Traveling with a baby might sound daunting – I remember feeling overwhelmed before my first trip with my friend’s 6-month-old last summer. The endless packing lists, the what-ifs, and the nervous butterflies almost made me cancel. But you know what? That trip turned out to be one of my most rewarding adventures yet.
Here’s the thing about traveling with little ones: it forces you to slow down and see the world through fresh eyes. You start noticing the small details – the way sunlight filters through trees in a park, the gentle splash of waves on a quiet beach, or the simple joy of watching your baby experience snow for the first time.
Having explored over 30 countries with babies in tow (both my own adventures and those of close friends), I’ve learned which destinations truly roll out the red carpet for families with infants. These places offer the perfect mix of convenience, safety, and baby-friendly activities – and I’m excited to share them with you.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen stands out as one of Europe’s most welcoming cities for families traveling with babies. The Danish capital takes pride in its kid-friendly atmosphere, with wide sidewalks perfect for strollers and plenty of parks where little ones can crawl and explore. What makes Copenhagen special is how easy it is to get around – the public transport system is a dream for parents with babies, and most restaurants and cafes come equipped with high chairs and changing tables. I especially love how the locals don’t bat an eye at crying babies in public spaces – it’s just part of the culture here. While the city is known for attractions like Tivoli Gardens, it’s the small things, like clean public spaces and quiet gardens, that make traveling here with a baby feel less like a challenge and more like an adventure.
San Diego, USA
When it comes to traveling with a baby, San Diego hits all the right notes. This laid-back Southern California city offers plenty of family-friendly attractions that won’t overwhelm your little one. The San Diego Zoo lets you stroll at your own pace while your baby watches the pandas and koalas, and the calm waters of La Jolla Cove provide a perfect spot for baby’s first beach experience. Unlike many big cities, San Diego’s attractions are spread out, giving you breathing room between activities. You’ll find changing tables everywhere, and restaurants welcome families with open arms. The year-round mild weather means you won’t have to worry about bundling up your baby or dealing with extreme heat, making it an ideal destination for parents who want to ease into traveling with their newest family member.
Lisbon, Portugal
Have you ever seen a yellow tram climb a steep cobblestone hill? It’s an everyday scene in Lisbon, where old-world charm meets family-friendly fun. This laid-back capital city offers gentle hills perfect for stroller walks, with plenty of cafes and parks to rest along the way. Parents love the reliable public transport system and the welcoming attitude of locals toward children. You’ll find spacious pedestrian areas in the Baixa district, while the waterfront Belém area serves up the city’s famous custard tarts and houses the kid-friendly Maritime Museum. The mild climate makes it comfortable for year-round visits, and the abundance of affordable family restaurants means you won’t have to worry about fussy eaters.
Gold Coast, Australia
The Gold Coast draws families to its long stretches of beach and world-class theme parks, but this Australian destination offers much more than just sand and rides. Parents with babies will appreciate the well-maintained boardwalks perfect for stroller walks, while the calm waters of Tallebudgera Creek provide a safe splash zone for tiny swimmers. The city’s infrastructure caters well to families – you’ll find changing facilities and nursing rooms in most shopping centers and attractions. Whether you’re taking a gentle morning walk through the Burleigh Head National Park or enjoying a family picnic at the Broadwater Parklands, the Gold Coast maintains a relaxed pace that works well with baby schedules. Even in the busier months, you can always find a quiet spot to settle down for a feed or nap time.
Orlando, Florida, USA
Parents flock to Orlando for its wealth of family-friendly attractions, with Disney World leading the pack as the city’s main draw. But this Florida destination offers much more than just mouse ears and princesses. The city boasts several theme parks designed with little ones in mind, including Universal Studios and SeaWorld, all featuring baby care centers and family-focused amenities. Beyond the parks, Orlando’s mild winter climate and countless indoor activities make it an ideal year-round destination for families with babies. The city’s restaurants and hotels have mastered the art of catering to young families, offering everything from high chairs to kid-friendly menus, while nearby shopping centers provide convenient spots for picking up any baby essentials you might have forgotten to pack.
Vancouver, Canada
Many parents choose Vancouver for its mix of urban comforts and outdoor activities, making it an ideal spot for families with little ones. The city’s network of parks and beaches, including the famous Stanley Park, offers plenty of stroller-friendly paths where babies can nap while parents take in the scenery. Parents appreciate Vancouver’s well-maintained facilities, with changing stations and nursing rooms readily available in most public spaces. The mild climate means you can explore outdoor attractions year-round, while the city’s efficient public transit system makes it easy to navigate with a baby in tow. From the Vancouver Aquarium to the kid-friendly Granville Island Public Market, there’s no shortage of baby-appropriate activities that parents will enjoy too.
Singapore
Singapore might not be the first place that comes to mind for a family trip, but this island nation won my heart during my visit in 2019. Located at the southern tip of Malaysia, Singapore stands out as one of Asia’s most baby-friendly destinations. The city’s efficient MRT system and well-maintained sidewalks make getting around with a stroller surprisingly easy. Gardens by the Bay offers shaded walks under the famous Supertrees, while the Singapore Zoo lets little ones get close to wildlife in a safe setting. What really sets Singapore apart is its spotless streets, excellent healthcare facilities, and abundance of air-conditioned spaces – perfect for escaping the tropical heat with your little one. The countless family-friendly restaurants and shopping centers are just icing on the cake.
Munich, Germany
Looking to explore Europe with your little one? Munich is a fantastic choice for families. This laid-back Bavarian city offers wide, stroller-friendly streets and plenty of green spaces like the English Garden, where babies can watch ducks paddle in peaceful ponds. The city’s efficient public transport system makes getting around with a baby carrier or stroller a breeze, and you’ll find changing facilities in most restaurants and public spaces. Don’t miss the daily Glockenspiel show at Marienplatz – the musical clocktower performance never fails to grab babies’ attention with its moving figures and chiming bells.
This is interesting:
Did you know that Munich’s famous Oktoberfest actually begins in September and was originally a celebration of Crown Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese in 1810? The festival now draws over 6 million visitors each year who consume more than 7 million liters of beer and 500,000 roasted chickens during the 16-day celebration.
Dublin, Ireland
Looking for a family-friendly European city that won’t leave you pushing a stroller up steep hills? Dublin is your answer, with its flat streets and abundance of parks perfect for crawling babies and wobbly toddlers. This Irish capital combines old-world charm with modern convenience – you’ll find changing tables in most restaurants and cafes, and locals who’ll happily help you maneuver that travel system onto the bus. St. Stephen’s Green offers a peaceful escape where little ones can watch ducks paddle across the pond, while the Dublin Zoo in Phoenix Park gives babies their first glimpse of lions and penguins. Plus, most of the city’s family attractions, like the interactive Science Gallery and the Natural History Museum, are free to visit, making it easy to duck inside when your little one needs a break from the notoriously unpredictable Irish weather.
Maui, Hawaii, USA
Take your little one to Maui’s gentle beaches and laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for families with babies. Ka’anapali Beach offers calm waters and soft sand where you can introduce your baby to their first ocean experience. The Maui Ocean Center provides an air-conditioned break from the sun, with colorful fish displays that will catch your baby’s attention. For easy walks with your stroller, head to the Lahaina Waterfront, where you’ll find plenty of family-friendly restaurants and shaded rest spots. The early morning luaus are ideal for babies who aren’t yet on a strict sleep schedule, letting you experience Hawaiian culture without disrupting bedtime routines.
Little-Known Fact:
Did you know that Haleakala, Maui’s dormant volcano, is so tall that its peak rises 10,023 feet above sea level and takes up 75% of the entire island? The name Haleakala means “house of the sun” in Hawaiian, and watching the sunrise from its summit is such a popular activity that you need to make reservations months in advance to experience it.
Lake District, UK
Tucked away in northwest England, the Lake District offers a perfect escape for families with little ones. Like many natural parks, it has lakes, mountains, and hiking trails. But unlike others, it feels like stepping into a children’s storybook, complete with gentle sheep dotting green hillsides and cozy stone cottages at every turn. The area’s calm lakes and flat walking paths make it especially suitable for parents with strollers, while small villages like Ambleside and Keswick provide convenient spots for baby-friendly accommodation and essential supplies. Thanks to the region’s emphasis on outdoor activities, you’ll find plenty of family-focused attractions, from easy lakeside walks to farm parks where babies can meet friendly animals.
Vienna, Austria
If you’re traveling with a baby, Vienna is a perfect choice for your family adventure. The Austrian capital welcomes little ones with open arms – from spacious parks perfect for crawling and stroller walks to child-friendly cafes where parents can enjoy their famous coffee and sachertorte in peace. The city’s efficient public transport system makes getting around with a baby hassle-free, and you’ll find changing facilities in most museums and restaurants. The Schönbrunn Palace grounds are particularly great for families, offering wide paths for strollers and plenty of shaded areas for when your little one needs a break.
Malta
This tiny Mediterranean archipelago between Sicily and North Africa offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure for families with babies. Malta’s compact size means you’re never more than 30 minutes from a beach, historic site, or family-friendly restaurant. The locals speak English, making it easy to navigate with little ones in tow, and the laid-back atmosphere means nobody blinks an eye at a crying baby. You’ll find plenty of smooth, paved promenades perfect for stroller walks, especially along the waterfront in Sliema and St. Julian’s. Thanks to its British influence, you’ll spot familiar amenities like baby-changing stations and high chairs in most establishments, while the warm Mediterranean climate means you can explore outdoors with your little one almost year-round.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Head to Queenstown, New Zealand, where adventure meets family-friendly comfort in this lakeside paradise. You can take your little one on gentle walks around Lake Wakatipu or hop aboard the Skyline Gondola for peaceful views of the surrounding mountains. The Gardens near Lake Wakatipu offer plenty of space for babies to crawl and play, while parents can relax on the grass. For a fun family outing, visit the local farm parks where your baby can meet friendly sheep and alpacas. The town’s compact size means everything is within easy walking distance, and there are plenty of cafes with high chairs and changing facilities. When you need a break, take a cruise on Lake Wakatipu – the gentle motion often lulls babies right to sleep.
Kyoto, Japan
I first visited Kyoto in spring 2018, when the cherry blossoms painted the ancient capital in soft shades of pink. Located in the heart of Japan’s Kansai region, Kyoto stands as a living museum where old and new Japan blend seamlessly. Traditional wooden machiya houses line quiet streets, while modern cafes and baby-friendly restaurants occupy their ground floors. The city’s temples and gardens, including the famous Kinkaku-ji with its golden pavilion, offer peaceful spaces where babies can nap in strollers while parents take in the calm atmosphere. What makes Kyoto especially suitable for families is its excellent public transportation system and the countless parks where little ones can crawl and play, all while surrounded by centuries of Japanese history.
Provence, France
Ever watched a toddler’s eyes light up at the sight of blooming lavender fields? That’s an everyday scene in Provence, where gentle hills roll into medieval villages and open-air markets buzz with local life. Just a train ride from Paris, this sun-drenched region offers the perfect mix of exploration and relaxation for families with little ones. Your baby can nap peacefully in ancient town squares while you sip rosé at a sidewalk café, or crawl on picnic blankets in herb-scented gardens. The locals absolutely adore babies, so don’t be surprised when restaurant owners warmly welcome you with high chairs and gentle cooing, making meal times a stress-free affair.
Costa del Sol, Spain
Many families head to Costa del Sol for its long stretches of Mediterranean beaches, but this region of southern Spain offers much more than just sand and surf. The area combines family-friendly resorts with charming old towns, making it perfect for parents traveling with little ones. The calm, shallow waters and gentle slopes of beaches like Torremolinos and Benalmádena provide safe spots for babies to splash around, while the promenades are wide enough for stroller walks. Parents appreciate the abundance of baby-friendly restaurants, especially in towns like Marbella and Fuengirola, where high chairs and changing facilities are common. The mild climate means you can visit year-round, though spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for exploring with a baby.
Bali, Indonesia
Ever seen a family of monkeys playing in ancient temple ruins while your baby giggles in delight? That’s just another day in Bali, where sacred meets playful at every turn. This Indonesian island feels like it was made for family adventures, with peaceful beaches in Nusa Dua perfect for tiny toes in the sand, and gentle walks through the rice terraces of Ubud where little ones can watch farmers tend their crops. The Balinese people are known for their love of children, making it easy to find baby-friendly restaurants and hotels with staff who’ll treat your little one like royalty. From splash-happy water parks to quiet garden cafes, Bali strikes that sweet spot between exciting and relaxing – exactly what parents need for that first big trip with baby.
Cornwall, UK
Tucked away in England’s southwestern corner, Cornwall feels like stepping into a storybook filled with fishing villages and sandy beaches. Unlike other coastal regions in the UK, Cornwall moves at its own relaxed pace, where afternoon cream teas and beachside walks are part of daily life. The gentle waters and shallow beaches make it perfect for little ones to splash around, while parents can enjoy fresh seafood at local harbors. Thanks to Cornwall’s rich mining history, you’ll find old engine houses dotting the coastline, and the area’s Celtic heritage shows up in everything from street names to local festivals. The mild climate means you can visit almost year-round, though locals will tell you summer brings the warmest waters for paddling with your tots.
Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Many families flock to the Swiss Alps for its gentle slopes and welcoming mountain culture, but this destination offers much more than just winter sports. The region’s efficient transport system and family-friendly infrastructure make it surprisingly convenient for parents with little ones. Several mountain resorts – including Zermatt and Grindelwald – provide special baby care services and gentle walking trails suitable for strollers. In summer, the green meadows become natural playgrounds where babies can crawl and explore while parents enjoy mountain views, and most restaurants welcome young families with high chairs and warming facilities for bottles. The clean mountain air and peaceful environment also make it an ideal spot for afternoon naps, both for tired parents and their little adventurers.
