Let’s plan your ultimate summer bucket list vacation for 2025!

Whether you’re looking for the charm of European villages, outdoor adventures, or cultural hotspots, our list of near and far destinations has something to offer every family!

Summer Bucket List Destinations

Read on to learn more about each of these destinations. Click the links from each section to find our full guides.

Alsace Region, France

The Alsace Region is straight out of a fairytale. Known for having some of France’s most beautiful villages, their half-timbered houses, colorful flowers, and cobblestone streets, turly make it feel as if you’re stepping into a storybook.

We recommend spending a relaxing few days in Colmar or use it as your base to explore the Alsace Region. The two guides linked here will provide loads of itinerary inspiration for your summer bucket list.

Alsace Summer Bucket List:

Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg
Strasbourg
Colmar
Eguisheim
Riquewihr
Sélestat
Wineries
Day Trip to Basel, Switzerland
Cigoland Amusement Park
Eat all the French Bakery and Tarte Flambée

Suggested Trip Duration: 5-6 days

How to Get There: You can reach the region many ways, and as a result it makes for a great extension to other travel plans in France, Germany, Luxembourg or Switzerland! We recommend a rental car for maximum flexibility if traveling as a family, but trains operate throughout this region as well. We started our road trip from Luxembourg.

The nearest major airports are Strasbourg (SXB) or Basel (BSL). A bit farther, but potentially more affordable to fly into is Zurich (ZRH).

Duluth, MN

Duluth, MN is one of the best places to base a vacation to experience the beautiful shores of Lake Superior. Kids will love watching the massive ships glide into the harbor and rock hounding while the whole family takes in the fresh air.

Looking for thrills? Spirit Mountain has several exhilarating summer activities like zip-lining, mountain biking, and the thrilling Alpine Coaster.

The nearby Jay Cooke State Park is another must-visit spot just 20 minutes outside of the city It has an awesome swinging bridge!

A simple, but favorite feature of Duluth is that the city is built into a hill. Each and every public playground we visited had a natural waterfall and creek running through it. Our favorite pastime during our stay was simply splashing in the creek and playing with rocks.

We have loads more ideas for your itinerary in our Duluth Guide for Families.

Duluth Summer Bucket List:

Canal Park and the Aerial Lift Bridge
Pizza Train on the North Shore Scenic Railroad
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Great Lakes Aquarium
Duluth Children’s Museum
Micro Breweries
Glensheen Mansion and Gardens
and so much more!

Suggested Trip Duration: 3-4 days

How to Get There: You’re going to want a car while in the area. If you’re from the Midwest, Duluth is a fantastic road trip destination.

Rome, Italy

Rome, Italy, a city where ancient history is woven into daily life and its history is awe-inspiring.

I’ll never forget the look in my son’s eyes when the Colosseum first came into view. We loved our family friendly tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum which avoided some of the more gruesome topics that standard tours delve into.

The food in Rome is another highlight for families as the country is filled with kid pleasing fare. Indulge in Italian gelato and eat your weight in pastas and pizzas!

Exploring Rome’s piazzas (public squares) and fountains is an adventure in itself. Piazza Navona, with its street performers and elaborate fountains, is a great place for kids to run around.

For a bit of green space, head to the Villa Borghese gardens. Rent bikes or a rowboat, visit the small zoo, or have a picnic. The nearby Borghese Gallery offers a manageable art museum with masterpieces that will intrigue budding art lovers. Be sure to book tickets well in advance and check out this guide on making the Gallery engaging for kids through storytelling.

Rome Summer Bucket List:

Roman Forum & Colosseum
Piazzza Navona
Largo di Torre Argentina
Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere
Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore
Trevi Fountain (Be sure to check out our hack in our Rome article!)
The Pantheon
Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel
St. Peter’s Basilica

Suggested Trip Duration: 3-4 days

How to Get There: To reach this summer bucket list spot, you’ll likely find affordable flight options into Rome’s main airport, FCO if you’re flexible on dates. If you’re visiting other cities in Italy, Rome is easy to reach by train.

Rome is not far from a popular Cruise Port, Civitavecchia. See if you can pair your city break with a Mediterranean Cruise Itinerary that starts or ends in Civitavecchia.

Finger Lakes Region, New York

The Finger Lakes Region’s natural beauty, educational opportunities, and culinary delights make it an ideal summer vacation spot.

Many families set out to see Niagara Falls and miss these nearby wonders! Our Finger Lakes itinerary pairs perfectly with a Niagara Falls road trip.

Watkins Glen State Park and Letchworth State Park are must sees for their dramatic waterfalls and picturesque trails. Letchworth also has the country’s first Autism Nature Trail, which is fantastic for all kids!

Finger Lakes Summer Bucket List:

Watkins Glen State Park
Wineries
Letchworth State Park
Dansville Fairy Walk
The Corning Museum of Glass offers fascinating glassblowing demonstrations
Strong National Museum of Play in nearby Rochester

Suggested Trip Duration: 3-5 days

How to Get There: Nearby airports include Rochester (ROC) or Buffalo (BUF). You’ll want a car for exploring the region at your whim. The Finger Lakes are about a 2 hour 20 minute drive from Niagara Falls, 5 hours from NYC, or 4 hours 40 minutes from Philadelphia.

Moab, Utah

Moab, Utah, is a playground of outdoor activities for families.

Start your trip at Arches National Park, home of over 2,000 sandstone arches! There are plenty of areas where kids are welcome to climb on the rocks and all in all its ones giant sandbox! (Bring some small trucks for sand play!)

Next, explore the deep canyons and ancient rock formations of Canyonlands National Park, whose views rival those of the Grand Canyon.

Moab is a paradise for adrenaline junkies too. From mountain biking or four wheeling along world-renowned trails to river rafting on the mighty Colorado River, there are many heart-pounding adventures to be had.

The town of Moab itself is a laid back home base for families, with its cozy cafes, eclectic shops, and friendly locals.

Moab Summer Bucket List:

Arches National Park (Kid friendly hikes and sites)
Canyonlands National Park (Kid friendly hikes and sites)
Dead Horse State Park
Moab Giants Dinosaur Park
Mill Creek Swimming Hole
Goblin Valley State Park
Moab Rotary “Musical Park”
Potash Dinosaur Tracks
Rafting Down the Colorado River
4×4 Off Road Tours

Suggested Trip Duration: 4 days

How to Get There: Moab is less than a two hour drive from the airport in Grand Junction, Colorado. (GJT) Or, you can build out a larger road trip and start or end in Salt Lake City (SLC), about 3 hours 45 minutes from Moab.

Portugal Road Trip

What we love about this Lisbon to Porto road trip is the incredible diversity from one city to the next.

Explore the fairytale castle of Sintra. Then, the colorful seaside towns like Aveiro and Costa Nova. Step back in time in Óbidos and stay at the world’s largest library hotel. Explore the country’s former capital, Coimbra known for its university; one of the oldest in Europe.

In Porto, explore the colorful neighborhoods, eat the famous Nata, learn about the history of Cork, Wine(Port), and Chocolate, and take a cruise along the Douro River.

Lastly, return your rental car and enjoy efficient public transportation around Lisbon. Formerly the epicenter of world trade, this grandiose city must be explored!

Portugal Summer Bucket List:

Sintra
Óbidos
Fatima
Costa Nova
Aveiro
Coimbra
Porto
Beyond Porto – Head to the Beach
Beyond Porto – Braga

Suggested Trip Duration: 8-10 days

How to Get There: Fly into Lisbon Airport (LIS), pickup your rental car, and start driving! Save Lisbon exploration for the end of your trip. Find our detailed itinerary, here.

Olympic National Park, WA

Olympic National Park, WA, is the most ecologically diverse National Park I’ve ever been to. Give yourselves at least two days to explore, but we recommend 3-4 to see its lush rainforests, rugged coastlines, towering mountains and pristine lakes.

Kids will love the rocky beaches, filled with tide pools to explore. The Hoh Rainforest feels like another planet and your little ones will enjoy guiding you through its winding trails.

If you’re lucky, you may catch salmon leaping upstream at the Salmon Cascades. Don’t forget to visit Hurricane Ridge for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

There are so many hikes in Olympic National Park that are suitable to little legs! Check out our two day itinerary to help plan a kid friendly adventure.

This itinerary pairs well with time in Seattle or at Mount Rainier.

Olympic National Park Summer Bucket List:

Madison Creek Falls
Lake Crescent
Marymere Falls
Sol Duc Falls and Salmon Cascades
Dinner at “Granny’s”
Hoh Rainforest
Hit the Beach
Forks, Washington
Hurricane Ridge
Devil’s Punchbowl Trail
Cape Flattery

Suggested Trip Duration: 2-4 days

How to Get There: Fly into Seattle (SEA) and drive about 2 hours to your Olympic National Park accommodations. Visitors typically stay in either Port Angeles, Sequim, Forks, or Port Townsend depending on which side of the park you’d like to base yourselves.

Bermuda

Bermuda, with its pink sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and friendly locals is a dream destination for families seeking a tropical getaway.

The island also has historic sites like the Royal Naval Dockyard and the UNESCO-listed town of St. George.

Consider a boat tour to spot dolphins or go on a glass-bottomed boat ride to see the underwater world without getting wet.

Bermuda Summer Bucket List:

Horseshoe Bay and hidden private beaches
Hamilton City
St. George’s
Blue Hole Park
Unfinished Church
The Swizzle Inn
Sea glass Beach
Royal Navy Dockyard

Suggested Trip Duration: 5 days (Our itinerary is available, here!)

How to Get There: To check Bermuda off your summer bucket list destination you can either fly or research cruises that stop on the island. It’s an easy, direct flight from many airports along the east coast of the USA. For example, it’s 2 hours 15 minutes from NYC or 2 hour 40 minutes from Miami.

Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis, MN, may not be the first place that comes to mind for a summer family vacation, but it’s perfect for families looking for a great city break destination.

Even in the city, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the great summer weather in Minnesota. Have a picnic and play at Minnehaha Falls, Park, and Playground, try log rolling at Bde Maka Ska, enjoy the free Como Zoo and then checkout the Amusement park next door.

Time it right to see one of America’s finest fairs, the Minnesota State Fair which starts at the end of August each year. In 2025, the dates are August 21-September 1.

For indoor fun, visit the Mall of America, the largest shopping mall in the United States. With its endless shops, restaurants, and attractions like Nickelodeon Universe and the SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, it’s a paradise for families.

Minneapolis Summer Bucket List:

Como Town Kiddie Amusement Park
Valleyfair
Minnehaha Falls, Park, and Playground
Log Rolling at Lake Bde Maka Ska
Como Zoo & Conservatory
Science Museum of Minnesota
Minnesota State Fair
Minnesota Children’s Museum
Can Can Wonderland
Shoreview Community Center’s Waterpark
Mall of America
Eagle’s Nest Indoor Playground
Minnesota Zoo

Suggested Trip Duration: 4 days

How to Get There: The local airport (MSP) is a dream! It’s one of my favorite airports to travel to or through.

The airport is connected to downtown via the Light Rail metro train which also goes to Mall of America so depending on which sights you wish to see, you may not need a rental car during your stay.

Cork, Ireland

Ireland as a whole is a is a fantastic destination for families.

Cork County truly amazed us with its welcoming atmosphere and endless opportunities for adventure like the magic of Blarney Castle, the mystery of Cork City Gaol (Jail), and the cozy nearby seaside town of Cobh.

Ireland Summer Bucket List:

Blarney Castle & Gardens
The English Market
Walk the Shandon Mile
Shandon Sweets
The Butter Museum
Nano Nagle Place
Sample Irish Specialty Foods
Cork City Gaol
Day trip to Cobh
Zipit Forest Adventures
Fota Wildlife Park

Suggested Trip Duration: 3 days in Cork (plus more for extended time in Ireland)

How to Get There: Cork is about a 3.5 hour drive from Dublin on narrow roads. But there is plenty to do and see on the way. We highly recommend stopping at the Rock of Cashel and Balleysagggartmore Towers.

Door County, WI

Door County, WI has been an annual tradition of ours for my entire life. It’s the absolute best places to recharge and soak in the Midwest’s beauty at one of its many State Parks, Cave Point, or one of the numerous beaches.

You may also enjoy the area’s art galleries, wineries, and historic lighthouses.

Door County is known for its delicious cherry pies, fresh fish boils, and homemade ice cream, making it a foodie’s dream.

Door County Summer Bucket List:

Sturgeon Bay Area
- Animal Cuddles at The Farm
- Potawatomi State Park
Cave Point County Park
Egg Harbor
- Find a Kid-Friendly Restaurant at Shipwrecked
- Pizza, Beer, and Yard Games at One Barrel Brewing
- *Rainy Day Option: Egg Harbor Fun Park
Baileys Harbor
- Lunch Delivered by Model Train
- Unwind at Door County Brewing Co.
- Stroll the Boardwalk at The Ridges
Fish Creek
- Wild Tomato’s Wood-Fired Pizza
- Not Licked Yet Frozen Custard
- Lautenbach’s Winery, Orchard, Market, and Playground
- Peninsula State Park
- Kid Friendly Shopping
- *Rainy Day Option: Hands On Art Studio
Ephraim
- Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream
- Red Putter Mini Golf
Sister Bay
- Al Johnson’s
- Peach Barn Brewery
- Pebble Beach
Ellison Bay
Newport State Park
Shop a Roadside Market
Pick Fruit from the Source

Suggested Trip Duration: 4-6 days

How to Get There: The southernmost part of Door County is about a 2 hour 15 minute drive north from Milwaukee, WI. You can also opt to fly into Green Bay if you’re from out of state and you’ll be 40 minutes from Door County. If you’re driving, be sure to check out our guides for family fun in Green Bay and Sheboygan too!

St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis, MO, might not be the first place that pops into your head for a summer family getaway, but trust me, it’s worth a visit. It’s one of the most affordably epic places we’ve ever taken the kids.

You can explore the iconic Gateway Arch grounds, get up close with a famous Budweiser Clydesdale, have mind bending fun at City Museum, and explore the amazing (and FREE) St. Louis Zoo.

Hungry? St. Louis is famous for its barbecue, toasted ravioli, and gooey butter cake.

St. Louis Summer Bucket List:

St. Louis Zoo
Catch an MLB Game at Busch Stadium
Gateway Arch National Park
St. Louis Science Center
Meet a Clydesdale Up Close
City Museum
Union Station’s Entertainment Complex
Have a Sweet Treat in St. Louis with Kids
Playgrounds at Forest Park
and so much more!

Suggested Trip Duration: 5 days

How to Get There: St. Louis Airport’s code is STL. Or you can take a fun road trip to St. Louis! Check out our Chicago to St. Louis Road Trip guide or if you’re coming from the south, check out this one.

Paris, France

Paris, the City of Light, is not just for romantic getaways—it’s also a fantastic destination for a summer bucket list family vacation.

Watching the kids float sailboats in historic fountains is pure magic. Seeing them marvel at the familiar Eiffel Towel while floating down the Seine River makes all the travel efforts worthwhile.

For art exposure, families can visit world-renowned museums like the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, where kids can marvel at masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Van Gogh’s Starry Night.

Paris Summer Bucket List:

Eiffel Tower
Ride a Carousel
Luxembourg Gardens Sailboats
Meander the 4th Arrondissement
Jardin des Tuileries
Musee d’Orsay
Cruise on the Seine River
Jardin d’Acclimatation Amusement Park
Louvre
Notre Dame Cathedral
Cité des Sciences et de L’Industrie
Versailles
Take a Day Trip to Disney
Day Trip to Alsace

Suggested Trip Duration: 5 days

How to Get There: Paris connects to many other European cities by high speed train.

The main airport in Paris is Charles de Gaulle (CDG). A smaller airport, Orly (ORY) is a bit closer to the city center and serves primarily regional destinations.

Looking for more?

Check out these guides for other places worth exploring with kids in the summer months:

USA
Outside the USA

The Best Destinations for 2025: Summer Bucket List for Families