While your family travel bucket list may already be out of hand, here are a few more destinations to consider. Whether a family of certified animal lovers or a family looking for unique experiences and interactions with wildlife, these destinations offer prime opportunity.
Australia
Home to incredible species and unique wildlife, the Outback is a one-stop shop for interactive and off-the-beaten path animal experiences. The Kangaroo Sanctuary in Central Australia offers sunset tours where visitors meet a kangaroo family and hold a baby. Need a visual? Follow them @thekangaroosantuary or watch the Kangaroo Dundee documentary by BBC and National Geographic.
Australia is home to Koala bear habitats and the world-famous wallaby, the Quokka. Known to be photo-bombing, smiley critters, the Quokka is relegated mostly to Western Australia in small packs. Your kids may have already seen photos of these happy wallabies popping in group photos of locals and joining selfies with travelers.
Hawai’i
Between the idyllic landscape, weather and unending natural beauty, it’s no wonder Hawai’i is a haven for animals as well as humans. Cat-lovers, head to Lanai Cat Sanctuary visiting the more than 500 cats wandering through the sanctuary. Visitors come from all over to visit the land of cats. Dog lovers find refuge at Kauai Humane Society with adoptable pups, fun events and visits through Critter Camp and the Second Chance Rescue Program.
Elephant sanctuary © Lamberto Jesus Luque Perez | Dreamstime.com
Kenya
Wild game reserves, safaris and sanctuaries run through Kenya from top to bottom. Visitors explore the David Sheldrick Elephant and Rhino Orphanage, visiting orphaned elephants during feeding and mud bath time, or head to the Wildlife Trust in Nairobi, Kenya, for an up-close experience.
The Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary, Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, Saiwa Swamp National Park, Nairobi National Park, Buffalo Springs National Reserve and Kakamega Forest National Reserve are just a few more of the many locations ideal for animal lovers.
Thailand
Elephants and monkeys take your Thailand trip to another level. Interact with monkeys at Prang Sam Yod, a former Buddhist temple now home to hundreds of human-friendly, but wild monkeys. Feed, ride and bathe elephants the green way with these ethical elephant experiences recommended by Thailand Tourism.
Read This Next
5 Family-Friendly Museums in Charleston
Destinations / North America
Aug 22, 2024#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Jul 16, 2026Take on This New Glaciers & Grizzlies Alaska Adventure from Gondwana Ecotours
Gondwana Ecotours invites family travelers to embark on a one-of-a-kind summer trip — Glaciers & Grizzlies Adventure. This nine-day ecotour caters up to 16 guests, offering unparalleled access to Alaska’s most iconic landscapes such as Kenai Peninsula, Kenai Fjords National Park and Katmai National Park.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
North America
Jul 16, 202613 U.S. Lighthouses to Visit
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these lighthouses with us.
Destinations / North America
Jul 16, 2026Ogunquit: Maine’s Perfect Beach Town
Maine’s south coast has beaches for every taste. There’s Old Orchard for the razzle-dazzle of an old-school pier and oceanside amusement park, Parson’s Beach in Kennebunkport for those who like just sand and dunes, and York’s Long Sands for surfers.
North America
Jul 15, 2026Grand Canyon West Launches Kids Free Offer, July Discount to Celebrate America’s 250th
It’s not too late for family travelers to take advantage of America’s 250th savings, even if the Fourth of July has passed. Grand Canyon West offers families a fun, affordable getaway with a Kids Free promotion and a special July promotion to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
Destinations / North America
Jul 15, 2026The Best NYC Neighborhoods to Book (And Not to Book) a Family Stay
New York City can be a lot for tourists, especially if they’ve never been there before. The city feels massive and confusing at times, and it can be hard to decide which neighborhood is the best place to book your stay — especially if you’ve got kids. To mak planning a bit easier, we’ve compiled a list of neighborhoods that are great, and not so great, options.
ShareThis