Set-Jetting with Kids: A Guide to Movie and TV Filming Locations Your Family Can Actually Visit

Remember when your kids begged to visit "that place from the movie?" That impulse has a name: set-jetting - traveling to real-world filming locations from your favorite films and TV shows. And it is exploding.

Set-jetting has become a potential $8 billion industry in the United States alone. Nearly 53% of global travelers say their desire to take a set-jetting trip has increased over the past year, and among Gen Z and Millennials, 81% now plan vacations inspired by movies or TV shows.

For families, set-jetting is pure magic. Your kids already know the stories, the characters, and the worlds. When they step onto that beach from Lilo and Stitch or walk the halls of Hogwarts, they are not just sightseeing; they are living inside their favorite stories.

This guide covers some of the best family-friendly filming locations you can visit in 2026, with specific spots, practical tips, and ideas to make each trip unforgettable.

The Disney Live-Action Trail: Hawaii to Sardinia

Disney has been transforming beloved animated classics into live-action films shot in breathtaking real locations that you can visit.

Lilo and Stitch (2025) - Oahu, Hawaii

The 2025 live-action remake brings Lilo, Stitch, and the concept of ohana to life on the real beaches and towns of Oahu. Unlike the original animated film which drew from Kauai, the live-action version filmed primarily on Oahu, making it easier for families to visit multiple locations.

Key Filming Locations:

Haleiwa Town: This charming North Shore surf town doubled for the fictional town where Lilo lives. Walk the same streets, grab shave ice (a must for any Lilo fan), and soak in the laid-back Hawaiian atmosphere that defines the film.

Kualoa Ranch: Several scenes were filmed at this stunning 4,000-acre private nature reserve. The ranch offers family-friendly tours including ATV rides, horseback riding, and movie site tours covering not just Lilo and Stitch but also Jurassic Park. Book tours at kualoa.com - reservations recommended as tours sell out weeks in advance.

Various North Shore Beaches: Beach scenes were filmed across multiple North Shore locations. While specific beaches vary, the entire North Shore coastline captures the essence of the film.

Practical Tips: Visit during shoulder season (April-May or September-October) for smaller crowds and better prices. Book Kualoa Ranch tours at least two weeks in advance. Rent a car to explore multiple locations, as North Shore is about 45 minutes from Waikiki.

Enchanted (2007) - New York City, USA

This beloved fairy tale-meets-reality film was shot entirely on location in New York City, making it one of the most accessible Disney filming destinations for families. Watch Giselle discover the magic of the real world in places you can visit.

Central Park: The iconic "That's How You Know" musical number was filmed across multiple Central Park locations. Visit Bethesda Terrace and Fountain where the big finale takes place, walk across the romantic Bow Bridge, and rent a rowboat on the Lake - just like in the film. Rowboats are available April through October at the Central Park Boathouse ($25-30/hour, credit card only).

Times Square & Beyond: Giselle emerges from a manhole into the chaos of Times Square - a moment kids love recreating (safely on the sidewalk!). Other filming locations include the Brooklyn Bridge, Columbus Circle, and the Woolworth Building where the climactic ball scene takes place.

Practical Tips: Central Park has over 21 playgrounds, making it easy to combine movie locations with play breaks. The park is free to enter and most filming locations are within walking distance of each other. For a full Enchanted experience, grab lunch at Katz's Delicatessen on the Lower East Side where the wicked Queen makes a memorable appearance!

The Little Mermaid (2023) - Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia might seem like an unexpected choice for a Danish fairy tale, but the island Mediterranean coastline provided the perfect backdrop for Ariel above-water adventures.

Key Filming Locations:

Castelsardo: This medieval town perched on a rocky promontory inspired the CGI design for Prince Eric's castle. While not a direct filming location, the narrow cobblestone streets, ancient castle, and dramatic sea views make it worth visiting to see what inspired the film's iconic kingdom.

Santa Teresa di Gallura and Capo Testa: The primary beach scenes were filmed on Sardinia's stunning northern coast. Rena Majore Beach near Santa Teresa di Gallura provided the golden sands, while the dramatic granite rocks of Capo Testa created the rugged coastline where Ariel first encounters the human world.

Practical Tips: Sardinia is best visited May-June or September-October when weather is warm but crowds are manageable. Rent a car as public transportation is limited. Santa Teresa di Gallura is about 45 minutes from Olbia airport. The northern coast beaches are easily accessible by car, and Castelsardo makes a perfect day trip.

The Wizarding World: Harry Potter UK Trail

No set-jetting guide is complete without Harry Potter. The eight-film franchise created the ultimate family pilgrimage route across the UK, with locations ranging from iconic London spots to remote Scottish highlands.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

While technically not a filming location you can just visit, this is the mothership of Harry Potter tourism and should be every family's first stop. Walk through the actual Great Hall set, stroll down Diagon Alley, and see original props, costumes, and sets from all eight films.

Highlights for Kids: Green screen broomstick experience, butterbeer tastings, the massive Hogwarts castle model, and interactive wand demonstrations. Allow at least four hours.

Booking Essential: This is not a walk-up attraction. Book tickets months in advance at wbstudiotour.co.uk, especially for summer and school holidays. Consider adding the Digital Guide for enhanced family experience.

London Filming Locations

Platform 9 and 3/4 at Kings Cross Station: The famous barrier between platforms 9 and 10 has a permanent installation with a luggage trolley disappearing into the wall. Free to visit, though expect queues for photos. The adjacent Harry Potter shop is dangerous for the wallet.

Leadenhall Market: This stunning Victorian covered market served as Diagon Alley exterior in the first film. Visit the Bull Head Passage entrance for the most recognizable angle.

Millennium Bridge: The pedestrian bridge destroyed by Death Eaters in Half-Blood Prince. Walk across for views of St Paul Cathedral and the Tate Modern.

Oxford - Hogwarts Interiors

Several Oxford colleges served as Hogwarts interiors. Christ Church College dining hall inspired the Great Hall, and its staircase appears in the first film. The Bodleian Library Divinity School became the Hogwarts infirmary. Duke Humfrey Library appears as the Hogwarts restricted section.

Practical Tips: Christ Church requires paid admission and has restricted hours during term. Book a Harry Potter walking tour to access multiple colleges efficiently. Oxford is one hour from London by train.

Scottish Highlands - Hogwarts Express and Exteriors

Glenfinnan Viaduct: The iconic curving railway bridge where the Hogwarts Express steams through Scottish highlands. You can actually ride a steam train across it on the Jacobite Steam Train - book at westcoastrailways.co.uk months ahead as tickets sell out fast. Or view from the ground via a short walk from the Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint car park.

Glencoe: Hagrid Hut location and backdrop for many outdoor Hogwarts scenes. Drive the A82 through the valley for dramatic views. Stop at the Glencoe Visitor Centre for family-friendly walks.

How to Train Your Dragon - Northern Ireland

The 2025 live-action adaptation of DreamWorks beloved animated franchise transforms the fictional Viking village of Berk into stunning Northern Irish reality.

Key Filming Locations:

Giant Causeway: The UNESCO World Heritage site with its 40,000 interlocking basalt columns served as dramatic backdrop for dragon flight sequences. Beyond the film connection, it is genuinely one of the most spectacular natural wonders kids will ever see.

Ballintoy Harbour: This tiny fishing harbor provided the Viking village aesthetic. The rugged coastline, traditional stone buildings, and atmospheric harbor create exactly the world you imagine when reading the books or watching the films. The same location served as the Iron Islands in Game of Thrones, so you can double-dip on set-jetting.

Dark Hedges: An avenue of atmospheric beech trees that create a tunnel-like canopy. While its connection to How to Train Your Dragon is unconfirmed, it is on the same Causeway Coastal Route and is magical enough to feel like dragon territory. Also famous as the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones.

Practical Tips: Base yourself in Portrush or Bushmills for easy access to all locations. Visit Giant Causeway early morning or late afternoon to avoid cruise ship crowds. The Causeway Coastal Route drive is stunning but narrow in places, so take your time. Kids will love the rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede, but it is not for those afraid of heights.

Star Wars - A Galaxy of Real Locations

The Star Wars saga has filmed across some of the most stunning landscapes on Earth. For families with young Jedi, these locations offer the chance to walk where Luke, Rey, and countless other heroes have stood.

Key Filming Locations:

Skellig Michael, Ireland: This remote island off the Irish coast served as Luke Skywalker hermit retreat in The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. The ancient beehive huts and dramatic cliffs are unforgettable. Note: Access is limited and weather-dependent, with boats departing from Portmagee. Book well in advance and prepare for a potentially rough crossing. Not suitable for very young children.

Puzzlewood, England: This ancient woodland in the Forest of Dean doubled for various forest scenes. The twisted trees and moss-covered rocks create an otherworldly atmosphere kids will love. Family-friendly paths make it accessible for all ages.

Tunisia: The original Tatooine. Matmata troglodyte dwellings served as Luke childhood home, and you can still visit the Hotel Sidi Driss where the interior scenes were filmed. Mos Espa sets near Tozeur still stand in the desert. Best for older kids who can handle desert heat.

Practical Tips: Ireland Skellig Michael trips require advance booking and good weather. Consider the Skellig Experience visitor center on Valentia Island as an alternative for younger children. For Tunisia, join an organized Star Wars tour to find all the scattered filming locations.

The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit - New Zealand

New Zealand fully embraced its role as Middle-earth, and the country remains the ultimate destination for Tolkien fans of all ages. The landscapes are so spectacular that even kids who have not seen the films will be enchanted.

Key Filming Locations:

Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata: This is the crown jewel of Middle-earth tourism. The fully preserved Hobbit village features 44 Hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and the Party Tree. Unlike most film sets, this one was built to last. Book tours at hobbitontours.com well in advance - this attraction often sells out months ahead, especially December through February.

Tongariro National Park: Mount Ngauruhoe served as Mount Doom, and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the world best day hikes. The full crossing is challenging (19.4km), but shorter walks like the Taranaki Falls Loop are family-friendly and still capture the volcanic landscape.

Wellington - Weta Workshop: The special effects company behind the films offers studio tours where you can see props, costumes, and learn how movie magic is made. Kids love the hands-on workshops where they can learn creature design and weapon-making techniques. Book tours at wetaworkshop.com - walk-ins welcome but tours often fill up in high season.

Kaitoke Regional Park: The Rivendell filming location, complete with a recreation of the Elven arch for photos. Easy walking trails through native bush make this suitable for all fitness levels. Free to visit.

Practical Tips: Book Hobbiton tours well in advance, especially during New Zealand summer (December-February). Consider a dedicated Middle-earth tour operator if you want to visit multiple locations efficiently. Wellington makes a great base for the North Island locations, with Weta Workshop and several other filming spots nearby.

Paddington Bear - London, England

Everyone favorite marmalade-loving bear has turned London into a family set-jetting paradise. The Paddington films showcase iconic London landmarks alongside charming neighborhood streets that families can easily explore.

Essential Locations:

Paddington Station: Where else would you start? The station where Paddington first arrived from Peru has a bronze statue of the bear that kids love posing with. Visit the Paddington Bear shop for official merchandise and stop by the station cafe for marmalade sandwiches.

Primrose Hill: The neighborhood where the Brown family lives. Walk up Chalcot Crescent to see the colorful Georgian townhouses that inspired the exterior of the Brown family home. The pastel-painted houses are incredibly photogenic.

Portobello Road Market: Featured prominently in Paddington 2, this famous Notting Hill market is perfect for families. Visit on Saturday for the full experience with antiques, street food, and buskers. Look for the antique shop that inspired Gruber antiques.

Natural History Museum: The stunning Victorian museum appears in Paddington 2 and is already one of London best free family attractions. Kids can recreate scenes in the grand entrance hall with its famous dinosaur displays.

Tower Bridge: The climactic scene in the first film features Tower Bridge dramatically. Walk across and visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition for glass floor views. Combine with a visit to the Tower of London nearby.

Practical Tips: Create a Paddington trail by walking from Primrose Hill through Regents Park to Paddington Station. Buy an Oyster card or use contactless payment for easy tube travel. Watch both Paddington films before your trip as they showcase different locations. The British Museum (also featured) is another excellent free stop.

Making the Most of Your Set-Jetting Trip

Prepare Before You Go: Watch the film together before your trip, multiple times if possible. Discuss which scenes you want to recreate. Print screenshots of specific shots to help you remember.

Go Beyond the Obvious: Filming locations are just the starting point. Research the local culture, food, and history. The best set-jetting trips layer movie magic onto genuine travel experiences.

Document Everything: Recreate movie poses and scenes. Compare your photos to film stills. Let kids direct their own short films. These become treasured memories that connect your family to the story forever.

Manage Expectations: Some locations look different from the film due to movie magic, weather, or changed landscapes. Part of the fun is discovering what is real versus what was enhanced for the screen.

Your Family Adventure Awaits

Set-jetting transforms family travel from something kids endure into something they actively crave. When you visit these locations, you are not just checking boxes on a tourist itinerary - you are walking into stories your children already love.

Start planning your own set-jetting adventure. Pick a destination from this guide, watch the film together, and start dreaming about standing in those same magical places.

Which filming location is your family most excited to visit? Let us know in the comments!

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Related Reading: For more on how family travel is evolving in 2026, check out our guide to Family Travel Trends: How Kidfluence is Reshaping Vacations

Sources: Set-jetting statistics cited from Expedia Group's 2024 Travel Trends Report and Expedia's 2026 Set-Jetting Forecast, which surveyed over 20,000 travelers across 14 countries on film and TV-inspired travel preferences.