Think summer is the best time for a family vacation? Well, actually September might be the ultimate travel sweet spot. This month you’ll experience fewer crowds, milder-yet-still-excellent weather, and even better deals on your dream family escape.
Whether your family is interested in exploring ancient castles, spotting wildlife in national parks, or just relaxing on a sun-soaked beach, this month is the ideal time to explore.
Of course, it’s hard to choose where to go in September, so we’ve rounded up 12 destinations ideal for families to explore in September (sans stress!). Here’s where to make your great escape in September…. don’t forget to explore our September on Sale deals and save up to 15% on tours.
1. Wild West & Yellowstone National Park, USA
Why it’s great in September
The summer vacationers are gone, and the cooler temperatures make hiking and wildlife spotting more comfortable. That gives your pack more space to marvel at geysers and bison-filled valleys.
Families will love it because…
The Wild West and Yellowstone are a real-life adventure movie! From watching Old Faithful erupt to seeing bears, elk, and wolves in the wild, Yellowstone brings the magic of nature up close. Plus, cowboy towns and rodeos add an extra dose of Western fun. You can experience the best of it on Trafalgar’s special family tour, Wild West Cowboys and Buffalos.
READ NEXT: Why September is the best month to visit these USA National Parks
2. London, England
Why it’s great in September
September offers pleasant, mild weather – ideal for exploring the city without the summer tourist rush. This time of year it’s easier to book popular family-friendly attractions like the Tower of London and Harry Potter Studio Tour.
Families will love it because…
London is a history playground where you can explore and discover a whole new world without it feeling like school. Kids can marvel at the Crown Jewels, explore medieval castles, and ride a double-decker bus past Big Ben. Plus, world-class museums (like the Natural History Museum) are both fun and free.
SEPTEMBER ON SALE: Don’t miss these deals with 15% off tours
3. Barcelona, Spain
Why it’s great in September
The heat of summer has softened, but the Mediterranean Sea is still warm enough for fun beach days. The city’s famous festivals also start rolling in… meaning there’s even more to do.
Families will love it because…
Barcelona is a quirky city with so much art on the streets, from Gaudí’s colorful architecture (hello, Sagrada Familia and Park Güell), to hidden murals. Add to this the city’s beaches for relaxed afternoons in the sun, and tapas restaurants where kids will love eating croquettes!
4. Costa Rica
Why it’s great in September
September marks the “green season” in Costa Rica, meaning you’ll find lush rainforests, vibrant wildlife, and fewer crowds. The Pacific coast stays drier, making it perfect for outdoor adventures.
Families will love it because…
Where else can you zip-line through a jungle, spot sloths in the wild, and soak in volcanic hot springs all in one trip? Costa Rica is a paradise for nature-loving families and you can join Trafalgar’s family-focused Monkeys, Jungles & Volcanoes tour to experience it all.
5. Rome, Italy
Why it’s great in September
Rome is a fantastic destination for kids where you can explore ancient wonders and indulge in pizza and pasta. With the summer heat subsiding, September is a great time to visit the Colosseum and the Vatican.
Families will love it because…
Kids can channel their inner gladiator at the Colosseum on Trafalgar’s family tour Gladiators, Gondolas & Gold. You can toss coins into the Trevi Fountain together, and well… the food! We’re yet to meet a child who doesn’t love pizza, pasta and gelato. History is both fun and delicious in Rome.
6. Tokyo, Japan
Why it’s great in September
September is a less popular month to visit Japan and Tokyo as it’s the end of the typhoon season. Plan your vacation for later in the month to enjoy cooler days as summer turns to autumn. It’s an ideal time to visit Disneyland and DisneySea without the big crowds.
Families will love it because…
With quirky themed cafés, robot restaurants, anime culture and theme parks, Tokyo is a playground for kids and kids-at-heart. Mix up the hyper-modern culture with anicent temples and cultural festivals.
SEPTEMBER ON SALE: Don’t miss these deals with 15% off tours
7. Edinburgh, Scotland
Why it’s great in September
Edinburgh is a gorgeous small city with a moody atmosphere, made all the better as autumn begins to set in. This is when the city’s cobblestone streets and medieval castles feel extra magic. Plus, it’s still warm enough for outdoor adventures into the Scottish Highlands.
Families will love it because…
If you or the kids are obsessed with the Harry Potter movies, then you might visit – Edinburgh is basically Hogwarts in real life! From Edinburgh Castle to the famous Elephant House Café (where J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter), you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. Join the fun on Trafalgar’s family tour: Castles & Kilts.
READ NEXT: 10 spots to visit when travelling to Scotland in September
8. Algarve, Portugal
Why it’s great in September
In September it still feels like summer in the Algarve, where the golden beaches of Portugal’s southern coast are calling. You’ll enjoy beautiful sunny days, active ocean adventures, and less tourists as all the European students are back at school.
Families will love it because…
This region is packed with active and outdoor fun – think water parks, dolphin-watching tours, and endless beaches for sandcastle-building and swimming. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a stress-free getaway for parents.
9. Venice, Italy
Why it’s great in September
In September the overwhelming summer crowds from cruise ships and peak-season tourists have thinned, making it much easier to explore the city. Plus, the weather is still warm but more comfortable – ideal for strolling or taking a pleasant gondola ride together.
Families will love it because…
While it might be stressful with young children and all those canals, older kids will be fascinated by the floating city and how it operates. Together you can explore the canals, hidden alleyways, and history on Trafalgar’s European Wonderland family tour.
10. Hawaii, USA
Why it’s great in September
Hawaii is often said to have eternal summer thanks to consistently warm and pleasant weather year-round. In September you’ll find the summer crowds have left, meaning quieter beaches, shorter wait times at attractions, and better hotel rates. It’s perfect weather for snorkeling, surfing, and exploring volcanoes, and the ocean is calm.
Families will love it because…
Snorkeling with sea turtles, hiking volcanoes, and learning about Hawaiian culture with luaus and hula dancing – Hawaii is a really fun place to take a vacation with kids. Gentle waves are ideal for little ones, and more adventurous teenagers could try a surf lesson.
11. Grand Canyon & Arizona, USA
Why it’s great in September
The summer months are hot, hot, hot in Arizona so September’s cooler weather makes exploring the Grand Canyon’s trails more comfortable.
Families will love it because…
Nothing beats the jaw-dropping sight of the Grand Canyon! The best way to explore is with Trafalgar’s family tour Pioneer Adventures of the Old West where together you’ll experience the Old West in historic cowboy towns, walk around the rim, and ride a historic steam locomotive.
SEPTEMBER ON SALE: Don’t miss these deals with 15% off tours
12. Sydney, Australia
Why it’s great in September
In the southern hemisphere it’s springtime. Head Down Under to find the country waking to warmer weather, blooming gardens, and outdoor festivals. It’s an ideal time to visit Sydney.
Families will love it because…
From meeting koalas at Taronga Zoo to climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge and playing on Bondi Beach, Sydney is a kid-friendly city with lots of fun things to do.
READ NEXT: 15 sunny destinations to visit in Europe (and beyond) in September
That’s our list covering where to go in September for families. Make sure you take advantage of our September on Sale deals and save up to 15% on tours.