10 toddler-friendly vacations to ignite their sense of wonder (2025)
Toddlers thrive on routines. When my kids were young, our evenings followed a predictable pattern: bath, book, cuddle, crib. As a former early childhood educator, I know routines are also the backbone of preschool programs. Travel, however, is the opposite of routine. We explore new places and enjoy fresh experiences, yet successful vacations with toddlers don’t have to abandon structure entirely.
Toddler-friendly trips are about embracing their pace. A family vacation with toddlers teaches us to slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the little things. Often, the walk to a destination, like an aquarium or zoo, can be as delightful as the visit itself. Flexibility is key—plans may go awry, and that’s okay. As long as you’re ready to adjust and welcome the unexpected, almost any trip can become toddler-friendly. Here are my top picks for destinations that balance the thrill of new adventures with opportunities for rest.
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1. Some all-inclusive resorts cater to families with toddlers
Who needs complicated planning on vacation? The best all-inclusive family resorts offer convenience and fun in one package, with swimming pools, play areas, water parks, and even bumper car tracks all onsite. Meals, drinks, and activities are included, and some resorts sweeten the deal with kids-stay-free and kids-eat-free offers, making them a great value for families.
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A major highlight of all-inclusive resorts is the kids’ club, which provides supervised activities for children and gives parents a chance to enjoy some adults-only time. Many kids’ clubs set a minimum age, typically four years, but some welcome younger children—even newborns—under the care of licensed nannies. The best resorts go above and beyond for toddler-friendly vacations, offering unique programs designed specifically for little ones. Here are a few to consider.
Beaches Turks and Caicos (Turks and Caicos): This expansive resort features a 45,000-square-foot water park, Sesame Street characters, and a comprehensive kids’ camp with tailored activities for all age groups, including toddlers. (Read our full review and guide to Beaches Turks and Caicos here.)
Tyler Place Family Resort (Vermont): At this all-resort, toddlers aged 18 to 30 months enjoy developmentally appropriate activities with a 1:2 or 1:3 caregiver ratio. Older toddlers, aged 2.5 to three, have their own programs with outdoor fun like nature walks and indoor activities such as circle time.
Woodloch Resort (Pennsylvania): Toddler-friendly activities at this retro resort in the Poconos include bumper boats, hayrides, and petting zoo. Babysitting services are also available for some solo relaxation time.
2. National parks offer flexibility and lots of things to do
For families seeking a nature-filled getaway, national parks offer some of the best toddler-friendly vacations. While summer brings crowds, traveling with a preschooler allows for visits during quieter seasons like spring, fall, or winter, when the parks are less busy and easier to explore.
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The Grand Canyon’s South Rim is a standout choice for families with toddlers. Mather Point, with its stunning views, is just a short, stroller-friendly walk from the visitor center. The park’s year-round shuttle bus is a lifesaver when little legs tire out. For added convenience, consider staying at a national park lodge, such as the historic El Tovar Hotel, located right on the rim, to reduce travel time and maximize your time in the park.
3. State parks are a great pick for vacations with toddlers, too
State parks are among the best places to travel with toddlers because they have all the appeal of national parks but are usually a less-crowded alternative. With more than 6,000 state parks in the U.S. spanning 14 million acres of land, you’ll have your pick of toddler vacation spots close to home.
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A particularly good choice for East Coast family vacations is Santee State Park in South Carolina, which sits on the shores of Lake Marion and offers flat hiking trails, picnic groves, and onsite cabin rentals for an easy-peasy vacation with toddlers. And if you’re visiting the Sunshine State, many of the best Florida state parks are especially toddler-friendly and make a low-key alternative to the overstimulation of the theme parks and water parks in Orlando.
4. Look for theme parks with toddler-friendly rides and attractions
Amusement parks might seem overwhelming for families with toddlers, but a slower pace can make all the difference. Instead of cramming in too many rides, take breaks and enjoy the day at your child’s pace. Skipping some attractions ensures your toddler stays well-rested and happy—and a stress-free toddler means a more enjoyable vacation for everyone.
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While Disney theme parks in Orlando and Anaheim are top family destinations, starting with smaller parks can help gauge your toddler’s comfort with the sensory excitement before tackling larger venues. Many parks feature toddler-friendly areas, such as Seuss Landing at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Florida or Camp Snoopy at Knott’s Berry Farm in California.
Universal’s Minion Land in Orlando is another great choice for little ones, with gentle attractions and dining spots. For a park designed with preschoolers in mind, Peppa Pig Theme Park offers sensory-rich, interactive activities and relaxing indoor spaces, perfect for unwinding.
5. Choose smaller cities for toddler-friendly vacations
While Paris in spring and New York’s energy may seem appealing, big cities can overwhelm toddlers. Smaller cities with a gentler pace are often better for stress-free urban vacations with little ones, offering plenty to do without being overstimulating. Consider cities closer to home for a toddler-friendly getaway, too.
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In the Northeast, Providence, Rhode Island, is a perfect example. This compact city features the Roger Williams Park Zoo, Carousel Village, and the hands-on Providence Children’s Museum. On Federal Hill, its Little Italy, family-friendly restaurants and warm waitstaff make dining with toddlers a delight.
Other great small-city destinations for toddlers include Asheville, North Carolina; Traverse City, Michigan; and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. These places balance manageable exploration with activities designed to keep both toddlers and parents happy.
6. Farm-focused vacations appeal to toddlers’ natural curiosity
You’re never too young to explore the field-to-fork connection and a farm stay vacation is a kid-friendly way to immerse yourself and your toddler in agricultural rhythms. Young children may not soon forget the wonder of pulling a carrot out of the earth, gathering fresh-laid eggs, or watching a cow being milked.
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Try a rural New York family trip where you’ll find one of the best vacations for toddlers a Hull-O Farms, which rents cottages a short walk from their barn. This family farm is home to cows, pigs, turkeys, goats, ducks, and horses. Farmers Frank and Shari are happy to let young guests help with simple farm chores and feed baby animals.
7. You can never go wrong with a beach vacation
Many toddlers enjoy building sand castles, splashing in the waves, and collecting seashells, which makes family beach vacations an almost sure-thing for family fun. Look for a beach with clean bathrooms, concession stands, and a shady playground for a break from the midday sun. If you can book a beachside hotel, even better. And if ocean waves and currents make you nervous, consider some of the best lake resorts in the U.S. for a gentler water experience with your toddler.
In Cape Elizabeth, Maine, guests of Inn by the Sea (widely recognized as one of the best U.S. beach resorts for families) follow a private boardwalk that winds through a wildlife sanctuary to Crescent Beach. On the other side of the country, Shore Cliff Hotel in Central California’s Pismo Beach overlooks the Pacific Ocean; an old-fashioned pier and wide beach are the stuff that California family vacations are made of. In fact, there are toddler-friendly all-inclusive beach resorts all around the world.
8. Train trips
There’s something magical about train trips with toddlers. Parents and children have time to get cozy and watch the sights unfold together without navigating traffic or worrying about getting lost. With no lengthy airport security lines, no limits on the amount of liquids in your hand luggage, and no cramped seats, getting there via train—wherever there ends up being—may be the best part of your toddler’s vacation.
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Consider Amtrak’s Coast Starlight from Seattle to Los Angeles, showcasing the towering peaks of the Cascade Range, lush forests, and swathes of Pacific shoreline. Children ages two to 12 receive a 50 percent discount on Amtrak vacations, while kids under two ride free on an adult’s lap.
9. Staycations with toddlers
A close-to-home getaway can be a perfect standalone vacation or a low-stress trial run for longer trips, sparing your family the challenges of long road trips or flying with kids. Staying local saves on travel expenses like hotels, flights, and rental cars, allowing you to invest in exploring your hometown. Visit nearby theaters, beaches, or zoos, or transform your backyard into an outdoor retreat with pool parties, movie nights under the stars, or s’mores by the fire pit.
For an added twist, consider an overnight stay at a local hotel. In Los Angeles, the Hyatt Place/Hyatt House LAX combines stylish midcentury design with family-friendly amenities like full kitchens, pack-n-play cribs, a pool, and complimentary breakfast. Close to South Bay beaches and perfect for airplane enthusiasts, it adds a unique touch to a staycation with your toddler.
10. Multigenerational vacations and cruises
Multigenerational family vacations strengthen bonds and come with a bonus: built-in babysitters eager to spend time with your toddler. Family cruises are a top choice for such trips, offering meals, entertainment, and activities for all ages, including water parks and kids clubs—and some even let kids cruise for free.
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For families with toddlers, Disney cruise ships stand out as an excellent option, combining toddler-friendly amenities with the magic of Disney. Other great cruise lines with activities for little ones include Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, which cater to young children while ensuring fun for older kids, teens, and adults. Whether it’s a toddler marveling at a boat ride or grandparents savoring scenic views, cruises offer something special for every family member to enjoy together.
More tips for toddler vacations
To make the most of vacations with toddlers, a few key strategies can go a long way. Maintaining your child’s schedule—even when inconvenient—helps keep everyone happier. While it’s tempting to bend nap times or meal schedules, sticking to them minimizes crankiness. Your child will eventually outgrow the need for such structure, but for now, it’s worth the effort.
Snacks are another essential. Travel disrupts routines, so having healthy, appealing snacks on hand is crucial, especially if meal times shift in a new timezone. Stock up when you arrive, and use snacks to bridge any gaps or soothe fussy moments.
Finally, embrace the differences of traveling with kids. Forget your pre-kid vacation pace and focus on the unique joys of experiencing the world with a toddler. Slow down and savor moments of curiosity and play—whether it’s stopping to marvel at a ladybug or rolling in the grass. These fleeting experiences are what make toddler vacations special. If savoring them feels challenging, remember that vacations with toddlers aren’t about optimizing, they’re about letting their sense of wonder guide the adventure.
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