Planning a summer vacation can be a daunting task, especially as a mom with six kids! It’s hard to find a destination that the whole family agrees on. It is no small task to find a vacation that will be fun for both our teens and little ones, while still being enjoyable for parents. However, after years of family travel, I am up to the task of helping you find the most epic summer vacation destination for your family!
I’ve compiled a list of our absolute favorite summer vacation ideas below! There is one extra special thing about this list, it includes ALL of my kid’s top picks ranging from Hawaii to a Disney Cruise, Costa Rica, and even New York!
My Kid’s Favorite Summer Vacation Ideas
All 6 of the kids (yes, including little Jack) gave us their favorite summer vacation ideas and why below!
Maui, Hawaii – Camden’s Pick!
Maui is such a special place for our family, so it’s no surprise that Camden picked it as his #1 summer destination.
Camden loves Maui because of its scenic hikes, surfing lessons, and the delicious food. It’s an incredible destination for families with tons of different activities. With its stunning beaches, clear waters, lush scenery, and exciting outdoor activities… what more can you really ask for?
Here are some activities that will keep everyone entertained:
- Snorkeling with turtles and colorful fish at Molokini Crater (typically $80-$100 per person, depending on tour and duration)
- Exploring the Road to Hana and visiting the numerous waterfalls along the way (Free, but a car rental is required)
- Hiking in Haleakala National Park and watching the sunrise from the summit ($30 per vehicle for a 3-day pass)
- Surfing lessons at Lahaina Beach ($85-$100 per person for a 2-hour lesson)
- Visiting the Maui Ocean Center, a top-rated aquarium that showcases Hawaii’s marine life ($35 for adults, $25 for children ages 3-12)
- Visit Black Sand Beach Maui!
- Check out all the amazing food! Especially the delicious breakfast options!
- Stay at our favorite hotel in Maui, The Grand Wailea!
- Enjoy a Luau!
Costa Rica – Owen’s Pick!
Costa Rica is an adventure lover’s paradise. Owen LOVES the adrenaline-pumping activities in Costa Rica, such as ziplining and whitewater rafting.
Costa Rica is one of my favorite destinations too (we’ve been multiple times)! However, I would say, many of the activities are geared more towards teens and adults. Just something to keep in mind when planning out your family vacation.
Here are some must-do activities in Costa Rica:
- Ziplining through the canopy at Monteverde Cloud Forest (around $50-$80 per person, depending on tour and duration)
- Whitewater rafting ($90-$110 per person, depending on tour and duration)
- Hiking to the La Fortuna Waterfall ($18 per person)
- Kayaking through the Tortuguero Canals and spotting wildlife such as monkeys and sloths ($55-$70 per person, depending on tour and duration)
- Surfing lessons at Tamarindo Beach ($60-$80 per person for a 2-hour lesson)
- If you need a place to stay, check out our amazing Airbnb list. We also highly recommend Nayara Tented Camp!
Family Fun Tip! We pick our family vacations by doing what we do best… playing a game! We have each family member state their case for the destination they want to visit and explain why. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this sneak peek into where our kids are itching to vacation!
@globalmunchkins Vote where we should go on vacation! It wouldn’t be a Mamian Vacation without some sort of game or presentation to decide where we are going. This year, we want to make sure we turn those bucket-list destinations into book-it list trips, so we challenged the kids to dig a little deeper and not only present the destination but find the perfect @vrbo property to stay in. Check out our IG stories and help us decide where we go. And We’re not the only ones having fun, we’ve teamed with Vrbo to also give YOU the chance to turn your bucket list into a Book-It List! Head over to the giveaway post on @vrbo for a chance to win a $3,500 stay at the Vrbo of your dreams. T&Cs are available via the link in our bio. #VrboTogether #BookItList #ad ♬ Fun and happy whistling and ukulele(930822) – yutaka.T
Oahu, Hawaii – Shea’s Pick
Oahu is a perfect family-friendly destination with something for everyone. From beautiful beaches to kid-friendly attractions, Oahu is a great vacation spot. Shea loves staying at Disney Aulani and trying different flavors of shaved ice on the North Shore.
Here are some activities to try out:
- Visiting the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and learning about the history of the attack on Pearl Harbor (Free, but reservations are required for some attractions)
- Going to the top of Diamond Head and enjoying the panoramic view of Waikiki ($5 per vehicle or $1 per person for pedestrians)
- Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve ($25 per vehicle and $8 per person for admission)
- Visiting the Disney Aulani resort for a day of fun, including the water park, lazy river, and character experiences ($159 per person for a one-day pass)
- Trying the famous shaved ice on the North Shore ($4-$7 per cup)
- Visit Gunstock Ranch!
- Go swimming with the dolphins!
Shop My Travel Must-Haves!
New York City – Ella’s Pick!
New York City is the city that never sleeps, and there is never a shortage of things to do. From shopping to sightseeing, there is something for everyone in NYC. Ella loves the shopping and food in NYC, as well as the endless sightseeing opportunities.
Here are some must-do activities in the Big Apple:
- Visiting the Empire State Building and taking in the view from the observation deck ($45 per person)
- Exploring Central Park and renting a boat to row around the lake ($20 per hour for a rowboat rental)
- Taking a ferry to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ($25 for adults, $14 for children ages 4-12)
- Catching a Broadway show or visiting a museum such as the American Museum of Natural History ($25-$150 per person for a Broadway show, $23 for adults, $13 for children ages 2-12 for museum admission)
- Walking through Times Square and taking in the sights and sounds of the city (Free)
Disney Cruise – Olivia’s Pick!
Disney Cruises are the BEST vacation if you have little ones. I have been saying this for years and I absolutely stand by it. The kid’s clubs are absolutely incredible, and no doubt the reason Olivia chose this as the #1 vacation pick.
She also loves the pool, and of course, the Mickey ice cream bars. If you do end up planning a Disney Cruise for the summer, make sure you check out our Cruise Packing list!
Here are some activities to try out on a Disney Cruise:
- Taking part in the kids’ club activities, such as scavenger hunts and talent shows
- Splashing around in the pool and going down the water slide ($0, included with the cost of the cruise)
- Indulging in Mickey Mouse-shaped ice cream bars (Free)
- Watching movies in the Buena Vista Theater and enjoying popcorn ($0, included with the cost of the cruise)
- Taking part in family game shows, such as Disney trivia and karaoke (Free)
- Decorate your door on the Disney Cruise with fish extenders! It is very fun to see how other guests decorate as well!
Read our Disney Cruise Reviews!
Orlando, Florida (aka Disney World!!!) – Jack’s Pick!
Orlando is known for its theme parks and family-friendly attractions. From Walt Disney World to Universal Studios, there is no shortage of things to do in Orlando.
Jack absolutely loves visiting the parks, seeing characters, and riding rides!
Here are some must-do activities in Orlando:
- Visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios ($110-$125 per person for a one-day ticket)
- Exploring the different lands at Walt Disney World, such as Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom ($109-$159 per person for a one-day ticket)
- Cooling off at one of the many water parks, such as Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach ($69-$79 per person for a one-day ticket)
- Visiting the Kennedy Space Center and learning about space exploration (Adult tickets start at $57, child tickets start at $47)
- Finally, you also have to check out Legoland in Orlando!
Looking to book a Disney World vacation? Remember to book through our travel agency, Best Day Ever Vacation! We offer FREE planning services to help make your trip planning as smooth and enjoyable as your days at the park. Our travel agents are absolutely incredible.
8 Runner-Up Summer Vacation Ideas
The Maldives
If you have been following us, then you know one of our favorite destinations is the Maldives, specifically the resort Soneva! Soneva Maldives is a luxury resort located on the pristine island of Kunfunadhoo in the Maldives.
While it may be on the pricier side, it is definitely worth it for families who are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime summer vacation experience. They have many experiences like snorkeling, delicious food and many family-friendly activities.
If you want to visit the Maldives and are interested in other hotels, check out our list of favorite hotels in the Maldives!
San Diego, California
Known for its beautiful beaches and family-friendly attractions, San Diego is a great destination for families. Some activities to try include visiting the San Diego Zoo, enjoying Sea World, exploring Balboa Park, and soaking up the sun at La Jolla Cove.
We love San Diego so much, that we created a list of the best things to do with kids in San Diego! Believe us, there is SO MUCH to do in this gorgeous city!
Here are all our articles about why San Diego is an awesome choice for your summer vacation!
- Visit The San Diego Zoo
- Explore The San Diego Tide Pools
- Experience the Roar and Snore San Diego Safari Park
- Best AirBnBs in San Diego
- Best San Diego Beach Houses
- Best Beaches in San Diego
- Best San Diego Hikes
London
Traveling to London is a great place for a summer vacation for families and kids. London is a city full of history, culture, and fun activities for all ages.
There are world-class museums, gorgeous parks and gardens, many kid-friendly attractions like visiting the London Eye and Madame Tussauds or even the Sea Life London Aquarium. There truly is something for everyone in the family to do in this vibrant city!
If you do plan to go to London, check out our 3-day itinerary to get some ideas for planning!
British Columbia, Canada
Canada is a vast and diverse country with plenty of activities to keep kids and families entertained during the summer. Here are some reasons why visiting Canada is a great summer vacation option:
- Canada’s Natural Beauty
- All the wildlife viewing available
- Many festivals and events
- Cultural Expereinces
- Overall some of the most friendly people we have ever met!
San Francisco, California
San Francisco is a fantastic summer vacation destination for families and kids, and as a mom of 6 with a husband who loves the 49ers football team, I can attest to its appeal!
From marveling at the Golden Gate Bridge, to learning and exploring Alcatraz and to even watching a 49ers game (Yes, Mike that was for you!) San Francisco is a great summer vacation idea for you to consider!
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is a great summer vacation destination for families with kids. From all the museums, to touring the Pike Place Market, the Seattle Marina and to top it off the natural beauty from the Olympic Mountains, Seattle is truly an amazing place.
Washington D.C.
As a mom of 6, I highly recommend Washington DC as a great summer vacation destination for families with kids. The city is filled with historical and educational sites that are perfect for children of all ages.
The Smithsonian Museums, for instance, offer a range of interactive exhibits that make learning fun for kids. From the National Air and Space Museum to the National Museum of American History, there is something for everyone.
If you are planning a visit to Washington DC, check out our 4-day itinerary to give you some ideas!
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is a fantastic summer vacation destination for kids and families. The park offers a unique opportunity to experience nature up close and personal, with its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Kids will love seeing bison, elk, and even bears roaming around the park, and they will have a blast learning about the different geothermal features, like the iconic Old Faithful geyser.
Frequently Asked Question – Summer Vacation Ideas
Where is the coolest place in the US during summer?
If you are interested in a place that is cooler temperatures during the summer months, then places like the Pacific Northwest, such as Seattle or Portland, or higher elevation areas like Colorado or Montana may fit the bill. As far as epic vacations go, there’s nothing “cooler” than the Maldives!
What is the most popular summer destination in the USA?
Some of the most popular summer destinations in the US include beach destinations (Hawaii, California, and Florida), national parks (Yellowstone and Yosemite), major cities (New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas) and theme park destinations such as Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.
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