One of the questions I get asked the most is “What is your favorite country to visit with kids?” This is a very tough question, because truthfully, every single country we’ve visited as a family has been the best country we’ve visited.
Every time we visit a new country, there is always an amazing memory we hold dear to our hearts that leaves us feeling like it is the best country we’ve visited. And then we visit the next country, and suddenly we are like, “Wait, it’s this one for sure! This is our favorite country.”
That is what makes choosing the best things to do in the world with kids so exciting: every destination offers a different family memory.
What are the best things to do in the world with kids?
1. Walk along the Great Wall of China.
2. See the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
3. Ride through Havana in a classic car.
4. Explore Phuket and the Phi Phi Islands.
5. Road-trip through New Zealand’s natural landscapes.
These are five of our favorite things to do in the world with kids from the destinations included in this post.
The Best Countries To Visit With Kids In The World
What Countries Have We Been To?
We have been to over 56 countries so far (June 2024) as a family and have really enjoyed visiting every single one of them.
We usually travel as a family of three (my husband, Aiden, and me). Sometimes, I take Aiden by myself, like the time we spent a month in Asia and also the time when we visited Egypt.
We have also traveled as a family of two, three, four, five, six, and even seven, including my sister and nieces and nephews; like that one time that we visited Paris, London, and Stockholm for Christmas.
Tips For Traveling Around The World
There is no special formula for our trips, other than:
- We go wherever is cheap and only to places we can afford to visit.
- Usually, we wait till there is a fare sale or error fare, or search for the cheapest place to fly to using Skyscanner.
- We fly budget airlines or any airline as long as it is a good deal. We’ve flown Ryanair from London to Italy for about $12 a person. Can’t beat such a price.
- We stay in hostels as needed so that we can stretch our dollars. YES – contrary to popular belief as well as the movie Hostels, there are plenty of family-friendly hostels all over the world.
- If we decide to book a hotel room, it is usually super budget-friendly.
- We don’t always pay for excursions or tour guides so we can explore on our own and save money.
- Travel insurance is always a good idea for more expensive flights and trips, but not always necessary.
- When exploring international destinations, it’s important to keep your ID/passport, debit cards, and credit cards close. You don’t want to be stranded somewhere without these essential items.
- Traveling solo? No problem. Just keep in mind that groups (like families) tend to provide a bit more safety, so always take care.
“If people live there, then there will be something for us to do there”
Karen Akpan, The Mom Trotter
Below are a few blog posts to guide you as you plan your trips. In these blogs, you’ll find more of my top travel tips:
Start with my Ultimate Guide to Traveling Internationally With Kids when planning things to do in the world with kids for the first time.
- How To Save Money On Flights
- Family Friendly Hostels Around The World
- How To Plan A Trip To Any Country In The World
- Best Websites To Find Cheap Flights & Error Fares
- Tips On How To Make Travel Affordable For Families
I have listed the countries below, separated by continent so it is easy to find, and I have also linked each country to the blog post that corresponds with it so that you can read it and make an informed decision on where to take your children to.
How many days do you need in the world with kids?
1. Minimum trip: 5–7 days in one destination.
2. Ideal trip: 10–14 days for a relaxed pace.
3. Day 1 focus: Rest, adjust, and explore locally.
4. Day 2 focus: Visit one major family attraction.
5. Extra time: Add a day trip or second city.
There is no single trip length for the whole world, but this structure gives families enough time to settle in, enjoy the destination, and avoid rushing children through every activity.
Benefits Of Traveling The World
Tons of family bonding time!
If you know me, then you know I LOVE spending quality time with my family. After all, that is one of the main reasons we moved into our RV – to spend more time together. When travelling the world with your family, there are so many opportunities to spend quality time together and make those forever-type memories. Travelling the world is also a great opportunity to meet new people, bond, and learn from other families travelling.
Promotes greater cultural education.
As a parent, one of the things I try to instill most is cultural education. And travelling the world is one of the best ways to broaden your horizons, as well as the horizons of your children. There is something about actually seeing and living within other cultures that does so much more for children than simply reading or watching a cultural book or movie (although those things are important as well)
Teaches everyone in the family to become more adaptable and resilient.
Family vacations don’t always go exactly to plan, amiright? And, depending on the country you’re visiting, sometimes we don’t have all the luxuries that we are usually provided in the United States. A quick change of plans and/or a lack of some amenities provide a great opportunity for EVERYONE in the family to learn how to be more adaptable and resilient. Both of which tend to breed more empathy, patience, and knowledge about the world in general. Especially in children, but in adults as well.
Encourages positive and safe risk-taking.
There are few places you can get in life without taking at least a few risks. Travelling, experiencing new cultures, stepping out of your comfort zone, and learning to navigate new places encourage risk-taking, but in the best way. Through these experiences, children can learn how to take positive and safe risks, and learn to better navigate this crazy thing called life. The better your children are at making safe and informed risks, the better off they will be!
Ignites imagination, creativity, and sense of adventure.
One of the best benefits of travelling the world is that feeling you get…you know the one! The one that inspires you, motivates you, and reminds you what life is all about. And sharing that feeling with your children is one of the best feelings in the world. More on creativity in children, and how this type of mental growth can be a health benefit, here.
Continents
There are 7 continents in the world: North America, South America, Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia, and Antarctica.
So far, we have been to five continents, so we have two more to go to be able to say that we have officially visited every continent.
Below, I will only be listing the countries that we have visited. I plan to add to this list as we continue to travel the world. If you see an * by the country, that means that we’ve been there, but I haven’t written a blog post on it yet.
Use the continent sections below to compare things to do in the world with kids based on places our family has personally visited.
North America
North America is made up of 23 countries and 9 dependent territories. You can read more about each country here.
The most visited countries by tourists in North America are the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada.
North America offers some of the easiest things to do in the world with kids, including national parks, beaches, road trips, and city breaks.
United States Of America
- Family Goal To Visit All 50 US States
- 26 Best Things To Do With Kids In The USA
- Utah National Parks Road Trip + Southwest Road Trip
Canada
Mexico
- Los Cabos – Mother’s Day Trip
- Los Cabos – Baecation / Couples Trip
- Los Cabos – Best All Inclusive Resorts in Baja Del Sur
- Puerto Vallarta – Things To Do In Puerto Vallarta With Kids
- Puerto Vallarta – Best Restaurants In Puerto Vallarta
- Cancun – Things To Do In Cancun
- 5 Reasons I Will Never Visit Mexico Again
Cuba
Costa Rica*
The Bahamas*
Panama*
Jamaica
Dominican Republic
- 5 Reasons To Visit Royalton Punta Cana Dominican Resort
- Things To Do In The Dominican Republic With Or Without Kids
Aruba
South America
South America is composed of a total of 12 independent countries and 3 dependent territories. You can read more about South America here.
The most visited countries by tourists in South America are Brazil, Argentina, and Peru.
Chile*
Peru
Colombia
- Things To Do In Colombia With Or Without Kids
Europe
Europe is composed of 44 countries and 4 dependencies, also known as territories. It’s also divided into Northern, Eastern, Western and Southern Europe. You can read more about each country and territory here.
The most visited countries by tourists in Europe are France, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom and Germany.
Europe has many things to do in the world with kids, from historic landmarks and museums to train journeys between family-friendly cities.
France*
Denmark
Italy
Spain
United Kingdom*
Sweden*
Africa
Africa is made up of 54 countries and 4 dependencies, also known as territories. You can read more about Africa here.
The most visited countries by tourists in Africa are Morocco, South Africa, Egypt, and Tunisia. Africa includes unforgettable things to do in the world with kids, such as visiting the Sahara Desert, exploring historic castles, and seeing the Pyramids of Giza.
Morocco
Nigeria
Ghana
Cameroon
Egypt
Senegal
Asia
Asia is the largest continent and is made up of 48 countries and 3 dependencies, also known as territories.
You can read more about Asia here. The most visited countries by tourists in Asia are China, India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Turkey. Asia offers some of the most varied things to do in the world with kids, including temples, islands, city landmarks, markets, and cultural experiences.
United Arab Emirates
- Fun Things To Do In Abu Dhabi With Kids
- Most Memorable Things To Do In Dubai With Kids
- 15 + Things To Know Before Traveling To The United Arab Emirates
The Maldives
- The Maldives: Lti Maafushivaru Maldives Resort Review
- How To Plan A Trip To The Maldives With A Stopover In Abu Dhabi or Dubai
China
- Guangzhou – Things To Do In Guangzhou
- Beijing – 23 Hour Layover In Beijing
- Beijing – 10 Hour Layover In Beijing
Lao
Japan*
Singapore
Thailand
Cambodia
Taiwan
Vietnam*
Australia
Australia, or Oceania as it was referred to before, is made up of 14 independent countries and 12 dependencies also known as territories. You can read more about each country and territory here.
Popular destinations across Oceania include Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and French Polynesia.
Oceania adds more outdoor things to do in the world with kids, including beaches, geothermal areas, wildlife experiences, and scenic road trips.
New Zealand
- Rotorua
- Waiheke Island
- Coromandel Peninsula
- Hot Water Beach, New Zealand
- New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary
@themomtrotter 👋🏾 Kia Ora New Zealand So happy to be back in New Zealand again for the 2nd time. The first time we visited, was for A’s 5th birthday. I caught an error fare for like $300 RT from LA & we decided to make that his birthday trip! We rented a car & explored. We also rented a car this time but we didn’t do as much. Official Country Name – New Zealand Official Language – English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language Currency – New Zealand Dollars (NZD) $1 USD = $1.69 NZD Capital – Wellington ❓How Did We Get Here We flew from Sydney, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand on a 3hr flight on Air Asia for $130 each. 🇳🇿 Fun facts about New Zealand – New Zealand is the third-closest country in the world to Antarctica. – In 1893, New Zealand became the first nation to grant women the right to vote. – There is only 5% human population in New Zealand and the rest of the inhabitants, i.e. 95% are animals. – New Zealand recognizes English, Maori, & NZ Sign Language as its 3 official languages. – New Zealand was the first Asia-Pacific country to make same-sex marriage legal. – New Zealand is the least corrupt country in the world (on par with Denmark), based on the Corruption Perception Index. – New Zealand has a hill with the worlds longest name Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu. – There are 5 sheep for every resident. – New Zealand lamb is considered some of the best in the world. – The kiwi fruit is native to New Zealand, & it is one of the country’s most famous exports. – The Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand, and their culture is an important part of the country’s identity. – Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand. – New Zealand is famous for being the filming location of the Lord of the Rings movies. – New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy in which King Charles III is the head of state, while a prime minister serves as the head of government. ➡️ Where’s my New Zealand family at? Tell me something about your country? To everyone else, have you been to New Zealand? ….. #TheMomTrotterNewZealand #travelnewzealand #visitnewzealand ♬ original sound – themomtrotter Kay 🥰
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in the World with Kids
1. Is the world safe for families with kids?
The world is not equally safe everywhere, so families should assess each destination separately. Check current travel advisories, local laws, health notices, transportation risks, and insurance coverage before booking. Carry the required documents for minors, keep emergency contacts accessible, and adjust plans if conditions change before or during the trip.
2. When is the best time to visit the world with kids?
The best time depends on the destination, weather, school schedule, and family budget. Shoulder seasons often provide milder weather, smaller crowds, and lower prices than peak periods. Check whether your destination has monsoon, hurricane, wildfire, or extreme-heat seasons before choosing dates, especially when planning outdoor activities with younger children.
3. How expensive is the world for a family?
The cost varies widely by destination, trip length, airfare, accommodation, and travel style. Families can reduce expenses by following fare sales, using public transportation, staying in family-friendly hostels or budget hotels, limiting paid excursions, and choosing countries where everyday costs suit their budget. Build a complete estimate before booking.
4. What age is best for visiting the world?
There is no single best age for international family travel. Babies may be easier to carry, school-age children can understand more of what they see, and teenagers can participate in complex activities. The right age depends on the itinerary, pace, health needs, and each child’s ability to handle long travel days.
In the end, the best things to do in the world with kids are the experiences that fit your children’s ages, your family’s budget, and the destination you are excited to explore together.
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find the best flight deals with Skyscanner. It searches airlines and travel sites around the world so you can compare routes, schedules, and prices in one place.
Book Your Accommodation
Book family-friendly hotels, apartments, resorts, and vacation rentals with Booking.com. It’s an easy way to compare accommodations and find the right fit for your family and budget.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can help protect your trip in case of unexpected delays, cancellations, lost luggage, or medical emergencies. Before your next international trip, check Nomad Insurance for coverage options.
Want to Travel for Free?
Travel credit cards can help you earn points and miles that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. Check out my recommended travel credit card resources to start making your travel budget go further.
Need a Rental Car?
Use Discover Cars to compare rental car options and find competitive rates worldwide. It’s a simple way to compare prices and find the best option for your trip.
Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
Viator makes it easy to discover tours, attractions, day trips, and local experiences. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities or unique adventures, you’ll find plenty of options to enhance your trip.
Shopping for Travel Essentials?
From packing organizers and travel gear to family travel must-haves, you can find many of my favorite travel essentials on Amazon.
Ready to Book Your Trip?
If you’d like extra support planning your next adventure, explore curated travel experiences through Rooted Journeys, where we help families discover meaningful and memorable travel experiences around the world.
