Traveling with toddlers is extremely rewarding. Seeing your toddler explore new places, learn new cultures and try new foods is such a pleasure as a parent. When picking your travel destination it’s important to look for toddler friendly destinations that have lots of activities to keep them busy. That’s why we’re sharing the best international travel destinations to travel with toddlers.
Before jetting off on your flight, use this flying with a toddler checklist to make sure you have all the essentials for flying with a toddler. Speaking of essentials, when traveling with a toddler, a stroller is going to be super important. Check out these tips for how to protect your stroller when flying.
Most of these international destinations require a long haul flight with your toddler. These amazing toddler travel toys will help keep your toddler entertained and busy on your journey.
Now let’s discuss 14 of the best international travel destinations to travel with toddlers and what makes them so great for toddlers.
Isla Holbox, Mexico
Isla Holbox is the ideal location to visit as it is a small island located on the Northern Coastline of Mexico and offers multiple toddler-friendly activities. The island has a very laid-back vibe as it has no paved roads, no cars, and has miles of pristine white sandy beaches and Caribbean turquoise waters.
With toddlers, it can be challenging to explore new places. However, Holbox offers many boat tours to allow you to see the incredible wildlife, including whale sharks and stunning scenery, as well as many places you otherwise wouldn’t see on your own such as beautiful cenotes to swim in.
You can also simply enjoy a stroll around town with your toddler and check out the unique street art, beautiful murals, monuments, and bright colors that give Isla Holbox its unique vibe and appearance.
Lastly, toddlers love to play in the sand and swim! Why not spend a day at the beach and enjoy some family time together? Located near the beaches are some amazing local restaurants with outdoor patios to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine.
Isla Holbox is a quiet destination with less tourists than other popular Mexico destinations. This makes it ideal to enjoy as a family with small children. Isla Holbox also has no cars, so it is very safe for children to walk around and explore. Lastly, it does not have overdevelopment like the rest of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Contributed by: Hannah and Adam from Getting Stamped
Berlin, Germany
Berlin, the historically rich capital of Germany, is one of the best international places to travel with toddlers. Among the best places to visit in Berlin, many are toddler-friendly. The city’s abundant parks and playgrounds, such as the beloved Tiergarten, provide vast open spaces for little ones to play, run, and enjoy picnics. Sandpits and row boats near the zoo side add to the excitement, making it a perfect place for little adventurers to explore.
In addition to the outdoor fun, Berlin offers interactive museums that focus on learning through play. Labyrinth Museum and Science Centre Spectrum are among the favorites. These will foster curiosity and creativity in older toddlers, captivating their minds with hands-on exhibits.
For a day of amusement and wildlife wonders, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre at Potsdamer Platz is a must-visit. With miniature Berlin landscapes and medieval castles, this attraction sparks your toddlers’ imagination. For more animal encounters, the Berlin Zoo offers a thrilling experience with its diverse range of animals, a petting zoo, and child-friendly cafes.
The Aquadom & Sealife Centre is another mesmerizing destination for the little ones. Its water-filled tunnel offers a 360-degree view of a captivating variety of sea life, leaving toddlers in awe of the underwater world.
Rain or shine, families can find entertainment at FEZ in Wuhlheide Park. With indoor soft-play areas and outdoor playgrounds, there’s something for everyone. Older kids can enjoy forest adventures at Kletterwald Wuhlheide, while toddlers delight in the indoor fun.
Berlin’s combination of educational and entertaining things to do makes it a city both toddlers and parents adore. Your Berlin itinerary will be full of parks, interactive museums and wildlife experiences. Berlin offers diverse activities for an enriching and memorable family vacation.
Contributed by: Elle from Only in Germany
Antigua, Guatemala
Corfu, Greece
Cape Town, South Africa
Offering sun, sea, and sand, this destination provides numerous family-friendly activities. Visiting South Africa with a toddler is easy. The people are all family-focused so they don’t mind noisy toddlers running around.
Hotels will have cribs to offer and restaurants will have high-chairs and kid-friendly menus. Furthermore, the supermarkets will have all the supplies you may have forgotten for your toddler.
There are plenty of fun things to do in Cape Town with your toddler. A visit to Cape Town is incomplete without a trip up the iconic Table Mountain. Take cable cars up the mountain for breathtaking views of the ocean and Cape Peninsula. Once at the top there are stroller friendly trails you can explore with your toddler.
With access to transport or a rental car, visit Boulders Beach to see majestic penguins. You might even see a baby penguin! Walk along wooden paths, swim, picnic, and capture amazing photos with the penguins. TIP: To swim near the penguins, turn left onto a boardwalk after the ticket office until you reach the beach.
So many sites and attractions are toddler friendly. From the many vineyards, restaurants, botanical gardens, and cultural trips, there is so much you can add to your Cape Town itinerary to enjoy as a family.
Contributed by: Jolene of Wanderlust Storytellers
Lisbon, Portugal
There is also a lot to do for toddlers in Lisbon, making it one of the best international places to travel with toddlers.
One of the best places to visit with your toddler is Oceanário de Lisboa. The Lisbon aquarium is one of the largest in the world, and the main tank consists of five million litres of water! Over 8,000 sea creatures live in this fantastic space! Your toddler will be amazed at seeing sharks, manta rays and many colourful fish!
If your toddler is an animal lover put Jardim Zoológico de Lisboa on your itinerary for more animal spotting. Lisbon Zoo is easy to reach, and you can even see an Enchanted Forest!
The Portuguese capital has many hills, but there are many easy ways to get around Lisbon. Make sure to ride the cable car at Parque das Nações for fun with your toddler. You’ll have a stunning view over the river Tagus!
There are so many fun things to do in Lisbon for toddlers and adults. If you prefer to spend a day at the beach, the beaches in Cascais and Costa da Caparica are particularly toddler friendly. With colder weather, visiting Sāo Jorge Castle on the top of the hill is excellent. Lastly, consider booking a family photoshoot in Lisbon for long last memories!
Contributed by: Marga from Discover Portugal
Bali, Indonesia
Traveling with a toddler to a beach destination is a no-brainer. Toddlers need unrestricted movement of space and travel works best if their eat, play and nap schedule is not disturbed too much. Bali is a tropical paradise with happy people, great food and wonderful cultural options.
Whether you stay in a beach resort or an apartment with a pool or proximity to a beach, your toddler will enjoy water activities during the hot days! You can watch the beautiful sunset every night on the beach while your toddler gets their last wiggles out for the day.
Besides the beach, Bali is also great for sightseeing with a toddler. Don’t miss the stunning 180 degree view of the Indian Ocean at Uluwatu and jewelry shopping in Ubud.
Fine dining with a toddler is even very accepted in Bali. Take advantage of eating out in Bali as it is very affordable and extremely delicious! Because of all these reasons, Bali is definitely one of the best international places to travel with toddlers!
Contributed by: Shweta from Zest in a Tote
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin, Ireland is a beautiful international place to travel with toddlers. Dublin’s warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it easy for families to feel comfortable and relaxed. Irish people are incredibly welcoming and friendly, and this extends to their treatment of children, making it a pleasant experience for both parents and toddlers.
There are many toddler-friendly activities on offer in Dublin. The city boasts many beautiful parks with playgrounds, such as Phoenix Park, where toddlers can run around and play.
In the very likely event it rains during your visit, there are many indoor activities in Dublin for families. One of the best is the Natural History Museum with its animal and insect displays. Your toddler will love it!
Overall, Dublin’s charm, warm hospitality, and wealth of toddler-friendly activities make it an ideal international destination for families with young children, promising cherished memories for all.
Contributed by: Tamar of World by Weekend
Moorea, French Polynesia
Traveling to Moorea is a fantastic experience for families with toddlers. Situated in French Polynesia, this enchanting island boasts landscapes of lush mountains, bright turquoise waters, and pristine coral beaches, making it a feast for senses both young and old.
Getting to Moorea is also a breeze when traveling with little ones. The island is a short 45 minute ferry from the capital Papeete, reducing the need for overly long travel times and complicated layovers.
The main advantage Moorea has over other tropical destinations is its calm shallow lagoons formed by the coral that encircles it, which make it an ideal place for toddlers to splash around and enjoy the gentle waves. Parents can introduce their little adventurers to swimming and snorkeling in shallow areas, allowing them to marvel at the marine life.
Moorea also lacks any venomous critters, adding yet another layer of ease while exploring the outdoors.
Beyond the lagoons, Moorea also offers a wide variety of kid friendly excursions and experiences for families to enjoy together, such as leisurely boat rides or gentle hikes.
At nightfall, a trip to a traditional Polynesian dinner show full of singing and dancing is sure to delight parents just as much as the little ones, and often include opportunities for the children to meet the performers after the show has ended.
Overall, Moorea promises an unforgettable vacation for families with toddlers, offering a balance of relaxation, natural beauty, and engaging activities that can be enjoyed by all ages. The laid back atmosphere and warm hospitality central to Polynesian culture will ensure that families feel welcomed and accommodated throughout their stay.
Contributed by: Rose from Rose Campau
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the best international places to travel with toddlers for many reasons.
This Central American country is very safe, and its industry is based around tourism. As a result, the country is warm and welcoming towards tourists and specifically young children. There are a range of family-friendly hotels in Costa Rica specifically aimed at providing amenities for families, such as baby cots, babysitting, playrooms, and easy nature rails.
Young children thrive when spending time outdoors, and Costa Rica is a great place to do just that. Your toddler will love experiencing the rainforest and wildlife. It’s not uncommon to see monkeys on the beach or at restaurants in Costa Rica and your toddler will be both amazed and amused when they get to see them.
In addition, an abundance of tropical fruit grows in Costa Rica, such as avocados, papayas, pineapple and mango. Your toddler will enjoy tasting these fresh fruits throughout your trip.
There are plenty of wonderful hikes through the rainforest for you and your toddler to enjoy together. One of the best rainforest hikes with a toddler is Mistico in La Fortuna, which is an easy, mostly paved walking trail.
Also, be sure to head to the beach. There are many family-friendly beaches suitable for toddlers in the Guanacaste region such as Playa Tamarindo and Playa Brasilito. Or if your trip takes you to the Manuel Antonio region check out Playa Espadilla, Playa Hermosa and Jaco Beach.
Contributed by: Kristin from Tiny Footsteps Travel
Queenstown, New Zealand
Known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, it may not seem a natural choice for toddlers, but in fact it can be such a great place to explore with young kids.
Toddlers can have their own epic adventures in Queenstown. Families must head up the Skyline Gondola for the epic views and also take a ride on the luge. Toddlers (31in and taller) can double with their parents for only $5 extra for as many rides as they like. They’ll love speeding down the track and looking all over the mountains.
Those not up for a rush can try some unique experiences such as seeing a native kiwi in the Kiwi Park or a historic steamship tour on the TSS Earnslaw visiting a local farm. You could even book a scenic flight to one of New Zealand’s top attractions like Fiordland National Park or Mount Cook!
There are also so many great free things to do such as the waterfront playground, a short walk to Bobs Cove or playing frisbee in Queenstown Gardens.
There is plenty of great family accommodation in Queenstown and the Driftaway Queenstown is one of the best. Villa and camping options with a huge playground and even a firetruck bathtub make this a must visit spot. Queenstown is absolutely one of the best international places to travel with toddlers!
Contributed by: Jennifer from Backyard Travel Family
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
One of the best international places to travel with toddlers is Sharjah in the UAE. The emirate has many fabulous family destinations and events. In fact, it was the first location to be awarded the title Child Friendly City by UNICEF!
Your toddler will love the nature reserves in the area. Sharjah Aquarium is definitely a top attraction toddlers will enjoy, followed by Wasit Wetlands Reserve.
A short bus ride out of the city will bring you to Sharjah Desert Park, home to The Arabian Wildlife Center, Children’s Farm and Natural History Museum with lots of interactive and fun displays.
Other fun locations are the Airport, Science and Archaeology Museums, which are suitable for all ages and very budget-friendly.
Al Noor Island and Butterfly House is a must along with the many beaches and parks. As well as seeing and interacting with some beautiful butterflies, your toddler can bounce along the trampoline path, enjoy different habitats.
Sharjah’s many festivals and fairs have fun events for children and the Children’s Reading Festival in the fall.
Children under 12 go free almost everywhere or for a low cost. Lastly, mothers’ rooms are available in all locations if you need to change or feed your toddler.
Contributed by: Alison from Glimpses of UAE
Colmar, France
Istria, Croatia
Istria in Croatia is one of the top places in Europe for a fabulous family vacation with toddlers! This place is simply breathtaking as it has great natural beauty. You will find beautiful countryside, beaches and many places of interest, and the people are warm and welcoming
You and your family can do a lot in Istria. A must for adults are the coastal towns such as Pula and Rovinj, both high on the list of the country’s best sights. There are also many beautiful beaches along the coast, and even some sandy beaches, which are perfect for toddlers to explore.
But it’s not just the sightseeing and the swimming that’s interesting, there are also plenty of activities that are kid-friendly. Funtana Dinopark in Istria is one of the biggest highlights for toddlers. The little ones will be amazed by the life-size and moving dinosaurs on an area of 80,000 square meters!
A visit to Istralandia near Novigrad or Aquapark Aquacolors in Porec is also really cool. Here, children of all ages can experience their own personal vacation paradise.
Furthermore, Istria offers a wide range of family sports activities. Take your toddlers cycling along the coast or on the water for some kayaking or boating – so much fun! Istria is no doubt one of the best international places to travel with toddlers.
Recommended by: Martina from PlacesofJuma
Enjoy Your Trip with Your Toddler
That concludes the list of the best international places to travel with toddlers. The world is a wonderful playground for your little ones. Let them learn and explore all over the world! Enjoy your family trip to your bucket list travel destination.
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