18 Of The Best Family Vacation Spots That Everyone Will Actually Enjoy
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We recently asked members of the BuzzFeed Community to tell us about the coolest places they've been on vacation with their family. Below are some of their favorite destinations to inspire your next family trip!
1. Take an activity-filled trip to Glenwood Springs, Colorado:
We went with seven people ranging in age from 16 to 50, and everyone had a blast. We hiked, took a day trip to Aspen, went white water rafting, visited an amusement park on a mountain — it was awesome! Maybe not for little kids, but for teens and adults, it’s a bucket list vacation for sure. —erinb490c791aa
2. Head over to Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin:
When my sister and I were kids, our parents took us to Wisconsin Dells every summer for about 10 years. We'd road trip up from northern Minnesota — it was always so much fun! There are so many activities there for every age. We went again as adults a few years ago with more family and friends, and we are trying to plan another trip back! —pandabear14
3. Hike your hearts out in the Canadian Rockies:
We took the kids camping in both Banff and Jasper National Parks and had an amazing time. There's much to see and do every day, and there are amazing hikes everywhere. —jodis4d616cdd9
If you need more convincing, here are 21 Reasons Why Everyone Should Visit The Canadian Rockies This Summer.
4. Take a multi-generational trip to Spring Lake, New Jersey:
My family always does a major vacation (about 18 people total) with my aunt, uncle, cousins, and their kids who range in age from a few months to 7 years old. The best one we do is a long weekend at The Breakers in Spring Lake during summer. The hotel has restaurants, a pool, and the beach, and the town is super walkable. Plus, it's a short drive away from an aquarium, the boardwalk, and lots of other fun activities! —skipnees
5. Enjoy a little bit of everything in Sunriver, Oregon:
It has kayaking, horseback riding, pools, stargazing, and beautiful views! We go every year and get the chalets; they have a full kitchen and enough room for the five of us. It's everyone's favorite! —Brigi Starr, Facebook
For more, check out 21 Awesome Things To Do When You Go To Oregon
6. Embark on a road trip through Eastern Canada:
The most fun we've had is a road trip through Eastern Canada. The kids absolutely loved Toronto, Niagara, and Montreal. —Jordan Lacy, Facebook
While you're there, dig into 17 Delicious Junk Foods You Need To Eat In Toronto.
7. Visit spectacular national parks on a cross-country road trip:
My family has been taking cross-country road trips since I was young. When I was 13 we did a month-long trip to Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park, and Glacier National Park. Get your kids outside to see how many amazing places the US has! —alexandrakohr97
To help plan your route, here are 31 Road Trips You Should Take If You're On A Budget.
8. Get back to nature in Black Hills, South Dakota:
There is something for everyone — kids, grownups, nature enthusiasts, city folk, etc. The scenery is beyond gorgeous, the people are friendly, and there's a burgeoning winery scene. Lots of cabins for rent but also a full range of lodging options. It is one of my favorite places in the world! —Nikki Leach Holland, Facebook
9. Get out and about in Red River, New Mexico:
Red River is my family’s go-to spot. We always go during off season and there is still so much to do! Family activities, local shops, hiking, horseback riding, fishing...and the views are incredible! —merrishaniquab
Before you head off, brush up on these 19 Words That Have A Totally Different Meaning In New Mexico.
10. Explore Riviera Maya on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula:
Check out the Mayan ruins, swim in cenotes, explore caves, snorkel with sea turtles and stingrays, and go deep sea-fishing. Not to mention there are lots of all-inclusive resorts that have tons of stuff for the kids to do. —Todd Gay, Facebook
For more tips check out: Here's Why Tulum Is The Perfect Long-Weekend Getaway.
11. Embrace your sense of adventure in Belize:
Belize is by far the coolest place I’ve ever been with my family. It’s less mainstream feeling than Mexico, which gave us a sense of adventure, and the people are SO nice. Every place we stayed was awesome in its own way and offered so many unique experiences that our whole family enjoyed, especially cave tubing, snorkeling and exploring the cute towns! —gabriella0345
12. Set your watches to island time in Guam:
My family (myself, my husband, and toddler) went to Guam last year — we live in Japan so it’s an easy three-hour flight. It’s a small island; you can drive from one end to the other in about an hour. But man, is it beautiful! It's so tropical, like a mini Hawaii. I definitely recommend going if you have the chance! —stephanieb4ec469660
13. See the natural beauty of Lake Bohinj, Slovenia:
It's beautiful in winter, and the ski center has a gondola with a view over the lake the entire way up. Also the sunsets in Lake Bohinj are just gorgeous. —amywinchester
14. Kick up your heels and relax on the island of Saint Croix:
It has all the beauty and culture of the Caribbean but less traffic than Saint John and other surrounding islands. —katier4c75c4cd2
15. Soak up the sights and sounds of the Rio Negro in the Amazon Rainforest, Brazil:
We went fishing for piranha, fed pink dolphins, and spotted black caimans, sloths, and giant spiders. You can stay in individual bungalows on a protected reserve that is extremely respectful and diligent of their impact. It's staffed by locals who have mastered multiple languages to accommodate tourists, while preserving their lands and earning a comfortable wage. It's the most spectacular place I’ve ever been. —kristennicolet2
Another must-read before you go: 14 Brazilian Dishes To Try While You're Visiting.
16. Relax your days away in Jibacoa, Cuba:
Our go-to holiday spot is a beautiful, oceanside all-inclusive resort nestled between mountains. There's a botanical garden close by, and Santa Cruz del Norte is just 20 minutes by taxi and has a market, stunning architecture, and some of the friendliest people you could hope to meet. We go to Havana every few trips (it's only an hour drive), and there are so many historic, cultural, and architectural sites that we still see new things each time we visit. —Aryn Murray, Facebook
Almost ready to go? Here's What To Know Before Planning A Trip To Cuba.
17. Experience amazing food and beaches in Curaçao:
My parents took my sister and me on a trip to Curaçao, and it was the best vacation ever! I recommend it for families with teens. There were amazing places to shop and delicious places to eat everywhere. Also, the beaches are stunning! —sammyk199
18. Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Iceland:
It's not a bad flight from NYC, it's easy to get around, and our 2-year-old loved all the family-friendly thermal baths we stopped at. It's a very kid-friendly place. Only downside was the early light (the blackout shades in our Airbnb weren't *quite* solid enough). —Scott Lamb, Facebook
Now write your bucket list with 32 Incredible Things To Do In Iceland Before You Die.
Note: Submissions have been edited for length and clarity.