Category: Things to do
Listen, we’ve all been there. You’ve planned the perfect family getaway, your bags are packed with enough snacks to survive a minor apocalypse, and you’ve got your camera bag ready to capture those "National Geographic" family moments. Then reality hits. The kids are bored three minutes into the hike, the "scenic overlook" is just a fence they want to climb, and your dream of a gallery-worthy landscape shot is fading faster than a toddler’s patience in a grocery line.
Welcome to day one of our 30-day series on the funnest family things to do when traveling! I’m Penny, and here at Photoguides, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between a great vacation and great photos. You can have both, provided you pick activities that keep the kids engaged while giving you the light and composition you crave.
Whether you are looking for cheap weekend getaways or planning a cross-country expedition, these ten activities are guaranteed to keep the peace and fill your memory cards.
1. National Park "Rim" Hikes and Easy Trails
Nature is the ultimate playground, but not every trail is kid-friendly. Instead of dragging the little ones up a 3,000-foot vertical ascent, look for "Rim" trails or boardwalks. Zion National Park’s Riverside Walk is a classic for a reason, it’s flat, follows the water, and ends at the gateway to the Narrows.
For the photographer, these trails offer incredible scale. Capture your kids looking tiny against massive sandstone walls. If you’re heading to Joshua Tree, the loops around Arch Rock or Skull Rock are basically giant jungle gyms. You get the dramatic desert lighting, and they get to pretend they’re mountain goats. Check out some essential photography gear before you head into the wild to make sure your kit can handle the dust.
Pro Tip: If you want a guided experience to find the best hidden spots without the stress of navigating, book a family-friendly hiking tour on Viator.
2. Theme Park Spectacles (With a Fast Shutter)
Theme parks like Disney World or Universal Studios are the heavy hitters of family travel. Yes, they are loud, and yes, they are crowded, but the photo opportunities are endless. Between the character meet-and-greets and the high-speed action of rides like the Avatar Flight of Passage, your camera will be working overtime.
To capture the "fun" without the "blur," keep your shutter speed high. If you’re curious about which mirrorless bodies handle fast-moving subjects best, take a peek at our camera reviews 2024. Don't forget to check Edin Chavez's blog for his personal takes on capturing high-energy events.
3. Wildlife Encounters and Marine Centers
There is nothing quite like the look on a child’s face when they see a whale breach or a sea turtle swim past. Marine centers like the Monterey Bay Aquarium or the SEA LIFE aquariums offer controlled environments with stunning lighting (think deep blues and glowing jellyfish).
If you’re feeling more adventurous, whale watching tours or snorkeling trips are top-tier activities. For those in the Southeast, an Atlanta event photographer might tell you that the Georgia Aquarium is a goldmine for silhouettes against the massive whale shark tank.
4. Snorkeling and Cenote Exploration
If you find yourself in Mexico or the Caribbean, cenotes (natural sinkholes) are a must. They are nature’s swimming pools, often surrounded by lush jungle and hanging vines. For the kids, it’s a magical hidden world. For you, it’s an exercise in capturing light rays piercing through the water.
Whether you're debating Dominican Republic vs. Cancun, you’ll find that water-based activities are the ultimate boredom-buster. Use an underwater housing or a tough-cam to get those candid splashes. You can find amazing snorkeling and cenote tours right here.
5. Quirky Roadside Attractions
Sometimes the best photos come from the weirdest places. Think Cadillac Ranch in Texas or the World Famous Crochet Museum. These spots are usually low-stress, allow kids to run around, and offer a "pop art" aesthetic to your travel album.
These spots are great for "educational" photography too. Teach your kids about perspective or color while they’re staring at a giant ball of twine. It’s a win-win. If you need more inspiration for your next road trip, browse our educational photography category.
6. Eco-Park Adventures
Parks like Xcaret or Xel-Há in the Riviera Maya are designed for families. They combine wildlife, culture, and water activities in one giant, photogenic package. Because these parks are so well-manicured, you can focus on your family’s expressions rather than worrying about dangerous terrain.
If your photos of the jungle sky look a little bland due to the midday sun, don't worry: you can always download sky overlays to give those vacation shots a professional polish.
7. Zip-Lining and Adventure Sports
For families with older kids (usually 5 and up), zip-lining is the ultimate thrill. It’s hard to take a traditional DSLR on a zip-line, but it’s the perfect time to bust out the GoPro or use a secure neck strap. The sheer joy (and occasional terror) on your kids' faces as they fly through a rainforest canopy makes for legendary memories.
For more high-octane inspiration, check out Edin Fine Art to see how professional-grade action and landscape photography come together.
8. Unique Geological Formations
Places like Meteor Crater or the stalactites of Carlsbad Caverns feel like another planet. Kids love the "alien" vibes, and photographers love the textures. These locations often require tripod use (if allowed) or high ISO settings.
Remember, when you’re shooting in caves or deep craters, the light is tricky. Reassure yourself that it’s okay to push your gear to its limits: that’s what it’s for! If you're looking for a more relaxed "outdoor museum" vibe, Joshua Tree’s rock formations are basically a giant playground.
9. Interactive Foodie Experiences
Who says travel activities have to involve hiking? Taking a pizza-making class in Italy or visiting a quirky breakfast spot can be just as fun. Kids love being "hands-on," and food photography is a great way to document the local culture.
If you find yourself in Florida, we’ve found some great breakfast places in Cape Coral and even Laguna Beach breakfast restaurants that are as photogenic as they are delicious. Capturing a messy face covered in pancake syrup is just as important as a sunset.
10. Historic Train Rides
There is something deeply nostalgic about a steam train. Whether it’s a scenic railroad through the Rockies or a historic trolley, trains provide a moving platform for photography. The "click-clack" of the tracks usually lulls younger kids into a peaceful state, giving you time to capture the passing landscape through the window.
You can find hundreds of scenic rail tours on Viator that cater specifically to families.
Making Memories (And Saving Your Sanity)
Travel photography with a family isn't about getting the perfect shot every time; it’s about capturing the spirit of the adventure. It’s okay if there’s a stray lollipop stick in the frame or if your toddler refused to look at the camera. Ten years from now, those are the details you’ll actually cherish.
At Photoguides, we want to make the technical stuff easy so you can focus on the fun. Whether you’re looking for photography booking experiences or just some quick wedding photography insights for that destination wedding you’re attending, we’ve got your back.
So, grab your camera, pack the extra diapers, and head out there. The world is too big to stay at home, and your kids are only this small once.
Stay tuned for Day 2 of our series, where we’ll dive into the best gear for traveling parents! If you enjoyed this post, check out our category reviews for more tips and tricks. Happy shooting!
