11 Summer Family Vacation Ideas: From Provence to California

Kid & Coe Team

Family adventures are big news: it’s not enough any more to book a hotel with a pool, these days the kids want more (and you deserve more as a parent, too!). We’ve selected our top summer family vacation destinations for 2024, sure to put a smile on your kids’ faces and a spring in your step.

Whether you’re looking for a place in the countryside or a stay by the beach, you can browse our full collection of the best rental homes for summer family vacations in 2024.

1. Provence, France

The hilltop village of Gordes in Provence.

Provence is one of the most beautiful regions in the South of France, known for its picturesque hilltop villages, delectable food markets and beautiful lavender fields. Retreat to a quiet countryside villa with an extended family group for pool days and garden games.

Best For: Slow strolls to village bakeries and long lunches in peaceful backyards.

Where to Stay: The Ficorum Residence

2. Lake Tahoe, California

A child looking out over Lake Tahoe.

Nevada and California meet here, at this perfect lake where city living is left far behind and outdoor fun is the order of the day. Surrounded by pine forests and rugged mountains, Tahoe is great in winter, with exceptional ski slopes and ski schools for kids, and just as much fun in summer, with watersports from jet skiing to tubing on offer. Lakefront restaurants are the ideal place to relax with the kids after an active day. 

Best For: Adventures and outdoor activities for older kids and teens.

Where to Stay: The South Yuba Residence

3. Ibiza, Spain

Boats docked on the sea at a beach in Ibiza.

Europe’s clubbing hotspot is also the go-to island for in-the-know parents. Why? A bohemian lifestyle, sandy beaches, welcoming and laid back beach bars and water parks, to name a few. 

Best For: Beach day trips and evenings exploring the lively old town.

Where to Stay: The Campo Loft

Zoie’s Tip:

“I love that there’s a real freedom and spontaneity for children here. Your child is running nude  and sandy on the beach, eating far too many ice creams and talking to kids who are Dutch, Spanish, English, Italian and they all understand each other just fine. It’s very multicultural and the kids get to experience that too.”

4. Cape Town, South Africa

A safari truck with visitors in South Africa.

South Africa’s wildlife makes big kids out of all of us. With great white sharks in the ocean (there are shark nets to keep swimmers safe), lions, giraffes and leopards in the legendary safari parks, and free-range African penguins on Boulder’s Beach in Cape Town, there are endless delights for animal lovers. Cable car trips up Table Mountain, boat trips to Nelson Mandela’s prison on Robben Island and long lunches in local wineries round off a perfect travel destination for a family.

Best For: Animal lovers and families looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure

Where to Stay: The Tecoma Way Residence

5. Costa Rica

A tropical bird in the rainforests of Costa Rica.

This paradise of soft sand beaches, gentle surf, rainforests and eco lodges gets a huge thumbs up from the Kid & Coe team. It’s got everything a family needs: activities such as zip lining through rainforest canopies, kayaking and swimming, plus fantastic weather, great food and wildlife to thrill all the family.

Best For: Year-round sun, rainforest trips and tropical beaches.

Where to Stay: The Papagayo Residence

6. Cornwall, England

A sandy cove and rocky cliff at Cornwall.

The UK’s top holiday spot is this county dipping its toe into the Atlantic Ocean in the far southwest. Visit for atmospheric beaches, pirate coves, windswept moors and pretty harbor towns. Spend days playing in tide pools on beaches, fishing for crabs off piers and exploring ancient castles that may or may not have been home to King Arthur. 

Best For: Cornish pasties, clotted cream ice cream and scones.

Where to Stay: The Quay Road Villa

Rebecca’s Tip:

“There are some great fish and seafood restaurants here, such as Outlaw’s and Paul Ainsworth at No.6, but if you’re visiting in July or August you’ll need to book ahead to get a table. If all else fails, you can’t beat fish and chips on the beach!”

7. New York

The stone statue at Wall Street, NYC.

From Fort Greene to Midtown, New York is packed with exciting things for kids to see and do. Take a family movie tour of the city – hitting up the zoo that starred in Madagascar and the American Museum of Natural History for a Night at the Museum tour. We also love The New Victory Theater for family shows, storytime at the New York Public Library and water taxi trips for skyscraper views from the Hudson.

Best For: Cultural breaks and country retreats in Upstate NY

Where to Stay: The 9th Street Residence

8. Lisbon, Portugal

A tram in Lisbon city.

A super flexible city destination to visit with kids, this laid-back metropolis is lined with beach towns, national parks and picturesque mountain villages so you can create a full itinerary of whatever you want to do. 

Best For: Beach day trips, beautiful architecture and pastel de nata!

Where to Stay: The Rua dos Acores Residence

9. San Diego, California

The beach at San Diego.

The ultimate in family-friendly destinations. This coastal spot blends amazing beaches, city museums, world-class zoos and huge theme parks to entertain kids of all ages. Add in a few vineyard trips for parents and everyone is happy.

Best For: Lazy California days spent at the beach surfing and crabbing.

Where to Stay: The La Jolla Boulevard Residence

10. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Boats and the canals of Amsterdam.

Another Kid & Coe favorite. This historic city bounces from museums and galleries to buzzy cafes and playgrounds in a heartbeat. Every neighborhood has a park for kids to run off some steam, and kids are welcome everywhere, creating a super laid-back experience for parents.

Best For: Museum trips with kids, days exploring all the parks and easy strolls over the canals.

Where to Stay: The Pieter van Doesstraat Residence

11. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Whales at Cape Cod offshore.

A seaside classic. With its natural beauty, white sand beaches and whales migrating off shore, this sought-after Massachusetts destination offers a multitude of  family-friendly activities.

Best For: Windswept beach walks and local seafood at historic harbor towns.

Where to Stay: The Sonny by the Sea Residence

Caitlin’s Tip:

“Everyone should take an East Coast beach vacation. We love Cape Cod, Plymouth and Martha’s Vineyard when we’re visiting this part of the US.”

Book Your Family Summer Vacation 

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing family-friendly beach or a more active vacation in the mountains, there is a rental home to suit everyone on Kid & Coe.
Get inspired for your next trip with our property collections or discover our destinations to visit for 2024.

  • https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/barnstable/the-sonny-by-the-sea-residence
  • https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/de-baarsjes/the-pieter-van-der-doesstraat-residence
  • https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/la-jolla/the-la-jolla-boulevard-residence
  • https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/lisbon/the-rua-dos-acores-residence
  • https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/charlestown/the-quay-road-villa

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Kid & Coe Team

    Stay in the world's most

    Kid-friendly Homes

    View our top destinations and book your perfect family vacation today.