Top Baby- and Family-Friendly Travel Destinations (Plus a Few to Avoid)
Discover top baby- and family-friendly destinations that prioritize safety, offer child-focused accommodations, and provide endless fun for all ages.
Planning a vacation with your entire family, including babies? It's an excellent way to expose young children to new cultures, iconic attractions, and exciting activities that spark curiosity and joy.
To keep everyone comfortable and prepared, choosing destinations designed for families is key. Our expert guide highlights the best family-friendly spots worldwide—and a few to skip for now.
Tokyo, Japan
For an East Asian adventure, Tokyo stands out as a family favorite. Its vibrant culture captivates kids, with attractions like rickshaw rides, Sega game centers, scenic cruises, Hello Kitty at Puroland, and Tokyo Disneyland.
Tokyo boasts low crime rates, stroller-accessible areas, welcoming locals, and excellent healthcare—ideal for family travel.
London, England
London excels as one of Europe's most child-friendly cities, featuring stroller-friendly streets and abundant activities. Kids under five ride the Tube free; download the step-free map for easy navigation with elevators and escalators. Public breastfeeding is welcome, and baby-changing facilities abound in major sites.
Enjoy children's theaters, city farms, parks, and free entry for under-5s at the London Eye, Tower of London, and Madame Tussauds.
Oahu, Hawaii
Oahu is perfect for families and first-timers. Honolulu offers urban amenities, easy access, and affordability.
Visit the Honolulu Zoo, Iolani Palace, Kualoa Ranch (horseback riding and movie tours), Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, and the interactive Children’s Discovery Center.
Relax on calm beaches where little ones can safely splash in shallow waters.
The Gold Coast, Australia
Australia's Gold Coast combines stunning beauty with family hotels, kid-friendly dining, and stroller-accessible attractions. Enjoy 300 sunny days yearly and mild temperatures.
Thrill at theme parks, beach playgrounds, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Australian Outback Spectacular, cruises, Wet'n'Wild water park, and pristine beaches for swimming and surfing.
Montreal, Canada
This European-style city offers vast parks, unique attractions, kid-friendly restaurants, toddler playgrounds, wading pools, indoor amusement parks, a science center, and Biodome.
Explore stroller-friendly Parc Jean-Drapeau, Lachine Canal paths, Mount Royal (via steps or winding trail), and year-round festivals. Kids 5 and under ride the metro free; older kids join free on weekends and school breaks via Family Outings. Note: Old Montreal's cobblestones and narrow sidewalks challenge strollers.
San Diego, California
San Diego ranks among the U.S.'s top family destinations, with kid-friendly eateries, sunny mild weather, and diverse activities. Head to the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, New Children’s Museum, Legoland, Old Town, Balboa Park, and Fleet Science Center.
Don't miss La Jolla Cove for seals, scenery, and lawns. Rent a car for convenience; baby gear rentals deliver to airports.
Cruises
Family-focused cruises offer crib-ready cabins, nurseries, playgroups, play areas, diaper services, and onboard baby essentials. Choose routes without special vaccines for ease.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago's downtown attractions, easy navigation, and deep-dish pizza appeal to all ages. Navy Pier features a 150-foot Ferris wheel, family dining, and cruises; nearby, the Chicago Children’s Museum offers interactive exhibits. Plus, two zoos and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
Puerto Rico
This affordable tropical haven boasts great facilities, San Juan's vibrant culture, beaches, and museums—though strollers struggle, so use hiking carriers. Outdoor fun includes rainforest walks, Fajardo's bioluminescent bays, and Culebra/Vieques snorkeling.
Check attraction hours and family resorts in advance.
Nassau, Bahamas
Ideal for family beach getaways, Nassau offers sunny weather, swim-friendly beaches, Atlantis Water Park, Pirates of Nassau Museum, and Ardastra Gardens Zoo. Many resorts provide cribs, playpens, baby toiletries, and stroller rentals.
Destinations That Aren’t Ideal for Young Kids
Las Vegas, Nevada
Despite some all-ages attractions, Vegas's drinking scene, adult shows, and casinos suit older kids. Nearby: Grand Canyon, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon.
Cinque Terre, Italy
Best for older children, as 11th-century narrow, steep cobblestone paths defy strollers. Opt for apartments near groceries and hiking carriers.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Navigable with kids, but jazz, history, and Cajun cuisine may not engage young ones. Wait until they're older to appreciate it fully.
Bangkok, Thailand
Sensory overload from bustling streets and adult entertainment; scarce car seats, uneven walkways. Limited kid amenities—research family areas, museums, and Thai hospitality.
