10 Of The Best Family-Friendly Wildlife Experiences In The World

Discover some of the world’s most family-friendly wildlife experiences. Penguins, Orangutans, quokkas, and more are waiting for you on these wildlife safaris for kids.

Most kids love animals. So, travel that gives children an amazing, family-friendly wildlife experience is sure to be unforgettable. There are few travel experiences more thrilling than encountering wild animals in their natural habitat.

Coming face to face with animals in the wild is magical. It offers an experience far more complete than any zoo or aquarium can. So, for a truly unforgettable wildlife experience with kids, you need to travel to the animals’ home turf. To help you find some amazing options, here are some of our favorite wildlife experiences for families.

How To Enjoy A Wildlife Experience With Kids

No matter your age, coming face to face with wild animals is unforgettable. But having the best wildlife experience means being prepared. It is always a good idea to go with a professional. Unfortunately, there are many unethical animal encounters around the world. There are a number of excellent eco-tour companies based locally in most destinations.

You can also travel with global companies that specialize in wildlife expeditions around the world. We have traveled with eco-tour companies in locations such as Costa Rica and Argentina and had unforgettable experiences.

Using reputable wildlife expedition companies allows you to enjoy these up-close and personal nature experiences safely while maintaining sustainable tourism practices. This ensures that these family wildlife experiences will remain for your children and their children after them.

10 Amazing Wildlife Experiences For Families

No matter what continent or country you are looking to experience, there are almost always family travel options available. We have had some of our most amazing wildlife experiences during our travels with our children. And having children with you during these magical moments lends an entirely different perspective to the adventure. So, to help inspire traveling families, here are our favorite wildlife experiences for families around the world.

Walk Among A Million Penguins In Punta Tombo, Argentina

Penguins have been a passion for our children for years. So, visiting penguins was a natural start to our family wildlife experience roundup. Punta Tombo, Argentina, is situated on the Peninsula Valdes in Patagonian Argentina, just a 110 km drive from the city of Trelew.

The Peninsula Valdes is one of the best places for a wildlife safari in Argentina. The region is packed with animals such as Southern Right whales, elephant seals, sea lions, vicunas, and many more.

But the real treasure of Peninsula Valdes is Punta Tombo. Punta Tombo is home to the largest continental colony of Magellanic Penguins. Between September and March, more than 1.5 million Magellanic Penguins arrive in Punta Tombo to breed. And, with all of these well-dressed birds around, you know it’s going to be a celebration.

What Is the Best Age For Visiting The Punta Tombo Penguin Rookery?

Although reaching the Punta Tombo penguin sanctuary involves a 2-3 hour drive (depending on whether you are visiting from Trelew or the larger and more popular Puerto Madryn, Argentina), the experience itself is suitable for all ages.

Children will love the colorful and well-designed Punta Tombo information and visitors center. And the whole family will love walking the bridges over the Penguin Super-Highway. This is where many of the local penguins make their way to and from the beaches of Punta Tombo.

You can read more about the Punta Tombo Penguin Sanctuary here.

Come Face-To-Face With Giant Tortoises In The Galapagos Islands of Ecuador

There are few if any, places in the world more synonymous with wildlife than Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands. This raw and unique series of islands offers one of the most fascinating, weird, and wonderful wildlife experiences for families. The Galapagos Islands are home to sea lions, countless species of birds, marine iguanas, and so much more.

The thing that most families who travel to the Galapagos Islands remember, though, is the peaceful giant tortoises. The amazing wildlife experiences for families available on the Galapagos Islands make the Galapagos the ultimate wildlife family travel destination for many nature-loving families.

The fragile nature of Galapagos makes it important to travel with a reputable tour company. Naturetrek Wildlife Holidays is one of the companies offering unforgettable eco-tours in Galapagos.

Galapagos is the perfect place to teach children about Darwin and evolution. Learning from a textbook is one thing. But seeing where the spark for the concept of the theory of evolution was lit is something spectacular. Galapagos may be one of the best nature excursions for families that want to combine education and first-hand experience in one shot.

What Is the Best Age For Visiting The Galapagos Islands?

You can visit the Galapagos Islands at any age. But it can be a long journey to get there. Children as young as two years old can learn, experience, and love the Galapagos Islands. But, because this is often a once-in-a-lifetime destination, we recommend waiting till children are at least five years old in order to create the best memories and have the most amazing wildlife experience.

Some activities, such as cruises, may also have their own minimum ages.

Macaws, Monkeys, And Sloths In Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a tiny country. It’s so small that, if you stand at just the right spot, you can see both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans at the same time. But as the saying goes, “Good things come in small packages.” And this goes double for those looking for a child-friendly wildlife experience in Costa Rica. Eco-tours in Costa Rica are very popular. And with over 500,000 species of animals and insects, it’s no surprise why.

Costa Rica has been named one of the most bio-diverse countries on the planet. And the crown jewel of wildlife experiences in Costa Rica is the stunning Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula. Corcovado National Park protects over 164 square miles of rainforest, coastline, and jungle.

Corcovado National Park is exploding with wildlife experiences for families. In fact, National Geographic named the park “the most biologically intense area in the world when it comes to biodiversity.” This Osa Peninsula park is home to monkeys, Baird tapir, sloths, scarlet macaws, crocodiles, anteaters, poison dart frogs, jaguars, and harpy eagles. To top it all off, the waters off the coast of Osa Peninsula are teeming with dolphins, humpback whales, whale sharks, flying fish, sea turtles, and more.

What Is the Best Age For Visiting Corcovado National Park In Costa Rica?

Visiting Costa Rica is a fantastic experience at any age. Visiting Corcovado National Park, however, is a little more intense. Getting to Corcovado National Park means navigating a series of flights and/or long, rough car rides teamed with small boats that take you to the ranger station within the park.

There are few services within the park. However, there are remote hotels for those who don’t want to camp within the park itself. We recommend Corcovado National Park for those traveling with children seven years old and up.

One of the most popular places to stay near Corcovado (for those not camping within the park) is the Lookout Inn Beach Rainforest Eco Lodge. It’s located just off the southern edge of the national park.

Experience Orangutans In The Jungles Of Sumatra, Indonesia

Indonesia is home to spectacular nature. With countless species of tropical birds, legendary Komodo dragons, and monkeys living within the islands, Indonesia is an unbelievable place for a family wildlife experience.

Kids will be amazed at the diversity of animals within Indonesia. Indonesia has many threatened, endangered, and at-risk species. So going on eco-tours with ethical companies is extremely important.

Ethical wildlife experiences are even more important if you want to visit and experience Indonesian Orangutans with kids. With amazing rescue and rehabilitation centers within the country, it can be easy to see these animals outside of their natural habitat in an eco-friendly way. However, this post is all about wildlife experiences. Wildlife is always best viewed in the wild.

For a family-friendly wildlife experience in Indonesia, Gunung Leuser National Park is the destination for Orangutans. Gunung Leuser is home to the only protected population of wild Orangutans on the island of Sumatra. This is one of the few places in the world where you can witness Orangutans in their natural glory.

What Is the Best Age For Visiting Orangutans in Sumatra, Indonesia?

Experiencing Orangutans on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia is not a small task. The trip requires a multi-day boat ride and long treks through the jungle. But the journey makes for a family wildlife experience that you will never forget. We recommend that this wildlife experience be done with children at least ten years old.

Capture Photos of The Big Five at Kruger National Park In South Africa

The Big 5 has often been considered the ultimate wildlife experience. What was once an activity for the elite is now more accessible to nearly everyone, including families. While the Big 5 got their title as the top 5 trophies for wildlife hunters, now hunters of a different sort are tracking these animals.

The new prize is not a head on a wall, and the weapon of choice is not a gun. Now, it’s all about getting the best photo with your trusty camera.

But getting a chance to see a lion, a leopard, an elephant, a rhinoceros, and a Cape buffalo is no easy task. Luckily there is one place in the world that is ranked above all others for this bucket list wildlife experience. Kruger National Park in South Africa is an epic wildlife experience destination. There are over 130 mammals and 500 birds within the park. And while some may be more elusive than others, it’s still the best place to experience the Big 5 with kids.

What Is the Best Age For Seeing The Big 5 At Kruger National Park?

Exploring the bush, tropical forests, and plains of Kruger National Park is a wildlife experience that the whole family can enjoy. However, a safari may not be something that parents with kids feel that they can pull off. They may be surprised. Even a Big 5 Safari can be enjoyed with kids!

We recommend that children be at least two years old for a Kruger National Park wildlife experience. However, if they are restless, you may want to wait until they are at least five years old. Always double-check with the safari company before booking for any age requirements to be sure.

The days at Kruger can be long, but staying in one of the safari lodges within the park can take much of the edge off. One of the most highly rated eco-lodges in Kruger National Park is Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge.

Discover Polar Bears And Beluga Whales In The Frozen North Of Churchill, Manitoba In Canada

One of the first things that visitors to Churchill, Manitoba, notice is just how isolated this northern community is. Churchill is situated on the shores of Hudson Bay. The only way to get to Churchill was by airplane or the newly re-opened train route from Winnipeg. But those who do make the trip can see majestic Beluga whales and massive polar bears stopping by the shores of the city.

Churchill lies right next to Wapusk National Park. Not only is this one of the most remote destinations in Manitoba, but it’s home to the world’s largest concentration of polar bear dens on Earth. It’s no surprise as to why it’s considered one of the best national parks in Canada.

In fact, Polar Bear sightings are so common in Churchill during October and November that most residents don’t lock their vehicles or homes. This ensures that should pedestrians encounter a bear within the city, they can seek safety quickly and easily. Because even though they look adorable and fluffy, you do not want to mess with a polar bear. They are the largest land predators on earth.

If you travel to Churchill in the summer, you have a great opportunity to kayak with beluga whales. Not only can you take advantage of the great weather and long days. But being able to see these white whales breaking the surface is sure to thrill.

What Is the Best Age For Seeing Polar Bears And Beluga Whales In Churchill, Manitoba?

Polar Bear eco-tours in Churchill, Manitoba, can be enjoyed at any age. Most tours take place in a “Tundra Buggy,” a massive monster-truck bus that offers sweeping views of the northern Manitoba landscape. If you are looking at the Beluga whale wildlife experience with kids, it’s important that your child is comfortable in a kayak. Most tours allow children as young as eight years old. However, it is always good to check with the tour companies beforehand. Younger children can join Beluga safaris on pontoon boats. You can read our guide to Churchill with kids here.

Ride A Schooner To See Humpback And Blue Whales In Iceland

Iceland, the land of fire and ice, has long been one of our favorite destinations for family travel. But while the majestic landscapes of Iceland leave many breathless, it is not known as a country with diverse wildlife experiences, at least not on land. If you travel to the coast at the right time of year, you can often walk among colorful Icelandic puffins. But, if you head to the nutrient-rich waters of Iceland, especially in the summer months, the fjords of Iceland are a goldmine for whale lovers.

While many areas in Iceland are great for whale watching, the northern town of Husavik is one of the best places in Iceland. The warm Gulf current rolls over the top of Iceland on its way over to Norway. This brings the warm water and nutrients that whales seek. Husavik whale tour company North Sailing ups the ante even more by offering whale-watching excursions on schooners among the majestic fjords.

Our whale-watching tour in Iceland brought us up close with Humpback, Minke, Fin, and even the massive Blue whale, the largest creature to ever grace our planet. What an incredible experience for those visiting Iceland with kids.

What Is the Best Age For Iceland Whale Watching Tours?

Iceland whale-watching tours can be done at any age for those visiting Iceland with kids. Our eldest son C, was just one year old during our first trip to Iceland, and he had the time of his life. Most tours include safety gear for children. However, they may be big for children under 3-5 years old.

You can check out everything that we did on our epic two-week trip through Iceland here.

Swim With Whale Sharks In Donsol, Philippines

There are no words that can describe the sensation of slipping into the water with the largest fish in the world. We have been lucky enough to encounter these gentle beasts of the sea during our travels in Costa Rica, but one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks is in Donsol, Philippines.

There are many whale shark tour operations in the Philippines. That is why choosing an ethical, sustainable, and conservation-focused wildlife experience is so crucial. Donsol is the home base for many whale-shark conservation initiatives by groups such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines (LAMAVE). These groups champion initiatives to reduce the human impact on these creatures, as well as help to educate visitors and grow conservation initiatives.

Family wildlife experiences in Donsol can often include dolphins, rays, and much more. For a fascinating glimpse into the local culture, stick by the shore around sunset to watch the Donsol shrimp fishermen in action. If you’re looking for cheap shrimp, this might be the best place to get them.

What Is the Best Age For Swimming With Whale Sharks In Donsol, Philippines

Swimming with whale sharks in Donsol can be done at almost any age so long as they are comfortable swimming and being in the water. It’s not rare for children as young as four and five years old to wear lifejackets and jump in the water. Whale sharks are among the most peaceful and graceful creatures on the planet, so there are few dangers.

Bounce Along With Lemurs In Madagascar

Visiting Madagascar with kids isn’t for everybody. Long, rough roads can make it a trying experience. But for adventurous families looking for absolutely unforgettable wildlife experiences, there are few places in the world offering the kind of adventure that Madagascar does. Families will have an amazing time exploring the Avenue of the Baobabs and eating local Romazava.

But let’s face it, if you travel with kids to Madagascar, you want to see Lemurs! These wild and excitable creatures are a vision of joy bouncing through the forests of Madagascar. There are several places to see Lemurs in Madagascar, but one of the best wildlife experiences is at Andasibe National Park. Andasibe National Park is home to 11 species of lemurs, including the Greater Dwarf Lemur, Gray Gentle Lemur, and Black-and-White Ruffed Lemur.

What Is the Best Age For Seeing Lemurs In Madagascar?

Traveling in Madagascar can be a challenge. Because of this, many tours and agencies won’t accept children under eight years old. But adventurous eight-year-olds will be able to get so much adventure from a trip to Madagascar.

Surround Yourself With Cute Quokkas on Rottnest Island, Australia

Rottnest Island, Australia, has a pretty unflattering name. But, the beauty that it lacks in name, the island more than makes up for by being home to one of the most adorable creatures on the planet. The ever-smiling Quokka. Quokkas are friendly, inquisitive, and cute members of the marsupial family. It’s about the size of a house cat but has a much bigger personality.

Quokkas roam wild around Rottnest Island. Snapping a photo of these small animals with big personalities means dropping low to the ground. But if you get lucky, you can be rewarded with an unforgettable moment. Quokkas are nocturnal animals though, so your best chance of a Quokka wildlife experience is later in the day and into the evening.

What Is the Best Age For Visiting Quokka On Rottnest Island, Australia?

Visiting the Quokka can be done at any age. Children will delight in seeing these curious animals sniffing around. Just make sure that young children know to keep their hands and fingers back. Adorable or not, these are still wild animals.

Have you ever taken part in a family-friendly wildlife experience? Tell us about it in the comments section. Or, head over to our Facebook page and share a photo of your trip. We would love to share in your journey.

Feed Rescued Elephants In Thailand

The southern Asian country of Thailand has a fraught history with its native elephants. For centuries, the local population of Asian elephants was decimated due to habitat loss and the use of elephants for heavy labor in the lumber and construction industries.

In 1989, the Thai government outlawed the exploitation and heavy labor use of elephants. While this was a great start to their rehabilitation, caring for elephants and their mahouts (trainers/caregivers) is expensive. As a result, many of these majestic creatures were forced into a life of entertaining tourists.

While Thailand is still rampant with abuse of elephants and other animals (such as tigers used in roadside tiger photo ops), there is a growing collection of ethical elephant experiences that allow visitors to experience rescued and rehabilitated animals up-close and personal.

Among the top elephant experiences in Thailand are the Elephant Hills Sanctuary near Koh Sok National Park and Elephant Nature Park, just outside of Chiang Mai. These experiences offer the opportunity for visitors to engage with and feed rescued elephants. Unethical practices such as riding and bathing the elephants are not permitted.

You can read about our experiences at Elephant Hills Sanctuary right here.

What Is the Best Age For Visiting Elephants In Thailand?

Visiting the elephants in Thailand can be enjoyed at any age visiting Thailand with kids. Ethical elephant experiences in the country are well-maintained and offer safety barriers for protecting both visitors and the elephants. To maximize the experience by feeding and interacting with the elephants, I’d recommend experiencing this attraction over the age of four or five.

For reference, my children were eight and 10 during this family-friendly wildlife experience.

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