Multigenerational travel is more popular than ever, whether families are interested in museums, or in the great outdoors, there is plenty to find around the world. From enjoying a scenic hot air balloon ride in South Lake Tahoe, California, to experiencing the underwater sea life in Moorea lagoon on The Islands of Tahiti, we’ve put together a number of engaging experiences, suitable for the whole family.

The Islands of Tahiti www.tahititourisme.uk (above)
Consisting of 118 islands and atolls, including Tahiti, Bora Bora, the Tuamotu Islands and Marquesas Islands, The Islands of Tahiti are a true paradise in the South Pacific. The family can experience an array of water activities on the islands crystal-clear waters including a scuba diving class with AQUABLUE in the Moorea lagoon, or paddle boarding on the quiet waters around the islands which is suitable for the whole family. Lagoon tours can take the whole party in the back of a 4×4 around the islands and through the lagoons. Whilst staying on The Islands of Tahiti, families can stay together at one of the Tahitian Guesthouses, ranging from bungalows with lush gardens to stylised thatched-roof villas, which can start from around $100 per night.

Setouchi, Japan setouchitrip.com

The scenery in Setouchi is not to be missed, at 500 metres above sea level, Mount Misen is the highest peak on Miyajima Island in the Hiroshima Prefecture offering incredible views. The perfect hiking spot for all generations, the peak offers three hiking trails leading up Misen. Grandparents who might not want the hiking experience, but would like to witness the incredible surroundings, can hop on board the Miyajima Ropeway cable car that travels halfway up the mountain. The active kids can set foot with their parents on one of the three hiking trails towards the Ropeway’s upper station, where the whole family can reconvene to witness several interesting temple structures which belong to Daishi-in Temple – including the popular Misen Hondo (Misen Main Hall) and the Reikado (Hall of Spiritual Fame). To reach the summit from here, it’s a 30 minute walk and on clear days, Hiroshima City can be seen in the distance.

California, USA
South Lake Tahoe, California www.tahoesouth.com
Surrounded by the majestic High Sierra Mountains, South Lake Tahoe is a nature-lover’s paradise and a great adventure destination that can be enjoyed by children, parents and grandparents. During the summer, there are a number of adrenaline-fuelled activities to keep the kids occupied, from zipling among the pine trees, with a spectacular mountain backdrop on the Skyway Zip Line Tour, to speeding down the mountain on the Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster at Heavenly Resort. While the kids are having fun, there are a number of gentle hiking spots for parents to explore, including the Tahoe Rim Trail, one of the most iconic and beautiful trails, with over 165-miles of single-track circumnavigating the ridge lines of the beautiful Lake Tahoe Basin.

Mammoth Lakes, California www.visitmammoth.com

There’s an abundance of family activities available in Mammoth Lakes throughout the summer months. Kids can enjoy the numerous lakes in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, with kayaks and paddleboards that can be rented at a number of spots, such as Tamarack Lodge on the east shore of Twin Lakes. Whilst the kids enjoy taking to the waters, the adults can enjoy from the banks with a fishing line in hand, as Mammoth Lakes offers some of the best trout fishing in the world. A sunny day makes for a special experience for the whole family, with peaceful waters and incomparable scenery, offering sweeping views of the surrounding mountains

Sacramento, California www.visitsacramento.com

The 28-acre National Historic Landmark, Old Sacramento, offers fun, historical activities for the whole family. Sacramento’s History Museum is dedicated to the city’s rich history and the exhibits explore the stories of pioneers who settled during the Gold Rush. Kids are kept entertained by trying their luck at gold panning and visiting the interactive exhibits, as well as joining the underground tour, where they are taken under the city streets to hear about the history of the area. While in Old Sacramento, there are a number of attractions that will also keep the parents entertained, including the California State Railroad Museum – where visitors can get inside old trains – and the Delta King Hotel, a floating hotel and restaurant in a resorted historic vessel on the American River to enjoy lunch after a morning of exploring the area.

Greater Palm Springs, California www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com

With nine cities in one beautiful oasis, Greater Palm Springs is rich in experiences for all the generations, with outdoor adventure, healing mineral spas and world-class events. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway – the world’s largest rotating tram car – offers an exciting full-day of family adventure as it travels over two and a half miles along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon, up to the wilderness of Mt. San Jacinto State. Admire the view in awe as the 10-minute tram ride offers spectacular views of the valley floor, before reaching the end of the journey at an elevation of 8,516 feet. From here, everyone can enjoy over 50 miles of hiking trails and 14,000 acres of pristine wilderness, while grandparents enjoy lunch at Peaks restaurant with panoramic views of Coachella Valley.

Huntington Beach, California www.surfcityusa.com

The relaxing California beach lifestyle can be enjoyed with the whole family in Huntington Beach, with 10 miles of uninterrupted sandy beaches offering endless opportunity for outdoor activities. Families can all head out on a cycle ride along the long stretch of beach or play volleyball together at one of the beach courts. To complete the day, there are more than 500 fire pits lining the sand for the kids to try roasting s’mores, whilst the adults enjoy a crisp glass of California wine as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean.

Santa Barbara, California www.santabarbaraca.com

Blending big city culture with the relaxed vibe of a quintessential beach town, families travelling to Santa Barbara will find a host of activities to enjoy. The Santa Barbara Zoo, one of the world’s most beautiful zoos, exhibits over 500 animals within 30 acres of lush botanic gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Andree Clark Bird Refuge and Santa Ynez Mountains. Right on the waterfront, Santa Barbara also offers boating activities kids and grandparents alike will enjoy. With speed boat tours around the harbour, and whale watching tours with Condor Express, everyone in the family will be kept entertained on a trip to Santa Barbara.

San Diego, California www.sandiego.org

Renowned for being a top family destination in America, San Diego offers multigenerational family travellers a host of activities, from theme parks and state parks, to museums and hiking trails. For those interested in San Diego’s animal attractions, world-class exhibits include San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where kids can get up close with herds of animals from inside a cart, and SeaWorld San Diego where kids can witness dolphins, penguins and sharks. Whilst the kids are off having fun with the animals, the adults don’t have to miss out. Named as one of the top beer cities in the world, San Diego’s craft beer scene is thriving, with more than 140 breweries within the county, no one will go thirsty.

Further in the USA

Durango, Colorado www.colorado.com

Running from May – October, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad offers fun for all. The coal-fired, steam-powered narrow gauge train travels the 45 miles between the mining town of Silverton and the railroad-built town of Durango, on a railway laid in 1882. Learning about the history of the railway will keep the adults happy, whilst kids can get excited as the train journeys along the Animas River through wilderness inaccessible by road, visitors can gain access to the San Juan National Forest and the Weminuche Wilderness for day hikes, rafting and fishing trips that can be experienced by the whole family.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania www.visitpittsburgh.com
Pittsburgh is a destination for families who quickly discover what locals already know — Pittsburgh is fun, affordable and packed with family entertainment. A green oasis in the middle of Pittsburgh’s vibrant Oakland neighbourhood, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers a world-class garden experience, with towering tropical plants, miniature orchids, indoor and outdoor gardens, and a fabulous bonsai collection, exciting to any generation. The kids can be kept occupied at the Discovery Garden, where they can exercise their green thumbs and explore the world of plants and flowers. For a cultural experience, visit one of the top museums in the area, such as the Andy Warhol Museum and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater.

Portland, Oregon www.travelportland.com

Covering more than 400 acres, Portland’s Washington Park offers a host of attractions for multigenerational family travel to enjoy throughout the year. Children can go wild at Oregon Zoo or get creative at Portland Children’s Museum and the grown-ups can enjoy the Portland Japanese Garden, one of the most beautiful and authentic Japanese gardens in the world outside of Japan, encompassing 12 acres with eight separate garden styles. Bordered by Forest Park, visitors can enjoy further exploration of 5,100 acres of biking and hiking trails for the whole family to explore.

Author

Northern girl Laura is the epitome of a true entrepreneur. Laura’s spirit for adventure and passion for people blaze through House of Coco. She founded House of Coco in 2014 and has grown it in to an internationally recognised brand whilst having a lot of fun along the way. Travel is in her DNA and she is a true visionary and a global citizen.

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