From ancient trade routes to gleaming skylines and glacier-carved valleys, this 15-day family itinerary threads together the Middle East, the USA, and the Canadian Rockies. You’ll stand atop desert escarpments outside Riyadh, wander Kuwait’s corniche, time-travel in Dubai’s museums and souks, ride sky-high in New York’s observatories, and finish among Alberta’s turquoise lakes and wildlife. It’s paced for families, with plenty of coffee stops, play spaces, and photo-friendly vistas.

History hums beneath the surface: Riyadh’s Tuwaiq cliffs once overlooked seas; Kuwait’s dhows carried pearls and spices; Dubai’s Creek birthed a global city; New York’s harbor welcomed millions; and Banff is the world’s third-oldest national park. Expect welcoming cuisines—Najdi kabsa, Kuwaiti machboos, Emirati luqaimat, NYC everything bagels, and Alberta bison—plus markets for browsing and kid-pleasing treats.

Practical notes: modest dress is appreciated in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait (alcohol is prohibited); Dubai serves alcohol in licensed venues; the U.S. requires ESTA/visa for many travelers; Canada may require an eTA. With a moderate budget (39/100), this plan leans on value-forward hotels, public transit, and small-group tours—while still saving a couple of splashy moments for the memory books.

Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s capital fuses deep-rooted Najdi heritage with modern ambition. By day, discover mud-brick forts and the National Museum; by evening, promenade in Boulevard Riyadh City under neon art. Photographers love the warm sandstone palette, geometric doors of Al Diriyah, and the vast desert escarpment aptly named the “Edge of the World.”

Fun fact: fossils at the Tuwaiq cliffs hint the land once lay under an ancient sea. For families, days are easy to fill with museums, short hikes, and shawarma stops.

Days 1–3: Old Riyadh, Museums, and the Edge of the World

• Museums and heritage: Pair the National Museum with Masmak Fort and Souq Al Zal for incense, textiles, and antiques. Great for context before the desert.
• Desert hike and stargazing (family highlight):

  

  Edge of The World Riyadh with Camel Ride, Bat Cave & Dinner — gentle hiking, epic views, and an easy camel ride to delight kids.
• Sand fun, quick thrills:

  

  Riyadh Desert Safari: Dune Bashing, ATV, Camel & Sandboard — choose a shorter package for younger kids.
• Coffee & family eats:
  • Elixir Bunn and Camel Step Coffee Roasters for specialty beans and latte art breaks.
  • Urth Caffé (Tahlia) for breakfast bowls and kid-approved pancakes.
  • Najd Village for floor-seating feasts of kabsa and jareesh; Mama Noura for budget-friendly shawarmas; Takya for modern Saudi flavors.
• Shopping: Boulevard Riyadh City for entertainment and lights; Al Nakheel Mall for brands and play areas.

Where to stay (Riyadh): - Value: Ibis Riyadh Olaya Street (central, family-friendly rooms).
- Mid-range: Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter (quiet setting, pool).
- Splurge: The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh (palatial spaces, gardens).
- Browse more: Vacation rentals on VRBO (Riyadh) | Hotels on Hotels.com (Riyadh)

Getting there: Search flights to Riyadh on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Airport to city is ~40–60 min by taxi.

Travel to Kuwait City (morning of Day 4): 1h 20m flight, ~$90–$180 economy. Compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Kuwait City

Shaped by pearl divers, desert routes, and oil-era architecture, Kuwait City blends seaside calm with bold landmarks like the Kuwait Towers and the 36-km Sheikh Jaber Causeway. Families can relax in Al Shaheed Park’s gardens and fountains, then head to Souq Mubarakiya for spices and sweets.

It’s compact and easygoing—ideal for a two-day snapshot of culture, shopping, and sunset photography along the corniche.

Days 4–5: Towers, Souq Mubarakiya, and the Desert Edge

• City overview tour (efficient with kids):

  

  Kuwait Half Day City & Desert Tour — Kuwait Towers, Al Shaheed Park, a peek at the desert, and local history.
• Deep-dive in town:

  

  Kuwait City Half Day Tour — causeway panoramas and heritage stops.
• Coffee & eats:
  • Vol.1 and % Arabica (Al Shaheed Park) for flat whites with park views.
  • Cocoa Room for indulgent breakfasts; Mais Alghanim for crowd-pleasing Lebanese grills.
  • Freej Swaileh to try Kuwaiti machboos and marag stew; Souq Mubarakiya stalls for spices, dates, and halwa.
• Shopping: The Avenues Mall has kid zones and global brands; evenings on the corniche are perfect for scooters and photos.

Where to stay (Kuwait City): - Value: Ibis Sharq Kuwait (central, breakfast options).
- Beachy mid-range: Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa (pools, kids’ club).
- Splurge: Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya (top service, indoor/outdoor pools).
- Browse more: Vacation rentals on VRBO (Kuwait City) | Hotels on Hotels.com (Kuwait City)

Travel to Dubai (morning of Day 6): 1h 45m flight, ~$100–$220 economy. Compare fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Dubai

From wind-tower alleyways in Al Fahidi to the Burj Khalifa’s stratospheric decks, Dubai is a city of contrasts. Kids love abra rides across Dubai Creek, aquarium tunnels, desert camp shows, and the hands-on Museum of the Future. Shoppers can zigzag from gold and spice souks to futuristic malls.

Photography tip: golden hour along the Dubai Water Canal, then the Dubai Fountain show for reflections and nighttime sparkle.

Days 6–8: Old Dubai, Burj Views, Museum of the Future, and Desert Camp

• Old Dubai tastings + souks (walking, snacks, culture):

  

  Dubai Aladdin Tour: Souks, Creek, Old Dubai & Tastings.
• Skyline icons:

  

  Burj Khalifa: At The Top tickets for panoramic family photos, ideally at sunset.
• Future play:

  

  Museum of the Future — immersive, hands-on, and inspiring for kids and adults.
• Desert evening with BBQ (kid-friendly shows, short camel rides):

  

  Premium Red Dunes Safari with Camel Ride & 5* BBQ.
• Coffee & eats:
  • Nightjar Coffee Roasters (Alserkal Avenue) and The Sum of Us for standout brews and pastries.
  • Arabian Tea House (Al Fahidi) for Emirati breakfasts and shady courtyards.
  • Dinner ideas: Bu Qtair for fresh fried fish; Ravi Restaurant for Pakistani classics; Al Fanar for family-style Emirati dishes.
• Shopping: Dubai Mall (KidZania, aquarium), Gold & Spice Souks, and boutique browsing at Alserkal Avenue.
• Optional: A family cooking class in Old Dubai (ask your concierge for current schedules) to learn luqaimat and regag.

Where to stay (Dubai): - Value favorite: Rove Downtown Dubai (near Burj, playful common spaces).
- Splash-out icons: Atlantis, The Palm (Aquaventure access) or Burj Al Arab Jumeirah (bucket-list stay).
- Browse more: Vacation rentals on VRBO (Dubai) | Hotels on Hotels.com (Dubai)

Travel to New York City (morning of Day 9): Nonstop ~13h 30m (Emirates to JFK/EWR), ~$650–$1,100 economy depending on season. Compare on Trip.com and Kiwi.com.

New York City

Skyscrapers, pocket parks, galleries, and a thousand snacks—NYC is endlessly walkable and endlessly photogenic. Families can mix ferry rides with museum time, pizza pilgrimages, and playground stops. For sweeping views, choose one observation deck by day and another at night.

Insider tip: aim for a harbor cruise or Brooklyn Bridge walk near sunset for golden light on the skyline.

Days 9–12: Icons, Museums, Parks, and Foodie Fun

• City overview in one go (saves transit with kids):

  

  New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour.
• Sky-high experience:

  

  SUMMIT One Vanderbilt — mirrors, art, and views that kids adore.
• Lady Liberty + Ellis Island (history that resonates):

  

  Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island (guided).
• Neighborhood food tour (family favorite):

  

  Chinatown & Little Italy Food Tour.
• Museums & parks: American Museum of Natural History (dinosaurs), the High Line for artful strolls, Central Park for boat rentals and playgrounds.
• Coffee & eats:
  • Devoción (Williamsburg/Flatiron) for bright, Colombian brews; Joe Coffee and Culture Espresso near Bryant Park.
  • Breakfast: Russ & Daughters (bagels and smoked fish), Bubby’s (pancakes), Clinton St. Baking Company (blueberry pancakes).
  • Lunch/Dinner: Los Tacos No. 1 (Chelsea Market), Katz’s Delicatessen (pastrami), Juliana’s Pizza (Brooklyn) for coal-fired pies.
• Shopping: SoHo boutiques, Chelsea Market treats, and book hunting at the Strand.
• Optional: A family cooking class (e.g., kid-friendly pasta or dumplings)—ask your hotel for current local workshops.

Where to stay (NYC): - Budget-smart: Pod 51 Hotel (Midtown, compact rooms, great base).
- Family suites: Residence Inn by Marriott Times Square (kitchenettes, breakfast included).
- Splurge classics: The St. Regis New York or The Plaza Hotel (Central Park proximity).
- Browse more: Hotels on Hotels.com (NYC)

Travel to Alberta (morning of Day 13): NYC to Calgary (YYC) ~5–7h (nonstop or 1-stop), ~$170–$350 economy. Compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. YYC to Banff shuttle ~1h 45m; rental cars run ~$50–$80/day.

Banff (Alberta)

Welcome to Canada’s Rockies—glacier-fed lakes, pine forests, and wildlife from elk to bighorn sheep. Banff Town is compact and walkable, with bakeries, gear shops, and mountain vistas everywhere you look. It’s the perfect finale for hikers and photographers.

Pro tip: Moraine Lake is best at sunrise; book shuttles in advance and pack layers—the alpine weather changes quickly.

Days 13–15: Gondola Views, Lake Louise & Moraine Lake, and the Icefield

• Big views without a big hike:

  

  Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain for boardwalks and interpretive exhibits.
• Lake day (family favorite):

  

  Moraine Lake & Lake Louise Shuttle — easy access for photos and shoreline walks.
• Glacier adventure (older kids love this):

  

  Columbia Icefield & Glacier Skywalk (allow most of a day).
• Easy hikes & wildlife: Tunnel Mountain (short, rewarding), Bow Falls stroll, and evening wildlife drives; consider the Banff Park Museum for a quick educational stop.
• Coffee & eats:
  • Whitebark Café and Wild Flour Bakery for cappuccinos, cinnamon buns, and picnic supplies.
  • Bear Street Tavern (pizza + honey chili dip), Park Distillery (campfire-inspired fare), Nourish Bistro (vegetarian crowd-pleaser).
  • Sweet treat: warm BeaverTails pastries on Banff Ave.

Where to stay (Banff): - Value & space: Consider condos in nearby Canmore (often better rates for families).
- Browse: Vacation rentals on VRBO (Banff/Canmore) | Hotels on Hotels.com (Banff)

Travel Timeline (At a Glance)

• Days 1–3: Riyadh (arrive Day 1)
• Day 4–5: Kuwait City (AM flight from Riyadh)
• Days 6–8: Dubai (AM flight from Kuwait)
• Days 9–12: New York City (AM flight from Dubai)
• Days 13–15: Banff/Alberta (AM flight to Calgary; shuttle to Banff)

In fifteen days you’ll cross deserts, creeks, canyons, and continents—gathering family memories from souk tastings to glacier strolls. This route balances must-see highlights with downtime, great food, and kid-approved adventures. Keep your camera ready; every stop delivers a postcard moment.