10 Vacations That Will Change Your Child’s Life
Sure, vacations are for relaxing — but the best ones do more than that. They open your child’s eyes to the world, create lifelong memories, and spark a sense of wonder that stays long after you unpack.
If you’re planning a bucket list family vacation or searching for life-changing trips for kids, start with one of these unforgettable experiences.
African Safari Adventures
If your dream is to take your kids on a family safari in Africa, there’s no better way to teach them about wildlife, conservation, and culture. Seeing elephants, lions, and giraffes roaming free is pure magic — and an education no classroom can match.
At Camp Jabulani in South Africa’s Kapama Private Game Reserve, families can interact with rescued elephants, enjoy guided bush walks, and even take a private helicopter safari. Or head to Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, where the Big Five Family Safari Package includes two game drives, a cooking class, and a hot-air balloon adventure for kids ages seven and up.
💡 Insider Tip: The infinity pool overlooks a watering hole, so elephants may wander by while you swim.
Recommended Stay: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
The Ultimate NYC Family Trip
Few cities wow kids (and adults) like New York City. Between the skyscrapers, Broadway lights, and endless energy, NYC is a masterclass in culture and excitement — all in one skyline.
Take in the Statue of Liberty, stroll Central Park, and watch your kids’ eyes light up at their first Broadway show. Visit the American Museum of Natural History, explore the High Line, and take in the views from the Top of the Rock or Summit One Vanderbilt. Then pause for perspective with a visit to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum — a powerful, meaningful stop for families.
💡 Pro Tip: Stay at The Peninsula New York for timeless luxury right on Fifth Avenue — complete with an indoor pool overlooking the city, family suites, and world-class service that turns sightseeing into pure serenity.
Recommended Stay: The Peninsula New York
Train Travel Through the Canadian Rockies
For families who crave adventure and scenery, a Canadian Rockies train vacation is unforgettable. The Rocky Mountaineer offers multi-day journeys through snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and charming alpine towns — a dream for kids and parents alike.
The Journey Through the Clouds route from Vancouver to Calgary includes canoeing on Lake Louise, rafting on the Bow River, and plenty of wildlife spotting.
💡 Pro Tip: Upgrade to GoldLeaf Service for dome-top windows, gourmet meals, and panoramic views.
Recommended Stay: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Hawaii: Island Adventures with Kids
If you’re dreaming of a Hawaii family vacation, prepare for volcanoes, rainbows, and culture your kids will never forget.
Stay at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Oahu — a beachfront paradise that combines Hawaiian heritage with Disney storytelling. Kids can explore tide pools, join lei-making classes, and splash in the lazy river while parents enjoy world-class dining and spa treatments.
💡 Don’t Miss: The Pearl Harbor Memorial and USS Arizona — meaningful, educational stops for families.
Recommended Stay: Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Italy: Rome, Tuscany & Venice
There are family trips, and then there are Adventures by Disney Italy vacations, where history, art, and magic come together in the most unforgettable way. This 8-day guided journey takes families through Rome, Tuscany, Florence, and Venice, weaving together culture, cuisine, and those jaw-dropping “I can’t believe we’re here” moments.
Step back in time as your private guide walks you through the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel before it even opens to the public. Then trade city life for the countryside, where you’ll enjoy a Tuscan farm lunch and pasta-making class amid rolling vineyards. In Florence, marvel at Michelangelo’s David and the Duomo’s iconic dome before heading to Venice for a private gondola ride and Carnevale mask-making workshop with a local artisan.
💡 Pro Tip: Adventures by Disney takes care of every detail — from transfers and meals to exclusive early-access tours — so families can focus on being present, not planning.
Recommended Tour: Adventures by Disney – Italy: Rome, Tuscany & Venice
U.S. National Park Adventures
There’s no better way to connect kids to nature than a family trip to America’s national parks — and few places capture that magic like Yellowstone and Grand Teton. These parks are living postcards of geysers, mountains, and wildlife, where every day feels like a scene from a nature documentary.
Start in Jackson Hole, where you can spot elk, raft down the Snake River, and explore Grand Teton’s alpine trails. Then continue into Yellowstone National Park, home to Old Faithful, bison herds, and vibrant geothermal springs that look straight out of another planet. Families can join ranger-led hikes, junior ranger programs, and even private wildlife safaris.
💡 Pro Tip: Stay inside the park for early-morning wildlife viewing — or split your time between Amangani in Jackson Hole and Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone for the perfect balance of wilderness and luxury.
Recommended Stay: Amangani (Jackson Hole) or Old Faithful Inn (Yellowstone National Park)
Caribbean Cruises Kids Will Never Forget
If you want everything planned but still crave adventure, a Caribbean family cruise is the answer. Sail from island to island with zero stress — and endless fun.
On Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, families can book the Ultimate Family Townhouse Suite with an in-room slide, LEGO wall, and private whirlpool balcony.
💡 Pro Tip: Book early — this suite is one of the most in-demand family cruise cabins in the world.
Recommended Ship: Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas
Montana Ranch Vacation
If your dream family vacation mixes wild adventure with five-star comfort, head to The Resort at Paws Up in Greenough, Montana — a 37,000-acre working cattle ranch just outside Missoula. It’s where luxury meets the wild west in the most spectacular way.
Families can choose between 28 private luxury homes or 36 ultra-luxe safari-style tents pitched along the Blackfoot River. Spend the day horseback riding, fly fishing, or rafting, then come “home” to s’mores by the fire pit, outdoor hot tubs, and chef-prepared meals under Montana’s endless sky.
The vibe here is rugged luxury done right — animal-hide rugs, cowboy portraits, and cozy fireplaces — balanced with spa treatments, fine dining, and true resort-level service. You’ll find elegance without pretension, adventure without chaos, and moments your kids will talk about for years.
💡 Pro Tip: Book one of the Big Timber Homes for more space, sweeping mountain views, and a private outdoor hot tub.
Recommended Stay: The Resort at Paws Up – Greenough, Montana
Disney in Luxury
Make Disney magical — not chaotic — with a luxury Disney vacation. Stay at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for overwater bungalows and fireworks views, or at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando for a five-star retreat close to the parks.
💡 Pro Tip: Book a private VIP Tour for front-of-the-line access and custom park hopping designed around your kids’ favorites.
Recommended Stay: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Costa Rican Adventure
For families who want wildlife, rainforest, and adventure all in one trip, Costa Rica delivers.
At The Springs Resort near Arenal Volcano, you can zipline, go river tubing, and soak in one of 28 natural hot springs. Don’t miss the onsite wildlife sanctuary where kids can meet rescued sloths and monkeys.
💡 Pro Tip: Combine your stay with Tortuga Lodge to explore the rainforest and beaches of Tortuguero National Park.
Recommended Stay: The Springs Resort
Final Thought
Family vacations aren’t just trips — they’re stories your kids will tell for life. Whether it’s spotting elephants in the Serengeti, riding bikes through Tuscany, or watching fireworks from your overwater bungalow, these experiences shape how they see the world.
Because when you travel together, you don’t just take a vacation — you build a legacy of adventure.