Traveling with young children can be challenging, but with the right destination, it can become a fun and memorable experience for both parents and toddlers. While many parents put off big travel plans, the best time to take a trip with your kids is when they’re still little.
Thanks to advancements in technology and the travel industry’s growth, it’s now easier than ever to travel with young children. There are numerous family-friendly destinations that cater to toddlers, ranging from fairytale castles and magical theme parks to beautiful beaches and interactive museums. Here, we highlight some top toddler-friendly destinations that promise an unforgettable experience.
Top Toddler Destination: Kent, England (above image)
Kent may come as a surprise—it’s often overshadowed by London, one of the most iconic cities in the world. However, Kent truly stands out as the highlight of your England trip. Kids will love the charming fisherman huts in Whitstable, which resemble a regal version of a garden shed—each hut comes with its own kitchenette, bedrooms, and direct access to the beach. The area is ideal for little ones to ride tricycles, toddle around, or explore on foot, with everything conveniently close by. Food lovers will also enjoy Kent’s reputation for serving some of the best oysters in England. Need more reasons to visit? Kent is definitely worth the detour.
Top Toddler Destination: Olympic National Park, USA
A national park is one of the best ways to instill love for mother nature in your young ones. Your tots are most likely to stay wide-eyed throughout the journey as you introduce them to clear blue skies, gigantic trees, exotic animals and green open spaces – all things that are best seen from a child carrier or a stroller. The Olympic National Park is one of the coolest options for parents with toddlers for it amazes mamas and babies alike. Both fall in love with those coastal tide pools, tropical rainforests, and fascinating mountain vistas. The presence of three unique ecosystems also means that there are so many things to discover. And there are several stroller-friendly trails to choose from as well. Make sure that you visit the Sol Duc Hot Springs, for there is no better way to care for your skin than to spend some time in its toasty mineral waters. Your kids will also fall in love with the place because of things like tiny fish and sea stars in tide pools, glow worms after sunset, interactive touch tables in the visitor center and fleeting views of salamanders.
Top Toddler Destination: Walt Disney World Resort, USA
This Magic Kingdom truly exudes magic at every step. It is the undisputed star attraction in Disney’s 47 sq. mile empire, and is the perfect place to bring out that child in you. With so much to see and explore, you won’t ever get tired of the place either. This Disney extravaganza is one of the best ways of introducing your kids to the magical world of theme parks and letting them meet and greet their favorite Disney characters.
Top Toddler Destination: Ile de Re, France
Surprised to see us giving Paris a miss? While Paris is a great destination for any holiday, we recommend that you wait until your kids are at least 6 years old before planning a proper Paris holiday. Sure you could visit the city while you’re visiting France, but Ile de Re has so much more if you’re traveling with toddlers. The Les Amis de la Plage is perhaps one of the best places to camp out with your young ones. It is clean and beautiful and it also has child-sized sinks and toilets and a baby changing area. The beach itself is also known to be toddler-friendly. The low tide makes it the perfect place for your kids to play in and there’s a decent enough surf during high tide to keep you entertained as well. We recommend a sunset strong in Saint-Martin-de-Ré and dark chocolate ice cream at the La Martinière for dinner. They say that many things work best in pairs, and this is perhaps one of the most unusual-yet-amazing pairings that you’ll come across in France.
Top Toddler Destination: Disney Cruise Line
It would be unfair to call Disney cruises a destination, but it would feel like a crime to leave them out from this list. If you have infants or toddlers with you, this is perhaps the perfect place for the entire family. The cruise boasts of having the best child care program and is full of toys, books and baby swings to keep them entertained for days. The experience itself is absolutely phenomenal. The line manages to offer a perfect balance between classic and modern, and it is designed to make you feel completely at ease. Disney-inspired entertainment, extra-large family rooms, separate adult pools, the list could go on and on. Better yet, you could easily combine a 4-night cruise with a Disney hotel and theme park package to create a special weeklong Disney adventure for your young ones.
Top Toddler Destination: Copenhagen, Denmark
Beautiful buildings, castles that perhaps inspired many a fairy tale, mind-numbing landscapes, a fascinating culture… these are just some of the things that Copenhagen holds in store for you. Considered to be one of the top European destinations to visit with your kids, Copenhagen is also home to two of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Once the mamas and babies shriek their way through the amusement parks, 20000 odd sea creatures are waiting for your attention at the Blue Planet, the largest aquarium of Denmark. Other attractions include a zoo, a children’s museum, one of the largest open-air museums on the planet and a science center. Copenhagen is nothing if not huge, and it can often feel daunting, but it’s so well organized and properly laid out that your little ones can actually roam free.
What’s your fave toddler destination? Would you prefer visiting one of those miniature-city-lookalikes (aka kid-friendly resorts) and their enclosed comforts or would you prefer a child-friendly destination and its spread out attractions? Do let us know using the comments below.