6 Family-friendly Vacation Destinations

Going on a trip as a family is a great way to bond while getting away from it all for a little while. You may feel as though your choices are limited when you have small children, but there are actually plenty of places you can vacation as a family. Here are six family-friendly vacation destinations.

1. New England

A great choice for a vacation full of varied activities is New England. Southern New England especially is an area where you can travel to many destinations in a relatively short amount of time. You could, for example, stay at the Marriott Providence, Rhode Island and spend time out in nature, in Newport or Boston and at the beach. New England is also a great year-round travel destination, where you can go leaf peeping, swimming, hiking and skiing, depending on the time of year you visit. You can also find a mix of free activities and ones that cost money.

2. Amusement And Theme Parks

Amusement and theme parks are full of activities and rides that appeal to adults as well as children of all ages. Almost every state has at least one amusement park. If you live within a reasonable distance of one of these parks, it can make an excellent day or weekend trip. There are also several theme parks across the country with enough to do that you could spend several days or a week visiting, such as Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. Remember that you'll need to pay for park tickets, as well as food and souvenirs within these parks.

3. National Parks

If you prefer more relaxing or more remote vacations, national parks can be excellent destinations for your family's interests and needs. These parks are full of natural wonders and outdoor activities your whole family can enjoy participating in. Some, such as Valley Forge, include historical and educational materials. Others, such as Yosemite and Yellowstone, boast large tracts of land where you and your family can enjoy hiking, sightseeing, camping and similar activities. These parks are also run by the National Park Service and, as a result, the majority of activities you can partake in within the parks are free.

4. Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a particularly unique travel destination because half of the falls are in the United States and half are in Canada. Visiting the falls is a wonderful opportunity for the parents of young children who want to take those children to an international location. However, if you're not comfortable with international travel, you can always view the falls from your country's side of the border. There are plenty of activities available on both sides of the border and you can either fly there or drive.

5. All-inclusive Resorts

There are all-inclusive options around the world, but they're particularly popular in tropical and subtropical locales. All-inclusive resorts provide everything you need on the resort, such as lodging, food, activities and shopping. Your family can do some activities together and others on your own, which allows you to bond as a family but also spend time decompressing on your own.

6. The Outer Banks

Another low-key travel destination for families is the Outer Banks. This chain of barrier islands located off the coast of North Carolina is a great location for families who want to get away from it all and who may be traveling on a budget. You can spend most of your vacation relaxing on the beach in relative seclusion, exploring the lengthy beaches, but you're also relatively close to attractions such as aquariums and boardwalks.

It can be a good idea to talk with each member of your family about his or her interests and ideas about where he or she would like to go for a family vacation. Discuss your ideas as a family and try to decide on a destination that you think you'll all enjoy.