10 Best Family Vacation Destinations for 2017

Montreal

Montreal shines in the summer. Outdoor cafes, concerts, waterfront shows, and art exhibitions are everywhere. Best of all: No one will blink when you show up with your kids. Families are all over the place in Montreal. Bring yours for an introduction to jazz during the International Jazz Festival or sign them up for lessons during the circus festival.

Many of the summer events in Montreal have free, family-friendly programming alongside paid admission options. At night, don’t miss Cites-Memoires, the interactive art and light show on display throughout Old Montreal.

Namibia

Safaris are always a family bucket list experience, and while countries like Botswana and South Africa are capturing the attention of many travelers these days, Namibia has quietly remained an easy-to-navigate family destination. The changing terrain rolls out alongside well-paved roads through local communities, and the city of Windhoek offers a glimpse into the art and history of the country.

Best of all, Namibia is small enough that you can do a good chunk of it even if you only have a short stay. Highlights will include the Namib desert, a self-drive safari in Etosha National park, a tented camp stay, and a visit to one of the incredible conservation parks working to make sure there are plenty of animals to see for generations to come.

Lisbon, Portugal

While Paris and Rome were out grabbing all the attention, families in the know have been quietly heading for Portugal. It’s easy to see why: Mom-and-pop restaurants don’t cringe when kids appear, the city is best explored by public transportation, and families are out late into the evening.

Stay in the heart of things at Martinhal Lisbon-Chiado Family Suites. The newest offering in the family-owned, family-focused chain offers roomy apartment-style living, bright kids play spaces, and concierge services. Consistently ranked as one of the least expensive areas of Europe, you’ll be able to spend the extra cash on long-lingering meals and days of feeling like a local.

Denali

You’ll come for the animals (moose, wolves, bears, and more) but you’ll be surprised by the mountain. Denali isn’t just another piece of rock. Even a glimpse of the peak will stop you in your tracks. This year it celebrates its 100th anniversary as a national park, with events ranging from musical performances and family activities to ranger-led bike adventures.

For the ultimate experience, book the Denali Explorer adventure with John Hall’s Alaska. Your trip will include a visit to a dog-mushing Kennel and a stay at an in-park lodge, putting you in a prime position to see the animals early in the morning before the outsiders arrive.

You can blame Moana for your kids’ insistence on a Hawaiian vacation. You can thank her in person at Disney’s Aulani Resort or opt for a deeper exploration of the culture by getting to know the locals. Whether you opt for resort life or dig deeper, Hawaii remains one of America's best family vacation destinations.

With several islands to choose from, each with its own reason to visit and explore, it’s easy to craft a vacation that will please your hikers, animal lovers, luau partakers, or beach chillers. Maui, Oahu and Hawaii (Big Island) are popular picks, but don’t overlook laid back Lanai or lush and lovely Kauai.

Canada's National Parks

Last year, America’s National Parks celebrated their 100th birthday. This year, the party is across the border. The gift: Free admission to 148 spots including National Historic sites and National Marine Conservation areas to celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary. Kids can join the Xplorers program and participate in unique activities at parks across Canada.

Choose your province and secure your accommodations early and you’ll be set for a fantastic adventure. Not typically outdoorsy? No problem. The parks often feature great museums, documentary films, bike paths, and picnic spots that let you dabble in nature without a full tenting commitment.

Costa RIca

Families are flocking to Costa Rica. The combination of a “feels safe” location, word of mouth family-to-family promotion and lots of direct flights make it a top pick.

Every member of the family, no matter age or ability, will feel like there is a level of adventure here that is just right for them. Grandparents can walk the parklands while kids zip-line through the canopy. You can wade in the pools or surf the coast. From volcanoes to beaches and giant turtles to soaring toucans, your little monkeys will be more than happy you came.

AMA

In partnering with luxury river cruise operator AMA Waterways, Adventures by Disney has taken the best of its family friendly expertise (minus the oversized mouse) and made it even better. River cruising means you’re sailing through the heart of cities like Vienna and Budapest. Getting out to explore is easy and you’ll spend more time in the cities than trying to get to them. Experienced guides keep the kids engaged with fun activities on and off the ship, and adults can still expect the level of luxury and service they love. It’s the best of both worlds.

St. Lucia

The views are spectacular in St. Lucia, but chances are that won’t be enough to wow your crew. Instead show them the sandy beaches, hike-worthy hills, and market stalls filled with local crafts. You'll also meet locals willing to introduce you to the island via horseback, car tour, or catamaran.

Accommodations range from luxury resorts to condo-style properties that give you access to a full kitchen and on-site pool (for those days when walking to the beach seems like too much for your vacation mindset).

Vancouver

The hardest thing about a trip to Vancouver Island will be deciding where to start and how long to stay. Victoria offers bike paths, waterfront tours, and shops worth exploring. Tofino has waves to surf, s'mores to roast, and fresh crab dinners to eat. And in the communities of Vancouver Island North, you can set out with an indigenous guide to search for bears or whales, or to learn more about the area’s First Nations People.

In between, you’ll find majestic mountains, trees too big to hug on your own, and even goats that graze on restaurant roofs. You’ll run out of time long before you run out of ways to spend it.