Family-Friendly Summer Vacation Destinations

The summer is a great time
to visit the Scandinavian countries and I have found Oslo to be a great
choice for families. Oslo have wonderful cultural offerings, such as the Viking
Museum, Vigeland
Sculpture Park,  and the Nobel Peace
Center. 

And because this Nordic
capital is located between a Fjord and the forest, the summer is the perfect
time for sightseeing by boat, visiting the surrounding islands, hiking and
going to the climbing park, Oslo Summer Park.

Since moving
to the Netherlands, Farrah Ritter of The Three Under
has discovered that it has so much to offer and that there is still so much
more to see and do with little kids. Efteling,
one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, is located in the Netherlands and
although it’s the largest theme park in the country, it is still small enough
that it won’t overwhelm young children – or their parents. The summer is the
best time to visit Loonse and
Drunense Dunes, a national park in the Netherlands famous for its
moving sand. Take to the numerous trials on foot or by bike to explore the
woodlands that were planted at the end of the 19th century to control the movement of the sand.

Sonja Key who frequently travels To Europe with Kids, suggests summer fun
in and around the historical city of Lisbon! 
Beaches, shopping, historical sights, and fabulous food abound, and the weather
won’t let you down.  

Parks and
large squares offer shade, cafés, and strolls, and a vintage trolley system
takes you comfortably through town from place to place.  Sail or cruise
along the Tagus River or head to beautiful Cascais Beach only 30 kilometers (19
miles) west of Lisbon.  Take a short train ride on a day trip to the nearby
leafy town of Sintra and visit the exotic Pena National Palace or tour the
grounds of the Quinta da Regaleira estate.  If you have kids they will
never forget exploring the caves, trails, and hideouts in Monteiro the
Millionaire’s backyard.

Lisa Goodmurphy has Gone With the
Family all over the world, yet some of her family’s favorite summer
vacation destinations are located in their home country of Canada,
specifically Atlantic Canada where they continue to return again and again.
Take a sightseeing cruise to view puffins, stand at North America’s easternmost
point at Cape Spear, drive the scenic Cabot trail on Cape Breton Island and
walk on the ocean floor in the Bay of Fundy at low tide and return a few hours
later to see the world’s highest tide in action at Hopewell Rocks in New
Brunswick. 

Greece is Lisa’s pick if you are looking for a
destination where you will be virtually guaranteed hot, sunny weather during
summer vacation. Visiting ancient historical sites like the Parthenon in Athens
is both fun and educational, and the islands are a nice change of pace as they
are all about relaxation – sun-bathing on the beach, sitting in cafés and just
enjoying the gorgeous view. 

Photo credit: Lisa Goodmurphy

The Cayman
Islands rank as one of the top summer destinations for Tawanna
Smith of Mom’s Guide to
Travel. The summer is typically low season on the island and its
great beaches, including the famous Seven Mile Beach and attractions like the
Turtle Farm in Boatswain’s Park can be enjoyed without the crowds. Tawanna also
recommends eating at the Tortuga Rum Factory, and shopping at Fosters, the
local supermarket, for groceries. (To learn more about the Cayman Islands,
watch Mom’s Guide to Travel video here: http://bit.ly/11YdMYo)