Destinations For Each Month of 2026
It’s a new year, which means new opportunities and places to travel. Still not sure of your 2026 travel plans? Not to worry! We have 12 destination recommendations for each month of this new year, perfect for families wanting to add new countries and cities to their list of travels.
January: Puerto Vallarta, MEXICO
To kick off the year, spend your January basking in the sun on one of Mexico’s many beaches. Our family is spending the MLK long weekend here, and we can’t wait for the sun and sand! Visiting this part of Mexico during the beginning winter months means more temperate weather, less rain, and potential for whale watching.
Some of our favorite activities for kids include snorkeling (this can be within your resort’s beach or through a booked tour), Butterfly Sanctuary, and a Pirate Tour. Whether you choose to stay at an all-inclusive resort and stick to the pools and beaches or venture outside and book an AirBnb, your family will have an amazing time in this beautiful city.
FEBRUARY: PUERTO RICO
To keep winter feeling short, February is a perfect time to escape to Puerto Rico, where warm sunshine, ocean breezes, and vibrant culture make for an easy and rewarding family getaway. With no passport required for U.S. travelers, it’s a stress-free way to trade snow boots for beach days. February brings comfortable temperatures, low humidity, and ideal weather for exploring both the coast and the rainforest.
Some of our favorite kid-friendly activities include roaming the historic forts of Old San Juan, hiking and swimming beneath waterfalls in El Yunque Rainforest, snorkeling at calm beaches like Luquillo or Escambrón, and experiencing the magic of a bioluminescent bay tour (best for older kids). Whether your family prefers a resort with pools and beach access or an Airbnb close to local neighborhoods and food, Puerto Rico offers the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and culture for a memorable February escape.
MARCH: Washington d.c.
March is a wonderful time to explore Washington, DC with kids, as the city begins to shake off winter and comes alive with early spring energy. Mild temperatures make it comfortable for walking, and the city starts to buzz in anticipation of cherry blossom season. Best of all, DC offers endless family-friendly attractions that are both fun and educational. Watch out for the cherry blossom festival dates! While beautiful, they draw huge crowds.
Families love spending time at the Smithsonian museums (all free!), especially the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of Natural History. Outdoor highlights include strolling the National Mall, spotting monuments, and enjoying playgrounds and open spaces as spring blooms begin to appear. Whether you stay in a central hotel or a nearby neighborhood, DC in March is a perfect mix of history, hands-on learning, and fresh-air fun for a memorable family trip.
APRIL: CHARLESTON, SC
Charleston is the perfect southern city to visit with your family, and going in April means you won’t all be sweating through your clothes. This is a great destination to do for a long weekend or combine with a nearby beach town to make it a full week getaway. When we went, we spent the first four days staying at Kiawah Island for the beaches and the following weekend staying in the city.
Within the city, you could walk for hours exploring the historic houses or stop by the many markets happening in the spring and summer months. For families with older kids and teens, a ghost hunt could be an exciting activity for the evening. While we saw no ghosts, we learned so much about the history of the city!
MAY: ChICAGO, IL
This busy city can be a great way to mix it up between trips full of beaches and hikes. Regardless of what your family enjoys, there will be more than enough activities to fill a long weekend. For families with young girls, you can’t skip out on the American Girl Doll Store—a core memory in our family. And your kids will surely be impressed by the variety of animals in the Shedd Aquarium.
For foodies, this city is a must-see. You can’t do a weekend here without trying their deep-dish pizzas and hot dogs. Don’t forget a sweet treat either, like Garett’s popcorn or even the Museum of Ice Cream.
JUNE: Lisbon, Portugal
June is a fantastic time to visit Lisbon with kids, when the city is full of sunshine, long days, and lively summer energy. Warm—but not overwhelming—temperatures make it ideal for exploring, and the city’s famous June festivals bring music, decorations, and a joyful atmosphere to the streets.
Family-friendly highlights include riding the iconic Tram 28 through historic neighborhoods, exploring São Jorge Castle with its wide-open viewpoints, visiting the Oceanário de Lisboa (one of Europe’s best aquariums), and enjoying nearby beaches like Cascais for an easy day trip. Whether you stay in a centrally located hotel or a family-friendly apartment, Lisbon in June offers a wonderful blend of culture, outdoor fun, and relaxed European charm that makes it an easy and memorable summer destination for families.
JULY: OUTER BANKS, NC
June is an ideal time to visit the Outer Banks, North Carolina, when summer officially kicks off and the barrier islands are full of laid-back beach energy. The weather is warm and breezy without the peak-summer crowds, making it a sweet spot for families who want long beach days and easy outdoor fun.
Kids love flying kites on wide, windy beaches, climbing the Wright Brothers National Memorial, spotting wild horses in Corolla, and exploring lighthouses like Cape Hatteras. June’s calm waters are great for swimming, paddleboarding, and beginner surf lessons. Whether you rent a beach house for a relaxed, slow-paced stay or choose a family-friendly resort, the Outer Banks in June offers a perfect mix of nature, history, and classic coastal summer memories.
AUGUST: Portland, me
June is a beautiful time to visit Maine with kids, as the state eases into summer with cooler temperatures, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds than peak season. Long daylight hours make it easy to pack days with outdoor adventure while still enjoying a relaxed, small-town coastal vibe.
Families love exploring Acadia National Park, where carriage roads, easy hikes, and tide pools are perfect for little explorers. Whale-watching tours begin for the season, and charming harbor towns offer boat rides, lighthouses, and ice cream stops at every turn. Whether you stay in a seaside inn, a cozy cabin, or a vacation rental near the coast, Maine in June delivers fresh air, natural beauty, and classic New England charm for a memorable family getaway.
SEPTEMBER: MUNICH, Germany
September is a wonderful time to visit Munich with kids, when the weather is crisp and comfortable and the city transitions into early fall. Crowds are lighter than peak summer, and the city’s parks, beer gardens, and cultural sites are especially enjoyable in the mild temperatures. If you want more, hop on a train to Salzburg, Austria or Prague, Czech Republic.
Family-friendly highlights include exploring the expansive English Garden (where kids can run, bike, and watch surfers on the Eisbach), visiting the interactive Deutsches Museum, and strolling through Marienplatz to watch the famous Glockenspiel. Easy day trips to fairy-tale castles like Neuschwanstein or alpine lakes add extra adventure. Whether you stay in a centrally located hotel or a family apartment near green space, Munich in September offers a perfect blend of culture, outdoor fun, and relaxed Bavarian charm for a memorable family trip.
OCTOBER: ORLANDO, FL
October is a fantastic time to visit Orlando with kids, when slightly cooler temperatures and lower humidity make long park days much more comfortable. Fall brings seasonal events, festive decorations, and smaller crowds than peak summer, creating a great balance of fun and ease for families.
Families love spending time at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, where Halloween-themed events, parades, and character experiences add extra magic. Outside the parks, October is also great for visiting pumpkin patches, airboat rides, and family-friendly attractions like ICON Park. Whether you stay at an on-site resort or a nearby vacation rental, Orlando in October delivers classic theme-park excitement with a seasonal twist that kids—and parents—will love.
NOVEMBER: MAUI, HI
November is the start of whale watching season in Hawaii, making it a fun spot for the family. However, it is the start of the winter and rainy season, so be sure to keep an eye on the weather and plan to be flexible! Visiting during this time usually means fewer crowds and more temperate weather. Only a 6 hour flight from LAX, this state is perfect for families looking to stay within the United States.
Whether your family enjoys long hikes for a great view or making sandcastles on the beach, Maui is a great spot for you! From wildlife tours to mermaid tours (Yes, mermaids! You heard that right), there is sure to be an excursion for each kiddo in your family.
DECEMBER: WILLEMSTAD, CURAÇAO
What better way to end the year than spending it relaxing in a lush, tropical paradise? This Dutch island is one of our favorite lesser-known Caribbean islands. Since this island boasts less established resorts than other popular travel spots, there are so many beaches surrounded by natural cliffs and forests, making you feel like you’re in the middle of a hidden oasis.
This destination is perfect for families looking to be immersed in nature. From swimming with sea turtles and finding coral on the beaches to touring the island on a jeep, there is no shortage of activities for any age. And if you’re tired of the saltwater? The main port city of Willemstad is perfect for an afternoon of shopping or dinners out.