Make Your Destination a Go-To for Family Fun This Summer

Today’s families are looking for convenience, value, and experiences that actually feel worth it–and the right strategy can help your destination deliver on all fronts.

The Common Misstep: Relying Only on Attractions

There's a misconception that having a few popular attractions – like a zoo or a waterpark – automatically makes your destination family-friendly. But that’s just one piece of the puzzle.

Families want more than a list of things to do. They want an experience that’s thoughtfully designed to meet their needs: easy to plan, affordable to enjoy, and engaging for both kids and adults. That’s what transforms a good destination into a great one.

1. Highlight a Mix of Meaningful Experiences

Showcase activities that give families a reason to stay longer and explore more. Speak directly to parents in your communications. Use clear, purposeful messaging. Utilize phrases like “easy to plan,” “affordable for families,” and “designed with kids in mind” to clearly convey your value. Showcase kid-friendly activities in your destination such as:

Educational Activities

Science museums, local history exhibits, and planetariums are perfect ways to keep kids learning while school is out (and parents tend to appreciate the balance of fun and enrichment.)

Animal Encounters

Zoos, aquariums, and aviaries offer immersive experiences that appeal to kids of all ages and provide opportunities for interaction and discovery.

Water-Based Fun

Whether it’s a public swimming pool, waterpark, or paddleboard rental, water activities are often a top priority for families during the warmer months.

Bring It All Together

Instead of leaving families to juggle multiple websites, hours, and ticket options, consider bundling these experiences into a single, easy-to-use mobile pass. This simplifies access and planning, while also adding value, giving your destination a polished, cohesive appeal.

Check out how Tourism Memphis incorporates all these and more in its Kids in Memphis Pass.

2. Build Momentum with Family-Focused Events

Another way to stand out is by organizing a dedicated week or month of family-focused programming. Think of it like Restaurant Week, but specifically for families!

Event Ideas to Consider:

• Outdoor Movie Nights: Offer family-friendly films in parks or plazas.
  
  
• Touch-A-Truck Events: Let kids explore real fire trucks, bulldozers, and more while learning about public service roles.
  
  
• Mini Makers Festival: Host creative stations across town where families can build, paint, or craft something together.

Feature these events on a digital pass with a digital map, simple check-in options, and optional prize incentives. This structure helps families plan their trip while increasing the visibility and engagement of your destination, whether it is a limited-time week or a month-long celebration.

3. Go Beyond Activities: What Really Makes Families Choose You

Activities are important, but what truly earns trust and loyalty are the details that make a family’s visit smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.

Safety and Convenience

Stroller-friendly walkways, clean restrooms, family rest areas, and shaded seating make a big impact. Showcasing these elements in your marketing gives parents confidence that your destination is built with their needs in mind.

Affordability and Value

Highlight discounts, bundled experiences, and kids-go-free promotions. When families feel like they’re getting a great value, they’re more likely to book and share their experience with others.

Easy Planning

Give families one central location–like a website or mobile pass–to plan their visit, access directions, hours, and details, and see all that your destination offers.

Engagement Tools

Gamify the visit by offering points for check-ins, scavenger hunts, or surprise incentives. These small details add excitement and give kids a sense of adventure.

Be the Destination Families Look Forward To

Making your destination a go-to for family fun doesn’t require starting from scratch, it just takes thoughtful presentation, smart planning, and a commitment to simplifying the visitor experience.

When families feel that their needs are understood and supported, they remember. They share. And they come back. This summer, give them a reason to choose your destination.