Planning a family vacation can prove to be quite the challenge for parents with children. While there are the popular choices, like Disney, there is so much more the world has to offer families that can also be kid-friendly. From museums and art galleries to seasonal festivals, there are destinations that can provide plenty of things for families to do. However, traveling to a new destination with children can be intimidating. This article is going to discuss a few destinations some parents might not consider on their short list when planning a trip, but perhaps they should. The highlighted attractions of each place are family-friendly and sure to offer plenty of entertainment for both kids and parents.
Melbourne, Australia
As one of the safest travel destinations, Melbourne is the perfect destination for families. And let’s be honest, how many adults haven’t dreamed of going to Australia? With plenty of museums, zoos, and other activities your kids will never be bored.
Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
This 30-minute ride will take you and your family souring about the Melbourne skyline. In one of the 21 individual air conditioned cabins, you’ll have an amazing view of the entire skyline and more. With a map and commentary about the various sites around the city, both you and your children will have a blast identifying various landmarks around you. And if you’re lucky enough to stop by at night, the Observation Wheel puts on a brilliant LED light show.
ArtVo
If you’re looking for art-related activities, this is for you. ArtVo is no ordinary art gallery – it features interactive 3D art! Visitors are allowed to touch and interact with the art, making it fun for the whole family. With a variety of gallery zones, visitors can truly immerse themselves in the art on the floors and walls. This gallery allows kids to not only experience art, but actually get a chance to become part of it.
Federation Square
If you’re looking for some free events, you should check out what’s going on in Federation Square. This location is home to about 2000 events throughout the year, many of which are free. You can either do some research ahead to know what’s going on or keep it a surprise and simply wait and see what activities are going on. Also in the square is the Melbourne Visitors Centre, the National Gallery of Victoria, and plenty of restaurants and bars.
Washington, D.C.
If you’re looking to stay in the U.S., the nation’s capital has tons to offer. Aside from the popular monuments and memorials, this destination is rich with history and full of family-friendly activities, D.C. is a great choice for family vacations. And one of the best parts about visiting Washington D.C. is that a lot of the attractions are free, making it a budget-friendly choice as well.
National Air and Space Museum
Home to the largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft worldwide, this museum will allow kids to be completely immersed in history – and lots of cool planes. Featuring famous attractions like the Wright brother’s original 1903 flyer and real astronaut space suits, kids will have the time of their lives getting a taste of what it’s like to be a real pilot or astronaut.
Smithsonian National Zoo
There’s no question that all kids (and parents) love animals. If you want to get your animal fix, this zoo should be at the top of your to-do list. As one of the nation’s most popular zoos, visitors can see 2,000 animals here! From giant pandas to numerous reptiles, this zoo has it all. Your kids are sure to keep you busy walking throughout the zoo to visit 400 different species of animals.
National Museum of Natural History
With 127 million items, this museum is sure to provide hours of entertainment. As the most visited natural history museum, kids and parents alike can learn about anything and everything, ranging from dinosaurs to ancient Egyptian mummies. This attraction has something for everyone and parents get to sneak a little history lesson in on their vacation as well.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
When people think of Dubai, they often think of expensive cars and neck-breaking skyscrapers. While this city does have both of those, it has so much more to offer. With both beaches and deserts nearby, this city has plenty of attractions and activities to keep your family busy.
Dubai Miracle Garden
If you travel to Dubai between November and April, you’ll get to experience the world’s largest flower garden. Throughout the summer, the gardening team works to create one-of-a-kind flower displays. The park isn’t too large so little ones will have an easy time exploring through the flowers. A past display even featured a life-size Emirates A380 aircraft made completely of flowers. This garden is a must-see (and smell) spot.
Global Village Dubai
Also open from November through April, this fairground is an opportunity to immerse your family in the cultures of over 70 countries. Each pavillion represents a different country, featuring crafts and food unique to their own cultures. And in the middle of all the culture chaos is a giant stage with carnival games and rides. This event is a great opportunity to not only get to experience Dubai, but several other cultures as well.
The Burj Khalifa
As Dubai is famous for its tall buildings, you can’t miss out on a visit to the Burj Khalifa. Currently the world’s tallest tower, visitors can travel up to the 124th and 125th floors of the 830m tall building. While the wait can be long, the views are worth it. Your kids are sure to be in awe as they take in the sights of the beautiful city around them.
That’s a Wrap!
Hopefully, this article provided a few ideas you’ll keep in mind when planning the next family vacation. As a parent, it’s important to ensure there will be activities and attractions that will keep your kids busy while traveling. So whether you’re checking out the historical museums in Washington, D.C., taking in the sights and smells of the flower garden in Dubai, or flying high above the Melbourne skyline, any one of these places will help your family create memories that will last a lifetime.
1 Comment
Thanks Anne, so glad you’re enjoying it! ?