Why Every Parent Needs a Family Travel Bucket List
One night after tucking my youngest into bed—and surviving yet another LEGO ambush—I had a moment of truth: the days are long, but the years are short. My kids were growing up faster than their metabolisms, and I didn’t want to miss our chance to create lasting memories together.
So, I grabbed a notebook and wrote our first family travel bucket list—the must-do adventures we had to experience before they left the nest. What started as a list turned into a blueprint for bonding, laughter, and a lifetime of stories.
Here are twelve unforgettable bucket list family trips every parent should consider before the kids grow up.
1. The Grand Canyon, Arizona: Nature’s Greatest Show
Nothing humbles a kid like standing on the edge of a mile-deep canyon. We hiked along the South Rim Trail, took a short mule ride, and marveled at the vastness of nature.
It’s one of those places that reminds kids how incredible the world is—and how small we all are in the best way.
Pro Tip: Plan ahead using the National Park Service Family Planning Guide.
Affiliate Pick: Bring a pair of compact binoculars for spotting condors and rock climbers.
2. New York City, New York: Big Energy, Bigger Pizza
There’s nothing quite like New York City for kids and parents alike. We conquered Times Square, grabbed pizza bigger than our heads, rode the subway, and sailed past Lady Liberty.
The boys loved the chaos; I loved collapsing at the hotel after a Broadway show.
Don’t Miss: Central Park playgrounds, the American Museum of Natural History, and the free Staten Island Ferry.
Hungry? Check out our list of family-friendly NYC eats in the Travel section.
3. Washington, D.C.: The Capital of Curiosity
If you want to blend fun and education, Washington, D.C. is a no-brainer. The Smithsonian museums are (thankfully) free, and the National Mall is perfect for walking between monuments.
We spent our days exploring history and our evenings enjoying local ice cream. The kids may not recall every president’s name, but they’ll never forget standing before the Lincoln Memorial.
Family Tip: Visit the National Zoo—it’s also free and perfect for kids to burn off energy.
4. Yosemite National Park, California: Disconnect to Reconnect
Three days without cell service in Yosemite National Park sounded impossible—until it became blissful.
We watched waterfalls, hiked to Mirror Lake, and enjoyed the kind of peace that comes only when Wi-Fi disappears. The kids spotted deer, climbed rocks, and asked what a payphone was.
Stay: The Ahwahnee Hotel for rustic luxury or a family cabin in Curry Village.
Related Post: Read our guide to National Park adventures with kids.
5. Pacific Coast Highway, California: The Ultimate Road Trip
Few things say “American family adventure” like driving the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to San Diego.
We sang, snacked, argued over playlists, and pulled over for every ocean vista we saw. Highlights included Big Sur, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Santa Barbara.
Pro Tip: Pack motion sickness bands and travel snacks to survive the winding roads.
6. Orlando, Florida: Theme Park Heaven
Yes, Orlando is hot, crowded, and expensive. But watching your kids’ faces light up when they meet Mickey or walk into Hogwarts makes it completely worth it.
Between Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and LEGOLAND, this destination earns its place on any family travel bucket list.
Survival Essentials: See our Product Reviews for cooling towels, stroller fans, and park gear.
Budget Tip: Use free transportation between parks to save time and money.
7. Glacier National Park, Montana: The Wild West Wonder
Tucked away in Montana’s rugged beauty, Glacier National Park is a hidden gem with turquoise lakes and epic mountain trails.
The kids became Junior Rangers, I became a mosquito buffet, and we all fell in love with the great outdoors.
Stay: Many Glacier Hotel for stunning alpine views.
Affiliate Pick: Lightweight bug-repellent spray is essential for this trip.
8. Hawaii: The Aloha State of Mind
Whether you choose Oahu, Maui, or the Big Island, Hawaii delivers paradise every time.
We learned to hula, snorkeled with sea turtles, and enjoyed sunsets so perfect they looked edited. Between shaved ice and sandy feet, I realized this was the kind of trip kids remember forever.
Don’t Miss: Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, and the Polynesian Cultural Center.
9. Alaskan Cruise: Adventure Meets Luxury
Our Alaskan cruise had everything—glaciers, whales, and buffet lines longer than the ship itself.
Grandma loved the entertainment, the kids loved the ice cream, and I loved not cooking for a week.
Pro Tip: Choose an itinerary with Glacier Bay and stops in Juneau or Ketchikan for the best shore excursions.
Affiliate Pick: Pack a lightweight down jacket for chilly deck views.
10. New England in the Fall: A Cozy, Colorful Getaway
Nothing says fall family travel like New England in October—think apple cider, leaf piles, and cozy small towns.
We road-tripped through Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, watching the trees turn fire-red and gold.
Don’t Miss: Salem’s spooky tours, Boston’s Freedom Trail, and cider donuts from a roadside stand.
Pro Tip: Time your visit for mid-October for peak foliage.
11. International Family Adventure: Expand Their Worldview
Every family travel bucket list deserves one big international trip. For us, it was Peru—Machu Picchu, alpacas, and coca tea at 10,000 feet.
It was a mix of adventure and education that showed our kids a whole new side of the world.
Your Options:
- Italy: Pasta, history, and gelato.
- Japan: Culture, tech, and sushi.
- Costa Rica: Rainforests and zip lines.
Pro Tip: Always pack portable water filters for peace of mind abroad.
12. Local Camping Weekend: Big Memories, Small Distance
Sometimes the best trips are the simplest ones. Our local camping weekend—just an hour away—remains one of our most cherished family adventures.
We roasted s’mores, told stories, and heard coyotes in the distance (terrifying, but memorable).
Why It Works: It’s affordable, flexible, and brings families closer—literally and figuratively.
Affiliate Pick: Check out this family-size camping tent that makes setup a breeze.
How to Build Your Own Family Travel Bucket List
Don’t overthink it—start with five dream trips. Ask your kids where they want to go and what kind of experiences they crave.
Print out pictures, create a checklist, and hang it on the fridge. Each trip you take becomes more than a destination—it’s a story your family will tell for years.
Need ideas? Browse our latest Family Travel Guides for inspiration and itineraries.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for “Someday”
Life moves fast. Kids grow up. Work piles up. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that kids remember moments, not things.
These bucket list trips gave us laughter, adventure, and countless inside jokes that will stay with us forever.
So grab your calendar, pack the snacks, and start planning your next family bucket list trip. Before long, they’ll be too cool for road-trip karaoke—and you’ll miss it.