On family vacations, family members often form memories that last a lifetime. When looking for the right location, a range of activities to suit all family members is often the top priority. Here are some one-of-a-kind trip ideas with plenty for the whole family to see and do.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg, a mountain town in east Tennessee, was practically made for families. You can explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from three entrances located in downtown Gatlinburg. There are miles of trails for biking, walking and horseback riding, and the chance to see black bears, elk, deer and other wildlife.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokeys is worth a visit. Other top attractions are the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway and the Gatlinburg Space Needle. Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community is a group of artisan shops on an 8-mile loop road where you can see glassblowers and potters making their crafts. Stay at Smokey Mountain vacation rentals in cabin-style homes with a welcoming front porch and a homey environment. Smokey Mountain Realty Partners offer these fully equipped cabins that are perfect for large families.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon in Arizona offers so much for the whole family to see and do. People from all over the globe come to view this natural wonder. The South Rim is particularly popular and can become very crowded, so it’s better to go off-season unless you take a break from the crowds by staying on the North Rim.

Backwoods camping and hiking on the North Rim may appeal to certain families with older kids. There are fewer amenities on the North Rim so you must be prepared. Sign up for a helicopter tour for an unforgettable view of the canyon. The Grand Canyon has a fairly low admission rate so it is budget-friendly if you’re going to camp.

Destin, Florida

Destin in Florida, with its relaxing atmosphere, is a favorite destination for families. Enjoy its calm, scenic shorelines with bright white shores made up of Appalachian quartz that stays cool in the summer heat and gives the waters an emerald tint as they reflect the sunlight.

Visit Henderson Beach State Park or Crab Island. Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park, with its waterslides and a lazy river, will keep the kids occupied for hours. If you want an adventure on the water, you can book a boat tour for a dolphin-spotting excursion or try your luck at deep-sea fishing.

Disneyland, Anaheim

Like its big sister in Florida, Disneyland in Anaheim has plenty of attractions to keep your family entertained. The newest themed land in the park, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, brings a new dimension to the park.

Other more affordable theme parks in the area are Adventure City amusement park or the Knott’s Berry Farm theme park. Fun with Mickey and friends and plenty of thrilling rides will keep your kids well entertained. Anaheim is also close to the beaches and sights of San Diego and Los Angeles.

Honolulu, Oahu

More than most of the Hawaiian Islands, Oahu blends stunning scenery and cosmopolitan luxury. Families can enjoy an endless stream of entertaining activities in Honolulu, its capital city. The whole family can soak up the sun and enjoy water sports at one of the famous beaches like Waikiki Beach, Kailua Beach or Lanikai Beach.

History buffs will appreciate the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. There are many hiking opportunities, including the Koko Crater Trail and the Diamond Head State Monument. Attending a luau is a fun event for the whole family and a chance to experience Hawaiian culture.

(Visited 6 times, 1 visits today)