TOP FAMILY DESTINATIONS IN NORTH AMERICA

BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL WITH KIDS IN CANADA & THE U.S.

Is your home buzzing with wanderlust? Good news! You don’t have to splurge on faraway locales to have the family trip of a lifetime. We’ve compiled the best kid-friendly destinations in North America ideal for all types of families.

Theme Park Enthusiasts

Orlando

If it’s thrills you and your lil’ ones are looking for, there’s no beating the Theme Park Capital of the World. Home to the magic of the Walt Disney World Resort and the wizardry of the Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando weaves unforgettable family memories around the world’s best attractions, from Toy Story Land and Epcot to Hogwarts and Jurassic Park.

Anaheim, California

If you prefer Disney with a side of Californian coastline, then Anaheim’s just the spot. Built in 1955, Disneyland is the original amusement park designed by Walt Disney himself. Star Wars fans big and small, alert all commands, because this is also where you’ll find the intergalactic playground that is Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (also found in Orlando!). Its stellar new attractions take you to a galaxy far, far away…

Pro-tip: Between rides, try and make time for a day trip to nearby Los Angeles. Kids will love the city’s family-friendly activities, like the space exhibit at the Griffith Observatory, the Los Angeles Zoo or Santa Monica Pier.
 

Beach Breakers

Hawaii

With their epic landscapes and friendly, laid-back towns, the Hawaiian Islands incite you to bring your ohana (family). On Oahu, famous Waikiki Beach is not only picture-perfect, but also fit for the fam with tons of water-bound activities available, from snorkelling to boat trips. The natural wading pool of adorably named Baby Beach over on Maui also makes it an ideal beach destination for water babies of all ages.

The Maritimes

Breathtaking beaches tucked into dreamy landscapes might be closer than you think: on Canada’s Atlantic coast! Try the Singing Sands Beach in PEI’s Basin Head National Park or the beaches of New Brunswick’s Hopewell Rocks park with its impressive views of the Bay of Fundy. Accompanied by small surf aficionados? Bring them to Nova Scotia’s Lawrencetown Beach, just under an hour from Halifax and boasting calm waves perfect for all levels!
 

ATLANTIC QUEBEC

Off the coast of Quebec, the Îles de la Madeleine is a welcoming archipelago for all ages. Explore gorgeous red-cliff beaches, savour delicious cuisine, and let the friendly locals charm your little ones with stories! If they love the coast at a young age, Gaspésie is also a great family destination—Kids will love spotting the northern gannets populating Bonaventure Island!
 

Nature Lovers

Banff & Jasper national parks

Canada’s picture-perfect backyard is bound to impress tiny tree huggers. Two of Canada’s best national parks, Banff and Jasper, promote playtime outdoors during all seasons. Winter calls for hitting the slopes by ski, tube or toboggan, while summer should be saved for hiking, canoeing and taking family pics with the most Insta-worthy, envy-inducing backdrops.

Vancouver Island

Eagles, sea lions, otters, and orca whales—venture to Vancouver Island and you’ll definitely expand your children’s wildlife expertise. After all, BC is the Canadian province with the largest variety of animal species and Vancouver Island is one of the best places to see them all in their natural habitat, from bear-watching in Ucluelet to whale-watching and seal-spotting off the coast of Campbell River.

FAMILY ROAD TRIP

Nothing like sharing the freedom of the open road with your family and there’s no better place to do it than right here, across our beautiful country! Check out our Best Road Trips in Canada travel guide to get inspired and discover our RV Experiences packages for truly unique adventures they’ll never forget.
 

City Slickers

Eastern Canada

There’s plenty to see and do in Canada’s eastern cities. Your crew of Canucks can find winter family fun in Quebec City with the Winter Carnival and in Ottawa with ice skating on the Rideau Canal. Meanwhile, there’s nothing like summers in Montreal where outdoor festivals await around the Old Port and downtown. You could also take on Toronto to geek out at the Ontario Science Centre or plan a family picnic after stocking up at the St. Lawrence Market.

American Favourites

Cross off top American cities from your kids’ travel bucket list (gotta start young!). Let the bright lights of Times Square or the Museum of Natural History’s dinosaurs dazzle them in New York City. Take them out to a ball game at Boston’s Fenway Park or Chicago’s Wrigley Field. Get them in a Golden State of mind and plan a fam trip to California: San Francisco (they’ll love the San Francisco Zoo and Fisherman’s Wharf!) or San Diego. Of course, for more fun in the American sun, read our full travel guide on the best family-friendly cities in Florida!

What’s Next

Like most family trips, it’s never too early to start planning! If you need more inspiration for your vacay, check out all our North American destinations destined to thrill every family member: in Canada or the United States. Plus, add family activities to any vacation thanks to Get Your Guide!