Each summer thousands of families pack up the minivan, hop on a plane or board a ship for their annual family vacation. It’s a time to take a break from the routine of school and work, bond with one another and make memories. It can also be a perfect opportunity to learn about history and geography and appreciate the astounding beauty of our Earth. For a successful mix of all these elements, we’ve chosen seven World Heritage Sites that will keep kids engaged as your family bonds and learns together.

UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites are fascinating vacation destinations because they are deemed to have important cultural and natural significance. By visiting them, your family will learn about the people and places that made lasting contributions to our world. There are currently 1,007 properties listed worldwide, each with unique history and draw, but here are our top picks for family-friendly sites.

7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites That Will Keep Kids Engaged

Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada – Some of the most important “Age of Reptiles” fossil discoveries ever found were in the heart of Alberta’s badlands. Families can enjoy authentic dinosaur digs, guided hikes and photography tours of unusual wildlife and stunning landscapes.

Grand Canyon, Arizona – It took the Colorado River six million years to carve the most spectacular gorge in the world. The twisting, turning gorge is up to 18 miles wide and a mile deep, providing dramatic panoramic views from the rim, hiking, and exhilarating mule rides into the gorge.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – Visit two of the most active volcanoes in the world, Mauna Loa and Kilauea, on the Big Island of Hawaii to view active lava flows and see how the volcanic process and lava flow continues to change the landscape. Learn Hawaiian mythology about Pele, the goddess of fire, drive the 11-mile Crater Rim Drive, and visit a beach with black sand.

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, Mexico – Every autumn hundreds of millions of monarch butterflies return to the rugged forested mountains about 100 km northwest of Mexico City. There are so many that fluttering orange clusters actually bend tree limbs with their weight. How successive generations of monarchs return to the same spot each year is a beautiful mystery.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador – This “living museum” in the Pacific Ocean is one of the richest marine ecosystems in the world. Travelers of all ages will delight in the diverse flora and fauna: swim with sea lions, come face-to-face with marine iguanas and giant tortoises, and see the only penguins in the northern hemisphere.

Machu Picchu, Peru – This mysterious Lost City of the Incas is an architectural, astronomical and agricultural marvel. Set at an elevation of 8,000 feet in the tropical Peruvian Andes, the ruins are a spectacular site. Explore the nearly 200 houses, palaces and temples built from perfectly fitted stone blocks and make the challenging climb up Huayna Picchu for a bird’s eye view of the complex.

Colosseum and Roman Forum, Rome – The historic center of Rome holds multiple World Heritage Sites that will keep kids engaged and enthralled. Trace the history of the Eternal City and spark their imaginations by exploring the ancient Roman Forum and the huge arena that was the site of chariot races and gory gladiator matches.

The key to successful family travel is to include sites and activities that will interest each member. These seven World Heritage Sites offer educational and cultural stimulation for all ages. To find out more about these and other great family travel destinations, contact the knowledgeable vacation advisors at Covington Travel.