Thanksgiving at home is undoubtedly special, with its mouthwatering feast of turkey, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, and corn. But why not use this long weekend to create unforgettable family memories through travel? The four-day holiday offers the perfect opportunity for a quick getaway. We've compiled a list of the best Thanksgiving family destinations for you to explore. Each city boasts exciting attractions and activities to enjoy together. Worried about missing out on the traditional Thanksgiving dinner? Don't be! Many top-notch restaurants in these destinations offer special Thanksgiving menus, ensuring you can savor the holiday flavors while making new traditions. So pack your bags and get ready for a Thanksgiving adventure your family won't soon forget!
1. Singapore
Singapore consistently ranks as the most family-friendly destination throughout the year, making it an ideal choice even during the Thanksgiving season. Flying to Singapore with your family is highly recommended, offering numerous fun-filled attractions and activities.
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📍Fun attractions and activities in the city-
- Universal Studios Singapore: Experience Hollywood's finest productions in their truest form at Universal Studios Singapore. Enjoy the time of your life exploring the six themed zones, including 'The Lost World' and 'Far Far Away,' or immerse yourself in a thrilling 3D ride with the Transformers themselves!
- Sentosa Island: A tropical paradise situated near Singapore, Sentosa provides enchanting beaches, exhilarating theme parks such as Universal Studios, and activities like zip-lining or enjoying a Luge ride downhill! The island has so much to offer, and the potential for family fun is truly boundless.
- Museum of Icecream: This unique interactive museum is undoubtedly a hit for both kids and adults! Here's your chance to explore imaginative installations, indulge in delicious ice cream, and capture the cutest photos.
- Singapore Flyer: Looking for the ultimate vantage point to see the stunning cityscape? Take a ride on the Singapore Flyer to enjoy breathtaking views of the skyline!
2. Barcelona
A blend of architectural wonders, culture and beaches - Barcelona is the perfect family holiday destination for anyone seeking a taste of Spain's vibrant lifestyle.
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📍Fun attractions and activities in the city-
- Hop on Hop off Bus: You can explore the picturesque city of Barcelona at your own pace with a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, offering convenient stops at major attractions like Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.
- Barcelona Aquarium: Aquariums are truly among the best sightseeing destinations, particularly when traveling with kids! Barcelona Aquarium can provide just that experience. Dive into a marine wonderland and enjoy an immersive underwater experience.
- Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona: Visit the Barcelona Museum of Natural Sciences to experience the region's amazing biodiversity, fossils, and geological wonders!
- Barcelona Bosc Urbà (Urban Jungle): In an urban jungle adorned with thrilling zip lines, treetop courses, and other exciting challenges, Barcelona Bosc Urba is the ideal destination for adventurous activities!
3. Cancun, Mexico
Cancun offers a perfect blend of beautiful beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and family-friendly resorts, making it an ideal Thanksgiving getaway. With its warm climate and crystal-clear waters, it's a paradise for both relaxation and adventure.
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- Xcaret Park: This eco-archaeological park offers a unique blend of nature and culture. Enjoy underground rivers, wildlife encounters, and Mayan-inspired performances.
- Chichen Itza: Take a day trip to explore one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, featuring impressive Mayan ruins.
- Isla Mujeres: Visit this nearby island for snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, and exploring the colorful downtown area.
4. Honolulu
Truly a tropical paradise, Honolulu, Hawaii, invites you and your kids to build sandcastles or take surf lessons on its endless beaches! It offers a rich Polynesian culture, history, and cuisine, making it a go-to family holiday destination with plenty of activities to enjoy.
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📍Fun attractions and activities in the city-
- Waikiki Beach: The most popular beach in Honolulu - Waikiki Beach Relax is known for its golden sands and excellent space to surf! Enjoy sunbathing, water sports, and stunning views of Diamond Head.
- Magic Island: Take a leisurely stroll through Magic Island, where you'll find picnic spots, and sunset views over the ocean.
- Oahu- Ka Moana Luau Dinner and Show at Aloha Tower: Experience Hawaii's rich cultural heritage at Ka Moana Luau. Enjoy traditional dances, music, and a delicious dinner buffet featuring local flavours, all set against the stunning backdrop of Aloha Tower!
- Polynesian Culture Center: Experience traditional dances, canoe rides, and interactive exhibits showcasing the diverse cultures of Polynesia!
5. New York City
The Big Apple is THE PLACE to be during Thanksgiving. We're not exaggerating. It's the land of the legendary "Macy's Parade"! With the city decked out in holiday lights and decorations, New York City is a cozy destination for families to create life-long Thanksgiving memories!
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📍Fun attractions and activities in the city-
- Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade: Witness the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Parade in real life and not on Television! The parade featuring giant balloons, marching bands, and festive floats, has been a historic tradition for almost 100 years now!
- Broadway Shows in November: Immerse yourself in the world of entertainment with Broadway shows like The Lion King, Aladdin, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child! Showcasing top-notch performances, experience your favourite stories with live-action!
- American Museum of Natural History: Where the Night at the Museum franchise began - dive into learning about dinosaurs, human evolution, and celestial phenomena!
- Times Square: Dazzling billboards, theatres, and bustling atmosphere - you get to shop, dine, and be captivated by New York City all in one place!
6. Dubai
If you're on the hunt for a luxurious family-friendly getaway, Dubai speaks for itself! Experience the city's extravagant attractions, culture, shopping and dining along with desert safaris, skydiving and more.
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📍Fun attractions and activities in the city-
- Desert Safari: Experience the thrill of desert adventure with dune bashing, camel rides, sunset, and a traditional Bedouin-style dinner under the stars!
- Dubai Parks & Resorts: Get ready for some fun at Dubai Parks & Resorts - this place is huge! You'll find three theme parks there - Motiongate, Bollywood Parks, and Legoland. They offer tons of exciting rides and attractions for everyone, making it's perfect for the whole family!
- La Perle Dubai: An amazing aqua and aerial show featuring thrilling stunts, mesmerizing water effects, and artistic performances in a state-of-the-art theatre you can’t miss this!
- Burj Khalifa followed by Fountain Show: Visit the Burj Khalifa for stunning views of Dubai's skyline, and then enjoy the Fountain Show at its base. The water dancing to tunes is a surefire entertainer for both locals and tourists.
7. London
London offers a magical atmosphere during the Thanksgiving season, with its festive decorations and holiday markets beginning to appear. The city's rich history, iconic landmarks, and world-class museums provide endless opportunities for family exploration and learning.
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📍Fun attractions and activities in the city-
- Harry Potter Studio Tour: Step into the magical world of Harry Potter and see original sets, costumes, and props.
- Tower of London: Explore this historic castle, see the Crown Jewels, and learn about its fascinating history.
- London Eye: Enjoy panoramic views of the city from this iconic Ferris wheel.
8. Orlando
With three theme parks, Orlando is a sought-after destination for family trips, for obvious reasons. Offering endless entertainment with outdoor and indoor rides for both kids and adults, pack your bags and head to Orlando!
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📍Fun attractions and activities in the city-
- Walt Disney World: Experience the magic of Walt Disney World with enchanting theme parks like Magic Kingdom and Epcot, offering thrilling rides, character encounters, and captivating entertainment for visitors of all ages.
- Universal Orlando Resort: Experience the best of film and fantasy at Universal Orlando Resort. Visit Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure to enjoy exciting rides based on beloved movies, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
- SeaWorld Orlando: Dive into SeaWorld Orlando's aquatic adventures, featuring rides, shows, and up-close interactions with marine life like never before!
- Kennedy Space Center : Explore space at the Kennedy Space Center by witnessing launches, learning about historic missions, and seeing interactive exhibits covering space history!
9. San Francisco
The weather vibes with the Thanksgiving season in San Francisco, making it an excellent pick for a quick family getaway!
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📍Fun attractions and activities in the city-
- Cable Car Ride: Hop on a classic cable car for a scenic, heart-pounding ride through San Francisco's iconic hills, offering breathtaking views of the city and a quintessential Bay Area experience.
- Golden Gate Park: Explore Golden Gate Park - a beautiful urban oasis with gardens, lakes, and top attractions like the Japanese Tea Garden and California Academy of Sciences, sweet for a day out.
- Aquarium of the Bay: Visit the Aquarium of the Bay on the waterfront to experience an up-close encounter with the Bay Area's marine life. Walk through tunnels with sharks, rays, and vibrant underwater ecosystems.
- Fisherman's Wharf: Stroll along Fisherman's Wharf for a taste of San Francisco's maritime charm, with seafood eateries and lively street performances!
10. Prague
The cobblestone streets and straight-out fairy-tale architecture give you several chances to experience European culture and history with your family.
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📍Fun attractions and activities in the city-
- Prague Castle: Roam the historic halls of Prague Castle, soaking in centuries of royal history and enjoying panoramic views of the city from the iconic castle grounds.
- Old Town-Hall with Astronomical Clock: Head over to the Old Town and check out the super cool Astronomical Clock. Watching the hourly animated show while taking in the medieval vibes around you is a total treat.
- Prague Cruises: Float through the peaceful canals of the Vltava River on a boat tour in Prague, checking out the city's beautiful skyline and famous landmarks from a chill and cool viewpoint.
- Petrin Mirror Maze: If your kids want to have a unique experience, head to the Petrin Mirror Maze located on top of Petrin Hill. It's a cool and quirky place where you can see weird and funny reflections of you!
11. Edinburgh
Edinburgh's prehistoric charm, Harry Potter World, castles and scenery are reasons enough to visit the city!
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📍Fun attractions and activities in the city-
- Walking tour of Edinburgh Castle: Explore the rich history of Scotland on a walk through Edinburgh Castle. You can check out where the royals used to hang out and get some amazing views of Edinburgh from the top of Castle Rock.
- Harry Potter Walking Tour of Edinburgh : Export yourself to the enchanting streets of Edinburgh on a Harry Potter Walking Tour, where you can uncover the inspirations behind J.K. Rowling's magical world and visit the places that brought the Hogwarts charm to life!
- Hop on Hop off Bus Tour: Not sure how to explore Edinburgh? Well, you can discover Edinburgh's charm on a hop-on-off-off-bus tour with landmarks like the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, and Arthur's Seat.
- Day trip to Loch Ness: Most of us have heard about the Loch Ness monster from Scooby-Doo. Well, guess what? You can escape the city and discover the mysteries of the legendary Loch Ness monster right up here!
12. Florence
Another prehistoric and medieval city, you can explore the monumental marvels on foot while devouring delicious Gelato, Pinsa, Pizza and more!
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📍Fun attractions and activities in the city-
- Florence Cathedral Square: Explore the heart of Florence at Cathedral Square, where you can catch a beautiful sight of Florence Cathedral, known as the Duomo, and its iconic dome. Or you can climb the Bell Tower for breathtaking city views!
- Accademia Gallery: Most of us have seen Michelangelo's renowned statue of David and other Renaissance masterpieces only in movies. But if you’re in Florence, you have the opportunity to get a first-hand experience at the Accademia Gallery with some of art history's most celebrated works!
- Leonardo Interactive Museum: Hop into the genius world of Leonardo da Vinci at the Interactive Museum, where you can engage with his inventions and artistic ideas through interactive displays and hands-on activities.
- Boboli Gardens: Take a stroll through the Boboli Gardens right behind the Pitti Palace, filled with lush greenery, stunning sculptures and fountains with aesthetically pleasing backdrops for your Instagram-worthy pictures!
