7 best mother-son trips for an unforgettable time

A mother son trip can nurture your relationship while doing the things you love most. The best mother-son trip ideas include plenty of memory-making activities and bonding time. The experience of embarking on an adventure together is bound to be something you’ll both cherish for years to come.

No, you don’t have to take a trip to really get that mother-son bonding time in but, it definitely doesn’t hurt! Check out unknown locales or visit your old childhood stomping grounds. The possibilities are endless when it’s just you and your little one (who may or may not be all grown up). Set your sights on quality mother-son bonding time ahead.

7 incredible mother-son trips

1. Alaskan cruise

If you’re not in the mood for planning a whole trip, then consider an Alaskan cruise. One of the best parts about a cruise is that they have a list of pre-planned activities. All that’s left for you to do is show up and sign up for all of the things you want to do. All against a scenic, glacier backdrop of course.

2. New York City, New York

Whether your son is 8 or 18, New York is one of the best destinations for mother son trip ideas and that’s because there’s something for everyone. Take a walk through Central Park, visit iconic landmarks and catch a play at the theater. Even if your ideas of great cuisine differ, this is a city with a diverse food scene.

3. San Diego, California

For the outdoorsy duo, San Diego offers plenty of kayaking, scenic hikes, sailing and coastal bike trails. Animal lovers will appreciate a trip to the renowned San Diego Zoo or SeaWorld. Grab souvenirs at the gift shop—this is a great opportunity to grab stuffed animals that appear in your child’s favorite bedtime stories. You could spend the whole day at Balboa Park and still not get enough of all it has to offer.

4. Vail, Colorado

This is a ski trip for the books. This mountain village is known for its snow sports. What better way to get in some mother son bonding than with private ski lessons? You can also go fishing, rafting and mountain climbing. There are plenty of restaurants and shops. The scenic views provide the perfect backdrop for deep conversations.

5. Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is a beautiful city with a lot to offer. Check out local history and lore all against a scenic and gothic backdrop. If you’re both book fiends then, you won’t want to miss Trinity College’s famous library. Plus, if you’re getaway includes a child who is over 21 then you might enjoy a tour of the Guinness Storehouse.

6. Venice, Italy

Picturesque Venice might just be the ideal location for a mother son trip. Imagine wandering cobble stone streets, taking a water taxi and soaking up the history. Not to mention, indulging in delicious pizza, handmade pasta and the best gelato. You could also take a few classes together: learn to row like a gondolier, make your own pasta or take part in a mask-making workshop.

7. Seattle, Washington

Got a Starbucks lover in the family? Take a walk through Pike’s Place Market. Check out the first ever Starbucks store and if you’re there during fall, grab a quintessential pumpkin spice latte. Book a dinner reservation at the Space Needle and take in the city’s views from up top. Go on an underground tour of the city’s subterranean tunnels. Seattle is also close enough to take a road trip down to Oregon or catch a ferry to one of the several islands nearby.

A version of this post was published August 26, 2023. It has been updated.