10 Destinations You Should Bring Your Kids To While They're Young & 10 You Really Shouldn't
10 Destinations You Should Bring Your Kids To While They're Young & 10 You Really Shouldn't
Is Your Next Bucket List Destination Fit For The Whole Fam?
Traveling with little ones can be tricky. While some places are nothing short of magic for children, others are best saved for when they're older. It's not just about preserving your kids' safety, it's about preserving your sanity and having a pleasant time. Here are 10 destinations that are perfect for families, and 10 you shouldn't bring your kids to until they're older.
1. Disney World
Some people may enjoy going to Disney World even when they're adults, but for the most part, it's a destination that loses its appeal after a certain age. Don't miss out on having your kids experience the magic.
2. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is the ultimate family destination in Central America, attracting families with its magnificent jungles and beaches. From river rafting to jungle adventures, Costa Rica has an abundance of awesome family-friendly activities and plenty of tourism infrastructure to ensure your trip goes smoothly.
3. The Grand Canyon
A trip to the Grand Canyon is awe-inspiring, no matter what age you are, but even more so when you're a youngster. The South Rim offers plenty of accessible, kid-friendly trails with stunning viewpoints.
4. Banff National Park
Banff National Park in the breathtaking Canadian Rockies boasts postcard-worthy views when you glance in just about any direction. Take your kids on scenic drives and on the easy walking trails around Lake Louise, where they can glimpse some wildlife.
5. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming is a treasure trove of geothermal activity. The geysers, colorful hot springs, and wildlife will captivate your little ones, and the park's well-organized boardwalks make it easy and safe to traverse.
6. San Diego, California
San Diego, with its sprawling beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and nice weather, is perfect for families. From the San Diego Zoo to LEGOLAND California, there's a plethora of kid-friendly activities in addition to the amazing natural scenery.
7. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is the perfect place to travel to give your kids a taste of Europe without the overwhelming crowds of other cities like Paris. The city has an abundance of parks that are great for kids, and it's also home to the world's oldest amusement park.
8. Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula may be known for its resorts, but that's far from all the region has to offer. The area has a rich mix of Aztec history and natural beauty. Take your kids to explore the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza and swim with sea turtles in a cenote.
9. London, England
Even though it's a major city, London is incredibly kid-friendly. It's chock-full of free museums with interactive exhibits and amazing royal parks.
10. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik, Iceland, is the perfect destination for kids due to its friendly atmosphere and safe and clean environment. It boasts a good mix of outdoor adventures like geothermal pools, waterfalls, and hiking trails, as well as interactive museums.
Now that we've covered some of the world's top destinations for kids, let's talk about the places you definitely shouldn't take your young children.
1. Las Vegas, Nevada
It should come as no surprise that the place dubbed "Sin City" isn't a great place to bring kids. While there are now some family-friendly activities available, the city's primary focus is still on gambling, nightlife, and adult entertainment, particularly around The Strip.
2. The Maldives
Although rife with breathtaking natural scenery, the Maldives have become so synonymous with romantic getaways that all the tourism infrastructure is geared towards this. Many resorts are adult-only, and the peaceful, serene atmosphere would only clash with a child's energy.
3. Venice, Italy
While Venice is a stunning city rich in history, it also has narrow, crowded streets with constant traffic and crowds. Most families would find it overwhelming and unpleasant.
4. Chernobyl, Ukraine
Chernobyl, Ukraine, the site of the world's largest nuclear disaster, has become a top dark tourism destination. While its somber and spooky atmosphere may be some people's cup of tea, it's not appropriate to bring a child here unless you're trying to traumatize them.
5. Tokyo, Japan
While Tokyo offers many family-friendly activities, the sheer size and complexity of the city can be stressful and exhausting for anyone, let alone if you have young kids with you. It's extremely crowded, and the cultural differences and language barrier can add an additional layer of stress for parents.
6. Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu is a stunning historic site that showcases incredible Inca engineering. However, its position high up in the Andes makes it difficult to visit with young children, as altitude sickness is common and the terrain can be difficult to navigate.
Willian Justen de Vasconcellos on Unsplash
7. The Amazon Rainforest, Brazil
The Amazon Rainforest in Brazil may seem like an attractive destination for young kids because of its stunning nature. However, tourism infrastructure is limited, making the journey harsh and risky with difficult terrain.
Alexander Van Steenberge on Unsplash
8. Ibiza, Spain
While situated on a beautiful island, Ibiza, Spain, is known more for its nightlife than for its nature, making it less than ideal for families. However, the island has some areas that are specially geared towards families.
9. Amman, Jordan
While Amman, Jordan, has an atmosphere that is incredibly welcoming towards kids, the inadequate infrastructure and heavy congestion make it hard to get around with little ones. What's more, some of the historic sites require traversing the harsh desert climate to reach.
10. New Orleans, Louisiana
Much like the Las Vegas Strip, New Orleans is somewhat of a party destination, especially in the French Quarter, which is renowned for its bar scene. The city of New Orleans allows people to walk on the streets with alcohol, so public drunkenness is rampant.
