Family

From Camelback Excursions in Cairo to Vaporetto Rides in Venice, 10 Trips the Whole Family Will Love

by Jessica Benavides Canepa

Photograph by Jessica Benavides Canepa

barcelona cityscape at dusk with sagrada familia

Plan a vacation the littles will love in Barcelona. (Photo: Getty Images)

With careful planning, your perfect family vacation is just a plane ride away. Check out these 10 kid-friendly travel ideas and prepare for that memorable, Insta-ready trip your whole tribe will love.

As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.

Barcelona, Spain

In Barcelona the whole family can enjoy the life aquatic at the L’Aquàrium Explora! interactive children’s zone, combine architecture and nature with Park Güell‘s whimsical Gaudí-designed structures, or witness a colorful Magic Fountain concert.

At the waterfront Le Méridien Ra Beach Hotel & Spa, two kids clubs means your little ones can choose between music, dance and art workshops, while youngsters aged 11 to 17 can partake in photography classes, kayaking, paddle surfing and volleyball.

Venice, Italy

venice canal with boats
Ride a vaporetto in Venice. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Keep the kiddos entertained by counting the fabled winged lion statues found throughout the city, exploring Villa Pisani’s endless garden maze, or with a Grand Canal vaporetto water bus cruise to Venice’s most famous Piazza San Marco landmarks.

To unwind, take a dip at JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa’s family pool, where the littles can splash in fountains and build foam-brick castles, enjoy a stroll through the lush gardens or book a kids’ cookie-making class.

Lille, France

At the heart of Lille’s historic city center, the Cita Parc amusement park features themed rides and roller coasters for toddlers through preteens. Nearby, the tiny zoo includes monkeys, lemurs and parrots. And just across the river, a traditional marionette theater entertains with fairy tales from April to October.

Visit these local attractions at your leisure with a stay at the modish Moxy Lille City, featuring a spacious lobby lounge with games, 24/7 snacks and a foosball table.

Costa Navarino, Greece

For a resort-style family vacation even toddlers will adore, The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino offers unique activities for every member of your clan. Your littlest ones can participate in sensory games at the Cocoon Care Center, while children aged 4 to 12 can engage in heritage adventures as pirates, ancient Messenians or explorers of rare indigenous species at the SandCastle. The Aqua Park rounds off the fun with three waterslides and a seasonally heated play pool.

London, England

london tower bridge at dusk
Explore London’s classic sights. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Close to many of London’s most celebrated child-friendly attractions, including the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, the Sea Life Aquarium and Big Ben, the London Marriott Hotel County Hall offers the perfect starting point for a memorable city break across the pond. In addition to the indoor pool and generous breakfast offerings, kids will feel like junior VIPs with complimentary stuffed animals, indulgent amenities and spacious family accommodations.

Sopot, Poland

With a 2.8-mile stretch of sandy beaches and gently rippling waves, it’s little wonder that Sopot is known for its seaside activities. Options range from bike rides along the coastline and hiking forest trails to windsurfing — plus indoor swimming, Mediterranean-style buffet dining and a selection of kids club video games at the Sheraton Sopot Hotel’s convenient pier-side location.

Seychelles, East Africa

Craving a romantic mini escape a deux? With a wide selection of childcentric activities and round-the-clock babysitting services, North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort, Seychelles has got you covered.

And when ready to rejoin your brood, watch your little ones participate in kid-friendly pirate treasure hunts, arts and crafts, giant domino games and even pizza-making classes. For personalized adventures in paradise, enroll the kids in the Beach Buddy program.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

camels on the sand with dubai skyline in background
Discover the wonders of Dubai. (Photo: Getty Images)

Visit the turquoise waters of Jumeirah Beach — arguably one of Dubai’s most popular family attractions — in the morning or early evening to avoid the scorching desert heat.

The Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa offers direct access to a slew of seaside water sport activities such as Jet-skiing and parasailing, as well as a beachfront playground and picnic areas.

Back at the resort, enjoy three temperature-controlled swimming pools and a kids club offering creative sculpting and mask-making activities.

Cairo, Egypt

The concierge at the JW Marriott Hotel Cairo can help your family arrange fun adventures, including visiting the Pyramids of Giza on camelback, sailing the Nile River on wooden felucca boats or even learning about mummies at the Pharaonic Village.

For a relaxing break, the whole gang can enjoy the resort’s on-site waterpark, the heated swimming pool, kids club arcade and golfing activities for all ages.

Muscat, Oman

With an on-site splash park, mini zip line and a daily schedule of kid-friendly activities, Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel might just be the Oman vacation destination your family needs following a day exploring the natural surroundings. Highlights include seashell collecting, swimming classes, aqua aerobics and movie nights, and for the ultimate slumber party, kids can enjoy a pirate or princess in-room tent setup with personalized decorations, toys and a bedtime story.

Find your perfect break and stay for less with Marriott Bonvoy’s family offers.