17 Kid-Friendly Destinations on the Rise

Priceline recently analyzed millions of bookings in hundreds of thousands of cities around the world to determine the trendiest destinations for families this August. The results are based on year-over-year flight bookings during August 2017 and August 2018 among travelers purchasing at least three tickets with at least one being a child under 18 years old.

Michigan's Traverse City is as kid-friendly as Midwest cities come, offering a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities for its youngest visitors. Even after the annual National Cherry Festival ends in July, kids can enjoy movies under the stars and laser tag, bumper cars and much more at Lucky Jack's Family Fun Center.

Families vacationing in Portland during the summer have plenty of exciting options, starting with Oaks Park, one of the oldest operating amusement parks in the country. The Oregon Zoo and Portland Children's Museum also rank high on the list.

Bangkok is well-known for its shrines, temples and bustling streets but it remains an underrated destination for families. Traditional attractions with a Thai twist include theme parks such as Dream World, Siam Park City and Safari World.

New Orleans is home to dozens of must-see attractions that appeal to travelers of all ages. The walkable city features plenty of parks and inviting outdoor spaces as well as one-of-a-kind museums such as the National World War II Museum. Families can also walk through creepy cemeteries for yet another experience unique to the Big Easy.

The Buffalo Zoo, Explore & More Children's Museum and Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum are musts for families visiting the Buffalo-Niagara region. Parents will also want to venture Canalside to explore the historic district and its many activities.

Madrid has seen a notable year-over-year increase in family bookings on Priceline and is guaranteed to pleasantly surprise families visiting for the first time. The famous Puerta del Sol and the Madrid Rio provide excellent opportunities for parents to experience the best of the Spanish capital with their kids in tow. Madrid is also an ideal last-minute trip for summer vacation.

Beyond the iconic Alamo and the sights and sounds of the River Walk, kid-friendly San Antoniooffers a ton in the way of amusements. Spend a day at SeaWorld San Antonio or Six Flags Fiesta Texas before exploring the San Antonio Zoo, the Witte Museum and the Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium. The city is also home to Morgan's Wonderland, the world's first theme park designed with special-needs individuals in mind.

Myrtle Beach is a renowned family summer vacation destination that's only getting more popular. After all, if the kids get bored of the beach, there's always a new mini-golf course to conquer along with water parks, museums and thrill rides.

Family-fun in the Caribbean doesn't get much better than in Cancun. Hotels and resorts from Barcelo Hotel Group and others guarantee parents and kids alike will remain comfortable and entertained throughout their stay. Visitors of all ages can enjoy beautiful beaches, splash into cenotes and zipline high above the Yucatan.

Kids visiting Detroit will love Belle Isle, which is home to the oldest aquarium in the U.S. as well as a half-mile stretch of beach, a giant slide and a free nature center. Afterward, refuel with a bite to eat at Eastern Market before taking in a ball game at Comerica Park.

You name it, Tampa has it. Amusement parks, zoos and aquariums and kid-friendly museums. Families can even ride water bikes together to make sightseeing that much more fun. It's also one of the most affordable summer vacation spots.

Kings Dominion is as close as some families ever get to Richmond but that is less often the case these days. The Virginia capital is incredibly kid-friendly, featuring segway tours and canal cruises as well as the Metro Richmond Zoo, where visitors can zipline night or day.

It's no wonder Montego Bay is such as hit with tourists. Families vacationing in this Jamaican paradise can look forward to countless water sports and bucket-list activities such as swimming with dolphins.

Philadelphia boasts tremendous history, a handful of scenic parks and no shortage of free activities ideal for families with small children. Highlights include the Please Touch Museum, Franklin Square, the Franklin Institute science museum, the Blue Cross RiverRink and Sesame Place northeast of downtown.

Lisbon's proximity to the coast makes it a unique destination for families with children. Relax on the beautiful beaches or head to Expo Park to check out the Lisbon Oceanarium and Pavilion of Knowledge.

The list of fun things to do with kids in Calgary goes on forever so it isn't surprising to see the city catching on with families. The local zoo is the second-largest in Canada, there are several interactive museums and parks along with expansive corn mazes to challenge your little one's sense of direction.

While adults will love the Guinness Storehouse, younger visitors to Dublin will have a difficult time choosing their favorite attraction. The Chocolate Warehouse and Imaginosity children's museum are popular stops and kids will enjoy seeing the city aboard an amphibious World War II vehicle via a Viking Splash Tour.