25 Family Fun Destinations for 2020

As the school year starts back up, so does the final countdown for planning your summer vacation. Whether you're choosing to go ahead and book early to get the best deal or just want to narrow down your list of dream vacations for you, your family and possibly even your extended family, here are some hot spot destinations everyone is sure to fall in love with.

Need more inspiration? Here's our roundup of destinations from last year, just in case you weren't able to mark all of them off your list.

Take the Rocky Mountaineer train ride from Vancouver to get a truly unique experience of traveling through the untouched beauty of Western Canada. Banff and Lake Louise offer great outdoor activities, from hiking in the summer to skiing in the winter.

Albuquerque has a lot to offer. From its one-of-kind culture to exploding culinary scene, there's something for every type of family. For a real show stopper, be sure to travel here in the fall when the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta takes place and watch as hundreds of hot air balloons-some in the shape of your child's favorite television character-take flight.

Have you heard of the term kawaii? It's the popular Japanese notion-sometimes even obsession-of making things 'cute.' This can mean how meals are presented, advertising or just in everyday items. Kids will love being surrounded by these items, and it may even get them to try new foods if they're in cute animal shapes. Plus with the 2020 Summer Olympics being hosted in Tokyo, adults will get to join in on all the fanfare festivities.

National Parks are a perfect destination for families. Rent an RV, find a nearby campsite and roast marshmallows over an open fire. It's a great way to get your whole family off their electronics and experience the great outdoors.

Spain is a great country to introduce novice travelers into other cultures, and Madrid, in particular, is a great starting point. It's easy to get around, locals are friendly and helpful and you'll get to experience a whole new way of doing things-siesta anyone? Stay up late to see the famous flamenco dancers and enjoy wonderful local favorite dishes that aren't too far outside your comfort zone.

New York City is an ever-changing, nonstop tourist hotspot. You can take kids on a historical tour of the city by visiting the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, 9/11 Memorial and more. Or if they're more into museums, NYC has some of the best museums in the world, including The Met, American Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art and the New York Transit Museum. If entertainment is more your family's cup of tea, there are a plethora of Broadway and off-Broadway shows to choose from.

Going on a safari easily tops many bucket lists. What could be better than seeing exotic animals in their natural habitat? And if you plan on traveling to South Africa for a safari, not only are you likely to see the Big Five, but you can also take a boat ride out to hopefully see penguins, dolphins and even Great White Sharks.

Asheville is a hidden gem in the Great Smokey Mountains. From their ever-growing food and craft brewery scene to the iconic Biltmore House to just enjoying the hiking trails of the Appalachian Mountains, there is plenty for every family member to enjoy in this city.

Dubrovnik has gained a lot of famed recently as being one of the filming locations for the popular HBO show "Game of Thrones." And although the series may have come to an end, it did showcase just how beautiful the city really is. This 'Pearl of the Adriatic' may just be the Mediterranean paradise your family craves to see.

Take the hard work of agonizing over scheduling a full itinerary for your family with the help of Disney Cruise Lines and sign up for one of their Caribbean cruises. Sail away to multiple destinations including their private island-Castaway Cay. And adults will enjoy the trip just as much as the little ones.

Travel down to the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves on the North Island of New Zealand, see the set of The Shire from The Lord of the Rings and see the local wildlife like the kiwi. From hiking along mountainsides to enjoying the harbor, Auckland has so much to offer.

Best to visit during the early summer, Portland can be a great escape from the summer heat that you may be experiencing if you live in the southeast United States. Try food from all over the world at one of the many food truck stalls, pretend to be Alice as you walk through the International Rose Garden and make the trip out to Multnomah Falls. Just be sure to "Keep Portland Weird."

Want to find the perfect Caribbean escape, but not sure where to even begin looking? Turks and Caicos is an ideal destination for relaxation and beautiful weather. With some of the best all-inclusive resorts-Beaches Turks and Caicos has been voted the "Caribbean's Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort" 12 years now-you're sure to find a beautiful Caribbean paradise.

The Grand Canyon is a must for every traveler, and during the high season it may seem like just about everyone is traveling to this destination. Therefore it's important to do some research on when-and what portion-of the Grand Canyon is the best to visit during your trip.

Egypt is a growing destination among American travelers, and while I would highly encourage you to see as much of the country as possible, Cairo-and the Great Pyramids of Giza-is a must. See remnants of bygone ages, massive temples and archaeological wonders, in addition to just enjoying the beauty of the Nile River and the towns that have cropped up along its banks.

Filled with national monuments, historic landmarks and iconic memorials, Washington D.C. is a great educational trip to take with the whole family. Learn about the nation's accomplishments at the National Smithsonian Museum-and see the Ruby Red Slippers from "The Wizard of Oz"-walk through the theatre where President Lincoln was shot and spend an afternoon at our first president's house in Mount Vernon.

Known for more than just Guinness, Ireland is filled with beautiful countryside, medieval castles and ancient folklore. Dublin is a great starting off point to see more of the country, but it also has plenty of its own attractions-like the famed Book of Kells at Trinity College.

With tons of live music and delicious food, Austin will have you and your family wondering when your next visit back will be. Be sure to experience the 'funkier' side of Austin with the Museum of the Weird, beautiful murals located throughout the city and the annual swarms of bats that appear March to October.

Riviera Maya offers travelers Mexican culture with relaxation at one of their famed all-inclusive resorts. Just make sure you adventure outside of your resort to cenotes, ancient cultural sites and even a new extreme park that will have you whitewater rafting and ziplining through the local flora.

Take time to relax in the Midwest at Mackinac Island, often thought of as one of the best summer towns in the United States. Spend time on Lake Michigan on a steamboat cruise or just enjoy the quaint serenity of the Grand Hotel.

Escape to a tropical paradise without even needing to renew your passport. Catch a glimpse of a humpback whale, snorkel through the clear waters of Molokini Crater, hike a volcano or get a bird's eye view of the island with a helicopter ride.

Denver is a great destination to visit no matter what time of year you decide to go. With plenty of outdoor hiking, mountain biking and skiing nearby, Denver offers a great starting point to your travel through the Rocky Mountains.

If you're planning an Alaskan cruise, chances are you'll be starting off in Vancouver, British Columbia. But this isn't just some town that you should just pass through on your way to the 49th Frontier-there is a wealth of activities that are worth exploring here. See the steam clock in Gastown or test your fear of heights on the Capilano Suspension Bridge, just to name a few.

Orlando, Florida-the theme park capital of the World. It's hard to not have a fun family vacation here while you're surrounded by your family's most-loved characters, thrill rides and unique attractions. And with new ride openings coming almost every year, there's always something new to explore.

Looking to experience the Northern Lights, dog sledding and maybe even seeing the elusive polar bear? Without even having to get a passport, traveling to Fairbanks, Alaska will put families in a whole new world. Great for the outdoor enthusiasts, just be sure to remember that depending on the time of year you go, you may have extra-long daylight or more evening hours due to how far north you are.