Family Vacation Ideas-Take the Best Family Vacation for Your Family

Ranked #554 in Travel & Places, #24,051 overall

Where should I take my family on vacation?

The best family vacation ideas stem from what you love. If you are wondering where to take a family vacation discover the best family vacation ideas suggested by vacationers around the world. Please take some time to suggest your best family vacation ideas before you leave to help others in their quest for some great family fun this vacation season.

Whether you take your family on a fun and exciting Disney vacation, a Caribbean cruise to bask in the summer sun, or even a simple trip to the back yard with a tent and a couple of flashlights family vacations can be a memorable experience that you and your kids will remember forever.

I was fortunate to have a family that loved to vacation together - well at least until my brother and I hit our teen years and it wasn't "cool" to spend time with the family. But those years passed and we found out that our family wasn't so bad after all, and those great family vacations we took while growing up really shaped who I am today.

If you are looking for the best family vacation ideas you've come to the right place, well that is quite the grand claim to have the Best Family Vacation Ideas, so let's just say some pretty darn good family vacation ideas. I'll share with you some of the family vacations I loved growing up as well as highlight some family vacations that you may enjoy as well - like those African safaris and Caribbean cruises perhaps. (I'm still hoping for one of those some day!) And don't forget you can even add your own family vacation ideas to the lists - so come on in and have some fun!

National Parks and Camping

A summer family vacation idea sure to please the outdoor adventurer

Some of the best family vacations I remember involved, a warm fire, a night full of stars, and of course S'mores! If you are looking for a cheap family vacation idea that doesn't take three months work to pay for camping is a sure fire bet. With thousands of beautiful, serene National Parks and campgrounds there is sure to be one (or most likely many) you'll quickly fall in love with.

Camping for me was one of the best family vacations, and really instilled in me a love for the outdoors, nature photography, and the sound of the wind rustling through Aspen trees. Just don't forget to leave the food in the car unless you care to meet a friendly family of bears.

Your Favorite Family Vacations Poll

Vote for your favorite family vacation

retweetWe all have our own ideas of what is the best family vacation, here is your chance to vote for yours. If your favorite family vacation idea is not listed suggest a new one below!

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Camping, My Best Family Vacation Pick

San Francisco and Yosemite National Park Adventure

Click for more information on this Amazing Camping Adventure in YosemiteOregon and California have some outstanding National Parks and campgrounds perfect for your next family vacation. Whether you enjoy beautiful Japanese Gardens, the most splendiferous waterfalls, or the spectacular Redwood forest the Oregon and California coast is one of my all time favorite travel destinations.

One of the best family vacations I have recently taken involved flying to San Francisco and driving up the California and Oregon coast. Take a look at this 3-Day Yosemite Camping Adventure from San Francisco. If you are new to camping this is a perfect way to get started as all camping gear is provided for you and the trip is fully guided. If you love pristine lakes, hiking through giant redwood forests and a relaxing swim right off your campsite this camping adventure is right up your alley - I just wish I could go with you!

Family Tent Reviews

Tents and camping gear you can't "bear" to be without

For your next camping trip with the family make sure the only moisture in the tent is a rag weed sneeze. Although that isn't very fun either - nor a pleasant image. Yuck! My apologies.

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Camping Tents for Sale

If you intend to brave the outdoors don't forget your tent!

Amazon has a fine selection of tents for sale for all your camping needs. I love to read their helpful buyer reviews to see just what "real" people like and dislike about each tent before I buy. For your next family camping vacation consider one of these fine tents from Amazon. Listed below are a couple of the best family tents on the market, rated by camping enthusiasts like you.
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State Parks, National Parks and Monuments

Great information on State and National Parks for your next family vacation

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Camping Secrets and Family Fun Ideas with RV Freedom

10 Steps You Need to Live the Ultimate RV Lifestyle

RV Freedom Now

The goal of RV Freedom Now is to help you make those all-important decisions so that when you drive off into the sunset you can do so knowing that everything will run like clockwork in your new life. It could take you years and countless hassles to figure out the right combinations to make your new life as joyous and stress-free as possible.

Now you can Learn from others who have 'been there, done that' and are still doing it.

RV Freedom Now is a must read if you and your family are looking to do some RV camping any time soon or make the transition to an RV lifestyle.

Best Price for Harry Potter World Tickets

or Universal Orlando Tickets, can they make it any more confusing?

Harry Potter World in Universal's Islands of AdventureWhen I was a kid we went on a few family vacations to Disney both in California and in Florida and it was nice and simple - you went to Disney or Universal Studios. Now though, as we are planning a trip to Orlando and I look for the best price for Disney tickets I find things have changed a bit since then. Now there are a billion and one new theme parks so buying tickets has become pretty confusing.

This time around we may not do the traditional Disney vacation but my sister is super excited to check out the new Harry Potter World (her friend went recently and said it was amazing!) So I've been looking into tickets to Harry Potter World and discovered that Universal studios has taken the term Super Size ME and run with it. If you haven't heard of Universal's Islands of Adventure theme parks check it out - I could build a whole page dedicated just to that it is so cool and huge!

Anyway Harry Potter World (officially called The Wizarding World of Harry Potter) is part of Universal's Islands of Adventure and I searched through several sites to find the best deal on tickets and came up with bestoforlando.com as, well, the best of Orlando. So if you are looking for Islands of Adventure Tickets try them and see if they still have the best price. (the site also has great deals on shows, attractions, hotels and more)

Ultimate Disney World Savings Guide 2012

Former Disney Cast member gives you her secrets to a cheeper Disney vacation

Disney World Saving Guide 2012

I stumbled across this money saving guide to Disney World vacations, (most likely Disneyland as well - one would imagine) written by Beth Haworth. Beth is a former Disney World cast member who is now a well traveled travel writer, and mother of three (I suppose if you weren't well traveled you wouldn't be a good travel writer - that's beside the point).

Beth's Ultimate Disney World Savings Guide is packed full of money saving tips and strategies for you to get the most vacation for the least amount of money. Which is what we all really want if we have the whole fam looking to have a memorable Disney vacation.

If you are thinking about taking the family on a Disney vacation any time soon you may want to check out her book. The Ultimate Disney World Savings Guide 2012.

Use the link above to find out her exclusive ticket discount code for big savings on online ticket purchases in the book - Shhhh, don't tell anyone...

Need a Moment of Peace and Quiet?

Try This 900 Page Disney Coloring Book

Disney Coloring BookIf you need something to keep your young kids busy on a long plane trip to Disney World how about coloring books. We always bring along plenty of activities to distract our kids on long flights and with this 900 page Disney Coloring Book it should give you a few moments of peace and quiet while they enjoy their favorite Disney characters.

Only $5
Comes in a Printable PDF Format

Add Your Best Family Vacation Ideas

Reader's suggestions: Your best family vacation ideas

Here is your chance, drum roll please.... Now you can add your best family vacation ideas! Wowza-mia you say how can I get started? Well, I'm glad you asked.

Just click the "Add to This List" button, and you can add your best family vacation idea. You can also "Grab this List" and put it on your own lens, site, or blog how fun is that? Oh, and the best part.... you can vote for your favorite family vacation idea as well!

Disney Vacation

Meet your Disney cartoon idol! That Disney magic i more...5 points

Cabin Rentals in Blue Ridge Georgia

Soak in the hot tub, have a glass of wine by the i more...4 points

Hawaiian Cruise

Our best family vacation was a cruise around the i more...3 points

Thailand Trip

The BEST holiday we had was traveling around Thail more...3 points

African Safari

I've always wanted to take an African safari, I lo more...2 points

Fire Making and Survival Skills for Families

Set in the Orkney Islands of Scotland, these courses more...2 points

Beautiful Lake Lanier - North Georgia

A great place to enjoy camping or cabins near a be more...2 points

Queenstown, New Zealand

Plenty of action packed fun for the the kids, set more...1 point

Camping with Hot Water

Renting a cabin out in the Rockies ( Even better i more...1 point

10

Drive the Oregon Coast

Fantastic scenery, great beaches and tons of fun. more...1 point

11

Astronomical Events

During the news blitz about the Perseid meteor shower more...1 point

12

San Antonio, Tx

Plenty to do and eat! LOTS of fun!1 point

13

Boston Freedom Trail

A 2.5 mile walk through the nation's early history more...1 point

14

North Georgia Mountains of Blue Ridge!

Only 90 Minutes North of Atlanta.
Luxury Vacation Cabin more...1 point

15

Panama City Beach Vacation

Come visit the natural beauty of the Panama City B more...1 point

16

Camping in Colorado

Plan your Colorado vacation activities, lodging an more...1 point

17

A Family Safari to Africa

A family safari is a big family holiday unlike any more...1 point

18

Holidays at lake Garda

Holidays at lake Garda not only offers the beauty more...1 point

19

Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee

Pitch a tent, rent a cabin or stay in a hotel - no more...1 point

20

Black Hills, Yellowstone, Tetons

We did a trip through SD (Black Hills, Mt. Rushmor more...0 points

21

Moon Palace Resort Outside Of Cancun

This all inclusive Mexico Resort is fabulous for family more...0 points

22

Reserva Ecologica Pachijal

An ecolodge located in the Cloudforest of Mindo, Ecuador.
more...0 points

23

Cycling Vacations

Explore California cycling, guided bicycle tours t more...0 points

24

Bass Fishing in Mexico

Mexico offers some great Bass fishing for fun, spo more...0 points

25

Bowfishing in the South

What a great way to discover fishing and hunting t more...0 points

Poll: Where Do You Travel Most?

Do you like short trips or long International adventures?

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Family Vacation Videos

Find more great family vacation ideas by watching these videos

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Family Vacation Photos

Say Cheese!

A collection of family vacation photos from our friends at Flickr. Just looking at other people having fun sure puts me in the mood for another fun vacation with the fam!
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More Featured Family Vacation Info

Visit some great sites for more family vacation ideas

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Caribbean Cruise Vacations

A family vacation idea for the treasure hunters in all of us

If you aren't keen on the idea of meeting a family of bears then perhaps a Caribbean cruise is just right for you. With all the major cruise lines clamoring for your business there are many low priced all inclusive family vacation cruise packages for less than you think.

Caribbean cruises have something to offer for the whole family both on shore and off, that is why it ranks right up there as one of my best family vacation ideas. (Although I must say that I missed out on my family cruise vacation - they all went when I was off to college - I won't let them forget that one!)

Caribbean Cruise Activities and Services

Caribbean cruise fun times and adventures

Here are some of the fun times to look forward to on your next Caribbean cruise, and reasons why it makes my top list for best family vacation ideas. There are too many activities to list in one place but here are a few to "wet" your appetite. And if you are looking for some alone time to enjoy those romantic sunsets, most cruise lines offer babysitting!
  • Beach and Boat Parties
  • Ice Cream Parties
  • Pools and Pool Parties
  • Arts and Craft Classes
  • Dancing Lessens
  • Teen and Youth Centers
  • Basketball, volleyball, ping pong, mini golf, and climbing walls
  • Surfing on a wave simulator, and even ice skating if you can believe that!
  • Escorted Shore Tours (Explore ancient ruins!), Snorkeling in crystal blue waters.
  • Whale/Sea Life Watching and Maybe a Pirate or Two
  • Video Games, Movies and Cartoons just in case your kids (or you) miss "civilized" life

Caribbean Cruise Blogs

Get more information before you head out on your next Caribbean Cruise

All the specials, deals, discounts and reviews on Caribbean Cruises that you'll need before picking a cruise as your next fun family vacation. These blog writers keep on top of what's hot in Caribbean Cruising to give you plenty of great ideas for your family vacation cruise. Are you getting excited yet? I think I am, I don't suppose you have room for one more on your next cruise?
Royal Caribbean sending 2 cruise liners to China
Royal Caribbean Cruises is sending what it says will be Asia's two biggest cruise liners to serve...
Royal Caribbean sending 2 cruise liners to China
BEIJING ? Royal Caribbean Cruises is sending what it says will be Asia's two biggest cruise liners...
Cruise tourists to get multiple entry visa
Dubai is the ?cruise hub of the region? and serves as a home base for five of the world's leading...

Family Vacation Fun Times

Suggestions for fun family activities or adventures

While not Family Vacation Ideas per se here are some family fun activities for vacation or any day!



Please feel free to add your own vacation activities to the list - the more the merrier. Vote for your favorite, or grab the list and put it on your own site or blog!

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Take the whole family on a hot air balloon adventu more...3 points

White Water Rafting

For the family that likes to have a bit of an inte more...3 points

Snorkeling

We did some snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef i more...3 points

Watch a Sunrise or Sunset

Taking a peaceful moment in the morning or evening more...2 points

Water Balloon Fight

What better fun than splashing your brother with a more...1 point

Treasure Hunting

Another fun family activity I enjoyed as a kid was more...0 points

Bike The Golden Gate Bridge

I did this with my kids last summer and it was a lot more...0 points

Hotel, Bed and Breakfast, and Villa Rentals

A few family vacation accomodations

Once you find that perfect family vacation destination the tricky part is finding where to stay. Below you will find links for hotel accommodations and vacation resort rentals submitted by fellow vacationers.
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What Are Your Best Family Vacation Ideas?

Leave us a little note on what family vacations you enjoy

More of my best family vacation ideas to come, but in the mean time what are some of your favorite family vacations?

And if you've made it this far and haven't rushed off to your next vacation please don't forget to add this page to
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  • Panama City Beach Condo Rentals Mar 12, 2012 @ 5:32 am | delete
    Panama City Beach Condo RentalsCaribbean is a beautiful place to spend your vacation there.I would love to spend my next vacations there.Thanks for sharing your tips and ideas.
  • rt8ca Mar 7, 2012 @ 10:49 pm | delete
    Our family have love all inclusive tropical vacations for many years. You just can't beat the Value!
  • carcamping Jan 15, 2012 @ 11:46 am | delete
    I love anything mountains. Love the views and love the peacefulness.
  • Lindrus Oct 23, 2011 @ 6:59 am | delete
    I love going to Greece! The water and the beaches are just amazing. Thailand is another favourite - it costs a little more to get to, but once you are there it's cheap!
    Thank you for this great lens!
  • zimbali2011 Oct 13, 2011 @ 10:52 am | delete
    The Caribbean is my favorite vacation spot
  • andrew Jul 30, 2011 @ 7:47 am | delete
    Some really cool vacation places and camping ideas. Anyone can definitely pick up some ideas from this lens. thanks!!!
  • indiavacationplans Jul 11, 2011 @ 4:07 am | delete
    Excellent advice. With a little bit of preparation the trip is sure to be more enjoyable.
  • efriedman Jun 27, 2011 @ 1:28 pm | delete
    Enjoyed these suggestions for family vacation. I will feature this lens on my Fun, Cheap Vacation - House Trade lens.
  • Jack-in-the-Box Jun 10, 2011 @ 7:46 am | delete
    Recently we went to New York City. I am a firm believer that every 10 years or so you must experience NYC. There is so much to do and see and the food is outstanding. It helps to have a good guide that knows their way around town though.
  • Serj Jun 10, 2011 @ 2:03 am | delete
    These are all great, but you forgot to mention an all-inclusive resort in Mexico or Caribbean, there are some great family ones, and once you do one you never go back!
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Take a moment to preserve Alaskan Wildlife!

Check your couch and pony up some change to make a change

If you've stumbled upon this page you must enjoy camping and the great outdoors like I do, and one of the most beautiful camping adventures I have recently taken was to Alaska. So I thought I'd help out a little and offer the opportunity for caring campers to help preserve the land we love and enjoy.

Feel free to contribute a few dollars to Alaska Youth for Environmental Action, a high school environmental education and leadership program of the National Wildlife Federation, and then head to Alaska for some spectacular camping!

National Wildlife Federation's Alaska Regional Center is committed to protecting Alaska's wildlife and wild places for our children and grandchildren. We work in partnership with concerned citizens, grassroots groups, and communities.

by

Rusty-Quill

Finding the best family vacation for each individual family - creatively. Here's a few ideas for your next family vacation. more »

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