22 Best Toddler-Friendly Places To Go On A Vacation

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Planning a family vacation can be a delightful yet challenging experience, especially when you have a toddler. You need to zero in on some toddler-friendly vacation destinations that can cater to all your toddler’s needs, such as babysitting.

While planning a family holiday, selecting a place with childcare amenities lets you unwind peacefully and enjoy some alone time while relaxing and rejuvenating. Similarly, it helps other family members enjoy the vacation and relax without worrying about the baby and their basic needs, like cleaning and feeding.

Read this post for a compilation of beautiful and toddler-friendly vacation spots where your family, including your little one, can spend quality time together.

22 Best Vacation Spots To Go With Babies And Toddlers

Traveling with toddlers can be both rewarding and challenging. To make the experience smoother, it’s essential to consider factors such as safety, child-friendly spots, hygiene facilities, and the overall duration of the trip. Below are some top family-friendly destinations in the US and around the world. We have collated our list based on the travel reports and surveys by various organizations, including the Family Travel Association, YouGov, and US News (1) (2) (3).

Places In The US

1. New York City

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New York City is one of the busiest cities in the US. It offers a variety of tourist attractions, including Central Park for nature walks and playgrounds, the Empire State Building with stunning views, and the Statue of Liberty featuring a ferry ride and grounds to explore. You may also explore Times Square for its vibrant lights and evening performances and the American Museum of Natural History for its interactive exhibits for children.

Quick tip

Visit popular New York spots early in the morning to avoid crowds and make the experience enjoyable for toddlers.

2. The Bahamas 

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The Bahamas has something for everyone. Paradise Island is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches and water sports. You can enjoy kid-friendly services and customized meal plans and hire babysitters while spending quality time alone.

Lucayan National Park offers scenic nature trails, boardwalks, and hiking paths. Rose Island features a private beach with peaceful, stunning waters. For a relaxing, private experience with your partner, The Mandara Spa is a great place to unwind in luxury.

3. Chicago 

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The Windy City is famous for a lot of landmarks that cater to everyone’s interests. The indoor and outdoor attractions are among the best and are accessible at all times. You can see the iconic “Bean” at Cloud Gate or get a fantastic view of the entire city from the 110-foot Willis Tower.

If your toddler is a nature lover, take them to the famous Shedd Aquarium and the massive Lincoln Zoo, which are some of the best toddler attractions. The best time to visit the “Windy City” is spring or autumn. So, pack accordingly and be prepared for the weather.

Quick tip

If you don’t want to find yourself amid crowds, plan a trip in late May and early October. During this time, the crowds are small and the temperature is bearable.

4. Florida 

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Florida is famous for its sunny beaches and entertaining amusement parks. Some popular destinations for toddlers include Universal Islands of Adventure, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and SeaWorld Orlando. If you’re looking for resorts, Club Med is well-known for its tropical resorts across North America and the Caribbean. The “Baby Club Med” initiative makes it perfect for your young ones. It offers a combination of activities, from indoor games to outdoor activities, along with a daycare to take care of your little one’s naptime and nutritious meals.

Recalling her experience of traveling with her toddler, Christina, a vlogger, travel enthusiast, and mother, shares, “Florida’s Club Med Sandpiper Bay is an all-inclusive resort in the US, where kids under four stay free. The Petite Club Med offers age-appropriate activities for two- to three-year-olds with entertainment, meals, downtime, and rest. It is one of the best kids’ programs out there, so I highly recommend it. You can relax on the beach, go to the spa, and enjoy yourself. It is not very expensive, and Club Med has some great deals (i).”

5. Miami

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The lively city of Miami is well-known for its crystal-clear beaches, museums, and zoos, offering something special for every family. Places like South Beach, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Children’s Museum, and Zoo Miami are perfect for toddlers. Other attractions include Dolphin Mall, Bayfront Park, Miami Seaquarium, and Wynwood Walls.

For stay options, we suggest you check out the Ritz-Carlton and Fontainebleau resorts. They are family-friendly and can ensure a comfortable and memorable stay with your little ones.

6. San Diego 

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San Diego is a fairly crowded family destination during the peak season, but you can find many places close by that make it an excellent family getaway spot. The San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, Birch Aquarium, Coronado Beach, and Safari Park are must-visit attractions for families with kids. For accommodations, consider the Loews Coronado Bay Resort, which offers the ambiance of a private island retreat. It is conveniently located a short drive from major landmarks, including SeaWorld, downtown San Diego, and the zoo.

Point to consider

Fall is the ideal time to visit San Diego with your little ones. During this time, the weather is quite pleasant, so you can spend time on beaches.

7. Washington D.C. 

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The capital city of the US is renowned for its iconic landmarks and historical monuments like the Seattle Art Museum. For beach enthusiasts, Ruby Beach and Alki Beach are worth considering, while Mount Rainier and Olympic National Park are ideal for family adventures (4). With mountains and rainforests coming together at tide pools and straits, this park has something for everyone! Children will be amazed at the height of the massive trees, some of which are over a thousand years old. Plan car activities/road trip activities for toddlers in advance so they are not bored.

8. Hawaii 

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Nestled between tropical forests, mountains, and the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is probably one of the best beach getaways in the US if you like the island vibe. Attractions like the Waikiki Aquarium, Dole Plantation in Oahu, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are sure to captivate little ones. We recommend staying at Aulani Resort—it offers good entertainment package deals and toddler-friendly packages.

9. Los Angeles 

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Los Angeles has adventurous and amazing attractions that people of all ages can enjoy. Santa Monica Pier is a go-to for rides and shopping. If you aren’t up for some thrill-seeking rides or getting an adrenaline rush, relax on Venice Beach or explore the Museum of Flying or the California Science Center. For little Harry Potter fans, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood is a must-visit.

10. Boston 

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The happening city of Boston in Massachusetts has appealing attractions for travelers of all ages. For kids, there’s a wide variety of options, including the Boston Museum of Science, Boston Children’s Museum, New England Aquarium, LEGO Discovery Center Boston, and Museum of Fine Arts. Keep your little ones entertained with activities like a Swan Boat ride or whale watching with Boston Harbor City Cruises. For a deeper experience, immerse yourself in history with the amazing Freedom Trail. For beach lovers, Cape Cod, located near Boston, boasts pristine beaches, charming villages, and outdoor adventures.

11. Michigan 

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Michigan City is home to several lakes and islands. It also offers galleries, museums, and cultural attractions. One of its most famous spots is Traverse City, located on the banks of Lake Michigan (5). From outdoor movies and music performances every night to lakeshore fishing and water sports in the summer, there’s something for everyone.

If you’re lucky enough to visit in summer, you can enjoy waterfront activities and the iconic National Cherry Festival with cherry-picking competitions, dog jumping shows, homemade ice cream, and cherry pie stalls.

12. San Francisco 

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San Francisco is a popular vacation spot with plenty of activities for both kids and adults. From interactive museums like the Exploratorium and Walt Disney Family Museum to the California Academy of Sciences with its aquarium and children’s area, the city provides a fun and educational experience.

If your toddler loves nature, they will enjoy Golden Gate Park, which offers open spaces and fun playgrounds, or lively spots like Pier 39, where they can watch sea lions and enjoy tasty eateries.

Narrating her experience of visiting San Francisco with her kids, Carrie, a travel enthusiast, mother, and blogger, reflects, “We headed down to Pier 39 and found a cute playground by the marina. It is near the intersection of Grant and Embarcadero by the Aquarium of the Bay right by the water. Played a bit and then took a walk along the water and through the shops at the Pier. Lots of food choices, plus a ton of sunning sea lions who climbed all over each other and barked. The kids adored it (ii)”.

International Destinations

13. Greece

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With its peaceful locales such as charming islands, beautiful beaches, and stunning ancient structures, Greece is a wonderful destination for families with kids and toddlers. Among the islands, Santorini is the most famous, but Naxos, Paros, Reptisland, and Corfu offer more secluded and less crowded experiences. For history and sports enthusiasts, the Athens Acropolis Museum and the Greek National Football Museum are must-visit attractions.

14. Canada 

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Canada, known for its serene lakes and majestic mountain ranges, is one of the most-loved travel destinations among visitors. Some popular places in Canada for kids include Moraine Lake, Banff National Park, Stanley Park, Toronto Zoo, Niagara Falls, and Jasper National Park. If you enjoy mountains, you wouldn’t want to miss the Rocky Mountains and Kluane National Park, home to Mount Logan, Canada’s highest peak.

You can also explore theme parks like Canada’s Wonderland Theme Park, the largest theme park in Canada, which offers a wide array of games and water rides.

15. London 

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There’s so much to explore in London! Kids will be thrilled to visit the iconic London Tower Bridge and interactive museums like Madam Tussauds and the Science Museum. Child-friendly attractions such as Battersea Park Children’s Zoo and Chester Zoo provide unique experiences that captivate young minds. For nature and art lovers, destinations like The National Gallery, The British Museum, the London Aquarium, and Buckingham Palace are worth visiting.

You can consider staying at Legoland Windsor Resort, which offers a variety of activities, including water rides, mini cars, a games area, and a 4D film experience.

16. Paris 

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Paris is a beloved destination for travelers of all ages and backgrounds, largely because of the Eiffel Tower. Apart from this iconic landmark, attractions such as the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie (a science museum), Disneyland Paris, Luxembourg Gardens, and Jardin d’Acclimatation (an amusement park) are suitable for family vacations. In the southern region of France, the French Riviera is a coastline featuring beautiful coastal areas, hotels, beach resorts such as Saint-Tropez, and scenic landscapes.

17. Mexico City

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With a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation, Mexico is an ideal vacation spot for families with kids. Some must-visit places include Isla Mujeres, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya—resorts famous for their long, tranquil beaches and activities like swimming with dolphins. Consider the Azul Beach Hotel in the Mexican Riviera if you prefer all-inclusive holidays. This place has dedicated yoga classes for moms, 24-hour babysitting services, childcare, onsite cribs, and toy loans, so you don’t have to pack heavy items for your young ones.

An avid traveler and mother, Anna, recounts her trip to Mexico with her kids and says, “You can’t go wrong with Mexico! Even a place that’s not the most kids-friendly like Tulum still has some options for families with young kids. Playa del Carmen is a great place for families, because you can find a ton of apartment rentals with a pool within walking distance to the beach, restaurants, or shopping. Then, you can rent a car or do a tour for day trip (iii).”

18. Italy 

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Italy is often ranked among the top family-friendly destinations in the world, offering a mix of stunning beaches, remarkable architecture, and delectable cuisine. From picturesque islands like Ortigia, Sicily, and Sardinia to serene lakes such as Lake Garda and Lake Como, water lovers are in for a treat. Rome, Florence, and Venice are popular cities known for their historic landmarks and incredible architecture. For mountain lovers, the Dolomites Alps are a great option, with family-friendly stays nearby that offer fun kids’ activities like water games and climbing walls

19. Thailand 

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Fondly known as the ‘Land of Smiles,’ Thailand earns its name for its warm hospitality and friendly people. Besides being pocket-friendly, it offers a variety of attractions, including serene temples, bustling shopping malls, exotic wildlife, and stunning beaches and islands. Top destinations in Thailand include Buddhist temples, Phuket Island, Phi Phi Island, and Koh Samui. Shopping enthusiasts can explore malls like Siam Paragon and Platinum Fashion Mall, while families often visit Safari World and Khao Kheow Open Zoo for memorable experiences with kids.

20. Jamaica 

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Caribbean holidays have become increasingly popular with tourists for their incredible scenery and luxury stay. Coastal spots like Negril Beach and Booby Cay Island offer amazing views of marine life and crystal-clear waters. If your kids love nature, they will enjoy visiting Dunn’s River Falls, Martha Brae River, and Mystic Mountain.

Of late, the resorts have customized their services to suit young children. A good example is the Franklyn D. Resort in Jamaica, situated along the picturesque Runaway Bay. It has everything you’d expect from a tropical vacation, with an extensive suite of childcare options (6).

21. Spain 

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Widely known for its rich culture, historical sites, and pleasant weather, Spain is worth visiting. Cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and Costa Blanca are perfect for families traveling with children. The Cathedral of Barcelona, Basílica de la Sagrada Família, and Burgos Cathedral are famous for their stunning designs and architecture.

Younger visitors can enjoy the beautiful parks, such as Ciutadella Park and Barcelona Zoo, where they can experience unique views of wildlife and exotic birds. Families can also stroll through market districts, sampling local delicacies and savoring freshly made Sangria.

22. Costa Rica

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Here is another baby and toddler-friendly vacation spot known for its rich biodiversity and diverse activities. It has a peaceful vibe and is less explored than other popular destinations. From waterfalls and rainforests to beaches and volcanoes, your little one is sure to be amazed by this place. Some of the most charming spots include Playa Hermosa, Cahuita National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, and Bogarin Trail. The Osa Peninsula offers adventure activities like surfing and wildlife watching, while the Don Olivo Chocolate Tour allows little ones to explore beautiful cocoa farms, learn about different types of chocolates, and even taste some!

Tips For Traveling With Toddlers

Here are a few tips to ensure you have a fun and safe trip with your toddler (7).

• Carry a fully equipped diaper bag with nappies, pins, sanitizer, wipes, a bottle of fresh water, and a portable potty set with disposable covers.
• Pack in ziploc bags, a sippy cup, cutlery, baby food, fresh drinking water, juices or fresh fruits, and a bib for easy feeding on the go.
• Keep a separate backpack for your child with a few light books and toys, water, and snacks.
• Carry medicines, puke bags, sunscreen, cold creams, candles and matches, sanitizers, wipes or tissues, rain or snow gear, insect-proof ground sheets, extra footwear, and disposable bags.
• Dress in layers so you and your child are comfortable in varying temperatures within and outside your mode of transport. Also, keep an extra set of clothing handy to change soiled clothes immediately.
• Book direct flights or trains to minimize travel time and disruption. Also, get to the airport or railway station early to avoid stress.
• When traveling by road, use a reliable car seat, wear seat belts, and take adequate breaks in between.
• Carry a hand-washing gel and guide your child to keep washing their hands during travel to prevent infections.
• When traveling by air, explain the security process to children and discuss safe practices. If your child has known ailments, consult your pediatrician beforehand.
• Check passport and visa requirements for your child, and book hotels and transportation in advance to avoid last-minute rush.

After checking into your hotel, ensure the cribs or play yards are safe and meet quality standards. If not, check with the staff and request a replacement.

Infographic: Places To Visit With Your Toddler In The US

If you have a toddler, the first thought that might come to your mind when planning a vacation is how your toddler and the entire family can have fun. We’ve put together a list of toddler-friendly places in the US that are worth visiting.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Best Toddler-Friendly Places To Go On A Vacation

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

Explore five amazing baby-friendly travel destinations with us! From beaches to mountains, there’s something for everyone.

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Alicia Spomer is the founder of Life Anchors Counseling, a private practice that specializes in the treatment of mental health in children, adolescents, and young adults. She is a Nationally Certified Counselor with a masters in professional counseling as well as a post master’s degree in child & adolescent disorders from Grand Canyon University.

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