Best Places to Travel with Toddlers: Expert-Approved Destinations for Stress-Free Family Adventures

Key takeaways

Having toddlers doesn't have to mean staying home until they're older. The right destinations can turn family trips into magical adventures rather than stressful experiences. From theme parks designed with little ones in mind to beaches with gentle waves and cities packed with interactive museums, there are many places around the world that welcome families with open arms.

Some of the best places to travel with toddlers are family-friendly destinations like Orlando, San Diego, Copenhagen, and Barcelona that offer age-appropriate attractions, excellent safety records, and infrastructure designed for families with young children. Consider your travel style, budget, and toddler's comfort level when choosing between domestic and international options.

Popular destinations

• Orlando, Florida: Theme parks designed for little ones with changing stations and kid menus everywhere.
• San Diego, California: Perfect weather year-round with gentle beaches and the world-famous zoo.
• Copenhagen, Denmark: Bike-friendly city with incredible playgrounds and nearby Legoland.
• Barcelona, Spain: Beach city with amazing parks where Spanish culture naturally includes children.
• Tokyo, Japan: Family-friendly with clean facilities and respectful culture toward kids.
• Washington, DC: Free world-class museums that make learning feel like playing.

Other considerations

• Budget: Domestic destinations like Asheville and Atlanta offer great value; international options like Costa Rica provide affordable family adventures.
• Language: English-speaking destinations like London and Australia eliminate communication barriers for parents.
• Activities: For beaches, choose San Diego or Riviera Maya; for culture, try Barcelona or Tokyo; for adventure, consider Costa Rica.
• First-timers: Orlando, San Diego, and Washington, DC, are perfect starter destinations; experienced family travelers might enjoy international options like Copenhagen or Singapore.

Best places to travel with toddlers in the US

1. Orlando, Florida

Orlando is basically made for toddlers. Disney's Magic Kingdom and Universal Studios' infrastructure caters to families. Everything from restaurants to hotels to transportation is built with kids in mind. The weather is consistently warm, pools are plentiful, and you'll find changing stations, high chairs, and kid menus everywhere.

• Main airport: Orlando International Airport (MCO)
• Why it's perfect for families: Designed with families in mind, Orlando offers gentle rides, character meet-and-greets, and an abundance of amenities like changing stations and high chairs.
• Main attractions: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Universal's Islands of Adventure, Disney Springs
• Average Going deal: $157 roundtrip 
• Budget: $$$
• Ideal season to travel: October–April for comfortable weather and smaller crowds
• Ideal ages: 2–4 years

2. San Diego, California

San Diego combines the best of city and beach life with year-round perfect weather that makes outdoor activities always an option. The San Diego Zoo is world-famous for good reason. Balboa Park is like a toddler theme park with multiple museums, playgrounds, and open spaces for running around. 

• Main airport: San Diego International Airport (SAN)
• Why it's perfect for families: It combines city and beach life with year-round perfect weather, gentle waves, and family-friendly attractions.
• Main attractions: San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, La Jolla beaches, SeaWorld, Coronado Beach
• Average Going deal: $191 roundtrip
• Budget: $$
• Ideal season to travel: Year-round, with spring and fall offering perfect temperatures
• Ideal ages: 2–5 years

3. Washington, DC

DC is like a living history classroom. The Smithsonian museums are free, many are highly interactive, and the metro system makes getting around with strollers surprisingly easy. Plus, most attractions offer family facilities. 

• Main airport: Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
• Why it's perfect for families: It offers free, interactive museums, a stroller-friendly environment, and educational experiences.
• Main attractions: National Zoo, Air and Space Museum, Natural History Museum, National Mall
• Average Going deal: $164 roundtrip
• Budget: $
• Ideal season to travel: March–May and September–November for comfortable weather
• Ideal ages: 2–5 years

4. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville offers mountain adventure perfect for families. The mild climate allows for year-round outdoor activities, from easy hiking trails to river tubing designed for families. Plus, it's a great introduction to mountain environments without extreme elevation or weather challenges.

• Main airport: Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
• Why it's perfect for families: It provides mountain adventures with easy hiking trails, river tubing, and a welcoming atmosphere for children.
• Main attractions: Blue Ridge Parkway, river tubing, downtown play areas, easy hiking trails
• Average Going deal: $203 roundtrip
• Budget: $
• Ideal season to travel: April–October for best weather and outdoor activities
• Ideal ages: 3–6 years

5. Maui, Hawaii

Maui provides that tropical experience with infrastructure that actually works for families with small children. The beaches have gentle waves, the resorts offer excellent kids' clubs, and the flight from the West Coast is manageable for toddlers. The island culture is inherently family-friendly, and activities like snorkeling at Molokini Crater or driving the Road to Hana provide adventure that toddlers can handle. 

• Main airport: Kahului Airport (OGG)
• Why it's perfect for families: It offers gentle beaches, family-friendly resorts, and cultural experiences suitable for young children.
• Main attractions: Maui Ocean Center aquarium, gentle snorkeling spots, easy waterfall hikes, beach activities
• Average Going deal: $377 roundtrip
• Budget: $$$
• Ideal season to travel: April–May and September–November for fewer crowds and good weather
• Ideal ages: 2–5 years

6. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston combines American history with incredible walkability and family-friendly attractions. The Freedom Trail is perfect for toddlers who love scavenger hunt-esque activities, and the Children's Museum is specifically designed for their age group. The city's compact size means there are short distances between attractions, and there are also plenty of parks for running around when museum attention spans run out.

• Main airport: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
• Why it's perfect for families: It combines American history with walkability, family-friendly attractions, and educational experiences.
• Main attractions: Boston Children's Museum, New England Aquarium, Freedom Trail, Boston Common
• Average Going deal: $185 roundtrip
• Budget: $$
• Ideal season to travel: April–October for comfortable walking weather
• Ideal ages: 3–6 years

7. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago's lakefront location provides beach activities right in a major city, while attractions like Navy Pier and Lincoln Park Zoo are specifically designed with families in mind. Millennium Park and Grant Park provide outdoor space for toddler energy, while the Architecture River Tour offers a unique city experience that even little ones enjoy.

• Main airport: Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Why it's perfect for families: It offers beach activities, family-friendly attractions, and a diverse food scene.
• Main attractions: Navy Pier, Lincoln Park Zoo, Millennium Park, architecture tours, North Avenue Beach
• Latest Going deal: $149 roundtrip
• Budget: $$
• Ideal season to travel: May–September for warm weather and outdoor activities
• Ideal ages: 3–6 years

8. Seattle, Washington

Seattle's family-friendly culture shows in everything from coffee shops with play areas to the incredible Children's Museum. The nearby mountains and water offer easy outdoor adventures. Plus, the city's mild climate makes it comfortable year-round.

• Main airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
• Why it's perfect for families: It offers family-friendly culture, outdoor adventures, and a mild climate.
• Main attractions: Pacific Science Center, Woodland Park Zoo, Pike Place Market, ferry rides
• Average Going deal: $178 roundtrip
• Budget: $$
• Ideal season to travel: May–September for the driest weather
• Ideal ages: 3–6 years

9. Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta combines Southern hospitality with world-class attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta. The city's airport is a major hub, making it easy to reach from anywhere in the US, while the mild climate allows for year-round outdoor activities. The city's family-friendly restaurant scene means that finding good food that toddlers will eat is never a problem.

• Main airport: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Why it's perfect for families: It combines Southern hospitality with world-class attractions and a mild climate.
• Main attractions: Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park, Children's Museum of Atlanta
• Average Going deal: $158 roundtrip
• Budget: $$
• Ideal season to travel: March–May and September–November for comfortable weather
• Ideal ages: 3–6 years

10. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole provides mountain adventure in a setting that's manageable for families with toddlers. The town is compact and walkable, the scenery is breathtaking, and activities like the aerial tram and wildlife viewing work perfectly for short attention spans. In the winter, the town offers gentle ski slopes and cozy mountain lodge experiences. 

• Main airport: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
• Why it's perfect for families: It offers mountain adventures, wildlife viewing, and a small-town atmosphere.
• Main attractions: Jackson Hole Aerial Tram, National Elk Refuge, easy hiking trails, downtown town square
• Average Going deal: $262 roundtrip
• Budget: $$$
• Ideal season to travel: June–August for hiking, December–March for winter activities
• Ideal ages: 4–7 years

Best international places to travel with toddlers

1. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen might be the world's most toddler-friendly city. Danish culture prioritizes children, which shows in everything from bike lanes designed for family cycling to playgrounds that look like art installations. Plus, the original Legoland is just a short train ride away in Billund.

• Main airport: Copenhagen Airport (CPH)
• Why it's perfect for families: Copenhagen is renowned for its family-friendly infrastructure, including extensive bike lanes, numerous playgrounds, and a culture that prioritizes children's well-being.
• Main attractions: Tivoli Gardens, Legoland Billund, Nyhavn waterfront, and various interactive museums
• Average Going deal: $502 roundtrip
• Budget: $$$
• Ideal season to travel: May–September
• Ideal ages: 2–5 years

2. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona combines beach city relaxation with incredible architecture. Park Güell provides Gaudí architecture that looks like a fairytale playground, while the beaches offer gentle Mediterranean waves. Also, the city's walkability and excellent metro system make getting around with strollers easy.

• Main airport: Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN)
• Why it's perfect for families: Barcelona offers a blend of beach relaxation, architectural wonders, and a culture that embraces children in all aspects of life.
• Main attractions: Park Güell, Sagrada Familia, Ciutadella Park, and the city's beaches
• Average Going deal: $512 roundtrip
• Budget: $$
• Ideal season to travel: May–June and September–October
• Ideal ages: 2–6 years

3. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is family-friendly despite what you might expect from such a massive city. The public transportation is incredibly efficient and clean, facilities for families are excellent, and Japanese culture is very respectful of children. Japan is a cash-heavy society, so have yen on hand as many places don't accept cards. Language difficulties can be challenging, but patience and learning the basics can really help.

• Main airport: Haneda Airport (HND), Narita Airport (NRT)
• Why it's perfect for families: Tokyo is exceptionally clean, safe, and efficient, with attractions specifically designed for families.
• Main attractions: Tokyo Disneyland, Ueno Zoo, Sumida Aquarium, and various neighborhood playgrounds
• Average Going deal: $795 roundtrip
• Budget: $$$
• Ideal season to travel: March–May and September–November
• Ideal ages: 3–7 years

4. Costa Rica

Costa Rica provides incredible wildlife-viewing opportunities for toddlers, from sloths and monkeys to colorful birds, while beach resorts offer all-inclusive options that make logistics simple. The country's focus on ecotourism means many activities are educational and the perfect length for short attention spans. 

• Main airport: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
• Why it's perfect for families: Costa Rica offers eco-friendly adventures, wildlife viewing, and all-inclusive resorts tailored for families with young children.
• Main attractions: Wildlife viewing, gentle adventure activities, Manuel Antonio beaches, and ziplines 
• Average Going deal: $333 roundtrip
• Budget: $$
• Ideal season to travel: December–April
• Ideal ages: 2–6 years

5. London, England

London's incredible museums, many of which are free, provide indoor activities perfect for unpredictable weather, while the city's parks offer outdoor space when the weather cooperates. The language advantage makes everything easier, from ordering food to asking for directions.

• Main airport: Heathrow Airport (LHR)
• Why it's perfect for families: London's rich history, walkability, and abundance of family-friendly attractions make it an ideal destination for families with young children.
• Main attractions: Natural History Museum, Diana Memorial Playground, Tower of London, and Hyde Park
• Average Going deal: $544 roundtrip
• Budget: $$$
• Ideal season to travel: May–September
• Ideal ages: 3–7 years

6. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam's bike culture, incredible museums, and largely-English-speaking population make it nearly perfect for toddler travel. The city is flat and compact, making walking easy, while the canals provide constant visual interest for little ones. The city offers unique experiences like canal boat rides and interactive museums ideal for children.

• Main airport: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
• Why it's perfect for families: Amsterdam's compact size, bike culture, and family-oriented attractions make it an excellent choice for traveling with toddlers.
• Main attractions: Vondelpark, NEMO Science Museum, canal boat rides, and Artis Zoo
• Average Going deal: $528 roundtrip
• Ideal season to travel: April–September
• Ideal ages: 2–5 years

7. Santorini, Greece

Santorini provides that Instagram-worthy Greek island experience. Plus, Greek culture is incredibly welcoming to children, and the island's compact size means short distances between attractions and activities.

• Main airport: Santorini International Airport (JTR)
• Why it's perfect for families: Santorini offers stunning scenery, a relaxed island pace, and a culture that warmly welcomes children.
• Main attractions: Beautiful beaches, dramatic clifftop villages, boat trips, and amazing sunsets
• Average Going deal: $639 roundtrip
• Budget: $$
• Ideal season to travel: April–June and September–October
• Ideal ages: 3–6 years

8. Riviera Maya, Mexico

Mexico's Caribbean coast provides beach vacation perfection with many all-inclusive resorts that specialize in family travel. The proximity to the US makes flight times manageable, while the resort infrastructure means everything is designed with families in mind. Remember that the tourist card (FMM) is required at the border or airport for all visits.

• Main airport: Cancún International Airport (CUN)
• Why it's perfect for families: The Riviera Maya offers all-inclusive resorts with amenities tailored for families, along with beautiful beaches and cultural experiences.
• Main attractions: Beautiful beaches, Mayan ruins, eco-parks, and resort kids' clubs
• Latest Going deal: $338 roundtrip
• Budget: $$
• Ideal season to travel: November–April
• Ideal ages: 2–5 years

9. Singapore

Singapore is incredibly clean, safe, and efficient with attractions specifically designed for families. The city-state's compact size means there are short distances between attractions, while the tropical climate allows for year-round outdoor activities. Plus, English is widely spoken, and the healthcare system is world-class.

• Main airport: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
• Why it's perfect for families: Singapore is known for its cleanliness, safety, and efficiency, with numerous attractions designed specifically for families.
• Main attractions: Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Zoo, Sentosa Island, and Marina Bay Sands
• Average Going deal: $826 roundtrip
• Budget: $$$
• Ideal season to travel: Year-round
• Ideal ages: 3–7 years

10. Bali, Indonesia

Balinese culture has an affinity for children, and many resorts offer excellent kids' clubs and family-focused amenities. The time difference can actually work in your favor with toddler sleep schedules. Cultural experiences like temple visits and traditional performances can be engaging for young children as long as they’re respectful, while beach activities provide relaxation for parents.

• Main airport: Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)
• Why it's perfect for families: Bali combines tropical paradise with good infrastructure for families, offering cultural experiences and beach relaxation.
• Main attractions: Beautiful beaches, cultural experiences, resort amenities, and gentle adventure activities
• Average Going deal: $841 roundtrip
• Budget: $$
• Ideal season to travel: April–September
• Ideal ages: 2–5 years

What makes a destination perfect for toddlers?

Age-appropriate activities and attractions

Toddlers thrive on interactive experiences that match their developmental stage. The best destinations offer hands-on museums, zoos, aquariums, playgrounds, and outdoor spaces where little ones can safely run and explore. Simple, engaging activities like splashing in tide pools, feeding animals, or participating in cooking classes keep toddlers interested and are great for short attention spans, while more passive experiences like art galleries or historical sites may be too slow-paced for them.

Safety and accessibility features

Family-friendly destinations prioritize safety and convenience. Prioritize stroller-accessible sidewalks and accommodations with childproofed rooms, high chairs, and changing tables. 

Travel duration and logistics

Flight time and time zones matter. Short flights (under 4 hours) are easiest, 4–6 hours require preparation, and long-haul trips over 6 hours are best for experienced travelers. Consider destinations with minimal time differences or favorable schedules, which make adjusting to new sleep patterns easier. Breaking up long trips with overnight stops can reduce stress and help everyone arrive more rested.

Healthcare access and family infrastructure

Reliable healthcare access provides peace of mind that's essential for family travel. Look for destinations with medical facilities accustomed to treating international travelers. Family infrastructure includes things like changing tables in public restrooms, high chairs in restaurants, stroller accessibility in public transport, and other kinds of accommodations designed with families in mind.

Weather and seasonal considerations

Predictable, mild weather reduces travel stress significantly. Destinations with extreme weather, rainy seasons, or unpredictable conditions can turn family trips into challenging experiences rather than enjoyable adventures. Consider seasonal factors like hurricane seasons, monsoons, or extreme temperatures that could limit activities or create safety concerns with young children.

Essential tips for traveling with toddlers

Flight and transportation strategies

Choose flights that work with toddlers’ natural schedules. Mid-morning departures tend to be easiest, while very early or late flights can be stressful. Aisle seats make bathroom trips simpler and give a bit more space for fidgety little travelers.

Pack strategically with a mix of small new toys, favorite snacks, and downloaded shows or apps, if applicable. Coloring books, stickers, and small puzzles offer screen-free entertainment. For long international trips, consider breaking up travel with overnight stops; the extra hotel cost can be worth the reduced stress and better rest.

Accommodation choices that matter

Location is often more important than luxury when the little ones are in tow. Stay close to major attractions or near public transport to minimize transit stress. Vacation rentals with kitchens allow for flexible meals and snack prep, while hotels with pools provide built-in entertainment and backup plans for rainy days. Always request family-friendly rooms with cribs, high chairs, or childproofing when available.

Packing and planning essentials

Bring plenty of snacks (including familiar comfort foods) along with a small first-aid kit containing toddler medications, a thermometer, and your pediatrician’s contact info. Know local emergency numbers and healthcare facilities. Plan shorter sightseeing days with built-in breaks, playground stops, and indoor backup activities in case of weather changes or toddler meltdowns.

Look for discounted flights

Setting up flight alerts for multiple destinations allows you to be flexible about timing and destination. This is where Going becomes key for planning. Our flight alerts can save families hundreds or even thousands on international trips, making destinations that seemed out of reach suddenly affordable. 

Summing it up: toddler-friendly adventures

Traveling with toddlers opens up a completely different style of travel: slower-paced, more flexible, and focused on experiences that engage their natural curiosity and energy. The destinations that work best aren't always the most glamorous or adventurous—they're places designed to work with toddler rhythms and interests.

Whether you choose domestic destinations like Orlando and San Diego or venture farther afield to places like Copenhagen and Barcelona, the key is matching your destination to your family's comfort level and your toddler's interests. With smart planning, realistic expectations, and help finding cheap flights from Going, family travel with toddlers can create those precious early travel memories.