Best Places to Travel with Kids in 2026
12 kid-approved destinations plus money-saving tips for your next family vacation
Where
Best Places to Travel with Kids in 2026
The best places to travel with kids combine safety, engaging activities, cultural discovery, and affordability into one unforgettable family experience. Whether you are planning your first family vacation abroad or searching for a fresh destination that will delight children of all ages, this guide covers the top family-friendly destinations for 2026, complete with practical planning tips and money-saving strategies.
Family travel has never been more accessible. With flexible payment options like Sezzle and Klarna, and the ability to book cheap flights and affordable hotels online, you can take your family farther for less. You can also pay with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or USDT if you prefer crypto payments.
Why Family Travel Matters
Traveling with children builds empathy, broadens perspectives, and creates memories that last a lifetime. Studies consistently show that children who travel develop stronger problem-solving skills, greater cultural awareness, and a deeper curiosity about the world. The key is choosing the right destination based on your family's ages, interests, and budget.
Top 12 Best Places to Travel with Kids in 2026
1. Orlando, Florida, USA
Orlando remains the undisputed king of family travel. Home to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and LEGOLAND, this city delivers non-stop entertainment for children of every age. Beyond the theme parks, you can explore the Kennedy Space Center, the Florida Aquarium, and dozens of natural springs perfect for swimming and kayaking.
- Best time to visit: January to March (avoid summer crowds and heat)
- Average flight cost: $150 to $400 from major US cities
- What to see: Magic Kingdom, Universal's Epic Universe (opening 2025), Gatorland
- Family tip: Buy multi-day park passes and stay off-site to save 30 to 50 percent on accommodation
2. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo surprises many parents with just how child-friendly it is. The city is exceptionally safe, the public transport is spotless, and there are attractions specifically designed for young travelers. DisneySea and Disneyland Tokyo, teamLab Borderless digital art museum, and the Pokemon Center flagship store will keep kids captivated for days.
- Best time to visit: March to May for cherry blossoms, October to November for mild weather
- Average flight cost: $600 to $1,200 from the US, $200 to $500 from Australia
- What to see: Shibuya Crossing, Ueno Zoo, Odaiba, Akihabara
- Family tip: Get a Suica IC card for seamless transit across the city
3. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona combines beach fun with extraordinary architecture and a vibrant food scene that even picky eaters enjoy. Park Guell, the Barcelona Aquarium, and the COSMO Caixa science museum give kids of all ages plenty to explore. The city's wide, flat boulevards and car-free beachfront make stroller-friendly sightseeing easy.
- Best time to visit: April to June or September to October
- Average flight cost: $500 to $900 from North America
- What to see: Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Barceloneta Beach
- Family tip: Stay in the Eixample neighborhood for easy metro access
4. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is an outdoor playground for families who love nature and adventure. With zip-lining through cloud forests, spotting sloths in Tortuguero, and surfing beginner waves in Tamarindo, there is genuinely something for every member of the family. The country's commitment to ecotourism means your trip also teaches children about environmental conservation.
- Best time to visit: December to April (dry season)
- Average flight cost: $350 to $700 from the US
- What to see: Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Family tip: Base yourself in San Jose for the first night to ease into the time zone before heading to the rainforest
5. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam's compact, bike-friendly layout makes it a dream for families. The Anne Frank House, NEMO Science Museum, Artis Royal Zoo, and Vondelpark offer diverse experiences for curious young minds. The city's flat terrain is ideal for family cycling, and most attractions are within easy walking distance of the historic canal belt.
- Best time to visit: April to May for tulip season, June to August for outdoor activities
- Average flight cost: $500 to $850 from North America
- What to see: NEMO Science Museum, Artis Zoo, Keukenhof Gardens (seasonal)
- Family tip: Rent bikes from a local shop rather than tourist stands for better prices
6. New Zealand
New Zealand is almost perfectly designed for adventurous families. From bungee-jumping previews in Queenstown to hobbit holes in Matamata and glowworm caves in Waitomo, every day delivers a new wonder. The country is extremely safe, English-speaking, and has world-class infrastructure.
- Best time to visit: December to February (Southern Hemisphere summer)
- Average flight cost: $700 to $1,500 from North America
- What to see: Hobbiton, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Rotorua's geothermal parks
- Family tip: Rent a campervan for the ultimate flexible road trip
7. Cancun and the Riviera Maya, Mexico
Mexico's Caribbean coast offers all-inclusive resorts perfect for families seeking stress-free holidays. Xcaret eco-theme park, the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, and the Xel-Ha water park deliver cultural and adventurous experiences. The white-sand beaches and turquoise water are a bonus the whole family will love.
- Best time to visit: December to April
- Average flight cost: $200 to $600 from North America
- What to see: Chichen Itza, Xcaret Park, Tulum ruins, cenote swimming
- Family tip: All-inclusive resorts offer the best value and eliminate daily meal planning stress
8. Singapore
Singapore sits at the top of every safety index, making it one of the most stress-free destinations for families. Universal Studios Singapore, the Night Safari, Gardens by the Bay with its Supertrees, and the S.E.A. Aquarium are just a few of the top experiences. Singapore's hawker centers are also a fantastic, affordable introduction to Asian cuisine.
- Best time to visit: February to April (least rain)
- Average flight cost: $700 to $1,400 from North America, $400 to $700 from Australia
- What to see: Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa Island, Jurong Bird Park
- Family tip: The city is incredibly walkable and covered shopping malls provide cool relief from the heat
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered clearly and concisely
Japan, Singapore, Iceland, New Zealand, and Portugal are consistently ranked among the safest countries for family travel, with low crime, excellent healthcare, and child-friendly infrastructure.
Thailand, Mexico, and Portugal offer some of the best value for families in 2026, with Thailand in particular delivering world-class food, beaches, and wildlife experiences at a fraction of typical European or North American costs.
Search for cheap flights at least 3 months in advance for international trips, fly mid-week where possible, and consider buy-now-pay-later options like Sezzle to spread the cost. Many airlines also allow infants under 2 to fly for free on a parent’s lap.
Ages 5 to 12 are often ideal because kids are old enough to appreciate new experiences and remember them, but still excited by structured activities. With careful planning, even toddlers can travel successfully.
For beach destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean, all-inclusive resorts can be excellent value, simplifying meal planning and budgeting. For city or cultural trips, apartments or hotels with kitchenettes and nearby affordable restaurants often work better.