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Tpg’s 5 Top Family Vacation Destinations For 2025
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Deciding which five destinations across the globe deserve a spot on TPG’s list of best family vacation destinations to visit this year was no easy task.
We researched new resorts, attractions and events, and we drew on our extensive travel experience to find the spots your family will still talk about years after your trip. Of course, we also had to throw in a few of our dream destinations.
Related: Where to go in 2025: The 29 best places to travel
Whether your family prefers cities, beaches, theme parks or the great outdoors, you’ll find your perfect family vacation spot on this list.
Central Florida
What to do
As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the U.S., it’s unlikely that the Orlando area will ever drop off this list. But 2025 is not going to be just another year for the theme park capital of the world.
UNIVERSAL EPIC UNIVERSEOn May 22, Universal Epic Universe will open at Universal Orlando Resort. Based on everything we’ve learned about the technology and creative concepts for the park’s five new themed “worlds,” Epic Universe is poised to rewrite the rules of the theme park game.
Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe. UNIVERSAL EPIC UNIVERSEEpic Universe will take things you only thought possible in the pages of a book or on the big screen and make them a reality. You can face off against Bowser in a real-life Mario Kart race; travel to the “Harry Potter” universe’s British Ministry of Magic via Metro-Floo; encounter frighteningly realistic versions of Dracula, Frankenstein and the Wolf Man; and so much more.
A new nighttime parade called “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” will come to the Magic Kingdom in summer 2025. DISNEYDisney may not be opening an entirely new theme park, but it does have a few fun new reasons to visit in 2025. If you visit over the summer, you can experience a new nighttime parade at the Magic Kingdom, ride the new-and-improved Test Track at Epcot and see stage shows dedicated to Disney villains and “The Little Mermaid” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, among other activities.
Related: 9 new rides, attractions and experiences coming to Walt Disney World in 2025
Kayaking in Lake County. DISCOVER LAKE COUNTYWhile you’re in the area, you’ll find several places to unwind for a few days after rushing around Orlando’s theme parks (or as an alternative if theme parks aren’t your thing).
The Paddling Center at Shingle Creek. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUYKissimmee, Florida, is practically in Disney’s backyard, and its waterways happen to be the headwaters to the Everglades. You can explore those waters and see the wildlife (including alligators) that call them home. Book a trip with Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures, or go at your own pace with a visit to The Paddling Center at Shingle Creek.
Related: The best hotels near Disney World you can book with points
Lake County, Florida, is less than an hour from Disney World but feels worlds away thanks to its focus on nature-forward pursuits like kayaking, canoeing, catboat adventures and seaplane tours. You can also ride to the top of the 22-story Citrus Tower for panoramic views of the area (35 miles in any direction) from the observation deck.
Where to stay
Universal Helios Grand Hotel. UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORTAlong with new rides and attractions, Epic Universe will bring with it three new hotels. Universal Stella Nova Resort is scheduled to open Jan. 21, 2025, with Universal Terra Luna Resort following behind March 25, 2025. These two affordable options are both opening before Epic Universe comes online in May if you want to get a sneak peek.
Related: Opening dates and pricing revealed for 2 hotels coming to Universal Epic Universe in 2025
Epic Universe’s flagship hotel, Universal Helios Grand Hotel, will open along with the park May 22, 2025. This upscale property will have a private entrance to the park, as well as stunning views of Epic Universe from the rooftop bar and select guest rooms.
DISNEYDisney recently opened its newest resort hotel, the 10-story Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, for guests who want to stay in a tropical paradise within walking distance of the Magic Kingdom.
If you want to stay in the Lake County area, our pick is the Lakeside Inn. Located in Mount Dora and open since 1883, the Lakeside Inn is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Florida and the only remaining grand Victorian-era hotel.
Grand Canyon West
What to do
Grand Canyon West Skywalk. GRAND CANYON WESTUnlike the South Rim part of Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon West is owned and operated by the Hualapai Tribe. When you visit, you’ll be supporting the tribe while you enjoy the untouched beauty of one of the world’s natural wonders. There are several scenic lookout points; the most recognizable is the Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped glass bridge that extends 70 feet over the rim of the Grand Canyon.
Related: Visiting the Grand Canyon with a family: Where to camp, stay and play
There are various ways to explore this side of the canyon, depending on your budget and how adventurous you want to be. General admission tickets start around $50 and include shuttle service to the scenic viewpoints and cultural activities around Grand Canyon West. Most visitors upgrade their tickets to include Skywalk access, meals and other add-ons. There are several packages to choose from.
Grand Canyon white water rafting. GRAND CANYON WESTFor the ultimate experience, you can purchase a package that includes admission, a helicopter tour, a pontoon ride and a Skywalk ticket. If you are a true thrill-seeker, you can also purchase a package that includes a one-day white water rafting trip, a hike to Travertine Falls and lunch on the banks of the Colorado River.
Where to stay
Grand Canyon West is about two hours from Las Vegas and four hours from Phoenix. It’s doable to visit in a day, but by staying at one of the two accommodation options available at Grand Canyon West, you’ll have more time to enjoy everything this area offers.
Cabins at Grand Canyon West. GRAND CANYON WESTRelated: The best times to visit the Grand Canyon
You can choose from the Cabins at Grand Canyon West or Hualapai Lodge. The cabins offer more privacy, sleep up to six guests and come with two complimentary general admission tickets to Grand Canyon West. Rooms at the lodge sleep three to five guests, and there is a restaurant and a trading post on-site.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
What to do
OLEKSANDRA KOROBOVA/GETTY IMAGESIf you’ve visited popular mainland Mexico spots like Cancun, Cozumel and Riviera Maya, it’s time to give Cabo San Lucas a try. On the southern tip of Baja California, Cabo San Lucas is known for its year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches and outdoor adventures.
Families will especially enjoy cruising on a replica pirate ship with Cabo Pirates, snorkeling at Chileno Bay and watching whales breach the waves with Whale Watch Cabo. (They guarantee you will see a whale, or you can come back for a complimentary sailing.)
Whale watching in Cabo San Lucas. CAVAN IMAGES/GETTY IMAGESThere’s plenty to do on dry land as well. You can visit the macaws, turtles, crocodiles, snakes and other inhabitants of the Animal Sanctuary at Wild Canyon. The destination also offers all-terrain-vehicle tours, zip lining and other activities. Additionally, you can take an educational, all-inclusive camel riding tour on the beach.
Where to stay
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol. FOUR SEASONS HOTELS & RESORTSThe recently opened Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo del Sol is a spectacular family-friendly addition to the Los Cabos hotel scene. Among the property’s three pools is a large family-friendly pool with a shallow area where kids can splash. The variety of room types will meet your family’s needs, as will the brand’s signature “Kids For All Seasons” programming.
Related: The 11 best all-inclusive resorts in Los Cabos
Grand Velas Los Cabos. TANNER SAUNDERS/THE POINTS GUYIf you prefer to go the all-inclusive route, the all-suite Grand Velas Los Cabos resort has two family-friendly pools overlooking the ocean. It also offers several restaurants and separate clubs for kids and teens; plus, there are activities like yoga, cooking and mixology classes that parents can enjoy during their kid-free time.
Jacksonville, Florida
What to do
Whether you prefer big-city vacations or beach getaways, Jacksonville offers a well-balanced mix of activities for families. This Atlantic coast destination has 22 miles of soft, sandy beaches where you can swim, surf, paddleboard, fish, kayak and more.
Jacksonville Beach. ANNA COOK FOR VISIT JACKSONVILLEThere are several area beaches to choose from, but families may particularly like Jacksonville Beach, where you can explore the pier, bike on the beach and learn to surf with Saltwater Cowgirls. You should also leave time to explore the geological formations and tree skeletons at Black Rock Beach and go wildlife spotting at Tide Views Preserve.
Jacksonville Zoo. VISIT JACKSONVILLEWhen you need a break from the beach, you can visit Jacksonville’s Museum of Science & History, explore the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens or stroll the shops and eateries in neighborhoods like San Marco and Riverside Avondale.
If you visit in November, you can save money with Jacksonville’s annual “Kids Free November” promotion. Throughout the month of November, several area attractions offer free admission and other discounts for kids under the age of 12 visiting with a paid adult.
Where to stay
Several new hotels joined Jacksonville’s lineup in 2024. The AC Hotel Jacksonville St Johns Town Center is equidistant to the city’s beaches and other area attractions, and you can book with Marriott Bonvoy points.
For a stay closer to the beach, try out the Hotel Palms. This renovated motor lodge is only two blocks from the beach and offers complimentary bikes, a coffee shop and select rooms with bunk beds. Or, go all-in on a beachfront getaway at Jacksonville’s Margaritaville Beach Hotel
Belize
What to do
Thanks to its location on the eastern coast of Central America, Belize offers visitors access to endless natural wonders, including a lush tropical rainforest, postcard-worthy beaches and the second-largest barrier reef in the world.
San Pedro in Ambergris Caye. BELIZE TOURISM BOARDAmbergris Caye is the largest island in Belize, and it’s a great starting point for your family vacation. There are plenty of beaches to choose from, and you will likely have beach access from your resort. Ramon’s Village is quite popular with families looking to swim or snorkel. You can also organize a scuba diving or snorkel excursion with Scuba School and Family Dive Center Belize. If your kids aren’t too afraid to swim with sharks, you can mingle with them at Shark Ray Alley.
If you want to explore the country’s jungles and Mayan historical sites, you’ll need to head inland. Caracol, one of the largest Mayan cities ever excavated in Belize, is within Chiquibul Forest Reserve but is a far distance from most other sites.
Caracol in Belize. BELIZE TOURISM BOARDYou could also head to San Ignacio for easier access to Cahal Pech and Xunantunich. While in San Ignacio, be sure to stop by Ajaw Chocolate & Crafts for an authentic chocolate-making experience and farm tour.
Where to stay
In Ambergris Caye, you can stay at Ramon’s Village Resort for direct access to the beach and standard rooms or private cottages. The nearby Grand Caribe Belize has accommodations that range from studios to five bedrooms.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Caye Chapel, Belize. CARLOS VERONFor a more secluded, luxury option, a new Four Seasons Resort and Residences on the private island of Caye Chapel is scheduled to open in 2025. The resort borders the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System and is accessible via boat or a 10-minute flight from Belize City.
Related: The 10 best all-inclusive resorts in Belize for your next tropical getaway
Further inland toward the Mayan ruins and rainforests, book a stay at The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant. Among the 31 rooms in this eco-friendly resort, we recommend the Rainforest Tented Camp for the ultimate glamping experience (and your own plunge pool) or the sky-high Mountain View Penthouse.
Bottom line
At TPG, we are on a never-ending quest to provide travelers with vacation experiences that fit their budget, family size and travel style. Families have endless vacation destinations to choose from, and we’ve compiled the best of the best to help you create your dream getaway.
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