Are you looking for a family travel bucket list? Keep scrolling for my full list of 50 things to do with kids before they turn 18.
This family travel bucket list was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Hey, fellow parents!
As a mom who’s trekked the globe and explored countless corners of our own backyard with my two adventurous boys, aged 8 and 10, I’ve come to realize that the days are long but the years are short.
Before you know it, the little ones aren’t so little anymore.
That’s why I’ve compiled the ultimate family bucket list with 50 must-do experiences to share with your kids before they fly the coop.
This list is tailored for the average American family, focusing on affordable, accessible, and unforgettable adventures that range from your hometown to historical sites around the world.
50 Things to do with Kids Before They Turn 18
1. Visit a Historical Site Like Pearl Harbor or the Colosseum
Teach your kids the value of history by standing in the very places where it was made.
Whether it’s the poignant Pearl Harbor in Hawaii or the ancient Colosseum in Rome, these visits not only provide a tangible history lesson but also a deeper appreciation for the past.
But, you probably don’t even need to travel that far. Check to see what historical sites are within driving distance to where you live.
2. Embark on a Hometown Road Trip
There’s something magical about hitting the road and exploring new places. Plan a road trip starting from your hometown and discover nearby attractions you’ve never visited. It’s budget-friendly and perfect for making spontaneous stops along the way.
Here are a few scenic drives in Oregon and my favorite road trips from Seattle.
3. Explore a National Park Like Mt. Rainier
America’s national parks are treasures waiting to be explored. Whether hiking through the majestic landscapes of Mt. Rainier or camping under the stars, national parks offer countless opportunities for family bonding and nature education.
I suggest getting an America the Beautiful Pass if you think you’ll visit more than one national park in a year.
We also really like the Olympic National Park, Haleakala National Park, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
4. Experience the Thrills of a Theme Park
Whether it’s the magical kingdom of Disneyland or the imaginative world of LEGOLAND, theme parks create memories that last a lifetime.
While tickets can be pricey, look for off-season deals or multi-day passes for the best value.
Here are my posts about Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Hollywood, LEGOLAND California, and Universal Studios Orlando.
5. Ride on a Train
There’s something undeniably nostalgic about train travel. Take a scenic train ride through the countryside or book a sleeper car for an overnight adventure.
Many scenic railways offer special family rates and themed rides that cater to young travelers. Our kids always love the Polar Express during the holidays!
6. Take a Ferry Ride
Whether crossing the San Francisco Bay or sailing around the Statue of Liberty, a ferry ride offers fresh air, great views, and a little adventure. It’s usually an inexpensive way to see a city from a new perspective.
We love taking the ferry to Whidbey Island, San Juan Islands, and even Victoria, BC! And I’ve got a list of the prettiest ferry rides in the U.S.!
7. Visit a Major City Like NYC or London
Every child should experience the buzz of a big city. From the towering skyscrapers of NYC to the historic streets of London, cities offer endless cultural, dining, and free park experiences.
8. Splash Around in a Waterpark
Waterparks are a hit for kids and adults alike. Look for a waterpark within driving distance for a day trip or check out resorts that include waterpark access with your stay.
9. Stay in a Cabin
Rent a cabin in the woods for a weekend. Activities like fishing, roasting marshmallows, and telling stories by the fireplace are simple joys that kids remember as they grow up.
Our kids really like staying at cabins near Mount Rainier National Park or Olympic National Park. They are so cozy and it’s fun to roast marshmallows by the fire!
10. Attend a Major Sporting Event
Cheer on your favorite team at a live sporting event, be it a thrilling baseball game or an action-packed soccer match. Sharing the excitement and the atmosphere with your kids will be a memorable experience.
11. Go Berry Picking in Summer
Spend a day at a local farm picking berries straight from the bush. It’s a fun, tactile activity that teaches kids where their food comes from and ends with delicious, fresh fruit to enjoy.
12. Do Something Touristy in Your Hometown
Play tourist in your own city. Visit top attractions you normally overlook; for example, if you’re from Seattle, spend a day around the Space Needle and experience it through the eyes of a visitor.
I’ve got a 3-day Seattle itinerary that’s great for locals as well as tourists.
13. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Elevate your adventure with a hot air balloon ride, where you can soar above the landscape and give your children a bird’s-eye view of the world below.
This is still on my bucket list but both of my kids really want to do this.
14. Visit a Farm
Connect with nature and animals at a local farm, where kids can learn about daily farm operations, feed animals, and maybe even ride a horse.
We usually go to spring festivals at farms here in Washington State. Keep an eye out for any special events near you.
15. Build a Sandcastle at the Beach
Head to the beach and challenge the family to a sandcastle-building contest. It’s a creative and free way to spend quality time together, enjoying the sun, sand, and surf.
We like going to the Oregon Coast, Seaside, or Seabrook for local adventures. But there’s nothing like a good beach in Hawaii or Mexico!
16. Go on a Fishing Trip
Teach patience and enjoy the tranquility of nature by taking your kids on a fishing trip, whether at a nearby lake or during a coastal vacation.
If you don’t have experience fishing, you can always book a fishing excursion on vacation. There are great options in Alaska, Hawaii, and pretty much anywhere on the coast.
17. Attend a Cultural Festival
Expose your kids to new cultures by attending a local or international festival, where they can enjoy traditional music, dance, crafts, and food.
Here in Seattle, we’re lucky to have tons of cultural festivals that take place at Seattle Center throughout the year. I find that it’s easiest to find out about cultural festivals on Facebook.
18. Attend a Broadway Show
If you’re visiting New York City or London, catch a family-friendly Broadway or West End show for a memorable theatrical experience.
My kids really enjoyed Matilda the Musical and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. And we have tickets to Seattle touring shows later this year.
19. Watch a Sunrise and Sunset
Make it a point to watch a sunrise and sunset with your children, teaching them to appreciate the simple beauties of the world.
This is really great if you have little kids who are early risers.
20. Visit a Zoo or Aquarium
Stimulate curiosity and love for animals by spending a day at a zoo or aquarium, where kids can learn about diverse species and their habitats.
Here in the Seattle-area, we have the Seattle Aquarium, Woodland Park Zoo, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, and Northwest Trek.
21. Take a Cooking Class
Join a family cooking class to learn new recipes and cooking techniques that you can take home and experiment with in your own kitchen.
And if you aren’t able to take a class in-person, you can usually find some online or get a kids cooking kit.
22. Go Horseback Riding
Experience the thrill of horseback riding through scenic trails or along a beach, making for an adventurous day out with the family.
23. Explore a Cave
Go on a guided cave exploration to learn about geological formations and maybe even discover some cave-dwelling creatures.
24. Visit a Castle
Explore the grandeur of a historic castle, where kids can learn about medieval life and perhaps dress up like knights or princesses.
We’ve been lucky enough to visit castles in England, Italy, Ireland, and Scotland. But, there’s also a palace in the United States: Iolani Palace in Hawaii!
25. Take a Photography Walk
Equip each family member with a camera and take a walk through a scenic area or city to capture moments from everyone’s perspective.
We usually give our kids old iPhones to use but you can also do Poloroid cameras.
26. Go to a Drive-In Movie
Experience the nostalgia of a drive-in movie theater, where you can watch a film from the comfort of your car, often with a double feature.
I know these can be tricky to find, but do a little research to see what’s near you!
27. Visit a Lighthouse
Explore a coastal lighthouse and learn about maritime navigation and the history of sea travel, often with breathtaking views.
We have a lot of great lighthouses in the Pacific Northwest, but you can also find them abroad!
28. Go to a Planetarium
Explore the mysteries of the universe at a planetarium show, which can spark a lifelong interest in astronomy and science.
We’ve gone to a lot of planetariums that are at science museums like the Pacific Science Center in Seattle.
29. Go Skiing or Snowboarding
Hit the slopes for some skiing or snowboarding fun, teaching your kids new skills while enjoying the snowy scenery.
I admit, I’m not a fan of the cold so we haven’t done this with our kids yet. But I know my husband is eager to take our boys!
30. Take a Bike Tour
Explore a new city or countryside with a family bike tour, which can be a leisurely or invigorating adventure, depending on the route.
We saw some cool bike tours in Amsterdam where kids can ride up front in little wagons!
31. Go to a Pumpkin Patch
In the fall, visit a pumpkin patch. Pick out pumpkins, enjoy hayrides, and navigate corn mazes.
We usually turn this into a half-day adventure since we have to get out into the countryside for the really cool pumpkin patches!
32. Visit a Science Center
Interactive science centers are fantastic for curious minds, offering hands-on exhibits that explain scientific phenomena.
We’ve been impressed with Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh and Science World in Vancouver.
33. Go Bird Watching
Equip yourselves with binoculars and a bird guidebook to spend a day bird watching, a peaceful activity that helps develop patience and attention to detail.
There are also a bunch of apps you can download that help you identify which birds you are hearing or seeing.
34. Have a Beach Day
Spend a day at the beach, swimming, collecting shells, and enjoying games on the sand.
My youngest loves checking out sea creatures that live in the tidepools here in the Pacific Northwest.
35. Explore a Nearby Island
If you live near the coast, take a day trip or a weekend getaway to a nearby island.
Many islands offer unique landscapes, beaches, and local history that can feel like a whole new world just a short distance from home.
36. Visit a Historic Ship or Submarine
Many coastal cities and naval museums have historic ships or submarines that are open to the public. Exploring these can give kids a tangible sense of history and an understanding of naval life.
37. Go to a National Wildlife Refuge
Wildlife refuges offer a chance to see animals in their natural habitats and learn about conservation efforts. They provide great walking trails, scenic views, and educational programs about local wildlife.
38. Participate in a Guided City Tour
Discover hidden gems in your nearest city with a guided tour. These tours can show you the city through a new lens, whether it’s a ghost tour, historical walking tour, or a food tour.
We always book a city tour no matter where we visit. It’s a great way to ask questions and get local tips.
39. Visit a State Capitol
Teach your kids about state government with a visit to your state’s capitol building.
Many offer free tours that include historical information and a chance to observe parts of the legislative process in action. We did a whole trip to Olympia, our state capitol.
40. Go Whale Watching
Depending on your location, whale watching can be a breathtaking experience. Tours are often available on both coasts and provide an opportunity to learn about marine life and ocean ecosystems.
There are lots of whale watching opportunities in the San Juan Islands; Victoria, BC; and Hawaii.
41. Explore a Desert Landscape
If you live near or can travel to the southwestern United States, exploring the desert can be a unique adventure.
Hike in places like Joshua Tree National Park or Saguaro National Park to learn about desert flora and fauna.
42. Take a Covered Wagon Tour
In areas with rich pioneer histories, families can enjoy covered wagon tours. These tours provide a feel for early American life and the challenges faced by settlers.
We had the best time riding in a covered wagon in Winthrop, as part of a Cowboy Dinner offered.
43. Attend an Air Show
Air shows are exciting for kids and adults alike, offering displays of aerial acrobatics and ground exhibitions of aircraft. Many air shows are free or have minimal entrance fees.
44. Visit a Dinosaur Exhibit
If your kids are fascinated by dinosaurs, visit a museum with a dinosaur exhibit. Many natural history museums feature impressive dinosaur halls with life-sized replicas and fossils.
45. Take a Factory Tour
Many factories offer tours that can be fascinating for kids. Whether it’s a chocolate factory, a car manufacturer, or a local craftsman, these tours can be educational and often include free samples.
We’ve done a macadamia nut factory in Hawaii and Tony’s Chocolonely in Amsterdam.
46. Explore a New Playground in a Different Town
Every playground has something unique to offer. Try visiting a playground in a different town and see what new and different equipment your kids can enjoy.
47. Attend a Renaissance Fair
Step back in time at a local Renaissance fair, where families can enjoy period costumes, old-world crafts, jousting tournaments, and live performances. It’s a fun way to learn about history and culture in an immersive environment.
While we haven’t done this year, I think it could be great for family bonding!
48. Go Apple Picking
Visit an orchard in the fall and spend the day picking apples. This activity is not only fun but also educational, teaching kids where their food comes from.
Plus, you can use the apples to bake together at home.
We usually pick some on our own and then buy some of the “not-so-pretty” apples to use for baking.
49. Explore a Botanical Garden
Botanical gardens often have family-friendly programs and beautiful plant displays that change with the seasons. They sometimes offer scavenger hunts and educational workshops for children.
50. Explore a Military Museum or War Memorial
Military museums and war memorials offer educational insights into the nation’s history and the sacrifices made by the military. They often have interactive exhibits that engage children.
Family Adventure Bucket List Wrap-Up
These 50 bucket list challenges are designed to enrich your family’s life with experiences that are educational, bonding, and just plain fun.
Each activity provides a unique opportunity to grow and make lasting memories, from learning new skills to exploring new places.
So, start ticking off these experiences and create a treasure trove of family adventures that you’ll all cherish for years to come!
Looking for more family bucket list adventures? Check out my top kid-friendly travel destinations, Fun and Easy Fall Bucket Lists for Families + Printables, and The Ultimate U.S. Bucket List for Families: From Theme Parks to Natural Wonders!
