Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk through history? Not in a museum, but in the middle of a real, forgotten town? Picture dusty wooden saloons, creaky schoolhouses, and deserted main streets that seem frozen in time. Exploring family-friendly ghost towns is more than an adventure. It’s a living history lesson that lets parents and kids imagine life in another era.

And despite the eerie name, many of these ghost towns are perfectly safe, accessible, and fascinating for families. You’ll find ranger-guided tours, nearby lodging, and places to picnic or stop for lunch. So, pack your camera. Bring sturdy shoes. And get ready to explore ghost towns around the world that are waiting to share their stories.

Family Friendly Ghost Towns to Explore Together

Bodie, California – Gold Rush Dreams Still Whisper in this Family Friendly Ghost Town

Tucked high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Bodie feels like a movie set that time forgot. Once home to 10,000 gold miners, the town still stands much as it did over a century ago. Wooden storefronts lean against the wind. And old homes still hold rusted tin cups and schoolbooks covered in dust.

Today, Bodie is preserved as a State Historic Park. This means it’s safe and easy for families to explore.

Kids love peering through windows to see old toys. And adults marvel at the untouched artifacts. There are restrooms, picnic areas, and even guided tours that bring the Wild West back to life.

Summer and early fall are ideal for visiting before the mountain roads close for snow.

Does your family love spooky things? Check out these haunted towns in the US! 

Villa Epecuén, Argentina – The Family Friendly Ghost Town That Rose from the Water

Imagine a vacation town so beautiful that visitors once traveled by train from Buenos Aires to soak in its healing mineral waters. That was Villa Epecuén. Well, until a massive flood in 1985 swallowed it whole.

For decades, the town lay beneath the lake until the waters finally receded, revealing eerie, salt-bleached ruins.

Walking through Villa Epecuén today feels like stepping into a living science experiment. Families can explore safely on guided tours. Imagine learning how nature both destroyed and preserved this remarkable place.

It’s a hauntingly beautiful reminder of resilience. A story even kids can connect with.

Mandu, India – Palaces in the Clouds

Perched on a lush plateau in Madhya Pradesh, Mandu was once the capital of a mighty kingdom. Centuries later, the palaces, mosques, and temples still stand strong amid the jungle.

Mandu is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area welcomes families with local guides who share stories of sultans, poets, and ancient love tales.

Because it’s a protected site, Mandu is well-maintained and safe to explore. Visit between October and March when the weather is cooler. And plan extra time if your visit overlaps with the colorful Ganesh Chaturthi Festival. A vibrant celebration that fills the abandoned courtyards with music and life once again.

Craco, Italy – A Medieval Mystery on the Hill

Perched dramatically on a rocky hilltop, Craco looks like a movie backdrop. And it actually is. Films like The Passion of the Christ were shot here for its cinematic ruins.

Founded in the 8th century, Craco thrived for centuries before earthquakes and landslides forced residents to leave.

Today, it’s a protected archaeological site. But it’s open to visitors on guided tours. Families can walk the narrow alleys. Peer into the crumbling university. And imagine medieval students rushing to class.

Because tours are required, safety is ensured. And the guides share fascinating insights that keep even kids engaged.

Spring and autumn offer mild weather for exploring this hauntingly beautiful spot.

Check out these must-see small towns in Italy! 

Kolmanskop, Namibia – A Desert Swallowed by Sand

The shimmering Namib Desert hides one of the world’s most photogenic ghost towns… Kolmanskop. Founded by German settlers during the diamond rush, it once had elegant homes, a ballroom, and even an ice factory.

When the diamonds ran out, the desert reclaimed the town, filling hallways with dunes.

Families love this destination for its surreal beauty and easy access. A short drive from Lüderitz, Kolmanskop offers guided tours, shaded rest stops, and even photography workshops.

Children are fascinated by the way sand flows through doorways like rivers of gold dust. Visit in the early morning to avoid desert heat and catch the best light for photos.

Spinalonga, Greece – The Island of Lost Stories

Off the coast of Crete, the small island of Spinalonga is steeped in layered history. Venetian fortresses. Ottoman strongholds. And later, a leper colony where patients built a thriving community of their own.

Today, families can reach Spinalonga by a short boat ride from Elounda or Plaka. Kids love exploring the stone tunnels and fortress walls. And parents appreciate the panoramic views of turquoise seas.

There are restrooms, snack bars, and plenty of open space for little legs to run. Despite its somber past, Spinalonga feels peaceful, even hopeful. A place that tells stories of courage and endurance.

Humberstone, Chile – A Desert Playground of History

Deep in Chile’s Atacama Desert lies Humberstone, a once-booming mining town that produced saltpeter, also known as “white gold.” When global markets shifted, the town was abandoned. Schools, factories, and even a swimming pool made from an old ship’s hull were all left behind.

Now part of a UNESCO-protected site, Humberstone is open for families to explore freely. The dry desert air has preserved much of the town, making it feel like a time capsule.

Kids can climb aboard rusted locomotives or stand in the silent theater imagining a show from decades past. Bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. The desert sun is no joke!

Travel Tips for Visiting Family-Friendly Ghost Towns

Exploring ghost towns as a family can be both educational and fun. As long as you plan ahead.

• Safety: Stick to marked paths and follow posted signs. Many sites have loose debris or uneven ground.

• Accessibility: Most major ghost towns like Bodie, Humberstone, and Spinalonga offer guided tours, parking, and restrooms nearby.

• Timing: Spring and fall offer the best weather for outdoor exploration.

• Supplies: Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and closed-toe shoes. And always keep a camera handy!

• Interest for kids: Turn it into a treasure hunt! Ask children to spot old tools, school desks, or items from the past to make the experience interactive.

Every ghost town holds stories of dreams, hardships, and communities that once thrived. Visiting these places isn’t about chasing ghosts. It’s about connecting generations. It’s about showing your children that history isn’t just in textbooks. History is all around us, waiting quietly in the dust for someone curious enough to listen.

So, if your family craves a unique adventure filled with wonder, history, and a hint of mystery, pack your bags and set out to explore the world’s most family-friendly ghost towns. You might just find that the past has plenty to teach the present.

So, are you ready to take a vacation and visit one of these family friendly ghost towns?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. Clicking the link will take you directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not ready to schedule a vacation to a family friendly ghost town just yet, you can sign up for my newsletter by clicking here. This will ensure you continue to receive all the travel information I share.