List of 20 family-friendly summer getaway destinations from July to September|Stress-free trips with kids
Don’t just rely on popular photos when planning a summer trip with kids! 😭
Focus on three key points for traveling with children: perceived temperature, activity intensity, and indoor options for rainy days. This summer getaway list is specially organized for families, ranked by comfort and ease of traveling with kids👇
Younger kids should prioritize the top 10; grasslands and high-altitude areas are better suited for school-age children. Avoid packing the itinerary too tightly.
1️⃣ Liupanshui|July–August
Average summer temperatures are very comfortable, making it easy to travel with kids. Take a stroll and cool off at Minghu Wetland, hike up Meihuashan for views. A 2-day, 1-night short trip with no rush. Cooler than Guiyang, ideal for families sensitive to heat.
2️⃣ Guiyang|July–August
Flexible indoor and outdoor activities: feed animals at Qianling Park, explore the provincial museum for educational fun, and stroll and eat at Qingyan Ancient Town. Plan a separate day for Huangguoshu Waterfall instead of squeezing it into the same day as city attractions.
3️⃣ Kunming|July–September
Spring-like weather year-round, with a relaxed pace for kids. Learn at the provincial museum, visit the flower sea at Dounan Flower Market, and walk by Dianchi Lake. If you want to see the Stone Forest, plan it separately—don’t try to visit multiple distant spots in one day.
4️⃣ Qingdao|July–September
A seaside city perfect for a 2–3 day family trip. Feed seagulls at the pier, visit the naval museum, and stroll around Little Qingdao and Badaguan. Qingdao offers more variety than Weihai. Check tide times before beachcombing and avoid undeveloped wild beaches.
5️⃣ Weihai|July–August
A lesser-known, peaceful seaside town ideal for leisurely beach time. Choose two spots like the international beach, Huanghai Road, or Naxianghai to visit. No need to rush between multiple beaches for photos in one day.
6️⃣ Harbin|July–August
A cool city getaway for families in summer. Explore Central Street for food, walk along the Songhua River, and relax at Sun Island. Skip the winter ice and snow routes and enjoy a laid-back city experience.
7️⃣ Changbai Mountain|July–September
A natural forest classroom with waterfalls, streams, and primeval forests perfect for kids to learn about nature. Mountain weather is unpredictable; whether you see Tianchi Lake depends on luck. Bring rain gear and plan backup indoor activities.
8️⃣ Yichun|July–August
A natural forest oxygen bar with a full summer escape vibe 🌲 Choose either Wuying or Xishui Forest Park to visit. Attractions are far apart, so plan only one main spot per day to keep kids from getting tired.
9️⃣ Shennongjia|July–September
Mountain forest summer retreat best explored by slow self-driving. Visit Shennongding and Dajiuhu on separate days. Mountain roads take time, so don’t schedule tight return trips to avoid long car rides that upset kids.
🔟 Enshi|July–September
Healing canyon and mountain scenery. For younger kids, avoid visiting both the Grand Canyon and Pingshan Canyon in one day. Focus on one spot per trip to reduce fatigue from climbing and long waits for transportation.
1️⃣1️⃣ Xining|July–August
An excellent stopover on the Qinghai loop. Rest and acclimate to the altitude in the city before exploring nearby attractions. Compared to Qinghai Lake, the city offers better dining, lodging, and transportation.
1️⃣2️⃣ Qinghai Lake|July–August
A family trip to the lake and grasslands should last 3 days or more to fully enjoy the water, grasslands, and sunsets. The altitude is high, so don’t let kids run wildly or do intense exercise right after arrival to prevent altitude sickness.
1️⃣3️⃣ Dalian|July–September
A gentle seaside city for relaxation. Visit Xinghai Square, the coastal highway, and Donggang for easy walks. No need to visit all popular beaches in one day. Reserve half a day for rest and free play for kids.
1️⃣4️⃣ Beidaihe|July–August
The top short trip choice for families in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area. Birdwatch at Pigeon Nest, bike along the coast, and play on the beach. Two days and one night is just right. Avoid midday sun; mornings and evenings are better for beach activities.
1️⃣5️⃣ Hulunbuir|July–August
Vast grasslands with a strong healing vibe. Visit Hailar, Morigele River, and Erguna along the way. Plan at least 3 days for the grasslands. Avoid weekend rush trips that cram multiple regions into one.
1️⃣6️⃣ Arxan|July–September
A huge forest park with lakes, volcanoes, and sea of trees, perfect for outdoor nature lessons. Stay two nights for in-depth exploration. Avoid one-day round trips to multiple spots due to long travel times.
1️⃣7️⃣ Ruoergai|July–August
Beautiful grassland flower seas and the winding Yellow River. Ideal for slow-paced travel. Large temperature differences between day and night, so bring windproof jackets. Don’t let kids chase grassland animals; safety first.
1️⃣8️⃣ Shangri-La|July–September
A quiet highland town. Visit Dukezong Ancient Town, Napa Lake, and Pudacuo National Park over two days. Fewer crowds than Lijiang but higher altitude. Rest on the first day and avoid rushing to check off sites.
1️⃣9️⃣ Lijiang|July–September
Avoid the crowds in Dayan Ancient Town. Stroll slowly through Baisha and Shuhe Ancient Towns, better suited for families. Plan a visit to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain based on your child’s physical condition; don’t force the summit.
2️⃣0️⃣ Dali|July–September
Relaxed family time around Erhai Lake. Visit Xizhou Ancient Town, bike the ecological corridor, and wander Dali Ancient Town. No need to bike the entire lake; pick a short section for an easy, stress-free outing✨
Quick destination categories
Heat-sensitive must-visits: Liupanshui, Guiyang, Kunming, Yichun
Seaside relaxation: Qingdao, Weihai, Dalian, Beidaihe
Forest fresh air: Changbai Mountain, Shennongjia, Arxan
Grasslands and plateaus: Hulunbuir, Qinghai Lake, Ruoergai, Shangri-La
Ideal family rhythm: go out in the morning, rest at the accommodation at noon, then enjoy a cool evening stroll 🌿
Among these 20 summer escapes, which do you prefer: Liupanshui, Weihai, Kunming, or Dali?