After a year of lockdowns, family vacation is making an impressive comeback and looking more optimistic than ever before. With the hope that travel can reach its pre-pandemic heights in 2023. As COVID-19 start to fade, families are taking advantage of their newfound freedom and looking for the perfect getaway. Popular tourist spots like New York City and Orlando provide a bevvy of attractions while smaller cities such as Portland or Pittsburgh give visitors something special with plenty to explore.
For parents looking for a chance to explore with the family, rural regions like Mendocino in California and The Berkshires in Massachusetts offer plenty of fresh air. With the U.S. dollar on a high, along with no COVID testing requirements, now’s an ideal time to explore Europe! Discover all that some of the continent’s favourite vacation spots have to offer.
Next year, vacationers with kids have the perfect opportunity to explore a wide range of family-friendly destinations. From luxurious all-inclusive getaways to adventurous national parks, resorts or family beaches, 2023 is sure to be full of excitement! Get the kids set for a world of exploration and adventure in 2023 with these top family vacation destinations!
1. New York
New York City is the perfect destination for a family getaway! With its towering skyscrapers, thrilling Broadway shows, and endless attractions around every corner, The Big Apple is sure to be an unforgettable adventure! The TKTS ticket booth is a great source for theatre lovers to get discounted same-day tickets up to 50% off!
Step into the American Museum of Natural History, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils that will impress even those who don’t usually like museums. Or take a break from city life with Central Park’s zoo antique carousel or tranquil lakes, perfect for fun family outings.
Get ready to experience the lavish comfort of Thompson Central Park, which offers luxurious guest rooms and an extraordinary in-house restaurant. Enjoy one of the best burgers around at prices that won’t break your budget!
2. Lake Como, Italy
Discover family-friendly Italy and make your way to the awe-inspiring Lake Como. Sightseeing here is a breeze thanks to public ferries, while teens will be wowed by celebrities’ gleaming yachts cruising its waters. A picture-perfect Italian paradise awaits at this magnificent lake!
The picturesque lakeside promenade is a family-friendly paradise, offering perfect stroller paths for tots and cool refreshments in the form of classic Italian gelato at every turn. Take a seven-minute journey up the steep mountainside on an iconic funicular, and arrive at Brunate – a mesmerizing hilltop village with beautiful views of Lake Como and its surrounding Alps.
Treat yourself to an unforgettable staycation in Northern Italy! Vista Palazzo Lago di Como brings you grandeur and luxury with its full butler service, allowing your entire family to experience the ultimate pampering.
3. Mendocino, California
Mendocino County offers a unique setting for an awe-inspiring nature experience. From its redwood forests to the crashing waves of the Pacific, explore these natural wonders on your next getaway! Explore the fern-filled forest of Van Damme State Park on a peaceful hike and spot seals in an outrigger canoe as you paddle along the Big River Estuary. For something different, take to two wheels aboard your very own railbike with towering treetops all around!
Come to Frankie’s for an unforgettable pizza experience with unique topping combinations. Then cool off and indulge in one of our delicious, frosty ice cream sundaes! Take a trip to Little River Inn, where you can hit the courts or golf nine holes. Then relax in an ocean-view room and feast on yummy Swedish hotcakes for breakfast!
4. Pittsburgh
Once a bustling steel and coal town, Pittsburgh has transformed into an urban destination full of adventure and culture. Thrill seekers can take in the spectacular view atop one of the city’s iconic wooden cable cars – the Duquesne Incline! Kids will love this unique way to explore all that Pittsburg has to offer while taking advantage of its wonderful family-friendly vacation destinations.
Sports enthusiasts can immerse themselves in Pittsburgh’s celebrated sporting heritage of Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum at the Senator John Heinz History Center, while tech-savvy minds will revel in the boundless opportunities for learning and exploration provided by Carnegie Science Center‘s interactive exhibits.
The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is the perfect destination for a day full of family fun! With its creative mix of art and technology, it offers unique experiences that all ages will enjoy. Visit the luxurious Omni William Penn Hotel for an experience beyond expectations!
5. Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Explore the unique blend of old-world charm and Western Canadian cool in Victoria, located on Vancouver Island. Enjoy its refreshing showery climate as you wander through picturesque parks and gardens adorned with lush blooms!
Families with little ones looking for a fun-filled and scenic time out can visit Butchart Gardens – showcasing vibrant blooms and picturesque pathways. Meanwhile, Beacon Hill Park is an idyllic retreat complete with a petting zoo, ponds and streams – not to mention fascinating totem poles! Experience the beauty of nature on a whale-watching cruise in Victoria’s Inner Harbour before discovering Canada’s indigenous culture at the Royal BC Museum.
With stunning views of the Inner Harbour, Magnolia Hotel and Spa is perfect for an enjoyable stay.
6. Portland, Maine
Experience a mini seaside escape in Portland, Maine! Take in the salty air and marvel at seagulls strutting about. Kids will be especially delighted as they watch lobster boats dock up to the harbour before hopping on a ferry ride out to one of Casco Bay‘s many timeless islands.
Sample delightful seafood from Luke’s Lobster, where chowder is otherworldly and lobster rolls are delightfully divine. Visit the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine for an aquatic adventure to see turtles, sunfish frogs and more!
7. Houston
Houston is an amazing destination for families to explore a range of cultures and experiences, with over 140 unique languages! Enjoy this vibrant city while celebrating the nation’s beautiful diversity. Smither Park is a unique outdoor gallery where creativity comes alive on Saturday afternoons! Visitors can wander among the brilliant mosaics and witness first-hand how these dazzling works of art come together.
Get transported to another universe at Rice University with the captivating Twilight Epiphany Skyspace by James Turrell! Enter this spaceship-like structure and marvel at a mesmerizing light show, while tapping into some seriously cosmic vibes. If you’re looking for an even more out-of-this-world experience, journey over to Space Center Houston where visitors can explore mission control wearing their very own spacesuit and helmet.
Experience the Lone Star spirit at Hotel Zaza in Houston’s Museum District. Each room is adorned with unique cattle horn accents to take your vacation up a notch!
8. Williamstown, Massachusetts
The Berkshires are a fantastic destination for families seeking New England charm. Williamstown, in particular, is an idyllic village that has been harnessed with vibrant youthful energy from its acclaimed college – Williams College. It paints the perfect picture of good old-fashioned fun!
In the charming town of Williamstown, discover hidden gems like mom-and-pop bookstores and Lickety Split ice cream. Take a stroll through Clark Art Institute‘s beautiful grounds – enjoy its family activities or collection of Impressionist art while spotting an unexpected surprise in their pastured meadows.
At the luxurious Williams Inn, families can make memories around an outdoor fire pit and savour great cuisine.
9. Curacao
Feel the beauty of Curacao with Caribbean culture in this autonomous country embraced within the Kingdom of The Netherlands. Enjoy beautiful beaches like Grote Knip, known for its crystal-clear water perfect for a swim while admiring vibrant blue sapphires against an endless horizon!
Step into the Caribbean paradise of Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with candy-coloured buildings and vibrant street art. Get creative by painting your own Chichi doll – an iconic Curacao craft found throughout the city! Unwind in luxury at Avila Beach Hotel which offers its guests access to its private beach and eye-catching infinity pool for endless relaxation under tropical sunshine.
10. London
London is the perfect place for a family vacation! Marvel at iconic landmarks like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Parliament while taking in spectacular views from the London Eye – one of the tallest observation wheels on Earth. Bring your entire gang along to explore this vibrant city’s many kid-friendly attractions. Take your family on an unforgettable journey through the magical world of Harry Potter at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter! You and your kids can explore sets, costumes, and props used in all eight films from this iconic series.
London is full of exciting and imaginative places to explore! The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground takes children’s imaginations on an epic adventure with its gigantic Captain Hook pirate ship and teepee campgrounds.
Take a trip to The Dilly for a stay and enjoy the fun of their children’s library, large indoor pool and an unforgettable experience with Peter Rabbit-themed tea!
