25 Family Fun Destinations for 2019

One goal many families may have in the new year is to travel more and visit new and exciting destinations. Maybe you're stuck in a travel rut, visiting the same city year after year. Or perhaps, you're just looking for inspiration for new places to add to your bucket list. Here are 25 fun family destination ideas that are the perfect mix of approachable and once-in-a-lifetime.

For families that like to vacation in big cities, Lisbon, Portugal is an up-and-coming destination with so much to offer. Beyond riding the yellow trams up and down the sloping streets, kids will enjoy the Oceanario Aquarium, the largest aquarium in Europe, taking in the sights from a cable car above the Vasco de Gama bridge and relaxing on the nearby beaches.

There are so many reasons to love Charleston, South Carolina! The city boasts historical sites, beautiful beaches, great weather, charming antebellum homes and a thriving culinary scene. Take the kids to Fort Sumter to delve into some Civil War history and visit the Old Slave Mart or a historic plantation. You'll find no shortage of museums and parks for the kids to enjoy and you'll love taking a day trip to one of the many barrier islands just off the coast of the city.

With three islands to choose from, the U.S. Virgin Islands are a great spot for families looking for relaxation and exploration in the Caribbean. Fly into St. Croix or St. Thomas, as St. John is only accessible by ferry from one of the other two islands. In St. Croix you can follow the St. Croix Heritage Trail to discover the historical sites of the island, relax on the beaches and explore plantations at Estate Whim Museum. In St. Thomas, check out Coral World Ocean Park to learn about marine life and ride the St. Thomas Skyride for panoramic views of the island. Head to St. John to visit U.S. Virgin Island National Park.

If you're looking for affordable family fun along with Midwestern charm and friendliness, Milwaukee, Wisconsin is a great option for your next getaway. Wander through the botanical gardens of the Mitchel Park Domes, get hands-on at Discovery World science and technology center, enjoy Bradford Beach and check out the Milwaukee County Zoo. The whole family will love Milwaukee's famous frozen custard from Kopps!

Head down under for some family fun in Brisbane. With hot summers and moderate winters, it's a great place to visit year round. Enjoy a cruise on the beautiful Brisbane River, great city views from Kangaroo Point Cliffs, a day at South Bank for the man-made beach and play in one of the many parks throughout the city. Kids will go crazy for the Koala Sanctuary just outside of Brisbane, or try a day trip to Moreton Island located just off the coast.

Though Los Angeles can seem overwhelming with kids thanks to the traffic, the spread-out nature of the city and the Hollywood glamour, there's actually a lot for families to enjoy, including the amazing Southern Californian weather. Find some Hollywood stars at the Walk of Fame and Grauman's Chinese Theater, hike to the Hollywood sign, visit the beach at Santa Monica Pier, explore the Griffith Park Observatory and check out the Los Angeles Zoo. Don't forget about Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood!

Kyoto is a stunning international destination with numerous interesting attractions for families-and it also happens to be incredibly safe. One of the more famous spots in Kyoto is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove where you can enjoy a leisurely walk through the towering bamboo. If your kids love transportation, be sure to check out the Kyoto Railway Museum. You'll also love the Kyoto City Zoo, playing in the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park, riding bikes along the Kamo-gawa Riverside and visiting one of the many temples. You can even take a bullet train to Tokyo for a day trip!

Head to the Ozarks for the perfect family vacation complete with horseback riding, numerous kid-friendly resorts and lots of unique attractions. Branson, Missouri is home to the Titanic Museum, the Silver Dollar City Amusement Park and the spectacular fountain show at Branson Landing. Don't miss the Branson Scenic Railway, which is a charming journey through the Ozarks that kids will love.

Oahu is the perfect island to visit with kids for the quintessential Hawaiian experience. Experience a luau, learn about the attack on Pearl Harbor at the WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument, hike Diamond Head and snorkel in Hanauma Bay. The Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium are also memorable experiences for kids and you'll never get sick of exploring the endless beaches, lagoons and hiking trails.

For parents keen on introducing their kids to art and culture, there's no better destination than Florence, Italy, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Even kids will appreciate the stunning Boboli Gardens and you can find plenty of museums that offer kid-friendly activities and tours. The whole family will be in awe of the Florence Duomo and the panoramic views from the Piazzale Michelangelo. Treat the kids to plenty of gelato and take that Italian cuisine home with you by participating in a cooking class while you're there!

Escape the hustle and bustle and find some peace in nature in Bar Harbor, Maine. It's one of the closest cities to Acadia National Park where you can hike and take in stunning vistas of the ocean from the top of Cadillac Mountain. You'll find the best lobster and seafood around in Bar Harbor, along with stunning beaches, the Bass Harbor Lighthouse and quaint views of the town while riding rented bikes.

There's so much to do with kids in London that you'll definitely want to stay for at least a week. Attractions like the London Eye, the British Museum, Kensington Palace and Portobello Market accommodate kids of all ages. Try one of the family-friendly high tea ceremonies or take a tour of the city-maybe a Harry Potter tour for fans of the franchise or one of London's famous hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus tours. There are also plenty of quaint towns nearby for exciting day trips.

Rapid City, South Dakota is one of the most underrated exciting family vacation spots in the United States. It's nestled among some of the wildest and scenic National Parks and Monuments in the country, including Mount Rushmore, the Badlands National Park and Black Hills National Forest. The city itself has a beautiful Main Street Square and a playground called Storybook Island which is perfect for families with young kids!

Get your vaccinations in order and purchase a telephoto lens for your camera; it's time to see some wildlife in Nairobi, Kenya! This is an especially exciting trip option for families with older children. Spend a few nights at Giraffe Manor and have breakfast with the giraffes. Go on a game drive or safari walk in Nairobi National Park. Shop at a Maasai market or dig a bit deeper into the culture by visiting a Maasai village. A trip to Kenya with kids would be a once-in-a-lifetime memorable experience for the whole family.

If you're pining for Florida sunshine but eager to avoid the tourism and crowds, escape to Sanibel Island, a barrier island off the coast of Fort Myers. Do the "Sanibel stoop" and hunt for the perfect seashell along the shore during low tide. Thanks to the island's east-west orientation, colorful shells are strewn copiously on the beach. Bike all over the island and visit the Sanibel Lighthouse, the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village.

If the mountains are calling your name, there's no better place to be than Gatlinburg, Tennessee, nestled in the Smoky Mountain foothills. With kid-friendly attractions on every corner, endless shopping and plenty of opportunities to learn about Appalachian culture and history, your family will never run out of things to do. Don't forget to drive and hike through Smoky Mountain National Park; entrance is free and the views are magnificent!

If you're looking for a trip completely different from what everyone else around you is doing, look no further than the Atacama Desert in Chile. You'll get to hike through surreal landscapes that look like they belong on the surface of the moon, endless sand dunes and rugged salt flats. Don't miss out on stargazing at night, and head for the nearby town of San Pedro de Atacama if you're feeling the need for some civilization.

Houston, Texas is overflowing with fun activities that the whole family will enjoy. Space Center Houston will have everyone excited to learn more about space exploration with a tram tour, astronaut training and a Mars exhibit. Houston also boasts a zoo, aquarium, children's museum and arboretum, along with plenty of green space in their parks and gardens.

Toronto is a great place to visit with family, and fairly close to visit from most of the United States. There are so many unique things to see and do in the city, from exploring the different districts and neighborhoods to enjoying the great outdoors in the river valleys. Take your kids to the waterfront, then take a ferry out to the Toronto Islands for great views of the city. Check out the Hockey Hall of Fame and do some learning at the Ontario Science Center, the Toronto Zoo and the Toronto Aquarium.

Active families who love the outdoors should visit Jackson Hole, Wyoming for their next family vacation. It's a great spot to base your family if you plan to visit Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, and there's plenty to do there to keep the family occupied. Stay and play at a ski resort, take some scenic hikes, check out the Jackson Hole Children's Museum and go horseback riding.

There are few places in the world more kid-friendly than Copenhagen. Brush up on your fairy tales before you go because Copenhagen was the home of Danish author Hans Christian Anderson. Find the statue of the Little Mermaid from one of his stories on the Langelinie promenade and visit the Hans Christian Anderson Fairytale House. Tivoli Gardens, a renowned amusement park, contains gardens, rides, an aquarium and restaurants. Finally, make sure to explore the harbor, the castles, the canals and the LEGO flagship store.

You may not have heard of Las Cruces yet, but it could be your next unforgettable family vacation. Located in southern New Mexico, It's a city with an up-and-coming downtown that features a quaint Main Street, hiking trails in the Dona Ana Mountains and a vibrant art scene. The real highlight of Las Cruces, though, is its proximity to White Sands National Monument, the world's largest gypsum dunefield. You can bring or buy a sled and go sledding down the steep dunes throughout the park. The sea of white sand is truly extraordinary.

Book a stay at a sunny resort in Playa del Carmen and get busy relaxing! For families that can't seem to sit still for more than a day, there's plenty more to do other than just lounging by the beach. Explore nearby cenotes (fresh water pools), stroll Quinta Avenida or spend a day at Xcaret, an eco-adventure park with underground rivers and lagoons. If you're feeling really ambitious, see the Mayan ruins in nearby Tulum or take a full day trip to see Chichen Itza, the ancient Mayan city and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Tampa Bay is a perfect Florida destination alternative to Orlando, which is often overcrowded with tourists. Tampa has a beautiful riverwalk where you can stroll with your kids, no shortage of parks and splash pads, a children's museum, a zoo and an aquarium. It's in close proximity to beautiful beach destinations like St. Petersburg and Clearwater if your family loves to kick back in the sand. Plus, the entire family will love Busch Gardens, a theme park that includes a section just for little ones.

If you're looking for outdoor adventure and jaw-dropping scenery, visit Foz do Iguacu, Brazil. Naturally, the highlight of the trip will be seeing Iguazu Falls-which you can see from a helicopter, by hiking through Iguacu National Park or by boat on a Macuco Safari. You'll also want to see thousands of birds at Parque das Aves, tour Itaipu Binacional hydroelectric dam and go to Three Borders Landmark to see the shores of Argentina and Paraguay.