Best Family Adventure Trip Destinations for 2024
Before we wrap up the year, plan your next family adventure. Here are our top 10 destinations that promise unforgettable experiences for all ages. From lush rainforests to ancient ruins, there’s something for everyone. We've also included the best times to visit to help you plan the perfect trip to close out the year with a bang!
1. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a paradise for nature lovers, offering rainforests, beaches, and a plethora of wildlife. It’s also a great destination for adventurers of all ages! The Arenal Volcano area is perfect for families because, in addition to hiking around the base of the volcano, you can relax in the natural hot springs. For something wilder, you can play ‘I Spy’ at the Manuel Antonio National Park, which is home to monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds
Best time to visit: December to April when the weather is dry and perfect for outdoor activities.
2. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Discover unique wildlife and pristine landscapes in the Galapagos Islands. Families will love spending time at Tortuga Bay where the calm waters are perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding. Don’t be alarmed to see marine iguanas soaking in the sun on the beach! Popular spots like Gardner Bay, Devil's Crown, and Concha de Perla are great for snorkeling alongside sea turtles and colorful fish. Finding Nemo, anyone?
Best time to visit: June to November, when the cooler and drier weather is great for seeing marine life.
3. Kenya
Embark on a safari adventure in Kenya. With the biggest draw being Maasai Mara National Reserve, it’s where you can see the Big Five—lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo—in their natural habitat. Families can get even more thrills by feeding giraffes at the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi and learning about their conservation program.
Best time to visit: June to October, during the dry season when animals are more easily spotted.
4. Iceland
Iceland offers glaciers, volcanoes, and the Northern Lights for the entire family to experience. Along with boat rides to see floating icebergs and exploring ice caves, it’s equally exciting to see geysers erupting. If the family is up for snow sports in the winter, Iceland is the place for skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. Iceland offers thrills and chills for all ages!
Best time to visit: June and August for milder weather and extended daylight hours.
5. Patagonia, Argentina & Chile
Experience stunning landscapes and outdoor activities in Patagonia. Prepare to be mind-blown as you hike through Torres del Paine National Park, an activity recommended for older children and adults. Enjoy penguin-spotting at Magdalena Island and take an educational tour to know more about them. For a memorable family trip, Patagonia delivers on all fronts.
Best time to visit: December to March during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer.
6. Jordan
For a fun family holiday, explore the ancient city of Petra on camelback. Head to the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, where the first Dune movie was filmed, and where you can enjoy dune bashing in 4x4 jeeps. Moreover, enjoy traditional food, cultural shows, night bazaars, and more. An experience to put a smile on everyone’s face is floating in the Dead Sea and taking a therapeutic mud bath!
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November when temperatures are moderate.
7. Indonesia
From Bali to Komodo, Indonesia offers diverse adventures for kids and adults, alike. Snorkel in Sanur, scuba dive to a shipwreck in Tulamben, and walk the trails inside the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud, home to ancient temples and playful monkeys. Set off on a Komodo Dragon adventure and see these creatures in their element. Keep your distance!
Best time to visit: April to October is the dry season and the best time to explore the islands.
8. Colombia
Vibrant culture and diverse landscapes await in Colombia. Set against the Caribbean coast, the beaches and rainforest in Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona are great places to enjoy the outdoors. Kids can chase butterflies at the Jardin Botanico de Medellin, which also has a playground. The cobblestone streets of the walled city of Cartagena often have a carnival-like atmosphere with street performers, musicians, and dancers, which is a real treat!
Best time to visit: December and March for the driest conditions and festivals.
9. Belize
Home to several impressive Maya ruins, Belize offers history and adventure with lots of relaxation. Part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dive into the Great Blue Hole, or for a toe-curling adventure, families can go cave tubing and zip-lining through the jungle. Enjoy snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where you’ll be delighted by colorful fish, sea turtles, and stingrays in clear waters, and little ones will love the Belize Zoo with native animals like jaguars, howler monkeys, and toucans.
Best time to visit: November to April during the dry season.
10. Scotland
Put on a “tam o' shanter” and practice your bagpiping skills! From the Highlands to historic castles, Scotland is enchanting in many ways. Some highlights are the Edinburgh Zoo that giant pandas, penguins, and a variety of exotic species call home. What’s more, there’s even a penguin parade! Children can learn about the outdoors at the Cairngorms National Park with red deer and otters, polar bears and tigers.
Best time to visit: May and September for the best weather and festival season
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Ready to embark on your next family adventure vacation? These destinations are perfect for creating lifelong memories. Book your adventure with AdventureTripr today and experience the world like never before!
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