From bustling cities to sun-drenched beaches – 7 unexpected family vacation spots

My husband and I used to joke that once we became parents, our vacations would be limited to Great Wolf Lodge. We’ve actually visited Great Wolf Lodge with our kids and had a fantastic time, but our real worry was becoming tied to vacation spots labeled as 'kid-friendly.'

The usual suspects that come to mind are theme parks, beaches, cruises, national parks, and, of course, water park hotels, but there are many places around the globe that are more family-friendly than they might appear. While this list still includes some tropical beaches and amusement parks, their locations might surprise you.

Keep reading to escape your vacation routine and discover your new favorite family getaway.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica's stunning landscapes and year-round tropical climate make it a fantastic choice for adventurous families. Along both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, you'll find a variety of rugged beaches and national parks filled with wildlife, waterfalls, and even volcanoes.

Speaking of volcanoes, Arenal Volcano National Park in Costa Rica's Northern Highlands is a literal and figurative hot spot for visitors. Arenal is the country's most active volcano, and within the park, you can hike over cooled lava flows, soak in hot springs, and enjoy breathtaking views of the park and crater from hanging bridges in the forest canopy.

Families seeking beach fun should visit Tamarindo, a relaxed town in Guanacaste province where you can enjoy the surf and sand. From Tamarindo, you can book half-day or full-day tours to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, where you can explore the country's renowned biodiversity — home to over 5% of all known species.

Costa Rica offers some truly one-of-a-kind accommodations, including a converted vintage 1965 Boeing 727 fuselage located near Manuel Antonio National Park, featuring two bedrooms and accommodating up to six guests. Rates for the 727 Fuselage Home start at approximately $500 per night.

Galapagos Islands

By the time kids reach middle school, they are usually familiar with Ecuador's Galapagos Islands and their connection to Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Experiencing education in real life is far more impactful than just reading about it, so why not take your children to the very place where Darwin first encountered the wildlife that inspired his theories?

Although the archipelago's remote setting might imply it's not family-friendly, its status as a "natural laboratory of evolution" actually enhances its unique charm. Depending on your family's travel preferences, you can opt for a land-based tour of the Galapagos or book a cruise that explores multiple islands. Either way, you'll have the chance to snorkel, kayak, and observe rare, endemic wildlife such as giant sea turtles, marine iguanas, and the iconic Blue-footed booby.

If your child's interest in Charles Darwin's theories was sparked in school, a trip to the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island is a must. Here, they can witness firsthand the various initiatives and ongoing research focused on preserving the delicate ecological systems of the region.

The Royal Palm Galápagos, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton and also situated on Santa Cruz, serves as an excellent base for day trips to other Galapagos Islands. This hotel features family villas that can accommodate up to six guests, and it is part of the Hilton Honors program, allowing you to earn and use points. Rates begin at approximately $227 or 67,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Egypt

Perhaps we've watched "The Mummy" with Brendan Fraser a few too many times, but my kids would absolutely love the chance to see ancient Egyptian tombs in person, not to mention the mummies that inhabit those tombs.

Any family trip to Egypt should definitely feature a visit to the Great Sphinx and the Great Pyramids of Giza, located just outside Cairo. There are various ticket options available that allow you to explore different sections of the Giza Plateau, or you can arrange private tours and camel rides through third-party vendors.

While in Cairo, don’t miss the chance to view a stunning collection of 50,000 artifacts that trace the entire history of Egyptian civilization at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. Additionally, treasures from Tutankhamun's tomb will be showcased at the Grand Egyptian Museum, which is set to open in 2023.

Further south in Luxor, you can visit the Valley of the Kings — the royal burial site of Tutankhamun, Ramesses II, and others, along with the magnificent Karnak and Luxor Temples, as well as the Luxor Museum.

You can even enhance your trip with a beach getaway by staying at the Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh. Situated on the Sinai Peninsula, this hotel offers breathtaking views of the Red Sea from its hillside location. Like other Four Seasons resorts, it features a complimentary Kids For All Seasons program with daily activities for children aged 4 to 12. Rates begin at about $350 per night.

Palm Springs, California

While Palm Springs is often seen as a retreat for Hollywood stars and avid golfers, this sunny town is surprisingly welcoming for families. The ideal time to visit is during the fall or winter, before the temperatures soar into the triple digits, allowing you to fully enjoy outdoor activities (especially if it's chilly back home).

To truly experience all that Palm Springs has to offer, take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. This rotating tram car, the largest in the world, travels over 2.5 miles through Chino Canyon to Mt. San Jacinto State Park.

Once back at the desert floor, you can get up close with wildlife at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, explore aircraft (including Walt Disney's private jet) at the Palm Springs Air Museum, and check out giant dinosaurs in nearby Cabazon. If you have extra time, the stunning desert landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park are just under an hour's drive away from Palm Springs.

With a fantastic water park and discounted greens fees for golfing enthusiasts in your family, the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells is an ideal family-friendly hotel in Palm Springs. Rates begin at approximately $250 or 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

New Orleans

New Orleans is much more than just Mardi Gras celebrations and bachelor parties. From family-friendly Bourbon Street tours to a delightful storybook-themed amusement park, the Big Easy offers a wealth of activities for families alongside its adult attractions.

With French Quarter Kid Tours, you can enjoy educational walking tours led by teachers, making history fun and engaging for both kids and adults. After all that exploration, satisfy your cravings with beignets from Cafe Du Monde or hot dogs from Dat Dog.

You could easily spend an entire day at City Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States. Alongside playgrounds, tennis courts, and botanical gardens, you'll find mini golf, a children's museum, a train garden, a whimsical playland, and an amusement park boasting 18 exciting rides.

The Omni Royal Orleans is situated in the vibrant French Quarter of New Orleans, just a short stroll from Jackson Square, Cafe du Monde, and Bourbon Street, along with a plethora of shopping and dining options. Room rates start at approximately $240 per night for accommodations featuring two double beds.

Key West, Florida

Visitors are drawn to Key West for its fishing and lively nightlife, but the southernmost city in the U.S. offers much more than that.

The inviting waters of Key West's beaches are perfect for a day of fun in the sun. Higgs Memorial Beach Park features a shaded playground for kids, though it lacks direct beach access, making Smathers Beach a preferable option for those prioritizing sand and surf.

Spending a few hours at the Key West Aquarium or the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum offers both entertainment and a welcome respite from the Florida heat. Children can explore the sights of Key West during a 75-minute journey on the Conch Tour Train or observe the local marine life through a glass-bottom boat ride.

If your schedule allows, consider a day trip to the nearby Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson, which includes a round-trip ferry ride, meals, snorkeling gear, and park entry.

The Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel is conveniently located just steps from the beach and features family-friendly amenities like a beachfront pool and on-site dining. Room rates begin at about $390 per night for a one-bedroom presidential suite accommodating up to four guests, with prices rising above $700 per night during peak season.

Bora Bora

Renowned for its private overwater bungalows, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical environment, the French Polynesian island of Bora Bora is often seen as a romantic haven for honeymooners. However, these same features also make it an ideal tropical getaway for families.

The seclusion provided by overwater bungalows at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora or the Conrad Bora Bora Nui allows kids to frolic and play without constant reminders to keep it down. Plus, the convenient waterside location lets you step right out of your hotel room into the water for swimming and snorkeling.

Rates at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui start at approximately $975 or 120,000 Hilton Honors points per night if your travel dates are flexible. Overwater bungalows accommodating up to four guests begin at around $3,225 or 1,530,000 points per night. For those aiming for a bungalow, accumulating enough points is essential, but the 100,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $2,000 in the first six months with the no-annual-fee Hilton Honors American Express Card can help you get closer to a standard garden-view villa for a night.

Both resorts also feature complimentary kids' clubs with play areas and activities, giving you a chance to enjoy at least a taste of Bora Bora's romantic charm. Beyond the resorts, older kids can snorkel at Matira Beach or participate in a lagoon tour boat ride where they can swim (in shallow waters) with white-tipped sharks and stingrays. Some tours even provide close-up views of Mount Otemanu, an extinct volcano at the heart of the island.

Bottom line

Feeling inspired? While there's a certain joy in returning to beloved family vacation spots year after year, these surprising and unforgettable destinations show that it's worth shaking up your travel itinerary.