle of Boston. From hot dog rolls bursting with fresh lobster, or a blueberry donut from Congdons, you’ll never go hungry!
Cruise the High Seas with Family
Cruising is another adventure perfect for your multi-generational family. There are plenty of fun activities ranging from rock climbing to karaoke to keep younger folk occupied onboard. Cruises are also great for adult families. There are usually unlimited food buffets, decks to enjoy the pools and sun and nightly shows to keep entertained. For more on this Harran Lampoon family adventure, check out my article on cruising the Mediterranean.
Onto the Bucket List for Best Family Destinations
Multi-Generation Family Food Paradise in Florence, Italy
Let’s face it, Italy is known for its food so that put it high on our list of best family destinations. Italian pizza, pasta, and desserts are some of the best in the world so if you are looking to cross Europe off your family trip bucket list, consider a trip to Italy. Additionally, Florence is in the heart of Tuscany known for the Uffizi Gallery, the Boboli Gardens of the Medici family, and the original statue of David by Michaelangelo! You can even walk the footsteps of the great writer, Dante, and see where he wrote The Inferno. There is an incredible amount of history in this town and the food compliments it beautifully! Pack your bags and stay at Il Salviatino. This 15th-century villa, located on the hills of Fiesole overlooking Florence, Tuscany, packs hundreds of years of history and culture within a few miles, which can be appreciated by the whole family. Don’t miss out on Tuscan pizza, pasta, and gelato via a food tour. I could not think of a better place to expose yourself to the wonders of Europe.
Find Indiana Jones Adventures in the Pacific Northwest
Just 80 miles outside of Seattle lies the Cascade Mountain region. Let your multi-generation family grow a deeper appreciation of the great outdoors at Suncadia Resort. Suncadia offers kids the chance to explore wildlife and geology as part of the Junior Rangers Program. Children will be able to channel their inner Indiana Jones, participating in scavenger hunts around this mountainous region. Upon completion of the program, the rangers earn a certificate and bragging rights for ‘surviving’ the great outdoors. There are plenty of trails to hike or bike for adults to enjoy as well.
Meet Spider Monkeys in the Jungles of Guatemala
Another great international family destination is Guatemala. The tropical atmosphere mixed with Mayan ruins at Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel is like nothing you’ve experienced before. Especially since it’s located on an ecological reserve in the jungle of Peten. Hop aboard an ATV, take a tour of the natural habitat, and spot ocelots, boars, and tapirs along the way. Take advantage of the eco-luxe hotel’s private boat tour to Monkey Island. Don’t forget to snap a photo with a Lanchera spider monkey! These friendly creatures will hop aboard to greet you. Stock up on food, they are quite hungry after spending the day swinging from the branches.
Swim with Sharks in Cancun, Mexico
Cancun is known for beautiful sandy beaches, deep fresh-water cenotes, and ancient Mayan ruins. It’s just two hours away from one of the wonders of the world, Chichen Itza! However, did you know they also have shark swimming available? Check out a Go-Pro camera from sister properties CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort and JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa and take your multi-generation family on an aquatic adventure! From May to September both resorts offer snorkel adventures where the Caribbean Sea meets the Gulf of Mexico. Feed the whale sharks and check off this bucket-list adventure for the whole family!
So many adventures to choose from! Which destination is the best one for your family?
