Families Plan Vacations Around Pokémon GO Events

Pokémon GO Fest and other in-person gaming events have become a central part of family travel plans.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

More families are skipping traditional tourist spots and choosing trips tailored to their specific interests, like Pokémon GO. Pokémon GO Fest, an event where fans gather to play the game, has become a centerpiece for family vacations, with parents and kids alike enjoying the experience of catching rare Pokémon and trading with other players. Families are building entire trips around these gaming events, exploring the host cities and creating unforgettable memories.

Why it matters

This trend highlights a shift in family travel, moving away from one-size-fits-all sightseeing toward more customized, experience-driven vacations that reflect personal interests and nostalgia. Pokémon GO events provide an engaging, interactive way for families to bond over a shared passion, while also exploring new destinations.

The details

Pokémon GO Fest is an annual event held in multiple cities where players gather to catch rare Pokémon, participate in group raids, and trade with each other. Families are planning entire trips around these events, using them as a centerpiece to explore the host cities. They visit landmarks, try local cuisine, and create lasting memories playing the game together. The events provide an immersive, social experience that appeals to both parents and children.

  • Pokémon GO Fest takes place annually in multiple cities around the world.
  • The writer attended the Pokémon GO Fest event in New York City in July.

The players

Marisa LaScala

The writer of the article and a senior parenting and relationships editor at Good Housekeeping.

Madeline Miller

A writer at Academized.com who traveled from Chicago to attend the Pokémon GO Fest event in New York City with her family.

Melody Morton

A Pokémon GO player from the Dallas Fort Worth area who has planned multiple trips to New York City for the Pokémon GO Fest event.

Samantha Collum

The Director of Operations at River Oaks Travel Concierge, who has planned Pokémon GO-themed trips for clients.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This taps into a big trend among millennial parents: designing travel around experiences that feel personal, nostalgic and interactive.”

— Samantha Collum, Director of Operations at River Oaks Travel Concierge

“The game gave us the perfect reason to take a family vacation. The kids' passion for it helped us decide to blend their interest with an opportunity to discover a new city.”

— Madeline Miller, Writer at Academized.com

“Playing the game at home is fine, but sharing it with thousands of like-minded people creates an unforgettable experience.”

— Madeline Miller, Writer at Academized.com

“Doing a GO Fest vacation is not one where you're gonna relax and do nothing. You do so much walking and exploring. My husband and I try to get in as much exercise we can, and we always feel accomplished after GO Fest.”

— Melody Morton, Pokémon GO player

What’s next

The writer's daughter is interested in visiting a Pokémon Center in Japan, and the writer has started saving money for a future trip to Tokyo.

The takeaway

Families are increasingly designing their vacations around shared passions and nostalgic interests, like Pokémon GO, creating more personalized and memorable travel experiences. These themed trips allow parents and children to bond over a common hobby while also exploring new destinations.