Great Family Summer Vacation Ideas

Here are some great ideas for places to go for a family vacation. Note that everyone has different tastes and preferences when it comes to their ideal family vacation spot so make sure to read through the whole list before deciding what is best for you. Summer is a great time to get out and have some fun with the family. If you’ve been looking for some great vacation ideas, then you’ve come to the right place!

You want to hit the road and start vacationing, but aren’t sure how to juggle all the details. The last thing you want to worry about is whether your morning routine is complete for the day. Don’t give yourself a headache over endless details – it’s your time off! Follow these planning steps so that you are able to enjoy summer vacation with family.

Traveling with your family can be challenging and expensive. However, it doesn’t have to be. There are thousands of travel destinations you can choose from throughout the country that won’t break the bank or cause a meltdown from your kids. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that the best vacation ideas for families are those that let children’s imaginations run wild!

Great Family Summer Vacation Ideas

Summer vacation means the kids are out of school, the calendar is wide open for family fun, and the best summer vacation spots in the U.S. are welcoming kids and parents with open arms. For most families, that means summer vacation ideas are back on the radar after a year or two of COVID-conscious family road trips, backyard movie nights, and other staycation vacations.

Summer Vacation Ideas for 2022

From bucket-list family vacation ideas to epic family travel adventures the kids will never forget, here are the summer vacation spots in the U.S. that offer a little something for everyone in the family—and every budget, too.

EXPLORE MORE: 20 Best Family Vacation Spots in the U.S.

1. Hershey, Pennsylvania

The sweetest place in the United States also happens to be within driving distance of many northeast cities. Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is home to world-class roller coasters, a water park, and Zoo America spread across 121 acres of pure family fun. 

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Here the thrill rides are interspersed with kiddie rides that make it easy to keep the family together all day long, even when you’re traveling with teenagers and little ones at the same time. Another great perk of Hersheypark? All ticket holders are entitled to a sweet preview in which you’re able to visit the park the evening prior to your scheduled visit for several complimentary hours of family fun!

Several dining opportunities—such as Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor—can be found at Chocolatetown, the park’s $150-million expansion honoring the life and legacy of Milton S. Hershey. Chocolatetown is also the place to experience Candymonium, Hersheypark’s biggest roller coaster ever.

Where to Stay on a Summer Vacation to Hershey

After your sugar and adrenaline rushes, head to the Hershey Lodge, a converted motor lodge with modern upscale vibes, for onsite dining options and chocolate-themed sweet treats. There’s also an indoor water park exclusively for hotel guests, featuring the deliciously named Twizzlers Twists water slides.

2. San Diego, California

Thanks to its seemingly endless coastline and kid-friendly attractions, San Diego is a perennial favorite for California family vacations.

Head to SeaWorld to ride one of the best new roller coasters in the country, Emperor Dive, which sends guests to exhilarating speeds of more than 60 miles per hour on the tallest and fastest floorless dive coaster in the state. SeaWorld San Diego is also the only place in North America where you can see the Emperor Penguins whose journey from cliff to sea inspired the coaster’s design.

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Families love visiting the San Diego Zoo, where you can explore a state-of-the-art hummingbird exhibit and interact directly with the buzzing birds. When the day is done, dinner at the historic Bali Hai will have you feeling like you’ve been transported directly to the tropics. 

Why not work a little road trip to Carlsbad into your summer vacation ideas as well? There, you can visit the Flower Fields and LEGOLAND California, then enjoy the relaxing and kid-friendly atmosphere of King’s Fish House for some top-notch local seafood. 

Where to Stay for a San Diego Summer Vacation with Kids

If a private beach and the lushly tropic atmosphere of a Polynesian paradise sound like your idea of a summer vacation dream come true, you have to stay at San Diego’s Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa between Mission Beach and Pacific Beach. Restaurants and shops are walking distance away, and you can rent bikes (and beach essentials) from the hotel. Ocean views suites and private balconies round out the experience.