10 Best Destinations For A Quick Family Vacation

Updated On: November 08, 2023 by   Esraa Mahmoud

Planning a quick vacation with your family might not be an easy job all the time. There are several factors to put into your consideration: the climate must be suitable for children; not too hot and not too cold, the journey shouldn’t take a long time, the area must be fun for the children and you as well.

A decisive factor for many families is also the budget. That’s why timely booking and choosing not-so-crowded countries like Bulgaria or Hungary can be a good alternative for a cheap vacation with children. With that in mind, many countries still provide perfect destinations for a fantastic quick family vacation. Here is our list to choose from for your next quick family vacation.

Croatia

The country on the Adriatic coast is a perfect vacation destination with children, especially for summer vacations. Here, you will find a lot of sun and pleasant temperatures. The best time to travel to Croatia is from May to October.

The child-friendly Croatia has enough variety and leisure activities for children of all ages. On the top of the list is the Dinosaur Park “Funtana”. The adventure park in Istria provides excitement for the young and old.  In the park, you can marvel at actual footprints of prehistoric animals and life-size replicas.

There is also the Aquarium of Pula, where you can immerse yourself in the underwater world in more than 60 display tanks and experience the Mediterranean Sea, tropical waters and local lakes and rivers.

Another not-to-be-missed attraction is the Stalactite Cave in Baredine. A visit to the underground stalactite cave will be an exciting excursion for you and the kids. Also, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is a stunning inland national park and one of the oldest national parks in southern Europe. The place is known for its brilliant blue lakes.

You can finish your quick trip to Croatia by going to the Vela Plaza in Baska on Krk beach. This mostly shallow-sloping beach consists mainly of finely polished pebbles. There are numerous activities for the young and old, ranging from pedal boat rentals, bouncy castles, banana boat rides, and water slides to jet skiing and parasailing.

There are also tennis courts, soccer fields, a children’s playground and a beach volleyball court, not to mention the jetty that juts out into the sea for sunbathing.

There are plenty of beaches in Croatia; however, you should keep in mind that some of them are rocky. With older children, a trip to such beaches is less problematic – bathing shoes protect against the sea creatures. With small children, however, it is best to visit one of the sandy or pebble beaches.

Bulgaria

Many families don’t even think of Bulgaria as a vacation destination when planning, as it has recently become known more as a party stronghold. Perhaps this is true for the Gold Beach area. However, further south, near Burgas, things are much more relaxed and ideal for families.

The Sunny Beach on the Black Sea coast is recommended as one of the most beautiful vacation destinations with children. From May to September, you will have pleasant temperatures here, and in June, the sea has a pleasant bathing temperature. Once in Bulgaria, you can get around with a rental car; however, it would be better if you book it online in advance.

There are many fun activities for children here, as the Action Aquapark near Nessebar; this is a great water park especially for kids. People under 90 cm get in for free.  However, be aware that you are not allowed to take food or drinks into the park.

There is also the Sea Garden in Burgas. If you feel like relaxing, shady walks, you should visit the Sea Garden; this is a green park right on the beach. Kids can let off steam on the playgrounds while riding the carousel or skating.

Another fun activity is the Aqua Paradise in Nessebar. You definitely won’t get bored at Bulgaria’s largest aqua park. With the “Space Jam,” you will experience an extreme adrenaline rush on a 90-degree drop. But there are also slides that provide a lot of fun for children. Here, too, kids under 90 cm get free admission.

The country has a lot to offer for good places and activities for kids like the Bulgaria water park Varna Zoo. Opened in 1961, the zoo is an excellent destination for the whole family. In the zoo, in addition to animals, there are many small rides that are also suitable for smaller children. In addition to the zoo, there is also a dolphinarium. Another highly recommended activity is taking a Pirate boat tour from Albena; you can embark on a day trip with a genuine pirate boat.

If you are into swimming, then you should head to Albena Beach. Against a backdrop of striking white hotel pyramids, you’ll find a beach north of Varna that’s perfect for a family vacation. Seven kilometers long, many hotels and lots of restaurants, cafes and stores. Especially children are in good hands here: shallow sloping shore, children’s playgrounds, pony rides, go-kart track – pretty perfect for a relaxed and varied vacation.

Thailand

The country in Southeast Asia offers everything you need to have a fun vacation with your family. Beautiful beaches with crystal clear water, vibrant big cities, night markets and cookshops…… Not to forget also the untouched patches of nature and luxurious resorts.

Thailand is a country full of adventure, but at the same time has many interesting spots for the whole family to enjoy. This is why Thailand is an optimal destination and perfect for a vacation with children by the sea.

The Land of Smiles has suitable temperatures around 30 degrees all year round, and it offers plenty of activities for kids. First is a ride in the Tuk Tuk in Thailand. This mean of transportation is guaranteed to please your children very much as it goes at a rapid pace through the crowded streets.

You can’t make it to Thailand without some sightseeing in the country’s many famous temples like the Grand Palace, which is one of the most impressive temples in the megacity and will also thrill your kids. There is also the Sai Yok National Park. Here, you can marvel at remarkable waterfalls and be guided through stalactite caves.

Greece

For a family-friendly summer vacation, Greece, with its beautiful beaches, is ideal. Due to the Mediterranean climate, it gets nice and warm here in summer, but not too hot. The island of Kos offers all kinds of leisure activities for kids.

How about a visit to the Aquatica Water Park, for example? You can get the ultimate adrenaline kick on one of the numerous water slides with exciting names like “Free Fall” or “Spin Bowl”. Sound good? The Lido Waterpark on Kos also makes children’s hearts beat faster. The highlight is the wave park!

Make sure to get your summing suits with you so you can take the family to the Tsambika on Rhodes beach. This fine-sand beach is great for families: clear water, a shallow jetty, and the best sandcastle-building conditions on the east coast make it Rhodes’ premier beach vacation destination.

In the summertime, it is pretty crowded, but there is always a free place somewhere in the long bay. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for a fee, and several tavernas and water sports for young and old round out the family-friendly offerings.

Canary Islands

Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote – The Canary Islands in Spain are considered a top vacation destination with children all year round. Each island offers its very own scenic features. Tenerife is the largest island, and it offers fine sandy beaches. In the south, you will find many hotels and various adventure parks.  In the north, you will find the Anaga Mountains, which are ideal for hiking, or you can take a trip to the Teide National Park and the impressive volcano.

Located in the very north of Tenerife is the Playa de las Teresitas beach, and it is mainly visited by the inhabitants of the nearby island capital Santa Cruz. Playa de Las Teresitas in San Andrés is set against the beautiful backdrop of the Anaga Mountains, has yellow Sahara sand, and a wall of large boulders in the water.

These breakwaters make the beach perfect for families because the currents of the Atlantic Ocean stay outside. For this, everything you need for a relaxing day at the beach is available – toilets, changing rooms, café and snacks.

Gran Canaria also welcomes families. Especially the dunes of Maspalomas and the miles of dream beach behind them are popular with children. You can also take trips to Sioux City and feel like you’re in the Wild West.

Denmark

The country between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea is an excellent destination for vacationing with children both in the summer months as a classic beach vacation, as well as in the cooler seasons as there are many indoor activities as well.

A must-visit while in Denmark is the Legoland Billund Resort; this is a theme park where you can experience unique structures and landscapes made entirely of Lego bricks. There are also rides, and kids can earn their own driving license…. Awesome, right?!

There is also Randers Regnskov Tropical Rainforest; at this wonderful zoo, you’ll enter a tropical world with 200 species of animals. As for the Fårup Sommerland, this is an aqua and amusement park that is perfect as a vacation destination for children. Here the children can let off steam, and there is certainly no boredom.

Majorca

Mallorca in Spain is a popular vacation destination for families with children! Why? Everything is just right here! The Balearic island is very family-friendly, and it has great beaches and the best climate conditions.

First on the fun activities list is taking a short, comfortable hiking tour in the Tramuntana mountains with great views of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea near the dream beach Cala Deiá. The Red Lightning will take you to Sóller – this ride alone is worth the trip.

You should also pay a visit to Hidropark in Alcúdia. The only water park in the north promises lots of water fun. Also, Palma Aquarium in Palma; in 55 aquariums, you can discover up to 8000 creatures of different species. Not to be missed also is the Jungle Parc in Santa Ponca. This is the largest climbing park in Mallorca; kids from 4 years can let off steam. There is one climbing course for children and two for adults. Admission prices vary depending on the choice of course.

As for swimming, the Port d’Alcúdia beach is probably the most family-friendly and, together with Playa de Muro; also, the longest beach on Mallorca, Port d’Alcúdia, is located in Alcúdia Bay and extends south to C’an Picafort.

Especially at the northern end near the town of Alcúdia, families with children will find everything they could wish for. Here the beach is wide and fine sandy, the entrance to the sea is very shallow, and on the children’s playground or banana boat rides, the little ones or the slightly older ones are in good hands.

Austria

The country in the Alps is recommended as a vacation destination with children if you are an active family that likes to spend time in nature. With the right equipment, even the smallest family members can enjoy their time there. Austria is suitable for both summer and winter vacations with children.

First on the list is gold panning in the Rauris Valley: At three gold-panning sites, you can go on the search. Maybe you will find real gold…Just kidding, don’t count on it. Nature trail in Waidring; the two-kilometre-long nature trail teaches geology in a way that is suitable for children. You can see primaeval corals embedded in stone here.

Tip: Pack your bathing suit. In Tyrol, more precisely on the Steinplatte Waidring, the highest sandy beach in the Alps, including a bathing lake, is not to be missed!

Another major attraction is children’s farms. In Austria, children’s farms are quite trendy these days. This is a nice experience where city kids get to collect the eggs from under the hens’ bums in the morning or help milk the cows. Besides that, children will also get to enjoy pony rides, and there are pools and massages too. The children’s farm variations in Austria are almost inexhaustible.

Hungary

Hungary, and especially Lake Balaton, is a perfect vacation destination with children. There, you will find great weather with lots of sunshine in the summer months and above all affordable prices.

The first stop in Hungary would be Lake Balaton; the lake is perfect for a vacation with children with its very shallow waters. Before you can stand in the water up to your waist, you often have to wade in for several hundred meters. The beaches at Lake Balaton are mostly green lawns in separate beach resorts for which you have to pay a cheap daily entrance fee. You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas there. There are also gastronomic offers and sports facilities.

Among the many things to do with children at Lake Balaton is the Westernpark in Nemesvita; from May to the end of August, you can experience an authentic Western adventure here with your children. Whether it’s pony rides, gold panning, archery or a visit to the mini zoo, you’ll feel like real cowboys.

In Serpa Adventure Park, a climbing wall awaits you to conquer. You can then take a breather in the cable car and enjoy a great view of Lake Balaton. Apart from enjoying Lake Balaton, the region around the lake also offers great excursion destinations for children. In the areas of Siofok, Balatonbereny or Balatongyörök, where you can find natural sandy beaches.

The USA

The land of opportunity offers the same as a vacation destination with children. Whether a city trip to the big cities like New York, Los Angeles or Miami or a tour with the camper along the east or west coast or through the great national parks. Here you will find the right vacation experience for you and your children.

A must-try on any trip to the USA is visiting a theme park for sure. The rides are enormous and spectacular, and there are more than enough amusement parks in every state. Of course, Disney’s parks are top-rated in the USA. You should not miss a trip to Disneyland in Anaheim (California); also, Disneyworld in Orlando (Florida), which is even bigger.

Next, you should hike through the Grand Canyon. Impressive and untouched nature awaits you in North America’s most famous natural wonder and one of the largest canyons in the world. The lookout points are popular destinations on tours and offer a view worthy of a movie. If you like, you can also take a boat tour through the canyon and even spend the night there.

The USA is known for its dreamlike and miles-long sandy beaches. Stunning and family-friendly beaches can be found in Florida, California and New Jersey. In addition to those, you should check the beaches of North and South Carolina.

Whale Watching in Boston, okay, this one is not only for the kids! The sea on the east coast of the USA is a preferred area of whales and dolphins, which you can observe on a boat tour. See majestic humpback whales and right whales or watch the cute porpoises playing in the open sea.

Finally, the trip won’t be complete without a visit to Niagara Falls. The world-famous Niagara Falls on the border between the USA and Canada are an excursion trip for the whole family. Not only are the thundering masses of water falling into the depths are incredibly impressive, but also the waterfalls are considered very romantic. While the children stand in awe in front of the falls, the parents enjoy a moment to themselves in front of a breathtaking backdrop.

Whether it is in Europe, Asia, or America, there are many great locations that would be perfect for a family vacation where both adults and children can have so much fun.