7 Family Friendly Destinations that Foster Fun and Bonding

Are you wondering what the fuss about family friendly destinations is all about? These are vacation spots around the world where you can holiday as a family, and enjoy bonding while having fun. In this fast-paced lifestyle, often family members hardly spend time together on a daily basis. A pleasant solution to this problem lies in planning a holiday to a family-friendly destination that involves everyone in the family.

With the world having shrunk into a global village, you can consider destinations far, wide and near for your family’s holiday. However, bear in mind the temperament of each member while planning for the trip to be rewarding and memorable. Considering individual differences, these are some of the most interesting family-friendly destinations that you can travel to for a family trip –

Phoenix Park, Ireland

If you are new to the concept of family vacations, choose Phoenix Park in Ireland as the inaugural adventure spot. Reasons for selecting this locale entail the freedom of biking along a trail of your choice, and having all amenities in close proximity. At this family-friendly destination you are never too far from the city, namely Dublin, while experiencing the goodness of nature at its vibrant best.

Choose biking trails as per your family’s convenience so that everyone can handle it with ease. On a different day, set out together on a hike along a picturesque trail and enjoy counting the number of deer. Explore castles and appreciate the grandeur of Victorian architecture while sipping tea. Cherish the peaceful life that an Irish farm offers while devouring from a picnic basket.

As one of the family-friendly destinations that enables adults and children to spend plenty of time together, Phoenix Park emerges as one of the top choices that foster closeness between family members.

In and Around Zurich, Switzerland

Think plenty of snow, a voluptuous dose of history and luscious chocolate, and Zurich, the Swiss-Alpine town, pops up as one of the leading family friendly destinations. Against a backdrop of the snow-sheathed and towering Alps, flip through the Medieval Era at Altstadt and unwind at Lake Zurich. Leave the city behind to visit Rhine Falls, and watch astounded as the voluminous cascade of water at Europe’s largest water-feature tumbles down from a height of 75 feet.

In close proximity to Zurich is Kilchberg, home of the globally relished Lindt chocolate. Regardless of age, the giant chocolate fountain never fails to draw gasps from one and all, not to mention the tasting sessions and chocolate workshops. Few towns around the world offer a deep insight into chocolates as the Lindt Museum, which is why it is a family-friendly destination that you must make time for while in Zurich.

Arusha, Tanzania

This African country evokes images of Mount Kilimanjaro, but offers so much more. Unless you belong to a family of hard-core mountaineers, the climb to Africa’s highest peak from the town of Moshi can be painstaking and arduous. Arusha, on the other hand, reinforces its inherent vibe as a family friendly destination through its relaxed, ethnic and exotic atmosphere.

If climbing Kilimanjaro appears too intimidating, Arusha offers Mount Meru, Africa’s second highest peak which is just as satisfying, if not more. What renders this town as one of interesting family friendly destinations is the close proximity to Ngorongoro, a volcanic crater that sustains numerous species. Embark on a safari, and enjoy spotting and identifying all the different types of animals in their natural setting.

Back at the town, interact with the different ethnic groups, and dig the delicious local cuisine. Since Arusha prides itself at offering a fusion of local and global preparations, the menu might feature unique options that belong to only this part of the world. Wrap up a heart-warming meal with a cup of coffee sourced from one of the several coffee plantations in the town’s neighborhood.

Pointe Aux Piments, Mauritius

Set in the Indian Ocean, this island country qualifies as one of the most exciting family friendly destinations owing to its breath-taking aquatic landscape. Among the multiple snorkeling spots, Pointe Aux Piments deserves special mention owing to being secluded. When you travel north from the Port Louis – Mauritius’s capital – the countryside transforms into a quiet and serene landscape. Being away from the hustle-bustle translates to relatively lower touristy vibe, and hence ideal environs for families to bond and enjoy.

What renders Pointe Aux Piments ideal for children is the shallow coral reef. So, your entire family can venture out on a snorkeling expedition and enjoy interacting with a multitude of fish and numerous other sea creatures. Crystal-clear underwater visibility and less boat traffic make this location perfect as a family friendly destination. 

All of Iceland

Venture north beyond the Atlantic Ocean and you will find yourself in the land of steam, ice and fluffy horses. One of the best aspects about Iceland is that you can opt for a car rental and drive across the Nordic Island as a family. Whichever direction you take, be prepared to be mesmerized by a natural wonder that defies imagination.

Family-friendly destinations such as Iceland serve as a live geography lesson for kids. If exploring a glacier’s gut proves thrilling, wait till you land up at the Kerid Crater. From the vivid colors to the serene azure waters of the lake and the volcanic rocks, hours just fly by. Owing to its proximity to the Arctic, whales often make an appearance off the coast, and are easy to spot. Biting cold implies fluffy horses that seem straight out of fairy tales and legends.

Iceland’s suitability as a family friendly destination ranges from the historically urban Reykjavik to the scenic cascade of Seljalandsfoss and the lively lush green farms.

Marrakesh/Marrakech, Morocco

Experiencing a different culture as a family not only strengthens bonds within the family, but also fosters respect for diversity. To this effect, this town in Morocco turns out to be one of the most rewarding family-friendly destinations. Pronounced Marrakesh or Marrakech depending on your preference, its deep and earthy vibe takes you back in time through its rustic charm.

Be prepared to encounter hawkers selling their fare in the midst of a noisy crowded street, and explore the splendor of Islamic architecture at its best through the historic landmarks. Make it a point to visit an Islamic school – Medersa Ben Youssef – to expose your children to a different style of schooling. Also spend a couple of days in a Riad, a traditional Moroccan residence converted into a homestay. Such a setting consists of a central courtyard surrounded by rooms on all sides, thus enabling your family to enjoy the warmth of a typical Islamic home.

This family friendly destination offers something for every age-group, and hence serves as a perfect setting for elders, adults and children to bond.

Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve, India

Nestled at the foot of the mighty Himalayas is a verdant and picturesque family-friendly destination, namely the Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve. Undertake a jungle safari to truly experience the magic of thick forest which is home to diverse animal and bird species.

Driving through any of the jungle trails, children feel fascinated to watch peacocks and peahens at a close range. In case the sky turns cloudy, watch them spread out their fan-like tail into a wide circle and display the vibrant colors that mark the coveted peacock feathers. Silently observe the authoritative tiger as it quenches its thirst at a water point, and hear the monkeys screech and warn the other animals of its presence. This is one of the family friendly destinations which is open throughout the year and also features elephant rides through the dense thickets for those who feel brave enough to explore beyond the beaten trail.

Travelling to Family Friendly Destination – Important Tips

Given the difference between traveling alone and holidaying with family, bearing a few basic guidelines could truly make a difference. While choosing family-friendly destinations –

• Involve all members of the family and encourage them to suggest options;
• Research all suggestions together and weigh pros and cons of each during the discussions;
• Check out the activities that the destination offers, and whether it conforms to everyone’s interest;
• Ensure that the travel is not too tedious, and if it is, then cater for a couple of rest-days;
• Discuss and pack for the trip, especially in case of first-aid, skin-care, toiletries and so on;

Final Thoughts

Flexibility plays a vital role in planning a trip to a family friendly destination, especially while planning activities. There are days when the kids might feel under the weather, or too tired to go hiking or biking. In such situations, you must have an alternative in place which will be just as enjoyable despite not being hectic.

Other concerns include transport and food supplies. Book spacious vehicles which can accommodate the entire family along with the luggage without feeling too cramped. Equally important it is to check the overall condition of the transport prior to signing the agreement to avoid breakdowns along the way. Carry a bag of food supplies that would last for most part of the trip, if not the entire vacation. While trying local cuisine sounds exciting, it cannot be depended upon entirely.

Overall, family-friendly destinations ensure fun for the family while enabling members to bond well through common activities. We hope that the destinations discussed here would enable you to identify one that appeals most to your family and provides you with a dream holiday. Choose Flipside Leisure for planning a holiday, and we will provide you with a family friendly destination that would stay with you forever.