5 Best Summer Vacations for Families 

These Best Summer Vacations for Families cover a variety of exciting, historic and fun destinations, to enjoyed by the whole family.

Are you planning to take your loved ones to a summer getaway but don’t know where to go? This list of the best summer vacations for families will get you covered.

From picturesque Italy to thrilling France and captivating Croatia, these extraordinary destinations ensure unforgettable bonding experiences through exciting activities. Whether you seek a sun-soaked retreat, an adrenaline-pumping adventure, or an island-hopping extravaganza, there’s something here for every family to cherish.

Best Summer Vacations for Families 

Italy

Renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse landscapes, Italy is an idyllic destination for summer holidays with family, making it top on our list for the best summer vacations for families.

Offering activities for all ages, Italy promises an unforgettable experience for families seeking adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. Plan to see some of the best cities in Italy and enjoy your time exploring this gorgeous country.

One of the top summer activities for families is exploring its iconic cities. Visit Rome, Florence, and Venice, renowned for their historical landmarks, such as the Colosseum, the Uffizi Gallery, and St. Mark’s Basilica. Book guided tours tailored for families, providing engaging insights into Italy’s storied past.

For sun-soaked beach holidays, Italy’s picturesque coastline has plenty to delight you and your kids. The Amalfi Coast, with its stunning cliffs and azure waters, offers opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and leisurely boat rides. Meanwhile, the islands of Sicily and Sardinia boast pristine beaches, charming seaside towns, and family-friendly resorts.

For an immersive cultural experience, explore Italy’s countryside and villages. In Tuscany, scenic rolling hills dotted with vineyards and medieval towns provide a stunning backdrop for family-friendly activities such as bike tours, cooking classes, and visits to agriturismos.

Agriturismos are farm stays where you can interact with animals and learn about traditional farming practices.

Italy’s culinary delights are guaranteed to tantalise the taste buds of adults and kids. Embark on gastronomic adventures to sample authentic Italian gelato, pizza, pasta, and regional specialities at local trattorias and markets.

Cooking classes offer hands-on experiences for you and your kids to learn how to prepare traditional Italian dishes together.

Switzerland 

Switzerland is an exceptional destination and one of the best summer vacations for families. There are many reasons to visit Switzerland; itIt has stunning landscapes, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences for all ages.

With its pristine lakes, majestic mountains, and charming villages, the country provides an idyllic backdrop for unforgettable bonding with the family.

Enrol your kids in a summer camp. Switzerland boasts some of the top European summer camps for children, offering the perfect blend of adventure, education, and fun amid a magnificent natural environment.

Your kids can participate in supervised activities such as nature exploration, arts and crafts, and sports. These camps offer a safe and fun environment where kids can make new friends and create lasting memories.

Venture into the Swiss Alps to embark on scenic hikes along well-marked trails, passing through alpine meadows adorned with wildflowers and grazing cows. Take cable cars and funicular railways, which offer easy access to higher elevations, where breathtaking panoramic views await.

Switzerland’s crystal-clear lakes offer numerous opportunities for water-based activities. Enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and boat tours on iconic lakes such as Lake Geneva, Lake Lucerne, and Lake Zurich. Lakeside promenades and picnic areas provide ideal spots for relaxation and family bonding.

Switzerland’s commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in its extensive biking and hiking trails. You and your kids can go on hikes or rent bicycles or e-bikes to explore scenic routes through forests, valleys, and picturesque villages.

You can also book guided tours catered to families of all skill levels and interests.

Switzerland can be visited all year round but Summer is the best time to visit Switzerland in our opinion!

France

France offers an enchanting backdrop for family summer holidays with its diverse landscapes, rich history, and world-renowned cuisine. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, France offers numerous experiences to delight you and your kids.

This is one of the best summer vacations for families because of the diverse places to explore and attractions to enjoy. We recommend spending at least 10 days in France if you can, enjoying the cities but then exploring the more rural areas too.

A summer getaway in France won’t be complete without exploring its iconic, beautiful cities of France. With its iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Louvre Museum, Paris offers endless sightseeing, shopping, and family bonding.

Enjoy relaxing strolls along the Seine River, picnics in picturesque parks, and boat cruises to admire the city’s architectural wonders.

Escape to France’s picturesque countryside to indulge in outdoor adventures and cultural discoveries. The Provence region, with its rolling lavender fields, olive groves, and medieval villages, provides a scenic backdrop for family-friendly activities such as cycling, hiking, and visiting local markets.

Check out the Loire Valley, and take the kids to explore fairy-tale châteaux, gardens, and vineyards.

France’s stunning coastline is perfect for seaside holidays and water-based adventures. Relax on sandy shores along the French Riviera, enjoy water sports such as sailing, windsurfing, and snorkelling in the Mediterranean Sea, or explore coastal towns and fishing villages along the Atlantic coast.

Discover French culture and gastronomy by participating in cooking classes, where you and your kids can learn to make traditional French dishes such as crepes, croissants, and macarons. Visit local markets, cheese factories, and vineyards to sample regional specialities and learn about French culinary traditions.

United Kingdom  

The UK offers the ideal setting for bonding with your kids, boasting diverse attractions and experiences to suit all interests and ages; making it another one of the best summer vacations for families.

From historic landmarks and cultural treasures to scenic landscapes and coastal retreats, the UK promises a memorable vacation for families seeking adventure and relaxation. Plan a trip to visit the best places in the UK with your family.

Moreover, you will find some incredible group accommodations to stay in the UK, great for families looking for adventure. You can choose from various accommodation options, from cosy cottages and countryside retreats to family-friendly hotels and holiday parks.

Unique accommodations such as treehouses, glamping sites, and farm stays provide memorable experiences for families looking for something out of the ordinary.

Explore vibrant cities like London, Edinburgh, and Manchester. Check out iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Edinburgh Castle, and the British Museum, or enjoy family-friendly attractions like the London Eye, Edinburgh Zoo, and interactive museums.

Venture along the coast for seaside holidays in charming towns and villages, where you can relax and play on sandy beaches, explore coastal trails, and indulge in traditional fish and chips.

Croatia

Croatia is a fantastic destination for summer holidays with the family, home to some of the world’s most picturesque islands. The country offers fun island-hopping opportunities, with visits to islands like Hvar, Korcula, and Brac. Explore hidden coves, secluded beaches, and charming fishing villages.

Along the Adriatic Sea, you can swim in the crystal-clear waters of sun-drenched beaches and engage in outdoor activities. Water-based activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, and paddleboarding provide fun and excitement for everyone.

Explore the lush greenery and cascading waterfalls of Krka National Park and the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park. Venture into scenic hikes to discover its interconnected lakes and waterfalls.

For families who love history, check out Dubrovnik’s well-preserved medieval walls, narrow cobblestone streets, and historic landmarks such as the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Rector’s Palace, offering a glimpse into the country’s rich heritage.

Croatia has plenty of family-friendly accommodations, ranging from seaside resorts to cosy vacation rentals, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for families of all sizes.

Where are you heading to this Summer? There are plenty of places to experience with kids, so let us know where you are heading to in the comments below!

---