The 5 Best Family Vacation Destinations In The World – That You AND The Kids Will Love!

From safari vacations in Africa to diving deep into the world of new-age pop culture in Japan, these will provide your family with experiences like no other.

Handpicked by our travel experts (who also happen to be parents!) for scoring high on fun AND learning, our list of the best family destinations in the world is your starting point for creating memories, strengthening bonds and really, just having the time of your lives.

Best Family Vacations in Africa

1 South Africa

An African safari is a wonderful way to get your kids up close and personal with nature. And honestly, we can’t think of a kid (or an adult, for that matter) who wouldn’t love to watch a graceful giraffe walking across a reserve, or spend a day observing the antics of baby elephants. South Africa, with its family-friendly safaris, sets the stage for an unforgettable vacation. 

Watch your kids become junior rangers and go on Bug CSI treks around the lodge, spotting and identifying creepy crawlies.

With a number of malaria-free game reserves and activities centered around kids, South Africa is truly one of the best family vacation destinations. Madikwe Safari Lodge, for instance, takes the concept to a whole new level. With spacious accommodations, private game drives and a host of activities to keep the little ones engaged and entertained, this lodge is our top pick. Watch your kids become junior rangers and go on Bug CSI treks around the lodge, spotting and identifying creepy crawlies. And then, there is the dung tracking expedition that they can participate in. Because when you are a kid, the grosser it is, the bigger the laughs, right?

Best for ages – The malaria-free game reserves welcome kids of all ages, and activities are planned by age. Kids who are eight years and older can go on game drives and kids 12 years and older can go on game walks.

2 Kenya

With its rich wildlife, unforgettable cultural experiences and kid-friendly activities, Kenya is among the best family vacation destinations you can go to. At the Elephant Watch Camp in Samburu, you can expect friendly and knowledgeable guides. Meet the superstars of the Samburu National Reserve – Spice Girls, the Butterflies, the Swahilis, and the Acacias –  members of the 66 elephant families that reside in the region! A trip to the Save the Elephants program, a pioneering conservation charity located in the reserve, offers a real-world understanding of how conservation works and who knows, may just inspire the next Jane Goodall for elephants!

The Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, located in the heart of the Masai Mara, also offers authentic cultural experiences with Maasai people and is worth checking out.

Previous

5

Extraordinary moments assured!

1

Spend time at a Maasai community interacting with the villagers.

2

Africa’s gentle giants.

3

Explore the wilderness together and take back unforgettable memories.

4

Little warrior-in-training at the Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp.

5

Extraordinary moments assured!

1

Spend time at a Maasai community interacting with the villagers.

2

Africa’s gentle giants.

3

Explore the wilderness together and take back unforgettable memories.

4

Little warrior-in-training at the Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp.

5

Extraordinary moments assured!

Next

Kenya is home to at least 40 tribes, offering rich cultural and heritage experiences. At the Tassia Lodge in Laikipia, kids can take part in the Tassia Olympics, learning and competing in spear throwing, archery, shot put and rungu (a wooden throwing club used by Maasai warriors) throwing. The winner, of course, walks away with bragging rights for a lifetime! For us though, the highlight of a trip to Kenya is experiencing the warmth of the Maasai tribe on a tour through a Mukogodo Masai village. The Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, located in the heart of the Masai Mara, also offers authentic cultural experiences with Maasai people and is worth checking out. 

For those who cannot imagine a vacation without hitting the beach, Kenya offers the most pristine white strips of sand, warm waters, and spectacular coral reefs to explore. Perfect for swimming or snorkeling, Diani beach was voted one of the best beach destinations in Africa by CNN Travel and is a short drive from the city of Mombasa. The unspoilt Kenyan coast makes for an ideal beach stop and the perfect end to an eventful family vacation.

Best for ages – Most safari lodges allow kids 8 years and older to go on safari drives.

Best time to visit Kenya – Wildlife viewing is good throughout the year but the best months are June to October and January to February. October to January is considered a good time to visit the Kenyan coast.