tourism activities for students

Latest News

Marriott Dallas Allen Hotel & Convention Center celebrates accolades and growth in occupancy

The Hotel Maria introduces meeting, event and celebration spaces

HITEC 2024 spotlight on hotel development in Charlotte, NC

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts debuts The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort in Oman

The Londoner Hotel joins Virtuoso

WeTravel announces agenda, opens registration for its Travel Innovation Summit 

Airline industry aims for a new record with close to 5bn scheduled flights and almost $1tn. in revenue in 2024

Reservations now open for Italy’s first luxury train, La Dolce Vita Orient Express

World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards reveals nominees and opens voting of inaugural programme

TRIP INN Hotel Group selects SIHOT to fulfil growth ambitions

Travel and tourism activities for students

Here are some travel and tourism activities you can pursue as a student.

With summer break coming up, many students are looking for ways to make the most of their time off. If you're one of them, you might be considering travel and tourism activities. There are many benefits to pursuing travel and tourism activities as a student. Not only can you explore new places and learn about different cultures, but you can also gain skills that will be valuable in your future career. Whether you're interested in working in the travel industry or want to see the world, here are some travel and tourism activities you can pursue as a student.

Travel activities for students: The history and benefits of tourism and travel The history of travel and tourism is full of fascinating stories and interesting facts. For example, did you know that the first recorded instance of travel for tourism was in 1420 when a group of wealthy Europeans traveled to Italy to see the sights?

Travel and tourism have come a long way since then, of course. Today, it is one of the world's largest industries, with trillions of dollars in revenue each year. And students are increasingly getting involved in this field through internships, part-time jobs, or even studying abroad.

There are many reasons why tourism is such a popular activity among students. For one, it can be very educational. Seeing new places and cultures can help young people learn about the world and better understand other people and cultures. Additionally, working in the travel and tourism industry can be exciting and fun. Many career paths are available in the hospitality industry, from working as a tour guide to being a hotel manager. And finally, travel and tourism provide an opportunity to make some great memories that will last a lifetime!  

There are many benefits to travel and tourism activities for students. By engaging in these activities, students can learn about new cultures and customs, develop their language skills, and better understand the world around them. In addition, tourism can be an excellent way for students to bond with their classmates and build lasting friendships.

Don’t let class assignments deny you the opportunity to travel and bond with classmates. CustomWritings is an online essay writing service dedicated to helping students like you. The company has a team of highly qualified writers who’re always available to complete custom essays, research papers, dissertations, book reviews, homework, and theses, among others. They produce original academic papers written from scratch. Visit their website for great discounts!    

Fifteen fun, educational, high-quality, and affordable tourism activities for students

There are a variety of travel activities for students. From educational opportunities to fun-filled excursions, there is something for everyone. Here are a few of the best travel and tourism activities for students:

• Volunteer Vacations: Give back while seeing the world on a volunteer vacation. Volunteering can be a great way to learn about a place's culture and social issues. It can also be an excellent opportunity to make new friends. Many organizations offer short-term opportunities for students to get involved in different communities around the globe.
• Study Abroad: Expand your horizons by studying abroad in another country. This is a great way to learn about new cultures and customs while earning college credit. Your education shouldn’t be limited by distance. But if you find traveling to a new country too expensive, you can try online courses.  
• Adventure Tours: If you're looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure, check out some of the many tour companies that offer everything from white-water rafting to safaris. Safaris offer a unique opportunity to see animals in their natural habitats. They can be a great way to learn about different animals and their ecosystems.
• Language Immersion Programs: Immerse yourself in a new language by signing up for a language immersion program. These programs offer the chance to live with a host family and experience daily life in another culture.
• Internships: Gain valuable work experience by interning with a company in the travel and tourism industry. Many internships are available both domestically and internationally, so you can find one that's perfect for your interests and goals
• Visit a local farm or winery. Learn about how the food or drink is produced, and sample some of the products. This is especially helpful for high school and elementary pupils.
• Go camping in a nearby state or national park. Spend a few days hiking, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors. Several studies have shown that spending time outdoors has numerous health benefits, including improved mental health, relaxation, reduced stress and anxiety, and improved breathing.  
• Go on a road trip to a nearby state or province. Visit different attractions and cities along the way, writing the exciting things and events you see.
• Take a walking tour. Walking tours are a great way to see a city or town up close. They can range from historical tours to food tours to art walks.
• Visit a temple or church. Churches and temples can offer a glimpse into the religious traditions of a place. They can also be beautiful architectural landmarks.
• See a concert or play. Attending a show or play can be a great way to experience the local culture. Learning about the country's history and music can also be fun.
• Take a cooking class. Cooking classes can teach you about local cuisine. They can also be a fun way to learn about the culinary traditions of a place.
• Go hiking or camping. Hiking and camping can be great for exploring the natural beauty of a place. They can also be a fun way to learn about the local flora and fauna.
• Visit a market. Markets are a great place to learn about the local culture and language & the best place to get authentic local products. They often sell a variety of traditional foods, crafts, and souvenirs. In many countries, markets are even better than shopping malls. Markets are also a great way to make friends with locals.
• Take a bike tour. Bike tours offer a fun and eco-friendly way to see a city or town. They can be a great way to learn about the local architecture and history.

Conclusion We hope you enjoyed reading about the different travel and tourism activities available for students. If you're looking for an exciting way to spend your summer break, consider checking out one of these options. With so many different things to see and do, you're sure to find something that interests you. And who knows, you might even end up loving it so much that you decide to pursue a career in travel and tourism!

Stavros Andriopoulos

• Stavros Andriopoulos https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/stavros-andriopoulos/ Skiathos island, Greece: Unique by Nature
• Stavros Andriopoulos https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/stavros-andriopoulos/ Secret havens: Unlocking hidden gems of the luxury world with VIP access
• Stavros Andriopoulos https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/stavros-andriopoulos/ Meet Porto Angeli Beach Resort and Olympic Palace Resort in Rhodes island, Greece
• Stavros Andriopoulos https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/stavros-andriopoulos/ The pros of visiting land-based casinos during your travels

Related posts

The most exciting fictional destinations

Botswana voted Best Safari Country 2024

Escape your timeshare: Easy steps for hassle-free exit

How to choose the right airstream model for your lifestyle

Previous post, can cannabis help your well-being, how has the covid-19 pandemic affected international travel.

Hilton debuts two new properties in Portugal

Sabre Hospitality launches SynXis Concierge.AI: Revolutionizing customer service with generative AI

Finnair completes rollout of its 200m. euros new long-haul cabin

UFI European Conference brought 300 exhibition industry leaders to Zurich

The Quincy Hotel Washington DC joins Choice Hotels International’s Ascend Hotel Collection

Lunar and SAS partner to launch Scandinavia’s first debit card with EuroBonus points

Carnival Corporation celebrates shore power launch at PortMiami 

Successful collaborations drive integration of arts and culture in conferences, reveals Barbican survey

Vision Omonia: The first hotel of a new hotel chain, Vision Greece, makes its debut in the heart of Athens

World’s leading Travel & Tourism certification organisations collaborate to meet growing demand for sustainability

Azamara Cruises strengthens leadesrship team with new executive appointments

Europe’s top TMCs revealed ahead of Business Travel Show Europe

Five breathtaking destinations for a romantic proposal in 2024

FAA and EASA pledge strong cooperation to address aviation challenges of the next decade

Tapestry Collection by Hilton debuts in York

Emirates powers flights with SAF from Singapore

Etihad Airways and Egyptair sign MoU to deepen relationship

Accor and Terres de Légendes announce the development of the first MGallery hotel in the Caribbean

Delta Premium Select to debut on flights between New York-JFK and Los Angeles this fall

Hilton announces two Icelandic hotels

What is desk sharing software

Christy Patterson named Director of Sales at the Woodstock Inn & Resort

Turkey’s Travel & Tourism sector reached record-breaking new heights in 2023

onefinestay partners with Daylesford Organic

Hokuli’a appoints new General Manager and Director of Golf

KSL Resorts and Evertreen plant over 1,300 trees in Kenya

ACI Europe joins stakeholders in an urgent call on EU leaders to confirm the Green Deal

ENAC, Air Caraïbes, French bee and the ENAC Foundation launch the TRAVEL research chair

British Airways customers invited to travel to London City Airport by boat

Hard Rock Casino Rockford reveals grand opening date for permanent facility

Ethiopian Airlines inaugural flight lands at new Nekemte Gudina Tumsa Airport

Bobo by The Stay opens in Bodrum

HotelREZ connects to Apaleo PMS helping hoteliers control cost of bookings

Valley Forge Tourism announces Rachel Riley and Samantha Cole as all-female Marketing and Communications leadership team

The Luxury Collection makes its grand debut in Germany with the opening of Koenigshof, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Munich

airBaltic and Diamond sign LOI: Electric planes to join pilot academy

JetBlue announces new daily flights between Boston and Presque Isle

Albatros Expeditions appoints Craig Upshall as new Sales Director for Europe, the Middle East, and Australia

Regent Porto Montenegro announces the appointment of Angelo Zuccala as the new General Manager

Global travel and tourism deals drop 10.9%; PE deals and European markets shine during January-May 2024, reveals GlobalData

Clarity enters the next integration phase with brand overhaul

SAS inagurates new route to Atlanta from Copenhagen

Corendon Airlines appoints Christian Hein as new Head of Sales & Marketing

Alaska Airlines now flies nonstop between Anchorage and New York City

IHG Hotels & Resorts to establish its first Hawai‘i luxury and lifestyle destination with Coco Palms, A Kimpton Resort

First Holiday Inn – the niu hotel opened in Germany

LVMH and Accor join forces to take Orient Express to new horizons

Ethiopian graduates nearly 800 aviation professionals

New York City’s short-term rental ban spurs growth in neighboring cities

The Broadmoor announces Janell Davies as the new Director of Insurance & Incentive Sales

Campfire culinary arts: Mastering wilderness cooking and survival skills

IHG Hotels & Resorts adds almost 1,000 rooms to Portuguese pipeline

Jump into fun: Why indoor kids trampoline attractions are the ultimate adventure

RLA Global report: Wellness hotels surge in global market, upper upscale properties lead

Utopia of the Seas officially joins Royal Caribbean

Top airport experts gather in Montreal for the first ACI World Committee Forum

Dioriviera opens at The Little Nell as the French Maison’s first mountain footprint and full U.S. spa residency

New survey highlights the need for companies to provide more support for LGBTQIA+ travelers

O‘ahu’s first adults-only hotel, Romer House Waikīkī, is now open

Fly Jinnah launches operations at Bahrain International Airport

ECTAA announces Frank Oostdam as President

Air Serbia fully renews regional fleet

Evian Casino restored and new bar, Le Cercle unveiled

Qatar Airways announces partnership renewal with UEFA

Goway redefines tailor-made travel with state-of-the art new website and brand

Preliminary insolvency proceedings FTI Touristik GmbH – All FTI trips from 06 July 2024 are cancelled

AeroCloud survey: Boosting passenger experience drives 82% of travellers to spend more at the airport

SEA Milan Airports enhances passenger experience with AirportLabs’ Pocket Flights

Crescent Hotels & Resorts announces the new Sandbourne Santa Monica, Autograph Collection

VisitScotland launched adverts during EURO 2024 to inspire more visits  

DXB Live advocates sustainability in event management sector, adopts latest green solutions based on renowned international practices

Tourism Cares celebrates one-year anniversary of global relaunch of its Meaningful Travel Map

AIM Group International publishes its first Sustainability Report

EAST Hotels debuts progressive rebrand that embraces an alternative to luxury

jetBlue expands its presence in Mexico with new flights to Tulum

Historic Amsterdam Hotel completes multi-million-dollar renovation

Jayson Reynolds joins Hotel Forty Five as Executive Chef

UN Tourism welcomes 39 new afiliate members

Sofitel Montréal Golden Mile announces complete refurbishment project

Visit Greater Palm Springs welcomes new non-stop flights between the destination and Washington Dulles

Qstay secures $4.6m. in pre-Series A funding to revolutionize hospitality industry

HBX Group to revolutionise customer service with cutting-edge AI technology

TripStax strengthens Thrust Carbon partnership with launch of exclusive CO2 data reporting deal for TMCs and corporates 

Gulf Air connects Bahrain to Rhodes with new seasonal flights

Aura Aero launches its first European crowdfunding campaign

Air transport industry improves baggage handling despite surge in passenger traffic, says SITA

Celebrity Xcel keel laying ceremony marks new level of excellence for premium cruising

flydocs announces appointment of Andy Smith as Chief Commercial Officer

Hahnair appoints Rachel Pascall as Vice President New Distribution

BirchStreet Systems launches Operational Insights

Qatar Airways celebrates the resumption of services to Venice, Italy

Roomzzz quadruples automated payments after switching to RMS Cloud

The WestJet Group partners with Fetcherr to implement Generative AI pricing engine

El Al’s board approved strategic agreement for 30 Boeing 737MAX narrow-body aircrafts

Resorts World Bimini debuts final addition to Fisherman’s Village

General Manager appointed at voco Zeal Exeter Science Park

JetBlue appoints David Marcontell Vice President, Technical Operations

Michael Eggenschwiler joins Supervisory Board of Aviation-Event

UN Tourism launches its first regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism in the Philippines

Wego and GNTO launch partnership to highlight Germany’s eco-friendly travel experiences

Davidson Hospitality Group tapped to manage Renaissance Orlando Resort & Spa in Disney Springs Area

Madonna concert drove Rio de Janeiro’s hotel performance in May

Frankfurt Airport welcomed 5.5 million passengers in May 2024

Consumers overestimate how much they will make sustainable decisions, finds Phocuswright study

Arajet took delivery of its 10th Boeing 737 MAX as carrier expands international routes

Tampa Marriott Water Street welcomes Harry W. Siebert as Director of Restaurants

BCD’s travel buyer survey reveals shifting priorities in corporate travel policies 

Things to do in Perth when you’re traveling alone

A guide to American road trips: From highways to waterways

PCMA Convening Leaders 2024 achieves Sustainable Event Standards Certification

Sky Lagoon appoints IMAGINE PR as US representative

European Football Championship 2024: Hahn Airport is ready for additional passengers

“LG Business Cloud” platform unifies software services, enhances efficiency

Alipay+ expands global merchants coverage for partner e-wallets in UEFA EURO 2024 Summer craze

Aena’s airports in Spain recorded over 28.2 million passengers in May

House passes No Hidden FEES Act, a major AHLA legislative priority

Cartier debuts first airport boutique in Italy at Rome Fiumicino Airport

Qatar Airways and China Southern Airlines sign a Memorandum of Understanding, strengthen airline partnership

Sabre appoints Hasan Qannati to head business development across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

AmaWaterways introduces the magnificent AmaLilia on the Nile

Ringhotels expands its PMS selection with Mews to optimize guest experience

P3 Hotel Software introduces P3 Ancillary to streamline integrated booking services for hotels and resorts 

OTO Development welcomes two new Vice Presidents

Swedish island hotel Pater Noster fights for marine protection with innovative AI project

Paragraph Freedom Square, a Luxury Collection Hotel, adopts Vingcard Allure door locks

AFASU Awards in Egypt and next will see Africa Tourism & Aviation Winners recognised as well as the Tourism Capital 2024 named

New Viva Miches by Wyndham, a trademark all-inclusive resort will open in the Dominican Republic

JetBlue expands New York Metro presence by announcing it will serve Long Island MacArthur Airport

Affluent Traveler Hotel Collection enhances appeal to fast-growing blended travel segment with portfolio additions

Saddlebrook Resort welcomes Raj Mohan as Managing Director

CEIR announces predict conference speakers

World’s top hotel brands struggle to build brand value despite rising demand, show Brand Finance’s data

The future of events: Survey by Ovation Global DMC highlights engagement and personalization trends

“LAD” Linate Airport District: A new neighbourhood next to Idroscalo, open to passengers and to all Milanese

Corinthia London to offer Hästens beds

SeaDream Yacht Club completes shore power upgrade

Milan Bergamo Airport opens expanded apron and new taxiway

ABPCO celebrates 30% membership growth and welcomes new Chairs at AGM

May events pushed Berlin hotel performance

Experience the thrill of exploring Punta Cana’s stunning coastline and crystal-clear waters with a jet ski adventure.

Activities to stay entertained while travelling

UN Tourism Executive Council meets to place tourism in global economic agenda

Spotnana to distribute low-cost content to corporate travelers via Kyte API

Ghana Tourism Expo 2024: Known tourism consultant Alain St.Ange joins the list of speakers

Moskito Island Estates joins Virtuoso

AMGiNE partners with Cvent to automate and streamline the Group Air Booking Process for TMCs

SiteMinder and Cloudbeds partner to create new distribution and revenue opportunities for hotels 

Marriott International plans to strengthen footprint in France with 10 additions anticipated by the end of 2025

JFK Airport’s Terminal 4 to welcome new Capital One Lounge

APH.com compares it’s top20 EV charging hubs

Panittha Buri elected as UFI President for 2025-26

Island Hospitality Management assumes management of 120-toom Residence Inn Boca Raton

Qatar Airways Student Club reaches one million members

Emirates sign Codeshare Agreements with Icelandair and Condor

UN Tourism partners with UAE on integrated e-platform for Governing Body meetings

Travel Promoters welcomes Rosanna Pearce

Only YOU Hotel Sevilla: Andalucia’s most sophisticated new opening

Hospitable and Key Data partner to help vacation rental self-managers leverage data to compete more effectively 

eSIM Go partners with Lufthansa Group to deliver on-brand global travel eSIM services

Plan of reorganization in SAS AB’s company announced

Comarch and Azerbaijan Airlines join forces to elevate AZAL Miles Loyalty Program

Costco Travel deploys Mystifly SSP to sell and service Hawaiian Airlines’ exclusive NDC content 

United Airlines marks 20th anniversary of Edinburgh – New York/Newark service

Airport Carbon Accreditation recognised as the best sustainability initiative of the year at Association World Congress

easyJet announces largest new routes release with 60 new routes for winter 2024

Half-term getaway helps London Stansted record busiest ever May

Riyadh Air to implement CellPoint Digital’s Payment Orchestration solution

Ethiopian launches a new flight to Maun, Botswana

Novotel announces ocean protection partnership with WWF

Best May in Katowice Airport’s history, over 20% growth in passenger traffic

Hotel Equities appoints Aik Hong Tan to Chief Investment Officer

Ryanair says eDreams “Prime” overchanges users by+38%

BMA House appoints Hannah Robinson to lead the team as Venue Manager

Avianca restarts 11 seasonal routes from the United States

Jump to navigation

Resources and Programs

• Teaching the Four Skills
• U.S. Culture, Music & Games
• Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
• Other Resources
• English Club Texts and Materials
• Teacher's Corner
• Comics for Language Learning
• Online Professional English Network (OPEN)

This month’s Teacher’s Corner explores the world of travel and tourism. Specifically, each week covers travel-related topics that students can use to practice speaking, reading, and listening.

For many English learners, traveling the world is one of the many reasons they study English. No matter where you travel, it is easy to find a speaker of English to help you on your journey. However, as every good traveler knows, it is best to be prepared. This month’s Teacher’s Corner is devoted to giving students the chance to practice and prepare their English for the world of travel.

The activities this month are designed to give students the opportunity to creatively practice their English while thinking about travel both at home and abroad:

• Week 1 – Around the World
• Week 2 – What to See in Town
• Week 3 – Planning a Trip
• Week 4 – Over-tourism

Week 1 begins the month with a Pecha Kucha style presentation. In these fast-paced presentations, students must describe an around-the-world trip in three minutes using only six presentation slides. In Week 2, students practice common phrasal verbs used in travel and tourism. In Week 3, students describe the tourist attractions in their home countries by preparing a six-day trip for a new visitor. Finally, this month’s Teacher’s Corner concludes with a debate activity focused on the increasing concern of over-tourism.

Table of Contents

In this week’s Teacher’s Corner, students are tasked with creating a Pecha Kucha presentation on an around-the-world trip. Pecha Kucha is a presentation style where each presenter is allowed twenty slides which are shown for twenty seconds each. The goal is to encourage the speaker to be concise – to not talk too long. For this activity, students will get six slides shown for thirty seconds each, with each slide showcasing a place they would like to visit on a trip around the world.

Intermediate to Advanced

LANGUAGE FOCUS

Speaking, reading (primary focus) Listening (secondary focus)

Students will practice speaking, reading, and listening through

• Researching locations they would like to visit on a trip around the world
• Delivering a three-minute presentation about their around-the-world trip
• Teacher: computer, projector, stopwatch or other timing device, a map
• Students: notebook, pencil, paper, computers (for research to be done as homework, or books and encyclopedias)

PREPARATION

• Read through all the materials carefully.
• For this activity, students will be giving presentations to the class. To save time, be sure that students submit their presentations as a homework assignment before the day they will present them. The teacher should then have all the presentations loaded onto the class computer, ready to go at the start of the class. Having the presentations already loaded will save time, compared to each student separately loading his or her presentation on the computer. Having the presentations ready to go at the start of class will save time, compared to each student separately loading his or her presentation on the computer. If a computer is not available, this can be done on sheets of large paper as well.
• During this activity, students will be giving presentations that have a set time limit of three minutes. To keep students on time, the teacher controls when the slides of the presentation change. Optionally, a student can be selected as the official timekeeper. This student can sit at the presentation computer to advance the slides instead of the teacher.

PART ONE: PREPARING TO DEPART

• Begin the class by showing a map of the world. To warm students up for the activity, ask students to come to the board and point to countries that you name.
• If none of the students know the meaning of the word, give them a clue. For example, point to the United States and tell the students, “The United States is a country.” Next, point to Mexico and tell the students, “Mexico is a country, too.” Finally, point to Canada and say, “Canada is also a country.” Then tell the students, “The United States, Mexico, and Canada are all on the same continent.” While speaking, use your finger to draw a large circle around the North American continent. (Don’t forget to include Central America too!)
• To check the students’ comprehension of the word continent ask the class, “How many continents are there in the world?” Students should respond with “seven”; if they answer “six,” they may have forgotten about Antarctica!
• Ask the students which continent they most want to visit and why. Tell the students to think about their answers.
• Next, have the students form pairs and share their answers with their partners.
• Finally, have students share their answers with the entire class.
• Inform the class that for homework they are going to plan an around-the-world trip.
• Explain to the students that they will prepare a presentation to show the class about their around-the-world trip.
• Instruct the students that their one location per continent must be a city, national park, or sightseeing location. An entire country is too large to select as one location!
• Students must travel in one direction around the world (either east or west).
• Each slide should have some basic information about the location and at least one picture of the location.
• Finally, inform the students that they will only have three minutes to give their presentation to the class, and each slide will only be shown for thirty seconds. So, students should practice their presentations before class!

PART TWO: CLASS PRESENTATIONS

• On the day students give their class presentations, remind them they only have thirty seconds for each slide. If time permits, give the students a few minutes to check their notes and prepare for their presentations.
• Have the first student presenting come to the front of the class.
• Open the student’s presentation and start the timer. After thirty seconds move to the next slide; after another thirty seconds move to the third slide; and so on.
• Optional: After all the students have presented their around-the-world trip, have the class vote on the most interesting trip!

This week’s Teacher’s Corner provides students with the opportunity to practice using phrasal verbs in an activity about New York City.

Reading, speaking (primary focus) Listening (secondary focus)

During this activity, students will

• Practice speaking skills through a matching activity
• Practice reading skills and using travel-related phrasal verbs in a worksheet activity
• Teacher: whiteboard or chalkboard, markers or chalk
• Students: pencils or pens, notebooks or writing paper
• Print out copies of the phrasal verb cards in Appendix 1. a. Students will use the phrasal verb cards in a pair-work activity. Print enough copies of the phrasal verb cards for each pair of students to have a set.
• Cut out the phrasal verb cards and for each set, mix the cards so that the phrasal verbs and definitions are mixed well.
• Print out copies of the phrasal verbs fill-in-the-blank worksheet in Appendix 2. Students will use the worksheet in a pair-work activity. Print enough copies of the worksheet for each pair of students to have one. The answer key is in Appendix 3.

ACTIVITY PART ONE: PHRASAL VERB WARM-UP

• Begin the class by having the students form pairs. 
• Give each pair a set of phrasal verb cards (already mixed up) from Appendix 1.
• Have the students work together to match each phrasal verb to its correct definition.
• After the students have completed the matching activity, review the answers as a class.
• Next, ask the students, “What do the phrasal verbs have in common?” a. Answer: Each of the phrasal verbs is related to travel.
• Next, ask the students, “What is the one city in the world you would like to visit?” a. Optional: Ask the students this question as part of a Think, Pair, Share activity.     i. First, have the students think about their answer individually.     ii. Next, have the students share their answer with their partner.     iii. Finally, encourage the students to share their answer or, even better, to share their partners’ answers with the class.

ACTIVITY PART TWO: PHRASAL VERB WORKSHEET

• Begin this part of the activity by asking the students if they would like to visit New York City.
• Next, ask why they would like to visit the city, or ask what they would like to do if they visited the city.
• As students answer the questions, pass out the phrasal verb fill-in-the-blank worksheet to the pairs of students. Instruct them to read through the worksheet and circle any vocabulary they don’t know. a. If students have questions about vocabulary, take a few moments to answer their questions before moving on to Step 4.
• Next, have the pairs of students fill in the blanks on the worksheet with the phrasal verbs on the cards they used in Part 1 of this activity. As students work, walk around the room to check on their progress.
• Once the pairs have finished filling in the blanks, check their answers as a class.

APPENDIX 1: PHRASAL VERBS MATCHING CARDS

week2_chart.png

APPENDIX 2: PHRASAL VERBS FILL-IN-THE-BLANK WORKSHEET

appenx2_3.jpg

New York has been called “The City That Never Sleeps!” With so many things to do at any time of day, New York is a great place to visit on vacation. Thanks to New York’s many transportation options, you don’t need anyone to __________ you __________ at the airport. Instead, you can take a bus or the subway into the city, or even have one of the city’s famous yellow taxis __________ you _________ at your hotel. After you ___________________ to your hotel, you can ____________________ on your NYC adventure!

If it is your first visit to New York, be sure to take some time to ____________________ the city by taking a walk. It can be a great way to get to know the city and experience the New York way of life. Some of the best things about New York can be found by ___________________ the many diverse neighborhoods full of great food, interesting events, and historical landmarks. Even though New York is famous for its busy streets, you can ___________________ from the crowds by visiting Central Park. There you can walk through the trees, sit by the lake, and even get a famous New York City hot dog.

Of course, no trip to New York would be complete without visiting the Statue of Liberty. To visit, you need to ____________________ a ferry at Battery Park. While crossing the water, you can ____________________ a wonderful view of the city. Once on Liberty Island, you can walk around the statue, visit the museum, or climb the 377 steps to the top of the Statue of Liberty. It is an incredible experience, but tickets sell out quickly!

As you leave New York and your plane ____________________, be sure to enjoy the view out the window to get one last look at the city that never sleeps!

APPENDIX 3: PHRASAL VERBS FILL-IN-THE-BLANK ANSWER KEY

New York has been called “The City That Never Sleeps”! With so many things to do at any time of day, New York is a great place to visit on vacation. Thanks to New York’s many transportation options, you don’t need anyone to ____pick you up_____ at the airport. Instead, you can take a bus or subway into the city, or even have one of the city’s famous yellow taxis ______drop you off________ at your hotel. After you _____check in________ to your hotel, you can ____set out_________ on your NYC adventure!

If it is your first visit to New York, be sure to take some time to __look around____ the city by taking a walk. It can be a great way to get to know the city and experience the New York way of life. Some of the best things about New York can be found by __checking out___ the many diverse neighborhoods full of great food, interesting events, and historical landmarks. Even though New York is famous for its busy streets, you can ___get away_________ from the crowds by visiting Central Park. There you can walk through the trees, sit by the lake, and even get a famous New York City hot dog.

Of course, no trip to New York would be complete without visiting the Statue of Liberty. To visit, you need to ____get on__________ a ferry at Battery Park. While crossing the water, you can _____take in________ a wonderful view of the city. Once on Liberty Island, you can walk around the statue, visit the museum, or climb the 377 steps to the top of the Statue of Liberty. It is an incredible experience, but tickets sell out quickly!

As you leave New York and your plane ___takes off________, be sure to enjoy the view out the window to get one last look at the city that never sleeps!

This month’s Teacher’s Corner explores travel and tourism. This week’s activity asks students to think about their own cities or countries by designing a six-day trip for a visiting tourist.

LEVEL Intermediate to Advanced

FOCUS Reading, writing (primary focus) Speaking, listening (secondary focus)

GOALS During this activity students will

• Practice speaking skills while creating a travel plan for their country or city
• Practice presentations skills while delivering their travel plans to the class
• Teacher: whiteboard or chalkboard, markers or chalk, poster paper (optional)

In this activity, students will prepare a travel plan for someone visiting their country or city for the first time. This activity can take place during one class period or across two classes depending on how much time your students need to prepare their travel plans.

• Print out copies of Appendix 1 Travel Plans. Print enough copies so that each group of two to three students has one to complete.

ACTIVITY PART ONE: HOMEWORK – TRAVEL PLANNING

• Begin this activity by having the students form groups of two to three students.
• Give each group a copy of the Travel Plan from Appendix
• Have the students work together to brainstorm a six-day travel plan to their country. a. If your students are from a large city, they could plan the entire six-day trip just in their city. If your students are from a smaller city or more rural area, they can plan a regional or nation-wide trip.
• As the groups work, walk around the room asking groups for details about their trip. Encourage them to be as specific as possible. For example: if they write “stay in a hotel,” instruct them to be more specific: What hotel? Where in the city? What makes that hotel or area of the city interesting?
• Optional: Depending on time and student levels, this activity can also be a homework assignment. After the groups have finished their travel plans, the homework can challenge the students to use the travel plans to create a poster, a flyer, or even a video where students can show off their six-day travel plans.

ACTIVITY PART TWO: TRAVEL SHOWCASE

• After the groups have finished their travel plans, give them time to prepare a speaking presentation to the class. a. Instruct the students that for the presentation each student in the group must speak. For example, in a group of three students, each student can present on two days of the trip. b.  Note: Depending on students’ level and ability, this presentation part of the activity can be done on a separate day to give the students more time to prepare.
• Next, have each group come to the front of the class and describe the travel plan they made to the rest of the class. a. For additional speaking practice, encourage the rest of the class to ask questions about the trip.
• After each group has presented their travel plan, have the class vote on the presentations. Which travel plan was the best? Which was the most adventurous? Which was the most historic?

APPENDIX 1: TRAVEL PLANS

Directions: Plan a six-day trip to your country for a person who has never visited before. Choose a city, region, or the entire country. Include everything, such as what to visit, where to stay, and what to eat!

This month’s Teacher’s Corner explores the world of travel and tourism. With travel becoming easier and cheaper all around the world, people who live in popular tourist locations have begun to ask if too much tourism can be a problem. In this week’s activity, students will debate the positives and negatives of tourism.

Speaking, listening (primary focus)

Reading, writing (secondary focus)

• Practice reading skills while reading an article about over-tourism
• Practice speaking and listening during a debate on tourism
• Teacher: whiteboard or chalkboard, markers or chalk, a timing device, Internet (optional)
• Before class, read the article " Too Much Tourism "and listen to the audio version of the story.
• Print out copies of Appendix 1: “Too Much Tourism” article. Print enough copies so that each student has one. Note: If a computer lab is an option for your class, have the students read the article by visiting this URL: https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/too-much-tourism/4118421.html
• On the website, the article has an audio version that can be streamed over the Internet or downloaded and played on a computer in class.

ACTIVITY PART ONE: "TOO MUCH TOURISM" ARTICLE

• Direct students' attention to the board.
• On the board write the word tourism . Ask the students what the word tourism means.
• Next, as a check of their understanding, ask the class where in their country is popular for tourism?
• Then, write the word over in front of the word tourism to create the new word over-tourism.
• Again ask the students to provide a definition for this word. a.    Note: Over-tourism is a recent issue that has gained attention in the news and travel industry. It does not have an exact definition, but as long as students describe a problem of too many visitors to a place, their definition is acceptable.
• Once again, check the students’ understanding by asking if there are any locations in their country that they think face problems with over-tourism. a.    Note: Depending on the level of the students, this question can be asked as a Think, Pair, Share. First have the students think about the question, then have them share their answers with a partner, finally have the pairs of students share their answers with the class.
• Next, provide each student with a copy of the “Too Much Tourism” article in Appendix 1. Give students time to read the article. a.    Note: To provide students more listening practice, have them listen to the article by playing the audio version of the story from the webpage.
• To check their comprehension, ask the following questions: a.    How many trips are tourists expected to take by the year 2030? (Answer: 1.8 billion) b.    What is Croatia doing to help stop over-tourism? (Answer: Limiting the number of daily visitors to the city of Dubrovnik.)
• Finally, as a show of hands, ask the students who thinks limiting tourism is a good idea? Tell the class they will have the opportunity to share their opinions in a debate. 

ACTIVITY PART TWO: THE TOURISM DEBATE

• Note:  For this debate, students will argue for and against tourism. If you teach a large class, you may want to break students into groups and then have these groups form two teams that can debate. Another option for larger classes is for students to volunteer to participate in the debate, while the rest of the class can act as audience and decide which team won.
• Begin the debate by dividing the class (or a group of students) into two teams. Decide which team will be the For side, which will argue in favor of the topic, and which will be the Against side, which will argue against the theme of the topic.
• While the students are forming For and Against teams, go to the chalkboard and write the theme and topics for the debate: Debate Theme: Tourism  Topic #1: Whether tourism is always good for the local economy, and the economy is more important than too many tourists. Topic #2: Whether too much tourism can harm the local culture of a city. Topic #3: Whether people should travel less. a.     Note:  If time permits have the students debate all three topics. For large classes, students can take turns debating: one group of students debates one topic, then the next group of students debates the next topic, and so on.
• Direct the students’ attention to the three debate topics that you have written on the board and tell the students they should prepare their ideas on these topics for the debate. a.     Note: For more advanced lessons, assign the debate preparation as homework so students can research the topics and prepare with more details.
• Once the students are prepared, have the students who are going to debate first come to the front of the class. Have the two teams form lines on opposite ends of the board. Begin the debate by having the first student in line of the For team present his or her argument for one minute. Then the first student from the Against team has one minute to challenge the ideas presented by the For team’s student.
• After the first students from each team have spoken for a minute, have them move to the back of the line and have the second student in each line more forward. They will now debate against each other. This time the Against student goes first for one minute. The student for the For team then gets to present his or her argument on the topic. Continue until all students have had the opportunity to debate.

Remember:  An effective debate is not only about presenting an argument but also challenging the argument of one’s opponent. For more information on debates and ideas for using debates in class, check out The Great Mini-Debate on the American English webpage.

APPENDIX 1: TOO MUCH TOURISM?

• Privacy Notice
• Copyright Info
• Accessibility Statement
• Get Adobe Reader

For English Language Teachers Around the World

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State, manages this site. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

ESL Activities

ESL Games, Activities, Lesson Plans, Jobs & More

in Icebreakers + Warm-Ups · Listening · Reading · Speaking · Writing

Travel & Holidays ESL Games, Worksheets | ESL Travel Activities

If you need some fresh, new ideas for the ESL travel and holiday unit that you can find in most textbooks, then you’re in the right place. We’ll share our top ideas for games and activities, along with travel vocabulary, worksheets and lesson plans. Let’s get to the best ESL holiday activities.

ESL holiday and travel-themed activities

Let’s get into everything you need to know for an ESL holiday lesson. Keep on reading!

ESL Travel and Holiday Activities

Here are the top ESL travel activities that you may want to try out with your students.

#1: Plan a Trip

Have your students plan a dream vacation in English! Instead of researching in their first language, use Google in English. In order to practice writing, keep notes only in English. Here’s an example of how you might plan your trip using English. You can have your students add as little, or as much detail as you’d like. However, the point of the activity is to practice writing in point form which is useful when writing outlines for tests or essays.

Day 1: Monday, January 1

Fly Seoul (3pm) —-> Vancouver (7am) Check in Hotel ABC, 123 Avenue Rest, relax

Day 2: Tuesday, January 2

Stay Hotel ABC Tour Stanley Park Eat Pub XYZ dinner

Day 3: Wednesday, January 3

Check out Hotel ABC Rent car Budget 123 Drive Whistler Rent skis shop ABC Go Skiing Lunch ski lodge Check in Hotel ABC Whistler Bed early

Procedure for one of my favourite ESL travel activities:

• Give students time to do some Internet research about a place they want to go. It’s helpful to specify the number of days. I generally make a rule that they must do this research in English. Suggest some helpful websites where they might like to start (Trip Advisor, Air BnB, etc.).
• Students can make a day-by-day itinerary of what they’re trip is going to look like.
• They can share about their trip with the class or turn it in for a graded assignment.

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Bolen, Jackie (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 78 Pages - 03/22/2021 (Publication Date)

#2: A-Z Alphabet Game

If you know that your students already know a fair bit about holiday and travel, you may want to try this quick warm-up game. Or, you could consider using it as a review game at the end of a class.

The way it works is that students, in pairs or small groups write down the alphabet on a piece of paper. Then, they have to think of one travel related word for each letter. It doesn’t have to be done in order. For example:

P: Passport

The winner is the team with the most completed letters at the end of the allotted time. Do you want to find out more? Check this out: A-Z Alphabet Game ESL .

#3: Travel Word Association

This is nice ESL activity to do if you know that your students have studied about travel and holidays before. They can shout out vocabulary words related to this and you can make a mind map or sorts on the board. Group similar things together. For example, articles of clothing.

Find out more about this quick ESL warmer right here: ESL Vocabulary Word Association.

• 146 Pages - 06/18/2020 (Publication Date)

#4: Postcards ESOL Travel Activity

If you can get your hands on some cheap postcards or have some laying around your house or teacher’s office, try out this fun writing activity. It may just be the novelty factor, but students seem to love it. This activity is ideal for working on common greetings, the past tense (more ideas here: ESL past tense games ), and using descriptive words, as well as using synonyms to avoid repetition.

Distribute the postcards to the students. You can do one per student, or put the students into pairs. They have to look at the picture on the front of the postcard and imagine that they went on this vacation. Then, they can write about their trip to a friend or family member.

Next, the students trade postcards with another student or group. After reading them, they can write a response back of at least a few sentences. Finally, you may want to display them around the class as they’re colourful and fun and other students may enjoy reading them! Have some fun with this ESOL travel activity.

• Give each student or pair a postcard. They look at the picture and imagine what they did on that vacation, and then pretend that they’re writing to a friend or family member.
•  Exchange postcards and another student or group have to write a response to what they read.
• Display the postcards around your classroom (optional).

#5: Travel or Holiday Videos

I’m ALL about using videos with my ESL/EFL students. They’re fun, engaging and a nice way to grab student’s attention and introduce a topic. Of course, you can base an entire class around one too if you design the activities well.

If you want to find out more about using them in your classes and some activities and games to do with them, you’ll want to check this out: Using Videos for Teaching English .

#6: Dictogloss ESOL Travel Activity

This is a challenging activity that works on listening and writing skills. Find a short story related to holiday or travel. It could even be a description of your own vacation that you took recently.

Then, you read out the story to your students in a way that is a bit challenging for them to catch every word. Students have to take notes and then try to reconstruct what they heard based on their notes in small groups. You can read it again so that students have a chance to make some additions or corrections. Finally, students compare their version with the original.

Do you want to try it out with your students? You can learn more about one of the best ESL travel activities here: ESL Dictogloss Activity .

#7: Holidays ESL Lesson Plan

It’s easy to plan an ESL lesson about any topic, including holidays. Check out this video for the steps to follow:

#8: Yes/No Questions and Answers

If you think about it, holidays and travel lend themselves to a ton of yes/no questions. For example:

• Did you fly or drive?
• Did you eat some delicious things?
• Was the food good?
• Did you have nice weather?

If you want to see some activities or games to work on these kinds of questions, you’ll want to check this out: Yes/No Activities and Games.

• 279 Pages - 07/12/2020 (Publication Date)

#9: ESL Food Activities and Games

I’m not sure if it’s the same for you, but when I travel, it’s ALL about the food. I want to try all the delicious things where I’m staying! The good news is that I have a ton of fun, interactive games and activities for food. You can easily adapt most of them to focus on holidays.

You can find out more details here: ESL Food Activities.

#10: ESL Surveys

I love to use surveys in my classes because they lend themselves to just about any topic. In the case of travel, they’re ideal for working on the present perfect and simple past together.

For example:

Have you ever travelled to another country?

Where did you go?

If you want to know more about how to design and use surveys in your classes for an ESL travel lesson, then you’ll want to check this out: Surveys for ESL Students.

ESL Travel Games and Activities

I also love to use ESL surveys to get students to express an opinion in English.

#11: Present Perfect Activities Related to Travel

The present perfect is often used to talk about vacations, travel and holidays. For example:

• Have you ever been to another country?
• Have you travelled to ______ before?

In order to incorporate this grammatical construction into some of your lesson, you’ll want to check this out: Present Perfect ESL Activities.

#12: Brochure Scanning

This is an excellent travel activity! You’ll have to get your hands on some travel brochures first. The way it works is that students get tons of practice with a reading sub-skill (scanning) because they have to look quickly through the brochures to find specific bits of information. For example, cost or number or days.

Do you want to try out this reading activity? You can find out all the details here: Brochure Scanning Reading Activity for ESL .

#13: Odd One Out ESL Warmer

This is a quick English warm-up activity that you can try out with your students. The way it works is that you write words, in groups of 4 on the board. 3 are similar and 1 is the odd one out. Students have to choose this one and say why it doesn’t fit. For example:

Bathing suit, sunglasses, boots, flip-flops

Answers: Boots because it’s not for a beach vacation. I accept many different answers as long as students support it well.

You can learn more about this ESL warm-up here: Odd One Out for ESL .

• 87 Pages - 10/24/2019 (Publication Date)

#14: Would you Rather? 

I’m sure you’ve done this before with friends. You have to choose between two negative things, or two positive things. For example, how you want to die, or what you want to eat. In this case, students could choose between two types of vacation. For example:

Would you rather have a beach or forest vacation?

Would you rather stay in a big hotel, or an AirBNB?

Learn more about this nice activity for an ESL travel lesson here: ESL Would You Rather?

• 110 Pages - 06/22/2021 (Publication Date)

#15: Task Based Activity: Dream Vacation

I love to incorporate this style of teaching into my holiday lessons. It allows students more freedom to choose what they want to learn about and also builds opportunities for some serious teamwork.

In this case, I’ll have students work in groups of 2-3 to plan a dream vacation. They can do some research to find out all the details including how to get there, food, budget, where to stay, etc. Then, they either have to write a report and hand it in to me and/or do a short presentation to the class.

Need some more ideas for this style of a lesson? Check this out: Task-Based Learning .

#16: Travel Themed Charades

I love to play charades with my students. The way it works is that you can think of some travel-related phrases. For example:

• Flying on a plane
• Sleeping on a bus
• Eating noodles
• Buying souvenirs

Then, students have to act this out and their teammates have to guess what the phrase is. More details here: ESL Charades.

#17: Travel Journal

Encourage students to keep a travel journal for a fictional trip. They can describe their experiences, sights, and sounds, using new vocabulary.

Travel and Holidays ESL

#18: Eliciting in an ESL Travel Lesson

Unless your students are absolute beginners, then it’s likely that they already know a good amount of travel and holiday vocabulary. That’s often why I like to start off my ESL traveling lesson by using some eliciting techniques. There are two main reasons for this.

The first reason is that it’s possible to find out what the students already know about this topic to avoid wasting class time covering these things. The second is that it helps students activate their prior knowledge about travel/holidays to make the new things they learn more memorable. Learn how to do this tactic for an ESL holiday lesson here:

ESL Eliciting Advice .

#19: Travel Listening Lesson

A nice way to talk about any topic is through a listening lesson. In this case, find a conversation between two people talking about an upcoming vacation plan. Or, someone talking about a favourite vacation from the past (it could even be you). Then, design an entire listening lesson around that. Find out how here:

#20: Idiom ESL Traveling Activity

There are lots of idioms related to holidays, travel and transportation. Here are just a few of them:

• All hands on deck
• To send flying
• Bump in the road
• Off the rails
• Train wreck
• Asleep at the wheel
• Fall off the wagon
• Hit the road

One of the best ways to make these idioms super memorable is to do this fun activity. Afterwards, your students will never forget! Learn more about this ESL activity:

Idiom Activity for Language Learners .

#21: Concentration ESL Traveling Vocabulary

One of the best ways to review new words during an ESL holiday or travel lesson is to play this memory game. Depending on the level of the students, make some matching pairs of cards with the following:

• Word/picture
• Word/definition
• Word/clue about the word

Then in small groups, students play the game to find the matches. Find out all the details about how to set it up and play:

ESL Concentration Game .

#22: Speaking Fluency Activity

To use this activity with a unit on holidays or travel, have students talk about a past, or upcoming vacation.

#23: Me Too!

Students have to make a true statement about themselves related to holidays and travelling. For example:

• I’ve been to Japan.
• I hate the beach.
• My family goes on a big vacation every summer.

If other students can agree, they stand up and say, “Me too!”

#24: Labour Day Guessing Game

#25: Holiday Interviews

Pair students and have them interview each other about their favorite holidays. They can then present their partner’s holiday to the class.

#26: Travel Bingo

Create bingo cards with images or words related to travel and holidays. Students mark off the squares as they learn new vocabulary.

#27: Travel-Themed Role-Plays

Set up role-plays where students act as travelers, airport staff, or hotel receptionists. This helps them practice common travel dialogues.

#28: Travel Vocabulary Pictionary

Play Pictionary using travel-related words. Students take turns drawing and guessing the vocabulary words.

#29: Travel Storytelling

Ask students to create and share short stories about a memorable travel experience they’ve had or wish to have in the future.

#30: Travel Debate

Have students debate the pros and cons of traveling. This encourages critical thinking and speaking skills.

Travel and Holiday Vocabulary

Here are some of the most common vocabulary words that you may want to teach your students related to traveling for an ESL holiday lesson.

• bathing suit
• boarding pass
• vaccination
• The months of the year in English

Do you have any ESL travelling vocabulary that you’d like us to add to the list? Leave a comment and let us know!

Travel Worksheets and Lesson Plans for ESL

If you’re looking for some worksheets or lesson plans related to holidays and travel, then you’ll want to check out some of our top resource recommendations:

ESOL Courses

ISL Collective

Lingua House

ESL Travel Vocabulary Worksheets

If you want students to get some practice with ESL travel vocab, here are a few recommendations:

English Club

Did you Like these Travel Games for ESL?

• 68 Pages - 11/12/2019 (Publication Date)

Yes? Thought so. Then you’re going to love this book: The Emergency English Teacher: No-Textbook, No-Prep, No-Materials ESL Activities.

If you’re always in need of last-minute activities and games for your classes, then this book is exactly what you might need. It’s English teaching made easy in a serious way.

You can get the book in digital or print formats. Take the e-version with you to your favourite coffee shop for lesson planning on the go. Or, keep a copy on the bookshelf in your office to use as a handy reference guide. But the best idea is to have it with you at all times for those English teaching emergencies.

Do you want to find out more? Head on over to Amazon to pick up your copy today:

FAQs about ESL Travel Lessons

There are a number of common questions that people have about teaching this unit. Here are the answers to some of the most popular ones.

What is the purpose of teaching the travel and holiday unit to English learners?

The purpose is to help English learners develop vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills related to travel and holidays.

What topics can be covered within the travel and holiday unit?

Topics can include modes of transportation, booking accommodations, tourist attractions, holiday activities, travel phrases, and cultural aspects of different destinations.

How can I introduce vocabulary related to travel and holidays?

You can introduce vocabulary through visual aids, realia (actual objects), flashcards, and interactive activities such as matching games or vocabulary quizzes.

What grammar structures can be taught in the travel and holiday unit?

Grammar structures such as present simple for schedules and timetables, past simple for recounting travel experiences, future tenses for making travel plans, and modal verbs for expressing preferences or asking for permission can be taught.

What speaking activities can be used to practice travel and holiday-related topics?

Role-plays, group discussions about dream destinations, travel itineraries, or describing holiday experiences are effective speaking activities. Additionally, pair work activities like “Find Someone Who” or “Guess the Destination” can engage learners in conversation.

ESL Travel Activities and Games: Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts about these Holiday ESL activities? Do you have another one that you’d like to recommend to us? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.

Also be sure to give this article a share on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. It’ll help other busy English teachers, like yourself find this useful resource for ESOL travel lessons.

ESL Travel Lesson

Last update on 2022-07-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About Jackie

Jackie Bolen has been teaching English for more than 15 years to students in South Korea and Canada. She's taught all ages, levels and kinds of TEFL classes. She holds an MA degree, along with the Celta and Delta English teaching certifications.

Jackie is the author of more than 60 books for English teachers and English learners, including Business English Vocabulary Builder and 39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Speaking Activities for Teenagers and Adults . She loves to share her ESL games, activities, teaching tips, and more with other teachers throughout the world.

You can find her on social media at: YouTube Facebook Pinterest TikTok LinkedIn Instagram

Top Selling ESL Activity Book

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

More ESL Activities and Games

How to Do a Demonstration Speech | ESL Presentation Lesson

Me Too! ESL Speaking and Listening Activity

List of Daily Routine Activities in English with Pictures

Group Therapy | A Fun First-Day Activity for ESL Students

About, contact, privacy policy.

Best-selling author and English teacher Jackie Bolen has been talking ESL activities and games since 2015. The goal is to bring you the best ideas, lesson plans, and activity recommendations for your TEFL classes.

Get in touch: About + Contact

Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

Email: [email protected]

Address: 2436 Kelly Ave, Port Coquitlam, Canada

1300+ Travel and tourism teaching resources

Disclaimer: Some posts on Tourism Teacher may contain affiliate links. If you appreciate this content, you can show your support by making a purchase through these links or by buying me a coffee . Thank you for your support!

Tourism Teacher is the number 1 choice for travel and tourism teaching resources amongst teachers, lecturers and trainers. The extensive resource bank provides a range of travel and tourism teaching resources to those working in secondary schools, colleges and universities as well travel and tourism practitioners and trainers. 

The travel and tourism teaching resources are differentiated to suit learners of all needs and abilities, ranging from entry level travel and tourism students, to GCSE , A Level , BTEC and university level travel and tourism students. With over 1300 travel and tourism resources, including a range of activities, case studies, worksheets and PowerPoint presentations, teachers are well equipped to develop a comprehensive learning programme for their students. 

As any travel and tourism teacher will know, the industry is dynamic and progressive, with ongoing changes to policy and practice. It is for this reason that the Tourism Teacher travel and tourism resources are updated regularly and new resources are developed each month. If there is a particular resource that you require that isn’t part of the 1300 bank of resources, then please do get in contact and I will do my best to produce these for you. 

The resources are organised by topic and there is also a full resource bank for the BTEC Tech Award in Travel and Tourism and soon there will be the entire Cambridge International A Level in travel and tourism and Cambridge IGCSE in travel and tourism.

Types of travel and tourism teaching resources

There are a range of travel and tourism teaching resources available for you to use and adapt for your own classroom, including:

• PowerPoint presentations
• Printable worksheets
• Interactive activities
• Case studies
• Reading lists
• Journal articles
• Role play cards
• Classroom displays and posters
• Exam practice

Travel and Tourism Course Specific Resources

Whilst the 1300 travel and tourism teaching resources provided are useful for any course specification, I understand that sometimes it is easiest to ‘pick up and go’. Therefore I have created resources for the entire syllabus for the following qualifications:

• BTEC Teach Award
• Cambridge International Travel and Tourism A Level
• Cambridge IGCSE Travel and Tourism (coming soon)

Travel and tourism topics

The travel and tourism resources cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Travel and tourism industry
• Tour operations
• Sustainable/ responsible tourism
• Travel agency operations
• Airlines and airports
• Business tourism
• Visitor attractions
• Researching current issues/ research project
• Types of tourism/ niche tourism
• Planning an event
• European tourism
• Worldwide tourism
• Tourism and technology
• Tourism geography
• Customer service
• Ancillary revenue management
• Hospitality
• Rural tourism
• Leadership and management
• Cruise tourism
• Events and festivals
• Entertainment in tourism
• Nature and effects of world travel
• Destination planning and development
• Working in travel and tourism
• Social responsibility
• Resort Representatives
• Passenger transport
• Safety and security
• Study skills
• Employability skills
• Induction and tutorial activities

Sign up today!

Subscribe for just £199 per year. Cancel anytime.

How long will my membership last?

The membership is an annual subscription and you can continue to be a member for as long as you like!

Can I see some sample resources?

Yes- click here to download your free sample travel and tourism teaching resources. 

Who developed the travel and tourism teaching resources?

All of the travel and tourism teaching resources have been developed by Dr Hayley Stainton and the Tourism Teacher team.

What level are these resources designed for?

These resources are designed to be used across a range of teaching levels and can be amended to make them easier/more challenging if needed.

How long will I get access to the resources?

You will have unlimited access to more than 1300 travel and tourism teaching resources for as long as you continue your subscription, which lasts for 12 months.

My institution needs an invoice- can you send one?

Yes. Please ask your school to email [email protected]  to request an invoice.

Can I cancel my subscription?

Yes, you are free to cancel at any time.

Is it possible to pay by bank transfer?

If your educational institution would prefer to pay via bank transfer, please ask them to email [email protected] to request the details. Payments via bank transfer are available for £269.

Can I get a refund?

Once you have downloaded the materials you are no longer entitled to a refund. 

Can I edit the resources for my own teaching?

Yes, all resources can be edited to suit your needs.

•  All topics A-Z
•  Grammar
•  Vocabulary
•  Speaking
•  Reading
•  Listening
•  Writing
•  Pronunciation
•  Virtual Classroom
• Worksheets by season
•  600 Creative Writing Prompts
•  Warmers, fillers & ice-breakers
•  Coloring pages to print
•  Flashcards
•  Classroom management worksheets
•  Emergency worksheets
•  Revision worksheets
• Resources we recommend
• Copyright 2007-2021 пїЅ
• Submit a worksheet
• Mobile version

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

• Travel Tips

How To Teach Travel And Tourism

Published: December 13, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Basia Gladden

• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Guide

Introduction

Welcome to the exciting world of travel and tourism education! Teaching travel and tourism is not only a rewarding career choice, but it also plays a vital role in shaping the future of the industry. Travel and tourism education equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate this dynamic and multi-faceted field.

As the travel industry continues to grow and evolve, the demand for well-trained professionals is on the rise. This is where travel and tourism education comes in. Whether it’s guiding students in understanding the cultural, social, and economic impact of tourism, or teaching practical skills such as travel planning and hospitality management, educators play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of travel professionals.

In addition to preparing students for a future career in the industry, teaching travel and tourism also helps foster a sense of global citizenship and cultural awareness. Through interactive and engaging learning experiences, students gain a deeper understanding of the world, its diverse cultures, and the importance of sustainable travel practices.

Throughout this article, I will explore key concepts in travel and tourism education, effective teaching strategies, available learning resources, assessment methods, as well as the challenges and solutions in teaching travel and tourism.

So whether you’re an experienced travel and tourism educator looking for new ideas to enhance your teaching or someone considering a career in this field, this article will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips to make your travel and tourism education journey a successful one.

Importance of Teaching Travel and Tourism

Teaching travel and tourism is not just about imparting knowledge and skills; it is about shaping future industry professionals and creating a positive impact on the global economy and society as a whole. Here are some reasons highlighting the importance of teaching travel and tourism:

• Economic Impact: The travel and tourism industry is a significant driver of economic growth in many countries. By teaching students about the industry’s economic impact, including job creation, revenue generation, and foreign exchange earnings, educators contribute to building a strong workforce and promoting economic prosperity.
• Cultural Understanding: Travel and tourism education fosters cultural appreciation and understanding. Through learning about different destinations, customs, traditions, and languages, students develop a deeper appreciation for global diversity. This leads to a more interconnected and tolerant society.
• Sustainable Practices: In an era of increasing concern for the environment, teaching sustainable travel and tourism practices is crucial. By emphasizing the importance of responsible tourism, such as reducing carbon footprint, preserving natural resources, and respecting local communities, educators help shape environmentally conscious individuals who can contribute to a more sustainable future.
• Professional Development: The travel and tourism industry offers a wide range of career opportunities. By teaching students about different job roles, industry trends, and necessary skills, educators prepare them for successful careers in travel, hospitality, event management, tourism marketing, and more. This empowers students to pursue their passion and contribute to the growth of the industry.
• Global Citizenship: Teaching travel and tourism cultivates global citizenship by encouraging students to explore different cultures and engage with diverse communities. This not only broadens their perspective but also develops empathy, cultural sensitivity, and respect for others. It helps students become responsible global citizens who are aware of their impact on the world.

By recognizing and embracing the importance of teaching travel and tourism, educators can empower students to become future industry leaders, promote sustainable practices, and contribute to the growth and development of the sector. Through comprehensive education, students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a fast-paced and ever-evolving industry while making a positive impact on the world around them.

Key Concepts in Travel and Tourism Education

When teaching travel and tourism, there are several key concepts that form the foundation of a well-rounded education. These concepts help students develop a comprehensive understanding of the industry, its impact, and its various components. Here are some essential key concepts in travel and tourism education:

• Tourism Management: This concept focuses on understanding the principles and practices of managing tourism destinations, attractions, and businesses. Students learn about destination marketing, hospitality management, event planning, tour operations, and sustainable tourism practices.
• Cultural and Heritage Tourism: Cultural and heritage tourism emphasizes the exploration and preservation of unique cultural traditions, historical sites, and tangible and intangible heritage. Students delve into the significance of cultural tourism in promoting understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures.
• Travel and Tourism Marketing: Marketing plays a critical role in the travel and tourism industry. Students learn about marketing strategies, consumer behavior, digital marketing techniques, and destination branding. They explore how marketing can effectively promote destinations and attract tourists.
• Tourism Policy and Planning: This concept involves understanding the policies, regulations, and planning processes that govern the tourism industry. Students explore the role of governments, organizations, and stakeholders in shaping tourism development and ensuring its sustainability.
• Sustainable Tourism: Sustainable tourism emphasizes the importance of minimizing negative impacts on the environment, culture, and local communities while maximizing positive socio-economic benefits. Students learn about sustainable practices, responsible tourism, and the role of eco-tourism in preserving natural resources.
• Customer Service and Experience: The travel and tourism industry heavily relies on delivering exceptional customer service and creating memorable experiences for travelers. Students learn about customer service techniques, hospitality skills, and the importance of personalized experiences to enhance customer satisfaction.

These key concepts provide a comprehensive foundation for students in travel and tourism education. By understanding these essential concepts, students gain a holistic view of the industry, its challenges, and its potential. This knowledge equips them with the necessary skills and insights to excel in various roles within the travel and tourism sector.

Teaching Strategies for Travel and Tourism

Teaching travel and tourism requires a dynamic and engaging approach to ensure students grasp the concepts effectively. Here are some effective teaching strategies to enhance the learning experience:

• Real-World Case Studies: Use real-world case studies to provide practical examples that connect theory to the industry. This helps students understand how concepts apply in real-life scenarios and encourages critical thinking.
• Field Trips: Organize field trips to tourism destinations, hotels, or travel agencies to give students firsthand experience of the industry. This not only brings the learning to life but also exposes students to different job roles and operational processes.
• Guest Speakers: Invite guest speakers from the travel and tourism industry to share their experiences and insights with the students. This offers a valuable opportunity for students to learn directly from professionals and gain insights into industry trends and best practices.
• Group Projects: Assign group projects that require collaboration and problem-solving. This helps students develop teamwork skills and encourages them to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Technology Integration: Utilize technology tools and resources to enhance learning. This can include virtual field trips, online simulations, interactive quizzes, and multimedia presentations. Incorporating technology keeps students engaged and allows for a more immersive learning experience.
• Role-Playing: Encourage role-playing activities where students take on different roles within the tourism industry. This helps develop their communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and decision-making capabilities.
• Industry Internships: Facilitate internships or work placements in tourism-related organizations to provide students with real-life work experience and develop industry-specific skills. This practical exposure contributes to a well-rounded education and enhances employability.

By employing these teaching strategies, educators can create a dynamic and interactive learning environment that fosters active participation and knowledge retention. It is important to remember that teaching travel and tourism should be a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application to prepare students for the industry’s demands.

Learning Resources for Travel and Tourism Teaching

When it comes to teaching travel and tourism, utilizing a variety of learning resources can enrich the educational experience and cater to diverse learning styles. Here are some valuable learning resources for travel and tourism teaching:

• Textbooks and Reference Materials: Utilize textbooks and reference materials specifically designed for travel and tourism education. These resources provide a comprehensive overview of the industry, including concepts, theories, case studies, and best practices.
• Online Learning Platforms: Explore online platforms that offer specialized travel and tourism courses and learning modules. These platforms often include interactive lessons, quizzes, and discussion forums to facilitate engagement and knowledge retention.
• Professional Associations and Industry Websites: Many professional associations and industry websites provide access to a wealth of resources such as research papers, industry reports, statistical data, and industry-specific news. These resources can be used to enhance learning and provide the latest industry insights.
• Industry Events and Conferences: Encourage students to attend travel and tourism industry events, conferences, and trade shows. These events provide opportunities for networking, learning about industry trends, and gaining a deeper understanding of the industry’s current practices and challenges.
• Documentaries and Videos: Incorporate documentaries and videos related to travel and tourism into your teaching material. These visual resources can bring destinations, cultures, and tourism concepts to life, making the learning experience more engaging and memorable.
• Online Travel Platforms and Booking Websites: Introduce students to online travel platforms and booking websites such as Expedia or Airbnb. This allows them to explore travel itineraries, compare prices, and understand the role of technology in the travel and tourism industry.
• Industry Case Studies: Utilize industry case studies to demonstrate real-life examples and challenges within the travel and tourism sector. Analyzing these case studies helps students apply theoretical concepts to practical scenarios and develop problem-solving skills.
• Social Media and Blogs: Engage with travel and tourism-related social media accounts and blogs. These platforms provide up-to-date information, travel experiences, destination guides, and insights into the latest travel trends. Encouraging students to follow reputable sources helps them stay connected to the industry’s dynamic nature.

By utilizing a diverse range of learning resources, educators can cater to different learning preferences and create a well-rounded learning experience. It is essential to stay updated with the latest industry resources and encourage students to explore the vast array of available materials to foster a deeper understanding of the travel and tourism industry.

Assessment Methods in Travel and Tourism Education

Assessing student learning is a critical component of travel and tourism education. It allows educators to evaluate students’ understanding of key concepts, their ability to apply knowledge to practical scenarios, and their overall proficiency in the field. Here are some common assessment methods used in travel and tourism education:

• Examinations and Quizzes: Traditional examinations and quizzes are effective in assessing students’ understanding of foundational knowledge and their ability to recall information. These assessments can cover topics such as destination knowledge, industry terminology, tourism management principles, and marketing strategies.
• Case Studies and Written Assignments: Assigning case studies and written assignments allows students to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. These assessments can involve analyzing tourism development plans, developing marketing strategies for a destination, or evaluating the socio-cultural impacts of tourism.
• Group Projects and Presentations: Group projects and presentations encourage teamwork, critical thinking, and communication skills. Students can be tasked with designing a sustainable travel itinerary, creating a tourism marketing campaign, or presenting a research study on emerging trends in the industry.
• Practical Assessments and Simulations: Practical assessments involve hands-on activities that demonstrate students’ ability to perform specific tasks related to travel and tourism. This can include role-playing customer service scenarios, managing a simulated travel agency, or creating sample tour packages.
• Industry Internships and Work Placements: Assessing students during their industry internships or work placements provides an opportunity to evaluate their practical skills and professional conduct in a real-world setting. This can involve supervisor evaluations, reflective journals, and performance assessments.
• Online Assessments: Online assessments, such as quizzes and interactive modules, can be used to gauge students’ understanding of specific topics or concepts. These assessments can be self-paced and provide immediate feedback, promoting independent learning and knowledge retention.
• Peer Reviews and Feedback: Incorporating peer reviews and feedback allows students to evaluate each other’s work and provide constructive criticism. This promotes self-reflection, collaboration, and the development of analytical skills.

When selecting assessment methods, it is important to align them with the learning outcomes and objectives of the course. A combination of different assessment methods ensures that students are evaluated on various skills and competencies, including knowledge recall, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and industry-specific skills.

Furthermore, providing timely and constructive feedback to students is crucial. Feedback aids in their learning and growth, allowing them to identify areas for improvement and build upon their strengths. It also helps to encourage engagement and motivate students throughout their travel and tourism education journey.

Challenges and Solutions in Teaching Travel and Tourism

Teaching travel and tourism comes with its own set of challenges, but with the right strategies and solutions, these challenges can be overcome to create an effective learning experience. Here are some common challenges faced in teaching travel and tourism, along with potential solutions:

• Keeping Pace with Industry Changes: The travel and tourism industry is constantly evolving, with new trends, technologies, and practices emerging. To address this challenge, educators can stay updated with industry news, attend professional development programs, and collaborate with industry experts. This allows them to incorporate relevant and up-to-date information into their teaching methods.
• Engaging Diverse Learners: Tourism students come from diverse backgrounds and have different learning preferences. To engage these learners, educators can incorporate a variety of teaching strategies, such as case studies, group projects, role-playing activities, and technology-based learning. This ensures that different learning styles and preferences are accommodated, creating a more inclusive and engaging learning environment.
• Promoting Practical Skills: The travel and tourism industry relies heavily on practical skills. However, teaching these skills can be challenging in a classroom setting. To address this, educators can incorporate hands-on activities, simulations, industry internships, and guest speakers. These practical experiences provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge and develop essential skills that are directly transferable to the industry.
• Fostering Cultural Sensitivity: As travel and tourism involve encounters with diverse cultures, it is important to foster cultural sensitivity among students. Educators can facilitate this by incorporating cultural experiences, promoting respectful interactions, and encouraging open dialogue. Guest speakers from different cultural backgrounds can also provide first-hand insights and help students develop a global perspective.
• Promoting Sustainable Tourism Education: Sustainable practices in travel and tourism are crucial for the industry’s future. Educators can address this challenge by integrating sustainability into the curriculum through case studies, discussions, and projects. Students can be encouraged to explore sustainable tourism practices and strategies, promoting the importance of responsible tourism and its impact on the environment and communities.
• Access to Industry Resources: Access to industry-specific resources and networks can be limited in an academic setting. To overcome this challenge, educators can forge partnerships with local tourism organizations, invite industry professionals as guest speakers, and utilize online resources, such as industry blogs, webinars, and research papers. This provides students with exposure to current industry practices and trends.

By recognizing and addressing these challenges, educators can create a more relevant and impactful learning experience for travel and tourism students. Through continuous professional development, engagement with industry partners, and an inclusive teaching approach, educators can equip students with the knowledge, skills, and cultural sensitivity required for successful careers in the dynamic travel and tourism industry.

Teaching travel and tourism is a fulfilling and important endeavor that prepares students for a dynamic and ever-expanding industry. By imparting knowledge, fostering skills, and promoting cultural understanding, educators play a crucial role in shaping future travel professionals and global citizens.

We have explored the importance of teaching travel and tourism, highlighting its economic impact, cultural significance, and role in promoting sustainability and global citizenship. We have also discussed key concepts in travel and tourism education, including tourism management, cultural and heritage tourism, and sustainable practices.

To enhance the learning experience, we have examined effective teaching strategies such as real-world case studies, field trips, and guest speakers. We have also discussed the importance of utilizing diverse learning resources, including textbooks, online platforms, and industry events, to provide a well-rounded education.

Assessing student learning in travel and tourism education is crucial, and we have explored various assessment methods such as examinations, group projects, and practical assessments. These methods enable educators to evaluate students’ understanding and proficiency in the field.

While challenges exist in teaching travel and tourism, we have provided solutions to overcome them. From staying updated with industry changes to fostering cultural sensitivity and promoting sustainable practices, educators can address these challenges through professional development, engaging teaching strategies, and industry partnerships.

In conclusion, teaching travel and tourism is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of the industry and inspire students to become well-rounded professionals. By embracing innovative teaching strategies, collaborating with industry partners, and nurturing a passion for travel and cultural understanding, educators can create a transformative learning experience that prepares students for success in the dynamic world of travel and tourism.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

13 Ways to Use Your Travel Experiences in Your Classroom

• >> 13 Ways to Use Your Travel Experiences in Your Classroom

Many teachers are avid world explorers. We can use our travel experiences in the classroom to create wonderful opportunities for learning. Through my own trips I've transported my students to Mayan temples deep in the jungle and to Roman ruins on the Mediterranean coast. I know teachers that have brought their classes to the frozen Arctic, volcanic mountain tops, and mosquito-ridden swamps. We’ve celebrated Semana Santa in Mexico and Ramadan in Egypt.

There are many ways to use your own love of travel to enrich your lessons. Next time you head out during a school break, think about using some of the following ideas once you get back to school.

1. Write a travel narrative

Children often enjoy learning about what their teachers did during vacation. Share a written description of a place you have traveled to and then have students write their own describing some place they have been. It doesn’t need to be an exotic location. Everyone has traveled someplace new, even in their own city or town.

2. Comparing holidays

Have you ever visited a place during a holiday that is also celebrated in your own country? Different cultures often celebrate the same holiday in different ways. Show pictures or videos you took and share descriptions of it. Perhaps don’t reveal what the celebration is and challenge your students to identify the holiday. This is is a great way to showcase cross-cultural similarities and differences and challenge your students’ assumptions. Ask them why they think these cultural differences exist and have them research their origins. Education World has many great lesson plans centered on the December holidays so you can discuss your travel experiences in the classroom.

Show pictures or videos you took and share descriptions of it.

3. Authentic language learning

If you teach a foreign language and travel to a place where that language is spoken, record brief interviews with native speakers. My high school Spanish teacher would play recordings of conversations she had with taxi drivers, waiters, and people on the street from her travels. It was a great way to listen to different accents, regional slang, and get a sneak peek at what our teacher was up to over the holidays. This is also a great way to meet people while you travel!

4. Put those souvenirs to use

The souvenirs that you bring home are a great way to pique your students’ curiosity and inspire further investigation. Elaine Rittershaus, a technology teacher in Massachusetts, never fails to bring her travels back to the classroom. “I bought a bronzed chess set [in Athens] of all the original Olympic athletes and my kids loved that during one of the Olympics. I brought elves and gnomes from Sweden and Finland for folklore studies. And music CDs from the Sami people in the Arctic circle to compare with Native American drumming and songs. I brought back Belgian chocolates from Brussels, we made the connection with King Leopold, colonization, exploitation and Africa.”

5. Explore your roots

Students often take pride in sharing their backgrounds and culture. Whether they are immigrants themselves or descended from immigrants, so often they like sharing their heritage with each other. Let them share their own travel experiences in the classroom. Have them conduct research and gather material both in the form of internet/library research and family interviews to write descriptions and create presentations of the country their family is from.

6. Geologic exploration

Going to the beach? Bring back samples of sand from different places so students can analyze the grains to make predictions on what type of the environment the samples are from. You can even ask students to collect their own samples if they travel too. The Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence has a great lesson plan to use with this activity.

7. Plan a dream vacation

You can use your own love of travel to inspire your students to plan their own dream vacation. Check out this lesson which challenges elementary students to plan every aspect of a vacation, from investigating geography to making a budget.

8. Different currencies

Children are often fascinated by different types of money. Whether it’s a trillion dollar note from Zimbabwe, donut shaped coins from Japan, or a Mongolian Tögrög, use your spare change from other countries to inspire students to make mathematical conversions along with this lesson from Math Is Fun.

9. Create a travel brochure

Students can study historical periods by creating a travel brochure for “time travelling” tourists. What would a visitor to 1st Century Rome or Pre-Columbian Peru need to know? Gather brochures and flyers from hotel lobbies or visitor centers as examples for students to examine what makes a good brochure.

10. Comparing literature

Foreign language teachers can pick up some children’s books when traveling. Children will enjoy experiencing what kids in other countries read and the language in children’s books is usually simple enough for students of all ability levels.

11. Bring along something from the class

Does your classroom have a mascot or familiar toy? Take a picture in front of Notre-Dame or the Taj Mahal with it. Not only will it make the location feel more real to your students, but will help them get a clear picture of the size and scale of the place.

“Story Duck” meets the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen.

12. Bring questions from your students

Before going on a trip, middle school teacher Sara Krakauer likes to have her students come up with questions she can ask people while traveling. She then presents locals with the questions and records a short video of the answers. It’s a fun way for students to engage with people in other parts of the world and learn something about their culture. Check out her class’ questions from her trip to Ireland.

13. Challenge your own cultural assumptions

This one may be a bit more intangible, but still very important. Any frequent traveler knows that getting outside your norms and cultural comfort zone forces you to question your own assumptions. Bring this perspective back with you to the classroom.

Alysa Escobar, a former school counselor and theater arts teacher says that “when I travel there are opportunities to connect with new people and understand myself more deeply. But also there are moments of being lost and confused. And that experience has helped me have more empathy when a new student walks into my classroom, especially a student whose first language may not be English and is learning a whole new school culture. Travel experiences have helped me learn the importance of making my school and classroom a place where everyone's identity, culture, and language is represented and respected, making it clear that they belong and are welcome.”

GET INSTANT ACCESS

To the travel power pack.

Download the Travel Grants Spreadsheet, Teacher Travel Mind Map, and Packing List!

Related Posts

Why Teachers Should Travel

Can Travel Fight Racism in the Classroom?

About the Author

Greg Jackson is a former teacher from the Boston area and blogger at TheseNewLatitudes.com . He has traveled extensively through Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East. He can often be found exploring ancient ruins, eating unfamiliar foods, and joining random street festivals.

30+ Engaging Travel Activities for Kids

This page may contain affiliate links, which means that we may earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

When you’re traveling with kids, you want to make sure you’ve prepared some activities to keep them entertained on the trip. 

We are always on the search for awesome plane and road trip activities for kids. On our many, many trips with our kids, we’ve discovered through experience that some travel activities are better than others. 

Buuut it’s not so fun to discover that you have a dud once you’ve already left on your trip. We’re here to help you out by finding the very best travel activities for kids so you can relax and enjoy your trip!

Whether you’re going on a road trip or traveling by plane, these travel activities for kids are approved by both kids and parents!

Travel Activities for Kids

Water wow activity pads.

Water Wow Activity Pads are a truly mess-free travel activity for kids. Simply fill the pen with water and watch as colorful pictures appear as the brush goes across the page. The picture dries after about ten or fifteen minutes and can be used again!

There are a few different kinds of pads, ranging from simple pictures to number and alphabet activities to mazes and seek-and-find activities . 

This activity appeals to a broad age range, as kids get a huge kick out of seeing the picture magically appear on the page as they color. We as parents even have fun doodling on the pages when our kids are done!

Paint by stickers

These paint by sticker books are a great way to entertain kids on a trip. Each picture is completed by placing the little stickers on the correct number in the picture (think paint by numbers, but with stickers). It’s a great calming, focused activity for any kind of travel.

And when you’re finished, you have a gorgeous and vibrant picture! Our son likes to hang them up in his room when he’s done making them. 

These books have been a huge hit with my kids while traveling. And I love how focused they keep my kids and that they are mess-free!

Guess in 10 Game

Ages 6+ (or junior version for ages 3-6)

Guess in 10 is a game that requires two people to play (or up to 6), but is sure to keep your child wanting more! Each person can ask up to 10 questions to guess the animal on the other person’s card. The first person to collect 7 game cards wins.

One of the best things about this game is how simple it is. No complicated rules or setup, just grab a card and start playing! And it’s so fun to learn new interesting facts about the animals on the cards.

In addition to Guess in 10 Animal Planet , there are lots of other versions of the game depending on your child’s interests, such as Guess in 10 Junior (for kids ages 3-6), Countries of the World , Deadly Dinosaurs , Things that Go , and World of Sports .

Tip: When playing with younger children, it can be helpful to choose a small group of 10-15 cards and then review them before playing. This narrows the scope of guessing to a more reasonable level for young children, especially if they aren’t familiar with a wide range of obscure animals.

Magic clay , also called air dry clay or model magic, is a creative outlet for kids of all ages while traveling. Unlike playdough (which I wouldn’t bring on a plane or into my car in a million years), this light clay does not make a huge mess when used. Its foamlike texture holds together and doesn’t crumble apart or squish into carpets, seats, etc.

My kids have the best time with this activity when we travel and it’s always fun seeing the creative ideas they come up with.

We actually bought this big set of magic clay , which contains a 36 resealable little tubs of the clay, so it’s easy to just grab a couple of containers whenever we have a trip. And my kids can also make fun creations at home. If you want a smaller quantity, you can also buy a pack like this .

Mental Blox Go!

Mental Blox Go! is a set of over 30 games and puzzles in a compact travel case. This portable puzzle set includes ten different puzzle types with various levels of difficulty. Some games can be played individually, while others require multiple players.

Some of the games include memory match, shapes sudoku, and 4×4 chess, to name a few. The pieces are sturdy and chunky, making them difficult to lose.

I love that this game is small enough to be quite compact, without being so small that you lose the pieces, and my kids love the variety of games that you can play with just the one set!

Tangram Magnets

This Trangram Puzzle Book has a variety of different puzzles children can make with the shapes at increasing levels of difficulty. And because the wooden shape pieces are magnetic, they stay in place when kids are playing with them on the go!

Although it is marketed for children ages three and up, this one will probably work better for older children as most of the puzzles are quite challenging.

Hidden Pictures Book

Ages 3-6 yrs

Hidden picture books will keep your child engaged as they search for the images concealed in plain sight in each picture. 

This Things that Go Hidden Pictures Book has 96 pages with a variety of transportation-related scenes. On some of the images, there are matching stickers to put on the hidden picture once you find it, while on others you’re meant to circle the hidden picture.

Our preschooler loved the things that go theme and especially enjoyed the pages with stickers to put on the pictures. There are also other themes you can choose from, including Pet Hidden Puzzles , Adventure Sticker Puzzles , etc.  

Fidget popper

For some simple and compact travel activities for kids, fidget poppers are a great choice. They give your child something to do with their hands while on the go.

It’s surprising how entertaining popping those little buttons in and out can be, for kids and adults. They are also a great sensory activity if a child is feeling agitated or anxious.

If you’re traveling with a young jokester, consider bringing a joke book to keep them laughing. They will love learning new jokes to share and you might get a few laughs too. 

The Silly Kids Joke Book has over 500 jokes in large, easy-to-read font, perfect for young comedians on the go. The jokes are divided up into different categories, such as food jokes, knock-knock jokes, animal jokes, etc. so that your child can find the perfect joke for any occasion!

Puffy Sticker Activity Book

One of my favorite travel activities for kids, the Melissa and Doug Puffy Sticker Activity Books can keep a child busy for a long time on a trip. The sets come with background scenes and dozens of little stickers to decorate each picture to their own liking. 

And the best part is that they’re reusable! And they actually are, unlike some sets that say they are but have stickers that are hard to get off or lose their stick. The set we have has lasted us several years and countless trips. My son always checks to make sure I’m bringing his puffy sticker set when were packing for a trip.

There are many different puffy sticker set options, depending on your child’s interests. We have the farm, chipmunk house (by far our kids’ favorite), and safari set , but you can also find princess, dress-up, and mermaid, dinosaur, ocean, safari , etc.

Wikki Stixs

Wikki Stixs are a fun, mess-free activity that can grow with your child. Younger kids will enjoy squishing and twisting the bendable wax sticks, while older children can make more elaborate creations, such as shapes, words, people, animals, etc. The sky is the limit with this travel activity!

I love seeing the creative ideas my kids come up with when deciding what to make with their Wikki Stix. And since they are reusable, you can just unbend them when you’re done to make new projects!

Secret Decoder Activity Books

Let your kid become a detective with these Secret Decoder Activity Books by Melissa and Doug. This set comes with three activity books and spy tools to help them reveal clues. In each book they will find a mystery to uncover using different spy techniques such as code breaking, unscrambling messages, and completing mazes.

This is such a fun and engaging way for kids to pass the time while traveling! They will love solving mysteries as they build skills such as attention to detail, problem solving, and following directions.

Scratch art

Scratch art is a fun, creative activity that’s easy to do on the go. Kids will love creating their own colorful pictures simply by scratching off the top black coat with the wooden sticks provided. And this set comes with several stencils for kids who want a little help knowing what to draw.

Honestly, I got this on a whim before a trip, not knowing how incredibly entertaining my 5-year-old would find it. This kept him entertained for hours at the hotel, in the car, on the plane…. He had so much fun drawing pictures of all the places we were visiting for everyone he knows. 

It does create a little bit of black residue from scratching off the topcoat, but not enough to be too annoying. And the entertainment value far outweighs that minor inconvenience.

A tablet can be a lifesaver when you’re traveling. I’m all about bringing lots of hands-on activities for my kids to do while traveling, but sometimes screentime is the best way to keep a child occupied or distract them from a meltdown. 

The Kindle Fire comes with a tough, child-proof case and a two-year warranty. You can choose to stream content through wifi or download it onto the device.

Tip: Be sure to download some favorite movies, shows, or apps before getting on the plane. 

Learning Workbooks

Learning workbooks are a nice way to combine academic learning with entertaining travel activity. And although these workbooks do have educational value, they are also a lot of fun for kids to work on while traveling.

You can find all sorts of interesting workbooks with a variety of interesting activities based on your child’s age. For kids ages 3-6, the Little Get Ready! series has some really engaging activity books. Another favorite is Highlights , which also has a wide rage of learning workbooks for all different grade levels and topics.

Help your child learn a craft to keep them entertained while traveling. Our 5-year-old recently expressed a desire to learn to crochet, and that can keep him engaged for hours!

A craft like crocheting, knitting, weaving, or needlework is perfect for keeping a child occupied on trips, whether you’re traveling by car or plane. (And yes, you can bring knitting and sewing needles on a plane!)

This is usually one that you want to prep a bit beforehand though so that they can learn the basics and you can see if it’s really something that will keep their attention. You can get your child started with this beginner crochet set or a loom kit for making hats and infinity scarves .

And of course, there are a lot of other interesting crafts out there. See what appeals to your child and help them to develop that talent as they travel!

Drawing book

For your little budding artist, bring a book that teaches them to draw pictures. This is a another way for them to learn some new skills while they pass the time.

For younger children, consider a book like How to Draw Animals for learning to draw basic pictures. For older children up for a bit more of a challenge, How to Draw All the Things for Kids has detailed tutorials for 42 different projects. 

Pair it with a small sketch pad and a couple of colored pencils or mechanical pencils (so that you don’t have to worry about the tip breaking) and your child will be all set to draw to their heart’s content!

Look-and-find book

Look-and-find books are a fun way to keep children entertained while traveling. They will love exploring the detailed pictures as they search for various items on each page. 

We love the 1001 Things to Spot books by Usborne. The pages are so interesting and our kids have a great time looking for all the different objects in the pictures. Usborne has a lot of books in the 1001 Things to Spot series, including Animals , Bugs , Monsters , and so on.

Magnetic tin playset

A magnetic tin playset is a self-contained activity that provides lots of creative fun for kids. The inside of the tin contains a background onto which your child can stick the magnets to create a fun scene. Each set comes with dozens of small magnets that match the theme of the set you chose. 

These are a great entertainment option for traveling by car or plane, or for using as entertainment when you arrive at your destination. My kids love arranging and rearranging the magnets to create new scenes and stories!

Tip: Bring a small plastic bag to use for storing the magnets you aren’t currently using, otherwise the scene ends up getting a bit too crowded. 

Usborne Wipe-Clean book

These Wipe Clean books by Usbourne Books and More have been one of my go-to travel activities for kids for years. There are a lot of different options depending on what your child is ready for or interested in, including Wipe Clean Travel Activities , Wipe-Clean Space Activities , Wipe Clean First Math , Wipe Clean Travel Puzzles , and the list goes on and on.

One of the nice things about these books is that they incorporate all sorts of learning activities without making it feel like a workbook. I also love the fun and engaging pictures and that it’s endlessly reusable. Just wipe it off and start again!

Tip: Don’t forget to bring some extra dry erase pens for when your child inevitably misplaces theirs!

Would You Rather Book

For kids who love a good laugh, this Would You Rather Book for Kids is sure to keep them enteretained as they think through various “would you rather” scenarios.

This book contains 200 would you rather questions to get your child thinking and laughing. It’s a fun way to get conversation going and bond as a family as you talk through different outlandish situations.

The book is compact and easy to pack, but contains hours of entertainment for your trip!

Color by Numbers

Color by Numbers books are a fun way for kids to entertain themselves while traveling.

This set comes with numbered pens that correlate to the numbers on the pictures so kids know which color to use for each section of the picture. The numbers disappear after you color over them, leaving just the art behind!

Our son loved seeing the colorful picture appear as he used the numbered markers.

If you have a kid who enjoys puzzles, consider bringing a small puzzle or two to help them pass the time.

These small 20-piece puzzles are a great travel activity for younger kids. They have a frame and travel bag, so it’s easier to keep all the pieces contained and to pack up when it’s time to go.

For older kids, consider a larger puzzle as a hotel activity to keep them occupied if you have some downtime in your room. 

One great way to pass the time while traveling is listening to podcasts. There are some really fun and entertaining podcasts for children out there that are sure to keep kids entertained on a trip. Our son could listen to his favorite podcast (Little Bedtime Stories) for hours!

Just make sure to bring a good pair of headphones for an ideal listening experience. For our younger kids, we typically use toddler headphones , but when they get older we prefer a pair of wireless headphones .

Tip: Preview the podcasts before your trip so that you know that it’s something that your child will find entertaining and also something that is appropriate for your child. Also, be sure to download the podcasts in advance so that you have access to them when you don’t have internet access.

Riddles Travel Game

Get the gears turning by bringing along some riddles for your child. The 100 PICS Riddles Travel Game is a pocket-sized deck of 100 riddles, perfect for travel!

At the bottom of each card is the scrambled answer to the riddle, so you have an extra clue if you need help. Once you’ve guessed what it is, slide open the shutter to reveal the correct answer.

The small size and portable case make this a perfect travel activity for kids!

Sticker books

You can’t go wrong with sticker books for travel. And these days, there are so many different options that kids of all ages will love!

Our 3 and 5-year-old sons both loved the First 100 Trucks and Things That Go Sticker Book . It’s full of fun sticker activities, from color matching to creating your own construction site. This was one sticker book that our kids kept coming back to again and again throughout our trip!

Origami Craft Activty Set

For kids who love crafts, origami is a fun way to engage their creativity while traveling.

This On the Go Origami Kit from Melissa and Doug comes with all the materials you need to make 40 paper animals, along with detailed instructions. The papers have marks on them to show where to where to fold and include stickers to add eyes and embellishments to the completed animals.

There are beginner, intermediate, and advanced projects, so your child can challenge themselves with more difficult creations when ready.

Travel journal

Kids will love recording their travel memories and experiences in a travel journal! 

The Ultimate Travel Journal for Kids provides a creative forum for little travelers to think about and write about their travel experiences. This book includes guided travel writing prompts as well as games and activities for keeping kids entertained on the go. And there’s space to write about four trips, so your child can look forward to using it on their next trip too!

This is one of those perfect travel activities for kids that gets them really thinking and engaging in their trip. Plus it’s a great way for them to record memories to look back on for years to come!

I don’t know what it is about stencils, by my kids find them so fun to play with! Maybe it’s that they can get really fun and detailed pictures that would be challenging for them to draw on their own. 

And there are some really fun stencil sets out there. This set comes with 16 stencil sheets with a wide variety of subjects (planes, dinosaurs, letters and numbers, animals, princesses, flowers… the list goes on and on). It also has pencils, a sharpener, and a sturdy little carrying case for everything.

But if you’re looking for something more basic, just get a small set to give your child something to work with. The key is just to find a set that appeals to your child and set them loose to see what they create!

Travel Scavenger Hunt

This Travel Scavenger Hunt is a great way to pass the time on a long road trip! The cards are easy to read with big pictures, making it easy for kids of all ages to play.

And in addition to the typical cards of objects to look for, there are also special cards for things to hear (like a siren), feel (like the car going over a big bump), and smell (like a skunk or something stinky).

The one downside for this game is that it doesn’t work as well in more remote areas, as it’s a lot harder to find the items on the cards. But save it for when you’re driving through more urban areas and you’ll have a fun game that everyone will enjoy!

All ages (find age-appropriate books)

Reading is one of the best ways to pass the time while traveling, for children and adults! Find a topic or author that appeals to your child and bring along a book or two for them to read on the trip.

You can choose informative, non-fiction books or gripping fiction, depending on your child’s preference.

We love the Usborne Lift-the-Flap books on all different topics, such Look Inside Space , which has over 70 flaps with interesting facts about space, and Look Inside How Things Work , which teaches all about the inner workings of machines, vehicles, household items, and more. I love these books for travel because one book contains so much information to hold a child’s interest throughout the trip.

Or you can choose a fun fiction book like the Magic Treehouse series (our 6 year old’s favorite), the hilarious and wacky Wayside School series , or an adventure story like Fablehaven .

Whatever your child’s age or interests, you can find fun and interesting books that they will love for your trip! This is probably one of our favorite travel activities for kids because of how engaging a good story can be.

Final Thoughts

When taking a trip with kids, it’s important to bring some fun activities to keep your child entertained. Bringing a few fun items to engage your child during travel will help make for a smoother trip for them and you.

And if you’re looking for some great options, you can’t go wrong with any of these travel activities for kids.

Other posts you might be interested in:

21 Airplane Toys and Activities Your Toddler Will LOVE!

50+ Road Trip Food Ideas- Easy Meals On the Go!

Road Trip Activities for Toddlers (That They Will Really Love!)

Related Posts:

33 Epic Things To Do With Kids In San Antonio! (For 2024)

We all know about the big ticketed amusement parks (Six Flag, SeaWorld) in San Antonio, but there are also a bunch of lesser-known (and often FREE) things to do in San Antonio with kids! This city is VAST, so read through but also use the map below to find all sorts of fun things to do with kids nearby.

We’re Kelsey and Sara, two local Texas moms with a combined 29 years of exploring San Antonio, two travel books, and millions of blog readers. After spending thousands of our own $$$ exploring all there is to do in San Antonio, we’re excited to share all of the insider details of the best things to do in San Antonio with kids.

33 Things To Do With Kids In San Antonio

1. the new civic park pools at hemisfair.

Y'all, this one is SO fun! The new wading pools at Civic Park opened in 2023, so summer 2024 is their first official summer in San Antonio!  These are located in Hemisfair, just outside the Henry B. Gonzalez convention center.  They're totally free to visit!

There's a total of  5 unique wading pools that the city of San Antonio created as an efficient, eco-friendly way to use excess water from the convention center. It goes through its own purification process before being used to fill these pools. After that, the water is used to irrigate the grounds or it heads to the nearby splash pad at Yanaguana Garden.

Full disclosure : these pools are supposed to be for "feet and paws only," meaning they're designed to be wading pools.

Another full disclosure: none of the kids were wading! They were all full-on swimming with swimsuits, goggles, and diving rings. I mean, the water was deep enough to swim, so kids were swimming!

Definitely plan to bring your kids to the new pools at Civic Park at Hemisfair sometime soon. You can pair this activity with the next one (which also happens to be free.)

434 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205

2. GO RIO Cruise On The Riverwalk

Ok, sure, it's going to look a bit touristy at first glance. But let me tell you - kids LOVE anything involving a boat. And these little river cruises on the San Antonio riverwalk are a fun way to learn a bit about the history of San Antonio while also getting off your feet and relaxing for a moment. (Because mom and dad get tired!)

Pro tip:  if you can, try to go during the holidays! The riverwalk and the cruise boats are all decked out with lights and holiday tunes, and it's so magical! Here are some of the other best holiday events in San Antonio.

Also, I would refuse to pay full price for these boat cruises. If you're doing a full day of fun in San Antonio, I highly recommend these little CityPass things . You basically get a huge discount on 4 different activities of your choice by buying them in a bundle. It's crazy cheap!    

• Adults: $14.50.
• Children (ages 1-5): $8.50.
• Local Residents of Bexar County Texas: $12.50.
• Senior Citizen (65 & older) and Military: $11.50.

809 E River Walk, San Antonio, TX 78205

The DoSeum is an epic 2-story kids' museum that was recently named the best children's museum in the nation by USA Today for 2022. The DoSeum is included in that discounted CityPass I mentioned...so if you're going to the DoSeum, definitely plan on utilitzing your CityPass card ! It will save you a bunch of money. 

The museum houses all sorts of hands-on and interactive play experiences including the spy academy, an innovation station, an outdoor play area, and more. Exhibits give kids a chance to play while teaching skills and encouraging imagination and innovation (hello, parents love that!).

8While you're here, be sure not to miss Little Town  - where little ones can hit up a child-scaled HEB grocery store or stop at a kid-sized Whataburger for a pretend snack. There’s also an awesome Sensations Studios exhibit with lights and sound, bouncing lasers, and mirrors. Kids will play and imagine till they are positively worn out!

The DoSeum offers a number of camps, field trips, and various classes to encourage young minds to pursue the joy of learning. 

• Kids and Adults (1+): $18.
• Kids Under 1: Free.
• DoSeum Members: Free.
• Circle Society Members: Free.

DOSEUM WEBSITE  |  2800 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209

4. Visit The Alamo (Or The Other 4 Missions)

The Alamo is one of the top tourist destinations in San Antonio. If your kids haven't visited it yet on a school field trip (which, if they go to a Texas school, they've most likely already been to the Alamo!), it's an important historical landmark and worth visiting.

But did you know there are actually FIVE MISSIONS in San Antonio? They're all worth visiting (you can actually bike to all five of them in one day!) but you might only want to visit one or two if you'r min San Antonio with kids, depending on how long their attention span is.  

Which San Antonio mission is best to visit with kids? The answer might surprise you... 

300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205

5. The Splash Park and Playground at Hemisfair Park

The splash pad and playground at Hemisfair is an AWESOME thing to do in San Antonio with young children! Hemisfair Park is an iconic park n the middle of San Antonio that features the tall Tower of the Americas observation tower/restaurant, a bunch of great restaurants (including a coffee shop and an ice cream shop), and the nearby pools at Civic Park.

It's central to the city (in downtown), so it's pretty easy to access no matter where you're staying or where you live in the city. There's paid parking nearby, plenty of space for large crowds, and (best of all) this is a completely FREE thing to do with kids in San Antonio. 

If you go to the southwest corner, you’ll find an epic splash park and playground.

There are chairs where the adults can lounge while the kiddos run around in the fountains and lots of natural shade. 

And honestly, that's one of my favorite parts about this place: there is SO much shade. They did a great job designing this public space while being aware of the fact that it's a park in south Texas...aka it gets HOT. The sun beats down in the summer months, and that shade is really, really nice in July, August, and September.

Another great thing about Hemisfair? Once the kids are ready for a break, you can order some pizza from nearby Dough Pizzeria. It's on our list of the best pizza spots in San Antonio , but (shhh) it might actually be safe to say it's just be the very best one.  

WEBSITE  |  434 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205

6. The San Antonio Zoo

More than a MILLION visitors love this one every year! The San Antonio Zoo is so much fun for the whole fam. This zoo is one of the oldest ones in the US. It was founded in 1914, and it sprawls across 35 acres with more than 3,500 animals.

Btw, The San Antonio Zoo is also included in that discounted CityPass! So be sure to utilize it if you're planning a zoo trip to save a bunch of money.

{ BUY YOUR CITYPASS HERE }

In addition to normal zoo stuff, like wandering around and seeing the animals, kids can participate in some interactive events!

Try out giraffe feeding, where you can gaze eye-to-eye with the world's tallest land mammal while you feed it lettuce. It happens nearly every day at the zoo, and children over the age of two are given two pieces of lettuce so they can actually feed these beautiful animals in a shaded, supervised environment.

Or you can book a behind-the-scenes tours with hippos at the San Antonio Zoo. It's a very cool, unique experience because you get to actually feed the hippos...something that's not very common at zoos! Be sure to book this one early, because it is restricted to a certain number of guest. 

The SA Zoo has a ton of other experiences too, like an after hours VIP tour, a Flamingo Mingle, a Lory Landing (yes, the bright birds might actually land on your head!), and a lot of other exciting things that kids of all ages love. We've written all of our best tips to get the most out of your zoo experience here.

Insider tip from a local: As the zoo is located in Brackenridge Park, you can pair it with a visit to the Kiddie Park for some classic carnival rides or get tickets to ride the San Antonio Zoo Train  that makes stops at the Japanese Tea Garden and the Witte Museum. 

Also worth noting: once a month, the San Antonio Zoo offers $8 tickets for San Antonio locals. See the full list of Locals Day offerings here .

Cost: Free for children under 2 and under, $31.99 for ages 3-11, and $35.99 for ages 12+.

WEBSITE  |  3903 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212

RELATED:  Kid-friendly restaurants in San Antonio

7. SEA LIFE San Antonio

Not to be confused with Sea World… SEA LIFE San Antonio is a fairly new experience that’s located near the River Walk.

It’s an indoor aquarium where kids can walk through the check out sea creatures and underwater life.

There’s a fun interactive rock pool (great for little ones), a sea tunnel where you can see fish swimming over your head, and a bay full of 5 different types of stingrays.

Be sure to check out the newest addition to the SEA LIFE San Antonio family - a bright orange octopus that was relocated to the aquarium in September 2022.

Cost: Free for children 2 and under, $27.05 for ages 3+

WEBSITE  |  849 E Commerce St Suite 600, San Antonio, TX 78205

8. Morgan’s Wonderland

We can't say enough great things about this place!! Morgan's Wonderland is the world’s first ultra-accessible theme park and a must-visit if you’re in San Antonio with kids.

Individuals of any age or ability are welcome to explore, climb, play, and learn in their 25-acre park. There are more than 25 accessible rides, playscapes, and interactions. In addition to the theme park, there’s an adjacent ultra-accessible water park called Inspiration Island. 

Created by a dad who wanted a place where children with or without disabilities could all play together, Morgan’s Wonderland is a true gem that kids of all ages will enjoy. 

Cost: free for guests with special needs and children 2&under, $16.00 for children ages 3-17, $24.00 for adults. They also offer dual park admission if you’d like to visit both the amusement park and the splash park.  

WEBSITE  |  5223 David Edwards Dr, San Antonio, TX 78233

9. Kiddie Park

Located in Brackenridge Park right near the San Antonio Zoo , the historic Kiddie Park in San Antonio is a total throwback.

It’s America’s oldest children's amusement park,  dating back to 1925.  But don’t worry…rides have been updated to keep things safe! There’s an old-fashioned carousel, a Ferris wheel, and carnival games like a milk bottle toss. 

The Kiddie Park relocated to Brackenridge Park in 2019, but still maintains the old school charm and delight of its original location.

Highly recommend the Kiddie Park as a great place for grandparents to bring their grandchildren to as they can relive some of their own childhood memories of carnival rides and fairs while enjoying time with the grandkids.

Cost: Kiddie Park Ride Ticket - $3 Unlimited Ride Bands - $14 Unlimited Ride Meal Deal $18

Photo: Azucena M. Yelp

10. Brackenridge Park

We can't write a guide to the best kid-friendly activities in San Antonio without mentioning Brackenridge! Not only is this beautiful 343-acre public park park centrally located in San Antonio (making it an incredibly convenient place to bring your kids), it's also a FREE option and packed with so many fun things to do.

While a visit to the park itself is fun (there are playgrounds and plenty of space to have a picnic lunch, kick a soccer ball, etc.), it's also connected to a lot of other fun options located at Brackenridge Park.

While you're here, you can visit the Japanese Tea Garden , the Witte Museum, or the San Antonio Zoo. These things are all located at Brackenridge, so you could easily fill an entire day at this beautiful outdoor space. 

But if we're strictly talking about Brackenridge Park (and not the entire district where the park is located), here are a few things that you'll be able to enjoy: a playground, picnic areas, bird watching, walking trails, and (of course) the beautiful river that runs through the park.

It's a spacious, peaceful area that's perfect for a family picnic in San Antonio.

WEBSITE  | 3700 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212

11. SeaWorld

We can’t make a list of things to do with kids in San Antonio without mentioning SeaWorld! You probably already know everything about it, but we'll include a few quick facts. 

There are three parks in the SeaWorld chain, but the San Antonio location is the largest one, covering over 250-acres. While here, you can enjoy roller coasters and rides, live entertainment, and marine exhibits like the beluga whale and dolphin shows. 

There are other exhibits too, like the Sea Lion and Otter Spotlight, in-water interactions (yes, you can pet a dolphin at SeaWorld!), and VIP tours if you want to upgrade and get the whole experience.

SeaWorld also has multiple restaurants, cafés, snack bars, and coffee shops at the amusement park. If you choose to spend a full day here, no need to pack a lunch!

• Free for 2 and under
• Ticket Only (ages 3+) $49.99 Ticket + All-Day Dining (ages 3+) $89.99
• Ultimate Ticket Bundle $129.99

WEBSITE  |  10500 SeaWorld Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251

12. Aquatica

Next to SeaWorld you'll find Aquatica, an awesome family-friendly water park. It’s different from SeaWorld because Aquatica is an ocean-themed water park, while SeaWorld is more of an amusement park with marine shows and exhibits. 

Head to Aquatica for wave pools, lazy rivers, splash parks, and tons of water slides and tube rides. 

• Ticket Only (ages 3+) $41.99
• Ticket + All Day Dining (ages 3+) $76.99

Photo: Michelle H. Yelp

WEBSITE | 10500 SeaWorld Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251

13. Book A Stay At A San Antonio Resort

If you want to go ALL OUT (maybe for your child's milestone birthday celebration) and you want a fun summertime activity for kids in San Antonio, book an overnight stay at one of the epic resorts here! 

The photo above is from Hyatt Wild Acre Ranch , but a few of my other favorites are Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort , La Cantera Resort , and of course the fabulous JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa . 

All of these EPIC San Antonio resorts have multiple pools, slides, and lazy rivers. They often feature outdoor movie nights, complimentary s'mores, and have restaurants on site. It's so much fun to book an overnight stay and enjoy two days of fun in the sun!  

Also see: what's the difference between Hyatt Wild Acre Ranch and Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort?  

14. Magik Theatre

One of the best things about this professional children’s theater is that the plays are all geared toward families and kids (in content and duration!) so you don’t have to worry about your little ones getting bored with a 3-hour show. 

The Magik Theatre holds family friendly performances year round at their  main theater, including sensory-friendly performances for children with special needs. They also regularly send traveling troupes to schools and other special events around the city so kids who may not otherwise get to experience the theater can still be exposed to the performing arts by a professional and well regarded organization.

Located in Hemisfair Park, this is a great one to tag on to other fun things to do in the area, like the free splash pad, dinner at Dough, or a trip up the Tower of the Americas. 

• CHILDREN (AGE 2-17) $20.00
• ADULTS $25.00
• ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY, EDUCATOR OR SENIOR (with valid ID) $20.00

See website for details. 

WEBSITE |  420 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205

15. Splash Pad at the Pearl District

The historic Pearl District is an awesome place for all ages, but kids will love the free splash pad located in the middle of the outdoor area!

The Pearl District features dozens of independently-owned restaurants , bars, retail stores, and coffee shops. It’s home to the beautiful Hotel Emma, some of the best restaurants in the city, and an indoor food hall.

But if you’re looking for things to do in San Antonio with kids, be sure to bring a change of clothes and a few towels and let them run around in the fountains.

This splash pad is located next to the food hall, so you can grab some food and a beverage and enjoy a meal while the little ones splash around. 

WEBSITE  |  312 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78215

16. Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Listen….this can’t be a list of “best kid-friendly things to do in San Antonio” without mentioning the BIG one: Six Flags Fiesta Texas.

Six Flags amusement park is home to seven themed areas: Thrill Seeker Park, DC Universe (home to the 51-meter Superman ride), Los Festivales (one of the original sections from 1992), Crackaxle Canyon (where you’ll find the tallest coaster in the park), Spassburg, Rockville, and Fiesta Bay Boardwalk. They’re all included with the admission price. 

If you have some thrill-seekers in your group, you've GOT to plan a day at this epic amusement park. Six Flags Fiesta Texas continually ranks as one of the top amusement parks in the country, and a visit to San Antonio isn't complete without spending a day at Six Flags.

Psst: the food at Six Flags  isn't all that great, but here are some fantastic local restaurants near Six Flags Fiesta Texas .

{Photo: Yelp, Stan C }

Cost: $79 each, plus applicable taxes & fees.

WEBSITE  |  17000 W I-10, San Antonio, TX 78257

17. Hurrican Harbor San Antonio

Last April 2023, the water park at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, which was formerly known as White Water Bay, rebranded as HURRICANE HARBOR! (Which makes sense, because there are multiple other Six Flags water parks in Texas called Hurricane Harbor. Now they all match.)

Check the website for open days. It's not open every single day in the summer, so if you have a strict schedule, you might want to look into Aquatica (the other amazing waterpark in San Antonio) instead.

Cost: $7. General admission to Hurricane Harbor San Antonio is included with memberships, Platinum, and Diamond Season Passes.

18. The Twig Book Shop

This darling indie book store at The Pearl is a sweet place to visit for kids and adults of all ages.

Little ones will love the weekly story time, which happens every single Friday morning (and extra story times in the summer!)

By the way, they also have author appearances and book signings for the big kids and adults in your family. If you have a family full of readers, definitely stop at The Twig Book Shop. 

WEBSITE  |  306 Pearl Pkwy UNIT 106, San Antonio, TX 78215

19. San Antonio Botanical Garden

It’s a 38-acre urban oasis in the city. There’s a Family Adventure Garden with an awesome splash area and tons of unique spaces that encourage unstructured play. 

On Tuesdays, the garden offers a 30-minute Little Sprouts Hike with a different lesson each week. And there’s even a children’s vegetable garden for ages 7-16.

While you could definitely enjoy this as a fun adults-only activity in San Antonio, a visit to the San Antonio Botanical Garden is a great option for kids, too. 

The Botanical Garden offers lots of beautiful free space for kids to just run around and be kids. 

Monday – Thursday Adults $18 Children ages 3 - 13 $13 Children under age 3 Free Military or Student with valid ID $16

Friday – Sunday Adults $22 Children ages 3 - 13 $15 Children under age 3 Free Military or Student with valid ID $20

Photos: Annette Kennedy Art

WEBSITE  |  555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, TX 78209

20. Japanese Tea Garden in Brackenridge Park

These beautiful sunken gardens in Brackenridge Park are an amazing place to bring your kids! You probably won’t make a full day of it, but you could definitely kill 30-45 minutes letting them climb the steps, watch the koi, and marvel at the waterfall. Here are 5 interesting facts about the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio .

The history of this space is really interesting and definitely worth mentioning to your kids: the space is sunken because it’s an abandoned limestone rock quarry. In 1917, prison labor was used to shape it into the archways, bridges, and islands that you see today.

  It’s a breathtaking and historically significant space. Admission is free for everyone, 365 days a year.

WEBSITE  |  3853 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212

21. San Pedro Creek Culture Park

Listen, you're 100% going to want to bring swimsuits, towels, and a change of clothes EVERYWHERE you go in San Antonio. There are lots of splash parks!

The San Pedro Creek Culture Park is a beautiful new destination that combines culture, art, and nature. There's a creek where little ones can splash and play, and it's a great place to let them burn some energy!

Psst: stop by without the kids, too!  San Pedro Culture Park has all sorts of events for adults, like free yoga, live music, and live panels with artists and creators.

SPC WEBSITE | 715 Camaron St, San Antonio, TX 78204

22. Eat At A Kid-Friendly San Antonio Restaurant!

Whether you're visiting SA or you're a local who's looking for some fun things to do with your kiddos, visiting a fantastic local restaurant is fun for both kids and adults!

We have a great guide to some of the best kid-friendly restaurants in San Antonio (that also have GREAT food.)

Here are a few other fun options for kids in San Antonio:

San Antonio's WEIRDEST restaurant

The Best Burgers in San Antonio

13 Best Pizza Spots in San Antonio

By the way, we know BBQ in San Antonio. And while there a LOT of great barbecue restaurants in San Antonio that are worth visiting, Pinkerton's is one of the best kid-friendly restaurants in San Antonio.

Sure, you're going to get brisket that practically melts in your mouth, their famous glazed pork ribs, and the best jalapeño cheesy rice you've ever tried...but what makes this spot SO kid-friendly is the location.

Pinkerton's BBQ in San Antonio is a downtown restaurant, but it's located next to Legacy Park.

So the restaurant basically has a "front yard" that includes grassy hills, picnic tables, and TONS of space for little ones to run around before/during/after lunch.

Psst: 12 BEST BBQ SPOTS IN SAN ANTONIO

WEBSITE  | 107 W Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205

23. Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

It’s a little bit north of San Antonio, but the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is a really cool place to bring your kids!

Named one of the 10 best safari parks in the nation by USA Today, the Wildlife Ranch is a great way to burn a few hours in a really unique way.

It's an “African safari, Texas-style,” meaning you stay in your car and drive through the 400-acre property while you view more than 500 animals.

So you don't have to worry about chasing around your kids as they will stay safely strapped in while being thoroughly entertained.

There's also a covered pavilion available and you can pack your own picnic lunch and bring it into the park.  

• 3yrs old – 11yrs old $19.99
• 12yrs old to 64yrs old - $28.99
• 65+ yrs old - $25.99

Photo:  Heather P. Yelp

WEBSITE  |  26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266

24. Walk The Riverwalk

Yeah, it's super touristy...but it's actually kind of fun (try to go on a weekday morning when it's not too crowded!) and kids love the Riverwalk in San Antonio. You can walk around, enjoy the water, and maybe even eat some Tex Mex on the Riverwalk.

The main Riverwalk portion is downtown near The Alamo. But the actual Riverwalk is 15 miles long! Here are 27 fun things to do on The Riverwalk.

Don't want to deal with the crowds, overpriced margaritas, and mariachi bands? Here are 5 beautiful (and quiet!) parts of the San Antonio Riverwalk that you could visit instead.  (Pro tip: walk along Museum Reach, the portion of the river walk that extends north of downtown. It's where you can find this cool fish artwork!)

441 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205

25. Pearsall Park in San Antonio

I'm not kidding when I say this San Antonio park is EPIC. It's on the southwest side of the city, and even if you have to drive a bit to get there, it's worth the trip. It's one of the best FREE things to do with kids in San Antonio and you can make a morning out of this adventure! 

This 505-acre park has pretty much everything you could want for a fun day out with kids in San Antonio!

The largest playground in the city  with a few EPIC slides. Seriously, they're so tall!

A splash pad that's split into two separate little parks so it doesn't get too crowded

Two basketball courts

Fitness equipment in case you want to squeeze in a workout while your kids are playing at the park

20 picnic tables . Be sure to pack a lunch!

Two dog parks . One for small dogs and one for large dogs.

A 5k walking trail

The largest skate park in the city

It's hard to find a better park in San Antonio than Pearsall ! However, if you're looking for a fun playground near you, here's a guide to some of the best playgrounds in San Antonio with a map so you can find one quickly.

Cost:  free

WEBSITE |  4838 Old Pearsall Rd, San Antonio, TX 78242

26. Eat Some Pizza In San Antonio!

Kids love pizza. This is (nearly) a universal fact. If you're planning a fun day out in SA with your little ones and you want a delicious lunch stop, you need to check out our guide to the best pizza spots in San Antonio .

There are a ton of great options, including  Dough Pizzeria , located at Hemisfair park (near a splash pad and playground!),  Julian's,  a classic Italian spot, and  Back Unturned , in case you want to stop by a brewery and get a beer with your pizza.

But, per usual, we included a map so you can find a pizza spot near you. So check out the guide , find a pizza restaurant in San Antonio that looks convenient and interesting, and prepare to win parent-of-the-year award with your kids.

27. The Witte Museum

The Witte Museum was established in 1926 and it’s still one of the coolest things to do with kids in San Antonio!

It’s an interactive museum focused on Texas nature, science, and culture, so you get a little bit of everything (which is great for families with diverse interests.)

Visit the permanent exhibitions (the HEB Body Adventure, a multi-level adventure spread across four floors, is a must-try!) as well as rotating ones.

In recent years, they’ve included outdoor survival skills (with an indoor zipline!), fantasy creatures, and The Power of Poisons, a cool exhibit on poisonous plants, dart frogs, and toxic caterpillars. 

Free for 3&under

Children (4 to 12 years old) $11.00

Teen (13 to 18 years old) $15.00

Adults (19 to 64 years old) $16.00

Seniors (65 years and older) $15.00

WEBSITE  |  3801 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209

RELATED:  THE BEST BOUTIQUE SHOPS IN SAN ANTONIO

28. Go To The Top Of Tower of the Americas

If you want your kiddos to get one of the best views of San Antonio , take them up to the top of the Tower of the Americas where you can view the city from the 750-foot tall observation platform.

Once you're back on the ground, you can go see a Texas-themed 4D movie and visit the gift shop with San Antonio souvenirs and a Build A Bear workshop.

• Free for children 3 & under
• Children 4 - 12 years: $14.00
• Adults: $18.50
• Seniors & Military: $15.00

WEBSITE  |  739 Tower of the Americas Way, San Antonio, TX 78205

29. Natural Bridge Caverns

The Natural Bridge Caverns are REALLY cool for school aged kids (the cave isn’t great for strollers, so if you’re visiting with really little ones you should plan on carrying them.)

Explore Texas’ largest show cave with guided tours illuminated by world-class lighting, or experience the many other activities like an outdoor maze, a rails and ropes course, and treasure mining. 

Cost: prices fluctuate, but it’s about $21.50 for children and $35.00 for adults. 

WEBSITE  |  26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266

RELATED:  Is Natural Bridge Caverns Worth it?

30. LEGOLAND Discovery Center

If you’re in San Antonio with kids and you have a Lego fan with you, plan a trip to this ultimate indoor Lego playground. Attractions include a 4D lego cinema, two rides, and a large Lego play zone where kids can both build and climb. The highlight of the Legoland Discovery Center is Miniland San Antonio, a replica of the city of San Antonio made entirely out of Legos!  

Note: you can get a combo ticket and pair this with entrance to SEA LIFE San Antonio which is right next door.  

Cost: Free for children 2 and under, $29.99 for ages 3+

WEBSITE  |  849 E Commerce St Suite 910, San Antonio, TX 78205

31. San Antonio Public Library

No matter where you are in the country, visiting a public library central branch is typically a good idea. Large cities pour millions of dollars into their library’s architecture, programming, and staff, and San Antonio’s public library is no exception. 

SAPL is a center for learning, knowledge, culture, and enjoyment for the city of San Antonio. The 240,000 sq ft Central Library has a Chihuly blown glass sculpture, a children's floor, and a used book store in the basement called the “Book Cellar.”

Note: this library is currently getting a multi-million dollar renovation (including a brand new children's area!), so parts of it are closed. 

WEBSITE |  San Antonio, TX 78251

32. Go To A Spurs Basketball Game

Fun fact: nosebleed tickets at Spurs games are really cheap! Kids love watching basketball games, and they don't really care if they're sitting way up high. (Actually, it kind of adds to the fun for them!) 

I love finding afternoon games and bringing my little ones to cheer on the Spurs with me. Their favorite part is watching The Coyote mascot running through the crowd!  

WEBSITE | 1 Frost Bank Center Dr, San Antonio, TX 78219

33. Check Out Historic Market Square

You could easily spend a few hours at Historic Market Square with your whole family! Here's a deep dive into this rich little corner of San Antonio .

Make sure you do a little bit of shopping and then stop by Mi Tierra for a delicious Tex-Mex meal. Mi Tierra is a whole experience in and of itself! Even if you can't dine here, at least stop by the bakery at the entrance for some Mexican pastries.

Is San Antonio A Good City To Visit With Kids?

100% yes, San Antonio is an AWESOME city to visit with your kids! Here's why:

One of the best parts about San Antonio is that, in addition to the amazing restaurants and award-winning breweries and beautiful places to stay , there's a lot of rich history here.

In fact, more than any of the large cities in Texas (like Dallas, Houston, or Austin), San Antonio has a centuries-old history that can still be witnessed in downtown San Antonio  by visiting The Alamo. It dates back to the early 1700s!

So in addition to going to a fun waterpark like Aquatica or getting tickets to an amusement park like Six Flags Fiesta Texas or Morgan's Wonderland , you can find some fun things to do with kids in San Antonio that are culturally enriching. Win-win.

By the way, the hot climate ( see: a local's perspective on the San Antonio weather ) in south Texas = lots of water rides, splash pads, pools, fountains, and marine parks.

So when you're visiting San Antonio with kids, be sure that you throw some swimsuits, lots of towels, and a change of clothes in the car. There's a good chance that your adventure will include pool time, or at least a splash pad!

Free Things To Do In San Antonio With Kids

Looking for free things to do in San Antonio with kids?

Check out this guide to 25 free things to do in San Antonio. Most of these ideas are great for the whole family, and all of them are fun!

We get that sometimes it's not always possible to dine out at expensive kid-friendly restaurants , or get tickets for the entire family to go to Six Flags. (It's expensive!) That's why we're always on the lookout for free activities in SA. Hope this helps!

Don't Forget Some Adult Time in SA!

It's fun to find creative things to do in San Antonio with your kids, but don't forget to carve in some "me" time, too! Here are the top restaurants in San Antonio that everyone should try, and our favorite wine bars where you can meet up with a group of friends for a relaxing evening. Speaking of relaxing, book a massage at one of our favorite San Antonio spas , or go all-out with a staycation at one of these gorgeous riverwalk hotels .

There are clearly some fantastic things to do with kids in San Antonio. If you're looking for more fun ideas, we have an entire section of the website devoted to kid-friendly San Antonio. 

Related posts

How Cool Are These 5 Civic Park Pools at Hemisfair?

The new splash pools at Civic Park, a section of Hemisfair in downtown San Antonio, are officially open for summer 2024! They are super, super cool. (Literally. We needed these…

10 Cool Swimming Holes In San Antonio

Summer in Texas means it’s time for fun in the sun all season long! We have plenty of fun places to splash around in TX, from epic waterparks to…

37 Cool Things To Do In New Braunfels, From A Texas Local

So, you’re visiting New Braunfels…and you know it’s home to an epic waterpark and that it’s a German-founded town in Texas, but you don’t know much more than that.…

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market.  See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our  credit card rating methodology .

The 100+ Best Virtual Tours and Field Trips for Kids and Students [2024]

Chris Hassan

Social Media & Brand Manager

218 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 24 U.S. States Visited: 26

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

36 Published Articles 3282 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

16 amusement parks with virtual tours, 6 aquariums with virtual tours, 30 famous landmarks with virtual tours, 23 museums with virtual tours, 11 u.s. national parks with virtual tours, 6 sports stadiums with virtual tours, 10 unesco world heritage sites with virtual tours, 5 zoos with virtual tours, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

When the world came to a stop and kids were getting restless at home, parents dreamt of the days when field trips were still something to look forward to. That’s when virtual tours became a relatively attractive alternative.

Now that the coronavirus (COVID-19) is somewhat under control and in-person visits are a reality, virtually visiting museums, parks, and aquariums can still be a great way to scout out your next vacation.

Many incredible places offer virtual tours, which are perfect for some pre-trip planning. We’ve compiled the ultimate list of virtual tours for everything from amusement parks to zoos so that you and your little ones can tour them from the comfort of your own home!

It may be hard to get the full experience of an amusement park from home, but thanks to some incredible videography, you can almost feel the butterflies in your stomach!

Here are some of our favorites!

1. Busch Gardens (Tampa, Florida)

Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida is known for its thrilling roller coasters. Now you can experience them from home.

Thanks to some awesome 4K footage uploaded to YouTube, the SheiKra , Kumba , and Cheetah coasters are waiting for you.

2. Cedar Point (Sandusky, Ohio)

Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio is home to 71 rides, including the award-winning Steel Vengeance hyper-hybrid coaster. The second-oldest amusement park in North America, Cedar Point is known as “The Roller Coaster Capital of the World.”

Want to see why? Check out its official YouTube channel full of POV videos of the rides.

3. Disneyland (Anaheim, California)

Disneyland in Southern California needs no introduction. It’s the only theme park designed and built to completion under the direct supervision of Walt Disney and has a classic feel to it despite the constant improvements. One of those improvements is Star Wars : Galaxy’s Edge .

Experience this intergalactic world and go on a video ride on the Millennium Falcon : Smuggler’s Run attraction.

4. Hersheypark (Hershey, Pennsylvania)

Hersheypark is a family theme park about 100 miles outside of Philadelphia, and is, you guessed it, owned by The Hershey Company, one of the largest global chocolate manufacturers.

While you might not be able to go on a factory tour and tasting from home, you can grab a Hershey milk chocolate bar, sit on the couch, and take a virtual tour on 15 of the park’s roller coasters .

5. Knott’s Berry Farm (Buena Park, California)

Knott’s Berry Farm is not what the name suggests, although it once was. What started as a small berry farm is now a very popular theme park full of attractions and entertainment for all ages in southern California.

If you want to check out the 10 fastest rides and roller coasters at the park , check out this YouTube video .

6. LEGOLAND Florida (Orlando, Florida)

LEGOLAND gets overshadowed by a couple of other theme parks in the Orlando area, but this park is no joke. With some great roller coasters, including a virtual reality option , there is something for everyone.

If you are interested in VR, you’ll want to check out this video of The Great LEGO Race .

7. Peppa Pig World (Hampshire, England)

Hop across the pond and visit the fun little world of Peppa Pig and her family! Go for a ride on Grandpa Pig’s Little Train, Miss Rabbit’s Helicopter, and of course, jump in some muddy puddles!

Check out the official virtual tour video .

8. SeaWorld Orlando (Orlando, Florida)

SeaWorld has made some serious investments when it comes to its roller-coaster game. Mako, Kraken, and Manta are a few of the top rides in the area .

Enjoy this 4K POV video onboard Mako from the safety of your own home.

9. Shanghai Disneyland (Shanghai, China)

Shanghai Disneyland is home to the world’s only TRON Lightcycle Power Run ride, though another is still scheduled to open at Walt Disney World in Orlando. It’s one of the best rides in the world, and many Disney fans admit that it is better than most other Disney roller coasters.

Fortunately, you don’t need to fly to China to experience this futuristic ride. You can ride along in HD thanks to this YouTube video .

10. Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson Township, New Jersey)

Situated between New York and Philadelphia, Six Flags Great Adventure is a popular theme park thanks to its fast and high-tech roller coasters, family and kids rides, and wildlife exhibits.

If you are in the area, you can visit the drive-thru safari, but if not, there’s still plenty to check out including the world’s tallest VR drop ride free fall POV of Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom .

11. Ski Dubai (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

Dubai truly is impressive. Who would think that you could go skiing in the middle of the Arabian Desert? And not sand skiing — on real snow!

Thanks to some impressive engineering (and a hefty electric bill) visitors can take their shot at the world’s first indoor black diamond run .

Think we’re joking? Strap on your VR goggles and check out these 360-degree videos .

12. Tivoli Gardens (Copenhagen, Denmark)

At more than 150 years old, Tivoli Gardens is the oldest amusement park in Europe . Besides the gorgeous decorations and history, the park offers dozens of rides for all ages.

Go for a virtual ride on The Demon roller coaster thanks to this fun video.

13. Universal Orlando Resort (Orlando, Florida)

Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando have long been known for their excellent and thrilling rides. With near-constant updates and new additions being made, thrill-seekers are always in for a treat.

Be sure to check out these great videos of the rides including Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit  and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Universal also has some excellent videos on its YouTube channel with more rides and the very interesting “ The Science of Universal Orlando Resort .”

14. Walt Disney World (Orlando, Florida)

When it comes to theme parks, the gold standard is Walt Disney World. With that special Disney magic paired with some of the most sought-after rides in the world, you may find yourself taking frequent virtual tours.

While many rides generate hours-long wait times, you can skip the line and take a virtual tour any time that you want. Some of our current favorites are Star Wars : Rise of the Resistance and Slinky Dog Dash at Hollywood Studios.

For the real Disney fans out there, it will be hard to run out of fun content. Be sure to check out this Disney On Stage educational content that is full of fun theatrical activities to do at home, broken down by age groups.

If you are feeling crafty, these DIY projects from Disney Family are sure to be a hit.

And, lastly, #DisneyMagicMoments is full of magical activities with everything from learning how to cook Disneyland’s Big Thunder Ribs to learning how to draw your favorite Disney and Pixar characters.

Hot Tip: Are you planning a trip to Orlando? Be sure to check out our article on the best places to stay in Orlando for your Disney vacation before you book.

15. Warner Bros. World (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates)

When you think of the United Arab Emirates, the phrase “world’s largest” gets used a lot… and its theme parks are no exception. This time, the title of “World’s Largest Indoor Theme Park” goes to Warner Bros. World in Abu Dhabi.

Get comfortable and explore all of the park’s rides with this 18-minute long 4K video .

16. Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast (Queensland, Australia)

Who doesn’t love a good waterpark? You’ll find one of the best in Queensland, Australia at Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast.

With some massive slides for thrill-seekers to more family-friendly options, this park will give you one more reason to want to visit Australia.

If you don’t want to wait, you can go for a ride via this POV GoPro video .

1. Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta, Georgia)

With more than 10 million gallons of fresh and saltwater tanks, the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta holds the record as the third-largest aquarium in the world (formerly the largest from 2005 to 2012).

With creatures from whale sharks and beluga whales to lizards and seahorses, this aquarium has much to explore.

You can check in on your favorite animals from home thanks to these awesome live webcams . The At-home Learning page offers lesson plans and resources and also provides updates and details for the animals in the facility.

2. Monterey Bay Aquarium (Monterey, California)

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a gorgeous aquarium on the edge of the central California coast. While you should certainly add a visit to this aquarium to your list (because who doesn’t need an excuse to drive the California coast?), until then, we’ve got you covered.

The aquarium has 10 live webcams that you can tune into and watch some of the most beautiful creatures swimming around.

Whether you want to check in on the penguins, sharks, sea otters, or watch the Open Sea Exhibit, all you need to do is click here !

3. National Aquarium (Baltimore, Maryland)

The National Aquarium in Baltimore has over 2 million gallons of water and more than 750 species for visitors to learn about.

Out of all of the aquarium virtual tours, this is one of the best. as you can “walk” through all of the exhibits at your own pace and enjoy 360-degree views along the way. Start exploring now !

4. New England Aquarium (Boston, Massachusetts)

The New England Aquarium has everything for your virtual field trip. From live videos and demonstrations to activities to complete at home, you and your kids will be entertained for hours.

For more information, visit its website.

5. Oceanogràfic de Valencia (Valencia, Spain)

Visit Europe’s finest and most futuristic marine complex from home! Comprised of 9 elegant underwater towers designed by the famous Spanish architect Félix Candela, you may be just as impressed with the avant-garde architecture as you are with 500+ different species swimming around.

Take your own virtual tour .

6. S.E.A. Aquarium (Sentosa Island, Singapore)

The S.E.A. Aquarium is the world’s second-largest aquarium and is home to the world’s largest collection of manta rays in captivity , including the unique giant oceanic manta ray. With 49 different habitats to explore, you could spend all day here.

Instead, you can enjoy a virtual tour and visit the S.E.A. Aquarium Fun Academy, featuring arts and craft projects and brainteasers.

1. The Alamo (San Antonio, Texas)

The Alamo Mission in San Antonio is a historic Spanish mission and fortress compound founded back in the 18th century. In 1836, It was the site of the Battle of the Alamo. Today, it’s a museum in the Alamo Plaza Historic District.

Experience The Alamo in this high-quality virtual tour .

2. Amazon Rainforest (Brazil)

The Amazon Rainforest is one of Earth’s most precious resources and makes up more than half of the world’s rainforests, covering 2,700,000 square miles.

Home to an estimated 390 billion individual trees and millions of unique species from insects to dolphins, visiting the Amazon rainforest is an incredible experience. But an Amazonian trip can be quite expensive.

Fortunately, there is an incredibly in-depth educational VR experience available courtesy of Conservation International.

You can either strap on your VR headset or visit the beautifully done website .

3. Boston Public Garden (Boston, Massachusetts)

The first public botanical garden in America , established in 1837, the Boston Public Garden is full of unusual plants, a lagoon, and the famous Swan Boats, which have operated for more than 100 years. A true gem in the heart of one of America’s oldest cities.

You can go on an interactive 360-degree tour of the park .

4. Buckingham Palace (London, England)

Buckingham Palace in London, England is the official residence of the Queen, as well as the administrative headquarters of the monarchy of the United Kingdom.

While this iconic building is open to the public for tours for only a few months per year, known as the “Annual Summer Opening,” you can visit year-round thanks to this virtual tour .

5. Burj Khalifa (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

Measuring in at 2,722 feet tall, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai has held the record of the world’s tallest building since it was completed in 2009.

Design and architecture teams from all around the world worked together to create this massive structure built to withstand the strong desert heat and winds.

If you want to take a closer look, you can explore this amazing building via Google Street View, which allows you to check out different floors and even a view from a window washer’s platform up on the 80th floor.

6. Christ the Redeemer Statue (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

Emerging out of the mountains, the Christ the Redeemer statue can be seen from almost anywhere in the stunning city of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

The 98-foot tall soapstone statue is one of the “New7Wonders of the World” and is a symbol of Christianity worldwide.

You can now head down to Rio and explore this sanctuary via Google Arts & Culture .

7. Cliffs of Moher (County Clare, Ireland)

Running along the ocean’s edge in County Clare, Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher make up 9 miles of stunning terrain.

With 1.5 million visits a year, the cliffs are one of Ireland’s most visited tourist sites.

If you haven’t been, you can start by taking a Google Earth virtual tour . Start at the visitor’s center, then walk your way down by the sea.

8. Colosseum (Rome, Italy)

Located in the center of Rome , the Colosseum was the largest amphitheater ever built at the time (A.D. 72) — holding between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators.

The Colosseum was used for many things, including gladiatorial contests, dramas based on Classical mythology, and other events, such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, and reenactments of famous battles.

You can take your own Google Arts & Culture virtual tour around the arena’s underground, learn more about its history, and more.

9. Eiffel Tower (Paris, France)

The Eiffel Tower in Paris is easily one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. The 1,063-foot tower has 3 levels for visitors, with restaurants on the first and second levels and an observation deck on the top level.

Visited by almost 7 million people last year alone, it can get a bit crowded. Fortunately, there is a great virtual tour that you can take from home!

Enjoy 360-degree views, a sunrise, and an ascent to the top of the Eiffel Tower in the official virtual tour .

10. Empire State Building (New York, New York)

The Empire State Building is of the most recognizable buildings in New York City . The 102-story skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan is home to many corporate offices and 2 observation decks.

You can enjoy a 360-degree view from the 102nd floor thanks to this interactive experience .

11. Forbidden City (Beijing, China)

China’s best-preserved imperial palace, the Forbidden City is a complex located in central Beijing. Dating back to the Ming Dynasty, this historic palace complex was home to the former Chinese imperial palace and state residence of the emperor of China until 1924.

We have found an excellent virtual tour that allows you to explore the main areas of the complex, including:

• Hall of Supreme Harmony
• Imperial Gardens
• Meridian Gate
• Pavilion of Ten Thousand Springs

12. Grand Central Terminal (New York, New York)

Although it is only the third-busiest train station in North America (behind New York Penn Station and Toronto Union Station), Grand Central Station in New York City has earned multiple landmark designations thanks to its incorporated works of art.

Not including train and subway passengers, Grand Central is one of the world’s 10 most visited tourist attractions according to Travel + Leisure, with more than 21 million visitors in 2018.

Take a stroll through this famous landmark via this virtual tour .

13. The Grand Palace (Bangkok, Thailand)

Located in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand, the Grand Palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (now Thailand) since 1782.

The stunning complex of buildings welcomes visitors from around the world to see its famous temples, chapels, and more.

Take your own virtual tour from home.

14. Great Barrier Reef (Coral Sea, Queensland, Australia)

As the world’s largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef stretches over 1,400 miles off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The reef structure is composed of and built by billions of tiny organisms, and is the biggest single structure made by living organisms on Earth.

Fans of nature documentaries will love to hear the voice of David Attenborough as he guides an interactive, underwater tour of the Great Barrier Reef .

Experience interactive time-lapses, videos, and weather maps of Earth’s most bio-diverse ecosystem.

15. The Great Wall of China (Huairou District, China)

With sections dating back to the 7th century B.C., the Great Wall of China is recognized as one of the most impressive architectural feats in history. Combing all of the sections of the wall, trenches, and natural barriers, the Great Wall measures 13,171 miles.

Originally built for defense, then later, trade control, today it is best known as a tourist attraction.

If you aren’t planning on visiting China any time soon, you can take a virtual tour .

16. Hoover Dam (Arizona, Nevada)

With more than 1 million annual visitors, the Hoover Dam on the border of Arizona and Nevada is one of the most visited dams in the world.

Spanning 2 time zones, this architectural marvel controls floods, provides irrigation water, and produces hydroelectric power.

Experience the Hoover Dam virtual tour .

17. International Space Station (Low Earth Orbit, Space)

A partnership of the U.S., Russia, Japan, Europe, and Canada, the International Space Station is a microgravity and space environment research laboratory focusing on a wide range of fields.

Although it is technically possible to visit the ISS as a “space tourist,” you may need to settle for this virtual tour instead unless you have $40 million to spend.

As a consolation prize, enjoy this video of astronauts playing with slime in zero gravity!

18. Jerusalem ( Israel)

Located in the Judaean Mountains between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea, Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world and is considered holy land to 3 major religions — Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

You can almost feel the energy of this special city when you immerse yourself in the 360-degree footage of this virtual tour of Jerusalem .

19. Kruger National Park (South Africa)

Kruger National Park in South Africa is one of the largest game reserves on the African continent with an area of 7,523 square miles.

Home to the “Big Five,” safari-goers will be excited to see lions, elephants, rhinoceroses, leopards, buffaloes, and dozens of other wild animals.

If you’re interested in checking out a safari, be sure to tune in to the WildEarth YouTube channel daily for sunrise and sunset tours.

20. Leaning Tower of Pisa (Pisa, Italy)

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a belltower famous for its lean due to an unstable foundation. Over the years, the foundation has been stabilized and the structure currently leans at 3.97 degrees. Visitors can climb the almost 300 step staircase to reach the top and view the city below.

If you don’t plan on visiting Pisa any time soon, you can take this 360-degree VR video tour from inside the tower or take a virtual tour of the grounds.

21. The Liberty Bell (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Famous for being rung to mark the reading of the United States Declaration of Independence, the Liberty Bell is an iconic symbol of American independence.

Built in London and now residing in Philadelphia, the mostly copper bell has been cracked and repaired multiple times during its usage and traveling tours between the years of 1776 and 1915.

Get an up-close look at this iconic monument .

22. Mars (Fourth Planet From the Sun, Solar System)

Mars, also known as the “Red Planet” due to the color of its surface, is the second smallest planet in our solar system. With days and seasons similar to those on Earth, scientists have always wanted to learn more about potential life there.

Currently, Mars is being explored by a NASA rover named Curiosity. Curiosity is about the size of a car and has been on the Red Planet since 2012.

If you want to explore alongside the rover, check out this interactive tour .

23. Mount Everest (Nepal and China)

At 29,029 feet, Mount Everest is the tallest and one of the most dangerous mountains in the world. This massive climbing destination located on the border of Nepal and China attracts adventurers from around the globe, despite its risks.

As of last year, more than 300 climbers have died trying to reach the summit due to altitude sickness, weather, and avalanches. Y ou can experience some of what it’s like to climb Mt. Everest without the ever-present danger thanks to some virtual tours that we found.

You can experience the climb with your VR equipment, but if you prefer to watch a video instead, check out this YouTube summit climb .

24. Mount Rushmore (Keystone, South Dakota)

The Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a sculpture featuring 60-foot heads of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln in the Black Hills of Keystone, South Dakota.

These 4 presidents were chosen to represent the nation’s birth, growth, development, and preservation, respectively.

If you’re interested in getting up close, you can actually “climb” the faces or take a virtual tour .

25. Mount Fuji (Honshu, Japan)

Mount Fuji is one of Japan’s “Three Holy Mountains” and is the tallest mountain (and active volcano) in the country at 12,389 feet tall.

Often depicted in artwork and photographs, this snowcapped symmetrical cone is easily one of Japan’s most recognizable landmarks. If you want to see what it’s like to visit the top of this majestic mountain, you’ll love the Google Street View virtual tour .

26. NASA Glenn Research Center (Cleveland, Ohio)

NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Ohio was created to develop science and technology for use in aeronautics and space. Needless to say, it has some pretty interesting stuff to check out.

If you want to see some testing in action, view one of 10 virtual tours .

27. Niagara Falls (Ontario, Canada)

Straddling the U.S. and Canada border, Niagara Falls is a group of 3 waterfalls that attract visitors from all over the world.

One of the most popular attractions is “Journey Behind the Falls,” located on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. Now you can experience it in virtual reality.

Ditch the rain poncho and visit Niagara Falls virtually .

28. Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island (New York, New York)

A gift from the people of France to the people of the United States commemorating the national abolition of slavery, the Statue of Liberty has come to commemorate ideals of freedom, democracy, and opportunity.

The Statue of Liberty was the first thing that most of the 12 million immigrants saw when they arrived at the Ellis Island processing site and is one of the most recognizable monuments in the world .

Get a close-up tour of Lady Liberty and learn more about Ellis Island .

29. Venice ( Italy)

Venice is perhaps one of the most recognizable cities in the world thanks to its canals being as common as roads are in other cities. This special city is made up of 118 small islands that are linked by more than 400 bridges.

While it may not be the easiest city to get around for some, thanks to the Google Street View tour of Venice , you can travel the canals, walk the streets, and cross the famous bridges from the comfort of home.

30. The White House (Washington, D.C.)

The official residence and workplace of the president of the United States, The White House has been the residence of every U.S. president since 1800.

The White House is the only private residence of a head of state that is open to the public free of charge.

Check out this excellent virtual tour of The White House by Google Arts & Culture .

Hot Tip: The White House is an incredibly popular attraction and tickets are in high demand. If you want to visit in-person, learn how to best arrange your tour and maximize your visit with our helpful guide .

1. American Museum of Natural History (New York, New York)

“Ology” means “the study of,” and OLogy: The Science Website for Kids from the American Museum of Natural History focuses on the study of many topics geared towards kids, with games, stories, videos, and hands-on crafts.

The museum also offers 360-degree virtual tours of exhibits from the past, present, and permanent collections, as well as research stations.

2. Boston Children’s Museum (Boston, Massachusetts)

The Boston Children’s Museum is an incredible option for parents looking to entertain and educate their children.

The second-oldest children’s museum in the U.S. is full of unique exhibits meant to teach our younger generation everything from racial diversity to science, arts, and more.

Take your little one on a virtual tour today! The museum also offers a Play and Learning Resources page featuring activities, teaching guides, curriculum, and more.

3. The British Museum (London, England)

The first public national museum in the world, the British Museum is dedicated to human history, art, and culture, with more than 8 million pieces of work in its collection.

Highlighting over 2 million years of history, it is no surprise this is one of the most popular museums in the world.

Don’t wait — take your Google Arts & Culture virtual tour of more than 60 galleries today. The museum itself also offers 2 virtual galleries .

4. Children’s Museum Houston (Houston, Texas)

The Children’s Museum Houston is famous for its awesome exhibits and events, and they have gotten creative when it comes to going virtual. With options for learning at home , 3D Virtual Field Trips , and All-Time Access , you and your kids can stay connected and entertained from home.

5. Children’s Museum of South Dakota (Brookings, South Dakota)

The Children’s Museum of South Dakota is an incredible asset for parents and kids, and now families from around the world can take part in the creativity from home. 

The museum has created a Play Along at Home page full of resources and recipes for play! Even better, it offers a page just for parents to help with ideas for activities and more.

6. The DoSeum (San Antonio, Texas)

The DoSeum is well-known for its award-winning exhibits for kids and brings the same high quality to virtual content.

The museum has created an entire page dedicated to parents and kids to “ DO It At Home ,” which is full of DIY activities, storytimes, and more.

7. Glazer Children’s Museum (Tampa, Florida)

Glazer Children’s Museum has always had a mission of creating a learning laboratory where children play, discover, and connect. The museum has continued to innovate online.

The museum offers GCM at Home , a source of learning at fun for kids of all ages with experiments, recipes, games, and more.

8. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, New York)

While the largest art museum in the U.S. may not sound too exciting for many kids, the Met has put together a nice section on its website dedicated to getting the little ones engaged.

Check out interactive maps, a time machine, and videos on the MetKids page .

9. Musée du Louvre (Paris, France)

The Louvre in Paris is the world’s largest art museum at over 782,910 square feet and is also the most visited with 9.6 million visitors in 2019.

With around 38,000 pieces of work — including the famous Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Hammurabi’s Code — the Louvre is easily one of the world’s most well-known museums. Fortunately for art lovers, the Louvre has multiple virtual galleries on display to enjoy, without the queues.

View the Louvre’s virtual tour page .

10. Museo Frida Kahlo (Mexico City, Mexico)

Take a virtual tour of “the Blue House,” the former residence where renowned artist Frida Kahlo lived and created masterpieces.

Google Arts & Culture has created a Street View tour of Museo Frida Kahlo so you can walk through La Casa Azúl from home.

11. Museu de Arte de São Paulo (São Paulo, Brazil)

Head to Brazil, courtesy of Google Arts & Culture, and explore the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (Museum of Art of São Paulo). With more than 8,000 pieces of art, including paintings, sculptures, objects, photographs, and costumes, there is plenty to explore.

Start your virtual tour of 6 unique online galleries .

12. The Museum of Flight (Seattle, Washington)

The Museum of Flight, located just outside of Seattle , is the largest private air and space museum in the world. With more than 150 aircraft on-site, the museum attracts over 500,000 annual visitors.

In addition to being a museum, the Museum of Flight also hosts the largest K-12 educational programs in the world, welcoming more than 140,000 students yearly through its onsite programs.

If you can’t visit anytime soon, you might enjoy the 360-degree virtual tour .

Hot Tip: Check out our guide to virtual tours of aerospace museums , covering aviation, military, and space!

13. Museum of Science, Boston (Boston, Massachusetts)

The Museum of Science, Boston, dates back to 1830 when it opened as the Boston Society of Natural History. Now receiving over 1.5 million visitors annually, this museum (and indoor zoo) is one of the region’s most popular destinations for children and adults.

With more than 700 interactive exhibits and over 100 rescued and rehabilitated animals, visitors always leave wanting more. Conveniently, the museum offers an excellent virtual tour full of digital exhibits, videos, and audio presentations.

14. National Air and Space Museum (Washington, D.C.)

The National Air and Space Museum, which is part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., is a center for the history and science of aviation, as well as spaceflight, planetary science, terrestrial geology, and geophysics.

With over 6 million visitors last year, it was the fifth most-visited museum in the world, with tourists coming to see the Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia, the Wright brothers’ Wright Flyer airplane, and much more.

You can take your own 360-degree virtual tour of the entire museum.

15. National Museum of Natural History (Washington, D.C.)

The 325,000 square foot National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. has the largest natural history collection in the world. With over 145 million specimens of plants, animals, fossils, minerals, rocks, meteorites, human remains, and cultural artifacts, visitors come from all over the world to explore this special collection.

Open 364 days per year (closed on Christmas) with free admission, this collection can get quite busy with crowds. To avoid the rush, you can enjoy dozens of online exhibits that can all be accessed via the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History virtual tour .

16. National Women’s History Museum (Alexandria, Virginia)

Learn more about the brave women who educated, inspired, empowered, and shaped the future for new generations. With everything from the Civil Rights Movement to women in the Olympics, the National Women’s History Museum is full of well-curated material.

Explore the National Women’s History Museum’s 29 online exhibits.

17. Picasso Museum (Barcelona, Spain)

If you are one of the millions who stroll through Barcelona’s Latin Quarter, you are sure to know about the Picasso Museum. Art lovers can take in some 4,000+ pieces of the famous painter’s work and medieval architecture in this impressive museum.

Fans of Picasso can enjoy the Picasso Museum virtual tour, which offers a large selection of his finest works as well as tours of the museum’s beautiful courtyards.

18. Pretend City Children’s Museum (Irvine, California)

Pretend City is a great experience designed for kids to expand their imagination. With 17 exhibits including a cafe, farm, gas station, post office, grocery store, and more, your little one can explore a miniature version of a grown-up’s world.

Take an interactive tour of the Pretend City Children’s Museum .

19. The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre (Great Missenden, England)

Winner of the “Best Small Visitor Attraction,” the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre is the home of the late children’s and short story writer, Roald Dahl.

Take a step inside and see where he wrote manuscripts, business and personal correspondence, and his “Ideas Books.”

20. San Francisco Museum of Modern Arts (San Francisco, California)

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Arts lets artists take over its website and create special broadcasts on its YouTube channel.

Check out multimedia features on the art and artists featured in the museum on its Stories page.

21. The Strong National Museum of Play (Rochester, New York)

Known as “the ultimate play destination,” t he Strong National Museum of Play is built around research, exhibits, and other interpretive and educational activities that serve a diverse audience of adults, families, children, students, teachers, scholars, collectors, and others around the globe.

Thanks to a  Google Arts & Culture virtual tour , you can experience this incredible museum from home.

22. Van Gogh Museum (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Housing the largest collection of artworks by Vincent van Gogh, this Amsterdam museum welcomes over 2 million visitors per year looking to see the artist’s paintings, drawings, and letters.

Stroll through the museum at your own pace via this excellent Google Arts & Culture virtual tour . The museum’s website also offers a variety of tools for young children, including school lessons and coloring pages.

23. Vatican (Vatican City, Italy)

With multiple museums, the Vatican is home to some 70,000 works of art, including several of the most renowned Roman sculptures and most important masterpieces of Renaissance art in the world.

Founded by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century, the museums have been a stunning attraction for hundreds of years. Prior to the pandemic, the museums welcomed nearly 7 million visitors annually.

Take your own 360-degree virtual tour .

1. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Colorado)

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a national park in western Colorado famous for its steep cliffs and craggy spires throughout.

The Gunnison River has flowed for over 2 million years, carving its way through the rugged terrain, leaving behind a breathtaking combination of water, rock, and sky.

You can start your own exploration today, thanks to this Google Earth virtual tour !

2. Crater Lake National Park (Oregon)

This south-central Oregon gem is breathtaking. Crater Lake was formed from a volcanic eruption 7,500 years ago and has no connections to any rivers or streams — all of its water supply comes from rain and melted snow.

Not only it is the deepest lake in the U.S. , but it is also one of the clearest and cleanest in the entire world. Unsurprisingly, the lake and surrounding areas are very popular for outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

Country music singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley is ready to lead you on a 360-degree virtual video tour of the area.

3. Death Valley National Park (California, Nevada)

Death Valley has perhaps one of the most recognizable names of all of the national parks. It is also the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S., so the name is fitting.

Despite the morbid name, this park has a great diversity of life, especially when rainstorms bring sprawling fields of wildflowers and oases for small fish and other wildlife.

At 3.4 million acres, stretching across the California-Nevada border, it is the largest U.S. national park outside of Alaska .

You can explore this massive park courtesy of this Google Earth virtual tour . Some of the highlights include the Devil’s Golf Course, Rhyolite Ghost Town, and some incredible canyons and dunes.

4. Denali National Park (Alaska)

Home to the highest mountain in North America , Denali National Park in Alaska is a stunning combination of low elevation forests and snowy glaciers at the higher elevations.

This massive 6 million-acre preserve only has 1 road through it, so you will be sure to see wild animals roaming free and adventurists exploring the countless outdoor activities.

If you aren’t planning on visiting Alaska soon, be sure to check out the Google Earth virtual tour of the glaciers and the stunning Denali vistas.

5. Everglades National Park (Florida)

Spread across the southern tip of Florida, Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S. In addition to being a national park, the Everglades are also listed as a Wetlands of International Importance and a World Heritage Site.

The unique network of wetlands and forests makes an ideal home for many species, including rare and endangered ones such as the manatee, American crocodile, and Florida panther.

In addition to being home to dozens of species of mammals and reptiles, the wetlands are an essential habitat to over 350 species of birds and 300 species of fresh and saltwater fish.

Start your own adventure in the Everglades on this virtual tour via Google Earth .

Hot Tip: The Everglades are featured on our list of the best road trips in the U.S. The Overseas Highway starts in Miami and finishes over 150 miles later in Key West.

6. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)

One of (if not the) most well-known of all the national parks is the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. This park is a stunning 277-mile steep-sided canyon carved out by the Colorado River.

Just a quick (and popular) helicopter ride from Las Vegas, visitors can enjoy rafting, hiking, running, and camping along the North and South Rims of the canyon.

If you want to start exploring this incredible national park, check out this awesome virtual tour by Google Earth .

7. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park (Hawaii)

Located on the main island of Hawaii, the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park rests on top of 2 active volcanoes : Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world’s most massive shield volcano.

The volcanoes are home to some of the most unique biological, geological, and cultural landscapes in the world. Visitors come to learn about the volcanoes, their history, the local culture, and the incredible biodiversity on the island.

You can immerse yourself in one of the most comprehensive tours on the internet thanks to this Google Arts & Culture virtual tour .

8. Redwood National Park (California)

The 39,000-acre Redwood National Park is located on the picturesque, rugged coast of northern California.

Home to the famous Redwood trees — the tallest trees on earth  — this national park is also home to wild riverways, vast prairies, and oak woodlands.

You can start your own tour from home — including a scenic drive through the Klamath Tour Thru Tree — courtesy of this Google Earth Street View virtual tour .

9. Virgin Islands National Park (U.S. Virgin Islands)

Famous for its white-sand beaches and excellent snorkeling, the Virgin Islands National Park protects about 60% of the island of St. John , about 5,000 acres of ocean, and almost all of Hassel Island.

“America’s Paradise” also attracts visitors for its sugar plantation history and ancient petroglyphs carved by the Taino Indians.

Thanks to Google Earth tour of Virgin Islands National Park , you can explore the park’s luscious forests, Danish sugar plantation ruins, and gorgeous beaches.

10. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)

Stretching across 3 states (Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho), Yellowstone National Park was the very first national park in the U.S.  The park is centered over the Yellowstone Caldera lake, which is the largest supervolcano on the continent .

One of the more famous (and less threatening) attractions is Old Faithful Geyser , which is known for its regular eruptions.

Every year, visitors from around the world come to explore the thousands of other hot springs, geysers, and mud pots that dot the wild landscape.

You can now take your own Google Earth virtual tour of Yellowstone — complete with geysers, waterfalls, springs, and more — from the comfort of your own home.

11. Yosemite National Park (California)

Internationally recognized for many of its natural features, including its waterfalls, clear streams, granite cliffs, giant sequoia groves, and incredible biological diversity, Yosemite National Park has a lot to offer.

More than 4 million visitors travel to the Sierra Nevada of central California to explore the 748,000-acre park each year.

You can explore this park from home, including the iconic Half Dome and El Capitan monoliths, thanks to Google Earth’s virtual tour of Yosemite .

Bottom Line: You can enjoy the incredible natural beauty of our national parks without leaving home thanks to our detailed list of virtual tours of iconic national parks around the U.S. ! 

1. Camp Nou, FC Barcelona (Barcelona, Spain)

The home stadium of FC Barcelona since its completion in 1957, Camp Nou is the largest stadium in Europe with over 99,000 seats.

Having hosted some of the most high-profile matches ever, including the European Cup/Champions League finals, the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup finals, the opening game of the 1982 FIFA World Cup, and the football competition final at the 1992 Summer Olympics, it is easily one of the most famous stadiums in the world.

Experience what it’s like to walk around the stadium from the bleachers to the pitch thanks to this virtual tour .

2. Emirates Stadium, Arsenal FC (London, England)

Get a view of this gorgeous stadium from one of the 60,000+ seats in this 360-degree tour to get a feel for how big it is.

The club also has Arsenal Home Learning player packs available to download on its Junior Gunners site .

3. Hard Rock Stadium During Miami Open (Miami Gardens, Florida)

Changing names 8 times since opening in 1987, Hard Rock Stadium is best known as the home of the Miami Dolphins NFL team and Miami Hurricanes NCAA team.

The stadium can hold up to 80,000 fans depending on its configuration, which is quite flexible as it has been host to multiple NFL Super Bowls, MLB World Series, BCS National Championship Games, and is now also the home to the Miami Open tennis tournament.

Take a walk through the stadium during the Miami Open via this virtual tour of Hard Rock Stadium .

4. Maracanã Stadium, Flamengo FC (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

Step inside this massive 70,000+ seat stadium, home of the most famous football (soccer) club in Brazil, Flamengo.

A centerpiece for both the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics, this gem in the heart of Rio de Janeiro is on the bucket list for many sports fans.

Go along on a virtual tour of Maracanã Stadium .

5. Oracle Park, San Francisco Giants (San Francisco, California)

For over 20 years, Oracle Park (formerly Pacific Bell Park, SBC Park, and AT&T Park) has been home to the San Francisco Giants MLB team.

The 42,000-seat park sits right on the edge of San Francisco Bay, making for some gorgeous backdrops.

If you are interested in what it would be like to attend a baseball game at Oracle Park, check out this fun 360-degree virtual tour .

The Giants have also created Junior Giants at Home , featuring learning resources and training from the Giants’ manager and coaching staff!

6. Yankee Stadium, New York Yankees (Bronx, New York)

Yankee Stadium is one of the most famous baseball stadiums around. If you haven’t been, you can now visit the “Virtual Venue,” which has views from all around the park.

Start your own virtual tour of Yankee Stadium .

The Yankees also have a Yankees Kids page with at-home activities, games, activities, and more!

1. Angkor Wat (Siem Reap, Cambodia)

The largest religious monument in the world, Angkor Wat is a temple complex in Cambodia measuring over 402 acres.

What started as a relatively small tourist destination with only 7,000 visitors in 1993, the site received 2.6 million foreign visitors in 2018.

You don’t need to fight the crowds to see the temples, but this Google Earth tour of Angkor Wat may inspire some wanderlust!

2. The Great Pyramid (Giza, Egypt)

The oldest of the 7 Wonders of the World, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Pyramid was the tallest man-made structure in the world for more than 3,800 years.

The Great Pyramid was built as tombs for Pharaoh Khufu and his wife, and construction was estimated to take 20 years due to the 2.3 million blocks of limestone and granite, some weighing as much as 80 tonnes.

Walk alongside The Great Pyramid and its neighboring massive pyramids from home via Google Street View Treks .

3. Machu Picchu (Peru)

Just outside of Cuzco, Peru, this 15th-century Incan citadel is located almost 8,000 feet up a mountain above the Sacred Valley.

The site was virtually unknown to the outside world until 1911 when an American historian brought it to international attention. It is believed that the Incas built the estate around 1450 but abandoned it a century later at the time of the Spanish conquest.

Experience Machu Picchu without the climb via this virtual tour .

4. Nijo Castle (Kyoto, Japan)

Nijo Castle in Kyoto, Japan was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994 to help preserve this historic residence.

Built in 1603, it was the residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period until Tokugawa Shogunate fell in 1867. For a period of time in the 1800s, it was used as an imperial palace before being donated to the city and opened up to the public as a historic site.

“Walk” these special grounds via this Google Earth Virtual Tour .

5. The Palace of Versailles (Versailles, France)

The Palace of Versailles started as a simple hunting lodge, but when expanded later, became the principal royal residence of France. Eventually, the entire royal court and the French government relocated to Versailles as well.

Many notable historical events have occurred on the property, including World War I ending in the palace with the Treaty of Versailles. The popular tourist destination received nearly 8 million visitors in 2017 — more than the Eiffel Tower.

Take your own virtual tour today via Google Arts & Culture .

6. Petra ( Jordan)

An ancient city established as a capital for the Nabataean kingdom as early as the fourth century B.C., Petra is famous for its sandstone walls and stunning carved structures.

On your Google Street View Trek , travel through the Siq and discover nearly 20 sights from the Treasury to the Monastery while learning about Petra’s inhabitants.

7. Pompeii (Italy)

Pompeii is an ancient city in Italy that was buried in 20 feet of volcanic ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius back in A.D. 79. Excavators found a snapshot of Roman life as they dug out the city that was frozen in time.

With 2.5 million visitors annually, Pompeii is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy.

Take your own walking tour of this unique, formerly thriving town via Google Earth .

8. Stonehenge (Wiltshire, England)

Stonehenge is one of the world’s most puzzling prehistoric monuments. While certainly beautiful, the more you learn about this structure, the more intriguing it becomes.

Now, widely agreed that it was once a burial ground, historians still don’t know how 100 massive stones were placed upright in a circle back in 3000 B.C. to 2000 B.C. — before the invention of the wheel or other helpful tools.

Take a stroll around this curious masterpiece on your own virtual tour .

9. Taj Mahal (Agra, India)

The Taj Mahal is an immense mausoleum of white marble built in 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, in memory of his favorite wife.

The Taj Mahal was designated as a  UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for being “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage.”

Walk along the gardens in this stunning complex from home thanks to Google Earth .

10. Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia (Barcelona, Spain)

The Basílica de la Sagrada Família, also known as the Sagrada Família, is a large Roman Catholic minor basilica in Barcelona.

Construction began in 1882 and has been slow, to say the least. When it was interrupted by the Spanish Civil War in 1936, it was only about 30% complete. As of 2015, it was estimated that the construction was only about 70% complete with a likely completion around 2032.

The inside, however, is complete and stunning. Take a Google Earth virtual tour or visit the official website’s virtual tour of 10 locations within the cathedral, including audio.

1. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Tune in to the Cincinnati Zoo’s Home Safaris , when zookeepers showcase specific animals.

The zoo also has a Home Safari Resources page featuring games, crafts, quizzes, and more!

2. Houston Zoo (Houston, Texas)

Each Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. CST, the Houston Zoo hosts a Facebook Live event with the zookeepers and animals. Tune in to see what your favorite furred, flippered, and feathered friends are up to.

You can watch all videos, including past ones here .

3. San Diego Zoo (San Diego, California)

The San Diego Zoo has put together a special page on its website just for kids . You can watch videos, read stories about animals, play games, and more.

4. Smithsonian National Zoo (Washington, D.C.)

One of the oldest zoos in the U.S., the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C. is split into 2 campuses that are home to about 2,700 animals of 390 different species — about 20% of these animals are either endangered or threatened.

If you’re curious about what some of your favorite animals are up to, including cheetah cubs, check out these webcams . The zoo also offers a variety of educational at-home activities .

5. Zoo Atlanta (Atlanta, Georgia)

Are you a fan of pandas? Then you don’t want to miss Zoo Atlanta’s live Panda Cam . Check in on your favorite bamboo-chewing bear any time.

The zoo also offers at-home lessons that feature stories, crafts, virtual events, games, and a virtual petting zoo tour.

Even though travel has started to rebound, it’s always a good idea to do some research before your next trip.

As attractions start to open up again, you may have the opportunity to check out some of these virtual field trips in real life. So there is no better way to make the most of your trip than to build up some wanderlust and start planning which of these awesome locations you’re going to visit first!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the white house offer virtual tours.

Yes! You can “visit” the White House from the comfort of your own home for free. This famous presidential residence is normally open to the public as well, but why wait? Just click the link and start touring today!

What is a virtual field trip?

A virtual field trip is a guided virtual tour through some of the world’s most unique and interesting locations. We’ve put together a comprehensive list of everything from amusement parks to zoos, showcasing the best tours we could find on the internet. Enjoy!

What museums have free virtual tours?

Almost all of the top museums in the world offer some sort of free virtual tour. Sometimes that can be some nice photos, videos, or even a 360-degree photo tour. We’ve compiled some of the best virtual tour and field trip options for kids and students all in one place so that you can start exploring from home.

Do UNESCO World Heritage Sites have virtual tours?

Yes, many UNESCO World Heritage Sites have some version of a virtual tour. Many sites offer a Google Earth walking tour, while some others have more in-depth photography and videography. But you don’t need to go searching any longer: we’ve found the best options and put them all in an itinerary for you!

Was this page helpful?

About Chris Hassan

Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a passion for making content catered toward family travelers.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE ™

Get the  latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's  privacy policy   and  terms of service   apply.

Related Posts

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation  calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

Your browser is not supported

Sorry but it looks as if your browser is out of date. To get the best experience using our site we recommend that you upgrade or switch browsers.

Find a solution

• Skip to main content
• Skip to navigation
• Macmillan English
• Onestopenglish
• Digital Shop

• Back to parent navigation item
• Sample material
• Amazing World of Animals
• Amazing World of Food
• Arts and Crafts
• Mathematics
• Transport and Communication
• Teaching Tools
• Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship
• Support for Teaching Children
• Vocabulary & Phonics
• Spelling Bee Games
• Phonics & Sounds
• The Alphabet
• Onestop Phonics: The Alphabet
• Alphabet Booklet
• Interactive Flashcards
• Warmers & Fillers
• Young Learner Games
• Stories and Poems
• Fillers & Pastimes
• Fun Fillers
• Ready for School!
• Topics & Themes
• Young Learner Topics
• Young Learner Festivals
• Festival Worksheets
• Art and Architecture
• Business and Tourism
• Geography and the Environment
• Information Technology
• Science and Nature
• Topic-based Listening Lessons
• Cambridge English
• Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET)
• Cambridge English: First (FCE)
• Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
• General English
• News Lessons
• Topics and Themes
• Beyond (BrE)
• Beyond: Arts and Media
• Beyond: Knowledge
• Go Beyond (AmE)
• Go Beyond: Arts & Media
• Go Beyond: Knowledge
• Impressions
• Macmillan Readers
• A Time to Travel
• Life & School
• Skills for Problem Solving
• Digital Skills for Teens
• Support for Teaching Teenagers
• Games Teaching Materials
• Business and ESP
• Business Lesson Plans
• Business Skills Bank
• Business Top Trumps
• Elementary Business Lessons
• HR Management
• Let's Talk Business
• Business News Lessons
• ESP Lesson Plans
• Career Readiness
• Professional Communication Skills
• Cambridge English: Business (BEC)
• Everyday Life
• Celebrations
• Live from...
• Live from London
• Discussion Cards
• Writing Lesson Plans
• Life Skills
• Support for Teaching Adults
• Vocabulary Lesson Plans
• Language for...
• Vocabulary Teaching Materials
• Macmillan Dictionary Blog
• Vocabulary Infographics
• Kahoot! Quizzes
• Blog Articles
• Professional Development
• Lesson Share
• Methodology: Projects and Activities
• Methodology: Tips for Teachers
• Methodology: The World of ELT
• Advancing Learning
• Online Teaching
• More from navigation items

Leisure and Tourism

• No comments

Activities to encourage students to think critically about the impact of tourism: its benefits and disadvantages for countries, and its promises and pitfalls for travellers.

Source: Markus Daniel, Getty Images

A range of activities to stimulate thought and conversation about tourism, including recent trends in tourism and the environmental, economic and other implications for developing nations.

Each worksheet includes a teacher-led listening or reading exercise to improve comprehension skills, and an opportunity for students to discuss their own experiences, as well as notes and an answer key for teachers.

Find out how tourism has changed in Western Europe for FREE !

Tourism in Developing Countries

Related articles, farming in britain.

Students match agricultural terms with their definitions before reading about or listening to a British farmer and his son talk about the differences between farming now and in 1950.

Recent trends and patterns in Western European tourism

Through listening to or reading an interview, students learn about some of the reasons behind the recent changes in the way Western Europeans travel.

Tourism in Thailand: Upper intermediate

Students are given the chance to critically assess the difference between advertising and reality in the tourist industry.

No comments yet

Only registered users can comment on this article., more from lessons.

CLIL: History—Harriet Tubman

Learn about Harriet Tubman, an abolitionist and social activist that rescued over 70 slaves.

Reading: The Amish

By Katherine Stannett

A worksheet with reading and comprehension activities on the origins and lives of the Amish people.

Reading: Trevor Bayliss and the wind-up radio

A reading worksheet on the invention of the wind-up radio and its uses. Student exercises focus on comprehension and discussion.

Join onestopenglish today

With more than 700,000 registered users in over 100 countries around the world, Onestopenglish is the number one resource site for English language teachers, providing access to thousands of resources, including lesson plans, worksheets, audio, video and flashcards.

• Connect with us on Facebook
• Connect with us on Twitter
• Connect with us on Youtube

Onestopenglish is a teacher resource site, part of Macmillan Education, one of the world’s leading publishers of English language teaching materials.

• Privacy Policy
• Cookie policy
• Manage cookies

©Macmillan Education Limited 2023. Company number: 1755588 VAT number: 199440621

Site powered by Webvision Cloud

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

100 Last-Day-of-School Activities Your Students Will Love!

25 Travel Games That Make Time Fly for Kids and Families

So fun, they’ll forget to ask “Are we there yet?”

Getting ready to pack your suitcases and hit the road? Don’t forget the travel games! Whether you’re taking a road trip and need a little quiet in the backseat, or want to have some entertainment on hand in case of rainy days at the beach, these travel games for kids and families are worth including in your luggage. Bon voyage!

(Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)

1. Shotgun!

The two hundred cards in this road trip game are full of fun discussion prompts, challenges, and activities. Reviewers note that teens, as well as younger kids, are sure to enjoy this one.

2. Scavenger Hunt for Kids Travel Card Game

Scavenger hunts are some of our favorite travel games for kids! The goal here is to be the first to find the objects listed on 10 cards. This game has endless replayability, no matter where you go.

3. Auto Bingo

Here’s a cool twist on the scavenger hunt—bingo! Each reusable card has lots of items to look for. The first one to get five in a row (horizontal, vertical, or diagonally) wins!

[contextly_auto_sidebar]

4. Train of Thought

This discussion game is really more about interacting as a family rather than a competition, although the goal is to collect and answer three cards in each category. There are hilarious activity cards mixed in to keep you on your toes.

5. Guess in 10

The Guess in 10 series is a little like 20 Questions. Each card contains something for the other team to guess (like cities around the world), but they only get to ask 10 questions. Clue cards offer a bit of help as teams try to be the first to guess 7 cards correctly. Other options in the series include dinosaurs, sports, and animals.

6. Battleship Grab & Go

This classic is one of the best travel games for kids! The game boards are compact and hold everything you need to be able to say, “You sunk my battleship!”

7. Flip to Win Memory Game

Memory (also called Concentration) usually involves a pack of cards laid out in rows. This travel version is ideal for car trips since it uses flip tabs instead of individual cards. It comes with seven double-sided game cards for lots of backseat fun!

8. Bananagrams

Think of this like Scrabble on the go. No need for a game board; just take turns spelling words with the letter tiles. This one is perfect for rainy afternoons in a hotel or playing on a plane.

9. Simon Micro

We’ll admit the beeps of this little gadget might get on your nerves after a while, but kids really do love it. Watch the flashing sequence of lights and repeat it. You can play on your own or use Pass It mode to compete.

Here’s another classic that’s also perfect as a travel game! Shake up the board, then see how many words you can make from connecting letters.

11. Rush Hour Jr.

Logic games are fantastic travel games for kids, especially when you need them to play quietly on their own for a bit. Set up the car pieces according to the puzzle card. Then figure out how to slide them out of the way so each car can leave the lot through the exit. Adults will be challenged by this one too.

12. Melissa & Doug License Plate Game

Sure, you can play the license plate game without a board or special equipment, but this does make it a lot more fun! Flip the tiles as you spot a representative from each state, and see if you can get them all before your journey ends.

13. Anywhere Travel Guide

Planning a staycation this year, or need a way to make another visit to Grandma’s small town interesting? Try these cards, which present a series of challenges that turn any kind of trip into an adventure.

14. Mastermind

Mastermind is a classic that’s all about using logic to crack your partner’s code. The concept is simple, but endless combinations mean this game is different every single time.

15. Clue Card Game

Classic board games in card form make awesome travel games for kids. Solve the mystery without the board in this version of the whodunnit favorite, Clue.

16. IQ XOXO

This is another logic puzzle game, sized small so you can take it anywhere. Solve the puzzle by determining how to fit all the pieces onto the game board. The included booklet has 120 puzzles of increasing difficulty.

17. Cat’s Cradle

All you really need for Cat’s Cradle is a piece of string, but these days, most kids don’t actually know how to play anymore! This book teaches you how to make lots of fun figures with just some string and your fingers.

18. Monopoly Deal Card Game

Another classic board game turned card game; Monopoly Deal is best when you have some space to lay out the cards. That’s why we love it for play in a hotel room or lake cabin when everyone needs a break from more active fun.

19. Apple Twist

One more logic game, this time with twisty caterpillars and an apple playing board. The board itself turns in sections to create a wide array of puzzle challenges.

20. Disney Eye Found It

I spy with my little eye… a fun travel game! Kids comb each picture card to find specified items. If you’re headed to Disney, this one is especially fun for building excitement.

21. Travel Ping Pong Set

You can’t play this one in the car or on a plane, but it’s fun to set up on a table in your Airbnb rental. You get everything you need for an epic ping pong tournament.

22. Collapsible Cornhole

Packable cornhole? Count us in! Play this one at the beach, in the park, or anywhere you can find some empty space.

23. 12 Retro Magnetic Games

This collection of magnetic travel games for kids will ensure there’s always something new to keep them occupied. Each board folds up to hold the necessary game pieces inside.

24. The 100 Best Brainteasers for Kids

Brainteasers can occupy one child on their own or get the whole family working together to work out the answers. This book has plenty of puzzles for elementary-aged kids to tackle.

25. On-The-Go Mini Game Pad

Sometimes all you need is something simple to provide a few minutes of fun. This little pad gives you sheets for tic-tac-toe, connect five, and the alphabet game of categories. Add some pencils, and you’re ready to go!

Vacations are the perfect time for scavenger hunts! Get 25 Free Scavenger Hunts for Kids here.

Get all the latest teaching tips and ideas when you sign up for our free newsletters .

You Might Also Like

5 Printable Game Boards to Turn Curriculum Review into Fun

Just roll the dice and answer the question. Continue Reading

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

15+ Travel Activities for Kids to Explore from Home

School days are packed! It’s difficult to meet all the curriculum standards and still have time for things like travel activities for kids. And while travel is incredible, it’s not always feasible, so I love also being able to explore from home with a variety of travel activities from home.

It can be overwhelming to figure out how to start exploring from home, so I put together a few ideas that will help you spark interest in global education. We like to choose a country and go through several of these ideas for it, but feel free to do all or just one for a certain place. Of course, if you have any friends or family who are from, have lived in, or are acquainted with a country, I highly recommend connecting with them! Video calls and letter writing are both terrific options. Still, all of these travel activities for kids are simple enough that they’re absolutely doable even with no prior connection to a place.

Whether you’re using this during a time of temporary or permanent homeschool, or just as a supplement to formal school education, I hope these travel activities inspire you to incorporate global learning into your daily lives. Here’s to sparking curiosity and connection as we explore from home!

This post about how to explore from home contains affiliate links, but all opinions are 100% my own. That means I earn a small commission if you purchase through my link, but doesn’t change your price.

15+ TRAVEL ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS TO EXPLORE FROM HOME

Kids travel activities from home.

• Get out a map or globe. Even if you can’t actually go to a place in person, it’s fun to figure out where it’s located. And just looking for it is sure to spark conversations about things like topography, continents, borders, and more.
• Cook together. One of the most fun things about traveling is the food! We love making recipes from different places we’re studying to help us get excited and learning about different resources that are available. This is a great opportunity to help kids learn some kitchen skills through travel activities for kids from home!
• Learn about art . Few things better describe a country’s culture and history than art. Pick an artist, genre, or time period and ask questions along the way. Google has an incredible database of digital collections of art museums .
• Play or watch a sport. Different sports are popular in different parts of the world. If you can, it can be fun to test out badminton if you’re studying India or bandy if you’re learning about Russia. If you can’t do it yourself, you can always YouTube a clip of others playing it!
• Watch a movie. Speaking of YouTube, everyone will be delighted to watch a film about a different place. It can be anything from a fictional tale that takes place in a different country, a short video giving an overview of a place, or even a documentary about a country’s animal life.
• Read books . This feels like a no-brainer. Read all the books! This is surely the best and easiest of the travel activities for kids. Of course, there are non-fiction books explaining everything from history and culture to language development, but don’t feel limited to those. There are plenty of fictional tales that give insight into a culture, or even guidebooks can be fun to peruse. If you’re library is closed, consider a digital subscription like Scribd or Epic , or even audiobooks .
• Listen to music. Pull up your Spotify app and pump out some traditional Irish folk music or Moroccan gnawa music. Or perhaps you can turn on some Met nightly opera streaming while doing some quiet reading. Sure, it’s different and will be unfamiliar, especially to little ears that may be accustomed to Taylor Swift. Still, it will expose everyone to new rhythms, instruments, and feelings.
• Do a craft. This can easily connect to the artists you may also learn about, or you could do some watercolor painting in time to the music from above. Or if you all work better with dimensional work, you could use these building toys to create shapes similar to those of a particular artist. You could also experiment with some traditional handicrafts, print out photos from a destination to make a collage, decorate a flag, or just color some pictures. The opportunities for art travel activities are endless!
• Discuss currency. Currencies are fun to explore, and are great for math work of all ages. Younger children can craft some play money to count in single digits, while later elementary students can practice multiplication and division with conversion rates. Even teens can work through problems of economics, currency depression, and more.
• Write. Try nonfiction informative writing after studying up on a country’s history or a famous person, or try spinning a narrative tale that takes place in a certain location. You could also work in multiple assignments by writing about initial thoughts, and then rewriting to correct any misconceptions.
• Play a game. This can be a game specific to a destination (such as kongki noli if learning about Korea, or badminton if learning about India), or it can just be a general geography game. Or you could try an online game like Geoguessr to try to figure out different destinations!
• Look at photos of historic sites . Imagine what it would be like to explore them, or draw pictures of those places. Learn about their place in history and why they are important.
• Build. Use some favorite building toys , of create a skyline out of cardboard boxes, tape, and markers. Or try making a diorama!
• Practice your language skills. Pimsleur is our very favorite language learning program that works through listening to conversations, just like you’d learn a native tongue. Duolingo is a great and free way to pick up a few phrases in different tongues.
• Do family history. It’s especially fun being connected to a place – research your ancestry and delve into whatever background you find!
• Do a service project . Voluntourism can get really tricky in terms of how helpful it actually is. Usually, it’s much more effective to raise funds from home, so this is a perfect opportunity to still help out without having to travel anywhere. Discuss opportunities with your kids to raise money to support a cause they care about for a perfect travel activity for kids.
• Discuss different peoples, injustices, and misconceptions. We all have biases and preconceived notions at times, and kids are no exception. The important thing is to discuss them head on to combat racism and isolation. After all, the greatest purpose of travel is to connect with peoples, communities, and cultures around the globe. Having those hard conversations at home is an excellent first step.

Do you have other ideas for how to incorporate global education and explore from home? I’d love to hear!’

IF YOU LIKED THIS POST ABOUT WAYS TO EXPLORE FROM HOME, YOU MIGHT LIKE THESE POSTS TOO:

• Global Learning Guides
• 270+ Easy Things to Do in Summer with Kids
• How to Prepare to Travel with a Baby: 6 Essential Tips

NOT READY TO START GLOBAL EDUCATION FROM HOME QUITE YET? PIN THIS POST FOR LATER!

Recent Posts

Best Free Things to Do in London with Kids

25+ Useful Father’s Day Travel Gifts

One Day Bath Itinerary with Kids

One Week London Itinerary with Kids

LPF Guides: Ultimate Yosemite National Park Printable PDF Guide

Top 10 Must Do London Activities for Families

What To Wear in Egypt: Our Full Egypt Packing List for Families

Why I Think the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the Best Beginner Travel Rewards Credit Card

26 responses.

[…] Global Education: 15+ Ways to Explore from Home […]

[…] 15+ Travel Activities for Kids to Explore from Home […]

[…] shared a number of tips for virtual field trips before – activities we’ve used and loved for years. But sometimes those activities just […]

[…] you’re looking for more virtual field trip ideas, here is a whole list of travel activities for kids. Or here is a list of 50+ virtual travel ideas for toddlers and […]

[…] (This would be a perfect starting point for doing some exploring from home with these virtual travel activities for kids!) […]

[…] Travel Activities to Explore the World From Home […]

[…] into the day. Cooking, sewing, and laundry are very tangible options. But so are simple things like pointing out a place on a map or watching a Youtube video with Ethiopian dancing. There are so many ways to learn, and it’s […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Don't subscribe All Replies to my comments Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

2024 MONTHLY GLOBAL CHILDREN'S BOOK CLUB

• Privacy Policy
• Recommended Destinations
• North America
• South America
• Middle East
• Accommodations
• Photography
• Travel with Infants & Toddlers
• 2023 Global Children’s Book Club
• 2022 Global Children’s Book Club
• A-Z Global Children’s Book Club
• 2021 Global Children’s Book Club
• Global Service Advent
• Virtual Travel
• Holidays Around the World
• Home Education
• Curious Kids Email Course
• Travel Products
• Gift Guides
• Gifts We Gave
• Favorite Things
• Weekly Deals
• Holidays at Home
• Home With Kids
• Weekly Menus
• Summer with Kids
• Work With Us
• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Read more about our Privacy Policy .

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

Get us in your inbox

Sign up to our newsletter for the latest and greatest from your city and beyond

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Awesome, you're subscribed!

The best of New York for free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy New York without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• Time Out Market
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Attractions
• Los Angeles

The 13 best parks in NYC

The best NYC parks are oases of greenspace where you can enjoy fresh air away from the stresses of the city.

Photograph: By MISHELLA / Shutterstock

Regardless of the season, New York City’s parks offer a refuge from the stresses of everyday life in the city as well as prime spots for outdoor gatherings. The best NYC parks provide plenty of space and fresh air, perfect for soaking up the sun in summer or taking some time for quiet contemplation in the winter. Whether you’re looking for a bit of nature, a path for jogging or biking, a spot for a picnic or a place to walk your dog, these parks offer all that and much more.

Did you know that there are around 1,700 parks within the five boroughs? From pocket parks to dog parks to massive beauties like Central Park and Prospect Park, NYC’s parks have their own unique characteristics, and all are cherished as jewels among the concrete landscape of the city. While the winter months may not be the best for boating or picnicking, NYC’s parks are still one of the top things to do outside year-round. Central Park is the most popular park in New York for sure, but there may be another you find is the most beautiful—it's all in the eye of the beholder.

These parks are a must for locals and visitors alike. They offer picturesque views, fresh air, and seasonal programming and activities. Be on the lookout for movie screenings, outdoor concerts, holiday markets, hiking , and ice skating . While some are peaceful and some are buzzy hotspots, they all offer a chance to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy being outside.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in NYC

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our   affiliate   guidelines .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best NYC parks

1.  prospect park.

• Parks and gardens
• Prospect Park

Urban visionaries Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, who most famously designed Central Park, also put their stamp on bucolic Prospect Park. Amenities like the Long Meadow and Nethermead offer plenty of space to pull up on a patch of grass and indulge in some people-watching, and the woodland expanse of the Ravine is a towering forest within bustling Brooklyn. Be sure to check out the  Endale Arch and Concert Grove Pavilion .

2.  Central Park

• Central Park

To feel truly out of the city, head to the 38-acre wilderness area known as the Ramble. The area has a storied history, and its winding trails, rocks, and streams await discovery. If you want plenty of sunshine and more of a social vibe, spread out a blanket at Sheep Meadow, where groups playing guitar, catching frisbees, and tanning are sprawled out as far as the eye can see. It's also, of course, the most famous park in New York City. 

3.  Brooklyn Bridge Park

• Brooklyn Heights

Some city parks were built to replicate rustic fields and preserve serene woodland. Brooklyn Bridge Park, however, was not—and that’s precisely why it has become so popular. The project has transformed a chunk of the Brooklyn waterfront into a nearly 85-acre expanse; several sections house unique attractions such as Jane’s Carousel, a restored 1920s merry-go-round, and riverside esplanades with gorgeous Manhattan views. Pier 5 is complete with sports fields and a playground, and nearby Pier 2 has basketball courts and a skating rink. 

4.  Bryant Park

• Midtown West

Situated behind the New York Public Library is Bryant Park, a well-cultivated retreat that hosts a dizzying schedule of free entertainment during the summer. In the winter, look for an ice skating rink and pop-up shops during the Bank of America Winter Village. Added bonus: The park also boasts free wireless access making it the perfect place to work while basking in the sun. 

5.  Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Give the city’s second-biggest park a day and it’ll show you the world: Its most enduring icon is the Unisphere, the mammoth steel globe created for the 1964 World’s Fair.

But there’s also first-rate culture and sports at the New York Hall of Science, Arthur Ashe Stadium, and Citi Field (depending on how the Mets are doing). The rolling green fields also encompass a zoo, a boating lake, a skate park, a barbecue area, playfields, and a $66 million aquatic and hockey center. Wetland plants such as swamp azalea and swamp milkweed help to handle the park’s water runoff, improving the catch-and-release fishing in Meadow Lake.

6.  The Hills at Governors Island

• Governors Island

Listen to the hum of parkgoers and their bicycles as they tool around the island’s two-plus-mile promenade, the gleeful squeals of folks slithering down one of the four massive slides and the delighted gasps of visitors ogling perfect views of the New York Harbor and Lower Manhattan. While much of the green space’s landscape has changed, preexisting features such as Hammock Grove and Picnic Point are still major focal points. The park also offers an adventure playground where revelers can go rock climbing and wander through a maze.

7.  Washington Square Park

• Historic buildings and sites
• Greenwich Village

While it's less green than most of the parks on this list, Washington Square Park is undoubtedly a staple. The hippies who famously turned up and tuned out in the attractions are still there in spirit, and indeed often in person amidst large groups of NYU students.

During the warmer months the park is one of the best people-watching spots in the city, humming with musicians and street artists. Skateboarders clatter near the base of the iconic 1895 Washington Arch (a modest replica of the Arc de Triomphe), and kiddos can splash in the area's fountain on sweltering days.

8.  The High Line

The High Line came to life in 2009, when an old piece of elevated railway track on the Lower West Side of Manhattan was transformed into a verdant floating garden. Now plants and flowers flourish along the walkway, which stretches for almost two miles. Take your time strolling along it and stop to check out the sculptures, beautiful plantings, food vendors, and the view of the Hudson.

9.  Riverside Park

• Upper West Side

This scenic four-mile waterfront park extends from 72nd to 158th Streets along the Hudson River in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Facilities include sports courts, a skate park, bike paths on the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway, and a public marina at 79th Street. Fans of You’ve Got Mail will recall that the promenade at 91st Street is the spot where Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan finally revealed their true identities.

10.  Hudson River Park

This strip of waterfront park stretches from Battery Park to 59th Street, allowing you to walk, bike, or skate while gazing at the Hudson River and New Jersey. There are flowers, benches, piers and lots of programs—including youth sports and kayak rides in the river. On Friday evenings, you can spot everything from people at lawnside boot camps to senior citizen singing groups belting it out next to a waterside piano.

11.  Fort Greene Park

• Fort Greene

Brooklyn's first park is also one of its loveliest. Explore the 30-acres designed by Olmstead and Vaux, which comprise open meadows, playgrounds, and a designated space for all sorts of recreational activities. If you’re simply looking for a peaceful space to contemplate the meaning of life, you’ll have no problem finding a quiet haven for your thoughts.

12.  Pelham Bay Park

Jutting into the Long Island Sound with rocky outcroppings, marshy inlets, and lush forest, Pelham Bay Park looks more like Maine than the Bronx. The city’s largest park at 2,766 acres—three times the size of Central Park—it takes hours to explore. Among the massive park's attractions are Orchard Beach, the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum, and the Pelham Bay Golf Course.

13.  Inwood Hill Park

There’s a unique reward for trekking to the northernmost corner of Manhattan, where you’ll find enormous trees in the island’s last virgin forest. Much of the park has never been developed; due to its comparatively remote location, the land remained rural up until its 1916 purchase by the Parks Department, who decided to leave Inwood as natural as possible. As a result, the area remains very similar to the way the island was 500 years ago.

Want to have a picnic in the park?

Here are the best picnic spots in nyc.

• Things to do

Pack blankets and fill your picnic basket with snacks for an alfresco feast at the best picnic spots in NYC.

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Copyright agent
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Claim your listing
• Local Marketing Solutions
• Advertising

Time Out products

• Time Out Worldwide

25 Fun Things To Do With Kids In California: The Best Family-Friendly Attractions!

California, also called the Golden State, is famous for its sunny vibe year-round.

In addition to its beautiful resorts, it’s also filled with family-friendly spots worth visiting.

From Legoland and Disney to parks and aquariums, your children will be amused in no time.

Being a travel writer and a parent, my journey has taught me how to create an epic itinerary.

I extensively researched each place before visiting and found fascinating activities to do inside.

Assuming you might be having a hard time, let me take some work off your hands.

I made a quick guide as a great starting point for you and your family’s trip.

Aside from the fun factor, I also factored in their affordability, educational value, and more.

Are you ready to explore the magical world of this coastal metropolis?

Bring the entire family and enjoy these fun things to do with kids in California.

[elementor-template id=”8727″]

Fun Things to Do with Kids in California Compared 

California offers all kinds of fun for youngsters, regardless of age.

Here’s a curated list of my top three picks, plus one more as a fantastic alternative.

Editor’s Choice

Universal Studios

Get a behind-the-scenes taste of some of your favorite movies.

• Age Compatibility: Young Children (6-9 years)
• Educational Value: 4/5
• Fun Factor: 5/5
• Accessibility: 5/5
• Affordability: 1/4

#2nd Best Choice

Legoland California

This is a place where the children and their imagination go wild and it’s totally safe to do whatever they want.

• Affordability: 2/5

#3rd Best Choice

San Diego Zoo

Its focus is on conservation and has been voted the best many times.

• Age Compatibility: Preschoolers and Young Children (4-5 years)
• Educational Value: 5/5
• Affordability: 3/5

Here are fun, family-friendly attractions in California.

1. Universal Studios (Editor’s Choice)

100 Universal City Plaza Universal City, CA 91608 +1 800-864-8377 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Ratings Criteria

• Over 20 exciting rides
• Film studio tours
• Expensive parking and entry fee

Why You’ve Got to Go

If you’re a cinephile, there’s no way you will miss Universal Studios Hollywood .

Go on rides that have been inspired by some classics.

Whatever genre you choose, there’s something that will blow your mind.

You will get to see how stunts are practiced or maybe run into a Hollywood star.

And did I mention the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

You get to sample butterbeer and pick something up from Hogsmeade here.

If you love King Kong tearing buildings down, there’s a little show to relive those moments too.

Ages 3 and above.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort

Related: Best San Francisco Restaurants

Related : Best Family Resorts in California

Related: Fun Things to Do in San Francisco with Kids

2. Legoland California

One Legoland Dr Carlsbad, CA 92008 +1 888-690-5346 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Over 60 rides and attractions
• Exciting shows and activities
• Most rides and restaurants are seasonal

Well, if Sheldon Cooper (from The Big Bang Theory ) picked it for his honeymoon, it’s got to be pretty extraordinary.

They should’ve called this wonderland.

There is also an aquarium and a water park.

You will also find spaces that are divided based on themes like Star Wars, Fun Town and Castle Hill, etc.

Get a bathing suit for the waterpark rides.

If you want to stay on dry land, get a Legoland driver’s license and head to the race track.

Or forget all of that and just build something with the millions of plastic bricks available.

There is every kind of fun here.

You can also play underwater instruments.

That’s right.

Kids up to 12 years of age.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, A Hilton Resort & Spa

Related: Restaurants in San Diego, California

Related: Things to Do in San Diego with Kids

Related: Best Things to Do in California

3. San Diego Zoo

2920 Zoo Dr San Diego, CA 94129 (619) 231-1515 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Personal encounters with wildlife
• Fun for all ages

Because it’s the largest zoo in the world.

There are pandas, polar bears, reptiles, cheetahs and what not.

You will also find smaller animals like meerkats too.

If you’re in California with kids, find out their favorite animal and you are very likely to find it here.

And if they are farm animals, you might even be able to feed them with your own hands.

There’s also educational shows here and a discovery tour.

San Diego Zoo has a day-long activity where you can expose your kids to some hands-on exhibits.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego

4. Warner Bros. Studio

3400 Warner Blvd Burbank, CA 91505 (818) 977-8687 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Similar to Universal Studios, Warner Bros. Studios provides a guided walk-through tour of the entire facility.

It gives you an inside look at one of California’s top attractions in the most exciting way possible.

Children will learn about real movie sets and see props, sets, and costumes.

Furthermore, the entire studio is expansive, and it can easily take up an entire day.

See the storytelling museum and the interactive soundstage, and visit sets for famous shows.

This includes the sets for Friends and The Big Bang Theory, as well as Harry Potter exhibits.

You can also upgrade your tour and get a glimpse of real props, costumes, and equipment.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Mama Shelter Los Angeles

Related: Places to Eat: Southern California

Related: Things to Do in Los Angeles with Kids

Related: Restaurants: Los Angeles, California

5. Lake Tahoe

3411 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 530-542-6000 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

It’s a playground out there in nature and it’s open throughout the year.

Lake Tahoe is a massive lake and it is surrounded by mountains, rivers and environment-friendly lodges.

It’s one of the classic California attractions for families.

And there’s a ton of activities for children.

If you’re here on a warm day, take a dip in the lake.

You can also choose to go on a hike or boating and fishing if that’s more your thing.

If you’re here in the snowy months, you could opt for snowmobiling or snowboarding.

There’s also the option of going skiing or sledding on the mountains.

The surrounding areas offer a rich lesson in American history.

So there’s that too.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Landing Resort and Spa

Related: Fun Things to Do in Lake Tahoe with Kids

6. Santa Monica Pier

200 Santa Monica Pier Santa Monica, CA 90401 +1 310-458-8900 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If your family is a fan of arcade games and carnival rides, you’ve come to the right place.

There’s a diner for when you want to grab a bite and kids of all ages absolutely love Santa Monica Pier .

There’s a ferris wheel for pure fun on a family vacation.

You can go for a swim or sit on the shore and get a tan.

You could also opt for a walk on the street and enjoy a show by one of the street performers who will keep you amused with little tricks.

If you’re in the mood for it, get a portrait for a few dollars.

When you want a change, you could hop on a walking tour and learn about the pier’s history.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Santa Monica Proper Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels

Related: Fun Things to Do in Santa Monica with Kids

Related: Best Family Vacations in California

7. Yosemite National Park

9035 Village Dr Yosemite Valley, CA 95389 (209) 372-0200 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Yosemite National Park is quite a popular choice and it’s oh so worth it.

There are hundreds of hiking trails with a picturesque view of waterfalls and wildlife.

Don’t worry, it’s all safe.

Many of them are lined with sequoia trees which the little ones will love exploring.

It’s also a place that has inspired many artists for centuries.

You can choose to go camping or hiking and fishing.

Take some wallpaper-worthy pictures while you’re at it.

Climbing the Half Dome is something teens are known to enjoy.

So challenge them to work their hiking legs.

Go along the John Muir Trail and explore the surroundings.

You can thank me later.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Hotel at Black Oak Casino Resort

8. Crystal Cove State Park

471 N Coast Hwy Laguna Beach, CA 92651 +1 949-494-3539 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Why You’ve Got to Go

Crystal Cove State Park is a gorgeous 3-mile-long state park and is a great place to spend some quality time with the kids.

It’s one of the biggest attractions in California for families and the trail system is just one of the reasons why.

You could explore the tide pools or take a dip here.

The ocean is pretty mellow.

You could go for a stroll or try mountain biking if you’re outdoorsy and have the right gear.

There’s also space for kids to build sandcastles.

If you bring a kite along, the weather is almost always suited to that.

You could also try camping here if you don’t want to be confined in a lodge the whole time.

Although, some of those have been around since the 1930s and are a great piece of history.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa

9. Disney California Adventure

1313 Disneyland Dr Anaheim, CA 92802 (714) 781-4636 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Don’t skip this because you’ve seen Disneyland because this theme park has seven different themes which you will not find even in Disneyland.

You’ll find Cars Land, Paradise Pier, Bug’s Land and a lot more here.

And if your kids are fans of Pixar (come on, they all are) you have to check out the Disney California Adventure .

There’s Mickey’s Fun Wheel which is a rollercoaster with a 360-degree loop and that’s just the beginning.

The restaurants here offer a rich cuisine.

The themed areas and the characters within make for great backdrops to enhance your social media standing.

And parents, you’ll love this.

Here, there are places that serve alcohol.

So you can chill while the kids are thrilled.

Again, do some homework on the height restrictions on some rides.

10. Balboa Park

San Diego, CA 91773 (619) 239-0512 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Balboa Park is a well-known 1,200-acre historic urban cultural park with a variety of activities.

It offers beautiful gardens and walking routes in addition to open space sections.

It also has various museums, theaters, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.

To begin, stroll around the Japanese Garden or appreciate the succulents in the Desert Garden.

Following that, visit the Timken Museum of Art or climb the California Tower.

If you’re with kids, take them to the Balboa Park Carousel before exploring the nearby eateries.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: 1 Hotel West Hollywood

11. Joshua Tree National Park

74485 National Park Drive Twentynine Palms, CA 92277 (760) 367-5500 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

This is the place where the Mojave and Colorado come together.

And it’s a place to explore a variety of trees, geological features and a whole bunch of animal species.

If you’re wondering what to do in California, I would definitely recommend this.

The stunning atmosphere in here makes it a perfect site whether you want to go camping or hiking or mountain biking.

The weather is almost always favorable to explore the hundreds of miles of trails.

The iconic Joshua Tree itself is a great place for the family to gather around and get some good photographs.

But also, don’t miss Black Rock Canyon, Cottonwood Spring, Skull Rock and Keys View.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairfield Inn & Suites Twentynine Palms – Joshua Tree National Park

Related: Restaurants in Joshua Tree, California

Related: Things to Do in Joshua Tree with Kids

12. Monterey Bay Aquarium

886 Cannery Row Monterey, CA 93940 831-648-4800 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If you want an up close and personal view of ocean animals, this is the place to go to.

Children will love exploring the more than 600 species of aquatic beings.

And there are a ton of exhibits that tell you a lot about these creatures.

So you get to learn a little something too.

This is a half-day activity.

Every creature here is colorful. Start with the Ocean’s Edge Wing which is the main exhibit.

It has a ton of marine life for you to check out and you can also learn about regional fish.

The only sunfish in captivity is also available for viewing at this aquarium.

Related: Restaurants in Monterey

Related: Restaurants in Northern California

Related: Fun Things to Do in Monterey with Kids

13. Calico Ghost Town

36600 Ghost Town Road Yermo, CA 92327 (909) 387-2757 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

In the late 1800s, the Calico Ghost Town was a mining town.

So it’s like you’re traveling back in time.

Considering none of us was alive back then, it is quite the experience.

But the little ones will definitely be more excited about this place.

It’s a peek into the wild, wild west. It’s called the ghost town, well, because of the rumors.

There’s nothing to freak out about or is there?

It’s the perfect place for a full photoshoot.

The architecture, the ghost tour, the old mines there’s a ton of history and mystery to take in for people of all ages.

It’s a great place for a stroll too.

Ages 5 and above.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn and Suites Barstow

14. Six Flags Magic Mountain

26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy Valencia, CA 91355 +1 661-255-4100 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

This place has the most intense roller coasters you’ve ever gotten into.

That alone is a reason to camp out here for a whole day.

But there are also other tiny rides for the kids.

It’s a place for visit for some harmless horseplay and to bond as a family.

You and the older kids will love the rollercoasters.

When you’re done, check out the other rides like Drop of Doom, Goliath and Batman.

The themes are endless and you’ll be surprised at every corner of the Six Flags Magic Mountain .

If you’re with toddlers, head to Canyon Blaster or Elmer’s Weather Balloons.

It’ll be a blast.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Kimpton Everly Hotel

15. Winchester Mystery House

525 S Winchester Blvd San Jose, CA 95128 (408) 247-2000 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If you love ghosts and mediums, Winchester Mystery House will intrigue you to no end.

Sarah Winchester had built this house with over 150 rooms in the 1800s after her husband and child died to appease their spirits.

Almost four decades later, it is believed to still be haunted.

There’s the firearms museum and the blooming gardens.

You can find out all about Sarah Winchester and her family’s misfortune.

Read about what the spiritual medium predicted and try to crack the case of why this house is still haunted.

This is an experience you will remember for a long time to come.

Ages 6 and above.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Valencia Santana Row

Related: Fun Things to Do in San Jose with Kids

16. Living Desert

47900 Portola Avenue Palm Desert, CA 92260 760-346-5694 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a zoo where the little ones will have the chance to learn the importance of conservation.

The natural wonders, exotic plants and animals of the desert will enthrall the whole family.

It’s the intersection of entertainment and profound education.

You mean, apart from spotting some of the coolest animals like foxes, camels, giraffes and jaguars?

Well, there are programs at the Tennity Amphitheater.

You can also just go for a hike along the San Andreas Nature Trail.

Lookout for an opportunity to feed the camels and giraffes with your own hands.

Up to 18 years of age.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa

17. Crissy Field

1199 E Beach San Francisco, CA 94129 +1 415-561-4323 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

Crissy Field was once an airfield which has now been turned into a campground on the beach.

Sounds great, doesn’t it?

From here, you get a great view of my favorite landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge.

If you want to spend some time immersed in nature while being in an urban space, this is it.

You can get a bike and ride it from Marina Green to Fort Point.

Take a break from the children and ride along the promenade while the children build sandcastles or swim on Baker Beach.

If you want to spend time with kids at this family-friendly California beach , be sure to bring a picnic basket!

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairmont San Francisco

Related: Fun Things to Do with Kids in The Bay Area

18. Lassen Volcanic National Park

PO Box 100 Mineral, CA 96063 (530) 595-4480 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Volcanic gas vents, boiling pools, mud pots.

If these are things that fascinate you, you must visit the Lassen Volcanic National Park .

And you get to see a ton of things powered by a hydrothermal system.

The little ones can learn about the history of volcanoes.

You can go for a hike while checking out boiling mud and water spaces.

You could take a walk over the boardwalk and head towards the Big Boiler.

There’s also the Devil’s Kitchen where you can play-act being a witch.

While you’re here, you might want to check out the Boiling Springs Lake.

It is a bubbling lake that reaches above 125 degrees.

In fact, you might want to clear out your weekend for this.

Ages 5 and up.

Not for families with toddlers.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Rose Quartz Inn

19. Turtle Bay Exploration Park

844 Sundial Bridge Drive Redding, CA 96003 +1 530-243-8850 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Turtle Bay Exploration Park is spread over 300 acres and boasts of a museum, botanical gardens and a sundial bridge.

That’s just the beginning.

There’s also a wildlife center the kids will love exploring.

It’s a beautiful mix of sustainability and playfulness.

You can check out the nano exhibit along with your kids and show them how plants grow in real time.

This is called the “Rooted” feature.

There’s a lot of art to soak in at the student art exhibition.

You can also go on nature trails and don’t skip the inside of the arboretum.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge

20. Disneyland

Disneyland Dr Anaheim, CA 92801 (714) 781-4636 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Disneyland is one of the top kid-friendly things to do in California.

It’s the dream of every child to see this at least once in their young age.

And if you’ve already been here, there’s a sense of nostalgia.

There are some terrific rides for the children.

They can collect autographs of their favorite characters and munch on carnival food.

While you’re here, you want to explore Toontown and Fantasyland.

There’s also Tomorrowland and Critter Country for entertainment.

Oh, and don’t forget to visit the Sleeping Beauty Castle.

At night, there’s a firework show that the whole family will love.

Some rides have height restrictions, so you’ll need to do some homework.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Anaheim

Related: Fun Things to Do in Anaheim with Kids

Related: Best Waterpark Hotels in California

21. Golden Gate Bridge

PO Box 9000, Presidio Station San Francisco, CA 94129 (415) 921-5858 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

This is one of the most popular places in California.

It’s a landmark that beautifully combines a picturesque view with a tinge of history about the state you’re in.

You cannot miss it.

It’s called Golden Gate but the bridge is a beautiful orange against the backdrop of blue waters.

It’s pretty great to look at but you can also take a hike, rent a bike or walk around the bridge which is only three miles back and forth.

You could also go for the ferry under the bridge and get a low angle view of the iconic tourist hotspot.

If you want to avoid the crowd, head to Marin Headlands.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square

22. Catalina Island

1 Green Pleasure Pier Avalon, CA 90704 310-510-1520 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

This lovely island on the pacific is a great getaway spot for families.

Nicknamed Kidalina because of the love it gets from the little ones, Catalina Island has a variety of terrains for them to play on.

The Pacific Ocean is right there and the view of bisons grazing the grasslands, if you want a touch of wildlife to the scenery.

There are a ton of activities lined up for you here.

Kayaking, snorkeling and swimming for the grown ups and building sandcastles for the kids.

For the entire family, there’s whale watch just one ferry ride over.

But if you want to stay on the shore, pick a trail for hiking or stroll along the coast of the island.

Kids up to 18 will be thrilled but it’s for the whole family.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Aurora Hotel

Related: Things to Do in Catalina Island with Kids

23. Lake Shasta

5350 Shasta Dam Blvd. Shasta Lake, CA, 96019 (530) 275-1589 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Lake Shasta is one of the largest and most pristine lakes along the California coast.

It’s a great place to soak in some wilderness and take awesome pictures.

At night, you should gather around a campfire and get some s’mores in order.

You could rent a houseboat and cruise around exploring the coves.

You could also try fishing, water skiing and paddleboarding.

If you want to stay dry, head out for a hike or try fishing.

The best part is, this place is so huge it is pretty easy to find privacy.

24. Knott’s Berry Farm

8039 Beach Blvd Buena Park, CA 90620 (714) 220-5200 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Knott’s Berry Farm is an amusement park that is spread over 160 acres.

What’s not to love?

But I’ll pitch it to you anyway.

Roller coasters, live entertainment shows, old cartoons and joy rides.

Kids with a penchant for old cartoons will also get a chance to meet Snoopy!

If your little ones love old cartoons, keep an eye out for Snoopy.

Get on a thrill ride or order a boysenberry pie and chill out.

Pick a water ride and go for it.

Look around for rides and adventures that suit your age (yes, that’s how they are divided) and go crazy.

Related: Places to Eat: Buena Park, CA

Related: Fun Things to Do with Kids in Southern California

25. Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island National Park Service B201 San Francisco, CA 94123 +1 415-561-4900 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If you like a little backstory to the places you visit, this will be perfect.

Alcatraz Island was once a prison.

So you get to learn a ton of things about the life prisoners led here.

It’s eerie and like nothing you’ve ever seen (unless, of course, you’ve been to jail).

You get a behind-the-scenes tour of life in a prison cell.

There’s a tour which elaborates on the life and politics of the time.

Pick up something at the souvenir shop to remember what you saw here.

It could be anything, even prison-striped pajamas.

But not everything is dark and gloomy.

There are some lovely natural features, the opportunity to go bird watching and tide pools for everyone to kickback and relax.

Those under 18 must be supervised by someone who is 21 or older.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco

Related: Fun Things to Do in Northern California with Kids

Activity Guide 

Tips for choosing the right family activity.

Choosing the right activity requires a certain familiarity with the city.

Extensive research is a must before considering your budget and what your kids will love.

For starters, my entire family loved the variety Universal Studios offered.

There are plenty of rides to check out, plus real film studios used for actual film production.

On the other hand, Legoland is a fun-filled resort and theme park for all ages.

We had a blast with its slides and rides, as well as its comfy accommodations and tasty food.

Lastly, the San Diego Zoo provides a fun way for kids to interact with over 4000 animals.

We admired the botanical garden after and hopped on the Kangaroo Bus when tired.

Visiting the Warner Bros. Studio is a great alternative if you love film studio tours.

It offers a great, in-depth look at what goes on inside film productions.

While each has its unique charm, your choice may hinge on your family’s interests, the age of your children, and your budget.

How I Picked The Activities

In selecting these activities, I’ve gathered a wealth of firsthand experiences, having visited each site with my own family.

Additionally, I’ve conducted thorough research and engaged in conversations with locals and fellow travelers. 

This has ensured a balanced and comprehensive review of each attraction’s highlights and challenges.

Our Rating Method 

I rate these activities based on the following criteria: 

• Age Compatibility: I use this criterion to assess the ideal age range for each attraction. Is this activity suitable for toddlers, preschoolers, or young children? Will teenagers and tweens enjoy this attraction? I ask myself these questions whenever I assess age compatibility. 
• Educational Value: This is used to evaluate the educational benefits that the activity offers. Does the activity provide learning opportunities to children? Does it teach them lessons in science and history? I ask myself these important questions when rating the activity’s educational value. 
• Fun Factor: This measures the level of excitement, engagement, and enjoyment that the activity offers. Is it engaging and enjoyable for kids? Will it create memorable and positive experiences for families? These questions are important whenever I rate the activity’s fun factor. 
• Accessibility: This measures how accessible the activity is for families. Is it wheelchair accessible? Is it easily accessible by public transportation? Does it have ample parking space? I consider these factors when evaluating the accessibility of every activity. 
• Affordability: This assesses the value of money provided by the activity. Are the admission fees reasonable? Does it offer deals or discounts for families? I use these questions to evaluate the affordability of every attraction. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most fun places to go in california.

The most fun places to go in California include Yosemite National Park, Disneyland Park, and Joshua Tree National Park.

What Are The Best Things To Do In California With Young Adults?

The best things to do in California with young adults include visiting Legoland, Griffith Observatory, and Knott’s Berry Farm.

What my family and I love about these attractions is their iconic reputation.

They’re all internationally recognized, incredibly fun, and informative in the best way possible.

However, their drawbacks should also be kept in mind.

While exciting and popular, Universal Studios can be too expensive, especially for groups.

Legoland is entertaining and educational, but most of its rides are seasonal.

And the San Diego Zoo can be too crowded with ongoing field trips.

Luckily, the Warner Bros. Studio is an excellent alternative.

Kids of all ages won’t be bored, especially the fans of famous TV shows and movies. 

Despite their certain limitations, these attractions are still worth visiting.

But, if you ask me, what’s the perfect family-friendly attraction in California?

Universal Studios is the top choice. 

With over 20 thrilling rides, fascinating film studio tours, and a fun factor that’s off the charts, it’s an experience your kids won’t soon forget. 

Create lasting memories with these fun things to do with kids in California.

10 fabulously fun activities for kids in Fort Myers, Lee County and SW FL for summer 2024

School's out and kids are ready for some fun activities this summer! Southwest Florida has both indoor and outdoor experiences for you and your family. Whether it's splashing around outside or looking at dinosaur fossils inside, there's something for everyone.

1. Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium

On one of the largest green spaces in Fort Myers, the Calusa Nature Center provides a natural history museum, live nature, and a home to rescue animals. Visitors can explore nature trails and exhibits during their trip. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m-4 p.m. Tickets are $10 for parents and $5 for children. Plan to bring sunscreen and bug spray while organizing your trip. The nature center is located at 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33905. For more information call (239) 275-3435 or check out https://www.calusanature.org/about .

2. Hertz Recreational ice skating

Might need to hold onto the walls for this one. Have your try at fun recreational ice skating. Hertz is open to all ages and is a blast for the whole family. Expect a laser show and lights while skating to the weekly Top 20 songs. The rink is open all weekdays except Wednesday's and Thursday's. Hertz is located at 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero, FL 33928. For more information call (239) 948-7825 or check out https://hertzarena.com/arena-information/recreational-arena .

3. Edison and Ford Winter Estates

Experience history in Fort Myers with the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. These historical homes include botanic gardens, a museum, and laboratory with years of creations behind them. The houses are open 363 days a year from 9 a.m-5:30 p.m. Ticket prices depend on age. The estates are located at 2350 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901. For more information call (239) 334-7419 or check out https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org .

4. Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Backflips and flying? Sky Zone Trampoline Park has all the attractions of an indoor park. From freestyling to ultimate dodgeball, this park has it all. They are open Monday through Sunday 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Tickets are $25 for a standard 90 minute pass. Sky Zone is located at 9370 Dynasty Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33905. For more information call (239) 344-8244 or check out https://www.skyzone.com/fortmyers .

5. Fort Rock Climbing Center

Fort Rock is a unique indoor climbing center perfect for adventure and fitness. It's adaptable for climbers of all levels and styles too. Day passes are $30 for adults and $20 for children. Hours of operation depend on the weekday. Fort Rock is located at 7131 Alico Rd #130, Fort Myers, FL 33912. For more information call (239) 990-7430 or check out https://fortrockclimbing.com .

6. C'mon Museum

The museum offers year-round admission, staying open Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets start at $25 for general admission. Collier County residents can obtain a special discount for $18. The museum is ideal for ages ranging from infants to elementary school. Children can look forward to experiencing an educational place with special exhibits, events, parties, and workshops. Exhibits include the ABC Tot Lot, Adopt-A-Pet Vet Clinic, the Everglades, and so much more. The museum is located at 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples, FL 34109. For more information call (239) 514-0084 or check out https://www.cmon.org .

7. Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

Wanna see some of the biggest animals in the world up close? This Naples attraction allows for families to observe and interact with nature's friends. Open from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Sunday, the 43-acre zoo includes animals exhibits, a historic garden, and educational programs. Collier County residents receive free admission the first Saturday of every month. The Naples Zoo is located at 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples, FL 34102. For more information call (239) 262-5409 or check out https://www.napleszoo.org .

8. YMCA Summer Camp

This YMCA's community focused camp allows campers to enjoy their favorite hobbies and interests while exploring the world around them. The summer camp includes fun activities, weekly field trips, pool days, arts, sports, and community projects. Camp runs from Monday through Friday 7 a.m. -6 p.m. Campers range from school age to ninth grade. Registration is still open for incoming campers at both the Naples and Fort Myers locations. Parents can register online with the link below. The Naples YMCA is located at 5450 YMCA Rd, Naples, FL 34109. The Naples contact number is (239) 394-9622 or check out https://ymcacollier.org/camp.html . The Fort Myers YMCA is located at 1360 Royal Palm Square Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33919. The Fort Myers contact number is (239) 275-9622 or check out https://www.ymcaswfl.org/programs/camps .

9. Cone 06 Pottery Painting Studio

Bored on a rainy day? This Naples studio has all the art for your kiddos to choose from. The studio provides finished pottery, paint, and supplies for a one time fee. They are open from Sunday to Wednesday 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and Thursday to Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. They also have pottery to go if you don't have time to work in the studio. The studio is located at 3369 Pine Ridge Rd #101, Naples, FL 34109. For more information call (239) 513-0288 or check out http://www.cone06potterypainting.com .

10. Shy Wolf Sanctuary

Wanna pet a wolf? Shy wolf Sanctuary is an educational and experience based nonprofit. They are focused on providing care to some of the most protected animals, aiming to rehabilitate and provide a refuge to numerous wolves. Guests can learn about these special creatures from Monday through Sunday excluding Tuesday and Thursday. Reservations are required and are $40 per person. Children must be 7 years of age or older. Shy Wolf is located at 1161 27th St SW, Naples, FL 34117. For more information call (855) 749-9653 or check out https://shywolfsanctuary.org .

10 fabulously fun activities for kids in Naples, Collier County and SW FL for summer 2024

S chool's out and kids are ready for some fun activities this summer! Southwest Florida has both indoor and outdoor experiences for you and your family. Whether it's splashing around outside or looking at dinosaur fossils inside, there's something for everyone.

1. C'mon Museum

The museum offers year-round admission, staying open Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets start at $25 for general admission. Collier County residents can obtain a special discount for $18. The museum is ideal for ages ranging from infants to elementary school. Children can look forward to experiencing an educational place with special exhibits, events, parties, and workshops. Exhibits include the ABC Tot Lot, Adopt-A-Pet Vet Clinic, the Everglades, and so much more. The museum is located at 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples, FL 34109. For more information call (239) 514-0084 or check out https://www.cmon.org .

2. Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

Wanna see some of the biggest animals in the world up close? This Naples attraction allows for families to observe and interact with nature's friends. Open from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Sunday, the 43-acre zoo includes animals exhibits, a historic garden, and educational programs. Collier County residents receive free admission the first Saturday of every month. The Naples Zoo is located at 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples, FL 34102. For more information call (239) 262-5409 or check out https://www.napleszoo.org .

3. YMCA Summer Camp

This YMCA's community focused camp allows campers to enjoy their favorite hobbies and interests while exploring the world around them. The summer camp includes fun activities, weekly field trips, pool days, arts, sports, and community projects. Camp runs from Monday through Friday 7 a.m. -6 p.m. Campers range from school age to ninth grade. Registration is still open for incoming campers at both the Naples and Fort Myers locations. Parents can register online with the link below. The Naples YMCA is located at 5450 YMCA Rd, Naples, FL 34109. The Naples contact number is (239) 394-9622 or check out https://ymcacollier.org/camp.html . The Fort Myers YMCA is located at 1360 Royal Palm Square Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33919. The Fort Myers contact number is (239) 275-9622 or check out https://www.ymcaswfl.org/programs/camps .

4. Cone 06 Pottery Painting Studio

Bored on a rainy day? This Naples studio has all the art for your kiddos to choose from. The studio provides finished pottery, paint, and supplies for a one time fee. They are open from Sunday to Wednesday 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and Thursday to Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. They also have pottery to go if you don't have time to work in the studio. The studio is located at 3369 Pine Ridge Rd #101, Naples, FL 34109. For more information call (239) 513-0288 or check out http://www.cone06potterypainting.com .

5. Shy Wolf Sanctuary

Wanna pet a wolf? Shy wolf Sanctuary is an educational and experience based nonprofit. They are focused on providing care to some of the most protected animals, aiming to rehabilitate and provide a refuge to numerous wolves. Guests can learn about these special creatures from Monday through Sunday excluding Tuesday and Thursday. Reservations are required and are $40 per person. Children must be 7 years of age or older. Shy Wolf is located at 1161 27th St SW, Naples, FL 34117. For more information call (855) 749-9653 or check out https://shywolfsanctuary.org .

6. Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium

On one of the largest green spaces in Fort Myers, the Calusa Nature Center provides a natural history museum, live nature, and a home to rescue animals. Visitors can explore nature trails and exhibits during their trip. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m-4 p.m. Tickets are $10 for parents and $5 for children. Plan to bring sunscreen and bug spray while organizing your trip. The nature center is located at 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33905. For more information call (239) 275-3435 or check out https://www.calusanature.org/about .

7. Hertz Recreational ice skating

Might need to hold onto the walls for this one. Have your try at fun recreational ice skating. Hertz is open to all ages and is a blast for the whole family. Expect a laser show and lights while skating to the weekly Top 20 songs. The rink is open all weekdays except Wednesday's and Thursday's. Hertz is located at 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero, FL 33928. For more information call (239) 948-7825 or check out https://hertzarena.com/arena-information/recreational-arena .

8. Edison and Ford Winter Estates

Experience history in Fort Myers with the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. These historical homes include botanic gardens, a museum, and laboratory with years of creations behind them. The houses are open 363 days a year from 9 a.m-5:30 p.m. Ticket prices depend on age. The estates are located at 2350 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901. For more information call (239) 334-7419 or check out https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org .

9. Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Backflips and flying? Sky Zone Trampoline Park has all the attractions of an indoor park. From freestyling to ultimate dodgeball, this park has it all. They are open Monday through Sunday 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Tickets are $25 for a standard 90 minute pass. Sky Zone is located at 9370 Dynasty Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33905. For more information call (239) 344-8244 or check out https://www.skyzone.com/fortmyers .

10. Fort Rock Climbing Center

Fort Rock is a unique indoor climbing center perfect for adventure and fitness. It's adaptable for climbers of all levels and styles too. Day passes are $30 for adults and $20 for children. Hours of operation depend on the weekday. Fort Rock is located at 7131 Alico Rd #130, Fort Myers, FL 33912. For more information call (239) 990-7430 or check out https://fortrockclimbing.com .

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: 10 fabulously fun activities for kids in Naples, Collier County and SW FL for summer 2024