Towering volcanic rock formations that look like “fairy chimneys.” A prehistoric world once ruled by dinosaurs. An underground labyrinth where gladiators and wild beasts once clashed. These are just a few of the incredible places around the world honored with World Heritage status by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). And they could be the perfect backdrop for your next family adventure.
Since 1972, UNESCO has added over a thousand cultural and natural sites of “outstanding universal value” to its World Heritage List. But this isn’t just a prestigious title—it means the country pledges to protect and preserve these irreplaceable treasures for future generations. Over the years, the program has stopped destructive projects, like a dam planned above Africa’s Victoria Falls and a highway threatening Egypt’s Giza Pyramids.
For travelers, these preservation efforts create a bucket list of must-see destinations. But with 1,153 sites across 194 countries (and counting), where do you begin? From jaw-dropping geological wonders to awe-inspiring feats of engineering, here are 10 family-friendly global treasures to inspire your next trip.
Wander Northern Ireland’s Coastal Wonderland
Giant’s Causeway is a volcanic masterpiece of nearly 40,000 hexagonal columns, formed 60 million years ago when molten lava cooled in the ocean and hardened into towering basalt pillars, some reaching over 80 feet high.
Legend says this natural marvel was built by the mythical warrior Fionn mac Cumhaill (or Finn McCool), who mustered his strength to construct a bridge across the Irish Sea to battle enemies in Scotland’s Hebrides.
Since the 18th century, this surreal landscape has drawn families fascinated by its honeycomb-like cliffs.
More than 40,000 hexagonal columns shape the mystical landscape at Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.
Step Into History at Rome’s Legendary Colosseum
The Roman Empire’s grandest amphitheater hosted chariot races, public executions, and brutal gladiator battles. Built under Emperor Vespasian and finished in A.D. 80 under his son Titus, the Colosseum (also called the Flavian Amphitheater) is an engineering marvel.
Designed to hold around 50,000 spectators, this freestanding elliptical arena was once clad in gleaming white travertine limestone. Beneath the sand-covered wooden floor lies a now-exposed underground maze of tunnels and cages where gladiators and wild animals—rhinos, elephants, lions, tigers, and crocodiles—awaited their fate.
Family-friendly tours bring Rome’s epic history to life, from the legendary founding by Romulus and Remus in 753 B.C. to the rise of Vatican City.
Tourists exploring Rome’s Colosseum step back in time, imagining the ancient amphitheater alive with chariot races and gladiator duels.
Uncover the World’s Oldest Mummies in Chile
Wrapped in reeds and adorned with wigs and clay masks, Chile’s Chinchorro mummies predate Egypt’s by 2,000 years, offering a glimpse into the ancient Indigenous communities of Chile’s northern coast.
Visitors can see these mummies in Arica, a surf town near the Atacama Desert, surrounded by War of the Pacific battlefields and volcanic trails. At the San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum, only a few of the 300 specimens are displayed, while at Colón 10, a glass floor reveals 48 mummies still buried beneath. Soon, a 53,820-square-foot museum will open to protect these fragile relics, now deteriorating due to climate change.
Along the road to Caleta Camarones, six modern statues—some standing 16 feet tall—represent the countless mummies yet to be unearthed.
A group of Chinchorro mummies—dating between 5000 B.C. and 3000 B.C.—from a 2008 exhibit are reflected in a mirror at the presidential palace in Santiago, Chile. The mummies and their settlements are among the newest additions to the 2022 World Heritage list.
Experience Shadow Puppetry in Indonesia
Shadows dance to life in the hands of an Indonesian dalang (master puppeteer), who skillfully maneuvers flat leather puppets behind a backlit screen, enchanting audiences of all ages. This art form is also on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, celebrating traditions that tell the story of humanity.
Centuries before television, wayang puppet theater—accompanied by haunting gamelan music—brought myths, moral tales, and political satire to Java and Bali’s royal courts and villages. While intricate wooden puppets are part of the dalang’s craft, it’s the mesmerizing shadow play that truly captivates.
Intricately carved wooden puppets help tell a story in an Indonesian shadow puppet performance, a tradition recognized by UNESCO in 2008.
Discover Hawai‘i’s Volcanic Legends
In Hawaiian mythology, the Halema‘uma‘u crater of Kīlauea was the fiery realm of Pele, goddess of fire, lightning, wind, and volcanoes. This bubbling cauldron atop one of the Big Island’s five shield volcanoes has inspired reverence for generations.
Along with Mauna Loa, these active, accessible volcanoes make Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park one of the best places to witness Earth’s raw geological power.
Spanning 335,000 acres, the park offers family-friendly adventures, including ranger-led hikes, educational centers, and viewing spots near lava flows. Drive the 11-mile Crater Rim loop for breathtaking stops at steam vents, lava tubes, and volcanic overlooks.
*Two craters frame Hawai‘i’s Volcanoes National Park, a 335,000-acre wonderland packed with activities for families.*
Meet Japan’s Master Papermakers
In a nation famed for cutting-edge tech, artisans still craft washi paper by hand, spending hours on this delicate art.
This biodegradable paper lines glowing lanterns, sliding doors, and even becomes wearable art like clothing and handbags. In 2014, the ancient process of making honminoshi—the purest form of washi—earned UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status.
The towns of Mino, Hamada, and Ogawa/Higashi-Chichibu are renowned for this craft, offering workshops and shops. Or visit rural Echizen Washi Village, home to 60 paper mills and the Paper & Culture Museum. In Tokyo, 17th-century wholesaler Ozu Washi invites visitors to experience this timeless tradition.
Workers filter pulp at Iwano Heizaburo Seishi Sho, a washi mill in Japan’s Echizen Washi Village. The traditional craft earned UNESCO recognition in 2014.
Encounter Wildlife in Botswana
Fed by Angolan rains, Botswana’s Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s most biodiverse freshwater ecosystems and a dream for animal lovers.
The delta shelters endangered species like elephants, cheetahs, African wild dogs, wattled cranes, and Great white pelicans. National Geographic’s Okavango Wilderness Project has discovered over 130 new animal species in Angola.
Families can glide through reed-lined canals in dugout canoes or camp in nearby parks, making even teens forget their screens. Look for lodges with family-sized accommodations and pools for downtime.
An aerial view of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, which floods from May to September, sustaining an incredible array of wildlife.
Camp in Mexico’s Biosphere Reserve
Sian Ka’an, meaning “origin of the sky” in Maya, is a 1.3-million-acre reserve on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. From jungles to coral reefs, it’s home to sea turtles, jaguars, flamingos, and more.
Families can stay in beachside tents, kayak, snorkel cenotes, or tour ancient Maya ruins like Muyil’s towering pyramid, “El Castillo.”
At 57 feet, “El Castillo” in Muyil is Quintana Roo’s tallest pyramid—a thrilling climb for kids.
Soar Over Turkey’s Fairy Chimneys
Cappadocia’s Göreme National Park is a surreal landscape of volcanic rock formations called “fairy chimneys,” some carved into ancient villages.
First settled by Romans, Göreme became a monastic hub in the 4th century. Today, families can explore cave churches, stay in cave hotels, or take a hot air balloon ride for unforgettable views.
A hot air balloon ride offers the best perspective of Turkey’s breathtaking Göreme National Park.
Dig Into Dinosaur History in Canada
Alberta’s Dinosaur Provincial Park is a paleontologist’s dream, where over 35 dinosaur species have been found.
Millions of years ago, this arid badland was a lush swamp teeming with reptiles, fish, and early mammals. While digging isn’t allowed, families can join fossil safaris, guided tours, and camp under stars once lit by dinosaur eyes.