Where Should We Take the Kids This Summer? 5 Family Vacations for Summer 2027
Updated: 4 days ago
Second Star Wishes is a boutique travel agency, and "Where should we take the kids this summer?" is a question we hear every winter. Here are five family vacations we love for summer 2027, what makes each one special, and who each trip fits best.
By Andrea Napiontek, Founder and CEO | Last Updated: October 2026 | Disneyland 2027 entertainment and White House tour details checked against current announcements on October 7, 2026
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In This Guide
Where Should We Take the Kids This Summer?
Pick the trip that matches what your kids love most. Our five favorites for summer 2027 are Disneyland for character and parade magic, Costa Rica for wildlife and adventure, Washington DC for history and free museums, Hawaii for beaches and culture, and London for a first taste of Europe.
Summer Family Vacation Quick Facts
When should you book a summer 2027 family trip? Fall or winter of 2026. The best hotels, flights, and tours fill up fast for summer.
Which summer trip is best for little kids? Disneyland or Hawaii. Both are easy to pace around naps and pool time.
Which summer trip is easiest on the budget? Washington DC, since the Smithsonian museums are free.
Why Is Disneyland Great for a Summer 2027 Family Trip?
Disneyland in Anaheim, California is the original Disney park, and summer 2027 brings back some fan favorites. The Magic Happens daytime parade is set to return in summer 2027, and the World of Color nighttime show at Disney California Adventure and the Remember...Dreams Come True fireworks are coming back with updates in early 2027.
Family highlights:
Two parks within walking distance of each other, so less travel time and more fun
Character meet and greets and character dining
Fireworks and nighttime shows
Here's what surprises people: Disneyland is much easier to get around than Walt Disney World. The parks and many hotels are walkable, which makes it a great first Disney trip for younger kids.
Why Is Costa Rica Great for Nature-Loving Families?
Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world for families who love animals and adventure. Kids can spot sloths and toucans, zip through the rainforest, and learn how wildlife is protected.
Family favorites:
Zip-lining through the rainforest canopy
Guided nature walks to spot sloths, monkeys, and toucans
Sea turtle conservation programs on the coast
TIP: Summer is Costa Rica's "green season," which means afternoon rain showers in many areas. Mornings are usually the best time for outdoor adventures, and the landscapes are gorgeous and green.
Why Is Washington DC Great for Curious Kids?
Washington DC turns history into something kids can see and touch, and many of the best stops are free.
Must-visit spots:
The Smithsonian museums: free admission, including the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of Natural History
The National Mall: the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and more
A White House tour: public tours are requested through your U.S. Representative or Senator, and spots are limited, so ask well in advance
Why Is Hawaii Great for a Family Beach Vacation?
Hawaii is the ultimate tropical getaway for families, with warm water, rich culture, and resorts built for kids and parents alike.
Family favorites:
Snorkeling in clear, calm bays
A traditional luau with music, dancing, and food
Hiking to waterfalls
TIP: Want Disney magic in Hawaii? Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa on Oahu blends Hawaiian culture with Disney characters and kids' programs. Our free Disney Pocket Guides page links to Disney's Aulani guide.
Why Is London Great for a First Family Trip to Europe?
London mixes history, modern fun, and a little magic, and English-speaking families find it an easy first trip abroad.
Top attractions:
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, The Making of Harry Potter: real sets, costumes, and props from the films
The Tower of London and the Crown Jewels
The London Eye: a giant observation wheel with views over the whole city
When Should You Book a Summer 2027 Family Vacation?
Book in the fall or winter before your trip. Summer is peak season for all five of these destinations, and the most family-friendly hotels, flights that fit nap schedules, and popular tours go first.
A few honest notes:
Popular tours sell out. Things like the Harry Potter studio tour and White House tours need advance booking.
Summer is hot. Plan big outdoor days for mornings and save afternoons for the pool or a rest.
Don't overpack the schedule. Kids remember the fun moments, not how many things you crossed off a list.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Vacations With Kids
What is the best summer vacation for families with toddlers?
Disneyland and Hawaii are great with toddlers. Both are easy to pace around naps, and there's plenty of pool or beach time.
How far in advance should I book a summer family vacation?
At least 6 to 9 months ahead. For Disney trips and international travel, earlier is even better.
Do kids need passports for London or Costa Rica?
Yes. Every traveler, including babies, needs a passport for international trips. Apply early, since processing times can be long in spring and summer.
How Can a Second Star Wishes Travel Specialist Plan Your Summer Trip?
Don't add vacation planner to your already growing to-do list. Your Second Star Wishes Travel Specialist matches your family to the right destination, books the hotels, flights, and tours that fit your kids' ages, and builds an itinerary that leaves room for actual relaxing.
Looking for a family travel agent? That's us. Your Second Star Wishes Travel Specialist plans family vacations near and far for families everywhere from our home base in Daphne, Alabama, on the Gulf Coast.
Tell us your kids' ages, your budget, and what your family loves, and we'll come back with ideas that fit.
Let us turn your summer vacation wishes into reality!
📧 info@secondstarwishes.com
☎️ 800-365-3130
About the Author: Andrea Napiontek, CTA
Andrea is the founding owner and CEO of Second Star Wishes, a boutique travel agency she started in 2015 in Daphne, Alabama. She's a Certified Travel Associate (CTA), a Magellan Award recipient, and an ASTA member and mentor, with specialist training in Disney destinations, Mexico, the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe. Before travel, she worked in education and counseling, which is why every plan starts with really listening. Home base is the Gulf Coast with her husband and three kids...when she's not off on a new adventure.
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