Think “family vacation” and your mind probably jumps straight to Disney parks, cruise ships and all-inclusive resorts. They’re popular for good reason — but if you’re after something a little more unique, a little more adventurous, here are five destinations you might not have considered for your next family trip.
#1. Patagonia
Patagonia, the vast and dramatic region spanning Argentina and Chile, has long drawn adventurous travellers — and it’s increasingly winning over families too. The draw is simple: jaw-dropping natural beauty paired with a huge range of outdoor activities.
Think snow-capped mountains, flower-filled meadows, glaciers and wildlife that kids will talk about for years. The local tourism sector has also worked to make the region more accessible for children, with plenty of family-friendly tours available, from gentle horse riding to boat trips suited to different ages.
You’ll find useful planning information on the Patagonia Argentina website.
#2. South Africa
Ask any child their favourite animal and you’ll likely hear lions, giraffes or elephants somewhere in the top five. Now imagine showing them the real thing.
Africa as a family destination can feel daunting if you’ve never been, which makes South Africa a great starting point. It offers beautiful beaches, warm weather and safari experiences where those favourite animals come to life — often at a more accessible price point than other long-haul family holidays.
There’s plenty of helpful information on the South African Tourism website.
Recommended Reading: 10 of the Coolest and Best Vacation Spot for Kids
#3. Hong Kong
One of the most underrated family destinations out there, Hong Kong rewards travellers willing to take on the long-haul flight. It’s a vibrant, exciting city that turns out to be surprisingly child-friendly, with plenty of standout attractions. A helpful bonus: street and subway signage is in English as well as Chinese, a legacy of British rule, which makes getting around much easier.
Don’t miss the Star Ferry crossing from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island, followed by the funicular railway ride up to Victoria Peak for sweeping views over the city. Time an evening ferry crossing right and you’ll also catch the choreographed light show performed nightly by the harbourside skyscrapers. Leave at least a full day in your itinerary for Hong Kong Disneyland too.
Staying in Kowloon puts you right in the heart of the city’s energy — it can feel intense for the first day or two, but once you find your bearings it’s an easy place to enjoy with kids. One tip worth knowing: Kowloon Park has an outdoor swimming pool that children love.
Recommended Reading: 10 Awesome Things to Do In Hong Kong with Kids
#4. Las Vegas, Nevada
Yes, really — Las Vegas. Beyond its reputation as an adults-only destination, it can be a genuinely fun family base. The city is packed with child-friendly activities and, despite its scale, is easy to navigate and get around.
Many hotels also cater well to families, with amenities such as child-safe pools and babysitting services on offer. Kids tend to love spotting mini replicas of world landmarks along the Strip, from the Eiffel Tower to floating Venetian-style gondolas — turning a Vegas trip into a whistle-stop tour of the world in miniature.
It’s also worth knowing the Grand Canyon is within day-trip reach of the city, making it easy to combine your Vegas stay with one of the world’s great natural wonders.
You’ll find more ideas on the Las Vegas Kids website.
Recommended Reading: 10 More of the Coolest and Best Vacation Spots for Kids
#5. Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro made global headlines when it hosted the Olympic Games, and the city has continued to draw family travellers ever since. Beyond the Games, what keeps families coming back are the beautiful beaches, endless activities, and lush tropical forest just a short trip from the city centre, home to colourful birds and wildlife.
Brazilians are famously family-oriented, which makes travelling with kids easy — expect a warm welcome at most restaurants, with high chairs readily available. For more ideas on planning your trip, the Lonely Planet website is a useful starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these destinations suitable for young children, or better suited to older kids?
It varies. South Africa’s safaris and Rio’s beaches tend to work well across a wide age range, while the long flights to Hong Kong or Patagonia are usually easier with children who can handle a longer journey. Consider your children’s age and travel stamina when choosing.
Do I need to plan a long trip to make these destinations worthwhile?
Given the travel time involved in reaching most of these places, they suit a longer holiday of at least a week or two, so you have time to settle in and enjoy the destination rather than spending most of your trip travelling.
Which of these is the easiest starting point for a first “unexpected” family holiday?
South Africa and Las Vegas are often the more approachable options for families new to adventurous travel, thanks to family-friendly infrastructure and well-established tourist information. Hong Kong, Patagonia and Rio reward a bit more planning but are equally rewarding.
Do any of these destinations require special preparation, like vaccinations or visas?
Requirements vary by destination and by your home country, and can change over time. Check official government travel advice and your GP or travel clinic well before booking to confirm what applies to your family.
Related Articles
- 10 of the Coolest and Best Vacation Spots for Kids
- 10 Awesome Things to Do In Hong Kong with Kids
- 10 More of the Coolest and Best Vacation Spots for Kids
Save These Ideas for Later
Not ready to book just yet? Bookmark this page or save it to your travel wishlist board, and come back to it when you’re ready to start planning your next family adventure.
Want More Travel Inspiration Like This?
Sign up for the MyKidsTime newsletter for a regular dose of family travel ideas, days out, competitions and offers — straight to your inbox, and always free. We’d also love it if you shared this article with any family or friends planning their next trip.
