15 Destinations for family vacations in summer: Relax, Rejuvenate, and build memories

Summers are at their peak with the scorching heat and boring afternoons.  It is also the time to transform the leisure days into family vacations. Summer vacations are the perfect time to break the monotony of everyday life, embark on a world of relaxation with family and friends, and create everlasting memories.

If you are already searching for destinations in India for family vacations in Summer, you have landed on the most appropriate page. 

We have enlisted 20 places to enjoy summer vacations with family in India that promise adventure, fun, and happiness. So wait no more, book the tickets to your desired destination, and give your summer vacations a great kick. 

Also, Check out Summer Destination of the world if planning for international vacations.

Summer Vacation Destinations for Families with Kids in India

1. Goa

While the temperature may soar high, the beachy waves and breezy winds balance and roll in for the fun in the sun.

Goa is known for its Goa beaches, mesmerizing sunsets, and pristine beaches ideal for kids to spend hours splashing in waves and building their castles of dreams in the sands. 

• Things to do in Goa: Beach hopping, water activities in Goa, Church visits and Shopping.
• Places to visit in Goa: Calangute Beach, Baga Beach, Dushdagar Waterfall, Aguda Fall, Cathedral church, Candolim Beach, Calangute Beach and Agonda.

2. Nainital, Uttrakhand

This picturesque destination for a summer vacation in India offers relief from the scorching heat waves and into the cool and breezy atmosphere. 

Abundant with lakes, serene beauty, and lush greenery, Nainital offers an exemplary getaway from the hustle and bustle and relax in a tranquil setting. 

• Places to visit in Nainital: Naini Lake, Mall Road, Nainital Zoo, Naina Peak, Eco Cave Park, Tibetan Market, Kilbury Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiffin top.
• Things to do in Nainital: Explore the lakes, visit Naina Devi temple, ride on the ropeway, trek to tiffin top, stroll at iconic Mall road.

3. Rishikesh, Uttrakhand

This quaint town has made it to the list of the top adventure destinations and is an excellent place for summer vacation with family in India due to the river Ganges that allures kids with its cool water for an amazing day dipped in river water. 

Rishikesh has a plethora of adventure activities in Rishikesh that are nerve-wracking and adrenaline-pumping for the adventure enthusiast. 

• Places to Visit in Rishikesh: Triveni Ghat, Ram Jhula, Parmarth Niketan Ashram, the beatless Ashram, Lakshman Jhula and Gita Bhawan.
• Things to do in Rishikesh: Witness Ganga Aarti, River rafting, Riverside camping, nature walks, Ashram visits, and adventure sports.

4. Mussoorie, Uttrakhand

Mussoorie is a refreshing Summer Vacation Destinations for Families with Kids in India for a relaxing vacation with loved ones where kids can have fun relishing English bakery products, Kempty fall, a view of the Kumaon villages, and a ride on the Dehradun Mussoorie ropeway. 

• Places to visit in Mussoorie: Lal Tibba Point, Bhatta Fall, company garden, Cloud End, Mussoorie Lake, Camels Back Road, Kempty Fall, George Everest House, Mall Road, and Gun Hill Road.
• Things to do in Mussoorie: Trekking, Hiking, Adventure sports, shopping, relishing bakery products, photography, and visiting the villages.

5. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Shimla is a perfect place for an escape from heat waves and into the wintery feel even in summer. This destination for family vacations in summer is a balanced mix of cafes, adventure, shops, and serene settings. 

Tourists can indulge in various recreational activities to revive themselves and engage with kids for a memorable vacation. 

• Things to do in Shimla:  Paragliding, river rafting, First camping, trekkings, cycling, shopping and Ice Skating.
• Places to visit in Shimla: Jakhu Hill, Jakhu Temple, Christ Church, Mall Road, the Ridge, and Himalayan Bird Park.

6. Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh

This place is best for a relaxing summer vacation with family in India with colorful Tibetan-style adorned streets, Tibetan cuisine with the best restaurant in Mcleodganj, and Dalai Lama Temple and residence. 

Mcleaodganj away from the hustle and city pollution offers a great destination to spend some leisure time with family in calm and composed settings and offers a rejuvenating experience. 

• Things to do in Mcleodganj: Trek to Triund, view the mesmerizing snow-capped Himalayas, the soulful retreat at the monasteries, visit Tibet world, lavish on the Tibetan cuisine. 
• Places to visit in Mcleodganj: Naddi View point, Kalachakra temple, Tibet Museum, Namgyal Museum, Bhagsu Waterfall, Triund

7. Dalhousie Himachal Pradesh

Tourists can choose to visit Dalhousie as a Summer Vacation Destinations for Families with Kids in India and immerse themselves in the quaint streets lined with colonial-era buildings, visiting the landmark destinations and simply strolling along the mountains with the panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains and the best spots for shopping in Dalhousie.

• Things to do in Dalhousie: visit the cascading Punch Pulla waterfall, boat ride in Chamera Lake, hike to Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, visit Satdhara waterfall, and visit Subhash baoli. 
• Places to visit in Dalhousie: Dainkund Peak, Chamera Lake, Sach Pass, Ganji Pahari, Gandhi Chowk shopping bazar, Beeji’s Park, and St. John’s Church.

8. Darjeeling, West Bengal

This place is an ideal destination for families to explore the Tibetan Monasteries, and Zoological Park, visit the Unesco world heritage sites, and have a memorable ride on the iconic toy train. 

Tourists can have a relaxing holiday with family sipping the freshly brewed Darjeeling tea soaking up the views of Tiger Hill and discovering the culture of West Bengal.

• Things to do in Darjeeling: Sunrise at Tiger Hill, ride in Himalayan Railway, awed by Batasian Loop, stroll the tea gardens.
• Places to visit Darjeeling: Kanchenjunga mountain, Himalayan Zoological park, Mahakal temple, Batasia Loop and Japanese Peace Pagoda

9. Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Manali has ample tourist attractions to visit and have the fun of a lifetime along with leisure time to spend with family engaging in various recreational activities amidst the scenic backdrop. Manali has some of the best summer hiking trails in India.

With pleasant weather and stunning views, Manali is a perfect Indian destination for a family holiday this summer. 

• Things to do in Manali: Paragliding, River Rafting, Mountain Biking, riverside camping, and trekking.
• Places to visit in Manali: Hidimba Devi Temple, Solang Valley, Beas River, Jogini waterfall, Gulaba, Bhrigu Lake, and Jana Waterfall

10. Ooty, Tamil Nadu

With the widespread tea garden, dense forest, and sparkling lakes Ooty is a flawless destination for family vacations in summer. Ooty is a rejuvenating experience for families to spend a relaxing time admiring the beauty of nature.

• Things to do in Ooty: Ride on a toy train, ride on a houseboat, Tea museums and ta factory, Emerald Lake, and Nilgiri mountain railway line.
• Places to visit in Ooty: Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden, Rose Garden, Thread Garden, Dodda Betta Peak, Dolphin’s Nose and Kalhatti fall.

11. Munnar, Kerala

The hill stations are Destinations in India for Perfect Family Summer Vacations where family members can engage in adventure activities, have a laid-back relaxing day, explore tea estates, visit the aromatic spice garden, and create lifelong memories of love, laughter, and happiness. 

• Things to do in Munnar: Shout out at Echo Point, shikara ride at Kundala Lake, Explore the tea museum, Elephant ride, visit the rose garden, motor boat at Mattupatti Lake and wildlife safari at Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Places to Visit in Munnar: Munnar Hiking trails, Tea gardens, Rajamalai National Park, Kundala Dam, Attukal waterfall and Anamudi Peak.

12. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

This destination is perfect for families to spend some time together exploring the natural beauty and places to adore in India while enjoying and engaging the company of each other away from the worries of worldly problems.

• Things to do in Kodaikanal: Night safari, visit Guna Caves, explore the beauty of Thalaiyar Falls, trekking, Kodaikanal stargazing, and Kodai- Palani trek.
• Places to visit Kodaikanal: Guna cave, Pine forest, Kodaikanal Lake, cottages in Vattakanal, Berijam Lake, and natural history museum.

13. Srinagar and Gulmarg J& K

Tourists can engage in recreational activities of a ride in the Shikara Lake, exploring the Mughals garden, discovering the intriguing facts about the culture and traditions of the Kashmir valley, and soaking up in the beauty of Heaven on Earth. 

These must-visit destinations and a perfect blend of natural beauty with adventure and cultural richness make this place a perfect place for families to spend their time together during the summer vacations. 

• Things to do in Srinagar and Gulmarg: Skiing, Gondola ride, trekking, pony ride, bird watching and chinkara ride in Dal Lake.
• Places to visit in Srinagar and Gulmarg: Apharwat Peak, Drung Waterfall, Alpather Lake, Tangmarg, Khilanmarg, Glass Igloo Cafe, Dal Lakeand Strawberry Valley.

14. Mahabaleshwar & Panchgani, Maharashtra

This destination for a family vacation in Summer with its ambiance beauty and serene setting provides an escape into the world of nature and a perfect getaway from the bustling cities. 

• Things to do in Mahabaleshwar & Panchgani: Paragliding in Panchgani, visiting Wax Museum, boating in Venna Lake, historic Pratapgarh Fort.
• Places to visit in Mahabaleshwar & Panchgani: Venna Lake, Mapro Garden, Elephant’s Head Point, Kaas Plateau, Table Land, Kate’s Point, and Devrai Art Village.

15. Leh-Ladakh

This place is a perfect destination for summer vacation with families in India to create an album of memories that bring smiles to their faces and tears of joy when remembered. 

• Things to do in Leh-Ladakh: Explore Monasteries, trek to the peaks, Jeep Safari, River rafting, Ladak Wildlife, and visit the lakes.
• Places to visit in Leh-Ladakh: Leh Palace, Shanti stupa, Thiksey Monastery, Pangong So, Khardung La, Tso Moriri, Leh Market, Sankar Gompa and Hall of Fame.