Books About Family Vacations · 56 titles considered

The Best Family Vacations Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about family vacations? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Elevator Family
#1 in Series
#15 in Series
Graphic Nov.
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Family Vacations

Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2009

The Elevator Family

By Douglas Evans · Book #1 in the Elevator Family series

The Wilsons' vacation takes a quirky turn when they live in a hotel elevator for three days.

96 pages· 8,991 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
3.8/5 Goodreads · 525 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: The Wilson family arrives at a San Francisco hotel only to find no rooms available. Undeterred, they make the elevator their temporary home. Over three days, they encounter a parade of quirky characters, from a lovesick bellhop to a British rock band. Each encounter brings unexpected adventures and laughter, turning their unusual stay into a memorable escapade. Will the Wilsons find the best room is the one with constant ups and downs? Join them for a whimsical ride in 'The Elevator Family,' where every floor holds a new surprise.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

Secret of the Staircase

Brothers must solve a mystery or face lurking dangers beneath a historic hotel.

158 pages· 25,773 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 464 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Brothers Sam and Derek face a mystery at Richmond's historic Jefferson Hotel. When wedding rings vanish and Sam is accused, they must uncover the truth. Are the hotel's eerie sounds and shadows linked to its past, or is something more sinister at play? As they navigate secret passageways, the boys must solve the mystery before becoming prey to the hotel's unusual guests. Can they clear Sam's name and save the wedding in time?
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2023

Zion Gold Rush

A hidden gold mine lures three adventurers into Zion's secrets.

183 pages· 25,662 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 319 ratings
$35.64Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Isaiah, Sadie, and Ethan are drawn into a thrilling adventure after hearing a ranger's tale of a hidden gold mine in Zion National Park. Their quest takes a mysterious turn when they discover a cryptic carving on a stone face. What secrets does the park hold, and will they uncover the treasure before it's too late?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

The Cat Stole My Pants

Timmy faces threats and mystery in Key West, relying on an unexpected ally to save his life.

288 pages· 20,261 words· Est. 3 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,000 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Timmy's Florida trip for his mom's possible wedding turns chaotic when crime strikes. With his usual partner gone, Timmy teams up with Emilio, a new ally, to unravel a mystery that could save his life. Amidst the chaos, a surprise visitor and a mischievous six-toed cat add to the mayhem. Can Timmy solve the case before it's too late?
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2014

Liberty

By Ellen Miles · Book #32 in the The Puppy Place series

A lost puppy needs a home after fireworks scare her away.

96 pages· 5,612 words· Est. 47 min read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 386 ratings
$4.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: During a July 4th beach trip, the Peterson family encounters Liberty, a golden retriever puppy frightened by fireworks and separated from her owners. Can Charles and Lizzie help reunite her with her family, even while on vacation? Join the adventure as they navigate challenges and heartwarming moments to find Liberty's forever home.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2009

Bear

By Ellen Miles · Book #14 in the The Puppy Place series

A young girl and her family go on a skiing vacation in Vermont and meet a lost puppy who needs a home.

80 pages· 11,265 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 722 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Mass Market Paperbound
Summary: During a winter vacation in Vermont, 10-year-old Lizzie Peterson discovers Bear, a husky abandoned by his sled team. As a snowstorm hits, Lizzie rescues Bear, determined to find him a home where he's cherished. Her journey leads her to Fern, a young musher, offering a thrilling ride and a potential solution. Can Lizzie secure Bear's future and give him the love he deserves?
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2013

Amelia Bedelia Road Trip!

A young girl goes on a road trip with her parents and learns about the joys of exploration and friendship.

160 pages· 10,909 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 930 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Young Amelia Bedelia embarks on a family road trip, where her literal interpretations of language spark a series of comical mishaps. Will her unique perspective turn the journey into an unforgettable adventure? With her warm spirit and love for idioms, Amelia's antics promise laughter and surprises at every turn. Join her in this delightful chapter book, perfect for fans of Judy Moody and Ivy + Bean, as she navigates the world with her charmingly literal outlook. Can Amelia's family keep up with her unpredictable adventures, or will her misunderstandings lead to unexpected discoveries?
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2015

Stella

By Ellen Miles · Book #36 in the The Puppy Place series

A family goes on a camping trip and meets a deaf puppy.

96 pages· 12,590 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 284 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Charles and Lizzie foster puppies, but Stella, a Maltese, presents a unique challenge. She doesn't respond to commands, and Charles discovers she's deaf. Can he teach her to thrive and find her a loving home?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

The Deep End

A family camping trip turns into a watery disaster. Can they escape the rising tide?

226 pages· 15,602 words· Est. 3 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 30,780 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Hardcover
Summary: Greg Heffley and his family embark on a cross-country camping trip, seeking adventure. But when they become stranded at a less-than-ideal RV park, their vacation takes a turn for the worse. As torrential rains flood the area, the Heffleys must navigate rising waters and unexpected challenges. Will they salvage their getaway, or are they in over their heads? Dive into this hilarious and unpredictable journey in the latest installment of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series.
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2016

Isadora Moon Goes Camping

A camping trip turns magical when a vampire-fairy meets a mysterious sea friend.

128 pages· 6,163 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,488 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Isadora Moon, half-fairy and half-vampire, embarks on a beach camping trip with her family. While they enjoy typical activities like roasting marshmallows and building sandcastles, Isadora's magical nature leads her on a nighttime adventure. Under the moonlit sea, she encounters an unusual friend, sparking a whimsical journey. What secrets will this new friendship reveal, and how will it change Isadora's world? Dive into the enchanting escapades of a unique girl balancing two extraordinary worlds.
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Family Vacations Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about family vacations for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Clifford Takes a Trip

Ages 3–5 · 1966

Can Clifford find Emily Elizabeth on her faraway vacation?

Sale price
$599

The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Vacation

Ages 3–7 · 1989

A family goes on a disastrous vacation in the Great Grizzly Mountains

Charlie & Mouse Outdoors

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A young boy and his brother go on a road trip with their parents and have various adventures along the way.

Are We There Yet?

Ages 5–6 · 2016

A boy's car ride turns into a time-travel adventure through history's wonders and mysteries.

The Night Before Summer Vacation

Ages 4–8 · 2002

A family packs for vacation, but something crucial is forgotten.

Our Great Big Backyard

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A summer road trip transforms Jane's screen-filled days into a journey of nature's wonders and discovery.

The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Car Trip

Ages 4–8 · 2006

Cubs dread a road trip through Bear Country with eager parents.

The Berenstain Bears' Seashore Treasure

Ages 4–8 · 2005

A treasure map turns a beach trip into a thrilling hunt.

Froggy Goes to Hawaii

Ages 3–5 · 2011

A frog's Hawaiian adventure goes hilariously awry.

Heidi Heckelbeck: Sunshine Magic

Ages 5–9 · 2023

A family vacation reveals a magical secret that changes everything.

Mia Mayhem Rides the Waves

Ages 5–9 · 2021

Mia faces unexpected waves on a family surfing adventure.

I Am Brave

Ages 4–6 · 2018

A girl faces fears on vacation, discovering courage through adventure and affirmations.

View all family vacations picture books
Browse by age

Family Vacations Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about family vacations for developing and independent readers.

Wedgie & Gizmo vs. the Great Outdoors

Ages 8–12 · 2018

Rival pets embark on a chaotic camping trip, plotting world domination and woodland mischief.

The Getaway

Ages 8–12 · 2017

A tropical getaway turns chaotic with unexpected troubles threatening a family's vacation.

The Long Haul

Ages 8–12 · 2014

A family road trip spirals into chaos and unexpected adventure.

Aloha-ha-ha!

Ages 6–9 · 2006

A young girl goes on a trip to Hawaii with her family and learns about the island's culture and wildlife.

Sale price
$599

Judy Moody Declares Independence

Ages 6–9 · 2005

A young girl named Judy Moody travels to Boston with her family and learns about American history and independence.

The Great Shark Mystery

Ages 7–10 · 2003

A great white shark is in danger at an aquarium. Can the children save it?

Horrid Henry and the Mega-Mean Time Machine

Ages 7–10 · 2005

A mischievous boy's time machine prank leads to unexpected hilarity.

Fudge-A-Mania

Ages 7–11 · 1990

A family's summer vacation in Maine is filled with unexpected events and surprises.

The Mystery Cruise

Ages 7–10 · 1992

A cruise turns mysterious with false alarms and sabotage. Who's behind it?

Nighty-Nightmare

Ages 8–12 · 1987

Lost in the woods, friends face sinister forces and a mysterious tale.

Blue Bay Mystery

Ages 7–10 · 1961

Four siblings and their friend Mike go on a trip to a South Seas island with their grandfather and a sailor named Lars.

Houseboat Mystery

Ages 7–10 · 1967

Four siblings spend their summer vacation on a houseboat, where they become embroiled in a mystery involving a stolen vase and a pair of suspicious men.

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