As someone who’s hauled kid-sized suitcases through more airports than I can count, I know firsthand that traveling with children can feel overwhelming. When friends ask me about taking their little ones abroad, I often turn to my network of family travelers for their honest takes.
“Kids see the world differently – they notice things we adults might miss,” says Maria Chen, a family travel consultant who’s visited 40 countries with her three children. “They’re natural ambassadors who can turn a simple playground visit into an international playdate, regardless of language barriers.”
While exploring new countries with kids requires extra planning, it’s totally doable – and worth it. To help you get started, I’ve put together a list of 15 destinations that strike the right balance between family-friendly amenities and cultural experiences your whole crew will enjoy.
London, England
Many families choose London as their first international trip with kids, and it’s easy to see why this city hits all the right notes. From the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace to the medieval Tower of London, the city combines history lessons with pure entertainment. Kids can spend hours exploring the Natural History Museum’s dinosaur exhibits (for free!), riding the London Eye’s giant observation wheel, or pretending they’re heading to Hogwarts at Platform 9¾ in King’s Cross Station. While London may seem overwhelming at first, its efficient Underground system and abundance of parks – like Hyde Park with its playgrounds and paddle boats – make it surprisingly manageable with children in tow. Plus, the city’s mix of traditional afternoon teas and kid-friendly musicals in the West End means there’s always something to keep both parents and little ones happy.
Mind-Blowing Fact:
Did you know that London’s iconic red telephone booths were originally painted green, but were changed to red in 1924 to make them more visible to the public? While many of the 8,000 remaining phone boxes are now used as tiny cafes, libraries, and even defibrillator stations, they remain one of the city’s most photographed symbols and a clever example of how London has adapted its historic landmarks for modern use.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Get ready for a family adventure in Copenhagen, where fairy tales come to life at every corner. Let the kids explore Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, with its mix of classic rides and modern attractions that keep everyone entertained. Take a boat tour through the colorful canals to spot famous landmarks, or spend an afternoon at the LEGO House, where little builders can unleash their creativity across six different play zones. For a taste of royal life, watch the changing of the guards at Amalienborg Palace, then head to the Copenhagen Zoo, home to more than 4,000 animals. The city’s safe bike lanes and efficient public transportation make getting around with kids a breeze, while the many kid-friendly museums and interactive exhibits ensure there’s never a dull moment.
Orlando, Florida, USA
Want to see your kids’ eyes light up like never before? Orlando is where childhood dreams come true, with its world-famous theme parks spread across this sun-soaked Florida city. Home to Walt Disney World’s four magical parks, Universal Studios’ wizarding wonders, and SeaWorld’s marine adventures, it’s a place where roller coasters soar and beloved characters come to life around every corner. Beyond the parks, you’ll find the Kennedy Space Center just an hour away, where future astronauts can explore real spacecraft and maybe even watch a rocket launch. The nearby hotels cater specifically to families, with pools shaped like pirate ships and rooms decorated like fairytale castles. It’s no wonder Orlando welcomes millions of families each year, making memories that last long after the mouse ears come off.
Little-Known Fact:
When people think of Orlando, their minds usually jump straight to Disney World and Universal Studios, but this Florida city is actually one of the biggest tech hubs in America with over 2,000 technology companies calling it home. It’s also a city built on sinkholes – Disney World itself sits on a massive system of tunnels called “utilidors” that allow employees to move around the park unseen by visitors, maintaining that perfect theme park magic.
Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver draws families from around the world for Stanley Park, a massive urban green space with beaches, trails, and an aquarium, but the city can also be considered an outdoor adventure hub. The surrounding mountains – including Grouse Mountain and Cypress Mountain – offer year-round activities from skiing to hiking, perfect for active families. In summer, the city’s festivals and outdoor markets bring locals and tourists together for food, music, and entertainment, but you’ll find plenty to keep the kids engaged in Vancouver no matter when you visit.
Singapore
Singapore feels like it was designed with families in mind, making it one of Asia’s most kid-friendly destinations. Like other major cities in Southeast Asia, it has towering skyscrapers and busy streets, but what sets it apart is its perfect blend of nature and urban planning. You’ll find gardens growing on the sides of buildings, walking paths winding through treetop canopies, and interactive museums around every corner. Because of Singapore’s commitment to cleanliness and safety, parents can relax while their kids explore the colorful Gardens by the Bay, feed giraffes at the night safari, or splash around at the many water parks. The city’s efficient public transportation and English-speaking population make getting around with little ones surprisingly easy.
Tokyo DisneySea, Japan
Located just outside Tokyo, DisneySea stands as Disney’s most unique theme park creation. Unlike its Orlando or California cousins, this park draws inspiration from ports around the world, with seven distinct marine-themed areas that feel like stepping into different countries. Kids can explore an Italian harbor town, venture through an Arabian coast, or dive into the mysteries of an underwater fortress. What makes DisneySea special is how it caters to both parents and children – you’ll find sophisticated dining options and detailed architecture alongside classic Disney magic. The attention to detail is remarkable, from the smoking volcano of Mount Prometheus to the Victorian steam-punk styling of the Mysterious Island. Because of its distinctly different approach to Disney entertainment, many visitors find themselves spending multiple days just taking in all the maritime adventures.
Gold Coast, Australia
The Gold Coast rolls out the perfect mix of family fun with its long stretches of sandy beaches and world-famous theme parks. Let the kids splash around at Wet’n’Wild water park, where water slides and wave pools keep everyone cool on warm days. Just a short drive away, you’ll find Dreamworld, home to wildlife encounters and thrilling rides for all ages. When you’re ready to trade the excitement for some nature, head to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to feed rainbow lorikeets and cuddle with koalas. The nearby Broadwater Parklands offers free water play areas and picnic spots where families can unwind after busy days of adventure.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Experience the magic of nature when you visit Reykjavik, Iceland’s charming capital city. Kids will be amazed by the Northern Lights dancing across the winter sky, and the whole family can relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. Take a short drive from the city to see spouting geysers, towering waterfalls, and gentle Icelandic horses in their natural habitat. For a unique adventure, join a whale watching tour from the Old Harbor, where you might spot minke whales, dolphins, and puffins. The city’s indoor spaces, like the hands-on Whales of Iceland museum, keep children entertained when the weather turns chilly.
Did You Know This Fact?
Reykjavik holds the record for being both the northernmost capital city in the world and one of the smallest capital cities in Europe, with a population of only around 120,000 people. Despite its tiny size, this quirky city is powered almost entirely by geothermal energy, using the earth’s natural heat to warm homes, power buildings, and even keep the city’s outdoor swimming pools warm enough for year-round swimming.
Costa Rica
Want to give your kids their first taste of a real-life jungle adventure? Costa Rica is where wilderness meets wonder, with sloths hanging lazily in the trees and toucans soaring overhead. This compact Central American country packs in everything from active volcanoes to pristine beaches, making it perfect for families who love exploring nature. Kids can zip-line through rainforest canopies in Monteverde, spot monkeys in Manuel Antonio National Park, or learn about chocolate making at a local cacao farm. The best part? Costa Ricans are known for their warm, family-friendly culture, and most tourist areas are set up with plenty of amenities that make traveling with little ones easier.
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin might not be the first place that comes to mind for a family trip, but Ireland’s capital city knows how to keep kids entertained. With its mix of old castles, sprawling parks, and interactive museums, Dublin feels like stepping into a storybook your children have only read about. Walk down the cobblestone streets of Temple Bar, and you’ll hear street musicians playing traditional Irish tunes while families gather for early dinners in cozy pubs serving kid-friendly meals. Thanks to Dublin’s rich literary history and folklore, many attractions cater to young imaginations – from the leprechaun museum to Viking splash tours that let kids cruise through city streets in amphibious vehicles. The locals’ famous warmth and the city’s manageable size make it easy for families to explore without feeling overwhelmed.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam might seem like an unconventional choice for a family trip, but this laid-back Dutch capital has plenty to offer kids and parents alike. Unlike other European cities that can feel overwhelming, Amsterdam moves at a gentle pace, with cyclists pedaling along tree-lined canals and families picnicking in peaceful parks. The city’s compact size makes it perfect for little legs, and you’ll find child-friendly museums everywhere – from the fascinating NEMO Science Museum shaped like a giant ship to the Anne Frank House, which brings history to life for older children. What makes Amsterdam truly special for families is how the locals embrace young visitors – you’ll spot children zipping around on bikes, joining their parents at casual cafes, and feeding ducks from the city’s countless bridges. Thanks to the Dutch emphasis on family life, you’ll find changing tables, kid menus, and play areas in most establishments.
Munich, Germany
Ever wondered what it’s like to hear the cheerful sounds of a Bavarian band while your kids dance in a beer garden? Munich makes family travel feel like a fairy tale, where pretzels are as big as your head and the streets look like they’re straight out of a storybook. This friendly German city is home to the famous Deutsches Museum, where curious minds can explore everything from real aircraft to mining tunnels. In the heart of town, families gather at the Marienplatz to watch the famous Glockenspiel clock put on its twice-daily show of dancing figures, while the sprawling English Garden offers perfect spots for picnics and watching surfers ride the artificial wave on the Eisbach stream. Kids especially love the BMW Museum, where they can sit in sleek cars and learn how engines work through hands-on exhibits.
Vienna, Austria
Immerse your family in European charm when you visit Vienna, a city that perfectly blends history with kid-friendly fun. Let your children feel like royalty at Schönbrunn Palace, where they can explore sprawling gardens and visit the world’s oldest zoo right on the grounds. Take a break at one of Vienna’s famous cafes, where parents can sip coffee while kids devour traditional apple strudel. For an educational twist, head to the House of Music, an interactive museum where young ones can conduct a virtual orchestra or play musical stairs. The Spanish Riding School offers a chance to watch elegant Lipizzan horses perform, while the Giant Ferris Wheel in Prater amusement park gives you amazing views of the city that even teenagers will appreciate.
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto was my family’s first stop in Japan back in 2019, and it remains our favorite city to explore with kids. The former imperial capital sits nestled among gentle hills, where ancient temples and traditional gardens create a perfect backdrop for cultural adventures. Walking through the bamboo forests of Arashiyama or watching your children’s eyes light up at the sight of kimono-clad locals in the old Gion district makes for unforgettable family moments. The city’s excellent train system connects you to kid-friendly attractions like the Monkey Park and the hands-on Railway Museum, while peaceful temple gardens offer space for little ones to run free. What makes Kyoto especially great for families is how it naturally blends education with entertainment – whether you’re learning to make sushi together or spotting deer in Nara Park, just a short train ride away.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Known as New Zealand’s adventure capital, Queenstown offers families an ideal mix of outdoor activities and scenic beauty along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The surrounding Southern Alps create a natural playground where kids can try skiing at The Remarkables in winter or mountain biking and hiking during warmer months. Parents appreciate the town’s laid-back atmosphere and family-friendly attractions like the Skyline Gondola, which takes visitors up Bob’s Peak for panoramic views. While adrenaline seekers head for bungee jumping and jet boat rides, families with younger children can enjoy gentle lake cruises, farm visits, or gold panning in nearby Arrowtown. The compact town center makes it easy to explore on foot, and local restaurants cater well to young diners with plenty of casual dining options.