Planning a vacation that you and the kids can enjoy?
Autumn is the perfect time to travel. You can often avoid the summer crowds, witness the leaves changing colors, and make the most of the cool weather.
Here are eight family vacations to take this fall.
1. Wellington, New Zealand
March through May is New Zealand’s autumn season, and it’s one of the best times to visit.
The peak summer crowds have gone home, but the weather is great for camping, hiking, and exploring the area. Keep an eye on the ocean for the dolphins and orcas that visit this time of year.
Hike through the Zealandia wildlife ecosanctuary and maybe you’ll see flashes of color flitting overhead as you encounter rare birds.
Then, head to a cafe and enjoy a high tea or let the kids take a tour of the special effects studio, Weta Workshop, to see the movie props.
2. Pattaya, Thailand
This is a family-friendly place to go on vacation.
Take the young ones to visit Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, splash around at the Cartoon Network Amazone Water Park, and marvel at the 3D optical illusions at the Art in Paradise gallery.
Get up close and personal with pachyderms at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, an ethical ecotourism site.
Then, visit the Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden and stroll the grounds. You can also hop on a boat and buy fabric, silk, or silverwork at the floating market.
3. Osaka, Japan
One of the most popular things to do in Osaka in the fall is attending festivals.
At the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shinto Shrine, the autumn moon viewing festival marks the changing of the seasons.
The Hiraoka Shrine hosts a festival around this time of year as well, complete with floats and processions of people marching in the street.
The theme is celebrating the autumn harvest.
If you want to enjoy the fall foliage, head to Minoo Park, Osaka Castle Park, or Daisen Park to see the leaves changing color. You can also get a great view of the surrounding area from the aerial suspension bridge in Hoshida Park.
4. Banff National Park, Canada
One of the most spectacularly beautiful places in the world, Banff has everything you could ever want from a national park: Rugged mountains, crystal blue lakes, and beautiful fall colors.
In autumn, there aren’t as many tourists, so you’ll probably have an easier time finding parking and enjoying more solitude on the trails.
Go in mid-September to watch the larch trees turn a saffron yellow. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of moose or bears.
5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is famous for its multicolored leaves in autumn.
Covered in old-growth trees, this section of the Appalachian Mountains is a great place for a family vacation in the fall.
Be aware that October through November is actually the busy season, since visitors come from all over to see the leaves change color.
Despite the crowds, it’s well worth it to take a scenic drive through a corridor of red, gold, and orange trees, or do some easy hikes the kids can enjoy, like Andrews Bald or Cataract Falls.
6. Negril, Jamaica
If sunny, tropical beaches are on your mind, consider visiting Negril, Jamaica. Let the kids swim and play at Kool Runnings Waterpark.
Take a dip in the ocean at Seven Mile Beach or stroll through Barney’s Flower and Hummingbird Garden to see exotic plants and flowers.
If you’re feeling brave, go cliff diving at Rick’s Cafe. You can also kick back and relax at a family resort that includes spa services.
Because Jamaica never really gets cold, it’s the perfect place to visit in autumn if you want to escape the chilly weather back home.
7. Cairns, Australia
March, April, and May are the autumn months in Australia, when the weather starts to cool down.
Get a thrill by riding the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway through the fog or take a train ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Marvel at 360° views of ocean life at the Cairns Aquarium.
If you’re feeling outdoorsy, hike to Crystal Cascades, Mossman Gorge, or Barron Falls, then visit Jumrum Creek Conservation Park.
You can also explore the Cairns Botanic Gardens or ride horses at Kur-Cow Barnwell Farm.
8. Reykjavík, Iceland
The aptly named Land of Fire and Ice can be unpredictable in autumn, ranging from sunny days to snow.
As long as you’re prepared for the climate, you can visit Reykjavík in the fall to enjoy the many activities it has to offer.
Check out the famous Hallgrímskirkja church that towers above the surrounding landscape and stroll through the Árbær Open Air Museum to see houses covered in grass.
Attend the Iceland Airwaves music festival. While you’re in the capital city, you can’t miss the indoor ice caves, planetarium, and science exhibits at the Perlan museum.
The kids will also love the augmented-reality (AR) exhibits and ziplining.
If you’re lucky, you might witness the northern lights on a dark, clear night in Iceland. It’s one of the best reasons to take your vacation in the autumn.
Family Vacations to Take This Fall
If you’re looking for an autumn getaway, there are so many places that offer activities to suit any age or fitness level.
Whether you want warm sandy beaches, festivals, hiking trails, or a resort experience, there’s something out there for everybody.