10 Best family road trips for summer: adventure, scenery & bonding

Roadtrip
I've always loved road trips with my kids. There's something special about hitting the open road together. Whether it’s exploring the Nordics, New Zealand, or Canada, family road trips offer the perfect mix of flexibility, adventure, and bonding time. You get to explore at your own pace while having everything you need. Unlike air travel, road trips are stress-free and make it easy to travel with kids. If you're looking for the best family-friendly road trip destinations this summer, I’ve put together 10 amazing trips with breathtaking scenery, fun activities, and unforgettable experiences. Let’s hit the road!

ontario, canada

Temperature Range: In Southern Ontario, average temperatures ranges from 18°C to 27°C.

Scenic Highlights:

  • Niagara Falls: Experience the majestic waterfalls and explore nearby attractions.
  • Algonquin Provincial Park: Offers lush forests, serene lakes, and abundant wildlife.
  • Thousand Islands: A picturesque archipelago with scenic cruises and historic sites.

Crowd Level: High around Niagara, low around lakes and remote areas 

You can read the full article I wrote about our Canadian roadtrip over here. 

Niagara falls

Maine, USA

Temperature Range: average temperatures from 15°C to 25°C.

Scenic Highlights:

  • Acadia National Park: features rugged coastlines, granite peaks, and scenic hiking trails.
  • Portland Head Light: historic lighthouse with panoramic ocean views.
  • Bar Harbor: charming coastal town with picturesque harbors and seafood cuisine

Crowd Level: Moderate to high, particularly in popular coastal towns and national parks.

Maine usa

Southern Sweden

Temperature Range: average temperatures range from 12°C to 23°C.

Scenic Highlights:

  • Stockholm Archipelago: thousands of islands offering boating and exploration opportunities.
  • Österlen: known for its rolling hills, apple orchards, and sandy beaches.
  • Gothenburg Archipelago: features charming fishing villages and scenic coastal landscapes.

Crowd Level: moderate

You can read all about our Swedish summer roadtrip over here. 

Southern Sweden

Southern Finland

Temperature Range: average temperatures are around 20°C, with potential for warmer days.

Scenic Highlights:

  • Helsinki Archipelago: over 300 islands with beaches, parks, and historic sites.
  • Lake Saimaa: Finland’s largest lake, offering boating and serene natural beauty.
  • Turku Archipelago: A network of islands with quaint villages and maritime culture.

Crowd Level: Moderate to low.

You can read all about our Finish roadtrip adventure over here.

Southern Finland

South Africa

Temperature Range: winter season with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 20°C, varying by region.

Scenic Highlights:

  • Kruger National Park: offers diverse wildlife and safari experiences.
  • Garden Route: stretches along the coast with forests, lagoons, and beaches.
  • Drakensberg Mountains: majestic mountain range with hiking trails and waterfalls.

Crowd Level: Low to moderate, as this is the off-peak season, making it ideal for wildlife viewing.

I never wrote about our South African roadtrip along the garden route. This was a beautiful trip and fabulous first introduction to safari in an inexpensive way, 

Garden route

Central and northern Argentina

Temperature Range: winter season with temperatures in Buenos Aires averaging 8°C to 17°C. Northern regions are warmer, ranging from 15°C to 25°C.

Scenic Highlights:

  • Iguazu Falls: spectacular waterfalls located on the border with Brazil.
  • Salta and Jujuy Provinces: known for colorful mountains, valleys, and rich cultural heritage.
  • Esteros del Iberá: one of the largest wetlands with diverse flora and fauna.

Crowd Level: moderate, with fewer tourists in the winter months, offering a more relaxed experience.

Salta

Mexico

Temperature Range: varies by region; coastal areas average 25°C to 32°C, while central highlands range from 15°C to 25°C.

Scenic Highlights:

  • Yucatán Peninsula: home to pristine beaches, cenotes, and Mayan ruins
  • Copper Canyon: a series of vast canyons larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon.
  • Colonial Cities: such as Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende, known for colorful architecture and rich history.

Crowd Level: High in tourist hotspots like Cancun and Playa del Carmen; moderate off the beaten path. 

Mexico

British Columbia, Canada

Temperature Range: average temperatures range from 12°C to 23°C.

Scenic Highlights:

  • Vancouver Island: features rugged coastlines, rainforests, and charming towns.
  • Okanagan Valley: known for vineyards, orchards, and warm lakes.
  • Rocky Mountains: stunning mountain landscapes with opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Crowd Level: Moderate to high, especially in popular destinations like Vancouver and Victoria.

Vancouver

Northern Greece

Temperature Range: average temperatures range from 20°C to 35°C.

Scenic Highlights:

  • Meteora: monasteries perched atop towering rock formations.
  • Halkidiki Peninsula: pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush pine forests.
  • Mount Olympus: Greece’s highest peak, steeped in mythology and offering stunning hiking trails.

Crowd Level: moderate to high, especially in beach areas and famous historical sites.

Meteora

Northern Australia

Temperature Range: 15°C to 30°C, depending on location. This is the dry season, making it the best time for road trips.

Scenic Highlights:

  • Great Barrier Reef: world-famous coral reef system with vibrant marine life.
  • Kakadu National Park: stunning waterfalls, Aboriginal rock art, and diverse wildlife.
  • The Kimberley: dramatic landscapes, ancient gorges, and breathtaking coastlines.

Crowd Level: Moderate to high in major tourist areas, but plenty of space to explore.

The Kimberley

So, is a family road trip in your near future? Ready to hit the road? I hope this article has inspired you to start planning an unforgettable adventure with your family.

In a next article, I’ll be sharing my top tips for planning a successful family road trip—including do’s and don’ts, key things to consider, and the best ways to stay organised. While road trips offer plenty of freedom and spontaneity, a little preparation goes a long way in making the journey smooth and enjoyable.

Stay tuned, and until then—bon voyage! 🌍🚘

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Marta Mikolajczyk

Your Family Travel Designer

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