Five Family-Friendly Vacations

Deciding where to take your family on vacation can be overwhelming. To help make the decision easier for you, I’ve researched hundreds of locations and resorts to narrow down the top five most family-friendly destinations.

My choices begin with the options closest to Fort Worth and gradually move to those farther away. When selecting destinations for young families, I prioritize ease of travel, proximity to medical resources, and, of course, family-friendly amenities. Here are my top picks that check all the boxes for your perfect family getaway. [Editor’s note: This article was edited for space in the magazine, but we wanted to run the expanded version on the website.]

A Hands-on Getaway: Austin, Texas

Austin is a city that has a vibe like no other, and it matches perfectly with kids. Whether you want to explore the outdoors or spend hours building and playing at state-of-the-art museums, Austin has it all.

• Explore the Thinkery Museum: At this interactive children’s museum, kids can experiment, build, and play in a multilevel learning environment. There is even a section just for the littlest visitors.
• Enjoy Nature: Splash and play at Barton Springs Pool or hike and explore the rest of Zilker Park. Combine the two for a beautiful day out.
• Visit Austin’s Nature and Science Center: Let the kids dig for dinosaur fossils, meet native Texas animals, and explore nature exhibits at this free, interactive science center.

A Family-Friendly Beach Adventure: Galveston, Texas

If you are looking for an affordable beach getaway without leaving Texas, Galveston is the perfect destination. This coastal town offers beautiful beaches, exciting attractions, and plenty of kid-friendly activities, only an easy six-hour drive from Fort Worth.

• Beach Fun: The beaches here are great for little ones, with calm waves and short distances from rental homes.
• Explore the Wonders of Moody Garden: Kids can marvel at marine life in the Aquarium Pyramid, walk through a tropical rainforest, and enjoy hands-on fun at the Discovery Museum.
• Thrill-Seeking Fun at Pleasure Pier: You can enjoy State Fair favorites all summer on this historic pier originally built for recreation for GIs in World War II. Ride classic amusement park rides, play midway games, and bask in beautiful ocean views.

Charming White Sand Paradise: Rosemary Beach, Florida

If you are up for a two-hour plane ride with your littles, consider visiting Florida. Nestled along Florida’s scenic and popular 30A, Rosemary Beach offers stunning beaches, walkable streets, and plenty of kid-friendly activities.

• Fun in the Sun: The gentle waves and soft white sands make Rosemary Beach ideal for littles. Plenty of beach-front rentals make this beautiful destination extremely convenient for families.
• Rent a Bike and Explore: Families can ride along scenic paths, explore charming boutiques, and stop for a treat at The Sugar Shak, the notable candy and ice cream shop that’s a must for any child, no matter how old.
• Evening Entertainment: Enjoy outdoor movie nights, live music, and kid-friendly events at Barrett Square in the heart of Rosemary Beach. Plus, nearby parks and green spaces are perfect for picnics and playtime if you need a break from the shore.

A Tropical Paradise for Families: Cancun, Mexico

Cancun, Mexico, is home to world-renowned beaches and an abundance of five-star, all-inclusive resorts designed with families in mind. If you are dreaming of pristine shores, luxurious accommodations, and endless amenities, Cancun is a destination that belongs on your travel list.

• Relaxing Beach Fun: Clear Caribbean waters and soft, sandy beaches make Cancun a safe and enjoyable destination for young children to swim, play, and build sandcastles.
• All-Inclusive Resorts: Many resorts offer all-inclusive packages that cater to families, providing kid-friendly amenities like kids’ clubs, pools, and entertainment to keep the little ones engaged while parents relax. After all, a family vacation should be fun for everyone.
• Exciting Day Trips: Cancun offers easy access to family-friendly excursions, such as Xcaret Park, where kids can explore wildlife, snorkel in cenotes (sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water), and experience cultural performances, creating unforgettable memories.

Dreams Do Come True at Disneyland: Anaheim, California

With over 60 years of history, Disneyland remains a beloved destination for families that offers unforgettable experiences, parades, fireworks, and character meet-and-greets. You really can’t beat the original.

• Gentle Rides for Little Ones: Disneyland offers a variety of family-friendly, low-intensity rides like Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Peter Pan’s Flight, perfect for young children to enjoy.
• Stroller-friendly and Accessible: Disneyland spans nearly 500 acres as compared to Walt Disney World’s more than 25,000 acres, making it much easier to navigate with small children.
• Magical Character Experiences: Kids can meet their favorite Disney characters, snap photos, and watch parades. After all, who wouldn’t want to meet their heroes?

Whether you are exploring Austin, swimming at an all-inclusive Mexican resort, or experiencing the magic of Disney, the most important thing is that you are making core memories with your loved ones. Your time with your family is precious; invest in it now.

Honorable Mentions

Washington, D.C., Toronto, and Lisbon are fantastic, family-friendly destinations with direct flights from DFW. D.C. offers the world-renowned (and free) Smithsonian museums, the National Zoo, and kid-friendly outdoor spaces. Toronto boasts safe, walkable streets, the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, and Toronto Islands for lots of outdoor fun. Lisbon enchants with its iconic yellow trams, the world-class Oceanario, and castles like Sao Jorge. All three cities have excellent public transportation, interactive attractions, and welcoming atmospheres for kids.