Family vacations are a treasured tradition – an opportunity to disconnect from the routine and reconnect with the people who matter most.
But if you’ve ever heard, “This is boring!” or “Why are we doing this?” while on a trip, you know how challenging it can be to keep kids excited and engaged. The secret? Get them involved from the very beginning.
Including your children in the vacation planning process can lead to smoother travel, fewer complaints, and more memorable experiences.
Here’s how to turn your next family getaway into a team effort and why it makes such a positive difference.
1. It Creates a Sense of Ownership
Children of all ages appreciate being heard. When you invite them into the planning process, they feel a sense of control and importance.
This psychological investment increases their enthusiasm, cooperation, and overall enjoyment of the trip.
Tip: Don’t hand over the whole process – give your kids guided choices. Present them with a few parent-approved options and let them pick from there.
Example: “Should we go to the beach, the mountains, or an amusement park this year?”
2. Helps You Cater to Their Interests
Every child has unique interests – some love wildlife, others enjoy history, while others are all about rides and waterparks.
Involving your kids helps you identify activities that genuinely excite them, making it easier to plan a balanced itinerary.
Tip: Ask your child, “What’s one thing you’d really love to do on vacation?” Then try to build that into the schedule. Even small inclusions can make a huge difference.
3. Makes Planning a Fun Pre-Trip Activity
Planning can be just as exciting as the vacation itself – especially when you turn it into an interactive family project.
Browse travel websites together, order brochures, or watch travel vlogs on YouTube. Let your kids see images and videos of the places you’re considering.
Why it works: Visual stimulation builds anticipation and helps your child feel emotionally connected to the destination before you even leave home.
4. Encourages Teamwork and Compromise
Family vacations are all about shared experiences, and planning together teaches kids valuable life lessons about compromise and collaboration.
One child may want to visit a zoo, while another prefers the beach. Discussing different desires fosters understanding and the ability to balance everyone’s needs.
Tip: Set the expectation early that everyone gets to choose something fun – and everyone participates in each other’s choices.
5. Reduces Resistance During the Trip
When children are part of the planning process, they’re less likely to complain or push back once you’re on the road.
They’re doing things they helped select, so they feel more engaged and invested.
Bonus Benefit: You’ll likely avoid the common vacation battles over where to go, what to eat, or what to do next.
6. Turns the Journey Into an Adventure
Getting kids involved doesn’t have to end with destination decisions. Let them help plan pit stops, snack choices, or car games for the journey.
If you’re flying, ask them to research fun facts about the airport or airplane model.
Tip: Involve them in packing too. Give them a list or let them create their own checklist so they feel fully prepared and responsible.
7. Sparks Curiosity About Culture and Geography
Use the planning stage to subtly introduce educational elements:
- Show them a map of the destination.
- Talk about time zones, languages, or local customs.
- Look up the weather and discuss what to pack.
- Highlight historical or cultural sites and explain their significance.
Learning becomes natural when kids are actively participating in decisions and exploration.
8. Consider Letting Them Bring a Friend (If Practical)
Especially for tweens and teens, inviting a close friend on the trip can make the experience even more enjoyable.
Having a buddy around helps shy or easily bored kids feel more social and excited about family travel.
Note: Make sure everyone understands boundaries, rules, and expectations if a friend joins the vacation.
9. Plan Mini-Adventures Along the Way
Long travel days can be tiring, especially for younger children. Include a few exciting breaks en route – such as quirky roadside attractions, local eateries, or short hikes.
These mini adventures add spice to the journey and help burn off extra energy.
Don’t forget the way home! Kids are often more restless on the return trip. Having one or two planned stops can keep everyone sane and smiling.
10. Reinforce the Experience After You Return
Once the vacation is over, let your children reflect on the adventure. Encourage them to:
Create a scrapbook or travel journal.
Share their favorite memory.
Talk about what they’d like to plan next time.
This reinforces the positive experience of being involved and builds excitement for future trips.
When your kids feel included in the process, a vacation becomes more than a trip – it becomes a shared adventure filled with anticipation, excitement, and memories they helped create.
They’ll be more likely to enjoy themselves, stay engaged, and – best of all – build stronger bonds with you along the way.
In the end, involving children in vacation planning isn’t just about logistics – it’s about teaching them to love travel, appreciate new experiences, and value time spent together as a family.
