Best Trips to Take with Kids by Age: From Babies to Teens
Traveling with kids? It can be amazing. It can also be… complicated.
But here’s the secret: when you match the right trip to your kids’ current age and stage, everything gets easier. You’ll have smoother days, happier kids, and way more fun memories for everyone involved.
Here’s your quick guide to finding the perfect vacation—based on your family’s current season of life.
👶 Ages 0–4: Keep It Simple, Keep It Fun
Top Trip Ideas:
🎢 Disney or Universal – Little ones often qualify for free or discounted tickets, and the magic is so real at this age.
🏠 House Rentals – A home with a kitchen + separate rooms = better naps, easier bedtimes, and less parent stress.
💦 Water Access – A pool, lake, or beach is toddler heaven. Just add sunscreen and snacks.
🚢 Cruise with a Nursery – Some cruise lines offer nursery care, so parents can enjoy an adult-only dinner while the littles nap or play.
Travel Tip: Keep your schedule flexible and don’t overdo the sightseeing. Everyone (including you) will be happier.
🧒 Ages 5–10: Curiosity Meets Adventure
Top Trip Ideas:
🎠 Theme Parks – Still not full-price tickets yet, and they’re finally tall enough for most rides.
🏙️ Walkable Cities – Choose destinations you can explore on foot and tie them to what they’re learning in school (think: history in D.C., animals in San Diego).
❤️ “What You Love” Trips – Share a place that’s special to you. They’re old enough to get excited about your favorite things—like your go-to gelato spot in Florence or the market you visited in college.
Travel Tip: Let them carry their own backpack. Instant buy-in and a mini lesson in independence.
🧑 Ages 11–14: Independence in a Safe Space
Top Trip Ideas:
🌴 All-Inclusive Resorts – They’ll love the freedom of grabbing snacks, meeting friends, and doing their own thing—while you enjoy a little downtime.
🧭 New City Adventures – Try something different together, like skiing in Switzerland, a cooking class in Italy, or paddleboarding in Spain.
Travel Tip: Don’t overschedule. Leave space for exploring, lounging, and yes—even a little screen time.
🧑🎓 Ages 15–18: Big Trips for Big Moments
Top Trip Ideas:
🌍 International Travel – Now’s the time to show them the world, while they still want to travel with you (at least a little).
🎉 Celebration Trips – Graduation or milestone adventure? Let them help plan it. Build the itinerary around what they love.
🤝 Get Them Involved – Want your teen excited? Let them pick a destination, plan an activity, or choose a restaurant.
Travel Tip: Give them some autonomy. They’ll enjoy the trip more—and you’ll both make better memories.
My Take
Every family is different—but the secret to traveling with kids? Plan the right trip for the right time.
If you’ve got a family adventure in mind (or aren’t sure what makes sense yet), let’s talk it through. I’ll help you match the destination and experience to your crew—whether that means roller coasters or rooftop dinners.
📥 Start your trip planning today
👨👩👧👦 Ready when you are. Let’s Adventure Smarter.