Each year thousands of families take a break from everyday life and share in some good old-fashioned fun on a summer getaway. It’s the best time to relish those long sunny days and warm balmy nights. Whether you have an extended family or small family, toddlers or teenagers, these great family-friendly destinations are the perfect place to create lasting memories.

This favourite summer destination is filled with fun things to do. Its location on the East Coast makes it accessible by car for those who enjoy family road trips. Cape Cod has 115 sandy beaches to explore, though Bayside beaches are much calmer for children. You can also take the ferry across to visit the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, or stop over in Boston for a few days. The options are endless.

Often referred to as the most European city in North America, Québec City is a closer and more affordable option. Besides the cultural heritage, great food, wine, cheese and outdoor cafés that the region is famed for, there’s also countless lakes, forests and a plethora of outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Go south of the US border for some family fun time in Ixtapa. Bask on beautiful sunny beaches or enjoy outdoor activities such as parasailing, jet skiing, swimming with dolphins, snorkelling and kayaking. You can also take sunset cruises, fishing trips and excursions to the charming fishing village of Zihuatenejo.

MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA
People have been raving about Myrtle Beach for ages and there’s a reason. Nestled on the Atlantic Coast, this family friendly location offers beautiful beaches, great theatre shows, countless golf courses, an exciting boardwalk, waterparks, children’s museum and many more adventures for you to enjoy.

With over 700 islands of sunny beaches, turquoise waters and nature to explore, the Bahamas is a perfect choice for a long weekend getaway or an entire week of family fun.  Wonder at the tropical wildlife, go snorkeling, diving, fishing or swim with dolphins. Take a boat ride or catch a show. Whatever you decide, the Bahamas has many fun-filled activities for the whole family.   


Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

ROME, ITALY
How could a country that loves family and tradition not make the list? From the delicious gelato shops to the impressive historical sites to its glorious beaches and enchanted countryside, Italy is a great holiday choice. Summer festivals are held in almost every major piazza and provide loads of fun for everyone.  So start off in Rome, the country capital, and move on from there.  

A Disney adventure is high on every child’s wish list, so why not take the entire family on a thrilling adventure to the Disneyland Resort and Downtown Disney? Bask on the bountiful beaches, take a hot-air balloon ride over Orange County, or explore Los Angeles to the north and San Diego to the south. Anaheim is a great destination to discover the treasures of Southern California.

An inviting combination of culture, coastline, delicious food and wonderful climate make Barcelona a great choice for your next family holiday. Explore Gaudi's spectacular architectural creations, relax beachside, visit the aquarium, stroll Las Ramblas and indulge your culinary curiosity at La Boqueira Market, the best in the world. This is a cultural vacation the whole family will remember.

Who said Paris is solely for romance? That’s not to say that everyone won’t be falling in love with the City of Lights. Paris is filled with things that impress from the wonders at the Louvre to the striking Notre Dame to the iconic Eiffel Tower. There’s also an abundance of outdoor markets, parks with playgrounds, as well as its very own Disneyland.  And we can’t forget the decadent array of pastries sure to fill a craving or two.   

This beautiful Hawaiian island offers an abundance of activities to do by foot, bike, helicopter or submarine. The only difficulty is choosing which one to do first. Kids will especially enjoy the Maui Ocean Centre, the Atlantis Submarine underwater tour and Hammerhead Harbour. There’s also parasailing, surf lessons, hiking, cultural performances, stage shows and musical events. The list is endless.


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Click on the link to download a copy of my article - Top 10 Family Summer Getaways - in the new issue of Whatever Vaughan Magazine Summer 2014.