Best Destinations for Families With Young Children, Tweens & Teens in 2026
Where to go, why it works, and what each age group will love.
Family travel continues to evolve, and 2026 will be all about meaningful, memory-rich experiences designed for every generation. Whether you’re traveling with curious young explorers, independent tweens, or adventure-ready teens, these 10 destinations offer the perfect blend of comfort, culture, and fun.
As always, Broadmoor Travel curates each itinerary with family needs in mind—smooth logistics, vetted hotels, and experiences that bring everyone together. Let’s find the perfect adventure for elementary age children to teens.
1. Portugal – A Win for Every Age Group
Why it’s great: Portugal is safe, friendly, walkable, and full of variety.
Young kids: Tram rides in Lisbon, gentle beaches in Cascais.
Tweens: Tile-painting workshops, surfing lessons in the Algarve.
Teens: Hiking in Sintra, dramatic cliffs of the Algarve, and day trips to Évora.
2. Costa Rica – Adventure Made Easy
Why it’s great: A perfect introduction to eco-adventure with manageable flight times and incredible biodiversity.
Young kids: Sloth sanctuaries and gentle wildlife cruises.
Tweens: Ziplining, hanging bridges, and chocolate-making tours.
Teens: Whitewater rafting, canyoning, surfing on the Pacific Coast.
3. Iceland – Natural Wonders for All Ages
Why it’s great: Safe, clean, and unbelievably scenic; Iceland feels like stepping into another world.
Young kids: Waterfalls, geysers, and geothermal lagoons.
Tweens: Horseback riding on Icelandic ponies and glacier walks.
Teens: Ice caves, volcano hiking, and ATV adventures.
4. Japan (Tokyo + Kyoto) – Culture Meets Kid-Friendly Fun
Why it’s great: Ultra-efficient transportation, immersive traditions, and endless entertainment.
Young kids: Animal cafés, kid-friendly sushi classes, and interactive museums.
Tweens: Anime culture in Akihabara, samurai lessons, Mario Kart-style go-karting (age-dependent).
Teens: High-speed bullet trains, hiking in Arashiyama, vibrant nightlife districts (family-friendly zones).
5. Italy – Rome, Florence & Lake Garda
Why it’s great: Iconic sights paired with hands-on activities keep everyone engaged.
Young kids: Gelato tastings, pizza-making, and easy strolls through piazzas.
Tweens: Gladiator school in Rome, bike tours in Tuscany.
Teens: Lake Garda’s water sports, Vespas (with licensed drivers), and exploring ancient ruins.
6. Hawaii – Maui or Kauai
Why it’s great: The U.S.-based tropical paradise with world-class beaches and outdoor adventure.
Young kids: Calm lagoons, whale-watching, and Polynesian cultural shows.
Tweens: Surf lessons, waterfall hikes, and wildlife cruises.
Teens: Advanced snorkeling, outrigger canoeing, ridge hikes, and paddleboarding.
7. British Columbia, Canada – Vancouver + Whistler
Why it’s great: Easy access, pristine nature, and activities every season.
Young kids: Capilano’s treetop walks and Stanley Park.
Tweens: Bike the seawall, try beginner skiing in winter.
Teens: Whistler’s downhill mountain biking, ziplining, and advanced slopes.
8. Spain – Barcelona + Mallorca
Why it’s great: Colorful, energetic, beach-and-city combo with fantastic food and culture.
Young kids: Park Güell, cable cars, shallow beaches in Mallorca.
Tweens: Gaudí workshops, boat days, beginner sailing lessons.
Teens: Cliff jumping (safe spots), tapas tours, mountain hikes in Serra de Tramuntana.
9. Turks & Caicos – Stress-Free Luxury
Why it’s great: Soft-sand beaches, kid-friendly luxury resorts, and top-notch snorkeling.
Young kids: Shallow turquoise waters perfect for splashing and shelling.
Tweens: Paddleboarding, catamaran sails, reef snorkel trips.
Teens: Scuba diving intro courses, kiteboarding in Long Bay.
10. London + The English Countryside – Culture, Castles & Easy Exploring
Why it’s great: London is endlessly engaging for families, and pairing it with the Cotswolds, Bath, or Windsor creates a perfect balance of city energy and relaxed countryside charm. Easy flights, minimal language barriers, and tons of kid-friendly activities make this one of the best family trips for 2026.
Young kids: Double-decker bus rides, hands-on museums like the Natural History Museum, playgrounds in Hyde Park, and farm visits in the countryside.
Tweens: Harry Potter Studio Tour, Tower of London, cycling in the Cotswolds, and falconry lessons.
Teens: Street-art tours in Shoreditch, West End theatre, hiking the Cotswold Way.
How Broadmoor Travel Helps Families Plan Smarter
Traveling with kids of any age requires thoughtful planning—timing, pacing, hotel selection, and age-appropriate experiences all matter. We help:
✔ Choose destinations that fit your family’s energy and interests
✔ Book vetted, family-friendly luxury hotels
✔ Arrange private guides who know how to engage kids at every age
✔ Build seamless itineraries that reduce stress and maximize fun
2026 is shaping up to be an incredible year for family adventures. When you’re ready to plan your next getaway, Broadmoor Travel will curate a trip that every member of your family will remember for years to come. Contact us to start planning.
