When I think of a destination to travel with children, the first thing that comes to mind is: where is everyone going to have fun without me having to carry an extra supply of patience in my suitcase?
Traveling with little ones is quite an adventure, right? But, look, with the right place, you can transform this moment into something magical – the kind that we keep in our hearts and the children will tell their friends about at school.
So, let's explore together some ideas for incredible destinations, tips I learned in practice and that little push for you to plan your next family trip!
I know exactly how it is: we want a place that has fun for the kids, but that doesn’t leave adults just in the role of “luxury companion”.
So, I'm going to tell you what has worked for me and other families I know, mixing options here in Brazil and abroad, with a touch of reality so that no one thinks it's all a fairy tale.
What makes a destination perfect for children?
Before choosing one destination to travel with children, I always ask myself: what does this place have that will make my children vibrate?
It could be a nice playground, a beach where they can run around without worrying, or even a museum that isn't boring for adults.
But there's more: safety is very important, as is having hotels or guesthouses that think about families – you know, those with space for children to play and, who knows, a pool so I can relax a bit while they have fun?
And there's another side: I want to enjoy myself too! I don't want to spend the whole vacation just running around after them. So, the trick is to find a place that has something for the little ones and a little corner of peace for me – or at least a decent café to recharge my batteries.
Destination in Brazil to travel with children
Here in Brazil, we have some little corners that are real finds for those looking for a destination to travel with children.
Gramado, in Rio Grande do Sul, is one of those places that I love. I've taken my kids to Mini Mundo, and they were enchanted by those tiny houses – it was like they had stepped into a movie!
Besides that, there's Snowland, where they play in the snow (even though it's artificial) and I just watch, drinking hot chocolate.
And, look, the smell of homemade chocolate in the city's shops is a bonus that no one can refuse.
Now, if the plan is to go to the beach, Porto de Galinhas, in Pernambuco, is unbeatable.
The first time we went, my youngest went crazy with the natural pools – you could see the little fish swimming right next to it!
The raft rides are simple, but they made their eyes shine. It's the kind of place that combines tranquility for children to play and beauty for us to enjoy the view.
Abroad: Destinations to travel with children that are worth the trip
If the idea is to take a flight and explore the world, there are some destinations to travel with children that are a dream.
Orlando, in the United States, is almost a must-see for anyone with children. I confess that the first time I visited, I thought it would be a rush, but Disney has a magic that catches us off guard.
My kids went crazy over the toys, and I found myself laughing along with them at the character parade.
The hotels there are also very helpful – many have recreation facilities for the little ones, which gave me a few hours of peace and quiet.
But international travel isn’t all about parks. Lisbon, in Portugal, really surprised me.
I took the kids to the Oceanarium, and they spent hours glued to the windows, pointing out the sharks and rays.
São Jorge Castle was also a hit – they made up a thousand stories of knights as we climbed the walls.
And the best part? Speaking Portuguese makes everything easier, from ordering food to understanding signs.
Tips I learned the hard way
Choose one destination to travel with children It's just the beginning. In practice, I learned a few things that make a difference.
I always carry a bag of cookies and a small toy in my backpack – it’s a lifesaver in queues or car journeys.
Another thing: I try to catch flights in the morning, because at night they are already exhausted and no one deserves to have a tantrum at 30 thousand feet.
Oh, and a basic kit with band-aids, sunscreen and a little medicine for fever is my faithful companion.
I also like to include the little ones in the planning.
I show them photos of the place, tell them what we're going to do and they get into the mood.
On the last trip, my oldest even made a little list of what he wanted to see – and he made the right choices!
What to do with children at the destination
A good one destination to travel with children You need to have activities that hold their energy.
At Beto Carrero World, in Santa Catarina, I've seen my children screaming on the rides and running to take photos with the characters – it's guaranteed fun.
Once in Campos do Jordão, the train ride was the highlight: they loved the noise of the wheels and the view of the mountains.
On the beaches, like in Florianópolis, we invent simple games, like hunting for shells or building sand castles.
One day we even tried a surfing lesson with the oldest – he fell a thousand times, but laughed even more.
The important thing is to have something that makes them excited, even if it's just chasing a butterfly.
Where to stay: Accommodation that works
Hosting changes everything in one destination to travel with children.
I've stayed at an all-inclusive resort, like Costão do Santinho, in Floripa, and it was a great help: food all day, entertainment for the kids and me enjoying the pool with a juice in my hand.
But sometimes I prefer something simpler, like a hotel with a kitchen.
On my last trip, I made some quick pasta for my kids and saved a lot of money on restaurants.
Golden tip: always ask if there is a crib or extra bed.
There's nothing worse than arriving and finding out that everyone is going to sleep crammed together. A well-chosen place makes the trip easier for everyone.
How much does this dream cost?
Plan a destination to travel with children also goes through the pocket.
In Brazil, you can save money by going during the low season – I went to Rio in May, and Sugarloaf Mountain was quiet, perfect for children to climb without the crowds.
Abroad, I keep an eye out for flight promotions and family packages.
I once got a great discount to Orlando by collecting miles – it was worth every minute of research.
The secret is not to leave it until the last minute and to do a lot of research. That way, you can enjoy yourself without breaking the bank.
Why is it worth it?
Ultimately, choosing one destination to travel with children It's more than just fun.
It's about seeing their eyes light up with something new, hearing the crazy questions they ask, and feeling like we're building something special together.
My children have already learned to say “thank you” in English, tried different foods and even taught me to enjoy a toy that I swore I would hate.
So, whether close to home or on the other side of the world, traveling with them is a gift – for them and for us.
Are you planning your next destination to travel with your children?
Choose the destination to travel with children perfect is not rocket science.
With a little patience and these ideas, you can find a place that everyone will love.
Gramado, Orlando, Porto de Galinhas… what matters is to go and live the moment.
So, grab a notebook, call the little ones and start dreaming about the next adventure. Trust me: you won't regret it!

I am a person fascinated by travel, enthusiastic about discovering new places and cultures. In this space on my blog, I want to share my experiences around the world, bringing tips, stories and inspirations to help you explore incredible destinations. Let's travel together and discover what the world has to offer!