Family Reunion Destination Ideas: 20 Places Where Every Generation Has Fun

Planning a family reunion is one of the most rewarding and simultaneously nerve-wracking tasks you can take on. You need a destination that keeps toddlers entertained, teenagers off their phones (at least occasionally), parents relaxed, and grandparents comfortable. You need enough space for 15, 20, or even 40 people without blowing anyone's budget. And you need activities that actually bring people together rather than sending everyone off in different directions.

After years of covering multi-generational travel, I have compiled 20 family reunion destinations that genuinely work for every age group. These are organized by type so you can quickly zero in on the format that fits your family's style, budget, and logistics.

All-Inclusive Resorts: The Low-Stress Option

All-inclusive resorts eliminate the biggest headache of reunion planning: coordinating meals and activities for dozens of people with different preferences. Everyone eats when they want, does what they want, and the cost is predictable upfront.

1. Beaches Turks and Caicos

Beaches resorts were literally designed for multi-generational travel. The Turks and Caicos location offers a waterpark, a Sesame Street character program for kids under 5, scuba certification for teens, and a full spa for adults. Group rates kick in at 10 rooms, typically saving 15-25% off rack rates. Expect to pay $350-$550 per person per night depending on season and room category.

Best for: Families with very young children and grandparents who want luxury.

2. Club Med Punta Cana

Club Med's "Amazing Family" program in Punta Cana divides kids into age-specific groups (4-10, 11-17) with dedicated activities. Adults get a separate pool area, a golf course, and a circus trapeze school (surprisingly popular with the 40+ crowd). Group bookings of 15+ rooms unlock a dedicated group coordinator who handles all logistics. Pricing runs $250-$400 per adult per night all-inclusive.

Best for: Active families who want structured programming without micromanaging.

3. Iberostar Selection Paraiso, Riviera Maya

This Mexican resort complex connects five hotels along a shared beach, meaning different family branches can book different price points while sharing the same pool areas and restaurants. The property has 15 restaurants, a lazy river, and a Greg Norman golf course. Group rates start at $180-$300 per adult per night. The proximity to Mayan ruins at Tulum (90-minute drive) adds a cultural day trip option.

Best for: Large families (30+) where different branches have different budgets.

4. Franklyn D. Resort, Jamaica

FDR is the only all-inclusive where a dedicated vacation nanny is assigned to each family for the entire stay at no extra cost. For reunions with lots of young kids, this is transformative. Parents actually get to spend time with their siblings and parents instead of chasing toddlers all day. Rates run $300-$450 per adult per night, with kids under 16 free.

Best for: Families with multiple young children (the nanny model is unmatched).

Lake Houses and Cabins: The Classic Reunion Format

Nothing beats the simplicity of renting a large property on a lake or in the mountains. Everyone under one roof (or a cluster of roofs), cooking together, playing games on the porch, and building memories without the distractions of a resort.

5. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

The Ozarks have been a reunion destination for decades because the inventory of large lakefront rentals is massive. You can find 8-12 bedroom homes with private docks, hot tubs, and game rooms for $5,000-$12,000 per week. Split among 20 family members, that is $250-$600 per person for an entire week. The lake offers fishing, pontoon boat rentals ($300-$500/day), and water sports. Branson is a 90-minute drive for shows and attractions.

Best for: Midwestern families wanting a drivable, affordable option.

6. Big Bear Lake, California

For West Coast families, Big Bear offers large cabin rentals surrounded by national forest. Summer brings hiking, mountain biking, and the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain. A 10-bedroom cabin runs $3,000-$6,000 per week. The village area has mini golf, go-karts, and restaurants within walking distance. The lake itself allows kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.

Best for: Families who want outdoor activities without roughing it.

7. Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire

New England families often gravitate here. The lake is massive (72 square miles) with clear water and mountain views. Large lakefront homes with 6-10 bedrooms rent for $4,000-$10,000 per week in summer. Weirs Beach has an arcade and boardwalk for kids. The M/S Mount Washington cruise ship does scenic two-hour loops. Fall foliage season (September-October) is particularly stunning.

Best for: New England families who want a blend of nature and small-town charm.

8. Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

The Smoky Mountains corridor has an enormous inventory of multi-cabin compounds. Companies like Cabins for You and Elk Springs Resort offer complexes of 4-6 cabins clustered together, each sleeping 6-8 people, with shared pool and game room facilities. A 4-cabin compound runs $2,500-$5,000 per week. Dollywood theme park, Ripley's Aquarium, and miles of hiking trails keep every generation busy.

Best for: Southern and Midwestern families who want a mix of nature and tourist attractions.

Beach Towns: Sand, Sun, and Togetherness

Beach destinations work because the beach itself is free entertainment. Toddlers dig holes, kids build castles, teens surf, adults read, and grandparents watch it all from a chair under an umbrella.

9. Outer Banks, North Carolina

The OBX has perfected the large-group rental market. You will find hundreds of 8-16 bedroom oceanfront houses with private pools, elevators (critical for mobility-limited grandparents), and game rooms. Companies like Sun Realty and Twiddy specialize in these mega-homes. A 12-bedroom oceanfront house runs $6,000-$15,000 per week depending on season. The Wright Brothers Memorial, wild horse tours, and charter fishing add variety.

Best for: East Coast families who want everyone under one very large roof.

10. Gulf Shores, Alabama

Often overlooked in favor of flashier Florida beaches, Gulf Shores offers excellent value. Condo complexes like The Beach Club and Turquoise Place have multiple units available in the same building, keeping the family close together. Weekly condo rentals run $1,500-$3,000 per unit. The Hangout restaurant hosts live music nightly. The Gulf State Park has bike trails and a fishing pier.

Best for: Budget-conscious families who still want white sand beaches.

11. San Diego, California

San Diego works for reunions because it has something for literally every interest. The San Diego Zoo, Legoland (30 minutes north), Balboa Park's free museums, La Jolla tide pools, and the Gaslamp Quarter for nightlife. Rent a cluster of vacation homes in Mission Beach or Pacific Beach. Hotel options include the Bahia Resort, which has a private bay beach and paddleboats. Budget $150-$300 per night per family unit.

Best for: Families who want variety and do not want to be stuck in one spot all week.

National Parks: Nature as the Main Attraction

National parks create shared experiences that families talk about for years. The key is choosing parks with accessible activities for all fitness levels.

12. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana

Yellowstone has enough to fill a week without anyone getting bored. Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone are accessible by car and short walks. West Yellowstone (the gateway town) has vacation rental houses and cabins. The town of Gardiner on the north side has more affordable options. Budget $2,000-$4,000 per week for a 4-bedroom rental in a gateway town. Book 9-12 months in advance for summer dates.

Best for: Families who want a once-in-a-lifetime shared experience.

13. Zion National Park, Utah

Zion is more compact than Yellowstone and easier to navigate with mixed ability levels. The Riverside Walk is flat and paved (wheelchair and stroller friendly). Angels Landing challenges the adventurous members. Springdale, the gateway town, has restaurants, outfitters, and vacation rentals within walking distance of the park entrance. Nearby Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon North Rim make excellent day trips.

Best for: Families with a wide range of fitness levels.

14. Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia pairs stunning coastal scenery with a charming New England village (Bar Harbor). The Park Loop Road lets less mobile family members see highlights from the car. Jordan Pond House serves famous popovers with afternoon tea. Whale watching tours depart from Bar Harbor. Lobster bakes on the beach are a quintessential group activity. Vacation rentals in Bar Harbor run $2,500-$6,000 per week for larger homes.

Best for: Families who want national park beauty without being far from civilization.

Cruises: Everyone's Included, Nobody Cooks

Cruises solve the logistical nightmare of group dining, activities, and transportation in one booking. Modern mega-ships are essentially floating resorts with programming for every age.

15. Royal Caribbean Oasis-Class Ships

The Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony, and Wonder of the Seas are the largest cruise ships afloat. They have dedicated kids clubs for ages 3-5, 6-8, 9-11, and 12-17. Adults get a casino, spa, and multiple bar venues. A 7-night Caribbean cruise runs $800-$2,000 per person depending on cabin category and time of year. Group rates (8+ cabins) typically include onboard credit ($50-$100 per cabin) and sometimes a free cabin for the organizer.

Best for: Families who want maximum variety with zero meal planning.

16. Disney Cruise Line

If your reunion includes many children under 10, Disney Cruise Line is worth the premium pricing. The kids clubs are staffed at higher ratios than competitors, and the adults-only areas (pool, restaurants, spa) let parents decompress. A 7-night cruise runs $1,500-$3,500 per person. Expensive, yes, but the quality of entertainment and food is consistently rated highest among family cruises.

Best for: Disney-loving families with young children.

International Destinations: For the Adventurous Family

Some families want to create a truly extraordinary shared memory. These international options work for multi-generational groups with moderate to high budgets.

17. Tuscany, Italy (Villa Rental)

Renting a Tuscan villa is the ultimate reunion splurge. Companies like To Tuscany and Tuscany Now list villas sleeping 15-30 people with pools, olive groves, and vineyard views. A villa sleeping 20 runs $8,000-$20,000 per week. Hire a private chef for a few nights ($500-$1,000 for the group). Day trips to Florence, Siena, and Pisa are all within 90 minutes.

Best for: Food-loving families with a higher budget.

18. Costa Rica (Guanacaste Region)

Costa Rica offers adventure for active family members (zip-lining, white water rafting, surfing) and relaxation for everyone else (hot springs, beach, wildlife watching). The Guanacaste region has large vacation rental villas near Tamarindo and Playa Flamingo. A 6-bedroom villa with pool runs $3,000-$7,000 per week. The Rincon de la Vieja volcano area has hot springs accessible by short walks.

Best for: Active families who want adventure and nature.

19. Algarve, Portugal

Portugal offers European charm at prices significantly lower than France, Italy, or Spain. The Algarve coast has dramatic cliffs, warm water, and large rental villas. A villa sleeping 12-16 runs $3,000-$6,000 per week. Nearby Albufeira has restaurants and nightlife. The Benagil sea caves are a must-see. Faro airport receives direct flights from most European capitals and several US cities.

Best for: Families wanting an affordable European reunion.

20. Bali, Indonesia (Seminyak or Ubud)

For families willing to fly far, Bali offers extraordinary value. A private villa compound with multiple pavilions, a pool, and daily housekeeping runs $200-$600 per night for the entire property (sleeping 15-20). A private chef costs $50-$100 per day. Temple visits, rice terrace walks, and traditional dance performances engage all ages. The Monkey Forest in Ubud is a universal crowd-pleaser.

Best for: Families on a gap year or with flexible schedules who want a once-in-a-lifetime tropical experience.

How to Choose the Right Destination for Your Family

With 20 options on the table, narrowing down to one requires answering a few key questions:

Group Size and Composition

• 15-20 people: A single large rental home works well. Look at options 5-11.
• 20-30 people: Consider multi-unit properties, all-inclusive resorts, or cruises. Options 1-4, 9-10, and 15-16.
• 30-40 people: All-inclusive resorts or cruise ships handle this scale most smoothly. Options 1-3 and 15-16.

Budget Reality Check

Destination Type	Cost Per Person Per Week	Best For
Lake house rental	$250-$600	Budget-conscious families
Beach town rental	$400-$900	Mid-range budgets
Domestic all-inclusive	$1,500-$3,000	Convenience seekers
Cruise	$800-$2,500	Variety seekers
International villa	$500-$1,500	Adventurous families

Accessibility Considerations

If any family members use wheelchairs, walkers, or have limited mobility:

• Best options: All-inclusive resorts (ADA-compliant rooms, flat terrain), cruises (elevators and accessible cabins), beach rentals with elevators (Outer Banks specifically).
• Challenging options: Mountain cabins, national parks with steep trails, international destinations with cobblestone streets.

Travel Distance

The number one reason reunions fall apart is that half the family cannot afford or justify the travel cost to get there. Choose a destination within driving distance for the majority of attendees, then help subsidize airfare for the outliers if possible.

Booking Timeline for Family Reunions

Getting 15-40 people aligned requires starting early. Here is the timeline that works:

• 12-18 months out: Survey the family on dates and budget. Use a simple Google Form. Identify the destination.
• 9-12 months out: Book the accommodation. Large rentals and resort group blocks sell out a year in advance for summer dates.
• 6-9 months out: Book flights if applicable. Set up a shared Google Sheet for tracking RSVPs, room assignments, and payments.
• 3-6 months out: Plan group activities and make reservations. Popular restaurants and tours book up.
• 1-3 months out: Collect final payments. Send a detailed information packet with addresses, check-in instructions, local emergency numbers, and the activity schedule.
• 2 weeks out: Confirm all reservations. Set up a group text or WhatsApp group for real-time communication during the trip.

Splitting Costs Without Splitting the Family

Money is the most common source of reunion conflict. Here are methods that actually work:

Method 1: Equal Split

Everyone pays the same amount regardless of room size or age. This is the simplest method and works when income levels are roughly equal across the family.

Method 2: Per-Person Split

Divide total cost by the number of attendees (sometimes with children at half rate). Fairer than equal family split when family sizes vary widely.

Method 3: Room-Based Split

Each family unit pays based on their room. The master suite pays more than the bunk room. This works well for rental houses with varied room quality.

Method 4: Tiered Contribution

Quietly, the higher-earning family members contribute more to subsidize those with tighter budgets. This often works best when organized by a neutral family member (the planner or the grandparent generation).

Tools for collecting money: Splitwise (tracks shared expenses in real-time), Venmo or Zelle (for direct payments), and a shared Google Sheet (for transparency on who has paid what).

Activity Planning for Every Generation

The secret to a successful reunion is having a mix of group activities and free time. Here is a daily structure that works:

• Morning (8-11am): Free time. Early risers hike, swim, or explore. Late sleepers sleep.
• Midday (11am-2pm): Loose group activity. Beach time, pool time, or a casual outing.
• Afternoon (2-5pm): Organized group activity. This is where you schedule the boat tour, the cooking class, or the family Olympics.
• Evening (5-8pm): Group dinner. This is the anchor event. Whether it is a restaurant reservation, a potluck, or a hired chef, this is when the whole family comes together.
• Night (8pm+): Free time. Card games for some, early bedtime for little ones, bar or bonfire for night owls.

Plan one big organized outing per day maximum. More than that feels like a forced march. Leave at least one full day completely unstructured.

Let TripGenie Handle the Logistics

Planning a reunion for 15-40 people involves dozens of moving pieces: flights, accommodation, activities, dining, and transportation. TripGenie can help you build a detailed itinerary that accounts for multiple age groups, budget constraints, and activity preferences. Instead of juggling spreadsheets and group texts, use TripGenie to create a shared trip plan that everyone can access and contribute to. It takes the coordination burden off the organizer and ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

Final Thoughts

The best family reunion destination is the one where the most family members can actually attend. Do not let the pursuit of the perfect location prevent people from showing up. A simple lake house with the whole family present beats an exotic resort with half the family missing.

Start your planning early, communicate openly about budget, and remember that the destination is just the backdrop. The real point is getting everyone together in the same place, sharing meals, telling stories, and creating memories that the youngest generation will carry forward for decades.