adventure travel family

Protect Your Trip »

50 bucket list family adventure trips.

Forge lifelong memories on a one-of-a-kind journey together.

(Getty Images) |

Take the kids on the transformative trip of a lifetime.

Whether you want to push your limits on a heart-pounding African safari, surf trip, ski retreat or national park vacation, there are plenty of boundary-pushing vacations well-suited for families of all ages, interests and budgets. While some places cater to clans craving enrichment with cultural cred and striking natural wonders, others lure thrill-seeking families in pursuit of adrenaline-pumping activities and wildlife encounters in far-flung locales. No matter your goal, the best memories will be "when you're taking in awe-inspiring sights and doing things you never knew were possible," says Leigh Barnes, the North America regional director at Intrepid Travel, an adventure outfitter. With that in mind, these 50 once-in-a-lifetime trips are guaranteed to give you – and the kids – a fresh perspective.

While San Diego may not spring to mind as an outside-the-box bucket list vacation destination, with ample opportunities to learn to surf along gentle breaks, a spectacular 70-mile coastline and an iconic zoo filled with 3,500 fascinating animals and a safari park in nearby Escondido, the Southern California hot spot is a crowd-pleasing playground for thrill-seekers of all ages. Head to La Jolla to take a lesson at an acclaimed surf school or catch pros skimming the waves. And for more leisurely outdoor exploration, tag along on a sailing lesson at Mission Bay Aquatic Center, visit Balboa Park or grab your camera and take family photos at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park as the sun goes down.

Oahu, Hawaii

You may associate the Aloha State with seaside landscapes, opulent hotels and secluded sands filled with honeymooners. But here's a secret: Oahu's famous North Shore offers plenty of unforgettable, action-packed experiences for adventure-loving broods. In winter, the area draws pro surfers with its massive swells. But if you arrive in summer, you can enjoy calmer waves and learn how to skim the waves together. At Turtle Bay Resort , you and the kids can enjoy private or group surf lessons, take guided surf tours, try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding or bond while kayaking, horseback riding or biking. After soaking in the great outdoors, check out must-see historical attractions, like 'Iolani Palace and Pearl Harbor in Honolulu.

In Sydney , you'll find rip-roaring adventures catering to every adventurer in your group. After visiting classic attractions such as the Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach, embark on a kayaking expedition in the harbor or venture to Sydney Olympic Park, where you and the kids can swing across a zip line or take an archery lesson. For more thrilling pursuits, hike in the nearby Blue Mountains (about a two-hour train ride from Sydney), where you can marvel at the Three Sisters rock formation and inspiring waterfalls. And if you're traveling with animal lovers, you can't miss checking out the Australian Reptile Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (about an hour drive outside of the city), which houses kangaroos, koalas and wombats.

Costa Rica offers endless opportunities for exhilarating encounters in the wild. While daredevils may want to glide through a canopy of trees on a zip line, nature enthusiasts can take in enchanting butterfly farms or hike through lush rainforests. Jeremy Brady, the national sales manager at small-group adventure tour outfitter G Adventures, suggests Costa Rica for families with kids under age 10 looking for a blend of high-octane activity, cultural immersion and wildlife-viewing. Get your heart racing as you zip line or stroll along the misty Sky Walk (a hanging bridge) through Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, which teems with howler monkeys, colorful birds, sloths and 2,500 plant species. Then soak in the sunshine and surf along the Nicoya Peninsula.

With dramatic glaciers, fascinating wildlife and awe-inspiring landscapes, Alaska captivates nature lovers of all ages. Whether you're dreaming of catching sight of the northern lights or cruising past glaciers and whale-filled waters in Kenai Fjords National Park, you have plenty of reasons to take the kids to Alaska. On National Geographic's eight-day Alaska: Denali to Kenai Fjords Family Expedition (from $5,845), you and your crew can take guided hikes to a ridgeline summit in Denali National Park and Preserve's interior and take a cruise through the Kenai Fjords, where sea lions, orca and gray and humpback whales are often spotted. After an exhilarating day outdoors, you can enjoy downtime at Denali Backcountry Lodge.

The Galápagos

With its spellbinding landscapes and captivating creatures – from giant tortoises to penguins to sea lions – the Galápagos Islands have long enamored thrill-seekers in pursuit of one-of-a-kind wildlife adventures. Barnes highlights Charles Darwin's playground as an ideal choice for wildlife-loving broods looking for an off-the-beaten-track getaway. With Intrepid Travel's eight-day Galapagos Family Holiday package (prices start at $2,680), families can get an adrenaline rush as they "witness some of the rarest creatures in the world, snorkeling at one of the largest sea lion colonies, spotting giant tortoises and looking out for marine iguanas, whales, dolphins and sharks," Barnes explains. For unforgettable, up-close animal counters, you won't want to miss Tortuga Bay on Santa Cruz Island or snorkeling near Santa Maria Island.

Getty Images |

Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai may draw outdoorsy couples with its captivating coastlines and postcard-worthy sunsets, but the less-trodden tropical paradise isn't just a romantic hideaway. Budding thrill-seekers will find plenty of adrenaline-pumping pursuits to pique their interest, whether they're itching to try their hand at surfing at Hanalei Bay, traverse the Waimea Canyon or swim in the Queen's Bath, a lava rock-bordered tide pool on the island's north shore. Everett Potter, a columnist for Forbes and author of the website "Everett Potter's Travel Report," highlights sea kayaking, snorkeling and zip lining as classic adventure-filled recreational pursuits the whole crew will enjoy.

Washington, District of Columbia

Not just a mecca for high-profile politicians, the nation's capital offers world-class cultural attractions and a dizzying array of family-friendly museums, from the National Museum of History to the National Gallery of Art. Breaks from admiring the District's marbled monuments can include catching a show at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and wandering along the Tidal Basin (arrive in spring to catch sight of pink-hued blooms draping the city). And for more thrilling escapades, venture 15 miles outside of the District to the Billy Goat Trail, where you can enjoy biking, climbing and hiking, or tack on a trip to Virginia's Shenandoah National Park, just 75 miles outside of the nation's capital.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Get away from it all and soak in the snow-capped peaks, alpine glaciers and plummeting waterfalls on an epic family adventure in Glacier National Park. On Backroads' five-day Glacier Family Multi-Adventure Camping Tour (from $1,998 per person), horseback riding in Many Glacier Valley, peddling among glacier-sculpted valleys and taking in riveting vistas on Going-to-the-Sun Road are on the itinerary. If you would rather craft your own itinerary, a few must-sees include the Trail of the Cedars, which is suitable for all skill levels and is conveniently located near Lake McDonald Lodge, and Grinnell Glacier, a photogenic hike that weaves past Logan Pass. Best of all, youngsters can tag along a variety of ranger-guided programs, including snowshoe hikes in winter.

Iguazú Falls, Brazil and Argentina

With 275 jaw-dropping waterfalls, UNESCO Heritage status and the chance to enjoy biologist-guided jungle treks and river kayaking expeditions, it's no wonder these cascading falls along the Argentina-Brazil border hold a firm place on the adventurer's bucket list. If you don't mind misty surroundings, consider visiting during the less in-demand rainy season (December to February). There are plenty of ways to experience the falls in their full glory, but for an upscale, stress-free option, consider embarking on an guided tour. At the new all-inclusive Awasi Iguazú, an eco-friendly resort, you can stay in a rainforest villa and take a guided excursion to the waterfalls and beyond.

Croatia offers a winning blend of historical attractions, architectural gems and cinematic backdrops. For a memorable family adventure, Barnes highlights Croatia as an out-of-the-ordinary pick. Intrepid Travel's nine-day Croatia Family Holiday trip (from $2,195 per person) "takes families beyond Dubrovnik and guides them through less-visited but equally adventurous sites like the vineyards, olive groves and tranquil coves of Korčula Island, the Renaissance architecture and beautiful beaches of Hvar Island and the waterfront promenade of Split," he explains. If you're looking to up the thrill factor, take the kids to Krka National Park in central Dalmatia to marvel at striking waterfalls. And no trip would be complete without strolling through Dubrovnik's iconic Old City or checking out Diocletian's Palace in Split.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina

Great Smoky Mountains National Park – the country's most popular national park, with roughly 10 million visitors each year – tempts adventurous families with seemingly endless opportunities to embrace the great outdoors. Whether you and the gang want to enjoy horseback riding, hiking or biking expeditions, there are a number of activities to keep you busy. For the ultimate bonding experience, time your trip for late May or early June, when 19 different species of fireflies flash in sync to create a bright flickering color against the evening sky at the Elkmont Campground. If you can't snag a pass, which are distributed via a lottery system, take the kids to other can't-miss attractions, such as the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Grotto Falls.

With its geothermal hot springs, active volcanoes, iconic lagoon and surreal landscapes, it's no wonder Iceland holds a top spot on many traveler's lists. On Intrepid Travel's seven-day Summer Iceland Family Holiday trip (prices start at $2,850), you can soak in the country's spectacular natural attractions, from bubbling geysers to cascading waterfalls to icy glaciers. Highlights include meandering through a glacial lagoon, riding the rapids along the Hvita River (participants must be 11 or older) and trekking on a glacier in Skaftafell National Park. And though you and the kids might feel jet-lagged once you arrive, you can recharge in the Blue Lagoon before embarking on an adrenaline-fueled trip.

Dramatic coastlines, awe-inspiring parks (Acadia National Park, we’re looking at you) and rugged landscapes beckon to adventurers of all ages. Potter suggests embarking on a multiday sea kayaking trip on the coast of Maine for an unforgettable getaway. He highlights the 375-mile Maine Island Trail – a recreational water trail that links more than 200 isles and sites – as an especially worthwhile adventure. For more land-based excursions, take the kids to Acadia for heart-pounding hikes and bike rides. Trekking to the staggering 1,560-foot Cadillac Mountain, exploring the robust 57-mile network of carriage roads and snapping family photos at Otter Cliff are must-dos. After embracing the great outdoors together, kick back at a family-friendly hotel like Balance Rock Inn .

Queenstown, New Zealand

When it comes to choosing an action-packed family-friendly destination, it's hard to top this fun-loving city. Adventure junkies of all ages can unleash their inner daredevil with snowboarding, kayaking and biking. If you and the gang aren't afraid of heights, climb aboard the Skyline Queenstown, a mountain cable car that soars 1,500 feet and offers awe-inspiring vistas of Coronet Peak, Queenstown and the Remarkables from an observation area at Bob's Peak. In winter (June to September in the Southern Hemisphere), you can enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding at the Remarkables, located about 15 miles from Queenstown. And in summer, consider paragliding with a reputable company, such as GForce Paragliding, Coronet Peak or Skytrek.

The Azores, Portugal

While most jet-setters have heard of Lisbon, the Azores ' under-the-radar archipelago offers unique experiences for nature-loving families. Barnes highlights Intrepid Travel's eight-day Azores Family Holiday trip (from $2,610) as ideal for those who want to "visit working farms where agriculture is a core part of the local economy, hike up majestic volcanoes and swim with dolphins off the coast of São Miguel [Island]." If you would prefer to travel on your own, head to São Miguel to explore natural geothermal springs or make your way to Pico, which boasts a 7,700-foot summit – the highest in the country. For more relaxing outdoor pursuits, visit Varadouro, a coastal town on Faial Island with a craggy coastline and black basalt rock-framed pools.

Switzerland

For a quintessential active alpine getaway – complete with hikes to snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes and serene meadows – add Switzerland to your travel list. Adventure travel company Backroads offers a six-day Switzerland Family Walking & Hiking Tour during the summer season (from $4,498 per person), where you can admire glistening glaciers and enchanting waterfalls, explore Zermatt (and take in awe-inspiring vantage points of the Matterhorn) and explore Gornergletscher glacier's ice field. While the hikes are challenging, you and the gang will be accompanied by experts. Plus, at the end of each day, you can retreat to upscale accommodations, making it an ideal choice if you're looking to experience the Swiss Alps in comfort.

Nairobi, Kenya

Few family adventure trips can rival spending a week on a dreamy safari. If you're traveling with budding wildlife lovers, splurge for a stay at one of the Elephant Watch Camp's eco-friendly tents within the Samburu National Reserve. Dedicated guides at the camp highlight elephants passing by and offer immersive activities, such as treks to the Ol Doinyo Mountain, walks with Samburu warriors, game drives and camel treks. Aside from roaming elephants, leopards, cheetahs, lions, zebras and giraffes are often spotted across the 70-square-mile reserve.

Machu Picchu, Peru

For intrepid families, Peru is a must-see bucket list destination, Brady says. After all, it's hard to match taking an expert-guided tour through the Amazon, Machu Picchu and Cusco. On G Adventures' nine-day Peru Family Experience (starting at $1,999 per person), participants ages 3 and up can raft, kayak, hike and bike on a naturalist-led tour in the Amazon jungle before taking the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu to catch sight of the "lost city of the Incas" and admire sacred temples and agriculture areas. After taking in commanding views of Machu Picchu's ruins, visitors can enjoy other must-see attractions in Cusco like the Sacsayhuamán ruins or explore the lively Plaza de Armas.

Cinque Terre, Italy

Imagine waking up to colorful cliff-side villages gazing over the Ligurian Sea and spending your days exploring together as you soak in breathtaking backdrops followed by pizza and gelato. While Cinque Terre 's cluster of five villages may be a popular romantic retreat, the charming small towns afford a once-in-a-lifetime family adventure as you hike from village to village. Though some treks are steep and not well-suited for novices or the faint of heart, fret not because you and the kids can opt to board a train or arrange a private boat tour. Consider booking a private tour with a venerable outfitter like Country Walkers to hike along olive-flanked paths, snorkel in the Ligurian and trek to medieval castles without sweating the details.

Jetting off to Bali with your brood to explore sacred temples and towering volcanoes might not seem like a practical family getaway, but with many immersive activities geared toward the young – and the young at heart – there are plenty of draws for planning the trip of a lifetime. With Intrepid Travel's Bali Family Holiday with Teenagers package, travelers can stay active with heart-pounding adventures, Barnes says. "In between snorkeling, hiking and whitewater rafting, take part in cultural excursions like chocolate-making at a Balinese factory [on the tour]," he says. If you would rather arrange your own itinerary, don't miss taking the kids to Uluwatu Temple or getting acquainted with Sumatran elephants at Elephant Safari Park.

With dramatic cliffs, ancient ruins and picturesque trails, the Emerald Isle is an adventure-lover's playground. After getting your culture fix in Dublin, take the kids to a real-life fairy tale by staying and sleep over in one of Ireland's enchanting castles. At the sprawling 450-acre Dromoland Castle Hotel & Country Estate in County Clare, the whole crew can partake in archery, falconry, tennis, mountain biking and other recreational pursuits. And at the 800-year-old Ashford Castle, you can up the family fun factor with zip lining, carriage rides, falconry, horseback riding and other kid-friendly pursuits. After embracing the great outdoors, little ones ages 12 and under can get pampered with personalized bedtime story books, homemade cookies and even a LEGO menu.

Jaw-dropping landscapes punctuated by scenic fjords and magnificent glaciers tempt nature enthusiasts of all ages and interests to jet off to Norway. With G Adventures' seven-day Norwegian Fjord Trekking excursion (from $2,299), participants ages 12 and up can take a guided hike along the frosty Buer Glacier and explore the Trolltonga Troll's Tongue formation, which rises 2,300 feet over Lake Ringedalsvatnet. And while even finicky teens will be hard-pressed to find a reason not to immerse themselves in their surroundings, other draws for planning an action-packed trip to Norway include the chance to spot reindeer at Jotunheimen National Park and admire walruses and polar bears in Svalbard, nestled between Norway and the North Pole.

South Africa

If an African safari is on your bucket list, journey to Kruger National Park with a reputable outfitter that can guide you to pristine game reserves to spot the Big Five: lions, Cape buffalos, leopards, rhinoceroses and elephants. Brady highlights a 12-day G Adventures expedition in partnership with National Geographic Journeys (starting at $3,059 per person) from Cape Town to Victoria Falls as especially enticing. Guided by a knowledgeable expert, participants can marvel at penguins on Cape Town's Boulders Beach and take the picturesque wildlife safari drive in Kruger National Park to spot giraffes, lions and elephants. Spectacular wildlife-viewing aside, the trip offers the chance to explore Victoria Falls by kayak, river safari, canoe or whitewater rafting expedition.

If you want to raise culture-loving kids, it's a great idea to skip across the pond to Paris. But if you've already gotten your art fix at world-renowned institutions in the City of Light, such as the Musée d'Orsay, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, skip Paris and take in an active getaway in the lesser-known Dordogne region in southwest France (about a 90-minute drive east of Bordeaux), which teems with castles, caves and storybook châteauxs. Youngsters will enjoy exploring the labyrinth-like gardens of Marqueyssac, checking out the 25 painted caves and 147 prehistoric sites in the Vézère Valley and releasing any pent-up energy cycling, canoeing and hiking in one of 33 parks and gardens in the area.

A trip along the Salmon River is a guaranteed one-of-a-kind adventure trip for all ages, Potter says. Along the Salmon River, you'll create long-lasting memories as you plummet through Class III rapids. The best way to experience the area's inspiring desert scenery on a heart-racing rafting expedition is with an experienced outfitter like O.A.R.S., he adds. The company offers four- and five-day trips on the lower Salmon River. If you're a first time rafter, consider the company's Gorges of the Lower Salmon River Rafting Trip (from $899 per person), which is designed for ages 7 and up. By day, you can enjoy whitewater rafting, swimming, paddleboarding and wildlife spotting, and after dark you can bond beneath the stars at riverside campsites.

Vail, Colorado

If your family comprises avid powder hounds and snow bunnies, Vail should top your travel bucket list. You and the gang can enjoy the ultimate snowboarding and ski break at Vail Ski Resort. And after shredding powder, take the kids to the Eagles Nest Wilderness or venture to neighboring Beaver Creek for kid-friendly activities like nature hikes from the Beaver Creek Nordic Center. Best of all, the area offers a variety of family-friendly accommodation options, from the Sonnenalp , which offers movie nights and arts and crafts at its kids club, and The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch , which offers marshmallow roasting around a fire pit and a Ritz Kids program with ski lessons, photography, scavenger hunts and other activities.

With world-renowned attractions – from Kyoto's iconic Buddhist temples to Tokyo's neon-lit cityscapes and skyscrapers – Japan's best places to visit beckon to culture-loving globetrotters of all ages. Barnes highlights Intrepid Travel's 11-day Japan Family Holiday (from $4,910 per person) as an especially memorable adventure. On the trip, travelers "can take part in activities few have the chance to experience, such as cooking okonomiyaki on a Tokyo Bay boat cruise, taking a dip in the soothing waters of the onsen (Japanese hot spring baths) in Hakone and learning the art of calligraphy," he explains. If you're craving more memorable experiences, take on a few extra days in Tokyo to check out can't-miss gems, such as the Sensoji Temple, the Imperial Palace and the Edo-Tokyo Museum.

Niagara Falls, Canada

Thrill-seeking families in search of impressive waterfalls will be hard-pressed to find a more dramatic photo op than Niagara Falls . And while you should expect tourist kitsch (and heavy crowds), the magnificent natural wonder is a quintessential bucket list attraction for good reason. Whether you want to see the striking falls on a Maid of the Mist boat tour for a spray-filled ride to Horseshoe Falls or from a sky-high observation with a Journey Behind the Falls tour, there are many ways to experience the falls in all their splendor. Beyond the falls, check out kid-friendly attractions such as Niagara SkyWheel and Old Fort Niagara.

Morocco charms visitors with its colorful markets in Marrakesh, its dramatic dune-filled desert landscapes in the Sahara and its elaborate architecture in Casablanca. For a one-of-a-kind, action-packed trip – that doesn't require a small fortune – Barnets highlights a budget-friendly Morocco Family Holiday eight-day itinerary. The tour (starting at $665) includes camel riding along sandy dunes, exploring the iconic Djemaa el Fna main square and taking a respite at Zaouit Ifergane, a relaxing oasis with swaying palms. Carve out extra time in Marrakesh for plenty of kid-friendly enticements, such as treasure hunting for souvenirs and catching performances at lively bazaar market stalls, admiring the ornate mosaics at El Badi Palace and strolling through the cacti-filled Le Jardin Majorelle.

With its dramatic cliffs, striking fjords and plunging waterfalls, Denmark offers plenty of thrilling diversions for adventurous families. Aside from checking out Copenhagen's must-sees, such as the Little Mermaid statue, the Tivoli Gardens and Strøget, you and the kids can retreat to the enchanting Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød or walk among the cinematic cliffs flanking the isle of Møn's eastern coastline. On National Geographic Expeditions' nine-day Denmark and Norway Family Expedition, suited for ages 7 and up (starting at $6,590), highlights include peddling in the mountains outside of Bergen, learning about Scandinavia's fascinating seafaring heritage with an expert archaeologist, taking the Flåm Railway from Oslo to Myrdal and embarking on a scenic cruise along Sognefjord.

For a mix of art, history, ancient ruins and idyllic beaches, embark on an unforgettable odyssey in Greece. Make Athens your home base for visiting must-see attractions such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Or if you would rather leave the logistics to an expert, consider booking National Geographic Expeditions' 10-day round-trip Greece Family Expedition for ages 7 and up (starting at $5,990 per person). The trip includes guided tours at iconic attractions in Athens, sightseeing in Delphi and a stop in Santorini – the volcanic isle known for its striking cliff-side sunsets, blue domes and whitewashed buildings. Even better, youngsters can enjoy cultural immersion with the Kid-to-Kid Connection program, where participants can interact with Greek locals and participate in hands-on activities.

When you imagine Thailand, picture-perfect beaches, golden temples and opulent resorts may spring to mind. But the country's diverse landscapes, lush forests and lively markets beckon to fickle teens looking for blend of culture and adventure. On Intrepid Travel's 11-day Highlights of Thailand tour for participants ages 15 and up (starting at $1,795), you and the kids can enjoy an interactive cooking lesson in Chiang Mai, cycle past ancient ruins and visit Friends of Asian Elephant, a hospital that aims to protect animal welfare in a safe habitat in Sukhothai. For a more adrenaline-fueled journey, consider embarking on an eight-day biking expedition with outfitter Backroads that weaves past temples and rice fields in the Golden Triangle.

Yellowstone National Park

One of the America's most prized national parks, Yellowstone's striking natural wonders and surreal geothermal features, from its bubbling hot springs to its rust-colored canyon walls, entice visitors of all ages to embrace the great outdoors. And with versatile wildlife-viewing opportunities and more than 3,000 square miles of waterfalls, canyons and geysers, Yellowstone offers plenty of ways for adventure-seekers to experience its sprawling natural playground. A fun, family-friendly way to take in the park is with a rafting trip along the Yellowstone River or an expert-led backcountry hike. If you want to stay at one of Yellowstone's lodges, you can enjoy other bonding experiences like dinner cookouts around a crackling campfire.

The Pyrenees, Andorra and Spain

Forget the Alps. For an awe-inspiring, heart-pounding hike, consider an out-of-the-ordinary trip in the Pyrenees, the beautiful mountain region tucked between Spain and France. Barnes highlights Intrepid Travel's eight-day Summer Pyrenees Family Holiday package (starting at $895) as a choice option. On the trip, designed for ages 10 and older, activities include whitewater rafting, zip lining, biking and hiking. Highlights include peddling to Engolasters Lake in the Cortals Valley and embarking on an exhilarating whitewater rafting journey across the border in Spain from the village of Sort ("luck" in Catalan). If you have a stringent budget, the off-the-beaten-path, bucket-list adventure is attached to a reasonable all-inclusive rate that includes accommodations, meals, daily activities and transportation.

Tanzania, East Africa

If you're traveling with wildlife lovers, you may be hard-pressed to come up with a more memorable family vacation than a safari. On Intrepid Travel's eight-day Tanzania Family Safari (from $2,095 per person), "families can take a safari across the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater for a chance to watch the endangered black rhinoceros in their natural habitat," Barnes says. "They can see an astounding array of animals in the Serengeti National Park, too, and pass through the ancient homeland of the Maasai," he adds. Aside from game drives at dawn, educational opportunities abound, including learning about the Great Rift Valley, the destination for the Great Migration, when about 2 million wildebeest, gazelles and zebras traverse the Serengeti.

Borneo, Malaysia

Animal-loving families in search of the ultimate off-the-beaten-track wilderness adventure should consider venturing to Borneo. "In Borneo, families have the chance to see animals up close at an orangutan rehabilitation center, a monkey sanctuary and a bear conservation center," he explains. On Intrepid Travel's 10-day Classic Borneo itinerary for ages 10 and up (prices start at $2,074 per person), you can meet traipse through jungles and float along the Kinabatangan River, which is home to macaques and orangutans, among other fascinating creatures. "Families will stay at an eco-camp in the thick of the jungle and will enjoy a homestay in a Malay village," he adds. Other bucket-list worthy highlights include exploring an authentic tea plantation and snorkeling near Manakan Island to admire colorful coral and tropical fish.

For quality family bonding time in the great outdoors, Potter suggests taking youngsters to a dude ranch out West. Lone Mountain Ranch in Montana, which is tucked between Big Sky and Yellowstone, is an especially attractive choice for broods with its wide range of kid-friendly activities, including cross-country skiing, dog-sledding, horseback riding, mountain biking, fly-fishing and white-water rafting. "The trails are incredibly well-groomed," Potter adds. If you're planning a summer escape, consider the Summer Discovery Package, which includes a tour of Yellowstone, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, horseback riding, all meals and an Outdoor Youth Adventures Program designed for ages 4 to 12, where kids can connect with like-minded peers and enjoy age-appropriate activities.

You – and the kids – have seen dreamy pictures of the spectacular sandstone rock formations and iconic domes, buttes and arches in Utah's five famed national parks: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef. For an outdoor adventure the kids won't soon forget, head to Arches to admire one of the 2,000 famed spires the park is known for, such as Delicate Arch and Balanced Rock. For more unforgettable backdrops, check out Bryce's surreal hoodoo rock formations, or if you're feeling brave, hike the challenging Narrows in Zion National Park. Consider making nearby Moab your base camp to enjoy ample opportunities for stargazing, hiking, biking and rafting, among other outdoor escapades.

Northern India

Northern India offers the right mix of captivating landscapes, iconic attractions and fascinating wildlife, catering to explorers and culture vultures of all ages. On Intrepid Travel's 10-day Northern India Family Holiday expeditions (starting at $1,080 per person), you can cross plenty of world-renowned attractions off your bucket list, from the Taj Mahal in Agra to India Gate in New Delhi to the elaborate City Palace in Jaipur. The trip also includes a stop at Ranthambore National Park, where you can meander past storied temples and embark on early morning game drives to look out for antelope, leopards, gazelle and Bengal tigers. If you have extra time, tack on a few extra days to experience Delhi's vibrant bazaars and attractions.

Sayulita, Mexico

Sayulita – the little-known surf town along the Pacific that's often overshadowed by popular Puerto Vallarta – is a dreamy escape for an off-the-beaten-track adventure trip removed from heavy tourist crowds. Aspiring surfers can take lessons along the beach with reputable surf schools like Lunazul Surf School & Shop. And for more exhilarating adventures, take the kids on a jungle biking trip with outfitter Wild Mex Wilderness and Surf Mexpeditions, which offers tours geared toward moderate and advanced riders. Other outdoor activities can include soaring through treetops on a zip line in the Sierra Madre forest, beachside yoga and snorkeling. Wrap up your days with a stay at an authentic casita vacation rental or boutique hotel like Villa Amor.

Tasmania, Australia

For some of the best nature- and wildlife-viewing on earth, take the kids to Oz. With sublime backdrops, unique geological features and diverse wildlife (think: wallabies and Tasmanian devils), Tasmania offers an extraordinary trip for adventurers of all kinds. You and the kids can sprawl along sandy beaches and admire striking granite mountains before hitting the trails at Freycinet National Park, including the challenging but rewarding Wineglass Bay Lookout trail. For less adrenaline-pumping pursuits, consider venturing to the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park, near Hobart, where you can feed the local four-legged residents and admire other animals, like kangaroos. Paddling by kayak along Coles Bay at sunset with a reputable outfitter like Freycinet Adventures also offers a memorable outdoor excursion.

On the surface, St. Lucia, with its palm-lined beaches, lavish resorts and rum cocktails, may not seem like an ideal destination for families. But don't let its romantic reputation throw you off. Outdoorsy travelers of all ages will enjoy adrenaline-fueled rainforest hikes, treks to the Piton Mountains and touring the island's active drive-in volcano at Sulfur Springs Park. If you're looking to splurge, consider taking your crew to Anse Chastanet (open to guests ages 10 and up or 6 years or older from July to September), a luxury resort that boasts room with plenty of age-appropriate activities, from jungle biking to guided hikes to open-water dives at the surrounding marine reserve.

If you're looking for a transformative, off-the-grid trip, a cruise to Antarctica should top your travel list. The adventure-focused cruise line Hurtigruten offers voyages from the Drake Passage to the Antarctica Peninsula. And travelers get the chance to hike along remote, unspoiled landscapes, marvel at melting icebergs and admire Gentoo penguins, leopard seals and other fascinating creatures. On the 14-day Frozen Land of the Penguins itinerary, youngsters ages 7 to 13 can also learn about the geological makeup of the Southern Ocean, join sustainable-driven community services onshore and attend enriching historical, environmental and wildlife-focused educational lecture series centered on climate change with the Young Explorers Program.

Grand Canyon National Park

If you're searching for an inspiring outdoor adventure in one of America's prized national parks, the Grand Canyon is a no-brainer. Marveling at the crimson- and ochre-hued, 277-mile-long chasm and soaking in its natural and geological splendors is nothing if not enchanting. Potter suggests planning a whitewater rafting trip along the Colorado River with a reputable guide to give kids the chance to experience the grandeur, striking side canyons and streams of the Grand Canyon. On O.A.R.'s five-day Grand Canyon Rafting – Whitmore Wash to Lake Mead (starting at $2,440 per person), participants ages 7 and up can hike, horseback ride and take a helicopter ride above the Grand Canyon.

Vancouver, British Columbia

If you want a mix of cosmopolitan gems and outdoor wilderness on your next family getaway, set your sights on Vancouver, where daily activities can include everything from learning to surf to soaring over the peaks of Grouse Mountain on a zip line tour. For less extreme but equally stimulating adventures, take a canopy walk along the 450-foot-long, 230-foot-high Capilano Suspension Bridge, where you can admire striking evergreens and forest and river vistas as you traverse seven suspended footbridges. If you would rather stay on terra firma, bike or walk in Stanley Park, pausing at Brockton Point to marvel at the totem poles. When you need a break, recharge at Granville Island Public Market.

Petra has long attracted history lovers and serious daredevils. After all, it's the iconic setting from the 1989 hit "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade." On Intrepid Travel's eight-day Jordan Family Holidays (starting at $1,435), you'll get off the beaten track and "journey beyond Petra to Wadi Rum on a four-wheel-drive safari," Barnes says. Plus, travelers have "the chance to camp in the middle of the desert under the stars," he adds. The trip begins in Amman Jordan, continues onward to Jerash for a hike weaving past ruins dating back more than 2,000 years, then on to Petra and Wadi Rum to take in spectacular rock formations, before wrapping up at the Dead Sea.

For an outside-the-box adventure in Southeast Asia, Brady highlights Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand as choice destinations. Whether you want to trek through the Cardamom Mountains, admire the ancient temples at Angkor Wat or explore Phnom Penh's outdoor markets, there are plenty of inspiring landscapes and historical attractions to cross off your list. On G Adventures' 17-day Essential Vietnam & Cambodia trip (starting at $1,959), participants ages 12 and up cruise along the Mekong Delta in Ho Chi Minh City, float in a junk boat on Halong Bay and visit the Angkor Wat temple complex. Best of all, the guided trip caters to novice hikers, with light walking and hiking.

Trekking to Mongolia with kids on a nomadic adventure offers an unforgettable vacation. With the 14-day Discover Mongolia G Adventures trip in partnership with National Geographic Journeys (from $4,199), activities include visiting the Flaming Cliffs paleontology site, marveling at Mongolia's wild horses at Hustai National Park and touring the Erdene Zhu monastery with a Buddhist monk. Best of all, the trip offers plenty of learning components with educational lectures and visits to camel-herding families. And Mongolia's remote and diverse landscapes – from the isolated dunes in the Gobi Desert to the dramatic Altai mountains, green valleys and striking gorges in Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park – do not disappoint.

(M.M. Sweet | Getty Images)

Sea of Cortez, Mexico

For a one-of-a-kind outdoor excursion, consider sea kayaking in the Sea of Cortez, Potter says. The venerable travel outfitter O.A.R.S. offers a Baja Sea Kayaking and Whale Watching expedition that includes a mix of paddling near the cliff-flanked coast of Espíritu Santo, swimming with sea lions at a rookery and whale spotting at Magdalena Bay as Pacific gray whales migrate from the Arctic. On the nine-day trip (from $1,395 per person), you can also catch sight of sea turtles, dolphins and manta rays and paddle on an expert-led kayaking excursion before exploring rugged sand dunes along the Baja coast. Best of all, guests of all ages can stay engaged after the sun goes down with evening lectures.

More From U.S. News

50 Unexpected Family-Friendly Vacations

50 Off-Season Vacation Ideas

50 American Adventures in 50 States

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

Top memorial day weekend getaways.

Nicola Wood April 3, 2024

The Best Way to Renew a Passport

Amanda Norcross April 3, 2024

The Best Checked Luggage

Erin Evans , Rachael Hood , Catriona Kendall , Sharael Kolberg , Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson April 3, 2024

The Best Venice Tours

Lyn Mettler and Marisa Méndez April 2, 2024

The Best Travel Toiletry Bags

Amanda Norcross April 2, 2024

U.S. News Best Bed & Breakfasts Rankings

U.S. News Hotels Editors April 2, 2024

The Best Carry-on Backpacks

Rachael Hood , Erin Evans , Catriona Kendall , Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson March 29, 2024

Best Chicago Boat Tours

Holly Johnson and Marisa Méndez March 29, 2024

The Best Alaska Cruises for Families

Gwen Pratesi March 29, 2024

The 14 Best Maui Tours

John Rodwan March 28, 2024

• SCHEDULED & CUSTOM
• Rwanda & Uganda
• South Africa
• The Americas
• SCHEDULED & CUSTOM
• Ecuador (Galapagos)
• Switzerland
• Polar & Pacific
• New Zealand

NAMED TRAVEL + LEISURE'S

World's Best

Everyday is an Adventure

Bring your loved ones together

Family Reunion

Sublime Relaxation

An adventure that is all yours

Custom Trips

Face to Face with Wildlife

Discover Thomson

Our trips promise to excite, educate, and enthrall.

What Travelers are Saying

First and very memorable tour company our family has used. We’ll remember this for the rest of our lives.

The Downie Family

The Family Travel Experts

We’ve been setting the standard in family travel since we pioneered the industry in 1998. Our adventure artisans hand-craft every trip: that means memorable, active and fun experiences for family members of every age.

Have a question? Want to talk about travel? Reach out to one of our family travel experts.

Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 9-5 EST

Office Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 9-5 EST Appointment required; please call.

The Best Travel Adventures for Families

Westend61 / Getty Images

Who says family vacations have to be just about visits to theme parks or sitting on a beach ? Sure, those types of tips can be a lot of fun but in the 21st century, family travel has evolved to be so much more than that, opening an entire world of possibilities. In fact, the family vacation can be a grand, multi-generational adventure that creates memories that will last a lifetime and further enriches family bonds.

Go on a Classic African Safari

TripSavvy / Anna Haines

A classic African safari has been one of the best travel experiences for decades, giving intrepid explorers the chance to experience amazing and abundant wildlife in its natural habitat. The entire family will love being able to spot lions and cheetahs in the wild, not to mention elephants, giraffes, and zebras too.

Top safari destinations include Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, and Kruger National Park in South Africa. These locations have comfortable lodges and well-equipped camps that make this type of journey relaxing and enjoyable on so many levels.

There are numerous safari companies to choose from when planning a trip, but Tanzania Expeditions is excellent at helping families plan the exact trip for them, as is Abercrombie and Kent for those looking for something a bit more upscale.

Learn to Be a Cowboy at a Dude Ranch

Ed Freeman / Getty Images

Over the past few years, visiting a working dude ranch has become a popular vacation style for adventure travelers. On these ranches, would-be cowboys learn to ride, rope, and tend to the livestock, including rounding up cattle and bringing them home.

Believe it or not, these types of trips are excellent for the entire family, who will get the opportunity to go horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and do other outdoor activities together. Accommodations are often in comfortable, but rustic, cabins, with most of the ranches located in the American West. Sweet Grass Ranch in Montana is a favorite, as is Tanque Verde Ranch in Arizona.

Go Camping in a National Park

America's national parks are some of the best outdoor wilderness areas in the entire world, offering plenty to see and do. Travelers can go hiking, biking, and paddling in parks that are found in practically every corner of the country, although places like Yellowstone , Yosemite, and the Great Smokey Mountains truly stand out as epic travel destinations.

One of the best family activities that can be had inside a national park is overnight camping. Most of the parks have on-site campgrounds that can be reserved for multiple nights, which can make for a great family escape. There is nothing quite like gathering around a campfire at the end of the day to roast some marshmallows, make s'mores, and tell tall tales. Visit the National Park Service website to start planning your camping trip.

Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef

Australia's Great Barrier Reef remains one of the truly great natural wonders of the world, despite the threats that it now faces . The GBR gives families the opportunity to spot hundreds of species of sea life and offers some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world. Even kids who haven't used a mask and snorkel before will pick-up the activity with relative ease. They'll also be completely enthralled by the colorful fish that collect by the thousands along the reef, not to mention the opportunities to spot sea turtles, octopuses, and even—depending on the season—whales too.

Day trips or longer live-aboard excursions can be booked out of a number of locations along the coast of the Australian state of Queensland. We recommend checking out the options in Cairns or Airlie Beach, which both offer convenient departures.

Take a Small-Ship Adventure Cruise

Yvette Cardozo / Getty Images

While taking a cruise may not sound like much of an adventure, if you leave the large ships behind and embark on a small-ship tour, you'll soon understand why this activity made our list. These kinds of cruises are much more intimate and active affairs. While on the larger vessels passengers rarely leave the ship, on an adventure cruise travelers get the chance to disembark to go on hikes, kayaking excursions, or zodiac boat tours on a daily basis. Because the vessels are much smaller, it is easier for families to stick together and spend quality time with one another. Whether that's gathering around the dinner table with new friends, hanging out in the ship's lounge, or embarking on a daily adventure, there is a lot to like on a small-ship cruise.

Some of the best family adventures can be had on a cruise to Alaska or a sailing trip to Baja. While both are quite different from one another, they do offer some unique travel experiences that simply can't be replicated by the larger cruise lines. Check out the offerings from UnCruise Adventure and Windstar Cruises to get a sense of what's possible.

Go Whitewater Rafting

Steve Bly / Getty Images

One of the most adrenaline-inducing, heart-pounding, exhilarating adventures that the entire family can share together is whitewater rafting. There's nothing quite like plunging down a raging river on a warm, sunny day. Often faster and more fun than a roller coaster, a rafting trip can be truly memorable and bonding experience, even for smaller children.

There are plenty of great places to go rafting across the U.S. and around the world . If you truly want to plan a great trip that includes some opportunities to go rafting, be sure to check out the various destinations and itineraries that OARS has to offer. The company specializes in whitewater adventures, including trips specifically geared for families .

Hike the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon has been a top family destination for decades, and for good reason. The national park is so impressive that it has even been named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World . But the vast majority of visitors never go past the canyon rim, choosing instead to just admire the view from the top.

If your kids enjoy hiking however, the Grand Canyon offers some spectacular trails to explore. Options include the iconic Bright Angel Trail, which at 9.2 miles roundtrip makes for a long, but fulfilling day in the park. The Rim Trail is longer still, but is also paved and relatively flat, making it an easier walk overall. The truly adventurous can choose to hike rim-to-rim-to-rim if they like, spending some time camping in the Canyon itself along the way.

Whichever route you choose, be sure to bring plenty of water, allocate enough time, and don't hesitate to stop for family photos along the way. After all, this is some of the best scenery on earth.

Go on a Cycling Tour

AscentXmedia / Getty Images

One of the best things about riding a bike is that it's an activity the entire family can enjoy together. That holds true for a cycling tour as well, with options available to ride for just a few hours in a scenic location or spending several days exploring an exotic destination on two wheels.

Cycling tours have become incredibly popular in recent years, which makes it now possible to visit just about any corner of the globe and enjoy a great bike ride. Don't worry if you think younger or older members of the family won't be able to keep up; some companies now offer ebike options to help close the gap and nearly all of them provide a support vehicle for those looking to take a break.

Backroads offers some of the best cycling tours on the planet for those who prefer to stick to the road. The more adventurous families can elect to hit the trail with a company like Sacred Rides , which specializes in mountain biking excursions. Either way, you're in for a fun, active journey that everyone will love.

13 Amazing Trips to Take Before You Turn 40

The Best Countries in the World for Adventurous Travelers

The 10 Most Romantic Adventure Trips You Can Take

The Different Types of Adventure Travel

15 Great Natural and Wildlife Adventure Travel Trips

The 10 Best Whitewater Rafting Destinations in the World

12 Trips Every Traveler Should Take Before Turning 50

How to Travel From Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon by Car, Plane, and Helicopter

Where to Go in 2021: 10 Future Trips You Can Start Planning Now

Family Adventure Travel Companies

The 10 Most Beautiful Places to Go Skydiving

Small Ship Alaska Cruises in 2018

Extreme Adventure Travel Vacations

The Best Women-Only Adventure Travel Companies

Grand Canyon National Park: The Complete Guide

Best Family-Friendly Hotels in America

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Adventure Travel

How to Plan a Family Adventure Vacation None of You Will Ever Forget

An A-List travel advisor with over 35 years of experience building family itineraries weighs in.

Travel is the lifeblood of many "Wow, we did that!" memories that will be revisited around the family dinner table for years to come. It has long been studied and reported that travel memories far outlast material goods. As founder and CEO of Austin Adventures, I love encouraging and helping families to make the most of their traveling opportunities.

After more than 35 years of curating travel itineraries for families, I'm the first to tell you there's a lot that goes into crafting the ultimate family vacation. No matter who's tagging along — restless toddlers, hard-to-please teenagers, or Grandma and Grandpa — it's important to try to satisfy everyone's travel needs and expectations. Let me break down a few things to help you know where to start and how to execute a fantastic family trip.

Begin With Brainstorming

Get everyone involved! Make planning part of the overall process and part of the fun. At our home, we typically start with a pizza party, where we bake some pizzas and throw ideas out there. Make sure everyone has a say.

Where do you want to go? What do you want to do? What kind of lodging do you like? What is important to you? I like to get thoughts flowing by asking, "What is your favorite type of trip or activity?"

This first phase is about free associations — no rules! — so don't worry about the details. I always like to have a few travel brochures nearby and maybe a few maps to get the thought process flowing. Take what you learn and start adding to a file that can come in handy once you hit the trails. This is a great time to teach children how to read a map (a lost art in the age of Google Maps). Make a few homework assignments.

You can establish a few boundaries by asking yourself these other important starter questions too: What does our vacation budget look like? Who will we invite? When can we travel? How much time do we want to spend on vacation?

Gather back at the table — a table that will now be covered in maps, pictures, brochures, and notes. The goal here is to start drilling down to a realistic short list. Getting a consensus might be easier than you think.

Try to find common themes: Do many of you have tropical places picked out? Mountainous terrain? Safari adventures? Big, bustling cities with lots of history? If you're having a hard time finding common ground, have fun with it by allowing each other to "sell" the others on their pick. Remember that planning is part of the fun and builds anticipation.

While searching for the best vacation location, remember the limits you established when breaking down your travel priorities. When people are available to travel could determine in which season you'll be traveling. A budget can help decide whether you're willing to travel in the U.S. or fly across the globe, and usually how long your vacation could last. You'll also need to be conscious of who all will be traveling with you, as this can narrow down the type of vacation you choose (cruise, outdoor adventure, leisurely, road trip, etc.). You should have a pretty good idea by now of just what sort of adventure you are all up to choosing.

Pick Your Partner

So you've landed on a location, type or style of adventure, timing, and budget. Now it's time to start shopping for a tour operator! Your partner is as important as your traveling companions, if not more so. This is who you are going to trust to execute the dreams you've been brainstorming for so long. I strongly suggest you take this part of the process seriously and diligently. Keep adding to that file. Remember that Google is your friend.

Get a list of 6-10 questions in front of you and call a few tour operators (you can have help from a travel agent here too) or service providers. Pay close attention to the minor details, from responsiveness to your call or email, knowledge of the customer service contact, ability to answer your questions, etc. Take copious notes as it can get confusing.

During this phase its going to be clear who you want to work with, and who is a good fit. Build on that relationship.

Use a Tour Operator's Talents

Once you get to the planning stages with your tour operator of choice, put them to work. A tour operator ensures that you'll have a seamless, stressless vacation by putting together a packaged tour that includes your hotel, transportation, meals, guides, and activities.

Here's a few things a tour operator can thoughtfully do for you:

● Pick the right program for you and yours

● Make the nitty-gritty planning easy

● Put your safety in mind first and foremost

● Make sure you can enjoy stress-free family-focused time with little decision making

● Book the best lodging in advance

● Book memorable meals

● Make sure there's an activity to appeal to everyone in your group

● Arrange knowledgeable guides on every tour (6:1 guest to guide ratio)

● Scope the best attractions and activities ahead of time

When you're attempting to put together a vacation for a group of people, you may just feel like a tour operator is a miracle as they work their magic behind the scenes.

Embrace the Process

You have your type of trip, your destination, and your scheduled dates. Now is the time to continue to build excitement. Researchers remind us that it is this anticipation that can be every bit as important or fulfilling as the actual trip itself.

Consider having a monthly check-in. Start talking about (and adding to the file) facts about the region, what to pack, what you are most looking forward to. Maybe configure a few more homework assignments, like creating a packing list, learning a few local words of a foreign language, or listing local customs of interest.

This may also be your chance to invest in some new clothing or gear. Here again is where a tour operator can come in handy; they'll have some knowledge about what's best to pack.

Go With the Flow

Sometimes the best memories come from just going with wherever the day takes you on vacation, whether you have activities planned or not. Don't be afraid to veer from your original plans. And of course, when you're working with a tour operator, you can literally just go with the flow; leave the details up to us and focus on the discoveries that await you.

Plan a Post-trip Pizza Party

Come full circle to where it all started. Get back together and share pictures, favorite memories, and key learnings. Where to next? It's never too early to start thinking about where to venture next. (We usually start at the last night's dinner while on the trip.)

While he specializes in U.S. national parks, T+L A-List advisor Dan Austin and his team at Austin Adventures can plan trips to destinations around the world.

• Last minute guaranteed trips
• Covid Info Hub
• Info nights & events
• How to book

Family Adventures

Escape the typical family holiday and have a family adventure instead. World Expeditions family adventures are designed to excite, educate and entertain both the parents and younger travellers in your family.

Whether it’s an action packed adventure that sees you trekking through Vietnam, a cycling adventure through some of Europe’s most exciting landscapes, climbing up Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, or journeying into the Himalayas on a short Everest trek, World Expeditions can provide you with a range of memorable family adventures.

As we believe travelling is more than just sightseeing, our family trips have been crafted to immerse you deep into the culture of a country. Most of our family adventures are manicured with a young traveller in mind, and the minimum age is typically 8-12 years old and somewhat younger on our cycle trips in Europe. The pace of these holidays is more relaxed, giving you time to explore cities and towns before embarking on adventures that will see you trekking, cycling and exploring in the natural landscapes.

For families with younger children who are yearning for adventure, we also offer tours as private groups, which cater for children of any age and are customised to your needs. All you need to do is contact us and speak to one of our expert consultants, and we can work with you on creating an adventure perfectly suited for your family.

For familys embarking on an exploratory trip to Europe, our UTracks European Family Holidays are designed to suit families with children as young as two. This includes some of our selfguided cycling trips, where bike trailers can be fitted onto your bike and can carry up to two children, meaning you can pedal your way around the country while your little ones sit back, relax, and take in the views! Our UTracks division also offers trail-a-bikes for 4-9 year olds, so they can be involved in the cycle tour while you maintain control. Our self guided walks are suitable for active children from eight years old, while our guided Mont Blanc Family Adventure is for children from seven years. Discounts are usually available for children under 12 years when sharing a room with two adults.

Destination

Antarctica & the arctic, australasia, central america, central asia, indian subcontinent, middle east, north america, south america, vessels & boats, advanced search, find your family adventures trip.

Annapurna Family Adventure in Comfort

Activities:, introductory.

Cambodia Family Adventure

Adventure touring.

Laos & Cambodia Family Adventure

Family Heysen Trail and the Flinders Ranges Adventure

Everest Family Trek in Comfort

Family Kakadu Explorer

Introductory to moderate, more about family adventures.

• Popular destinations
• Staff picks
• Leaders in the field

Why travel with us

• Related articles

Responsible travel

• Accommodation

Trip reviews

Important information, popular family adventures destinations.

South & Central America

Just because you have kids it doesn't mean the adventures have to stop. In fact, it's just the beginning. Sharing active adventure travel experiences with your children in a safe and managed environment allows you all to make the most of your time together, see the world from new perspectives and bond like few other experiences allow.

Travelling with other family's provides you with a chance to meet like minded people from around the world and for the kids to be completely occupied thanks to the new friends they will make on tour.

Your family’s safety is our number one priority and thanks to our 40+ years experience operating authentic and unique adventure holidays you can rest assured you are in safe hands and that each family itinerary is created to provide a balanced blend of activity and rest.

Each evening, stay in carefully chosen accommodations and enjoy the parent 'down time' knowing that the young ones are properly worn out from the many rich moments you've shared during the day.

Related Articles

World Expeditions is committed to responsible travel and true sustainability. It was a commitment formed when the company was established, and today, in the face of a multitude of threats to global environments and cultures, our commitment is stronger than ever. Over several decades we have honed our responsible travel philosophy and are continually assessing and improving initiatives that are practiced in the field to ensure that we are mitigating our impact to the smallest possible footprint. View our award winning The Thoughtful Traveller booklet here .

Rating: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

• Trip Grading
• Suggested Training

Inclusions & Equipment

Discovery & Cruising

These are our least demanding trips. These journeys of discovery and cruises involve little or no extended activity. The itinerary may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and may involve long travel days on various types of transport. Sightseeing may be conducted on foot and all participants should be capable of carrying their own luggage from vehicle to hotel rooms. These adventures do not go above 2500m and rarely involve camping.

These adventure tours sometimes involve travel at high altitude (rarely exceeding 4000m, except on certain trips in Tibet, Peru and India) and may visit remote areas of the world where facilities are often basic. Many of these trips sometimes involve some camping or basic lodging. These adventure tours will often involve long journeys and rough roads. Sightseeing and optional day walks are often included and these days may involve up to 5 hours of physical activity.

Up to 5 or 6 hours of physical activity a day at a slow but steady pace.

Introductory activity with several moderate stages.

Up to 5-7 hours of physical activity a day at a steady pace. Terrain may vary and some steep ascents to be expected. Be prepared for variable weather conditions.

Moderate to Challenging

Moderate activity with several challenging stages.

Challenging

Up to 8 to 10 hours+ of physical activity a day, often in remote areas with variable and adverse weather conditions.

Apply only to mountaineering trips and are therefore not shown.

These journeys of discovery and cruises are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health.

Suggested preparation: Once or twice a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour, for at least 2-3 months prior to departure.

To enjoy these adventures we suggest you have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a moderately active lifestyle and a positive attitude.

Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.

Our introductory trips are not ‘easy’ trips and you will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.

Suggested preparation: We recommend 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise three times a week, starting at least two to three months before departure. This can include swimming, jogging, hard walking or cycling. For treks, hill or stair walking with a 5-7kg daypack is also highly recommended at least once a week. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is advised.

On these adventures you will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.

Suggested preparation: We recommend 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise three times a week, from a minimum of three months period to your departure. This can include swimming, jogging, hard walking or cycling - good cardiovascular exercise. For treks, hill or stair walking with a 7kg daypack is also highly recommended at least once a week. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is advised.

These adventures require a good level of fitness and health.

Suggested preparation: We recommend 45-60 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to four times a week. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions, kayaking or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

These adventures require a good level of fitness and excellent health.

Suggested preparation: We recommend one hour of aerobic type exercise, four times a week. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions, kayaking or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

On these challenging adventures, you will need an excellent level of fitness.

Suggested preparation: We recommend one hour of aerobic exercise, four times a week – such as jogging, hard walking, cycling or paddling. Solid preparation is essential in the months leading up to your departure. For trekking, hill walking with a 7kg pack is a must. On the weekends mix in a relatively demanding bushwalk relatively steep ascents and descents. For cycling, regular biking for one to four hours at a time, with as many hills as possible, will help prepare you for your trip.

The exact inclusions and equipment for each of our adventures is listed once you've found the trip you want. Our trips are generally more inclusive than others in the market place in line with our philosophy of minimising 'extra payments' displayed outside of the main trip price as well as out of pocket expenses once you reach your destination.

• Cookie Policy
• Strictly Necessary
• Performance

When you visit any web site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This information might be about you, your preferences, your device or used to make the site work as you expect it to. The information does not usually identify you directly, but it can give you a more personalized web experience. You can choose not to allow some types of cookies. Click on the different category headings to find out more and change our default settings. However, you should know that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on the site and the services we are able to offer.

These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will no longer work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.

These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources, so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies, we will not know when you have visited our site.

These cookies allow the provision of enhance functionality and personalization, such as videos and live chats. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, then some or all of these features may not function properly.

These cookies are set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant ads on other sites and promotional activities through our newsletters. They work by uniquely identifying your browser and device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will not experience our targeted advertising across different websites or via newsletters.

Accessibility Links

14 best family adventure holidays

Having children need not spell the end of your adventure travels – from an african safari to a road trip through new zealand, these action-packed trips will suit explorers of all ages.

B ucket and spade days on the beach, a villa in the Med, an all-inclusive hotel or a week closer to home at a campsite or cottage — the go-to options for holidaying with children are ones we’ll return to again and again. But every now and then, you need a proper adventure. The kind of trip that will make your children squeal with joy and stay etched in the memory. Whether you’re into wildlife or want to explore an unforgettable landscape, there’s an experience that’s right for you — whatever your gang’s age, stage and budget.

Main photo: a Samburu guide from Kenya’s Saruni Samburu lodge

1. Channel Indiana Jones in Petra, Jordan

Emerging from a narrow canyon into the elaborate ruins of a lost Nabataean kingdom in Jordan is a moment of drama that will make families feel like they’re starring in their own action-adventure film. After exploring Petra, it’s on to the deserts of Wadi Rum, a dead ringer for Mars, where you’ll overnight at a Bedouin camp. Spend the day bouncing around the dunes in a 4×4 before enjoying a traditional family meal around the campfire, stars dazzling overhead. The final stop is the Dead Sea, where you can float in the saline waters or wallow in a mud bath before returning to the swimming pools of the resort.

2. See geysers in Yellowstone National Park, US

Parents will fall for the all-American views at Yellowstone, one of the most spectacular national parks in the US , and little ones will love the foreground, where boiling water shoots into the air. There’s also an opportunity to swim in a hot spring before exploring the neighbouring park of Grand Teton. Highlights here include a float trip along Snake River and the chance to see wildlife including moose, beavers and bears. Round things off with a cowboy-themed night out in Jackson, where a shoot-out in the town square is followed by a cowboy-style chuckwagon dinner.

Advertisement

• Best national parks in the US

3. Spot orangutans in Borneo

Sharing 97 per cent of our DNA, orangutans are homo sapiens’ flame-haired cousins — and there’s nowhere better to see them than on the Asian island of Borneo. Covering 40 sq km of rainforest, Sepilok’s sanctuary allows visitors to watch the primates in their natural environment and learn about the work being done to return orphaned or injured animals to the wild. No one-trick wonder, this trip also includes a boat safari on the Kinabatangan River, a few days on Gaya Island’s perfect beaches and a farm stay where you can master cooking local dishes — as well as how to blow a dart pipe. Price £££

4. Hunt for the northern lights in Finland

Staying up past bedtime is virtually guaranteed at the village of Levi, where the photogenic wooden cabins come with a partial glass roof to maximise chances of sighting the aurora borealis. But even if the northern lights don’t put on a show, no-one will come home from Finland disappointed as there are so many other memorable experiences up for grabs. Guests can choose from a wide range of activities — from cross-country skiing to a husky safari, snowmobiling to reindeer rides — and you needn’t fork out on multiple sets of thermals and salopettes as cold-weather clothing is provided for the whole family. Price £

activitiesabroad.com

• Best northern lights tours

5. Go on safari in Kenya

Anyone who’s ever enjoyed a David Attenborough documentary has a family safari on their bucket list and Masai Mara in Kenya is a pretty unbeatable destination for one. A huge expanse of grassland, this is the African savannah of your mind’s eye, where gigantic herds of wildebeest and zebra roam across its famous reserve and beyond. You’ll stay in the traditionally styled tents of Little Governers Camp, heading out on guided morning and evening drives to search for the Big Five in an open-sided jeep. A two-for-one trip, this itinerary also takes in northern Kenya’s Saruni Samburu, a lodge carved into the rock face with endless views and a great range of wildlife and cultural experiences. Price £££

farandwild.travel

• Best Kenya safaris

6. Explore the jungles of Costa Rica

Fast emerging as the most family-friendly destination in Central America and a pioneer of eco and adventure travel, Costa Rica has something for everyone. As well as offering exceptional wildlife — particularly in the cloud forests of Monteverde — it’s a good pick for an activity holiday. You can go ziplining through the canopies of the jungle, riding in the nearby hills, or paddleboarding and kayaking at Lake Arenal. Finish up with some time on the rich coast that gives the country its name — at Manuel Antonio, tropical vegetation meets perfect beaches, where you can take a surf lesson or just flump onto the sand.

• Best places to see wildlife in Costa Rica

7. Follow in Darwin’s footsteps in the Galapagos

Charles Darwin’s discoveries in this Pacific archipelago helped him formulate his game-changing theory of evolution, and a trip to the islands is part-family holiday, part-science field trip. The human footprint here is minimal and consequently the Galapagos are spectacularly biodiverse, home to everything from sea lions to giant tortoises, iguanas to blue-footed boobies. The islands belong to Ecuador, and you’d be mad to come all this way without seeing more of this mercifully compact country; this trip also includes a visit to an indigenous Amazonian community and a stay on a ranch in the Andes. Price £££

journeylatinamerica.com

• Best cruises in the Galapagos

8. Take a road trip through New Zealand

Providing the pastoral greens of the Shire and the epic mountains of Mordor, the landscapes of New Zealand are central characters in the Lord of the Rings franchise and they do not disappoint in real life. The relentless beauty means you’ll immediately forgive the 24 hours it took you to get here — but stay for two weeks, minimum, to do the country justice. You’ll drive yourself from top to tail, beginning with beachside swims in the subtropical Bay of Islands and ending with a scenic train journey through the Southern Alps — exploring everything from rainforests to hot springs in between.

coxandkings.co.uk

• Best things to do in New Zealand

9. Eat your way around Italy

Topping the charts of most child-pleasing global cuisines, Italy is the country that brought us ice cream, pizza and pasta. You’ll try all of the above — and learn how to make the latter — on this grand tour of its greatest cities. Instead of full days of sightseeing, this trip features ample downtime and is tailored to engage the interests of younger travellers — a day trip to a museum or a private tour of the Colosseum will be complemented by more interactive family activities, such as a mask-making workshop in Venice or a ride around Rome on the back of a vintage Vespa.

audleytravel.com

• Best things to do in Rome

10. Kayak the Scottish coast

You need not travel to the ends of the earth to have a proper adventure holiday — the Highlands are quite far enough. This guided four-day trip begins in a sheltered bay on the mountainous west coast, and is suitable for absolute beginners as well as pro paddlers. Moving quietly through the water in either a double or single sea kayak, you’ll stand a good chance of spotting marine wildlife such as otters and dolphins. As your skills improve, you can explore sea lochs and venture south to explore the atmospheric ruins of Castle Tioram, which sits on a tidal island. Price £

wildernessscotland.com

• Best hotels in the Highlands

11. Ride a camel in the Moroccan desert

Though only a short flight away, Morocco brings plenty of bang for your adventure buck. You’ll witness scenes that seem lifted from the pages of a storybook — chapter one is Marrakesh ’s night market Djemaa el Fna, workplace of snake charmers and henna tattooists; chapter two is the moon-like Agafay Desert, where you’ll overnight at a posh camp and take a sunset camel ride. Families can also opt for a walk in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, hiring a beast of burden to spare little legs and stopping for a lunch with a Berber family. The epilogue is seaside Essaouira, a former pirate hideout now home to a community of artisans and a windswept beach.

stubbornmuletravel.com

• Best villas in Morocco

12. Watch polar bears in Canada

A trip to Churchill, in Manitoba, Canada , the polar bear capital of the world, delivers not only an exceptional wildlife experience but a one-off ride that petrol-heads will love — the mighty tundra buggy. As gleamingly white as the surrounding snowy plains, these custom-built all-terrain vehicles allow visitors to safely observe Canada’s mighty predator during the short October-November viewing season. This good-value trip includes three such tours and you’ll also spend a separate day with an expert nature guide, searching for other well-camouflaged creatures including arctic foxes, snowy owls and ptarmigan birds. Price £££

wildlifetrails.co.uk

• Best things to do in Canada

13. Go whitewater rafting in the Pyrenees

Every day provides a new adventure on this multi-activity holiday in the Spanish Pyrenees. Families will be based at the same hotel all week, so time saved on packing and repacking can be spent hiking and picnicking among the peaks of Aiguestortes National Park and off-road mountain biking in the Montgarri Valley. The highlights of the trip are the white-knuckle watersports — though the Noguera River is one of Europe’s safest, it still a thrilling place to ride a raft, especially over the notorious “washing machine” rapid. Adrenaline junkies needn’t stop there, as canyoning and abseiling are also on offer. Teenagers will get the most out of this trip, though it’s suitable for kids as young as seven. Price £

14. Visit tigers and temples in India

Children are prone to moan when dragged along to a sight of historical interest, but no-one is unmoved by the Taj Mahal. Situated in Agra, a stop here is easily combined with other destinations in India ’s Golden Triangle, and this trip ensures cultural insights are well-balanced with family adventures. You’ll see old Delhi from the back of a rickshaw and the two days spent in Jaipur feature a visit to a local school and tickets to a Bollywood movie. Breaking free from India’s frenetic cities, there are also two tiger-spotting drives in Ranthambore National Park — home to real-life Shere Khans.

keadventure.com

Times Travel has partnered with Tourhub to bring our readers a wide selection of escorted tours from trusted travel partners. Here’s a selection of some of the best family tours from our Times Travel partners .

Sign up for the Times Travel Newsletter here .

Related articles

Popular Searches

• Portugal Bike Tours
• Family Trips
• National Parks
• River Cruises
• Women's Adventures

Family Adventure Tours for Teens & Kids

Travel with your family to unforgettable worldwide destinations. Backroads family vacations include adventures like biking past castles, hiking beneath waterfalls or kayaking pristine waters. Family-friendly group travel provides quality time together and apart, as well as an instant group of new friends for everyone. Discover why Backroads is the leader in family adventure travel.

Alaska's Kenai Multi-Adventure Tour

Families with Teens & Kids

Argentina's Patagonia Lake District Multi-Adventure Tour

Arizona's Saguaro & Tucson Multi-Adventure Tour - 4-Day Getaway

Banff to Jasper Multi-Adventure Tour

Basque Country Multi-Adventure Tour

Belize & Guatemala Multi-Adventure Tour

Bend Oregon Multi-Adventure Tour

Crater Lake, Smith Rock & the Deschutes River

Black Hills & Badlands National Park Multi-Adventure Tour

Brittany & Normandy Bike Tour 

Bryce & Grand Canyon Multi-Adventure Tour

NEW Families with Teens & Kids

California's Palm Springs & Joshua Tree Multi-Adventure Tour

California's Yosemite Multi-Adventure Tour

National Park's Giant Sequoias & Iconic Half Dome

Canadian Rockies Multi-Adventure Tour

Costa Rica Beaches & Wildlife Multi-Adventure Tour

Manuel Antonio National Park to Nicoya Peninsula

Costa Rica Rain Forest & Pacific Multi-Adventure Tour

Arenal Volcano to Manuel Antonio National Park

Croatia Multi-Adventure Tour

Croatia to Montenegro Multi-Adventure Tour

Czech Republic & Austria Multi-Adventure Tour

Discovering the Heart of Europe from Prague to Vienna

Danube River Cruise Bike Tour

Dolomites Multi-Adventure Tour

French, Italian & Swiss Alps Multi-Adventure Tour

Legendary Mont Blanc, Chamonix & Lake Geneva

Galápagos & Andes Multi-Adventure Tour

Germany to Austria Multi-Adventure Tour

Storybook Bavarian Villages & Dramatic Alps

Discover Your Next Adventure

By sharing your email address, you agree to the practices described in our  Privacy Policy .

Family Travel

Are you ready for the ultimate family travel adventure, away from tourist crowds? Our selection of land-based wilderness adventures and cruises bring families together while experiencing the world’s most spectacular regions. Or consider a custom family adventure. Adventure travel with kids has never been easier or more fun! We use the experience of traveling with our own children, parents and grandparents to help you choose the best family adventure trip. 

Adventure Travel with Kids

AdventureSmith offers dozens of adventure trips designed with the traveling family in mind. Our adventures are family tested and approved by our staff and their families.

What makes an adventure trip family friendly? While most of our trips are appropriate for any age, some can be particularly great for families traveling with children. Our experts are here to advise on which routes, lodges and ships are tried and tested by our own families and clients. These trips often have shorter drives if travel overland is needed, with frequent stops for active exploration and learning.

We often advise travelers stay at each location longer, reducing the need to pack and unpack. Scheduled activities consider the interests and abilities of younger travelers with plenty of instruction and flexibility. Local guides are expert kid coordinators with games, activities and diversions to keep youngsters and teens engaged and interested while creating opportunities for quality family time.

Accommodations are family friendly with flexible room arrangements and a pool wherever possible. Contact our specialists for more information or see our dedicated family travel guide pages for  Alaska family cruises and Galapagos family cruises and tours or all family cruises .

Custom Family Adventure Trips

If you can dream it we can plan it. Custom family trips are designed with your family in mind. Learn more about our custom travel process then contact our experts to begin planning your dream trip.

Adventure Cruising with the Kids

Small ship cruising is at the core of AdventureSmith Explorations, and our preferred method of wilderness travel as it’s easy, fun and efficient yet intimate, active and an authentic way to experience remote areas and communities with your family. Learn more about our family cruises , or navigate to all our small ship cruises to start exploring.

Hear It from Family Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

The boat was perfect for our family - lots of opportunities to do things and learn a lot. We loved the feeling of isolation we got by being a small boat where others couldn't get to.

This trip is beyond words!...My 21 year old and my 18 year old had the time of their lives and didn't even care that they didn't have phone or wifi access the whole week...We have all thought about a large cruise ship - but no longer!

We loved the small ship experience, with onboard staff accommodating our group's differing ages and needs. We booked our trip through AdventureSmith after reading online evaluations. So glad we did.

We were very impressed with the level of knowledge of the crew across a wide range of topics which value added to our experience enormously. The professionalism and knowledge of the leaders was impressive and their enthusiasm genuine.

We most enjoyed swimming with the Sea Lions, watching our kids play with them and the trip to watch the whales. And the snorkeling. And the hiking. And the burro ride. And and and.....

This trip far exceeded our expectations! We loved every excursion and our guide, Allen, was knowledgeable, fun, and most importantly for us, great with our two young kids. The food that was made for us and the restaurants we went to were exactly what we hoped for - authentic. I can’t say we didn’t enjoy any of it.

The boat was perfect for our family - lots of opportunities to do things and learn a lot. Glacier Bay was spectacular and we loved having the ranger along. Tracy Arm was the next best day - we loved the feeling of isolation we got by being a small boat where others couldn't get to. We met really interesting people. I think a small boat attracts like minded people. They were also really welcoming and open to chatting with our kids. 

Accommodations Review

The boat was really comfortable and had everything we needed.

Meals Review

Every meal was great - if anything there was just too much food! Don't think we needed 4 course lunches when dinner was so delicious.

Crew & Guides Review

Loved having [guide] Mark along on the trip - he was so knowledgeable and really inspired the kids on all the walks we went on with him.

Featured in this Traveler Review

• Glacier Bay & Island Adventure

This trip is beyond words! Our experience was amazing! My 21 year old and my 18 year old had the time of their lives and didn't even care that they didn't have phone or wifi access the whole week. Everyone on the ship was so nice and helpful - we made new friends and will remember this trip for years to come! Met a lot of new friends! Everyone was so friendly - no drama. My kids met new kids their age. Best trip!! We have all thought about a large cruise ship - but no longer! My mother and I will for sure do another one and my kids have talked about in the future going on another UnCruise trip with their significant others. No large ship cruises for us!! What a wonderful experience!!

The beds were surprisingly comfortable!! Loved having the window cracked and having the fresh air at night. Very clean cabins and we were really only in our rooms at night to sleep :)

Again - beyond excellent!! Sarah (with an "h") was the BEST!! She was so friendly and fun! My kids and I really enjoyed her. She did a great job planning the activities and offered a good variety of options. She was also so enthusiastic about everything and she was really easy to approach and talk to. She was a blast when she was our guide. She and Julie were quite the combo!!!

Julie - she was my daughters favorite!! She was a great guide and so much fun!! She always made sure Syd was at the front of the boat to get the best pictures!! She knows her stuff and when asked questions - she had an answer for everything!

Ted - I went kayaking with him the first day. He was awesome!! Very helpful and knowledgeable too. He was fun and very easy to approach and ask questions. He did a presentation on loons - and taught us how to call birds. We are still trying to master that! My daughter is the best one out of all of us. 

Gray - he was my son's favorite. I had him for the fish hatchery. When I saw the bear - he came right to the front and "read" the bear and allowed us to take pictures and have that experience. Very respectful to the wildlife - I wanted to just stay there and watch the bear and baby - but he had us continue on after a few minutes to leave the bear be. 

Andy and Adelia - they drove the skiffs for us a few times. Very nice and fun! We saw orcas with Andy and she got us safely (very fast) lol - to the orcas in time to see carnage with the sea lions. That was a great experience (sad) but awesome. 

Dakota - he was our waiter. HE WAS THE BEST!! After one day - he  knew our drinks for every meal. He had drinks in place in the morning and then different drinks for lunch and dinner.  We and our tablemates adored him. He was a highlight of our day. He asked us about our adventures at night - that was appreciated. 

Matt the bartender ......  what a guy!! Any drink we wanted he would make.. My son is 21 - not a drinker but wanted to try some things. Matt was up for it. Now that I am home and I am not sure I can have a margarita - Matt made the best margaritas!!! He made drinks of the day - and was more than happy to tell how he made it. At the end of the trip he wanted to make me a new margarita. He made a jalepeno, orange cinnamon one. It took a while to make it and it was well worth the wait. I am sure I am missing someone - but EVERYONE was great!!!

Transportation Review

It was a smooth transition on and off the boat and with our luggage. No complaints!

Itinerary Review

I think every place we went had it's own unique experience. My son LOVED the bush whacking tours!!!! He loved seeing things that even people on the ship (me) didn't see. They found blueberries every time and stopped and ate them. He raved about how good they were. He also was able to eat salmon berries which he loved also. He would have done that every day for both excursions! My daughter loved the skiff rides because she wants to be a photographer and what a great place to get good pictures!! She was in heaven and 14,000 picture or more later - she found her happy place. 

I liked everything I did - going to the fish hatchery I think was my favorite though because that is where we saw a mamma grizzly and her baby!! They were right there and didn't seem to mind us a bit! I think my mom enjoyed the skiff rides and the one day it was open kayak - my son took her out on one for about an hour and she loved that. She has never done that before so she enjoyed that. My kids also loved the polar plunge. What a way to end the trip - and they can say they jumped in glacial waters!!! Everything was so beautiful and wonderful!

There was nothing we didn't enjoy - and I am saying that honestly! I think the only thing is one morning we anchored in a really rocky (back and forth) spot and my mom got sea sick and missed out on the days activities. After the morning excursions - they did move the boat to a calmer area - and Matt the bartender made my mom a drink that settled her stomach so she was able to join us for dinner and the evening activities.

Beyond excellent!! I packed snacks for the kids for in between meals - mistake!! I brought them all back home. There was way more than enough food! The food was excellent! The choices were great with a great variety. My son is soooo picky and he tried new foods and found out that he actually liked them. Breakfast was always exciting because we got to hear what we were having for lunch and dinner! No one can say they went hungry or didn't have anything they wanted. If we didn't like any of the options - they offered other items also - but we all tried something that was offered. I found out my self that I like scallops and my son decided he liked crab with the all you can eat crab night! Amazing!! The desserts were to die for also!!

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Very good!! The packing list was spot on - our fault we didn't listen to all if it - most of it - but a few things we didn't think we would need - but we did need. That was our own fault!!

Traveler Advice

Listen to the packing instructions :) A strap for your phone and a camera and a sense of adventure!!!

• Wild & Woolly Alaska Cruise
• Wilderness Legacy
• UnCruise Adventures

We booked our trip through AdventureSmith after reading online evaluations. So glad we did. This was our first cruise and we wondered about booking directly through an operator versus involving an additional layer with AdventureSmith. We would do it again, as we found AdventureSmith to be definitely value added in every way. Our Adventure Specialist was endlessly helpful and patient, booking the cruise for 8 people ages 6 to 73, coming from 3 different locations, and required vegetarian and gluten free menus for several. 

We loved the small ship experience, with onboard staff accommodating our group's differing ages and needs. Glaciers, Zodiacs among sea lions and eagles, whale viewing, pilot whales and great naturalists all were special.

Our fellow passengers were personable and well matched. I think the nature of the trip, with Nat Geo, attracts passengers with similar interests very well, so the group was simpatico. There were also several other children in the mix which was good for the kids in our group.

The Sea Bird is a small ship, so naturally accommodations were small, but we enjoyed the limited number of passengers and ability to know crew and staff.

Good variety and accommodation for special food needs of the vegetarians, small child and gluten free passengers in our group. 

Rab, the group leader, was engaging, knowledgeable and always enthusiastic. He also was excellent at addressing individual requests. We enjoyed Kyle, the bartender, who was always welcoming and especially attentive to the 6 and 8-year-olds on our trip. The naturalists Andy and Jared were outstanding both in their expertise and their willingness to socialize with guests and answer all questions.

Our Adventure Specialist was exceptionally helpful during our rather more complicated preparations involving travelers from 3 locations and various ages and special needs. She was always available for any questions. She also successfully managed to have a lost item returned to us after the cruise. Any travel issues prior to departure were addressed by AdventureSmith expeditiously and knowledgeably. An A plus experience. 

No kidding, you really do need the rubber boots! It is a temperate rain forest environment, so just bring the wet gear and know that rain or shine it will be a fabulous destination.

• Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness
• National Geographic Sea Bird

This was our first cruise of any kind so we were unsure of what to expect. We were very impressed with the level of knowledge of the crew across a wide range of topics which value added to our experience enormously.

We loved that the small numbers on board allowed for a family feel and that there was a genuine interest in us as people as well as guests. Our kids loved all the documentaries- as did we except I was too busy to watch them...needed another week on board I think! We made some lovely new friends.  We were a little surprised that there was only one other family with children as we expected the demographic to be a little younger but there were definitely some energetic older passengers!

Most Enjoyed: Definitely the Polar Bear Challenge on the last day! We enjoyed every outing and even the ones that I thought maybe less interesting always turned out to have something unexpected to see/ do. The food was absolutely a highlight- just as well there was plenty of exercise to counter the caloric intake! The visit to Klawock was a little underwhelming but I think it should be continued as it has great potential as it develops.

We love trips to unusual places where nature predominates rather than big cities and we were not at all convinced that a big cruise liner would suit us. We definitely made the right choice as the activity level was perfect.

Nothing could be improved! We were very impressed with the quality of the produce on offer especially given that fresh markets were not part of the plan. The desserts even got my (not sweet- toothed) husband tasting a sample each evening.

As commented above, the professionalism and knowledge of the leaders was impressive and their enthusiasm genuine.

Great communications and detailed information was provided in an excellent time frame leading up to the trip.

• Alaska Fjords & Glaciers
• Wilderness Adventurer

Jeremy, Sara, Lindsey, JP, Megan. All very professional, safety conscious, informative, and FUN. It was special seeing familiar faces in the crew and enjoying new ones. Our whole family really enjoyed the experience.

As always everything was great. Thanks! We're ready for the next one.

This trip far exceeded our expectations! We loved every excursion and our guide, Allen, was knowledgeable, fun, and most importantly for us, great with our two young kids. The food that was made for us and the restaurants we went to were exactly what we hoped for - authentic. I can’t say enough great things about this trip! We loved everything from the location of the hotel, to surfing with great surfers that helped us “get up”, meeting Donna Ramona was a once in a lifetime opportunity as well as swimming with the sea lions. I can’t say we didn’t enjoy any of it - we were getting a little traveler’s tummy by then end so galloping on a horse probably wasn’t the best thing but it was so beautiful, you couldn’t help but take it all in. We wanted to stay on Baja peninsula and the excursions were something we could do with our 6 & 7 year olds.

Bryan and Sergio were amazing hosts and Chef Iker’s food was amazing. We miss Panda❤️ Our girls would have taken her home if they could!

Loved all of it - chef iker made me my favorite chilequiles one morning and it was fantastic!

Allen made our trip! He was so accommodating, knowledgeable and all around great guide! We loved him!

Bring lots of water and hats and clothing to protect from sun.

• Baja Intimate Insider
• Los Colibris Casitas

Learn More About Travel with Kids

Read AdventureSmith’s family-themed blogs to learn about adventure travel with kids. We update our travel guides regularly so you can inform your family globetrotting, research the best cabins for your group or gain insight from our team’s travels and even young travelers who’ve blogged about their trips for us. Let our expertise be the guide to your next trip.

Find your Alaska family cruise with our selection of top family-friendly small ship cruises. Plus discover planning tips, extensions and insight into charters and deals, from the Alaska family cruise experts.

Going to the Galapagos with kids? Learn what to expect from families who have visited the islands. This insider advice will help you find, book and prepare for the best Galapagos family trip. Plus, view our list of the top Galapagos family cruises & tours.

The family travel experts at AdventureSmith have compiled these top 8 tips for travel in the rainforest with kids.

Contact Us - Family Adventure Travel

Travel is best planned one-on-one, and we’re here to help you with your specific needs.

• First Name *
• Last Name *
• Phone (required because some email replies get blocked) *
• Country of residence (required in order to comply with privacy laws) * United States of America - US Afghanistan - AF Aland Islands - AX Albania - AL Algeria - DZ American Samoa - AS Andorra - AD Angola - AO Anguilla - AI Antarctica - AQ Antigua and Barbuda - AG Argentina - AR Armenia - AM Aruba - AW Australia - AU Austria - AT Azerbaijan - AZ Bahamas - BS Bahrain - BH Bangladesh - BD Barbados - BB Belarus - BY Belgium - BE Belize - BZ Benin - BJ Bermuda - BM Bhutan - BT Bolivia - BO Bosnia and Herzegovina - BA Botswana - BW Bouvet Island - BV Brazil - BR British Virgin Islands - VG British Indian Ocean Territory - IO Brunei Darussalam - BN Bulgaria - BG Burkina Faso - BF Burundi - BI Cambodia - KH Cameroon - CM Canada - CA Cape Verde - CV Cayman Islands - KY Central African Republic - CF Chad - TD Chile - CL China - CN Hong Kong, SAR China - HK Macao, SAR China - MO Christmas Island - CX Cocos (Keeling) Islands - CC Colombia - CO Comoros - KM Congo (Brazzaville) - CG Congo, (Kinshasa) - CD Cook Islands - CK Costa Rica - CR Côte d'Ivoire - CI Croatia - HR Cuba - CU Cyprus - CY Czech Republic - CZ Denmark - DK Djibouti - DJ Dominica - DM Dominican Republic - DO Ecuador - EC Egypt - EG El Salvador - SV Equatorial Guinea - GQ Eritrea - ER Estonia - EE Ethiopia - ET Falkland Islands (Malvinas) - FK Faroe Islands - FO Fiji - FJ Finland - FI France - FR French Guiana - GF French Polynesia - PF French Southern Territories - TF Gabon - GA Gambia - GM Georgia - GE Germany - DE Ghana - GH Gibraltar - GI Greece - GR Greenland - GL Grenada - GD Guadeloupe - GP Guam - GU Guatemala - GT Guernsey - GG Guinea - GN Guinea-Bissau - GW Guyana - GY Haiti - HT Heard and Mcdonald Islands - HM Holy See (Vatican City State) - VA Honduras - HN Hungary - HU Iceland - IS India - IN Indonesia - ID Iran, Islamic Republic of - IR Iraq - IQ Ireland - IE Isle of Man - IM Israel - IL Italy - IT Jamaica - JM Japan - JP Jersey - JE Jordan - JO Kazakhstan - KZ Kenya - KE Kiribati - KI Korea (North) - KP Korea (South) - KR Kuwait - KW Kyrgyzstan - KG Lao PDR - LA Latvia - LV Lebanon - LB Lesotho - LS Liberia - LR Libya - LY Liechtenstein - LI Lithuania - LT Luxembourg - LU Macedonia, Republic of - MK Madagascar - MG Malawi - MW Malaysia - MY Maldives - MV Mali - ML Malta - MT Marshall Islands - MH Martinique - MQ Mauritania - MR Mauritius - MU Mayotte - YT Mexico - MX Micronesia, Federated States of - FM Moldova - MD Monaco - MC Mongolia - MN Montenegro - ME Montserrat - MS Morocco - MA Mozambique - MZ Myanmar - MM Namibia - NA Nauru - NR Nepal - NP Netherlands - NL Netherlands Antilles - AN New Caledonia - NC New Zealand - NZ Nicaragua - NI Niger - NE Nigeria - NG Niue - NU Norfolk Island - NF Northern Mariana Islands - MP Norway - NO Oman - OM Pakistan - PK Palau - PW Palestinian Territory - PS Panama - PA Papua New Guinea - PG Paraguay - PY Peru - PE Philippines - PH Pitcairn - PN Poland - PL Portugal - PT Puerto Rico - PR Qatar - QA Réunion - RE Romania - RO Russian Federation - RU Rwanda - RW Saint-Barthélemy - BL Saint Helena - SH Saint Kitts and Nevis - KN Saint Lucia - LC Saint-Martin (French part) - MF Saint Pierre and Miquelon - PM Saint Vincent and Grenadines - VC Samoa - WS San Marino - SM Sao Tome and Principe - ST Saudi Arabia - SA Senegal - SN Serbia - RS Seychelles - SC Sierra Leone - SL Singapore - SG Slovakia - SK Slovenia - SI Solomon Islands - SB Somalia - SO South Africa - ZA South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands - GS South Sudan - SS Spain - ES Sri Lanka - LK Sudan - SD Suriname - SR Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands - SJ Swaziland - SZ Sweden - SE Switzerland - CH Syrian Arab Republic (Syria) - SY Taiwan, Republic of China - TW Tajikistan - TJ Tanzania, United Republic of - TZ Thailand - TH Timor-Leste - TL Togo - TG Tokelau - TK Tonga - TO Trinidad and Tobago - TT Tunisia - TN Turkey - TR Turkmenistan - TM Turks and Caicos Islands - TC Tuvalu - TV Uganda - UG Ukraine - UA United Arab Emirates - AE United Kingdom - GB United States of America - US US Minor Outlying Islands - UM Uruguay - UY Uzbekistan - UZ Vanuatu - VU Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic) - VE Viet Nam - VN Virgin Islands, US - VI Wallis and Futuna Islands - WF Western Sahara - EH Yemen - YE Zambia - ZM Zimbabwe - ZW
• Newsletter Subscribe to our email newsletter
• By submitting this form, you consent to our privacy policy .
• Hidden IP Location

Talk to an AdventureSmith Travel Specialist Call us toll free at 1-877-620-2875 . Call us direct at 530-583-1775 .

Office Hours Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm Pacific Time.

Address 40169 Truckee Airport Road, Suite 201 Truckee, CA 96161

For your next family vacation, paddle to your own island, bike from inn to inn, or take a road trip through the most remote regions of the world. What’s stopping you?

Sometimes you just want to go to the beach. Swim, lounge, nap, enjoy a cocktail at 4:59 p.m. It’s a relaxing vacation but, let’s be honest, not very memorable. It’s not the kind of time you’ll look back on later in life and say, that trip sure was something, wasn’t it? “Bucket list,” “epic,” “once in a lifetime” — these are the descriptors for a different type of vacation. One that requires planning and prep. One that requires patience and some fortitude. An experience that becomes core to the family lore — bringing everyone together with repeated retellings, long after we’ve settled back into our routines at home.

This list is your launching pad: 22 family-friendly adventures for the bold. The trips all have been experienced by the editors and adventurous friends of the editors of Fatherly, who can vouch that they’re the kind of adventure you’ll talk about for years to come. These are all suggested with a big caveat: Don’t jump into anything that isn’t labeled “Easy” if you’re new to the activity. Families with young children (under 6) should probably stick to Easy or Moderate. And don’t plan a trip based solely on the write-ups below. Planning is part of the fun. Get inspired, do some research, and then call a park ranger (you will find no more helpful person to give a kind but firm real talk). The world awaits.

Motor to a private island, paddle down the Mississippi, rip through serious whitewater, and packraft through a mountain pass.

Reserve Your Own Island In The Adirondacks

Level: Easy

Location: Upstate New York

At roughly 6 million acres, Adirondack Park could encircle the Everglades, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon and still have tons of room to spare. Designated as a conservation area in 1892, the Adirondacks are a unique mix of private and public land, half of which is constitutionally protected as “forever wild.” For a gentle introduction to the rugged splendor of this region, you can’t beat island camping on the Saranac Chain of Lakes, which offer the feel of a wilderness escape that’s also just a short paddle and drive from the historic village of Saranac Lake.

There are 87 campsites scattered across the islands and shoreline of Lower and Middle Saranac Lakes — and all of them are reachable only by boat. Most campsites have a rustic outhouse and a stone fire pit, and that’s it. Because the camps are set far apart from one another — and because there’s a prevailing culture of responsible, respectful use — you won’t see other tents or necessarily even hear other campers. By day, paddle to one of the micro islands for a picnic lunch in the shade and swim off the great granite boulder piles. By night, cook over an open fire and listen to the loons.

Before You Go:

+ Reserve campsites well in advance.

+ For canoe and kayak rentals, maps, and guided tours in other parts of the region, contact Adirondack Outfitters in Saranac Lake.

Paddle Through Canyonlands National Park On The Green River

Level: Moderate

Location: Utah

Before they converge to form Utah’s wildest whitewater, the Green and Colorado Rivers meander gently toward one another for some 100 miles, through vast desert and high-walled canyons. Stillwater Canyon (on the Green River) begins roughly at the boundary of the Canyonlands National Park, and continues for 52 miles through some of its remotest stretches, with otherworldly excursions to rock formations like the Doll House and the Maze, and opportunities to view petroglyphs and sacred sites of the Ancestral Puebloan people.

Because it’s a tough, steep drive down to the launch point at Mineral Bottom, Stillwater Canyon tends to be quieter and less crowded than the Colorado — and as its name suggests, you can expect four to six days of mellow flatwater paddling. Canoes must take out at Spanish Bottom, at the top of Cataract Canyon, where the Class II-V rapids begin.

With no designated campsites, you’ll have to scout them out — in high water in early summer, they may be fewer and farther between. In low water in September and October, sandbars expand camping options, but paddlers may encounter short rocky stretches and minor rapids.

+ Secure an upstream permit from the National Park Service.

+ Contact a licensed operator for a shuttle and jet-boat pickup at Spanish Bottom.

+ Read up on traveling responsibly through the Canyonlands.

Tackle The Whitewater In The Nation’s Newest National Park

Level: Hard

Location: West Virginia

New River Gorge was the hidden secret of whitewater enthusiasts, Appalachian adventurers, and birders for decades. No longer. In 2020, New River Gorge National Park told a nation what a sizable group of outdoors enthusiasts already knew — one of the most pristine, rocking places in America, full of roaring rivers, mountain biking, hiking, pristine woods, and some gnarly BASE jumping off the world’s longest single-span bridge was everyone’s for the taking.

You have all sorts of Whitewater here and can choose by experience and how adrenal you want your trip to be — whether the more mild upper New River (Class I-III) or the bumpier, heart-pumping lower New River (Class II-IV). If you’re experienced and ready for one of the best runs of whitewater anywhere, the upper Gauley River is for you. Just make sure you’re in shape and ready for one wild ride.

+ Book everything at Adventures on the Gorge .

+ Be sure to also do treetop ziplining (great for birders).

+ And walk under the bridge , if you dare.

Explore The Lower Mississippi River

Location: Mississippi

There aren’t enough superlatives to capture the scale, spirit, or story of the Mississippi River — it’s the biggest river, by far, in the United States, discharging some 600,000 cubic feet of water per second into the Gulf of Mexico. Its river valley encompasses nearly half of the continental United States, making it the third-largest drainage basin on the planet, nearly tying it with the Amazon and exceeded only by the Congo. It’s the country’s busiest inland waterway — every bend has been engineered to facilitate safe navigation by tows pushing as many as 42 barges at a time. None of that even touches on the role it plays ecologically and culturally — the river’s meanders “built” the land we live on and the river has a hold on our imaginations, even if we’ve never laid eyes on it. The Mississippi River is rightly intimidating – but it’s also, somewhat miraculously, rich in natural beauty, with stretches of dynamic wilderness that have flourished between the levee and the shore.

“First-time visitors expect mud, pollution, and industry — and the biggest surprise is that it’s wild and beautiful,” says John Ruskey, founder of the Quapaw Canoe Company in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and the Lower River’s greatest living navigator . “There are giant sandbars, and a sky that sort of feels like Montana, because it’s so big and open, with bright stars at night."

Ruskey started taking his own daughter, Emma, out on the river at the age of 2. “As a parent, I was less worried letting my 2-year-old loose on a sandbar [in the Mississippi] than I was letting her loose in our living room. Our living rooms are stocked with potential hazards, like wires, and things that can fall, things that you shouldn't put in your mouth. But out on a sandbar, she could walk and walk, until she got to the water’s edge, and there was nothing that could harm her. It was the place where you could relax as a parent.”

+ Contact the Quapaw Canoe Company . Quapaw’s mission is to connect people with the river, especially young people growing up along the Mississippi, the river’s future stewards. They also lead expeditions for groups from all over the world.

Recommended Itinerary:

Muddy Waters Wilderness Expedition , “the wildest of the wild Lower Mississippi.”

Start in Clarksdale, where the Delta Blues is still a thriving tradition, and paddle in hand-crafted Voyageur canoes to Greenville, Mississippi, roughly 100 miles downriver. Along the way, camp on giant forested sandbars, swim in wild coves, enjoy meals and storytelling campfire style, and learn from Quapaw’s knowledgeable guides. In this stretch, both the White River, which drains the Ozarks, and the Arkansas River, the biggest tributary, join the Lower Mississippi. “It’s a vital habitat,” says Ruskey. “It’s where you have the highest concentration of black bears, and some of the biggest cypress in the Deep South.”

Hike Up, Float Down The Delaware River

Level: All In!

Location: Delaware

Hike in, camp, float out. There’s no more romantic way to adventure — and when you pick a gentle river like the Delaware and a hilly but entirely surmountable (and vista-full) hike like the Delaware Water Gap via Appalachian Trail, you can bring the kids along. The best part: It’s a boating adventure that doesn't need someone to pick you up. You just float back to where you began.

Start here: Kittatinny Point. Take the Appalachian Trail for 4.8 miles north. Go to: Sunfish Pond to the Worthington State Forest Campground on the Delaware River along the Garvey Spring Trail (1 mile). Float: Along the Delaware River back to Kittatinny Point.

+ Check out maps and recommendations on Alltrails.com , NPS.gov .

Camp Under The Stars In The Florida Keys

Location: Florida

Between the Everglades National Park and the curved arm of the Florida Keys are thousands of islands — many of which are privately owned, and many of which fall within the boundaries of state and national parks. From remote micro-keys to the popular spoil islands of the Intercoastal Waterway, there are both reservable campsites (with some amenities) and rugged backcountry sites that take skill and determination to reach.

The water trails winding through this scattered archipelago — including the Ten Thousand Island Wilderness Refuge and the mangrove forests of Everglades National Park — offer abundant opportunities to see marine wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and sharks. But permits, careful planning, and prior experience are required.

More accessible are the Spoil Islands of Indian Lagoon (reachable only by boat, but no reservations necessary). And for families looking for a remote camping adventure without all the paddling, book the ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park , 60 miles off the coast: Snorkel crystal-clear waters by day and sleep under the clear glow of the Milky Way at night.

Camping & Backpacking

Hang with wild horses, pitch a tent on the Pacific coast, explore the backcountry, and summit bucket-list peaks.

Hang With The Horses In Assateague

Location: Maryland

The ocean breezes, the soft sand underneath, the birds circling the dunes, wild horses — this is next-level car camping. A mere 10 miles south of Ocean City, Maryland, Assateague National Seashore is a hidden refuge along the Maryland coast. There are no boardwalks, shops, homes, or really much of anything here. This is a protected space where wild horses — there are currently 82 — outnumber the humans, and know it. Yes, your campsite all but guarantees an overnight visit by the wild beasts (don’t approach!) and if you keep food out, it will be snatched. The campsite also does not include a campfire, but your tent is in the midst of the dunes and under the stars. So lay out in the soft sand and stare up at the stars — what else do you really need?

+ Reservations are required, so check out NPS.gov for more details.

Explore The Whole Coast

Location: Oregon

You can walk the length of Oregon on the 362-mile Oregon Coast Trail , from the wild mouth of the Columbia River all the way down to the California border. But to take in the full sweep of Oregon’s unspoiled coastline with kids, the best bet is to drive along historic U.S. Route 101, hiking and camping along the way. You’ll find a spectacularly beautiful mix of pristine beaches, old-growth forests, and dramatic headlands — and a shoreline that’s 100% public land, by law (thanks to Oregon’s landmark 1967 Beach Bill). There are no barriers and no private beaches — and (the vast majority of) Oregonians like it that way.

With beautiful, well-maintained state parks along the way and historic coastal towns offering amazing food and fun side adventures all the way, there’s really no such thing as a bad plan (but you will want to make reservations ahead of your visit). There are opportunities to camp on the beach or up in the coastal woods, just a short hike through maritime forests away from secluded coves, mountain streams, and vast beaches that can only be reached on foot.

Don’t Miss:

+ Fort Stevens State Park ; Columbia River Maritime Museum ; Cannon Beach

+ Neah-kah-nie Mountain ; Nehalem Bay State Park (and nearby hike to Short Sands Beach ); Tillamook Creamery ; Newport Aquarium

+ Florence and the Oregon Dunes ; the gardens at Shore Acres State Park ; the view from Cape Arago State Park ; the old mail route on the Rogue River ; Oregon Redwood Forest

See The Backcountry On Fire Island National Seashore

Locations: Long Island, New York

Here’s some backcountry camping for city folks, no car necessary. From the heart of New York City, take the Long Island Railroad to Patchogue, New York; the ferry there to Watch Hill, Fire Island; and then hike — 2-plus rather tough, slow miles through the sand — to one of the more remote patches of backcountry beach in the country (one of 10 official National Seashores). There are no fires, no water or food, and no people on this 7-mile stretch of beach. It’s just you, the waves, a few deer, fox, and plenty of mosquitoes. On a day with a steady breeze (most days, that is), you’ll enjoy the most blissful day at the beach this side of Fiji.

+ Get your camping permit through the National Park Service here .

Backpack The Ozette Triangle

Location: Washington State

With a rare mix of remote-feeling ruggedness and easy, flat terrain, the Ozette Triangle is a true backpacking adventure that’s not out of range for families with young kids. There are just two designated campsites — Sand Point and Cape Alava — each about 3 miles from the ranger station. At low tide, you can connect these, hiking directly from Sand Point to Cape Alava along the beach, turning this into a 9-mile “triangle,” that can be broken up over three days into 3-mile chunks. Though you don’t cover vast distances, you do pass through an incredibly diverse landscape, with lush understory, swamplands, and forest to the wild coast of the Olympic Peninsula.

+ You’ll need to secure a wilderness permit to reserve campsites at Sand Point and Cape Alava (you can hike the triangle in either direction).

Sleep Under the Stars In The Great Dunes Of Colorado

Location: Colorado

In Colorado’s southern landscape, wildly different climates are stacked on the horizon like a great cosmic Neapolitan ice cream sandwich, with snowy peaks layered over dense forests layered over the vast desert of the Great Sand Dunes National Park. People flock to the high dunes, some towering at 750 feet, to fly down the slopes on special sandboards (available for rent). At the base of the dunes, you can cool off by splashing around in seasonal Medano Creek, snowmelt that flows across the sand in early summer. But hike onward into the backcountry to camp for the night, and you might as well be on the moon — huge empty dunes roll out in every direction, the Sangre de Cristo mountains glow red on the horizon, and world-class dark skies let the constellations shine.

You can pitch your tent anywhere in the backcountry dunes, as long as you have a permit . Since tent stakes won’t hold in loose sand, you’ll need a freestanding tent or sand anchors. Bring plenty of water for everyone in your group (there is no water available anywhere in the backcountry) and meals that don’t have to be cooked, in case desert winds make it all but impossible to keep a fire going. Most backpackers hike out to the dunes in the evening when temperatures drop, and hike back out before 10 a.m. to avoid the morning heat.

It goes without saying that hiking on sand is not easy — though the trail to the Dunes Backcountry sites is only 1.5 miles, it can take hours to close the distance (and can be especially challenging when the winds pick up). If you’d rather camp at the edge of the dunes, a slightly longer hike (2.8 miles) gets you to the “ghost forest” of the Escape Dunes area where breakaway dunes have started engulfing the surrounding forest, resulting in a spooky mix of live and ghostly trees at the boundary.

Finish The Appalachian Trail

Location: Maine

Most thru-hikers of the great Appalachian Trail move north-to-south, from Georgia’s Springer Mountain 2,190 miles to Maine’s Mt. Katahdin. That last 100 miles is a doozy. Dubbed “The 100 Mile Wilderness,” the trail is one long wet roller coaster of climbs and water crossings that is swarming with bugs, moose, bears, and a reputation for bad weather. It also is a pine-scented paradise for anyone looking for one of the more remote stretches of trail in America, complete with stunning vistas and nothing that would count as civilized but a handful of old logging roads. This is a bucket list trail in the sense that it will take you time to prepare — getting in shape, the right (light) equipment, and setting up your bailout plan if the roughly 10-day trip goes sideways (it happens). It’s the kind of hike that your outdoorsy teen has been preparing for their whole life. The reward? This .

+ Check out sectionhiker.com and backpacker.com to start your game plan.

Roll along great canals, tear it up through Tahoe, explore the Badlands on two wheels, and pedal through the Grand Canyon.

Roll Through The Great Allegheny Passage And C&O Canal

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Washington, D.C.

Did you know that you could bike on a flat protected gravel road from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Washington, D.C.? Yes, the Great Allegheny Passage , connecting with the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal (C&O) is one of those gems of road-free bike riding in America. About 315 miles, a bike can split it up as they choose — as a few easy, luxury-lapped inn-to-inn days (might we suggest staying at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater and the well-appointed Savage River Lodge ), or a tour de Force of a mid-Atlantic bike ride, conquered in an iron saddle-making 45-mile-a-day week. The ride shows off the best of a much-looked-over region. Remote woods, farmlands, and river passages through the mountains will pass you by. Overlooked is the right word — you won’t find throngs of gawking tourists as you have this neck of the woods to yourself. Go in fall and it’s perhaps the most unsung leaf-peeping adventure in America.

+ Plan your stops on the C&O and GAP .

Shred The Flume Trail

Location: Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Lake Tahoe’s 13.5-mile Flume Trail is a mountain biking trail that can inspire a beginner to take up the sport forever. It’s got a little bit of everything, starting with a hard-earned uphill (at elevation; you should be fit for this ride) that takes you to a gorgeous lake where you can picnic. It ends with a bombing downhill (nothing crazy, but plenty fast to get your heart pumping). But it is a 4.5-mile section in the middle that you’re coming for — a ride beside the “flume,” a flat trail sits on a 1,500-foot cliff and oversees, well, all of Tahoe. It’s a picturesque view that you’ll want to slow down for and take it all in. The “flume” in the flume trail amounts to a wooden shoot that was used in the 19th century to transport logs from the mountainside down to the valley below. You can see pieces of it along the way, if you take a second to look down from the views of Tahoe’s mountains.

+ Check out travelnevada.com for bike rentals and shuttles.

Explore The 200-Year-Old Erie Canal

The Erie Canal, which crosses New York state from Albany to Buffalo, is the nation’s oldest piece of infrastructure, in continuous operation since construction first began in 1817. When it was completed in 1825, it linked the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean for the first time. It was the Eighth Wonder of the World, fueling Citizen Kane–like personal wealth and industrial splendor in cities like Buffalo, Chicago, New York, and Detroit. Towns along the Erie Canal supplied the world with everything from peppermint and guns and timber to social and religious movements (New York’s canals became important routes on the Underground Railroad, and both the Women’s Movement and Mormonism started on its banks). While its commercial heyday has passed, the Erie Canal remains a marvel of engineering — and a rich path through history, from vibrant towns like Fairport to crumbling 19th-century aqueducts, that may be the closest thing the U.S. has to ancient ruins. You can bike the full length of the canal — or any portion of it — along the East-West portion of the Empire Trail .

There are 57 locks along the canal, a handful of which are officially designated campsites for bikers. You can also call ahead to locks and ask lockmasters for permission to camp for the night on the grounds of the canal’s famously crisp blue-and-white lockhouses.

Bike The Badlands

Location: North Dakota

Considered by mountain biking aficionados to be some of — if not the — best singletrack in the United States, the 144-mile-long Maah Daah HeyTrail is a living testament to the infinite forms that wilderness can take. From the pale rock formations, striated with red and black, that stretch to the horizon like melted pyramids, to the jagged peaks resembling giant shark fins on the horizon, the Badlands is a landscape that’s ultimately beyond analogy. Biking the entire Maah Daah Hey presents a serious challenge, even for experienced mountain bikers — but completism isn’t the point. These are some of the wildest and most sacred spaces in the country, and the Maah Daah Hey has space for everyone, with 16 entry points and nine major sections that run the gamut from beginner to expert. There are gentle stretches of rolling hills, blanketed in high grass and roamed by buffalo and other wildlife, that are perfect for kids 7 and up.

+ Start by contacting Dakota Cyclery , the only full-service bike shop in the Badlands, to chart your adventure or arrange a tour.

Bikepack The Arizona Trail

Location: Arizona

The 800-mile Arizona National Scenic Trail, designated in 2009, is one of the only of its kind that allows mountain biking. If you have the experience and setup, it’s one that should be on your bikepacking bucket list. Does it require some hiking? Is the temperature a bit extreme? Are there rattlesnakes everywhere? Yes, yes, and yes. But from cactus-pocked desert views to dense pine forests, the terrain is astounding. Oh, yeah, and it goes straight through the Grand Canyon, so there’s that. If you choose not to take on the whole trail at once (a month-long trek that requires shuttles and re-supplies), there are ample resources for taking the trail a section at a time.

+ Check out the official site for the Arizona Trail , a recommended route with maps from bikepacking.net , and a 24-Day bikepacking journal of the trail in 2021, for inspiration.

Sleep on deck off the coast of Alaska or on a barge in France, in a car in New Zealand, or anywhere at all in Patagonia.

Travel The Inside Passage By Commuter Ferry

Location: Alaska

The Alaska Marine Highway Service has been connecting coastal communities in Alaska with the port in Bellingham, Washington, since 1963. These are commuter ferries, not cruises — their purpose is to transport people and supplies up and down the Alaskan coast, from Ketchikan to the Aleutian Islands — but they offer unique opportunities to experience both the cultural depth of Alaska and to see wildlife, from humpback and killer whales to hundreds of species of birds. While several ferries in the fleet have private berths that you can reserve, passengers are free to sleep anywhere — and that includes pitching a tent on deck in the summer months and basking in Alaska’s endless summer light.

Ferry service is divided into three sections: the Southeast, from Bellingham, to the end of the Inside Passage; South Central, which crosses the Gulf of Alaska to Homer; and the Southwest region, the last (and most remote) section of the route, which connects Homer with Unalaska in the Aleutian Islands. Way-out-there Dutch Harbor, in Unalaska, is the largest commercial fishing port in the Pacific (and home base to the Deadliest Catch ).

While any section of the route promises incredible views and plenty of adventure, the Homer/Unalaska section takes passengers through some of the wildest and most remote stretches of the Alaska Maritime Wildlife Refuge. Wildlife sightings are so abundant in summer that a naturalist from the refuge is onboard every ferry, Homer to Kodiak and on to Unalaska “to present educational programs and answer questions.”

Rent A Barge And Float Through France

Location: France

Picture a slow meander through the shade of arched plane trees, past centuries-old vineyards, and Medieval fortress cities, with excellent (but affordable) wine and food just a short bike ride in any direction. Sound too pleasant to qualify as an adventure? Don’t worry, you’ll be piloting your own barge through narrow canals and antiquated locks tended by French civil servants — with your kids as your crew.

Europe’s extensive canal system for centuries connected agricultural and industrial centers with the seaports. Most canals are now primarily recreational. Sleeping on the boat means no hotel fees (and lots of social distance) and time to laze on deck reading and playing cards, while still experiencing the cultural richness and natural beauty of the countryside. You can tie up almost anywhere along the bank and bike into the nearest village for local delicacies or dinner. There’s a huge range of experiences to explore — some canals cut through wilderness, others through bustling towns; some have no locks, others dozens; some boat-rental companies offer budget workhorse family barges, others luxe narrowboats that look like precious floating antiquities.

A Trip to Try:

Canal du Midi, France

In 10 days, you can travel the historic Canal du Midi from Toulouse all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the canal route was first surveyed by Leonardo da Vinci — and finally constructed in the 1600s (in part, to let French merchants evade Barbary pirates bobbing off the Iberian Peninsula). Navigate dozens of ingeniously engineered old locks, and cross over rivers on raised stone aqueducts, themselves incredible feats of engineering.

Road Trip New Zealand

Location: New Zealand

The history of campervanning in New Zealand goes back at least a century — farther if you include the horse-drawn cottages that facilitated the earliest road-tripping through the unrivaled beauty of New Zealand’s natural landscapes. And that tradition is rooted in another: New Zealand’s “freedom camping” policy, which lets travelers camp on public lands — usually for free and without a reservation. Like all great ideas, this works because people are considerate, respect the rules and leave no trace — there are hefty fines if you don’t abide. Many campervan rental companies have pickup and drop-off depots in Auckland on the North Island, and Christchurch or Queenstown on the South Island, making it easy to choose a route and stick to it — or to change course and freely explore.

New Zealand is phasing tourist visa travel back in, starting in October — perfect timing for summer travel there. There are several camper van rental companies to choose from, and thousands of potential itineraries in this land of a thousand landscapes.

+ Jucy Campervans , Wilderness Motorhomes , and Maui Rentals offer a range of vehicles, from the basic to the luxe.

+ You can find conservation areas that permit freedom camping through New Zealand’s Department of Conservation , and a range of designated free and budget campsites using the Camper Mate app.

+ North Island / Te Ika-a-Māui: Black Water Rafting in Waitomo Caves (for a higher-octane experience, try the Black Abyss tour ).

+ South Island / Te Waipounamu: Immerse yourself in the history and protocols of Māori navigation while paddling a waka — a traditional Māori canoe — along the coastline of Abel Tasman National Park .

Take Patagonia By Car

Location: Patagonia

Famously remote and otherworldly in its beauty, Patagonia has long lured climbers and outdoor enthusiasts to its high peaks and volcanic archipelagos — and everything in between. At roughly 400,000 square miles, it encompasses portions of Argentina and Chile, and stretches from the Andes to the sea. This is a road trip to the “end of the world” — Tierra del Fuego, where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans surge into each other offshore in a great eternal rumble. Vast and dynamic, Patagonia would take several lifetimes to explore in its entirety — but a route from Coyhaique, Chile (the northern gateway to remoter stretches of the region), down to the world's southernmost road, in Ushuaia, Argentina (the jumping-off point for Arctic expeditions), will cover an astounding range of cultures and landscapes.

Expect high mountain passes, plunging waterfalls, glaciers, deserts, grassy plains, and wild transitions from one climate to another in a matter of miles. Expect abundant wildlife, from penguins, flamingos, and soaring Andean condors, whose wingspan can reach 10 feet, to wild herds of ñandús and guanacos (species of wild ostrich and llama, respectively). Road-tripping to the end of the world is a significant commitment that takes careful planning — but it’s an adventure you'll never forget (which means you can explore it together forever).

+ Contact Windbreak Rentals for help in planning an itinerary and to rent a 4x4 vehicle, all-terrain trailers, and camping equipment. They’ll drop off and pick up rentals at major airports throughout the region.

+ Download the Overlander app, crowdsourced by and for overland travelers all over the world, with real-time notes on camping sites and other resources. While vehicles are equipped with auxiliary gas cans, being in remote sections of Patagonia means being aware of supplies and self-sufficient.

+ Depending on the route you choose, you may have to cross the border between Chile and Argentina multiple times — check itineraries against the guidance of the State Department and stay up to date on COVID-related requirements.

Cueva de las Manos , Laguna de Los Tres / Fitz Roy , Marble Caves , Parque Pingüino Rey , Karukinka Natural Park , Estancia Caleta Maria , Caleta Tortel , and Perito Moreno Glacier

This article was originally published on May 24, 2022

“When you get free from certain fixed concepts of the way the world is, you’ll find it is far more subtle, and far more miraculous, than you thought it was” – Alan Watts

adventure travel family

Welcome! We’re the Adventure Travel Family!

Our family of 7, has been RV living and full-time traveling for more than 8 years now. Back in 2015, we were caught up in the rat race and saw our life flying by too quickly and before we knew it, our kids would be grown up.

So we jumped. We sold everything we owned, except for surfboards, climbing gear, and bikes of course, ditched conformity, and began traveling in search of adventure. We still live nomadically to this day.

Work With Us

Discover our coaching and programs below to find out how we can help you!

1:1 Coaching & Group Coaching

In-Person Workshops & Events

Adventure & Wellness Retreats

Explore your.

Personal growth.

Making Mindfulness Fun

Love your life but could always use a little more grounding, mindfulness, and personal growth practices?

The Anxiety Solution

Do you feel too stressed out, anxious, or even depressed, and don’t know how to get unstuck?

Be The Hero Academy

Are you ready to level up your best life and start manifesting your dreams?

Schooling &

Raising Kids

How to Homeschool

Thinking about homeschooling? Or do you currently homeschool and want to unlock new methods? 

Raise Kids With Grit

Discover how to raise capable, confident kids who are healthy and strong.

Teaching Teens Entrepreneurship

RV Living with Kids

Are you thinking about making the jump with your family into full-time RVing? It’s a lifestyle that offers endless adventure and the freedom to explore new places! Discover how to make the jump and overcome the challenges.

Adventures & Retreats

For those who live and breathe adventure, explore new trips and ideas on our blog! Or, do you yearn to embark on incredible journeys? Take on a bigger through our top-notch guided retreats!

#DefyTheNorm With Us

Calling all dreamers, doers, and anyone who’s allergic to the rat race. We’re here to inspire you to boldly and unapologetically live outside the box, dream big, and question everything .

Defying the Norm isn’t just about traveling, adventuring, and tiny living. It’s about seeing the world as an endless sea of opportunity and constantly telling ourselves, “Well maybe I CAN.”

DEFY the NORM is a vibe of bravery inspiring others to go against the grain and pursue their dreams. It’s a movement for reclaiming our radical nature and unlimited potential.

Shop merch now  or join our Academy and be a leader in our live outside the box revolution!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

You can skip the planning for these 7 affordable bucket list family travel adventures

A s enriching as family vacations can be, there's no question they're stressful to plan. And if you want to show your kids the world, planning family travel adventures to bucket-list destinations like Ireland, Alaska, or America's national parks can also be a bit daunting. The good news is there may be a better alternative to consider—letting someone else do all the planning on a guided tour.

I've participated in numerous guided group tours with my family, and they've been among the most hassle-tree times together we've ever had. Letting trip planners and seasoned guides take care of tedious details and time-consuming logistics removes many of the difficulties that come with traveling, especially with kids. 

While a trip to the destination of your dreams is never going to be a cheap family vacation , group travel tours can save you time, money, and a lot of stress. The end result? Family travel adventures that run smoothly and don't come with any costly surprises. Here are 15 value-packed guided tours for your family’s 2024 adventures. 

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

HASSLE-FREE VACATIONS: 11 best guided tour companies for family tours

1. Iceland with National Geographic Family Journeys

G Adventures

Renowned small group travel tour company G Adventures has teamed up with National Geographic to create escorted family travel itineraries that take full advantage of NatGeo’s expertise in wildlife, storytelling, and photography. The company’s eight-day Iceland Family Journey delves into the subarctic island nation’s unique geological features in an experiential way, including hiking on the edge of a volcanic crater and riding Icelandic horses near a waterfall. 

CLOSER TO HOME: 25 best family vacation spots in the USA

The tour company's trip leaders are trained to engage young guests ages seven to 17, and the participant limit is capped at 20. These guided family travel adventures start at $4,999 per adult (there’s a $200 discount for kids ages seven to 12) for 2024 and they include transportation within Iceland, accommodations, daily breakfast, three lunches, and one dinner. 

2. Highlights of Ireland

Brendan Vacations

The wild Atlantic Ocean, misty cliffs, and impossibly green countryside are a few of the reasons why the Emerald Island's mystical beauty has inspired poets for centuries. From Dublin's cosmopolitan charm to hanging by your heels to kiss the Blarney Stone in Cork, Brendan Vacations are experts when it comes to Celtic travel, and its Shamrocks and Leprechauns tour is a favorite with families.

NO PASSPORT NEEDED: 21 best all-inclusive resorts in the U.S. for families

Highlights include going behind the scenes where Game of Thrones was filmed and marveling at the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Interactive experiences, such as tea with a family on their sheep farm and dressing up like medieval archers as you learn to aim a bow and arrow, make a lasting impression. 

There’s a maximum of 45 participants aged five and older on this 10-day trip in 2024. Prices start at $3,083 and children ages five to 17 receive a 10 percent discount. Transportation within Ireland, accommodations, and 15 meals are included. A travel director accompanies you throughout, with local specialists enriching the journey. 

3. Canadian Rockies from Banff to Jasper 

Backroads’ guided family travel adventures are a hit with active travelers who crave communion with nature. On Backroads’ Banff to Jasper Multi-Adventure Family Tour , you’ll join a small group of families as you bike, hike, and paddle your way across the magnificent Canadian Rockies. Float down the Athabasca River, soak in sweeping vistas at Icefields Parkway, and walk on a glacier. 

ACTIVE SENIORS: 9 best tour companies for travelers over 50: Road Scholar, Globus, more

This trip has a maximum of 26 guests and is recommended for ages nine and older. Trip leaders receive specialized training to ensure that they’re well-equipped to engage youngsters. The six-day trip costs $3,999 per person in 2024. Kids 17 and under receive a 10 percent discount when staying in a single or double occupancy room; the child discount is increased to 20 percent if there are three or more people staying in the same room. Lodging, activities, daily breakfast, six lunches, four dinners, and snacks are included. 

4. Grand Alaskan Adventure

If your family loves the Great Outdoors, Alaska is the vacation of a lifetime. Cosmos offers guided group tours to "America’s Last Frontier" that present value without skimping on quality. The Grand Alaskan Adventure is an appealing choice with a balanced blend of group activities and free time.

SEE THE WORLD: 11 guided tour companies that offer trips around the world  

Starting and finishing in Anchorage, you'll cross Prince William Sound and glimpse otters, seals, and whales. A ride on the Alaska Railroad will delight fans of train travel, while two days spent in Denali National Park’s wilderness is an immersion in majestic beauty. Keep your eyes open for bears, moose, and caribou as you travel the Denali Highway across Alaska’s lightly treaded interior.

In 2024, this seven-day guided family travel adventure starts at $2,139 and includes some meals, accommodations, and activities. Children as young as five are welcome, and those ages five to 17 receive a 10 percent discount. The average number of participants is 36.

5. Taste of Portugal

Globus 

With alluring beaches, ancient villages, and sophisticated cities, it’s no wonder Portugal is trending in 2024. The Taste of Portugal with Madeira guided group itinerary from Globus visits cosmopolitan Lisbon, Porto’s cobbled streets, and the semi-tropical island of Madeira, with its natural rock-pools and unique wicker basket toboggan ride. 

FAMILY TRAVEL ADVENTURES: 28 best places to go with kids this year

This 11-day escorted trip starts at $3,309 including hotels, nine breakfast, and three dinners. Kids as young as five may participate and those between ages five and 17 receive a 10 percent discount. The average group size is 36 guests. 

6. New Zealand Family Travel Adventure

Austin Adventures

Headquartered in New Zealand, guided tour company Austin Adventures is an expert when it comes to showcasing this country’s natural assets. Energetic families who want an intimate group experience will be pleased with the New Zealand Family Vacation itinerary. Starting and finishing in Christchurch, you'll visit a wildlife preserve with resident koalas, wallabies, kiwi, and ancient tuatara (a rare reptile); hike to glacial lakes; and kayak and float down a rose-lined gorge. 

FAR-FLUNG ADVENTURES: Bora Bora with kids? These French Polynesia family resorts belong on your vacation bucket list  

Children six and older are welcome on this 13-day trip, which costs $5,499 per adult and $4,999 per child 12 years and under. Lodging, activities, and almost all meals are part of the deal. The maximum group size is 14 people plus two guides. 

7. The Greek Islands of Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete

EF Go Ahead Tours 

Get acquainted with a trifecta of Greek islands on The Greek Islands: Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete from EF Go Ahead Tours . Absorb ancient Hellenic heritage in Athens before arriving in lively Mykonos for a dip in its crystal-clear water. Cruise to Santorini, where volcanic black sand beaches are juxtaposed with bright white and sea blue houses. Then it's on to Crete with its trail of historic treasures, from palaces to archaeological ruins. 

TROPICAL BLISS: 7 best tropical vacation spots for families  

This 14-day family travel adventure has a maximum of 30 participants and starts at $4,019 in 2024. It includes hotels, daily breakfast, five dinners, a dedicated tour director, and local guides along the way. Children age six and older are welcome, though they don't receive a discount.

Affordable bucket list family travel adventures where someone else does all the planning originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com .

More from FamilyVacationist:

• 6 best Hawaii all-inclusive resorts for families
• 8 best Bahamas all-inclusive resorts for families
• 6 best-value all-inclusive resorts for families

FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology , we review and select family vacation ideas , family vacation spots , all-inclusive family resorts , and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators , tour operator reviews , tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations . The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: You can skip the planning for these 7 affordable bucket list family travel adventures

• Last Minute
• About KE Adventure
• KE Office Team
• Awards & Accolades
• The KE Experience
• Grades Explained
• Flight Information
• Booking with KE
• Travel Insurance
• Booking Conditions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Book with Confidence
• Sustainability
• Climate Change
• Carbon Absorption
• Partnerships and charity
• Sustainable Travel
• Enquire now
• Canary Islands
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• North Macedonia
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• South Korea
• Reunion Island
• Sierra Leonne
• South Africa
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• El Salvador
• French Guiana

The world’s best walking routes from leisurely footpaths to challenging trails.

Road, mountain, adventure and leisure cycling holidays across the globe.

Taking you high into the world's most spectacular mountain ranges.

Active journeys focusing on the cultural highlights of a country.

Wildlife experiences and safaris to see the world's most incredible animals.

Fun-filled adventures to share with all the family, led by specialist leaders.

Discover the unique wilderness landscapes and wildlife of the Arctic and Antarctica.

Thrilling snowy escapes away from the downhill crowds.

Explore the world from a different perspective on one of these adventures.

Unique, expedition-style trips; adventures you never knew existed.

Small group holidays led by fantastic local KE leaders.

Travel at your own pace while we arrange all the logistics.

Experience our guided adventures, exclusively for your friends and family

Join like-minded travellers on our guided group adventures, or travel Self-Guided.

Encapsulating the spirit of KE Adventure from the old to the new

An adventurers playground, from quaint alpine villages to towering peaks

See Africa's mightiest beasts in their natural environment

Once-in-a-lifetime adventure across the frozen Oceans

Conquer the highest mountains of countries around the World

• Ways to travel

Family Group Holidays

KE offers an impressive array of family group holidays both in Europe and around the world, catering to various preferences and ages. Prioritise active fun over screen time and discover the world’s most incredible destinations, creating cherished memories that you and your family will share forever.

Group holidays allow you to meet other like-minded families who share your passion for travel. Enjoy a variety of activities such as kayaking, surfing, horse riding on our multi activity holidays, or discover beautiful animals with incredible wildlife encounters and thrilling safaris on our Wildlife Family Holidays . Alternatively, embark on a Walking Family Holiday with trips perfect for energetic teenagers who are happy being out on the trail most of the day or slightly littler legs that enjoy a few hour or half day walks

Featured Family Group Holidays

Beyond the Annapurnas - Family Nepal Trek

Family holiday in Nepal including a short trek and the cultural flavours of Kathmandu and Pokhara

13 days from

US$2,455 without flights

Sri Lanka Family Island Explorer

The perfect Sri Lanka family adventure holiday with a mix of activities, culture and wildlife

14 days from

US$2,115 without flights

Tigers and Temples of Rajasthan - Family India

The Golden Triangle and wildlife adventure holiday in India with a family twist!

10 days from

US$1,775 without flights

Camels on the Beach Family Morocco Holiday

Fascinating family walking, cultural and adventure holiday in Morocco

7 days from

US$1,005 without flights

Morocco Family Adventure Desert Trek

Camel trekking in the desert and sleeping out under the stars

8 days from

US$925 without flights

Jordan Family Adventure Holiday

Our family adventure holiday in Jordan, exploring Petra, Wadi Rum and the Red & Dead Seas

US$1,615 without flights

Family Thailand Adventure

Enjoy our Northern Thailand mini trek adventure, Elephant Sanctuary visit, cycle rides, and the beaches of Koh Samet.

US$2,250 without flights

Active Family Holiday on Turkey's Lycian Coast

A fun-packed family holiday in Turkey, including swimming, mud baths, turtle conservation, sea kayaking and boat trips

US$1,230 without flights

Family Teenage Toubkal Ascent, Morocco

Climb Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest mountain, with your family. Perfect summit objective for teenagers.

US$900 without flights

Highlights of Family Group Holidays

What sets our Family Group Holidays apart is the exceptional tour leaders who lead them. All our KE family tour leaders are truly exceptional when it comes to creating memorable adventures for families. They are great with children and know how to make every moment engaging and enjoyable. Their unmatched expertise and deep knowledge of the destinations guarantee a rich and educational experience for you and your family. In addition to ensuring a fun-filled holiday, our family holiday specialist guides prioritize safety, while maintaining a warm and enthusiastic approach.

More Information About Family Groups

Yes, there is a minimum age for a KE family adventure holiday, and it depends on the holiday to what it is. We take into account a wide range of factors but mainly the included activities. The majority are suitable for families with children between 8 - 15yrs, but only certain trips we accept children as young as 4yrs. If you’re struggling to find a suitable active holiday for your family or have younger children, please contact us and we can discuss which itinerary will work for you.

We have many single parents who come along on these holidays. They are ideal holidays, as the children make friends and as a single parent you also have ‘grown up’ chat, and time to unwind, maybe with a glass of wine. As standard, you will be roomed with your child or children. Depending on the number and ages of children you are travelling with, you’re likely to be in a twin, triple or family room altogether. Single rooms are available on limited departures for an additional cost. Please do request your rooming requirements on booking and we will do our best to ensure these are met.

Yes, it is your holiday after all! However a parent / guardian must always be responsible for a child. So if a child opts out then a parent / guardian must stay with them, and if a parent opts out then another parent / guardian must be present with the child during the activity.

Most accommodation will be able to offer a more traditional European Menu if needed with bread, chips, pizza, pasta, fruit and vegetables. However where ever possible we try to introduce our young (and adult) travellers to local dishes, which we believe is an important aspect of a holiday and it’s amazing what people want to try after some fresh air and exercise! Vegetarians are catered for across the holiday range. Other dietary requirements are usually possible with prior arrangements. Please call the office to have a chat about any dietary requirements.

Worldwide Adventure Holidays

We offer over 360 active adventures in 100 countries worldwide. Best known for our pioneering itineraries and challenging trips with an 'edge', we also offer a range of easier guided and self-guided walking, cycling, family and wildlife journeys throughout the world. Based in Keswick in the Lake District, we are passionate about creating unique travel experiences for our customers.

40 years of operating; fully bonded and your money 100% protected.

From leisurely walking and cycling to push-your-limits expeditions.

400 Guided Group and Self-Guided adventures in 100 countries.

Sustainable

100% carbon absorption. Caring for the environment and local communities.

Contact Hours

Your wishlist.

Start your next adventure.

Click the heart icon on the search or holiday pages to save a holiday to your wishlist.

{{ result.name }}

{{ result.locations['country'] }} , {{ result.locations['region'] }}

{{ result.introduction }}

{{ result.duration }} days from

{{ result.fromPriceWithoutFlights }} without flights

{{ result.fromPriceWithFlights }} with flights

Holiday Search

Hrmm. Looks like you're using an older browser, which means some site features may not work they way they should. For the full gadventures.com experience, we recommend upgrading to the most recent version of your browser . It's worth it! Honest!

View all tours

North America

Central america & caribbean, south america, north africa & middle east.

Few travellers make it to this icy continent, but the lucky ones who do get to explore a frozen Eden ruled by the elements and teeming with wildlife.

G Adventures Land

G adventures sailing & cruises, g adventures private travel.

Whether it’s a family retreat or a girls trip, you can surround yourself with a hand-picked crew and customize a tour that fits you all perfectly.

The Geluxe Collection

Our new line of premium active adventures is officially here. With perfectly paced itineraries, one-of-a-kind accommodations and elevated dining, this is adventure at its finest.

National Geographic Journeys

Go deeper into the cultures and habitats of the places we explore. More is included and you’ll enjoy greater hands-on exploration, interactions with local experts, and freedom to roam.

National Geographic Family Journeys

Are you an adventure-loving family in search of meaningful ways to discover the world together? These tours are specially designed for travellers seven and up and their inquisitive families.

Jane Goodall Collection

Step deeper into the animal kingdom while respecting all of its inhabitants. Our incredible collection of 20 wildlife-focused tours is endorsed by the world-renowned ethologist.

Roamies by Hostelworld

The thrill of adventure. The awesomeness of hostels. Get ‘em both on these immersive small group trips for 18 to 35-year-old travellers.

Why choose us

As the leader in small group travel for 30 years, we know how to do it right: flexible itineraries, freedom to roam, safety, peace of mind, and locally based guides.

Change the world just by having the time of your life. When you travel with us, you become a force for good by acting responsibly and creating positive impact.

Together with our non-profit partner, Planeterra, we ensure local communities touched by our tours benefit from our visits in as many ways possible.

Trees for Days

Leave your destination even greener than you found it! For every day on tour, we’ll plant a tree in your honour and ensure that our forests get to live their best lives.

Travel resources

Last minute deals.

Looking to have the time of your life in the next 90 days or so? You can save big if you’re ready to book now.

Loyalty discount

Back home from a G Adventures tour? Submit a quick trip evaluation to save 5% on your next tour with us.

Student discount

Got proof that you’re pursuing higher learning? Then we’ve got a travel voucher with your name on it.

All travel deals

New ways to save pop up all the time. Here’s where you’ll find every hot deal in one easy place.

• 5 Best Adventure Vacations for Families In The USA

by Michelle Peters | Apr 2, 2024 | Destinations , Family Adventures , Traveling with Teens , USA , Weekend Trips

(This article may or may not contain affiliate links. What does that mean?)

Grand Teton National Park cemented my love affair with craggy mountain peaks, frothy rivers and sleeping under the stars. Growing up in Vermont, I’m no stranger to nature, but it was the staggering size of the nature out west that appealed to me – and ultimately called me to settle out in the Pacific Northwest. 

My own kids have grown up in the PNW and have been immersed in as much nature as they can handle since birth. Whether being carried in a backpack around Seattle’s leafy urban parks, tackling their highest peak in Jasper National Park in Canada, kayaking on Lake Champlain when visiting grandparents in New England or tackling the summit of Mount St. Helens, all three kids have adventure in their blood.  

Our country’s national parks are a great place for adventurous families to enjoy the outdoors together. If you’re just introducing active travel to your brood, or they’re hooked on adrenaline and fresh air already, these precious, protected areas are the ideal playground. To give you just a taste of what’s on offer, we look at national parks that provide some of the best adventure vacations around. We’ll suggest an activity for the youngers and an activity for the olders at each of the parks below, and a taste of what else there is to do there. 

NO TIME TO ENJOY THIS ARTICLE NOW? BOOKMARK IT OR PIN IT FOR LATER!

Yosemite National Park 

With the iconic El Capitan and Half Dome dominating its skyline, majestic waterfalls, and ancient sequoia groves, Yosemite National Park is the crown jewel of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains—and easily accessible from Los Angeles and San Francisco. Naturalist John Muir is credited with Yosemite’s continued protection and helped ensure that kids can experience everything from the awe-inspiring Mariposa Grove to the vast Tuolumne Meadows . 

For Little Legs: Feel the Spray of (Many) Waterfalls 

Set up camp in Yosemite Valley (you can tent it or stay in a luxury lodge if that’s more your style) and discover a new waterfall every day. The best family-friendly choices include the 0.5-mile Bridalveil Fall Trail , the 1-mile Lower Yosemite Falls hike and the slightly more challenging, 1.6-mile Mist Trail that leads to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. 

Give your kids a sense of wonder. Photo credit Nathan Dumlao.

For Longer Legs: Learn to Use that Smartphone (for Good!) 

The Ansel Adams Gallery runs a cool photography class for older kids in Yosemite Valley. They’ll spend three hours traipsing along mostly flat paths, covering 2 to 3 miles as they learn how to creatively photograph the landscapes and wildlife they come across during the session and later with their family.

More Great Adventures

Take a rock climbing lesson from a local adventure outfitter or boulder at Camp 4 , ride horseback through giant sequoias (don’t miss the Grizzly Giant , the oldest and largest sequoia in the park), ride bikes along the valley floor.

Where to Stay Near Yosemite National Park

We love the Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. The current owners bought the property in 2001. Sinking millions of dollars into the resort for renovations and upgrades since then, they also recently built 50 stand-alone, two-bedroom cabins called Explorer Cabins, that offer guests a more intimate experience of Yosemite. This area has its own community clubhouse called the Explorer Clubhouse, which has a library, board games, and special events like wine tastings. Cabin guests also have access to all the amenities in the 75-acre resort, like the indoor and outdoor pools, the three hot tubs, and the Kid’s Adventure Club.

DON’T MISS!  8 Best Colorado Resorts for Families

Acadia National Park 

Nestled along the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia National Park is one of the best places for families of all ages to get outside and play together. With scenic vistas, diverse ecosystems, granite peaks, lush forests, and pristine lakes, it’s everything a national park should be. Explore miles of scenic biking and hiking trails, watch for wildlife, and set out on the water for kayaking and sailing adventures. 

For Little Legs: Hike Around Jordan Pond 

Jordan’s Pond Path is a 3.3-mile loop around the scenic pond. It is ideal for younger kids (and parents hiking with a child in a carrier) and a great way to spur a love of nature. The trail is well-maintained and mostly flat, with plenty of benches and picnic areas along the way for snack breaks. Bring a pair of binoculars and try to spot various wildlife, including plenty of birds and some friendly squirrels—keep those snacks out of reach! 

For Longer Legs: Bike the Carriage Roads

Acadia and Mount Desert Island are made for biking. Rent bikes at the Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop (or bring your own if you’re on a road trip) and pedal your way along 45 miles of pretty, car-free, century-old carriage roads. Or take a bike tour ! There are miles of trails ideal for all skill levels, whether you’re cruising along or mountain biking. 

Hike Cadillac Mountain , scramble through boulders along the Great Head Trail , catch the big boom at Thunder Hole , go kayaking, navigate the ladders and rungs of the challenging Precipice Trail . 

First-rate views from Cadillac Mountain. Photo credit Mick Haupt.

Where to Stay Near Acadia National Park 

The Salt Cottages are about as adorable as they come. With a great swimming pool, a retro snack bar with fun treats for kids (and adults), a game shed with ping pong, cornhole, bocce ball, and more – this is summer on the coast all wrapped up in a tidy package – did we mention the daily ice cream sundae social and bonfire? 

Yellowstone National Park 

As far as an introduction to the western United States goes, Yellowstone National Park makes a remarkable first impression. From spouting geysers—hello, Old Faithful!—to colorful geothermal hot springs and mud pots, it’s a natural wonderland. Did we mention the roaming bison, wolves, grizzlies (from afar!), elk, and moose who live here? Marvel at the geology and explore the trails of America’s first national park, which spans Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. 

For Little Legs: Gape at Geysers

Those boiling mud pots are (probably) like nothing your kids have seen before. Flat boardwalks make it easy to get up close to the steaming pots, mesmerizingly colored hot springs and hissing vents. Check out Upper Geyser Basin , Norris Geyser Basin and Midway Geyser Basin , where you’ll find the world’s largest hot spring.  

Show them a watercolor painting come to life! Photo credit James Lee.

For Longer Legs: Saddle Up at Tower-Roosevelt Junction 

Nothing says Wild West like horseback riding through the sagebrush. Saddle up for a ride near the park’s Tower-Roosevelt Junction , culminating in a chuckwagon cookout of steak, beans and all the fixings. For more ambitious riders, there are tour operators that offer multi-day horse expeditions through the park. 

Go hiking to the Yellowstone Lake Overlook (for littles) or up Mt. Washburn (for bigs), go rafting on the Snake River, bike through pronghorn and elk habitat on Old Gardiner Road, canoe or kayak on Lewis Lake.

DON’T MISS!  Yosemite With Kids: Nature and Pamper at Tenaya Lodge

Where to Stay Near Yellowstone National Park 

If you’re not staying right in the park at one of the national park lodges (if you are, plan to book your accommodations well in advance), Gardiner, Montana, at the northern end of the park, is a great choice. The access road here is open year-round. Family-owned Park Hotel Yellowstone offers comfortable, historical rooms, including a spacious family suite with two queen bedrooms, bathrooms with rock showers, a full kitchen, two sofas, and laundry facilities.

Glacier National Park 

Our family is spoilt for choice when it comes to national parks within driving distance (which I define as one that is bound to include at least three meal stops and 18 potty breaks). We had Glacier National Park in our sights as soon as the kids were old enough to hike on their own (although there are plenty of options for younger children, too). With its postcard-perfect mountains, gorgeous alpine meadows, 200 stunning turquoise lakes, unfettered wildlife, and, yes, 25 or so glistening glaciers, it was a no-brainer when seeking a summer vacation destination. There aren’t many roads in the park, leaving it as picturesque and primitive as possible. 

Staggering views from the Highline Travel in Glacier National Park. Photo credit Michelle Peters.

For Little Legs: See a Glacier from the Lake 

Head to the Rising Sun boat dock on St. Mary Lake, board the historical Little Chief or Joy II, and set off to Baring Falls and the famed Wild Good Island—all the while enjoying 360-degree views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and getting a peek at Sexton Glacier. 

Taking geography lessons to new heights! Photo credit Michelle Peters.

For Longer Legs: Hike Atop the Continental Divide

It was an early morning wakeup, but well worth it, that got our family to the blustery, 6,646-foot Logan Pass before the crowds. Beat the rush to be among the day’s first hikers to tackle the 3.2-mile Hidden Lake Overlook Trail to see Dall sheep and alpine flowers in the meadow. We loved the longer Highline Trail , which took us past the Garden Wall, a bighorn sheep, and a very photogenic marmot above the treeline to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook. 

Do marmots say “cheese”? Photo credit Michelle Peters.

Drive and hike along the epic Going-To-The-Sun Road , go on a boating and hiking excursion on Swiftcurrent and Josephine lakes, raft on the Flathead River , go ziplining.

Where to Stay Near Glacier National Park 

We stayed at Timber Wolf Resort outside the park in Hungry Horse, Montana. The cabins here are ideal for those who love to camp but don’t feel like pitching a tent. We opted for a heated Pioneer Cabin with two double bunk beds and a twin. You can bring your own linens/sleeping bags or rent from the resort. Each cabin has access to its own picnic table and fire ring. 

Rocky Mountain National Park

Quintessentially adventure-packed, the emblematic Rockies make up one of the most visited national parks in the country. Within the boundaries of Rocky Mountain National Park , families will find more than 100 peaks higher than 11,000 feet, the beautiful Estes Valley, and incredible wildlife (including the chance to view elk in rut during the mating season). However you want to access it—by horseback, on foot, or by car along Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuously paved highway in North America—is full of fresh-air family fun. 

Get to know the VIPs of Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo credit Christie Greene.

For Little Legs: Become a Junior Ranger

Embrace nature, get rewards … and a badge! Your little explorer can view wildlife, hunt for animal tracks, go on scavenger hunts for flora and fauna, and learn all about what they’re seeing from a National Park Ranger. Stop by the visitor center to pick up an age-appropriate activity book and a cool badge, then hit the trails.

For Longer Legs: Go Geocaching 

Get adventurous as you search for hidden caches through the mountain towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake. Enter Rocky Mountain National Park and cross over the Continental Divide—you’ll reach an altitude of 12,183 feet! It’s a fun, goal-oriented way to see the park’s various landscapes. Be sure to get your geocaching and national park passports stamped. 

Hike to the Calypso Cascades , go fishing, paddle a canoe or go stand-up paddleboarding on Grand Lake, walk on the tundra trails, sled in Hidden Valley (the park is open 365 days a year)

Check out these family-friendly, fresh-air-packed, adventure vacations throughout the United States.

Where to Stay Near Rocky Mountain National Park 

The Landing at Estes Park spoils you for choice with accommodation styles, including villas, cabins, standard hotel rooms, and suites outfitted with handcrafted barn wood and old hickory furnishings. Check out the riverside fire pit and pavilion and do a little on-site fishing.

Whatever floats your boat, just get out there and play as a family together in the wilderness. Photo credit Unsplash.

Choose Your Own Adventure

And there’s more! Wiggle your way through slot canyons in Zion National Park or stargaze from your campsite in Grand Canyon National Park . Trek through a rainforest or hike to an ocean beach in North Cascades National Park . Swim in the bracing waters of Lake Tahoe , go whitewater rafting on the Colorado River, or cruise on an airboat through the mangroves in the Florida Keys . 

Close to home, or across the country, we are lucky to have easy access to these natural playgrounds. Depending on the time of year, you can head north, south, east or west and find an unforgettable experience as your family communes with nature, and has a great time doing it. 

Recent Posts

• Reasons Why You Should Travel With Your Mom This Mother’s Day
• Best Mother’s Day Gifts For 2024

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

Ancient ruins, city tours and cannoli on a family tour of western Sicily

Start in Palermo and head west for a family adventure featuring street food, ancient ruins and a magical night tour of the city.

Italians may flock to Sicily’s soft sands in summer, but this far-flung Mediterranean island is far more than just a beach destination. Families can scale Mount Etna in giant off-road jeep buses, feast on classic Sicilian sweets and delve into archaeology at well-preserved ruin complexes like the Valley of the Temples. Older kids, meanwhile, can satisfy any gangster fascination by exploring mafia heritage in Palermo and seeking out The Godfather filming sites in the quiet mountain villages. And with the island lying closer to Africa than Rome, its southerly climate makes it a great choice for off-season travels around Easter and October.

Palermo by night

To beat the heat of the Sicilian capital in summer, try venturing into town after dusk for a guided night tour , when Palermo’s landmarks are magically illuminated. The walk can take in city highlights such as the medieval Kalsa district, the Arabesque domes of San Giovanni degli Eremiti, the Norman cathedral of Monreale and UNESCO-listed Zisa palace.

Gangster’s paradise

Unpick the island’s deep-rooted connection with the Sicilian Mafia, known locally as Cosa Nostra, at Palermo’s No Mafia Memorial museum . It explains the origins of the crime cartel and the government’s efforts to quash the organisation after the Second World War. If you’ve got more time, there are also Mafia-related tours taking in the eastern villages of Savoca and Forza d’Agro, which were key filming locations for The Godfather — a good bet if you’ve got any movie-mad teens in tow.  

Street-food specialities

Sicily’s original thick-crusted pizza is a must try. There’s a topping for every palate so picky eaters are bound to find something they like; the more adventurous should go for the classic, which includes anchovies, herbs and strong cheese on a passata base. For dessert it’s cannoli, deep-fried pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta, that take centre stage. Arancini — fried risotto balls — are another favourite for a cheap meal on the go. A Palermo street-food tour is a fun way to explore for those whose kids love to try new dishes.  

Sicily’s sweet-making centre

With its sloping cobbled streets and crowning castle, Erice — around 70 miles west of Palermo — has a fairytale quality. But in Sicily this town is best known for its almond pastries — especially those made by local pastry chef Maria Grammatico , whose stories have been immortalised in the biography Bitter Almonds, by Mary Taylor Simeti. Follow the sweet scent of powdered sugar down winding lanes to find her old-fashioned bakery and encourage the kids to order belli e brutti — ‘beautiful and ugly’ — a buttery bite-size pastry laced with almonds and lemon.

Archaeology discoveries

Sicily has more than its fair share of ruins and many of the best are in the west of the island. Closest to Palermo is the fifth-century Segesta Archaeological Park , around 47 miles west of the capital, which offers panoramic views from a Hellenic theatre atop Monte Barbaro. But Sicily’s finest ruins can be found at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento on the southwest coast — a UNESCO World Heritage site with one of the world’s best-preserved Greek temples.  

Volcano tours to Mt Etna

  The east of the island is famed for its succession of exquisite baroque towns in the south and the cone of Mount Etna on the east coast. Towering 3,329 metres high, Europe’s tallest volcano is also one of Sicily’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites — and a family favourite because of how close kids can usually get to the fuming calderas. The trip starts with a cable-car ride up to 2,500 metres, from where 4x4 jeep buses carry travellers higher on guided tours of the lunar-like landscape and smoking volcano craters. Tours are available from Catania, Taormina or Messina, but keep an eye on the local news — Etna last spewed lava as recently as November 2023.  

Where to stay

Villa Igiea Restored at the end of the 19th century by famous Italian architect Ernesto Basile and revamped by Rocce Forte Hotels in 2021, the 124-room art nouveau-style Villa Igiea in Palermo is rich in character. It still retains its frescoes, original furniture and decor with a modern twist, all of which are guaranteed to make kids feel like they’ve stepped into a fairytale. Rooms are individually decorated with lovely hardwood floors and luxury marble bathrooms, and it’s located near the port, overlooking an ancient Greek temple.

Verdura Resort Set on more than 500 acres of southwestern Sicilian coastline, the 205-room Verdura Resort offers uninterrupted views of the sea from private balconies or terraces, designed in a fresh and contemporary Sicilian style. The hotel is packed with facilities to make life easy for families, including a 60-metre infinity pool, a handful of clay tennis courts and four restaurants – plus five bars and a massive spa for the adults.  

FREE BONUS ISSUE

Related topics.

• FAMILY LIFE
• FAMILY TRAVEL
• FOOD TOURISM
• WALKING TOURS

You May Also Like

Indiana Jones and archaeology in Sicily: how to plan a walking tour of Syracuse

5 of Europe's best family city breaks for football lovers, from Barcelona to Liverpool

5 ways to make travel more meaningful in 2023

25 breathtaking places and experiences for 2023

10 best things to do in Switzerland

• History & Culture
• Photography
• Environment
• Paid Content

History & Culture

• History Magazine
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

Current Weather

Latest Weathercast

Interactive Radar

Good Morning Washington LIVE at Atlantis Paradise Island

by Good Morning Washington

Good Morning Washington's travel spotlight is taking us on an adventure for the entire family as Kidd O'Shea joins us LIVE from Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas. From unforgettable water parks to world-class dining, it's time to put Atlantis Paradise Island on your travel list!

Electrostal History and Art Museum

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Electrostal History and Art Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.19 mi) Elektrostal Hotel
• (1.21 mi) Yakor Hotel
• (1.27 mi) Mini Hotel Banifatsiy
• (1.18 mi) Elemash
• (1.36 mi) Hotel Djaz
• (0.07 mi) Prima Bolshogo
• (0.13 mi) Makecoffee
• (0.25 mi) Amsterdam Moments
• (0.25 mi) Pechka
• (0.26 mi) Mazhor

ad blocker for safari extension

Turn Your Curiosity Into Discovery

Latest facts.

6 Facts You Didnt Know About Ecommerce Call Center Outsourcing

Tips and Tricks to Help You Create a HIPAA Compliant Email

40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.

Share this Fact:

Historical ties between Indonesia and Australia's top-end illuminated after photo discovery unravels a family mystery

A young man stands on a beach, watching the water.

Behind him is everything he's ever known – his country, his family, the rhythms of life on a small, isolated island.

Ahead? A hazy horizon, and a foreign boat crew about to sail beyond it.

As the tide begins to turn, he has a big decision to make.

Soon he is on the boat, wind whipping his curly dark hair, on a historic, international voyage that's being pieced together for the first time in more than 150 years.

This is a personal story of heartache, lost love, and splintered families.

But it is also sweeping in scale, illuminating a little-known era in the history of the Australian continent, when the first waves of international travel created a web of cross-cultural romance and relations.

"The man in the photos is Dirrikaya, and he was my great-grandfather," says Sylvia Tkac.

"He went overseas and had a family we've never met — and he wasn't the only one.

"So it's like a love story — and it's wild."

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this article contains images of people who have died.

A photo mystery

The identification of Dirrikaya brings full circle a history mystery triggered by the discovery of a trove of black and white photos in a dusty Italian museum collection in 2011. 

The portraits were taken in the Indonesian port city of Makassar in the 1870s and show a group of Indigenous people from Australia — including a young child.

The photos raised many questions.

Who were the young men, how did they get to South-East Asia, and how many other First Nations people moved overseas prior to contact with British colonisers?

Ms Tkac was at her home at Groote Eylandt on Australia's remote north coast when she first saw the photos broadcast on ABC News in early 2023.

"My cousin Amos rang me and goes, 'Guess what, those photos on ABC are our great-grandfather Dirrikaya.'

"I was so shocked!" she exclaims.

"And he started telling me about how our ancestors had sailed away to Indonesia with the visiting fishermen."

It is impossible to prove beyond doubt that the man in the photos is Dirrikaya. 

But local families say the body markings, physical resemblance and oral history make for a compelling case.

Who was Dirrikaya?

According to family lore, Dirrikaya was a slender teenager when he made the fateful decision to sail overseas.

He was an Anindilyakwa man, who bore scars etched in flesh during coming-of-age ceremonies.

"That scarification, only the men have that, not the women," explains great-grandson Amos Wurramarrba.

"He would have been a strong cultural man."

Dirrikaya's ancestors are believed to have lived on their island archipelago for thousands of years before the Makassans arrived.

Anindilyakwa country covers several islands on the eastern edge of Arnhem Land, a mere 600 kilometres from the Indonesian archipelago.

In the 1600s and 1700s, as the trading of spices and seafood escalated across the Asia-Pacific region, things began to change for tribes across the northern coast.

Waves of Asian fishing crews from Makassar —   the Dutch-run port of the eastern Indonesian island of Sulawesi — began to arrive. Sailing south with the trade winds, they set up camps on local beaches for months to harvest sea cucumber on an industrial scale.

It appears they were cautiously welcomed by local Aboriginal tribes who recognised a mutually beneficial arrangement.

"We gave the Makassans permission to get pearls and trepang [sea cucumber] and in return, they traded cloth and rice and knives and hooks," Ms Tkac explains. 

Over the decades the visits became more regular.

Indonesian words were incorporated into local dialects, and the arrival of the Makassan boats woven into ceremonial dance and rock art still scattered in caves and cliffs.

Romances formed between the visiting fishermen and local women, resulting in babies and complex, cross-cultural family trees.

And, at some point, Aboriginal people started moving overseas with the visiting fishermen.

Among them was Dirrikaya.

'He wanted adventure'

It's thought the men and women who boarded the boats did so voluntarily.

"Think about it – you're on this isolated island, and you're offered the chance to sail away – I think he wanted to go," Ms Tkac says.

"I think Dirrikaya wanted adventure."

Mr Wurramarrba agrees.

"It feels good to be here, in my great-grandfather's footprints," he says, gazing out across the wind-rippled bay from where Dirrikaya departed.

"I think he and the other men that left with him wanted excitement and they wanted to travel.

"But the problem was Dirrikaya didn't tell his family where he was going, so they thought he must have died and were wailing for him."

According to oral history, a total of four Anindilyakwa men set sail with the foreign crew. 

Not long after, the boat docked in the bustling port city of Makassar.

Clues buried in historic documents

Little is known about Dirrikaya's years in Indonesia.

But there's growing evidence that a significant number of Aboriginal people were living there at the time.

In 1824 the Dutch governor-general wrote in his journal of seeing Aboriginal people from Australia walking the streets.

"They are very black, tall in stature, with curly hair, long thin legs, and, in general, are quite well built."

But the black and white photos are the only visual evidence that has surfaced of their presence during   this period.

The studio portraits were taken in Makassar in 1873 by Italian naturalist Odoardo Beccari.

At the time he was travelling through South-East Asia, documenting the mix of people and cultures he encountered.

The same year he took the photos, Mr Beccari wrote in his journal:

"To Makassar come some [boats] every year from northern Australia … and Indigenous Australians are not uncommon in Makassar where you see them moving about in the streets."

His photographs remained buried in the archives of the Pigorini Museum in Rome until 2011 , when they were unearthed by University of Western Australia Professor Jane Lydon.

They're an invaluable piece of historical evidence, according to Monash University Professor Lynette Russell.

She's heading an international research project called  Global Encounters, which is investigating early contacts on the Australian continent .

"This is a story that most people have no idea about, but there is no doubt that Aboriginal people came to Makassar and stayed and had families," she says.

"Some voyaged back to Australia, but others did not.

"I suspect the scale of the movement is probably larger than what we first thought." 

The scenario challenges Australia's national origin story of a continent of landlocked people living in isolation for tens of thousands of years.

Professor Russell — who has Wotjobaluk heritage herself — says the migration north   shows more than a sense of adventure.

"I think the Aboriginal people who decided to join the Makassan fleets showed extraordinary agency and entrepreneurship," she reflects.

"There was obviously also a network of friendships and relationships that developed.

"I think it's extremely likely that there are descendants of Aboriginal people here in Makassar, and descendants of Makassan sailors in Australia."

Family connection lost

According to family history, Dirrikaya lived in Indonesia for several years and had a wife and children.

But the pull of home proved too strong.

"He decided he needed to come home to see his country again and his parents … so he sailed back to Australia," explains Ms Tkac.

It was a tearful reunion. Dirrikaya was back from the dead, and telling strange stories about a land far, far away.

But one thing had changed.

"He had two gold teeth!" reveals Ms Tkac.

"They sparkled in the sun. The family couldn't believe it."

But for Dirrikaya, amid the elation, there was grief.

He had left his wife and children across the ocean.

"He was hoping they would come to see him on the Makassan boats," Ms Tkac explains.

"But he watched the horizon every year when they came, and his wife and children were never there ... he cried for them."

A few years later came a decision that shut down any chance of contact.

As British settlements expanded across northern Australia, resistance to foreign visitors grew, and Australian authorities shut down the Asian trepang trade in 1907 .

"It was very sad for our old people," says Mr Wurramarrba.

"They didn't understand what was going on, and why the Indonesians stopped coming."

"Lots of families were torn apart."

Dirrikaya went on to have a wife and children back at his home on Groote Eylandt, but he never forgot his family in Makassar.

The Wurramarrba family is now on a mission to try to locate Dirrikaya's descendants in Indonesia.

"They're our family," Ms Tkac reflects.

"Who are they, where are they — I want to meet them."

And they are not alone.

Across the ocean, another family searching

The historic port precinct of Makassar is as viscerally different from Groote Eylandt as can be imagined.

A mosque looms over the glistening water.

In the bustling backstreets of Losari Beach vendors crowd the pavement, hustling to sell smokes and sweet biscuits. 

Here, the Aboriginal families from the vast southern land would have stepped off fishing boats and surveyed the scene.

Professor Russell is wandering the laneways tucked behind the waterfront.

"What an overwhelming experience it must have been for them," she marvels.

"To be in this new place, full of different languages and food and smells – I think it's a universal feeling, that desire for adventure and to be outside of your comfort zone."

There are accounts of Aboriginal men living in homes in the area as trusted employees of well-to-do fishing captains.

And buried in the busy streets is a family with their own extraordinary personal story to tell.

Kaharuddin Lewa, who is known as Pak Kahar, and his family are also searching for long-lost relatives.

His great-grandfather was a Makassan fishing captain named Using Daeng Rangka, who had an Aboriginal wife and children during his decades sailing to Australia.

"He liked and respected the Aboriginal people," Pak Kahar explains.

"He wanted to help them, and share with them his Islamic religion."

The family knows that Captain Rangka, an experienced trepang fisherman of the era, had journeyed to Australia dozens of times between 1855 and 1907.

And there's evidence he   partnered with a Yolngu woman in Arnhem Land and had several children.

Pak Kahar unfurls a carefully drawn genealogical map on the living room table, as his cigarette smoulders in a silver ashtray nearby.

"We think   that they had four children in Australia – two boys and two girls ," he says.

But contact was lost in the early 1900s when the fishery wound up.

Now the family wants to find their relatives in Australia and meet them.

"I really want to meet them, to complete the family tree with my Aboriginal family," Pak Kahar says.

"I will welcome them with joy and happiness, and gather everyone together.

"I want to get to know them closely, so our family ties grow stronger through the generations."

Their situation is a mirror image of the Wurramarrba family in remote northern Australia.

Two families, with lineage cut off by ocean and history, anxious to reconnect with relatives before the knowledge of what occurred on those remote northern beaches is lost forever.

The physical links to the era are fragile and vanishing.

Every year, the graves of Makassan trepang ship captains weather and crumble, while one historic ship captain's house — rumoured to be made from Australian timber — was recently demolished.

A rare recording revealed

There are no written records of Dirrikaya's departure and eventual return — the story has been passed down four generations of the Wurramarrba family by word of mouth.

But recently a rare audio recording from more than half a century ago was found.

It contains Dirrikaya's story as told by his eldest son Charlie Galiawa Wurramarrba .

Ms Tkac plays the tape for her 78-year-old mother Margaret, who is Charlie's daughter.

Unmute to watch the emotional moment when the Anindilyakwa matriarch hears her father's voice for the first time since he died in 1978.

Charlie's voice is melodic and calm; a fragile wire connecting two eras.

"Long ago my father told me his story," the old man tells the interviewer. "He went away when he was young, while he was single, before he grew up. "Wanabadi the Makassan took him, took him away, and he went to their country. "My father was away for four years."

The recording is significant as it helps verify the accuracy of the narrative handed down over several generations.

Search for traces of Dirrikaya

Mr Wurramarrba has taken the family to a remote beach on an unusual quest — they're trying to locate Dirrikaya's remains.

After returning from his overseas adventure, Dirrikaya married a local woman and had several children.

He died an old man and was laid to rest at a beach along the western edge of Groote Eylandt.

Crucially, the family believes the gold teeth he had implanted in Makassar were buried with him.

Could they be the final and only physical evidence of his trip?

"When he died, his remains would have been put up in a tree and dried out," Mr Wurramarrba explains.

"Then the bones were wrapped in paperbark and tucked away where they were safe."

But the exact site is hard to find. Over the decades the landscape has changed and memories have faded.

But as she walks along the beach, Dirrikaya's closest living relative — Margaret Wurramarrba – has a flashback.

The frail matriarch becomes animated as she describes a memory from adolescence.

"I was here at the beach collecting berries, and I suddenly saw the gold teeth!" she exclaims.

"They were in a bower-bird's nest. The bird had found the gold teeth.

"I told my father and he told me to return them to where my grandfather was buried, under a big tree."

It's a tantalising lead, but after several hours of surveying the coastline, the search is called off.

The sun is starting to set, and the location of Dirrikaya's gold teeth — for now — must remain a mystery.

The family is determined not to give up.

DNA testing remains a possibility to prove a connection to relatives in Makassar.

But first, the search would need to be narrowed to a family group or community linked to Dirrikaya in a city of more than 2 million people.

"Seeing Dirrikaya's face for the first time lit something up inside me," Ms Tkac reflects.

"I want to know more now. What happened to our family in Indonesia, and can I meet them?

"His story has been passed down, it is our family's story, and we need to do our bit to keep it alive."

• Images and video by Paul Bell, Mitchell Woolnough and Erin Parke
• Graphics by Shakira Wilson and Gabrielle Flood
• Production by Fran Rimrod and Kit Mochan

Editorial note: Images of deceased people have been published with permission.

Watch more of The Lost Families in the latest episode of Compass on Sunday, March 31 at 6:30pm on ABC TV or stream any time on  ABC iview.

• X (formerly Twitter)

Related Stories

Proof of mystery settlement of aboriginal australians and indonesians found in an italian library.

Tip-offs narrow search for descendants of Australia's mysterious overseas colony

• Academic Research
• Ancient History
• Colonialism
• Indigenous (Other Peoples)
• Indigenous Culture
• International Law
• Photography
• Race Relations
• Stolen Generations