The kids may not want to have full-out history lessons, or other lessons, while on vacation. However, did you know that you can give your kids an education on vacation without them realizing it? All you need to do is plan to see the fun and interesting attractions that will teach them something at the same time. Oh, and you will probably learn a few things along the way too! Today, I am going to share the 8 world heritage sites every family must see in their lifetime. You won’t need to see them all. But you may want to at least check off all the world heritage sites in the USA if you can.  If you are searching for something more unique for your family vacation, check out these underrated ruins around the world. 

8 World Heritage Sites Every Family Must See 

What are World Heritage Sites?  

Before I dive into the world heritage sites every family should see, I thought I would share what world heritage sites are.  

World heritage sites are areas or structures that have either been made naturally or by man. Each site is deemed to be of importance. These sites are normally nominated and then designated as a world heritage site by the World Heritage Convention.  

Once a site has been deemed a world heritage site, it gets special protection.  

How Many World Heritage Sites Are There?  

As of July 2021, there were 1,154 World Heritage Sites in the world. Those sites are located within 167 countries. Some of these sites are cultural sites, while others are natural sites. There are a few sites that are a mix of both.  

8 World Heritage Sites to Visit During a Family Vacation 

Giant’s Causeway in Ireland 

Ireland is full of pubs, lush green countryside, and normally quite a bit of rain. Hey, you need to have rain to get all that lush greenery!  

Anyway, Ireland is also home to the Giant’s Causeway. This volcanic formation was created almost 60 million years ago. It contains approximately 40,000 hexagonal columns. A few of those columns are more than 80 feet tall.  

This causeway was created when a mythical warrior, Fionn man Cumhaill, who was also known as Finn McCool, built a bridge across the Irish Sea. He wanted to use the bridge to attack his enemies in the Scottish Hebrides. At least that’s what the legend states.  

No one can really be sure how this world heritage site was created. What we do know is it is one that everyone should see during a vacation in Ireland.  

Dinosaur Provincial Park in Canada 

It is possible to see all sorts of dinosaur fossils when you visit Dinosaur Provincial Park in Alberta, Canada. Unfortunately, your family will not be allowed to dig at this park. You can take a guided fossil safari or participate in another guided activity.  

Everyone will also enjoy all the dinosaur displays. It is probably the closest your family will ever get to dinosaurs like Tyrannosauridae and Troodontidae.  

Göreme National Park in Turkey 

A visit to this national park in Turkey will have your family seeing fairy chimneys. Also known as hoodoos, these fairy chimneys are eroded volcanic stones. These unique chimneys can be quite tall.  

Therefore, one of the best ways to see them is from the air. I recommend you take a hot air balloon ride if you decide to check this world heritage site off your bucket list.  

The Colosseum in Rome 

The Colosseum has long been considered the largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire. It was used for chariot races, gladiatorial deaths, and even executions. It is thought upwards of 50,000 people would fill the seats to watch the event of the night.  

Taking a tour of The Colosseum is the best way to learn the history of this heritage site. Pay close attention to the theater floor. Underneath, you can see the tunnels and cages. It looks like a maze. In fact, it is a mystery how anyone found their way through that maze to get to where they needed to be.  

Chinchorro Mummies in Chile 

Not everyone loves looking at mummies. However, the Chinchorro mummies in Chile are thought to be 2,000 years older than the mummies in Egypt.  

To see these mummies, you must visit the town of Arica. Inside the San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum are a few of the 300 mummies.  

Over at Colón 10, your family can look down at the floor. Underneath is where 48 mummies are still buried.  

Hawaii Volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii 

One of the best world heritage sites in the USA is in Hawaii. You must visit the Big Island of Hawaii for a family vacation if you want to learn the legends of the Hawaiian volcanoes.  

Within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you will find Mauna Loa and Kilauea. These are both active volcanoes.  

Take a ranger led hike to learn more about these volcanoes, as well as the geological changes created when they erupt. Another option is to drive around the Crater Rim. Doing so will allow you to stop and check out the steam vents and lava tubes.  

The Okavango Delta in Botswana 

One of the best places to see wildlife in Africa is the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Some of the Earth’s most endangered animals live in this area. If your family loves animals, you can head out on safari to see the elephants, cheetahs, white pelicans, and African wild dogs.  

Sian Ka’an in Mexico 

Sian Ka’an is a biosphere reserve located on the Yucatan Peninsula. This is an excellent family vacation destination if you all love spending time outdoors. You can wander through the tropical forests. Although, I do recommend taking a guide with you. They will ensure you find your way back out. Plus, they can point out all the spider monkeys and jaguars hanging out amongst the trees.  

Time in the water can be spent with nurse sharks, manatees, and sea turtles. You may also want to visit El Castillo. It is a castle that was built more than 1,000 years ago.  

These are the 8 best world heritage sites your family must see while on vacation. Only one of them is a world heritage site in the USA. There are plenty of others in the US I can recommend, though. If your goal is to check all those off your list, or as many as you can in the world, I can make it possible while planning your family vacations.  

So, are you ready to start checking world heritage sites off your list of places to see?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

And if you are not ready to plan a family vacation, sign up for my newsletter. This will ensure you always have access to all the travel information I share.