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Kids are usually at their happiest when they are surrounded by beautiful beaches and swaying palm trees. In fact, studies show that some of the best childhood memories are those made at the beach.
Whether it’s a simple day trip or an all-inclusive getaway to some faraway islands, a holiday spent at the beach is a great bonding experience for families with kids.
If you’re dreaming of going to some tropical destinations for your family vacation, here are some incredible places to consider.
The Maldives
Located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the islands that make up the Maldives perfectly depict a tropical paradise. While many would associate this archipelago with honeymoons and romantic escapes, it can also be a fantastic destination for families.
If your idea of a family break is playing in crystal clear waters and taking up fun water sports, then you have every reason to choose the Maldives as your next family vacation destination.
Over recent years, the islands of the Maldives are becoming more and more popular for families, with a string of family-friendly resorts opening, dispelling the archipelago’s reputation as a place for honeymooners.
One of the best things to do in the Maldives with your kids is snorkeling or diving. Some islands have shallow lagoons, making it safe enough for your little ones to swim in. The atoll formations that make up the Maldives are stunningly beautiful, making them a wonderful destination for families who love to dive.
If your kids are not yet ready to take the plunge, take them on a fun glass-bottomed boat excursion in the sea. It’s the perfect way for families with smaller kids to discover the spectacular marine life in the Maldives.
Mexico
Mexico is a fascinating and relatively safe country to visit, making it a great option for family vacations. It’s one of those places where you and your kids can go for full-on adventures or indulge in the ultimate Caribbean beach life. From Puerto Vallarta to Cancun, Mexico can make a truly wonderful family vacation destination.
The best way to enjoy a family holiday in Mexico is to explore its vibrant cities, especially if you have curious little kids who will be interested in exploring the Aztec ruins. Take them to the vast site of Teotihuacan, where there are several large pyramids for them to explore.
But if you’re here for the beach, then take the family to the Mayan Riviera resort of Cancun, home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
Cancun’s reputation as a popular resort destination means you will find several resorts here that cater to families with kids. In addition, Cancun has enough waterparks to keep your little ones entertained. Venture south into the Yucatan Peninsula coast and check out more secluded white sand beaches with crystal clear turquoise waters.
The Galapagos Islands
There are a few destinations in the world quite like the Galapagos, a unique paradise where you can spot interesting wildlife. Located off the coast of Ecuador, the opportunities to spot amazing wildlife species in the Galapagos are practically unrivaled. So, if your kids are fond of animals, this would be the perfect tropical destination to visit.
Choosing the Galapagos Islands as your family vacation destination is a wonderful opportunity to tread in the footsteps of the legendary Charles Darwin, who pioneered the Theory of Evolution. Kids who love animals will surely have a blast during your tour of the islands, where they can get up-close and personal with interesting animals like giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and all sorts of birds, including blue-footed boobies.
You can find out more about taking a tour here. And thanks to the cool sea currents, cold water species can also be found in some islands, from penguins to orcas and fur seals.
The best way to cap off your Galapagos excursion is to relax at one of its white-sand beaches. On Isabela Island, you’ll find a long stretch of white sand, perfect for long strolls or swimming in the calm waters.
Barbados
With sugar-cane estates, picturesque beaches, and a tropical climate tempered by trade winds from the Atlantic, Barbados is pretty much the perfect tropical family vacation destination. This beautiful Caribbean Island is also home to plush hotels and resorts equipped with child-friendly amenities such as kids’ clubs and kiddie pools.
The island’s western and southern coasts are home to fine white sand beaches with calm waters, while the eastern coast is more rugged and is popular for surfers. Bathsheba, a fishing village with attractive golden beaches, is the most popular surfing spot on the island and where your kids can also have a soak in the tide pools.
Experience swimming with leatherback and hawksbill turtles and watch them feed amongst the colorful corals. You can also spot them during a turtle walk excursion or if you go diving or kayaking.
Take your kids to Harrisons Cave, a crystallized cavern with interesting stalagmite and stalactite formations. It also has beautiful waterfalls and emerald pools where you and your little ones can take a dip.
Hawaii
Hawaii is famous for its many beautiful islands. If you only need to visit one, make it Kauai. Nicknamed the “Garden Isle”, Kauai has everything you could ever want for a fun family holiday and more. Draped in emerald valleys and stunning cliffs, Kauai perfectly encapsulates what a tropical holiday should be like.
Whether by sea or air, exploring the Napali Coast is one of the best things to do in Kauai with kids. This beautiful stretch of coastline is located on Kauai’s northwest side. It’s famous for its dramatic scenery, towering sea cliffs, and incredible natural landscape.
For older kids who want to experience the thrill of river tubing, take them to the canals of the old Lihue sugarcane plantation. There are also a lot of great hikes on Kauai, including easy hikes that are perfect for the whole family.
If you want to experience ultimate relaxation on your family holiday to Hawaii, stay at the finest luxury vacation homes on Kauai. If you want your family holiday to be pure relaxation, relax at the island’s most beautiful beaches.
There are many beautiful beaches in Kauai, but some are more child-friendly than others. Lydgate Beach Park is highly recommended for families with kids as it features a sheltered cove where your little ones can safely swim and play.
