The top 5 family-friendly adventure destinations

For a family adventure to remember, families should visit any one of these five highly rated destinations for just that, according to global travellers.*

Cape Town, South Africa

One of the main reasons for visiting Cape Town has to be the opportunity to go on a world-class wildlife safari. But adventurous families will find there’s a whole lot more to get stuck into here, with thrilling activities for all ages. The Kruger National Park or any of the region’s other game reserves should probably be your first port of call, with a huge range of organised tours available that will allow you to safely and sustainably see lions, elephants, rhinos and more up close. You can also take surfing lessons, swim with dolphins, go caving, kayaking, white water rafting and perhaps – for the most daring travellers – even bungee jumping off Bloukrans Bridge (the world’s highest bungee). After you’ve got your adrenaline fix, make the most of South Africa’s magnificent scenery with a road trip along the coastal Garden Route, or ride the 360-degree rotating cable car to the top of Table Mountain. Check into Boutique@10, a family hotel in Camps Bay that’s only a 5-minute drive from the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway.

Pigeon Forge, USA

Though best known as the birthplace of Dolly Parton, Pigeon Forge is also perfectly set up for a family holiday adventure. Just a few miles outside of town, you’ll find the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here, you can hike through the hills from waterfall to waterfall, stopping for picnics and to appreciate the far-reaching views; the panorama from Clingmans Dome is the most famous and a must if you’re a fan of scenic sunsets. In terms of exhilarating activities, the area is famous for its white water rafting (surprisingly family-friendly), as well as horseback riding, zip lining and zorbing (for those unfamiliar with this one, it involves rolling around inside a transparent plastic orb or ball). Stay at The Inn at Christmas Place for its outdoor pool with waterslide, huge garden and proximity to Pigeon Forge family entertainment centre.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Surrounded by jungle and misty mountains, the city of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand offers a plethora of one-of-a-kind family adventure activities. Riding elephants is an unmissable opportunity (make sure you go with a sanctuary that runs ethical tours, such as the city’s Elephant Nature Park). Travellers can also take a trip to visit the area’s resplendent waterfalls, such as Bua Tong; here, water cascades over smooth, rounded limestone known for its strangely sticky surface, making a wonderful natural playground for sliding and climbing. For dedicated thrill-seeking families, there’s also white water rafting in the area, and Chiang Mai X-Centre, where you’ll find paintballing, ATV tours, and lots of other fun-filled activities. Baan Khun Krub is the highest-rated guesthouse in Chiang Mai, with a central location and teak-clad, traditional Thai decor.

Queenstown, New Zealand

Much like South Africa, New Zealand prides itself on its selection of adrenaline-fueled activities in incredible settings – and Queenstown is regarded as the country’s adventure capital. Visitors can explore crystalline fjords and rivers by kayak, hike through canyons and caves, and perhaps even head underground for a boat tour of the glowworm caves of Te Anau, where bioluminescent bugs light up the cave walls in an electric blue. Then, head above ground for a boat trip across Lake Wakatipu, where you can opt for a lightning-fast jet boat ride, or a relaxing steamboat cruise if you’ve had enough adventure for one day. Check into The Canyons B&B for extraordinary views of the Shotover River and Coronet Peak, and nearby activities including skydiving, paragliding, jet boating and helicopter flights.

Ilha Grande, Brazil

With never-ending jungle greenery, pristine white sand beaches and fringes of coral reef, visiting the traffic-free, tropical island of Ilha Grande off the coast of Brazil will feel like an adventure even before discovering all the activities on offer. The island is a protected nature reserve, with wildlife-watching opportunities abound, from the capuchin monkeys dangling from palm trees lining the beaches to rainforest hikes where you’ll encounter colourful Amazon parrots and other exotic species. There are boat trips that take you snorkeling close to the shore or excursions to some of the island’s most paradisiacal spots like the calm waters of the Blue Lagoon. Check into Beach House Ilha Grande Hostel, conveniently-located in the centre of Vila do Abraão, the largest village on the island.

** These destinations were the most highly rated by Booking.com customers for ‘family-friendly travel’ and ‘adventure travel’.