14 of the Top Family-Friendly Activities Around the World According to Viator Travelers

Most kids are inherently curious and love learning about the natural and scientific world. The Yellowstone National Park—mostly in Wyoming but also in Montana and Idaho—ticks many boxes. The park is brimming with incredible hydrothermal and geologic features, enormous waterfalls, thick forests, and wildlife, including bears, wolves, and elk. Kids of any age will love visiting on a family bike tour by e-bike, absorbing all that science better than they would from any textbook.

The Kennedy Space Center is NASA’s main launch site, and you might be able to score tickets to see a real live rocket launch there. If the stars and planets don’t align during your visit to Florida though, you can still explore the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to check out the rocket garden, astronaut training simulators, a replica of a Mars rover, live talks with real astronauts, and much more.

The San Diego Zoo is one of the most famous zoos in the world, beloved for its enclosures that mimic the natural habitats of its animal residents. Kids will love the wide array of animals and birds they can see here, such as leopards, koalas, elephants, giraffes, hippos, and many other species. See more than 4,000 animals on a tour of the zoo and the neighboring San Diego Zoo Safari Park, a great wildlife safari for kids.

What one reviewer said: “This was a wonderful family getaway. Our 3 adult children and our grandson thoroughly enjoyed both parks. There was plenty to see and small crowds allowed for us to see everything. The volunteers at the safari park were super helpful and friendly. We would go back again.” Louise_C, August 2025

A beach vacation in Mexico’s Cabo San Lucas is always a top family vacation idea, but when you need a break from the sun and sand, a whale-watching trip will be an exciting activity for young and old. January through March are the best months for whale-watching tours, when humpback whales, whale sharks, and gray whales migrate to the area and begin calving. Some whale-watching tours include breakfast or lunch, so you can get ahead of those never-ending requests for the next meal, and make for an ideal family-friendly cruise.

What one reviewer said: “This was a once in a lifetime tour! I couldn't believe the number of whales that we saw up close and personal! Do yourself a favor and book this tour!” Ashly_C, October 2025

Many outdoor adventures for families aren’t suitable for really little kids, but ziplining in Costa Rica is an exception. Kids as young as two can be strapped into a harness for a safe, age-appropriate adventure through the lush forest canopies. And you don’t need to worry that older kids or adults will get bored: Bigger people can zip independently, as well as have fun clambering across high bridges, swinging like Tarzan, and spotting wildlife.

What one reviewer said: “All the guides were amazing. Felt very safe and the guides were funny and great with kids. It was just right for those that may not be as adventurous and first time zip liners.” Maggie_W, June 2025

Crabs, coral, and tropical fish might be the wildlife that comes to mind when you think of Caribbean beaches. Typical beach vacations for families are always a good idea, but at Pig Beach in the Bahamas, you’ll find, well, pigs. Pigs aren’t native to this uninhabited island, so it’s not clear how the little swines got here, but it’s believed their ancestors were taken there by sailors or swam from a shipwreck nearby. Take a speed boat tour to get there with ease and happily paddle with the pigs.

What one reviewer said: “It was really fun ! Larry, Mike, Jackson and Shawn (were) an amazing crew, very knowledgeable and I honestly felt safe even though they remind you it is a speedboat! The pigs were awesome! We got to snorkel and see turtles (...)” Aleeyah_J, January 2025

No doubt your kids will love eating pizza in Italy, but how about teaching them a valuable life skill at the same time? Cooking classes worldwide, especially a pizza-making class in Italy, are a fun way to learn about local culture through its cuisine, spend quality family time together, and help kids produce something they can be proud of—and enjoy eating it after, of course. You might even find they don’t mind finishing their crusts if they know the effort that went into making them.

Cultural institutions such as the Louvre Museum in Paris are full of potential inspiration for kids, but they can also be overwhelming and (dare we say it?) even a little dull if not approached from an age-appropriate perspective. Foster a love of art and antiquities in your kids by taking them on a scavenger hunt through the hallowed halls of the Louvre. They can look for clues, solve puzzles and riddles, and receive prizes. And parents might even get a bit of peace and quiet to admire the masterpieces.

What one reviewer said: “Amazing tour for children. Our son had a treasure map to find items and received a prize at the end. Guide was extremely knowledgeable. Highly recommend.” Kimberly_S, October 2025

Get in the festive spirit and immerse your family in the wonderland that is Lapland in winter. Believers and unbelievers alike will appreciate the magic of visiting the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland, one of the best Christmas theme parks around the world. Meet the jolly man in red himself and shop for gifts and souvenirs made by his elves. To complete the experience, meet his reindeer (or, you know, some of their cousins) at a nearby reindeer farm.

Singapore is a favorite stopover city for families traveling between Asia and Oceania, but jet lag can derail plans to explore this Southeast Asian city-state. Take it easy with a leisurely visit to the Gardens by the Bay, a horticultural sanctuary in the middle of the city. Wander through hot houses (which may actually feel cool in Singapore’s tropical climate) and the flower dome, admiring the lush flowers and plants.

What one reviewer said: “The flower dome was simply amazing! The variety and display of flowers was colorful, splendid and enchanting. I can't say enough good things about it. Truly a must see! (...)” Deborah_J, November 2025

Adventurous parents don’t need to relegate multi-day hiking adventures to their pre-kid past: Nepal offers a good range of options for active families. Villages scattered throughout the Himalayas offer accommodation and dining options, so you don’t need to lug tents and cooking equipment around with you (or pay a porter to do so).

And, not all hikes in the Himalayas are at very high altitudes, so they should be manageable for kids with energy to burn. A family-friendly option is a guided trek to Ghorepani in the Annapurna Mountain Range, which includes a sunrise hike up to Poon Hill for otherworldly mountain views.

India’s desert state, Rajasthan, is an exciting destination for families, with palaces and forts at every turn. Expect to see camels doing the jobs that horses or donkeys might do elsewhere. But nothing is likely to be as exciting for kids as a guided camel tour from the sandcastle-like city of Jaisalmer through the dunes of the Thar Desert, ending at a desert camp. Sleep out under the stars (or in a tent if you prefer) and make happy family memories.

What one reviewer said: “Our overnight desert Camel Safari became a highlight in our month-long India adventure travel experience. The staff were gracious and accommodating, they clearly loved their work. The two meals prepared over an open fire were excellent. (...)” Cynthia_M, March 2025

Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, and families with tots, tweens, and teens can find outdoor adventures to suit in the lakeside city surrounded by mountains. Jet boating is an exciting adventure for everyone in the family because, unlike rafting, mountain biking, or hiking, you don’t have to expend any energy. Zoom at speeds of up to 59 miles (95 kilometers) per hour through narrow canyons and over shallow waters on this jet boat ride.

What one reviewer said: “We had Jack as our driver today & he made the experience so much fun! Definitely worth adding this activity to your itinerary!” Olivia_E, October 2025

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef system in the world, home to 400 types of coral and 1,500 species of fish. See a small slice of this wonder of the natural world on a snorkeling trip eco adventure tour to the reef from Cairns. The youngest members of the family can stay on board or swim and snorkel, while older kids (typically age 12 and up) and parents can even go diving.

What one reviewer said: “We were a group of five and had an amazing time! Everything was so well organised. The staff were friendly, approachable, and very knowledgeable. Check-in was quick and easy, and with allocated seating, we didn’t have to worry about a thing! You could honestly turn up with just your swimmers and sunglasses—they’ve got everything else covered!” Monika_C, November 2025