Travel Insider

Eight best places around the world for family-friendly holidays

From film sets to magical theme parks, here's the lowdown.

Travel Insider

Eight best places around the world for family-friendly holidays

By Akash Arora

Updated May 27, 2025, first published November 19, 2024

HOBBITON, NEW ZEALAND

Even if you're not a fan of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit books and movies, a visit to the Hobbiton Film Set on New Zealand's North Island is unforgettable. Meander through rolling hills, rustic bridges and Hobbit dwellings complete with round doors - including the iconic Bag End, home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins.

Hobbiton Movie Set in New Zealand.

The film set is only accessible via tours, so stay in the nearby town of Matamata with lots of family-friendly options, and don't forget to book hotels and tours in advance because everything books out - particularly during the school holidays. hobbitontours.com

WAIKIKI, HAWAII

Soaring mountains, crystal-clear beaches, top-notch retail therapy and a staggering array of family-friendly hotels, bars, cafes and restaurants ... the Hawaiian island of Oahu ticks all these boxes and then some. And Waikiki is the ground zero of all that action. Check in to Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort, renowned for its swimming pools with waterslides, then get exploring. Visit Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium; hike up to the top of Diamond Head volcanic crater for sweeping city and water views; or simply sign up for a surfing or paddleboarding experience on the white-sand beach right outside your hotel.

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SENTOSA, SINGAPORE

Many first-timers to Singapore set aside a day for Sentosa. The truth is: there's so much do here, even a week will fall short.

Sentosa, Singapore.

You can easily spend entire days at world-class attractions such as Universal Studios and Adventure Cove Waterpark; and while away evenings watching Wings of Time (a spectacular show that combines lights, water and fireworks) and dining at kid-friendly restaurants such as Coastes. And that's before we get to the blizzard of resorts that are so good that kids would never want to leave.

AFRICAN SAFARI

It is a myth that an African safari with the kids will break your bank. Intrepid Travel offers a number of excursions that take you to some of the Mother Continent's most incredible locations without sending you broke.

Wildlife safari in Africa.

Sign up for the company's 10-day Botswana Family Safari with Teenagers (from $2205 per person) if you want to visit three countries (South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe), multiple iconic African locations (including Victoria Falls and Okavango Delta) and observe the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and African buffalo) in their natural habitat.

JAPAN

World-class theme parks (from Tokyo Disneyland to Universal Studios in Osaka); family-friendly skiing meccas such as Nozawa Onsen and Shiga Kogen; and the ease of transport (bullet trains, anyone?) are the key reasons Japan is so big among families.

Japan.

Live spectacles such as sumo wrestling add to the appeal; not to mention a strong Aussie dollar that's currently buying about a hundred yen.

DISNEYLAND, CALIFORNIA

There are Disneylands all over the world but this is the OG. Anaheim in California was best known for oranges until Walt Disney opened the world's first Disneyland here in 1955 and turned the rural community into "the happiest place on Earth".

Disneyland in Anaheim, California.

Sign up for attractions such as Mad Tea Party and Peter Pan's Flight that have been here from day one, followed by something new and more daring like Avengers Campus.

VIENNA, AUSTRIA

No family's travel bucket list is complete without a visit to at least one classic Christmas market, and the one held in Vienna is one of the world's best. Fill your eyes with wonder and tummies with traditional treats such as Sachertorte, as little snowflakes settle on brightly lit trees and vibrant stalls among historic icons such as Schonbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palace.

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FIJI

Direct flights from several Australian cities, year-round tropical weather, impossibly scenic beaches and gorgeous locals who have mastered the art of taking care of kids - from toddlers to restless teens - make this country a firm favourite among Australians. But what really seals the deal is the exhaustive number of resorts on offer. Holiday Inn Suva, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Fiji Sonaisali Island and Radisson Blu Resort Fiji Denarau Island are great options for wallet-friendly escapes the whole brood will enjoy. But if you want to turn up the luxe factor, there's no dearth of options, with high-end resorts ranging from Vomo Island Resort to Malolo Island Resort.

Pictures: Unsplash

Words byAkash Arora

Akash is the Deputy Travel Editor for Australian Community Media. He has lived and worked in four cities around the world – Sydney, London, New Delhi and New York – and, at last count, travelled to 42 countries.

My all-time favourite destination is ... New York. You can drop a pin anywhere in Manhattan and start walking in any direction, and the sights and sounds of the city that never stops will begin to stimulate all your senses in an instant.

Next on my bucket list is … Scandinavia - at the peak of summer, when the sun almost never sets.

My top travel tip is … If you’re flying to Sydney from anywhere in the world, pick a window seat far from the wing on the left-hand-side of the aeroplane. If the weather gods and flight path align, you’ll have the most incredible views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House.