Top 4 Family-Friendly Destinations to Visit in 2025

Looking for ideas for family travel,  below are top four destinations for family travelers aiming to create unforgettable memories that offer up a blend of nature, culture and adventure. 

Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Beach, within a day’s drive for two-thirds of the nation’s residents, is a prime destination known for its expansive, accessible beaches and Boardwalk. This city, where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, offers a blend of new inclusive experiences and legacy perfect for families in 2025.

• • The new Nautilus Lookout Tower at Owl Creek Landing, slated for a 2025 Memorial Day Weekend opening, adds another layer of adventure, with its spiral ramp and educational stations about local flora and fauna, all fully ADA-accessible, allowing visitors of all abilities to ascend into the treetops for breathtaking views.
  • Additionally, Grommet Island Park provides a unique, accessible playground right by the beach, where children of all abilities can play together amidst the natural coastal environment.
  • Beyond the iconic Boardwalk, the ViBe Creative District beckons with its vibrant arts and culture scene, featuring an open-air gallery of local art, free events like art walks, and the opportunity to engage with artisan businesses. And don’t miss the myriad of free oceanfront festivals and concerts that deliver added value for a fun-filled vacation.
  • For families keen on marine adventures, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center has undergone significant renovations, introducing interactive exhibits with touch pools and a fascinating jellies gallery, making it an educational and entertaining outing.
  • On the culinary front, indulge in the local Lynnhaven oysters or savor She-Crab Soup at various eateries, offering a taste of the destination’s rich gastronomic heritage.
  • Outdoor activities in Virginia Beach are abundant, catering to families looking to explore nature. T
    • The city boasts over 200 miles of biking and hiking trails, with options like the scenic First Landing State Park, where families can walk among Spanish moss-adorned trees and learn about the first English Settlers who landed there in 1607.
  • For those interested in history, this park and other sites like the Cape Henry Lighthouse and the Thoroughgood House offer a deep dive into the area’s colonial past. Adventure seekers also can enjoy surfing lessons in the birthplace of East Coast surfing, guided kayak tours to observe dolphins, or rent bicycles to explore the city’s self-guided trails, which combines outdoor fun with historical insights.
  • Atlantic Park – Set to open and enhance the recreational landscape later this summer, Atlantic Park soon will become a new focal point for entertainment. Featuring a state-of-the-art surf lagoon, Atlantic Park allows beginner and seasoned surfers to perfect their skills in controlled conditions before walking across the street to test them in real ocean swells. Atlantic Park will also feature The Dome, a music and entertainment venue backed by Virginia Beach native Pharrell Williams, turning the property into a truly one-of-a-kind destination for surf, music and entertainment.
  •  Should the weather turn rainy, there’s no shortage of indoor activities to keep the full family entertained. From exploring museums and art galleries to enjoying indoor sports or shopping, Virginia Beach has a variety of options for a memorable day, even when the sun isn’t shining. 

The Bahamas  

The Bahamas is a premier destination for family travelers, offering a diverse and unforgettable mix of adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking natural beauty. With over 700 islands and cays spread across the Atlantic Ocean, there’s no shortage of stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and thrilling activities that make it the ideal choice for families seeking relaxing luxury and adventure.

Nassau and Paradise Island, some of the most well-known destinations within the Bahamas, are a perfect place to begin a family-friendly adventure.

• • • Home to the iconic Atlantis Paradise Island, the sprawling resort isn’t just for beach lovers; it’s a destination in itself. Families staying at Atlantis can explore the Atlantis Aquarium, the largest open-air marine habitat in the world, where children can marvel at over 50,000 marine animals. Aquaventure, one of the largest water parks on the planet at 141-acres, also offers endless fun for kids and adults alike with its high-speed water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools.
    • For a nature immersion or a trip off the beaten path, families can visit one of the destination’s 14 Out Islands. Family-friendly boating excursions take travelers through serene waters where they can enjoy dolphin-watching or snorkel over the Andros Barrier Reef. The truly adventurous can make the trek to Long Island to scuba dive in Dean’s Blue Hole, the third deepest blue hole in the world. For those seeking relaxing time on the beach, the Tropic of Cancer Beach on Little Exuma offers one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the Bahamas, with its crescent of white sand and crystal-clear waters. For a truly unique experience, families can take a boat tour to Big Major Cay, home of the world-famous Swimming Pigs. Families visiting Andros can stay at Small Hope Bay Lodge, a historic and eco-friendly resort offering classic beachfront cabins and an array of outdoor activities. 

San Francisco

 

San Francisco is a vibrant city packed with diverse attractions and activities that caters to family travelers of all ages. Offering a mix of famous landmarks, cultural experiences and family–friendly activities, it’s a city that will create lasting memories for all family members. 

The Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic symbol of San Francisco, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding bay. Visitors can experience its splendor and marvel at its engineering by walking, jogging, biking or driving across the famed bridge. Alcatraz Island, a former federal penitentiary, is a popular site offering guided tours that dive into the history of this infamous former prison. Its engaging audio tour is designed for visitors of all ages, making it an educational and thrilling experience for the entire family. 

If you are searching for a location to stimulate your family’s curiosity, consider visiting the Exploratorium! This interactive museum offers a blend of science, art and human perception through numerous hands-on exhibits to captivate visitors of all ages. Alternatively, the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens provides the opportunity to observe over 250 different species and educate your little ones about nature and wildlife preservation. 

Golden Gate Park spans over 1,000 acres of green space for family picnics, leisurely walks or paddle boating on Stow Lake. Visitors can also experience the tranquil beauty and cultural elegance of the Japanese Tea Garden, the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States. For a quick escape from the city and a chance to soak in the serenity of nature, head to Muir Woods National Monument and wander among the ancient redwoods. 

Visitors can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with street performers and fresh seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf, a historic waterfront district. The city also features one of the world’s oldest and largest Chinatowns, where visitors can explore bustling streets, sample authentic cuisine, and admire the ornate architecture. 

Destin-Fort Walton Beach, FL

 

Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida, is the ideal destination for families looking for an adventure this year. Boasting stunning white-sand beaches and offering a family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a wonderful place for all ages to enjoy the outdoors. Destin-Fort Walton Beach is only a driving distance away from several major cities and families can getaway in hours, making it convenient for everyone. For those traveling from further away, the area has a local airport, VPS with direct flights from across the country, including routes from major airlines such as Allegiant, American, Delta, Southwest, Sun Country, and Avelo. As soon as families touch down in Destin, there are a plethora of transportation options available, including availability to rent a car. Whether it’s checking out the beautiful beaches, visiting nearby family-friendly attractions, or enjoying the serene Gulf Coast, everything is within reach. 

The destination is packed with family-friendly activities, such as free Little Adventures classes where kids (ages 0-16+) can try fishing, surfing, paddleboarding, and more. Children can also enjoy introductory classes that may lead to a new passion, including beginner charter fishing trips and beginner scuba diving courses. Additional adventures available include dolphin-watching tours, evening beach excursions to discover nocturnal animals, and sailing lessons. More information on Little Adventures can be found here.

 

Enjoy!