There are 10 places to visit with your kids before they grow up that will create lasting family memories. It is never too soon to start making plans to travel together as a family. The learning experiences are boundless and the memories will be priceless.
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WHY TRAVEL WITH YOUR KIDS?
Traveling with the family on vacation is a great experience for both the parents and the children. Seeing new places, experiencing new cuisines, listening to a different language and simply having fun with family is a productive way to unwind.
It is also a way to expose your children to things they may not get to experience where they live. There is so much to be learned on vacations. We get to see how other people live, experience different seasons, different weather and see new sights. Traveling really does open up a whole new world to kids.
But it won’t be long before your children grow up and plan their own travel holidays. So, before your children go out on their own trips, ensure you go on as many trips as possible to create beautiful memories. Here’s a list of 10 places to visit with your kids before they grow up to have maximum, fun, frolic and family bonding time.
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10 PLACES TO SEE WITH YOUR KIDS BEFORE THEY GROW UP
I wish I could say my family has been to all these locations with our kids, but I can't. What I can do is dream and plan and work toward hitting at least some of these places. The world is a big place and offers so many wonderful travel opportunities. The key is to make traveling with our children a priority.
A push pin is inserted on a travel destination of a map.
ART MUSEUMS IN PARIS
Travel to Paris to show your kids the grandeur of art and culture in the city of museums. The likes of the Louvre which is one of the largest museums in the world houses many great works apart from the famous Mona Lisa. The city’s rich art culture will help develop a fine understanding and appreciation for art and other forms of expression. With street-side cafes, French food, and ancient architecture it will be a well-rounded experience for both parents and children.
I visited Paris as a college student on a backpacking trip many moons ago. It remains one of my favorite places to visit. It is fun to be able to say I saw the Mona Lisa in person!
NIAGARA FALLS
The breathtaking view of the falls is a sight to devour with your kids. The wet ride to the falls is a fun and adventurous experience, one that the children will enjoy thoroughly. With a variety of activities like parades, festivals, restaurants, nightclubs, and casinos, it is a perfect getaway for the entire family.
This location is actually on a shortlist of places we hope to visit in the next year or two. It will be a long drive for us, but well worth the trip.
GRAND CAYMAN ISLANDS
One of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the Caribbean is the Grand Cayman Islands with its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. From touching stingray in Stingray City to going on adventure trails will allow children to understand and enjoy another country with its unique experiences.
The best part is that you don't have to fly halfway around the world to experience world-class snorkeling. The Caribbean is a short flight from the US and there are many family-friendly hotels and resorts on the islands.
THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
The northern Rocky Mountains on the Canadian side is a picturesque location with mountains and pristine lakes. From the Banff National Park to Alberta Portion, the place promises spellbinding aerial tours, wildlife viewing, hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. Discovering the Canadian Rockies and learning about the history of the UNESCO World Heritage site will make it an engaging and fun family trip.
Living in Kansas we get pretty excited by mountains and Canada has some massive mountains to show off. The great part is that it is possible to drive to Canada from the US and it makes a great summer destination.
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Kids love animals and the best place to visit to witness wildlife in the world is Africa. From the likes of Madagascar and The Lion King, the Sub-Saharan Safari through Okavango Delta (Botswana) to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kruger in South Africa will keep your kids on toes learning about new animals and their ecosystem.
I won't deny that a safari trip to Africa is a BIG trip. It is something you would want to do when the children are a little older and totally understand the word STOP! 🙂 This is one of those trips the kids will talk about for the rest of their lives.
THE GRAND CANYON
The vast expanse of the textured canyon is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. With the canyon sprawled over 18 miles and 6,000 feet depth, it is an interesting sight for young and old alike. Take a mule ride to the bottom point or stay at local lodges like cowboys for a fun weekend getaway.
If you can't spend a few days exploring the Grand Canyon at least stop by for a few hours. The pictures do not do this amazing wonder of the world justice. It really has to be seen in person to be truly appreciated.
LAKE TITICACA
Lake Titicaca along the border of Peru and Bolivia is the largest lake in South America. The children will love both the name and the pristine visuals of the island. Indulge in a boat tour along the lake to the surrounding islands for a great adventure trip. The history of the place, the local culture, the people and the significance of the volcanic rock that is the basin of the lake are interesting information to learn and be a part of.
I have followed some local high school Spanish Club trips to Peru the past few years and have come to realize what a wonderful place Peru is to visit. There are countless things to see and do. If you visit Peru be sure to make the trek to see Machu Picchu in the Andes Mountains. This is an ancient city and an archaeological paradise. There are ruins dating back to the 14th century with hidden museums, secret temples and nature trails. This would be an exceptionally educational adventure.
ALASKA
One of the largest states in the United States is Alaska with the least population. Home to the nation’s highest peak (Denali, formerly Mt. McKinley), the Denali National Park, Glaciers and the best place in the world to see the Northern Lights spectacle. Spring and fall are the best time to witness these colorful, dancing bands of light, due to fewer daylight hours compared to summer.
Alaska is a robust place to visit and the opportunity for outdoor activities is endless. Take the kids on a real dog sled journey. Watch the salmon swim upstream. Go whale watching on a fishing boat. This is a chance to really enjoy nature as a family.
WASHINGTON D.C.
Washington D.C. is our nation's capital city and is packed full of history and adventure. There is a museum for everyone in the family from the International Spy Museum to the Smithsonian National Postal Museum. Visiting Washington D.C. will help kids gain a better understanding of our nation's history and how our democratic nation works. When planning your trip remember that May and October offer lovely weather but the crowds might be very dense.
SAN FRANCISCO
If you are covering the Pacific Coast Highway Drive, then a visit to San Francisco at the end of the trip will be a great way to indulge your children. With the world-famous chocolate outlet at Ghirardelli Square, walks on steep hills, cable car rides up and down the city, indulge in clam chowder at the Fisherman’s Wharf and spot a sea of sea lions barking away at the docks.
If your children are a little older they may find a visit to Alcatraz interesting. A visit to Angel Island will also be a fun activity and holds a lot of history too. They offer open-air tram tours of the island so you don't miss anything.
TIPS FOR MAKING TRAVEL WITH KIDS EASIER
I won't lie and tell you that traveling with children is all sunshine and rainbows. We know that kids bring unexpected fun but also unexpected challenges. Add in the fact that you are not at home and are not on your regular routine and you can get some cranky kids (and parents, LOL).
Keep travel fun and easy for your children with the necessary precautions. Make a list of essentials much ahead of the trip to pack an adequate travel bag for your kids. According to What To Expect, “Book nonstop flights whenever you can” — and schedule long stretches around your child’s nap if you have younger children. Flight delays can foil even the best-laid plans for flying with your children, but if your tot can get even a short nap while in the air, it will be a wonderful reprieve.
I like to always keep snacks and water on hand because hungry kids are crabby kids.
Try to look at your trip through your child's eyes and remember they may not have the stamina to go, go, go from sunup to sundown. Scheduling in a little swimming in the evening usually perks up any child.
WHERE WILL YOU TAKE YOUR KIDS FIRST?
The list of amazing travel destinations is endless. This is just a list of 10 places to visit with your kids that I feel are extra special. Do you know where you will take your kids? Have you visited any of these locations yet as a family? I would love to hear your top destinations!
Check out these family travel posts before you go:
- Colorado Springs Bucket List
- Fun Places to Take Young Kids in Las Vegas
- The Best Family Activities in Wisconsin Dells
- Family Road Trip to Branson Must Do List
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