The Best Travel Destinations For Kids By Age

Having kids doesn’t mean you have to stop traveling, but it does mean that you have to make decisions about appropriate destinations for your children based on their ages. Destinations change as kids get older, so we came up with a list of locations with age appropriate locations that will have the whole family enjoying the trip.

Infants Ages 0-1: Mexican Beach Resort

While a lot of people think that traveling with a baby is an absolute no-no, new parents will be quick to correct you. Traveling with a baby is actually the easiest it will be when it comes to traveling with young kids. Even though you’re most likely still going to be sleep deprived, but that’s the perfect excuse for a vacation full of R&R.

According to Melissa Biggs Bradley, CEO and founder of Indagare: “You’ll want a warm location with a direct flight, a big beach since infants are still too young to enjoy a kids club, and easy access to good medical care in case of an ear infection or anything more serious.” Make sure to choose a family-friendly resort, a lot of which provide many comforts of home.

Toddlers Ages 1-4: Hawaii

Toddlers are excited by so many things, which makes them perfect mini-explorers. That’s why Hawaii is perfect. The state will provide plenty of opportunities for walking, running, and swimming. They’ll be able to explore the gorgeous beaches, coral reefs, Polynesian culture, incredible storytelling, and wildlife that includes whales, sea turtles, and dolphins.

According to Biggs Bradley, “Many Hawaii resorts have protected ponds where you can take your toddlers into the ocean. You can enjoy whale-watching cruises, and, in their later toddler years, they’ll appreciate learning about the wildlife, maybe attend lei-making classes, or just relaxing by the pool or on the beach.”

Elementary School Ages 5-10: Rome, Italy

School aged kids are ready to start learning about new locations around the world. Rome is perfect because it can introduce them to plenty of ancient history through visiting the Colosseum and the Roman forum where they’ll learn about the gladiators and much more. Biggs Bradley says a trip to this city “will further engage them in the touring, since what they’ve learned in school will be brought to life.”

Of course, they’ll get to enjoy plenty of pizza and gelato, which means it is basically a kid’s paradise. You can also find pizza and gelato making classes so they can learn about the process of how these yummy foods are made. CEO of Access Italy Simone Amorico shares that other great activities include “treasure hunts in the Vatican and the Villa Borghese, where they can also ride a four-wheel bike and stop for picnics.”

Tweens Ages 11-13: Montana Dude Ranch

Tweens are at an age where they are rapidly discovering their sense of autonomy, but they are still young enough that they need a clear set of boundaries as well. A dude ranch is a perfect place to visit is a great compromise.

Scott Dunn USA president John Spence shared: “When kids are in their early teenage years, there is nothing better than a vacation that combines adventure with something new. Watching our kids step outside of their element — horseback riding on mountainside cliffs or even just hiking in the beautiful Montana nature — is one of the best parts of being a parent.”