The Most Family-Friendly Countries You Should Visit With Your Kids

New Zealand

As of the end of June 2024, New Zealand received over 3.2 million international visitors, making it a popular holiday destination. The country is known for its active volcanoes and gorgeous landscapes. New Zealand is known as a family-friendly destination filled with kid-friendly activities and many outdoor adventures. There are two islands, the North and South, and each offers different activities depending on your needs. Let’s take a look at what to expect from each island.

North Island

The North Island is calm and filled with farmland, attractive beaches, volcanoes, and beautiful glowworm caves to explore. Families with kids who are interested in the Maori nation, caves, geysers, hobbits, and sulfur springs should consider visiting the North Island. For accommodation, Waiwhenua Farm Stay and River Side Park have excellent reviews for camping and decent cottages.

Why choose the North Island?

• Perfect if you have small children and don’t want to drive too much.
• If your children are too young for adventure sports but enjoy fun activities.
• If the children enjoy Lord of the Rings, then you must take them to the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour.
• If you want, relax on the beach and do a couple of water sports.
• 7-Day North Island Family Hobbits Holiday Package
• 10-Day North Island Family Holiday Package
• 14-Day North Island Family Adventure Holiday Package

South Island

The South Island is surrounded by the great Southern Alps. There are breathtaking mountains around every corner. Here you can see gorgeous turquoise lakes, fiords, glaciers, and braided rivers. If you are seeking adventure, the South Island offers kayaking, jet-boating, skiing, and hiking. Active teens will enjoy the variety of options available.

• 7-Day Essential South Island Family Package
• 7-Day South Island Family Must-Do Package
• 21-Day South Island Paradise Package

Canada

Canada is an absolutely stunning country and one of the most family-friendly countries you should visit with your kids. Families can explore the natural beauty from Niagara Falls to the Rocky Mountains, as well as 43 national parks. The top two places to visit are:

Banff National Park

If you and the family enjoy camping, hiking, and wildlife, then you must take a trip to Banff National Park, located at Improvement District No. 9, AB T0L, Canada. The park is part of the Rocky Mountains Park UNESCO World Heritage Site. Families can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, and skating. Enjoy the wildlife where you can see moose, grizzly bears, and more. Appreciate the natural beauty of mountains and the park’s lakes.

Niagara Falls

When visiting Canada, families must visit the majestic Niagara Falls. By taking the Niagara Skywheel or the Maid of the Mist boat tour, you can get up to the falls and be in awe of its natural beauty. 

Popular Tours:

• 14-day Family Canadian Adventure
• 7-day family Family Canoeing: Nisutlin River
• Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure from Vancouver

Spain

Spain is a wonderful destination and has plenty to offer for an exciting family vacation. The country boasts good food, friendly people, and fun attractions. Traveling to Spain allows you and your family to learn about a new culture and practice a new language. Spain is well known for its pristine sandy beaches that cater to families with children. Costa del Sol is a great beach where the kids can play games, go swimming, and take a boat trip along the coast. The museums are kid-friendly, and the tour guides get the kids involved by asking them questions and getting them to interact. Attending traditional festivals is another fun experience where families can learn more about Spain’s culture.

Popular Festivals

International Festival of the Wind in Valencia: This fun event will appeal to all; during the beginning of April, hundreds of kites soar the sky of the Malvarrosa beach.

El Calafell Family Weekend: The entire family will enjoy this festivity celebrated in May at Calafell (Tarragona) for a whole week. There are cooking classes for kids, water sports, storytelling, family obstacle courses, theater, and more.

Popular Tours

• 9-day Spanish Wonder (End Madrid)
• 9-day Spain Family Journey: Vibrant Cities and Artistic Icons Barcelona to Madrid
• Tenerife: Siam Park

Norway

Norway is an attractive country with many mountains; some have peaks so steep that no one has ever tried to climb them. Did you know that the northern lights, or aurora borealis, can be seen in Norway? What a beautiful sight that must be. One of the most family-friendly countries you should visit with your kids is Norway. Can you imagine their faces seeing the northern lights? The best time to see the northern lights is between mid-September and early April. What a pleasure.

Popular destinations to visit with kids are Kristiansand and Southern Norway. Filled with superb islands, many attractions, and appealing beaches, this family-friendly country is one you should visit with your kids.

Popular Attractions

• Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park: This is a well-known tourist attraction that is not only a zoo with 100 different species but includes a water park and several unique accommodations. Guests flock through the gates and stay for two to four days to enjoy the experience and leave with magnificent, unforgettable memories.
• Hunderfossen Themepark: If you’re seeking a day of fun and family adventure, this themepark is sure to put smiles on everyone’s faces. As one of Norway’s most popular tourist attractions, you can spend the day enjoying over 60 rides such as rollercoasters, race carts, and water slides, experience 4D, a children’s farm, and much, much more. You will need two days to enjoy the Hunderfossen Themepark, a wonderful adventure for the whole family.

Popular Tours

• 9-Day Best of Norway
• 5-Day Fjord Norway Adventure Package
• 5-Day Arctic Adventure In Tromsø and Alta

South Africa

One of the most scenic countries to visit in the world with your kids is South Africa. The country has so much to offer in different provinces. With over 1000 travelers’ favorite destinations, your trip to South Africa will be an unforgettable and affordable one. Let’s take a look at popular destinations to visit in South Africa.

Cape Town

• Table Mountain: This famous South African landmark is known to be one of the oldest mountains in the world. It attracts locals and tourists from all around the globe. Legend has it that the tablecloth above the mountain is from when Jan Van Hunks smoked with a stranger and realized it was the Devil.
• Boulders Beach Penguin Colony: Located in Simons Town, here you can view a protected colony of African penguins living in their natural habitat.
• V&A Waterfront: This cultural and historical hub is one of Africa’s most visited destinations and is 123 hectares.

Kwa Zulu Natal (KZN)

• U Shaka Marine World: Located in Durban, KZN. This 16-hectare theme park includes eight attractions.

1. UShaka Wet ‘n Wild Water Park, which has the highest slide in Africa.
2. UShaka Sea World, which is the fifth largest aquarium in the world.
3. UShaka Sea Animal Encounters Island
4. UShaka Beach
5. UShaka Village Walk
6. UShaka Kids World
7. UShaka Dangerous Creatures
8. Chimp & Zee

• Moses Mabhida Stadium: Adventure seekers can try out the SkyCar ride or walk 500 steps up to the sky platform. The world’s only stadium, Big Swing, can be found at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. There are a variety of shops and restaurants too.
• Drakensberg Mountains: View the beautiful landscape of South Africa’s highest mountains, ranging up to 11,422 ft. There are many resorts within the area, and you can learn a lot about South African culture and the country’s heritage.