5 Amazing International Destinations to Explore with Your Kids This Year

Is it worthwhile to take your kids on international adventures, especially with so many fantastic options available in the U.S.? The short answer is yes. This is particularly true if you consider one of the family-friendly spots our writers have recently explored. They’ve traveled with their children to the United Kingdom, Japan, Tanzania, Greece, and Swedish Lapland, discovering some wonderful places for the entire family in 2024. Just try to put aside thoughts of the long flights (especially the return trip)...

Osaka, Japan

As we explored Osaka’s vibrant Shinsekai district with my son—a discerning tween eager for Instagram-worthy culinary delights—we encountered takoyaki stands flaunting their octopus treats with eye-catching 3D tentacle displays, alongside a conveyor belt sushi restaurant featuring a giant rotating nigiri platter. Eventually, we were enticed into Jumbo Tsuribune Tsurikichi, a unique eatery with vast pools of fish ready for catching with bait and rods. They cook and serve whatever you catch, and we ended up reeling in a fish large enough to feed a family twice our size.

Experiences like this are just the tip of the iceberg in Osaka, where bold signage invites hungry visitors at every corner. Despite the global increase in food prices, you can still find budget-friendly meals here, making it an attractive option for those wanting to savor delicious food without overspending. Even the pickiest eaters will discover delightful dishes in this lively city, and families will enjoy a range of unique dining spots. Share a meal with Pikachu at the popular Pokemon Café or indulge in adorable Mario-themed dishes at Super Nintendo World at Universal Japan, which is set to unveil even more options in its upcoming Donkey Kong–themed area, launching in 2024.

Where to stay

For a truly authentic experience, families can rest on traditional tatami mats at Ukiyoe Ryokan. Alternatively, Cross Hotel Osaka offers cozy accommodations just steps away from the bustling food stalls of Dotonbori.—Amanda Adler

Tanzania

Traveling with a toddler on sMytouri isn’t for the faint-hearted; I knew I’d need substantial assistance. That’s where Go2Africa came in, a well-established tour operator with specialists experienced in traveling with young children across East and Southern Africa. These experts pinpointed the most family-friendly camps and arranged safe travel between them. They organized private sMytouri drives for us in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting the highest density of large animals in Africa, and a serene spot in Serengeti National Park. During our multiple game drives across these regions, we encountered lions, leopards, hippos, ostriches, flamingos, warthogs, and a multitude of wildebeest, but it was a dazzle of zebras close to our 4x4 that had my son cheering with delight.

Where to stay

Consider TAASA Lodge, a charming bush camp set within a 15,000-acre concession to the north of Serengeti, and Gibb’s Farm, an 80-acre organic farm and coffee plantation located less than an hour from Ngorongoro Crater. Both properties employ guides, trackers, and staff who genuinely enjoy engaging with children rather than just tolerating them. Each also features swimming pools, providing a fantastic way for kids to unwind between game drives.—Ashlea Halpern, contributing editor

Athens, Greece

Although ancient ruins might initially seem dull to young children, Athens is actually a fun and educational spot for families. Before your trip, get your kids excited about Greek mythology and history—check out the graphic novel series Olympians that reimagines these tales and the entertaining National Geographic podcast Greeking Out, which my eight-year-old son enjoys. Once you arrive, your kids will be eager to see the sites that might otherwise appear as mere rubble. During my visit last summer with my husband and our two young kids, I arranged a family-friendly private tour through Be a Greek. Our guide engaged my children (and us) with a scavenger hunt, trivia, games, and captivating storytelling as we explored iconic landmarks like the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Panathenaic Stadium, and Syntagma Square to witness the presidential guard's change.

A visit to the Acropolis can be a bit tricky, so plan to go early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler and less crowded, and skip the stroller (there are too many steps!). Kids will also love the Acropolis Museum (ask for a “family backpack” with educational materials, puzzles, and more); riding the vibrant Athens Happy Train; taking the cable car up Mount Lycabettus; and wandering through the charming Plaka neighborhood. When you need a break from the heat, escape to the Athens Riviera for some relaxation at Astir Beach or check out the developing Ellinikon, which already has an amazing playground and park, with more attractions on the way.

Where to stay

For a central location, consider the new boutique Apollo Palm Hotel, which features triple rooms ideal for a family of three (or four with a crib, which can be provided). It combines chic design with a stunning rooftop bar and a tasty breakfast buffet. For a full resort experience, complete with a kids' club, beach, and pool, the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens offers spacious accommodations and a wonderfully friendly staff that truly adores children.—Devorah Lev-Tov

Swedish Lapland

When my kids were toddlers, we explored Swedish Lapland’s Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, pushing them in strollers as they navigated the packed-snow floors in rooms sculpted from river ice by artists worldwide. (We sensibly chose to sleep in the warm accommodations available on-site.)

During a solo visit this past winter, I discovered several new reasons to plan a return trip with my now-older kids. The best winter experiences in this part of Sweden extend beyond just chasing the northern lights. At Arctic Bath in the quaint village of Harads, I witnessed a British family with elementary school-age kids bravely taking cold plunges together after a sauna session, stepping down a metal ladder directly into the frozen Lule River, laughing as they dashed for the outdoor hot tubs.

Nearby, the delightful range of stilted cabins at Treehotel—including one resembling a bird’s nest and another styled like a UFO—provided pure whimsical fun, with ice fishing and snowshoeing among the available activities. Sapmi Nature Camp offers three-night packages for stays with Sámi hosts in private lavvu tents on their reindeer grazing lands, allowing guests to learn about their contemporary lifestyle. If you visit in early February, don’t miss the excitement of the annual Jokkmokk Winter Market, which attracts hundreds of Indigenous people from across the Sápmi region of Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Russia for an outdoor festival featuring live music, traditional clothing, silverwork, and much more.

Where to stay

All the mentioned accommodations are experiences worth planning a trip around. However, I'm dreaming of a multi-generational winter adventure at Fjellborg Arctic Lodge, accessible by dogsled from nearby Jukkasjärvi. Families can stay in a luxurious four-bedroom cabin featuring its own sauna and outdoor hot tub overlooking Lake Väkkärä. (Smaller cabins are also available nearby for larger groups.) The lodge’s wilderness guides offer a variety of excursions, including snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and ice fishing.—Terry Ward

London, U.K.

From a hilariously entertaining Yeoman Warder guide at the Tower to an exhilarating bike tour with London Bicycle and a magical visit to the Harry Potter studios (the filming location for all eight movies), our family's week-long journey across the Atlantic was both enlightening and enjoyable. We also loved the Matilda musical, inspired by Roald Dahl’s classic, in the West End, where we all joyfully sang along to its memorable songs as we exited the theater. The city’s numerous green spaces (including Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens with the Princess Diana Memorial Playground, and Battersea Park) offered plenty of chances for our little ones to stretch their legs, run around, and enjoy the beauty of nature. With a legendary food scene, dining at the Indian street food favorite Dishoom and the plant-based delight Mallow in Borough Market were highlights that certainly lived up to our expectations.

Where to stay

London boasts numerous excellent hotels. I particularly enjoyed the sophisticated 101-room One Aldwych, nestled in the vibrant Covent Garden, just steps away from theaters, restaurants, and cultural attractions like the amazing London Transport Museum (where children can explore double-decker buses while adults appreciate the rich history of the Tube). With spacious suites and thoughtful amenities such as a daily stocked complimentary mini-bar (featuring treats like biscuits and chips to delight the little ones) and a delightful “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” themed afternoon tea, this hotel is truly ideal for families.—Tanvi Chheda