Taking a trip with your kids is a fantastic way to spend time as a family and create memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re looking for a way to combine family fun with natural beauty, then visiting one of the world’s top 10 natural wonders is a great place to start. Make this part of your family travel bucket lists. Here are the top 10 natural wonders in the world to visit with kids.
Grand Canyon, USA
The Grand Canyon inside the Grand Canyon National Park is a natural wonder that truly lives up to its name. This vast canyon is over 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide, and it’s the perfect destination for families who love the great outdoors. The Grand Canyon is home to a wide range of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging hikes, and there are plenty of ranger-led programs for kids.
Niagara Falls, Canada/USA
Niagara Falls is one of the most famous natural wonders in the world, and it’s easy to see why. The power and majesty of the falls are awe-inspiring, and kids will love getting up close to the waterfalls on a boat tour or a walk along the Niagara Gorge. Niagara Falls is also home to a range of family-friendly attractions, including amusement parks and museums.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world, and it’s home to a stunning array of marine life. Families can explore the reef on snorkeling and scuba diving tours or take a glass-bottom boat tour to see the coral and fish up close. The Great Barrier Reef is also home to plenty of family-friendly resorts, making it an ideal destination for a family vacation.
Yellowstone National Park, USA
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the United States, and it’s a great destination for families who love the outdoors. The park is home to a range of wildlife, including bison, elk, and bears, and there are plenty of hiking trails for families to explore. Kids will also love seeing the geysers and hot springs that the park is famous for.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world, and it’s a great destination for families who love history and culture. Kids will love exploring the ancient ruins and learning about the history of the Inca civilization. The site is also surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with the Andes Mountains providing a dramatic backdrop.
The Amazon Rainforest, Brazil
The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, and it’s a great destination for families who love nature and wildlife. Kids will love seeing monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds, and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking and canoeing. Families can also visit indigenous communities to learn about their way of life.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is home to Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, one of the most recognizable natural wonders in the world. Families can hike around Uluru and learn about its cultural significance to the local Aboriginal people. The park is also home to the Kata Tjuta rock formations, which are equally stunning.
Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the world, and it’s a great destination for families who love adventure. Kids can go white-water rafting on the Zambezi River or take a helicopter tour over the falls. The falls are also surrounded by national parks, where families can see elephants, lions, and other African wildlife.
Banff National Park, Canada
Banff National Park is one of the most stunning natural wonders in North America, and it’s a great destination for families who love outdoor activities. The park is home to stunning alpine lakes, glaciers, and mountains, and there are plenty of hiking trails for families to explore. Kids will also love taking a dip in the hot springs, and there are plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Mount Everest, Nepal
Mount Everest is the highest peak in the world, and while it’s not a destination for everyone, it can be a great destination for families who love adventure and hiking. Families can take a trek to Everest Base Camp and get a taste of what it’s like to climb the world’s tallest mountain. The trek is challenging, but it’s also an incredible experience that families will never forget.
The 7 Natural Wonders of the World
The natural wonders of the world are a list of remarkable natural sites or attractions, both on land and underwater, that are recognized for their exceptional beauty, uniqueness, or geological significance. The original list of natural wonders was created in 1997 by the New7Wonders Foundation, a Swiss organization that aimed to identify the seven most amazing natural sites on the planet. The list included:
- Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights
- Grand Canyon
- Great Barrier Reef
- Harbor of Rio de Janeiro
- Mount Everest
- Paricutin volcano
- Victoria Falls
However, this list was not widely recognized, and other organizations have since created their own lists of natural wonders. Here are some other examples of natural wonders of the world:
- The Seven Natural Wonders of the World: This list was created by CNN in 1997 and includes the Aurora Borealis, Grand Canyon, Great Barrier Reef, Harbor of Rio de Janeiro, Mount Everest, Paricutin volcano, and Victoria Falls, similar to the New7Wonders list.
- The Seven Wonders of the Natural World: This list was created by the Society of American Travel Writers in 1997 and includes Aurora Borealis, Grand Canyon, Great Barrier Reef, Harbor of Rio de Janeiro, Mount Everest, Paricutin volcano, and Victoria Falls, similar to the other two lists.
- The Seven Natural Wonders of Africa: This list was created by a South African initiative in 2013 and includes the Serengeti Migration, Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater, Nile River, Okavango Delta, Sahara Desert, and Victoria Falls.
- The Seven Natural Wonders of Asia: This list was created by an initiative in Indonesia in 2011 and includes the Amazon Rainforest, Halong Bay, Iguazu Falls, Jeju Island, Komodo National Park, Puerto Princesa Underground River, and Sundarbans.
- The Seven Natural Wonders of Europe: This list was created by an initiative in Switzerland in 2008 and includes the Cliffs of Moher, Danube River, Matterhorn, Mont Saint-Michel, Norwegian Fjords, Plitvice Lakes, and Santorini.
- The Seven Natural Wonders of North America: This list was created by an initiative in the United States in 2016 and includes the Grand Canyon, Great Barrier Reef, Northern Lights, Paricutin volcano, Redwood Forests, Yellowstone National Park, and Yosemite National Park.
- The Seven Natural Wonders of South America: This list was created by an initiative in Argentina in 2008 and includes the Amazon Rainforest, Angel Falls, Galapagos Islands, Iguazu Falls, Lake Titicaca, Rio de Janeiro’s Harbor, and Torres del Paine National Park.
Overall, there are many natural wonders in the world, and different organizations and initiatives have recognized different sites as being particularly amazing or unique. These natural wonders can be found on every continent and include a wide range of landscapes, from deserts and forests to mountains and waterfalls. Visiting these natural wonders can be a great way to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the planet and to connect with nature in a meaningful way.
No matter which of these natural wonders you choose to visit with your family, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. From hiking and wildlife viewing to cultural experiences and adventure activities, there’s something for everyone in these incredible destinations. So pack your bags, grab your kids, and get ready to explore the natural wonders of the world.