25 best family vacation ideas for summer

When you’re looking for family vacation ideas, there’s a lot to consider. Do you want adventure or laid-back fun? Will there be attractions for the kids? What about activities for parents and grandparents, too? And then there’s the matter of making your trip memorable—without breaking your budget.

The great news is that the world is filled with choices that’ll check off each of those boxes. So get ready to plan a once-in-a-lifetime family vacation—or the first trip to a place that becomes so special to your family, you’ll visit again and again.

Key takeaways

• The U.S. has many family-friendly vacation spots, from the bright lights of New York City to the laid-back beach towns of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. 
• There are plenty of family-friendly international destinations to consider, too, from London to Vietnam.
• Travel rewards credit cards like Venture and VentureOne can help pay for family travel by allowing you to earn rewards when you make everyday purchases.
• Once you’ve earned rewards, you can use them to pay for flights, hotels and more.
• Strategies like setting a budget, booking in advance and limiting travel distance can also help you save money on family vacations.

The beach is perhaps the most quintessential symbol of summer. So what could make for a better summer vacation with the family? 

Consider a getaway to one of these oceanfront locations:

It’s no wonder San Diego is one of America’s favorite family vacation spots. The weather’s nearly perfect all year round. Plus, miles and miles of spectacular coastline provide plenty of beach options. Consider checking out the boardwalk beach town Mission Beach. Or Imperial Beach, just five miles from the Mexican border.

While you’re in San Diego, be sure to visit the world-renowned San Diego Zoo and the performing arts centers of Balboa Park. And don’t forget the city’s coastal neighborhoods. Each has its own personality, from family-friendly Carlsbad to La Jolla, a favorite of surfers.

The Outer Banks of North Carolina—also known as OBX—can be as laid back or as filled with adventure as you’d like them to be. The family can spend the days swimming in the ocean under bright blue skies. And then enjoy evenings speeding around a go-kart track or climbing Jockey’s Ridge, the largest sand dune on the East Coast, to watch the sunset.

Oregon Inlet and Hatteras Island can be great day trips. So can Roanoke Island, with its famous aquarium. And for history buffs, there’s the Wright Brothers National Memorial dedicated to the groundbreaking flight of Wilbur and Orville in 1903. Or head to historic Manteo for candlelight walking tours.

What keeps families coming back to Cape Cod year after year? It’s partly the world-famous beaches. Partly the fresh seafood, with a lobster shack seemingly on every corner. And partly the New England charm. 

Adults and kids can fill their days on Cape Cod whale watching, biking, hiking, kayaking and playing rounds of golf under the summer sun. The islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard are nearby and ideal for day trips. And museum lovers will enjoy the Cape Cod Children’s Museum in Mashpee, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster and the Whydah Pirate Museum in Yarmouth.

The Grand Strand. It’s a great name for a great string of sandy beaches lining the South Carolina coast. Perhaps the most famous of the Grand Strand beaches is Myrtle Beach. What’s there for a family to do? A little bit of everything.

Watch the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean. Stroll down the boardwalk. Go deep-sea fishing. Enjoy some friendly competition during an afternoon of miniature golf. And watch the night come alive from the top of a Ferris wheel at one of the beach’s many amusement parks.

Located on the Gulf Coast in southwest Florida, Fort Myers has vacation appeal in abundance. Your family can spend long days strolling miles of its beautiful beaches, swimming in sparkling waters and enjoying the island paradise vibe. 

There’s plenty of fun waiting away from the beach, too. You can tour the winter estates of celebrated innovators Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, board a chartered boat for deep-sea fishing or join a kayak excursion. And the 105-acre Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium invites you to connect with nature through its hiking trails, bird aviary, planetarium and butterfly garden.

Ocean City is one of America’s quintessential family-friendly resort towns. It’s got a world-renowned boardwalk that’s perfect for biking on warm summer nights. It’s got 10 miles of sandy beaches, free to the public for swimming, boating and jet skiing. And it’s got amusement parks, arcades, water parks, miniature golf and more.

Pencil in a day away from Ocean City to visit the wild beauty of nearby Assateague Island National Seashore. It’s known for its solitude, camping, recreational activities and wildlife, including the famous wild ponies that wander its beaches and marshes.

Looking for some adrenaline on your vacation this summer? If a beach town is too laid back for your family, get excited for one of these adventurous options:

Situated in the center of sunny Florida, the city of Orlando offers nearly endless things for families to do. For starters, the theme parks are world class. They offer everything from enchanted kingdoms to aquatic wonderlands to unforgettable adventures based on the magic of movies. 

But there’s much more to Orlando than its famous theme parks. Try ziplining at Gatorland. Or learn about the animals at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. You can also see for yourself how truth really is stranger than fiction at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! And meeting wax figures of your favorite sports stars and celebrities at Madame Tussauds Orlando can be a fun family excursion, too.

The town of Gatlinburg claims there’s no place in the world quite like it. And your family just might agree. This quaint village nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains is surrounded by the beauty of the natural world. Dining, shopping and attractions are an easy walk away. And for more intentional walking, there are miles of trails, offering everything from easy strolls to challenging backcountry hikes.

More adventure awaits at Anakeesta mountaintop theme park with its gondola rides, ziplining and Treetop Skywalk. Gatlinburg SkyBridge, North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge, offers panoramic views of the mountains. Add in the museums, arcades and vibrant nighttime music scene, and your Gatlinburg vacation has the potential to be filled with memory-making moments.

You’ll find Harrisburg on the banks of the Susquehanna River. While you’re visiting Pennsylvania’s capital city, be sure to visit the capitol building with its opulent dome, modeled after the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. You also might want to see the science exhibitions at the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts or take in a show at the Planetarium at the State Museum of Pennsylvania.

Hersheypark, just east of the city, is a must-see for the kids. The theme park is dedicated to all things chocolate. Plus, it has rides, roller coasters and a water park. Kids will also enjoy nearby ZooAmerica, the 11-acre walk-through park spotlighting the plants and animals of North America.

Branson calls itself the “live entertainment capital of the world.” But while the shows are great—with everything from comedy to nationally known musicals—they’re just part of what makes Branson ideal for families.

There’s also a historic downtown area that offers free trolly rides, plus museums, golf courses, go-kart tracks, amusement parks, arcades and aquariums. There’s plenty of natural beauty thanks to the surrounding Ozark Mountains. That means lots of opportunities for hiking, biking, canoeing, horseback riding, rock climbing and boating on one of Branson’s three lakes—Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo and Bull Shoals Lake.

Wisconsin Dells in southern Wisconsin is all about family-friendly vacations. One big reason? Waterparks. The city calls itself “The Waterpark Capital of the World” and for good reason—it’s home to an abundance of them, including the largest in the U.S. Other Wisconsin Dells attractions include amusement parks, trampoline parks, ropes courses, petting zoos and horse stables for trail rides. 

Scenic tours of all kinds are big in Wisconsin Dells—sunset boat tours, jet boat tours, lost canyon tours, fishing tours, zipline tours and after-dark ghost tours. The Mid-Continent Railway Museum is a popular family destination, as is the Dells Scenic River Walk with beautiful views of the Wisconsin River and its sandstone bluffs.

The long days, the warm weather—there’s no better time than summer to experience the great outdoors. Whether you want to rough it with a humble campsite or rent a quiet cabin, these spots offer outdoor activities for the whole family:

You’ll find loads of New England charm in picturesque Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island. The town offers movies, miniature golf and historic walks based on ghost stories.

One of Bar Harbor’s major claims to fame: It’s the gateway to the 49,000 acres of Acadia National Park. For a scenic drive, take Park Loop Road with its ocean cliffs, mountain forests and famous attractions like Thunder Hole and Sand Beach. And if you’re visiting during the winter, you can try your hand at snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

It’s not hard to imagine that the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, might be on your bucket list. The rugged beauty of the place is breathtaking. 

Try the South Rim of the canyon, located in Arizona, for what’s generally known as the traditional Grand Canyon experience. It has sweeping views, lots of visitor services and nearly endless choices for family activities. Want to hike the South Rim or take a mule ride? Or how about experience the canyon by airplane or raft down the Colorado River? There are so many once-in-a-lifetime options to choose from.

Custer, the oldest town in the storied Black Hills of South Dakota, has a quirky appeal that should be experienced on its own. But what’s also appealing about Custer is that some of the state’s biggest attractions—Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial and Wind Cave National Park—are just a short drive away.

Additional Black Hills attractions include Wildlife Loop Road, where you’ll wind your way through 18 miles. Keep an eye out along the way for buffalo, elk and antelope. Sylvan Lake offers aquatic adventures like kayaking and paddleboarding. And hot air balloon rides and Jeep safaris are a great way to experience the wide-open spaces that make the Black Hills such a national treasure.

When work deadlines and weekday soccer practice make life a little hectic, the ideal solution might be to step into another world at Yellowstone National Park. At Yellowstone, the first national park, your family can enjoy spectacular hiking trails, sun-soaked prairies and abundant wildlife, including the famous and prehistoric bison. 

You’ll want to see Old Faithful, of course. Yellowstone’s famous geyser has erupted more than a million times since the park was established in 1872. And while Grand Prismatic Spring isn’t as well known, it can be just as memorable. It’s big—the third largest spring in the world, in fact. And it’s beautiful, with bright blue water at the center rimmed by successive bands of bright green, yellow and orange water.

Yosemite National Park in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains was designated in 1890. The country’s third national park is perhaps best known for its waterfalls, like Horsetail Fall on the eastern edge of El Capitan. For two weeks in February, the water glows deep orange as the sun washes over it while setting. 

Your visit to Yosemite might also include ice age glaciers, vast stretches of wilderness, deep valleys, lush meadows and the park’s world-famous giant sequoia trees. 

The sequoias live in three groves in Yosemite. Mariposa Grove is home to more than 500 of the trees and is generally considered the easiest grove to access. Other activities at Yosemite include camping, hiking, fishing, backpacking, bird watching and stargazing.

With its majestic beauty, Niagara Falls thrills visitors from around the world all year long. Niagara Falls isn’t just one waterfall, but three: American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls, the largest. The falls span the border between the U.S. and Canada, with the U.S. side located in western New York.

When you visit the U.S. side, Niagara Falls State Park offers sightseeing boat tours on the iconic Maid of the Mist. Or go deep into the Niagara Gorge to the Cave of the Winds, where you’ll experience the falls in extreme close-up from an observation platform. 

And be sure to catch the spectacular nighttime fireworks show at different times throughout the year. You can check the fireworks schedule. Or see the illumination of the falls, which begins at dusk every night of the year.

Experiencing history and culture is a great way to help your kids learn more about the places you visit. Whether you’re looking to tour major historical sites, take in a world-renowned museum, or simply immerse yourself in a dynamic setting, these locations won’t disappoint:

It’s pretty safe to say that your family will never run out of things to do in New York. After all, it’s the city that never sleeps. New York is a melting pot of interesting people, fantastic food and exciting things to do. 

So where to start? Catch a cab to Times Square, where the lights dazzle 24 hours a day. Take in the live theater of Broadway. See the city skyline from the Empire State Building’s observation deck. Watch the world go by at Central Park. And take a boat ride to New York Harbor to see the Statue of Liberty, the iconic symbol of America’s welcoming spirit.

Live like a Southern Californian when you visit Los Angeles. Grab a green juice and go for a hike in Griffith Park to enjoy sweeping views of Hollywood. If you’re feeling particularly sporty, try your hand at surfing and catch some waves in the Pacific Ocean. Once you work up an appetite, you can get a quick lunch at a neighborhood food truck or dine at world-class restaurants. LA has it all.

And as the U.S. city that boasts the most museums and theaters, you’ll have your itinerary cut out for you. Music aficionado? Take in a concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Art connoisseur? You’ve got the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, The Broad and The Getty. Cinephile? The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures awaits.

Together with Jamestown and Yorktown, Williamsburg forms Virginia’s Historic Triangle—named for the major role the three cities played in early U.S. history. Many of Williamsburg’s attractions shine a light on that history, including museums dedicated to the country’s colonial and American Revolution eras. 

And then there’s Colonial Williamsburg. On more than 300 acres, it’s America’s largest living-history museum—with costumed actors bringing the 18th century back to life. 

Yes, Williamsburg is a blast from the past. But that’s not all it is. Today’s city is also modern and fun, with a major theme park, plenty of restaurants, miniature golf and public parks for enjoying the great outdoors.

One thing that’s often true about family vacations in Washington: No matter how long your stay is, it won’t be long enough. That’s because D.C. is brimming with art, history, culture and adventure. So put on your walking shoes and plan to see as many of the city’s monuments, museums and neighborhoods as you can. 

Start with the Smithsonian museums like the National Air and Space Museum. Because they’re America’s museums, there’s no charge to get in. Check out the Library of Congress, the largest library in the world. Explore the National Mall and visit the nearby memorials honoring Presidents Jefferson and Lincoln. Take in the lively atmosphere of Georgetown. Head to Penn Quarter and see what events are happening at Capital One Arena. And go back in time in the Hall of Fossils at the National Museum of Natural History—it’s a D.C. must-see for kids who can’t get enough of dinosaurs.

If everyone has their passports in order, you may want to travel abroad to explore another country. While traveling internationally has the potential to rack up a larger bill than more-local destinations, there are still some budget- and family-friendly options:

Enjoy some of the best beaches on the world-famous Caribbean peninsula, home to Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Tulúm. Rife with all-inclusive resorts offering kids’ clubs, gorgeous swimming pools, water sports, snorkeling and much more, it’s a family-friendly way to experience another country.

Plus, you can learn about the Mayans—and knock one of the New 7 Wonders of the World off your list—with a visit to the historic Chichén Itzá. And make sure to save a day for outdoor adventures at the wildly popular ecotourist theme park Xcaret.

Costa Rica is one of the most biologically diverse countries in Central America, with everything from white-sand beaches to rugged mountains, volcanoes and lush rainforests. And if that weren’t enough, you can also find a wide array of wildlife, such as sloths, whales, turtles, macaws, bats, monkeys and dolphins.

There are also activities for kids of all ages. Teach your little ones how to boogie board on one of the many beautiful beaches. Take them for a hike to see the crater of Poás Volcano and unwind at a local hot spring. Or if you have thrillseekers in the family, head to the Ecoglide Arenal Park and zipline through the trees. 

If you don’t mind a trip across the pond, London has bragging rights to some of the world’s most captivating theater, history, museums, architecture and even public transit.  With so many things to do, it’s easy to tailor your family’s itinerary to your interests.

See the Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Step into the past and attend a Shakespearean play at the Globe Theatre. Eat like a local and indulge in an afternoon tea before some fish and chips at the local pub for dinner. 

From the mountains to the beaches, and historic towns to major cities, you can enjoy quite the variety of activities in this gorgeous Southeast Asian country. 

Soak in the history at Hue’s ancient temples and among Hoi An’s merchants. Hop in a boat to tour the stunning Halong Bay or Mekong Delta. Tour the many museums in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. And when you get hungry, don’t skip the banh mi or pho.

When it comes to family vacations, a big budget can certainly add to the fun. But it’s not a necessity—especially with a travel and rewards credit card that helps you get there.

A travel rewards credit card might be worth considering. It allows you to earn rewards when you make purchases—and then use those rewards to pay for airline tickets, rental cars, stays at your favorite hotels and more. 

With a travel rewards card, you generally earn rewards miles by making everyday purchases. It may help to compare travel rewards cards before you apply for one. That’s because each has its own combination of rewards structure, benefits and special perks.

Venture from Capital One might be one option. It offers the ability to earn 75,000 bonus miles, no foreign exchange fees and access to Capital One Travel. View important terms and disclosures.

According to Travel + Leisure, booking in advance may help you save money on things like flights and hotels. There might also be times when waiting to book could help you save. But getting plans settled early could be especially helpful if you’re planning a vacation around a major summer holiday, like the Fourth of July. Plus, it’s one less thing to worry about when you get it done early.

Booking with Capital One Travel can help save you the hassle. With free price alerts, price drop protection, flight cancellation and many more benefits, eligible cardholders can plan their vacations with ease.

When you take a family vacation, it can be tempting to throw caution to the wind so you can see and do everything. After all, this is your time together, and you want it to be the best it can be. But it’s possible to save money on travel and still have a great time.

One way to save on travel is to plan ahead. So decide where you’ll go, where you’ll stay and what you’ll do on your trip. Research the cost for flights, hotels, food, activities and attractions so there are no surprises. Then create a budget for your vacation—and stick to it.

When you travel, there are costs associated with getting to your destination, like airline tickets and rental cars. And there are costs associated with being there, too—like food and activities. All of this can add up quickly. But there are plenty of ways to save money while on your family vacation.

Because restaurant prices can drain a family vacation budget, think about staying somewhere with a kitchen. That way, you can save some money making your own meals. And consider trading expensive touristy attractions for simpler, more-local experiences.

If you’re looking to save money on gas or flights, it could help to limit the distance you travel. Plan to vacation in a nearby state, for example, rather than jetting off to the other side of the country.

You may also want to consider taking a staycation, which can make memories that are every bit as good as those made on a traditional vacation. And it gives you more time to plan and save for one of the destinations above. 

So pitch a tent and camp out in the backyard. Have a family spa day. Or play tourist in your own town and see sights that are new to you—or already beloved.

When it comes to family vacation spots, there are nearly endless choices. Love New England? Consider a week in Cape Cod. Want to see one of the wonders of the world? Plan a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to Chichén Itzá in Mexico. Never been to the Caribbean? Then book a trip to Cancún. 

And consider using a travel rewards credit card from Capital One to book flights, hotels, rental cars and more.