AFRICA
For a safari adventure
Africa is a paradise for wildlife lovers. Go camping and get up close to endangered animals in the continent's countless national parks and nature reserves.
Choose from several countries: Uganda, home to about half of the world’s mountain gorillas; Kenya, popular for game viewing; Zimbabwe, which has one of the world’s largest populations of elephants; Zambia, a haven for hippos and birds; and Tanzania, with its massive wildebeest, zebra, lion and crocodile populations.
One of the best ways to experience African wildlife is to go on a safari or a guided trek through the parks and reserves. “Glamping” or luxury camping safaris are also an excellent way to explore the wilds of Africa.
For beautiful beaches and water sports
Zanzibar, an archipelago off Tanzania in East Africa, boasts beautiful beaches and shallow lagoons – perfect for boat trips, and water sports such as snorkelling and windsurfing.
The Seychelles islands are also well known for beautiful beaches and clear waters. Once popular with honeymooners, it’s becoming a top spot for families who want to check out the pristine marine wildlife and coral reefs. The islands are free of large predatory animals, so it’s a safe option if you have very young children.
ASIA
For a magical experience
Tokyo and Hokkaido in Japan have long been popular with Singaporean families. Now add Osaka to the list, as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Theme Park recently opened at Universal Studios Japan.
Like the first one at Universal Studios in Florida, this second park is based on J.K. Rowling’s popular book series and the movies. The attraction features a signature flight simulator ride, called Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and some of Hogwarts’ famous spots, like Dumbledore’s office and Hogsmeade village. Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan or not, you are guaranteed a fantastic time.
For stunning scenery and cultural lessons
In southern China, Guilin is home to beautiful scenery and a variety of minority cultures. It is also where many of China’s pandas live – you can take photos with the adorable creatures at Guilin Zoo.
A fun way to experience the breathtaking Guilin scenery and villages is by taking a cruise along the Li River and a mini-bus tour through the Yangshuo countryside, where you can see ancient architecture and colourful villages.
In Guilin, you and your kids can try Chinese calligraphy and painting, cooking and tai chi. Don’t miss famous attractions like Elephant Trunk Hill, a park that is perfect for picnicking and relaxing, and the Reed Flute Cave, a limestone cave that dates back 180 million years.
For a Himalayan adventure
If your family loves the outdoors, then Nepal and its stunning Himalayan mountain range offers a spectacular backdrop for an unforgettable adventure. You can customise hikes and treks, go camping and white water rafting, experience an elephant safari, listen to the sherpas' mountain stories, and learn local crafts like pottery from the villagers.
CARIBBEAN AND CENTRAL AMERICA
For nature trips and ancient ruins
Belize is an unspoiled destination in the Caribbean. English is the main language here, and food and accommodation are inexpensive.
Outdoor and water-based activities are popular with kids of all ages, from snorkelling and river tubing to splashing in swimming holes and jungle walking. The Belize Zoo is home to many indigenous animals, including big cats like jaguars and ocelots, and Belize’s national animal, the Baird’s tapir. Your family may also wish to explore the ancient Mayan ruins.
For inexpensive outdoor adventures
More travellers are also discovering Costa Rica, and it’s easy to see why. This Central American nation is inexpensive, welcoming to foreigners and child-friendly.
Popular activities include horseback riding on the beach, zip lining through the lush rainforest, a rafting tour along the gentle Corobici River, and a turtle tour at Playa Grande.
The country’s Osa Peninsula, in particular, is great for adventure-loving families. Here, adults and older kids can try surfing, ocean kayaking, wildlife hiking, nocturnal walks, snorkelling and whale-watching.
NORTH AMERICA
For museums and festivals
Also known as “Festival City”, Montreal is abuzz with activity all year round. As this Canadian city has a rich European history, being there is very much like being in Paris, with its countless museums, theatres, parks and family-friendly festivals.
For starters, head to the Montreal Insectarium, which showcases over 150,000 insects, beehives, ant farms and more. At the Place des Arts Junior Theatre, your little ones can watch a dance or a puppet show, or listen to storytellers.
Dinosaur- and history-loving children will love the Redpath Museum, which has full-size dinosaur exhibits and also hosts workshops for families. At the McCord Museum, which has period costumes and old toys on display, your kids can play dress-up and participate in themed workshops.
For nature trips and kids’ entertainment
Another Canadian city worth visiting is Calgary in Alberta. The opening of the Glacier Skywalk a few months ago has made it a lot easier to take in the area’s natural beauty. Located on the Icefields Parkway, this circular, glass-floored walkway takes you hundreds of metres above the Sunwapta Valley, where you can enjoy spectacular views of waterfalls and the surrounding mountains.
When you’ve seen enough of the great outdoors, check out the city centre, home to Telus Spark, Canada’s new science centre for children, from toddlers to teens; the Calgary Zoo; the Eau Claire Market's shops and free children’s entertainment; and Prince’s Island Park, which has a large playground.
For year-round outdoor adventures
Denver, Colorado in the United States is an excellent year-round family holiday destination. In spring and summer, it is perfect for hiking, camping, fishing and other outdoor activities. In winter, the numerous ski resorts throw open their doors to skiers and snowboarders. Active families will also love exploring the state’s many ranches – go horseback riding, camp out, experience life on a ranch and more.
EUROPE
For kid-friendly attractions
Berlin may not be the first place you’d think of taking the family, but this German city has a lot to offer. A must-visit is the Berlin Zoo, the oldest zoo in Germany and the one with the largest collection of species. Its main attraction is the hippo aquarium, where visitors can observe these animals both above and under water.
At Tiergarten, the city’s largest park, cruise the lake in a rented paddle boat or climb up the Victory Column monument to enjoy the city views. Kollwitzplatz, in Prenzlauer Berg, has a number of spacious playgrounds and parks for kids, as well as family-friendly cafes.
For older kids and adults, there is the German Museum for Technology, with its showcase of airplanes, ships and locomatives, to name a few, and its range of hands-on and interactive activities for the whole family.
For a rural retreat
For a slice of rural life, Iceland has plenty to offer, from sheep and dairy farms to horse-breeding farms. It’s a great way to experience how local Icelanders live and work, while getting a first-hand look at animal rearing.
Other nature-based activities include glacier walks, caving and whale watching. Don’t miss the live volcanoes and thermal pools, too, and at certain times of the year, the amazing Northern Lights.
This article was originally published in Simply Her January 2015.