Awesome trip ideas with your adult kids

Adventures, culture, and connection—here’s how to plan travel everyone will love

Some of the best travel memories come when your kids are no longer “kids” at all. When you travel together as adults, the pace shifts, you can have deeper conversations, and the possibilities are wide open. No early bedtimes, no height restrictions—just a chance to enjoy each other’s company in new (or familiar) places.

Here are some top ideas for trips that balance fun, relaxation, and that all-important “something for everyone.” Let’s face it—something for everyone is a must when you’re traveling with those diverse adult-children personalities!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Chase waterfalls (and canyons) in the national parks

Trade screens for scenic vistas in places that invite both adventure and quiet moments together.

• Yosemite National Park, CA – Iconic granite cliffs, cascading falls, and cozy cabin rentals for end-of-day chats.

• Great Smoky Mountains/Gatlinburg, TN – Trails, ziplining, and a lively town with quirky shops and attractions.

• Utah’s Mighty 5 – Arches, Bryce, Zion, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef—each one is a showstopper with hikes for all levels.

San Diego Zoo

Savor city life, one landmark at a time

Cities can be a playground of culture, food, and shared discoveries. Everyone thinks about New York (which is a fantastic option!), and here are a few additional cities to consider:

• Boston, MA – Walk the Freedom Trail, explore Fenway Park, or join a themed scavenger hunt.

• Chicago, IL – Architecture tours, lakefront strolls, and theater nights keep everyone engaged.

• San Diego, CA – World-class zoo, sun-soaked beaches, and museums—it’s easy to mix and match interests.

Active escapes with downtime built in

If your family loves a bit of activity before settling in for a shared dinner, these spots shine.

• Portland, OR – Waterfalls and the Columbia River Gorge by day, food trucks and quirky neighborhoods by night.

• Lake Tahoe, CA/NV – Ski slopes in winter, paddleboarding and hiking in summer, plus cozy rentals (homes or condos) for evenings in.

• Asheville, NC – Mountain trails, a thriving arts scene, and a creative local food culture.

Niagara Falls

Take the scenic route together

A road trip can be the perfect mix of structured fun and spontaneous detours. Think New York City to Niagara Falls or Seattle to Olympic National Park (I’ve done both, and they’re great!)—lots of variety, plenty of conversation time, and the freedom to follow your curiosity.

Lisbon, Portugal

Go big with an international adventure

Europe has a great mix of walkable cities, rich history, and vibrant local life—it’s perfect for grown-up family travel. Imagine mornings at a café in Vienna, Austria, afternoons exploring the medieval streets of Dubrovnik, Croatia, or evenings watching the sunset over Lisbon, Portugal’s riverside. Whether you’re wandering open-air markets, joining a local cooking class, or sailing along a coast, the shared discoveries will become lifelong memories.

Try something completely new

Sometimes the best bonding happens when you all step into uncharted territory together. You can try these ideas as part of a shared cruise, or a land vacation.

• Whitewater rafting or sea kayaking – Laugh, paddle, and celebrate together afterward.

• Wildlife watching safaris – Alaska’s bears, Africa’s big game safaris, or Costa Rica’s sloths: nature never fails to amaze.

• Theme park nostalgia trips – Rediscover the rides and shows you loved when the kids were small. It’ll bring back lots of great memories, and you’ll make new ones!

• Hot air ballooning – Float above vineyards, deserts, or valleys for a once-in-a-lifetime view.

• Overnight train journeys – Watch the scenery change while sharing a cabin (and plenty of conversation). You can do this in the U.S., Canada, or Europe, among other locations.

• Cultural immersion tours – Learn traditional crafts, music, or dance from local experts.

Pro tips for planning: 

• Let everyone help plan: Although it's best to have one main planner, you'll get more buy-in from your clan if they can give some input. Ask each person to choose one "must-do" activity or restaurant.

• Mix active and downtime: Combine sightseeing or hikes with time to relax at the rental or enjoy a meal.

• Stay together: Renting a house, cabin, or suite creates more time for conversation and fun. If you're on a cruise, ask me to reserve a room for you in the evening so you can play games and enjoy each other's company.

Vacations with adult children open up new possibilities and the flexibility to try experiences not possible when kids were small—so choose something that excites everyone and make it special! This is exactly where my kids are now (all adults, no grandkids yet), and it’s a fun stage of life!