Planning a vacation can be stressful enough, and when kids are involved, there is so much more to consider! Kids tend to need lots of entertainment, and if you’re stumped on what activities to do, I’ve got you covered. We’ve gone on a few family vacations the past few months big and small, and these activities are things my boys loved! Of course, the type of vacation you’re on will change the activities, so I put together a ton of ideas based on vacation type in today’s post. Whether you’re headed on a summer trip or planning something for fall, these activities will be a ton of fun for kids and adults alike!
Think Active
Before I get into the specific ideas based on vacation type, I wanted to share my biggest overall tip which is with kids, think active! For the most part, kids want to run around and play, and that’s especially the case with my two boys. A hotel with a pool is a MUST! Other go-to’s for us include any outdoor games such as cornhole, bocce ball, pool, foosball, pickleball, basketball… the list goes on and on!
City Vacation
Of course, each city is different, but generally speaking, you can’t go wrong with any of the items on this list! A city vacation is all about exploring and experiencing things you don’t normally do where you live, so lace up your comfiest sneakers and don’t be afraid to check everything out with your kids!
City Activities
Take a tour: A fun alternative to them walking around the city all day! We did a TukTuk tour in Lisbon, but any tour to explore the city would be fun, such as a bike tour, bus tour, walking tour, etc!
Go to a kid’s museum: Think The Color Factory or science centers. Most cities will have some sort of kid’s museum that will keep them entertained!
Explore a zoo or aquarium: You can’t go wrong with a fun zoo or aquarium experience and they tend to be fun for the adults, too!
City playgrounds: Don’t underestimate the power of a good playground! Our kids looooved finding playgrounds in Lisbon.
Visit famous parks: The sky is the limit with parks – anything from hiking on a trail in a national park to sitting on a park bench, ice cream in hand at a city park!
Toy store: There are so many cool toy stores all throughout cities, especially if you’re headed somewhere internationally!
Candy store: Need I say more?
Beach or Lake Vacation
If your family vacay is taking you somewhere by the water, your kids are sure to love these activities! Pro tip: if you end up staying at a larger resort, make sure to lean into all of the kid-friendly activities and events the resort puts on! Shave ice at the pool, movie nights, kids’ classes, and more are things my kids have enjoyed in the past.
Beach or Lake Activities
Water sports: You can’t go wrong with kayaking, jet skis, or snorkeling!
Boat day: Our kids looooove when we rent a boat to go see marine life, swim, snorkel, and of course, do cannonballs off the side of the boat!
Pool: Make sure the hotel has a pool always!! Kids love a pool, it keeps them entertained for hours and you can’t relax with a book and beverage in hand.
Kid’s club: Tons of resorts have free kid’s clubs, which gives parents a break and allows them to interact with new friends they meet.
Outdoor movie night: If your resort hosts a movie night, take advantage! During the summer this typically happens at the pool and my kids have loved it.
Countryside, Mountain, or Jungle Vacation
This is kind of a broad scope when it comes to summer vacations but if you’re headed anywhere out in the wilderness, whether it be the countryside, mountains, or jungle, these activities can’t be beat! We did a lot of these activities in Costa Rica and Portugal and my kids had so much fun.
Activities
Hiking: Filled with lots of tree climbing and exploring! There are trails to hike just about anywhere so do your research and find a hike your kids will enjoy. We did a waterfall hike and loved it!
Search for wildlife: This can be done on your own or with a guide!
Scavenger hunt: It’s so easy to look up scavenger hunts in different locations – print something out for your kiddos to really make it a thing! Can’t find any scavenger hunts online? Create your own!
Visit castles: This is really more of an option if you’re traveling internationally, but we did this in Sintra, Portugal and my kids were obsessed. Something the adults will love too if you like history!
Kid’s apothecary making: My boys LOVED this in Douro Valley… they made organic soap, bath bombs, etc that we all used the rest of the trip!
Kid’s cooking class or mocktail-making class: Something fun for the whole family and a great opportunity to share new foods with your kiddos!
Visit a working family farm: There are so many great farms to visit nowadays with activities for kids, food, animals, and more.
Zip lining: If this is an option where you’re headed, it’s an excursion you should book! Such a cool experience for everyone in the family and it’s always so amazing to see nature from up high!
Horseback riding: Take a tour on horseback and grab some lunch afterward!
Activities will always vary depending on where you’re headed, but I hope this gives you some inspiration when planning out your next family vacation!
