Family Vacation Ideas

Summer, the hottest season of all, is just around the corner, bringing warm days to fill with family travel. Many of our favourite vacation spots in the USA, Canada, the Caribbean, and beyond become extra lively, beckoning visitors for their beautiful beaches, lush national parks, and exciting events—this year, we even have the Olympics in one of Europe’s most iconic cities. Are you wondering where you should go with the whole family this summer? Here’s a list of our top 10 summer family vacation ideas. ☀️

We easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over four million memories worldwide. The magic of Flytographer is both the experience and the photos. Explore the city with a fun, talented photographer and get wall-worthy photos to relive your trip forever. Today we asked our local photographers to share all the best family vacation ideas. 🏖️

TLDR

Let’s meet our summer all-stars! ⭐

1. Sculpt sandcastles and unwind on the emerald shores of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
2. Dive into sandy beaches and jungle adventures in Maui, Hawaii
3. Discover your own slice of paradise on Earth in the Caribbean
4. Enjoy the romance and thrilling events of a summer in Paris, France
5. Mix city excitement with park bliss in the ever-bustling New York City, New York
6. Unleash your inner child at the water and amusement parks of Orlando, Florida
7. Soak in the diversity of the West Coast while taking a wonderful California road trip
8. Marvel at beautiful parks and embark on a paddleboard tour in Washington, D.C.
9. Enjoy camping and water explorations amidst rocky beauty at the Grand Canyon, Arizona
10.  Discover the sunny side of the stunning mountains of Whistler, Canada
11.  Some extra FAQs to make your planning a breeze!

Photo: Amanda in New York City for Flytographer. Jenny and family capture memories in New York City with a family photoshoot at Gapstow Bridge & Skyline.

1. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Beautiful beaches and lots of family-friendly adventures make Cabo San Lucas one of the best beach family vacation ideas in Mexico. 🇲🇽 Since Cabo’s peak season is from December to February, the summer months are great for family vacations with fewer crowds. The beaches become ideal spots for you to unwind and sunbathe, while your kids have plenty of vacant real estate to build sandcastles and soak in all that Vitamin D.

When the time comes to refresh in the water, a snorkelling session and a surfing lesson are great options. To venture deeper into the sea, you can embark on a whale or dolphin spotting tour and watch the exuberant marine life. 🐳 Wait, it gets better: hotels become significantly more affordable during the summer. Isn’t this the perfect beach getaway you’ve been dreaming of?

Photo: Stephanie in Cabo San Lucas for Flytographer. Jenn and family capture memories in Cabo San Lucas with a family photoshoot on Monumentos Beach.

2. Maui, Hawaii

With clear skies, minimal rain, and warm ocean waters, summer might just be the best time to visit Maui and enjoy outdoor activities suitable for the whole family. Along the island’s 33 miles of pristine beaches, you can walk barefoot on the sand, spot sea turtles, go snorkelling and kayaking, or watch a spectacular sunset from a paddleboard. You can also venture inland for some family fun exploring Maui’s lush forests and marvel at dramatic views of rocky cliffs. ⛰️

August offers the best of Hawaii’s vibrant culture through festivals like the Obon Dance & Festival, brought to the island by Japanese immigrants, as well as other festivals celebrating the rhythm of the hula and the melody of the ocean. 🌊

Photo: Marie in Maui for Flytographer. Charleen and family capture memories in Maui with a family photoshoot at Po’olenalena Beach.

3. The Caribbean

The perfect summer scenario for a family vacation? 🤔 Picture a worry-free holiday in an all-inclusive resort with kids’ clubs facing stunning white sand beaches. Even better if it’s all set in the Caribbean! This part of the world is blessed with unparalleled natural beauty and a lively culture, and no matter where you land, you’ll have your slice of paradise.

Destinations like San Juan, Punta Cana, Saint Martin, and Aruba are best enjoyed during summer when the sea waters are especially clear and calm. Surprisingly, there are fewer crowds during summer, which means a greater chance to experience a more genuine local atmosphere. Can’t pick just one Caribbean spot? Then board a cruise and go hopping around—that’s the ultimate family-friendly way to explore the Caribbean. 🛳️

Photo: Karen in Aruba for Flytographer. Tamarah and family capture memories in Aruba with a family photoshoot.

4. Paris, France

Truth be told: the romance and beauty of Paris are always a good idea. Still, the French capital becomes particularly festive during the warmer months, making it one of the best summer family vacation ideas in Europe. They even have a “beach”—the city sets up lovely temporary artificial beaches along the Seine, meaning you can relax, sunbathe, and play beach volleyball in the centre of Paris. 😮The bright days also offer you many other opportunities to capture memorable summer family photos with other Parisian icons. 

This summer is unique in the City of Lights. From July 26 to August 11, Paris will host the 2024 Summer Olympics, a once-in-a-lifetime experience for every family, especially those with older kids. Just keep in mind that the city will be extra busy, so you might want to do some planning in advance. 🏅

Photo: Leo in Paris for Flytographer. Jennifer and family capture memories in Paris with a family photoshoot at Avenue Camoen.

5. New York City, New York

New York City is bustling with activity and family vacation ideas no matter what time of year you visit. However, the Big Apple’s sunny, hot days are irresistible for a family vacation. Summer brings longer days you can spend outside biking, strolling, or picnicking in the city’s scenic parks. There’s nothing quite like trying horseback riding at Central Park or admiring America’s most famous skyline from Brooklyn Bridge Park with an ice cream in hand. 🍦

Other great kid-friendly activities include exploring the High Line, a park built on a historic freight rail line, and visiting Coney Island, home to the iconic and very photogenic Luna Park. During the summer, NYC also hosts fun festivals like the Mermaid Parade and Shakespeare in the Park, all enhancing the city’s already contagious energy. 🎉

Photo: Kari in New York City for Flytographer. Julie and family capture memories in New York City with a family photoshoot at West Side and Central Park.

6. Orlando, Florida

For some real magic, what could be better than some family fun in Orlando? From Disney World to Universal Studios, there are always fantastic attractions in the city. If the temps really go up, it’s a great idea to spend the day at one of the city’s water parks, floating on a lazy river or getting an extra dose of adrenaline on a water slide. 💦

Theme parks and water parks aside, Orlando’s beautiful natural surroundings also offer ecotourism, wildlife watching, and water sports options. Golfing is also a popular family-friendly activity; kids will love the city’s outstanding mini-golf spots while grown-ups can enjoy the world-class golf courses. ⛳

Photo: Melissa in Orlando for Flytographer. Jennifer and family capture memories in Orlando with a family photoshoot at Disney’s Boardwalk.

7. California Coast Road Trip

With a diverse range of landscapes and beautiful beaches, California is another great destination for a summer vacation, and the season makes for a great time to take a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway. From breathtaking waterfalls to iconic amusement parks and secret spots, this is the quintessential Cali experience. 🚗

The most popular stops along the way are Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Palm Springs, and Palm Desert. If you’re travelling with young children, you can make a slight detour to Anaheim, home to the original Disneyland Park. Here’s a hot (summer) tip: a family photoshoot at Disneyland can be the perfect souvenir from an unforgettable vacation. 📸

Photo: Ella in San Diego for Flytographer. Sarah and family capture memories in San Diego with a family photoshoot at Scripps Pier.

8. Washington, D.C.

The U.S. capital is brimming with iconic attractions and countless outdoor activities. During summer, you and your pack can bike around and take wonderful pics of D.C.’s world-famous landmarks—you can even escape the hot weather by paddleboarding and kayaking past some of these monuments. Another great summer activity is a nighttime stroll around places like the Jefferson Memorial and the World War II Memorial, all looking extra stunning under the clear moonlit skies. Don’t miss taking a pic of Lincoln in his chair at the Lincoln Memorial. 😉

Like other major American cities, summer brings so many family vacation ideas like festivals and celebrations to the capital, such as outdoor movie screenings, the family-friendly Smithsonian Folklife Festival, and a spectacular fireworks show celebrating Independence Day. 🎇

Photo: Elisenda in Washington DC for Flytographer. Crystal and family capture memories in Washington DC with a family photoshoot at The Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument.

9. Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon National Park should be at the top of your U.S. bucket list for family vacation ideas. Summer offers bright mornings that are great for camping at the South Rim and North Rim, and the conditions are ideal for rafting—a great option to cool off and escape the intense heat. With longer days, you and your family will have more time to admire the stunning red rocks along great hiking trails under the sunshine. 🥾

Heads up though, summer is a busy month in most of the best outdoor destinations in the U.S., and the Grand Canyon is no exception. To beat the crowds, try to get to the park before 10 AM. It will be easier to park, and you are less likely to face long lines. Don’t forget to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun—proper clothing and lots of sunscreen are a must. 👍

Photo: Amanda in Grand Canyon for Flytographer. Rhiannon and family capture memories in the Grand Canyon with a family photoshoot at Lipan Point.

10. Whistler, Canada

Whistler is famous for being a winter destination. Still, during the summer months, there’s no lack of amazing outdoor activities allowing you and the kids to have a vacation to remember. Linked by paved trails, Whistler’s glacial lakes, waterfalls, and lush forests are a fantastic natural playground for summer exploration. The pleasant temperatures make mountain hikes and biking opportunities even more inviting. 🚵

Among the popular activities during sun-filled days is taking the Peak to Peak gondola across the mountains for some truly breathtaking views. There are even swimming and watersports opportunities at Alta Lake and the scenic Lost Lake close to Whistler Village. 🏊 Need more convincing? Summer is the most cost-friendly time to visit this Canadian gem. 

Photo: Flytographer in Whistler. Christie and family capture memories in Whistler with a family photoshoot.

FAQ

Where is the best place in the U.S. to vacation with kids?

Besides our mentions above, places like Ocracoke in North Carolina, Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, and Cape Cod in Massachusetts (a day trip from Boston) are great for family summer vacations in North America, especially if you’re seeking some Atlantic Coast splendour. In Colorado, the Great Rocky Mountains provide some wonderful state parks with easy hikes for kids. Chicago is another great American city that’s kid-friendly and blessed for being bathed by the all-mighty Lake Michigan. 🇺🇸

Where is the best tropical place to vacation in July?

July is a great time to visit other tropical havens in the Far East like Fiji, Bali, and Thailand, as well as to explore the wonders of South American countries like Colombia. 🌴

Which countries are best to visit in July and August?

July and August are also great months to visit non-tropical European destinations like France, Italy, and Greece, especially if you go a little off the beaten path to avoid the tourist crowds. Nordic destinations like Iceland and Sweden also boast fantastic weather and very long daylight hours during these months. 👏

Photo: Allie in Los Angeles for Flytographer. Eileen and family capture memories in Los Angeles with a family photoshoot at Santa Monica Beach & Pier.

Capturing Memories this Summer

At Flytographer, we’re gearing up for an extra memorable summer, and we want you on board! For extra allure, check what outfit colours can make you shine brighter than the sun and these very surprising tips for summer photos.

Wherever you decide to chase the sunshine this year, you can book one of our local Flytographers and let them capture your wonderful summer-induced happy moments. 🌞