21 Best Summer Family Vacations To Take This Year

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21 Best Summer Family Vacations To Take This Year

Sunny days, water fun, and some quality time with the whole family… This is the recipe for the best summer family vacations. Each year parents worldwide work hard on finding the right destination for the perfect family trip. So to help you in your quest, we created the perfect summer family vacations guide with gems worldwide.

From private sailing cruises in the Greek islands to the best selection of state parks in the U.SA, here are the top recommendations by parents of the
Gowhee App.

Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, and your favorite beachwear, and make this summer family vacation count!

1. São Miguel, Azores Islands

São Miguel is a natural paradise with opportunities for the best summer family vacations, thanks to its incredible wildlife and nature’s playground. It’s one of the world’s coolest destinations for families. It’s the largest island in the Azores, and kids love seeing the whales and dolphins that play in its waters.

Where To Stay: The Quinta da Mao guest houses are right in the middle of the island and have everything you need.

Nearby Attractions: Parque Terra Nostra is an incredible garden with a thermal pool.

>>> Get 10% OFF your stay at the Quinta Da Mao Guesthouse, with your Gowhee App Membership.

2. Sintra, Portugal

Sintra is a charming Portuguese hill town where visitors can discover whimsical palaces, extravagant villas, and the ruins of a 10th-century Moorish castle. It’s right out of a fairy tale!

Where To Stay: The Chalet Saudade vintage guest house is charming and quaint but has all the modern amenities and conveniences you could want. 

Nearby Attractions: The Pena National Palace is a beautiful work of architecture surrounded by gardens and parks. 

>>> Get 10% OFF your nightly rate at Chalet Saudade, with your Gowhee App membership.

3. San Diego, California

San Diego has loads of fun things to do, with attractions that kids will remember forever. These include Legoland, the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, and the many museums and cultural treasures at Balboa Park. We all know that the best summer family vacations always include some form of beach time! Well San Diego has that too as well as incredible hotels to make the experience complete.

Where To Stay: The San Diego Bayfront Hilton, which has great pools for the kids to splash in.

Nearby Attractions: Balboa Park is a hub for San Diego activities– it’s home to over sixteen museums, multiple performing arts venues, cultural experiences, gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo

Father and son hiking in the Azores
Father and son hiking in the Azores

4. Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

Salt Lake City is a safe, walkable city on the shores of the gorgeous Great Salt Lake, which makes it one of the best summer family vacations destination. Kids can enjoy swimming and other fun activities. 

Where To Stay: The Salt Lake Plaza Hotel is right in the heart of Temple Square and offers cribs and rollaway beds so everyone can stay comfortably.

Nearby Attractions: Once you’ve explored the city, wind down with a round of mini-golf at Fat Cats. 

5. The Mountains of Austria

Whisk your kids away on a European adventure to Austria on summer vacation! Your family will fall in love with the beautiful landscape and classic European charm without the hefty price tag. Your kids will feel like they’ve just stepped into a storybook.

Where To Stay: Kids stay free at the La SOA Chalets

Nearby Attractions: Austria is a mountainous country, so even if you’re going in spring, you can still toboggan down a mountainside on the Mieders Alpine Coaster.

>>> Kids stay FREE in La SOA Chalet, with your Gowhee App membership.

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6. Discover the State Parks of North Carolina, USA

There are lots to do in North Carolina! If you need summer ideas for families, you can check out the state’s famous barbecue. This is the perfect state to do a road trip with kids from the mountains to the ocean, North Carolina has a lot to offer.

Where To Stay: The High Hampton resort offers numerous activities designed to get you and your family to connect with each other and nature.

Nearby Attractions: Carowinds theme park is home to over 60 thrill rides, the Carolinas’ biggest water park, and all the down-home cooking you can eat. The Sandbox Interactive Children’s Museum has lots of fun exhibits and interactive play opportunities for kids.

7. Rome, Italy

Enjoy a Roman holiday with your kids in the Eternal City! There are many incredible works of art and ancient structures to see and explore. Kids will really love the gelato shops, pizza, and fresh pasta that can please even the pickiest eaters.

Where To Stay: The beautiful Hotel Artemide in the heart of Rome is a perfect place to stay. 

Nearby Attractions: No visit to Rome is complete without seeing the beautiful Basilica Di San Pietro. Afterward, stop in to enjoy a delicious meal at Da Tonino

8. Crete, Greece

The Greek island of Crete is becoming on the most popular summer family vacations spot, and rightfully so! You will immerse your kids in history and mythology and relax all at the same time. Whether you’re up for some horseback riding on beautiful white-sand beaches or exploring archaeological ruins, Crete is has adventures for the whole family.

Where To Stay: The Elounda Residence offers your kids their own private water park!

Nearby Attractions: Kids love Crete’s beaches, but Elafonsi Beach is a particular favorite–  the sand there is pink!

>>> Get 10% OFF your stay at the all-inclusive resort Elounda residence, with your Gowhee App membership.

9. Paris, France

This list of wonderful summer family vacations places wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t mention Paris! This city’s unique charm and culture is of course well known. But GoWhee’s families have all the ins when it comes to enjoy the city of lights with kids, like a local!

Where To Stay: Center Parcs Village Nature Paris, offers all the comfort of inclusive resorts, with kids clubs and swimming pools, at the doorstep of the French capital.

Nearby Attractions: If your kids are Disney fans, Disneyland Paris is right outside the city!

10.  Baja California, Mexico

Baja California is a great place to get away from it all. It’s home to beaches, wildlife, and many other relaxing activities for your family vacation. The food there is also out of this world, so we always recommend it for a great summer family vacations experience. You can enjoy your stay in this little paradise with this great bucket-list.

Where To Stay: The Casa Bougainvillea offers gorgeous views of the ocean, the mountains, and the desert. It has comfy bunk beds that kids just love.

Nearby Attractions: The Tijuana Cultural Center, or CECUT, is a museum and is home to the only IMAX theater in Tijuana.

>>> GET 10% OFF your stay at the Casa Bougainvillea Airbnb with your Gowhee Membership, try it now.

11. Orlando, Florida, USA

With sunshine, beach and tons of kids attraction, Florida is always on top of our list of the best summer family vacations for parents. The thrill never stops there. There are a lot more to see than Disney like this list of alternatives theme parks or all these hidden gems.

Where To Stay: The Walt Disney World Resort has 25 different hotels to choose from. They offer a tiered pricing structure, so no matter what your summer budget is, there’s a Disney Resort for you! They all offer early entry to the parks and free transportation, as well as themed pools and play areas. 

Nearby Attractions: If you want to relax after a busy day at the park, you can throw some axes at Rockstar Axe Throwing to take the edge off.

12. Quebec City, Canada

Charming Quebec City is a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. There are lots to see and do in this fortified town straight out of a storybook. Kids will love exploring the city and discovering its many hidden treasures, while parents will love how safe it is. 

Where To Stay: L’Hôtel Québec is designed for families and features a seven-story playground, swimming pool, exotic animal encounters, arts and crafts, and tons of other fun activities for the kids.

Nearby Attractions: The whole family can enjoy the lovely terrace dining experience La Cour arrière du Festibière. You also can’t miss shopping in the Quartier Petit Champlain, a cobblestone street that doesn’t allow cars. Kids can run around and have fun without any safety worries!

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13. Washington, DC, USA

The US capital is a great place to explore many museums and cultural institutions. It is not always on the best summer family vacations lists but Kids can learn about history, or just admire the many beautiful parks, memorials, and landscapes. Museums offer A.C and its proximity to the water can make this city a great place for this year’s break.

Where To Stay: The Capitol Hill Hotel has a convenient location and great amenities for kids. 

Nearby Attractions: The National Zoo is home to many amazing animals, like Komodo dragons and giant pandas. 

14. One-of-a-Kind Cruise in Turkey

Enjoy deep blue waters and the beauty of the Turkish coastline when you take a kid-friendly sailing cruise! Cruises are perfect for kids because everything’s included. food, activities, and other amenities. Flaka Cruises even offers a private cabin for the kids; they’ll feel so grown up!

 

>>> GET 10% OFF All-inclusive Flaka cruises with your Gowhee membership, try it now!

15. Banff, Canada

Banff is famous for its winter skiing, but it’s lovely in summer as well! Summer vacation in Banff is all about sunshine, mountain adventures, and beautiful moments that will create lasting cherished memories.

Where To Stay: The Banff Rocky Mountain Resort has a swimming pool and a free shuttle to downtown Banff. They also have suites with kitchens if you’d like to do your own cooking.

Nearby Attractions: The town of Banff has a charming downtown that is super fun for kids. They can enjoy the playground at Banff Rotary Park and find a new favorite candy at the nostalgic Banff Candy Store.

View of Banff Lake in Canada
Banff Lake in Canada. Photo @Lovelife_abroad

16. Dublin, Ireland

Ireland’s capital is a picturesque city with a long history. Dating all the way back to medieval times, your family will love experiencing its ancient buildings, historical sites, street art, and memorials. 

Where To Stay: Your family can enjoy a stay in the historical Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel. Your kids will feel like they’re in their favorite fairy tales!

Nearby Attractions: At Gallagher’s Boxty, you and your family can experience one of Ireland’s unique culinary specialties, the boxty! Boxties are savory pancakes made with potatoes that come with lots of different fillings. Kids will also love Butler’s Chocolate Experience, where they’ll get to decorate their own chocolate figure and learn chocolate-making tips from a master chocolatier. 

17. Rovaniemi, Finland

Rovaniemi is the Official Hometown of Santa Claus on the Arctic Circle in Lapland, Finland, so you may not think of it as the best summer family vacations spot, but It’s a wonderful place to camp and sees the Northern Lights. Kids and parents will both enjoy the fresh air and comfortable climate in this Nordic country.

Where To StayThe Rovaniemi Aurora Lodge Cabin. It is the perfect glamping experience. Nearby Attractions: The cabins are located right on the river with a sauna and all amenities you need for kids!

18. Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Tamarindo is a tropical paradise in beautiful Costa Rica. When you vacation here, you can enjoy beautiful beaches and exciting jungle adventures. 

Where To Stay: Occidental Tamarindo is an all-inclusive resort that has a pool and offers outdoor activities for children. 

Nearby Attractions: Fly through the trees while you zipline at Diamante Eco Adventure Park or enjoy floating downstream on a real lazy river adventure for older kids 12 and up. 

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19. Vermont, USA

Spend some time in the great outdoors and enjoy all that Vermont has to offer. Summer in Vermont means swimming in fresh, cool water, cruising on Lake Champlain, chowing down on fresh produce, picking blueberries, and hiking through beautiful old-growth forests. Vermont is the perfect place for a truly relaxing vacation and for making family memories that will last a lifetime. 

Where To Stay: The Hotel Vermont offers charming rooms with trundle beds for the kids.

Nearby Attractions: The deep blue waters of Lake Champlain are the perfect backdrop for summer adventures. While you’re there, check out the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum and stop for a bite at local institution Al’s French Frys. 

20. Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca is a sunny island in the Mediterranean Sea that’s just waiting for you and your family. Explore the beautiful beaches and luxuriate in the warm breezes– you can really relax and get away from it all here. 

Where To Stay: All-inclusive resorts make family vacations so easy. The PortBlue Club Pollentia Resort & Spa has everything you need, including easy access to the beach and nature park, as well as a massive swimming pool.

Nearby Attractions: When you’re on Mallorca, you could spend the whole vacation on the beach if you wanted to. If you want to add to the fun, Katmandu Parks at Calvía Beach lets your kids ride and slide on a summer adventure.

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21. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Desert sunsets and awe-inspiring vistas await you at the Grand Canyon, so it is not hard to see why it made the list of best summer family vacations for this year’s trip. When you and your family vacation at one of America’s oldest national parks, you will get to experience a landscape so beautiful that it almost doesn’t feel real. 

Where To Stay: The Grand Hotel offers spacious rooms in a sprawling chalet-style hotel with a swimming pool and hot tub. 

Nearby Attractions: If you’re visiting Grand Canyon National Park, you obviously can’t miss The Grand Canyon itself. You can take a guided tour by donkey! Kids will especially enjoy learning about the canyon to earn their Junior Ranger badges when you stop in at the Yavapai Museum of Geology on the canyon’s rim.

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