One of the most important gifts an American Baby Boomer can receive is the chance to spend time with family while doing something together. That is why so many adults over 50 enjoy spearheading family trips with their loved ones, and it doesn’t have to be to an extravagant destination. We’ve gathered information from AARP and the National Park Service to reveal the trips that older travelers take with their loved ones!
A National Park Road Trip
Combining a visit to a national park with one of these family trips offers an experience that can impress everyone, from an 8-year-old to family members in their 40s or 70s. Family members won’t feel pressured to participate in specific activities. Instead, they can enjoy scenic drives and overlooks, or go for hikes once they arrive. You could even combine two nearby national parks for a full weekend trip.
An Alaska Cruise
Alaska is a state where you can enjoy glacier landscapes, wildlife, mountain scenery, and marine life such as whale watching. This variety of activities works wonderfully for a multi-generational group, such as a family with children, parents, and grandparents, allowing children to engage in activities while older travelers enjoy the scenery. According to a 2026 study cited by AARP, interest in international cruises increases 15% among travelers from 50-59 to 28% among those 70+, making them another option for family trips.
Walt Disney World
A trip to Disney isn’t cheap, but it can make for a wonderful family gift where grandparents can enjoy spending the entire day with their grandchildren, exploring the parks, learning about new things and experiencing roller coaster rides they might never have tried before. At the same time, each family member can take some downtime alone or in small groups, then meet up again for a meal on one of these family trips.
A Family Beach House
Whether you choose Outer Banks, Gulf Shores or similar beach towns, renting a large house can make for an ideal vacation for three generations of family. This kind of trip is far more enjoyable than simply buying a material birthday gift, as it allows you to share daily life with relatives you know but whose routines you might not be familiar with. From swimming in the pool to sharing old stories or preparing meals, you won’t feel pressured to participate constantly.
Italy With The Whole Family
A 2026 Road Scholar survey revealed that Italy was the most popular international destination among respondents, cited in 39% of responses. It offers a wonderful opportunity for grandparents to share the history of one of the world’s most important civilizations with their grandchildren while visiting specific attractions. You could enjoy two cities in just over a week, choosing from Rome, Venice, the Amalfi Coast, and more on these memorable family trips.
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A Dude Ranch Vacation
Dude ranches are properties located in states like Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, or Arizona, where groups of people can enjoy activities such as horseback riding, cookouts, fishing, and campfires amidst wide-open scenery. It is the kind of family trips where excursions aren’t pre-scheduled. Instead, the group members themselves decide whether to join in activities for the younger ones, work together to prepare meals, or head out on outdoor adventures.
A Heritage Trip to the Family’s Ancestral Home
Older relatives can take the lead on one of these family trips to the family’s ancestral home. Whether the journey takes them to a foreign country or just a few kilometers away to a nearby town, it can bring to light many family stories and reveal places that still stand, offering grandchildren a chance to learn about themselves while the older generation enjoys reminiscing. The experience can be further enriched by bringing along old photographs and locating specific houses or sites beforehand.
A Great American Train Trip
When traveling by train, whether on the Rocky Mountaineer, the California Zephyr, or the Alaska Railroad, there is plenty of time for grandchildren, parents, and grandparents to share, talk, and dine together. Travelers can enjoy breathtaking scenery without the stress of driving for hours, focusing instead on simply enjoying each other’s company during one of these family trips.
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A Major-League Baseball Road Trip
An alternative to buying jerseys or baseball memorabilia would be to visit Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Camden Yards, or any other ballpark during a road trip. The sport can bridge the gap between generations, allowing a grandfather to share an experience he has enjoyed since his youth and exchange views with a grandchild who is learning the game. You can decide on the specific activity together, whether it’s taking a tour of a historic ballpark or photographing the various stadiums.
A Hawaiian Family Vacation
In Hawaii, you can enjoy the beach, history, food, wildlife, scenic drives, snorkeling, and even some low-key downtime. When traveling with your family, you can share activities while also finding time for yourself, making Hawaii a flexible choice for family trips by choosing one or two islands and visiting sites both on and off the beach.
An RV Trip with The Grandkids
National park campgrounds offer designated areas where you can park an RV and enjoy the natural scenery, making this a great option for families looking to spend quality time together on family trips. From building campfires and using bunk beds to exploring the wildlife, while grandparents enjoy the comfort and tranquility of the RV, there are plenty of opportunities for special shared moments. The best approach is to avoid covering vast distances.
A New York City Weekend
New York City offers a variety of activities for all ages, from catching a Broadway show and grabbing a slice of street-corner pizza to shopping or exploring history, making it a versatile choice for family trips. Plus, you won’t need a car, as public transportation makes getting around easy. Grandparents can share memories of places they recall from decades ago with their grandchildren while also enjoying the latest trending attractions.
A Costa Rica Adventure
Road Scholar notes that Costa Rica is another destination identified by different generations as a potential place to visit. There, you can engage in wildlife activities, enjoy the beaches, go rafting, or view volcanoes, making it appealing choice for family trips. You can choose two regions of the country where younger and older family members can come together for activities that both groups will enjoy, such as boat tours and hot springs.
A Family Cabin in the Smoky Mountains
Renting a cabin in Tennessee or North Carolina could be a great choice for one of these family trips to the Smoky Mountains, according to the National Park Service. The family could share the same living space for days without being forced to do every single activity together, such as visiting waterfalls, exploring historic sites or going on strenuous hikes. Alternatively, they could simply gather for a relaxed pancake breakfast.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime African Safari
Going on an African safari could end up costing more than anticipated, much like a trip to Disney World mentioned before. Observing animals in the wild can spark family conversations about elephants, lions, and giraffes. Many safari experiences are vehicle-based, making them accessible to travelers who prefer to limit strenuous activity, yet the experience can last a lifetime.
Conclusion
These family trips experiences are not about spending money on expensive or trendy destinations, but rather about activities that foster quality family time and spark conversations where everyone can share. According to an AARP study, 76% of adults who take family trips report that their family bonds were strengthened by the experience, and 71% noted that they created memories that enriched the trip.
