The 20 Best Family Vacation Spots in the U.S. Family Vacation in Orlando, Florida. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee. Taking a vacation at home doesn't have to mean staying home and doing nothing.
Instead, treat it as an opportunity to transform your home into a family vacation destination. Do you have a nice big backyard? Set up a tent and sleep under the stars. Roasting marshmallows over a bonfire. Set up an outdoor movie theater and present your children with one of your favorite children's movies on the big screen.
Take day trips to state and local museums, aquariums, or parks. Explore local beaches and turn your vacation at home into a family vacation on the beach. Blow up an inflatable pool and turn your backyard into a home water park. Nothing can beat family vacations to help your family come together and create memories that will last a lifetime.
But of course, you have to consider the priorities of all family members and keep everyone happy. Maybe Mom and Dad would like to relax at one of the best family resorts in the U.S. UU. But children want to have fun with a lot of energy in a theme park.
In any case, all family members want to spend quality time together without getting bored. With all this in mind, I've put together this list of the best family vacations in the U.S. They offer great activities that the whole family can enjoy. The charm and charm of Walt Disney World Resorts is timeless.
With its fun performances and exciting rides, Walt Disney World celebrates the spirit of childhood. The little ones can have fun with their favorite Disney characters. But if you're not ready for that, Disney World has plenty of other things you can do. Teens and young adults are sure to love other theme parks, such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where you can try the famous butter beer, snorkel the park's coral reef, swim with dolphins at Discovery Cove, or experience thrilling aerial acrobatics at the One Ocean show.
If your family loves adventure and is getting ready to move, then Yellowstone National Park is sure to be a fun family getaway. Spread over 2.2 million acres, with its pristine lakes and stunning peaks, Yellowstone National Park is undoubtedly an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. You can take a walk to the waterfalls of the Yellowstone River along the Grand Canyon, watch the thrilling views of the Old Faithful eruption, or hike to Hayden Valley to see the park's wonderful wildlife, such as moose, buffalo, bison and even a brown bear or two. And, if you love camping, you can also make the most of Yellowstone's well-equipped campsites.
The relaxing atmosphere and plenty of activities for children make Destin, Florida an ideal place for children. Nicknamed “The Luckiest Fishing Village in the World”, Destin is one of the best places to go with the family. Destin has interesting things to do. You can visit the Big Kahuna water and adventure park and enjoy the lazy river and water slides or you can spend the day with adorable penguins and dolphins at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.
And, if you want to sit back and enjoy the quiet and picturesque views, you can go to Crystal Beach or Henderson Beach State Park. Whether you want to go on a pirate-themed cruise, watch dolphins, or take an adventurous boat tour or enjoy a drive with Phoenix ATV Rentals, mother nature has it all. However, this natural wonder isn't just based on its scenic beauty. There's a lot to see and do in the Grand Canyons.
You can hike with your family on the Bright Angel Trail, ride the Grand Canyon Railroad, take a mule ride along the North Rim, or simply enjoy the stunning red-orange views from the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Officially declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Grand Canyons are an ideal destination for family trips in the U.S. Recognized as the nation's capital, with its marble monuments and government offices, in recent years, Washington D., C. It has been transforming into the new and fast-paced resort on the East Coast.
The National Zoo, with a huge population of 1,500 animals, is a must see for the little ones. With its explosion of shopping malls, cool restaurants, clubs, cafes and boutiques, there's a lot to do in Washington, D.C. With more than 70 miles of coastline and a predominantly sunny climate all year round, San Diego's Coronado Beach, La Jolla Shores and Mission Beach offer plenty of summer fun for families. And once you've had your fill of the waves and sand, you can see animals at the famous San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld or Safari Park.
Little ones are sure to love museums like the Fleet Science Center and the San Diego Air and Space Museum. And if you're tired of all the activities, you can simply explore the serene green spaces of Balboa Park or sample delicious Mexican cuisine and thriving nightlife in San Diego. Are you looking for a good vacation spot for your family? Well, Yosemite is a great vacation destination for your family. Fishing, hiking, horseback riding and rafting on the Merced River, you can do all this and more in Yosemite.
Miles, Yosemite National Park has impressive rock formations, towering waterfalls, daunting cliffs and old redwoods. You can climb Glacier Point for panoramic views of the park or walk the trails of the Yosemite Valley. And, if you want to be close to nature, you can also stay in the park's accommodations. If you want to experience more of the wonders of Disney, then Anaheim is your place.
The vibrant Disneyland Resort has plenty of Disney-themed attractions to keep both kids and parents entertained. If you've had enough of Mickey and his friends, you can visit Adventure City, Knott's Berry Farm and Yorba Regional Park. You can also watch a baseball game at Angel Stadium. And, if you want to get away from the crowds, you can drive around Los Angeles or San Diego and visit Laguna Beach, Long Beach, or Huntington Beach.
Maui, one of Hawaii's most popular tourist destinations, is one of the best family vacation spots between Mokolai and Big Island. Maui has plenty of activities for the family to enjoy. You can have fun in the sun at Napili Beach or Wailea Beach, or walk the exclusive black sands of Waianapanapa State Park. Haleakala National Park is where you can explore the world's largest dormant volcano or enjoy scenic hikes in the Lao Valley State Park.
Experience traditional Hawaiian luau at the Old Lahaina Luau, dance with the Hula dancers, go boating or snorkeling in the crystal clear waters. Gatlinburg is a great place for family travel in the U.S. The mountain town in East Tennessee has many attractions that both adults and children will enjoy. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the city's most popular attraction.
With miles of hiking, horseback riding and biking trails, cabins, historic exhibits, and opportunities to see wildlife such as moose, deer, bears and more in its natural environment, the park is a favorite. The city has other popular attractions for the little ones, such as the Ober Gatlinburg Cable Car, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, the Sweet Fanny Adams Theater and the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. You can experience local culture on the Arts and Crafts circuit, where you can see local artisans creating pottery, paintings, jewelry, hand-blown glass and much more. Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii and is an exotic mix of stunning scenic beauty and urban appeal.
Honolulu has unique things you can enjoy with your family. Honolulu's iconic beaches, such as Waikiki Beach, Kailua Beach Park and Lanikai Beach, offer ample opportunities to play in the sand and enjoy the sun. If you're a history buff, you'll love exploring the Iolani Palace, the Pacific National Memorial Cemetery and World War II Valor. If you like adventure, you can hike the Koko Crater Trail and Diamond Head State Monument.
You can even go to a traditional luau to get a taste of the local Hawaiian culture. A fresh mix of history, adventure and relaxation, Outer Banks is a chain of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. After all your hectic adventures, you can simply explore and relax on the vast stretch of beautiful beaches at a leisurely pace. You can explore the national coast of Cape Hatteras or climb the highest sand dune in Jockey's Ridge State Park.
Little ones are sure to love the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. If you're looking for a beach vacation for your family, Myrtle Beach is the perfect place. There are a lot of interesting things to keep your little ones busy and away from mischief. They can spend hours running along the beach or building sandcastles, and if they're bored doing it, they can visit Family Kingdom Amusement Park, Ripley's Aquarium, the Broadway Grand Prix, or play golf at one of the area's many mini-golf courses.
So, if you're looking for a wonderful getaway, Myrtle Beach is the perfect destination for families looking for a variety of entertainment options while staying within their budget. If you want a place where you can just lie back and relax, nothing better than the relaxed island of Sanibel. The beautiful beaches of this discreet and quiet place are its main attractions. Your little ones are sure to find it very exciting to pick shells at Bowman's Beach.
And, if you want to take long contemplative walks, the sandy beaches of Captiva Island are the perfect place. If you want to see some wildlife, head to J, N. Darling National Wildlife Refuge, where you can see alligators, crocodiles and many species of birds in its natural environment. Not only is Ocean City very affordable, but it's also an amazing location for kids.
Synonymous with a classic American beach vacation, Ocean City has miles of beautiful sandy beaches and activities around the boardwalk all summer long. Kids are sure to love the amusement park rides, water paragliding and Ripley's Ocean City playrooms. And, if you want to get away from the sun and the sea, you can take a day trip to the peaceful national coast of Assateague Island, where you can see wild horses roaming freely in the National Park. Also known as the “Windy City”, Chicago is one of the top destinations.
There are plenty of attractions to ensure your children don't get bored. You can visit Millennium Park, watch the animals at the Lincoln Park Zoo, go to the Shedd Aquarium or watch the Cubs play at Wrigley Field. Your little ones are sure to love the children's playground and mini-golf course at Maggie Daley Park and the Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier. Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower and 360 Chicago observation deck at John Hancock Center are great spots that will give you a bird's-eye view of the city.
You can visit the trendy boutiques, cafes and bakeries in Brooklyn and the East Village. Shop windows along Fifth Avenue, see art at the Met and MoMA, or catch a Broadway show. Immerse yourself in the frantic sights, sounds and lights of Times Square. In addition to activities for adults, New York has a ton of attractions and activities that make it one of the best vacation destinations for children.
Central Park, with its 20 playgrounds, amusement park, ice skating rink and Loeb Boathouse, is a popular spot for children. The area has several clean and quiet beaches that have many amenities that make it ideal if you are on vacation with children. You can relax on the beaches of Coligny and Driessen, see the wonders of the island at the Coastal Discovery Museum or at the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. And, if you want to test your sports skills, you can try your luck at tennis or golf.
If you're looking for an educational family vacation, Williamsburg is a unique vacation destination. Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown offer great opportunities to learn about life during the Revolutionary War. Visit the monuments of popular historical figures such as George Washington, John Smith, Patrick Henry, Pocahontas, etc. And, if you want a break from all kinds of history, you can visit the city's popular amusement parks, Busch Gardens and Water Country USA, for a day of fun.
Located in the foothills of Ozark Mountain, Branson is a city in Missouri. Described as “family-friendly Las Vegas,” Branson has plenty of activities and attractions for children and adults. Enjoy an adventurous day on roller coasters and water slides at Silver Dollar City theme park, float along the lazy river at White Water Branson water park, or go boating to Table Rock Lake. If you want to do something cultural, then you can visit Christian Broadway and enjoy musicals.
And, if your little one loves trains, you can ride the Branson Scenic Railway, which takes you through the foothills of Ozark Mountain. An excellent combination of history and modernity, San Antonio has a lot to offer to entertain the little ones. If you like wildlife, then the San Antonio Zoo's Aquarium &, with more than 700 species of animals, is a must see. You can enjoy the leisurely pace of the famous Paseo del Río or enjoy the serene beauty of the Cathedral of San Fernando.
One point to remember is that San Antonio can be quite hot in summer, so an ideal time to visit is in the fall or spring. If you like winter sports, you can't miss Park City. This is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding and has the largest ski terrain in North America. Check out the snowtubing tracks at Woodward Park City sports and ski resort, indoor and outdoor BMX, scooter and skateboard facilities, and variety of trails.
Take a guided tour of 400 acres of Utah Olympic Park and visit the highest Nordic ski jump in the world. Your little ones are sure to enjoy the playground and climbing in the Discovery Zone, while your older children and teens can watch the rope tracks and the zip line. Park City has plenty of other fun activities like biking, hiking, and more. Orange County is wonderful for the whole family.
Lego fans will be thrilled with Legoland's largest theme park, with more than 50 shows, rides and attractions. Once you're done with the excitement of Legoland, you can head to one of several farms that offer tours and learning experiences for children. You can visit the trail museums and zoos and see the native animals of New York State and also spend the day in the U.S. You can enjoy a leisurely boat tour on the Hudson River or enjoy some rafting and canoeing on the Delaware River.
Discover the history of the pilgrims' journey on the Mayflower and the establishment of the Plymouth colony in Plymouth. Plimoth Plantation gives you a realistic view of the lives of pilgrims with costumed interpreters, cattle and life-size reproduction of the Mayflower. After immersing yourself in the history of the place, you can go on a whale watching or lobster fishing excursion, go to the petting zoo, take a tour of the blueberry swamp, or simply build sand castles on Plymouth Beach. You can also take a ferry to Provincetown and explore the monument where the pilgrims set foot before moving to Plymouth and see the stunning views of the Cape.
Colorado Springs has a lot to offer for the family all year round and is especially ideal for active families who like to stay healthy when traveling. The picturesque mountain landscape of Colorado Springs is a hub for outdoor activities such as biking and hiking. You can explore the open spaces or visit the Garden of the Gods, the red sandstone rock formations or the Seven Waterfalls in cascade. Olympic Training Center and watch professional athletes in action.
And, if you're a fan of the Wild West, tour Colorado's Old Town Historic District with its art galleries and souvenir shops housed in pioneer-style buildings. Seeing New York City's top sights with children can be a challenge. Do you need a break from non-stop outdoor getaways in the Catskills? No list of the best fun things to do with kids in New York is complete without a visit to Niagara Falls. With its stunning 188-foot waterfall, Niagara is, without a doubt, a stunning natural wonder that should be on every family's bucket list.
Cooperstown is a haven of fun for families with baseball fans and outdoor adventurers. Known for its American charm, Cooperstown is a great destination for sports-loving families. Of course, there are plenty of other family-friendly attractions in Cooperstown, such as the Farmers Museum and countless outdoor activities. To save money on accommodation, I suggest you stay at The Inn at Cooperstown.
Albany is a magnificent urban destination full of cultural treasures and indoor attractions that will satisfy all members of your family. Plus, Albany offers easy access to a host of family vacations near New York. Stop by Grappa '72 Ristorante and enjoy a wide variety of delicious Italian dishes. With 2 separate bedrooms and a living room, it gives moms and dads a little privacy on their vacation.
With endless outdoor activities and museums, Rochester is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in New York with children. Rochester is an exceptional urban destination for families with young children. In Rochester, you'll find dozens of kid-approved museums, including the George Eastman Museum and the Strong National Museum of Play. Their 3-bedroom cabin is ideal for large groups and family gatherings.
With 2 bedrooms and a host of amenities, it can comfortably accommodate up to 8 adults and 4 children. Long Island has more than 70 tasting rooms and wineries. For a comfortable vacation, stay in your 2-bedroom suite. Hope Lake combines family fun with luxury accommodations, making it one of New York's most irresistible vacations for families.
And family vacation ideas aren't more expensive than Adventures by Disney's 10-day vacation in Egypt. While you would have a great family vacation at any of these seven hotels, Rocking Horse Ranch Resort receives best marks for the variety of activities offered and its all-inclusive setup. And with adjoining rooms that can accommodate up to six people and feature living rooms, sofa beds, and private balconies, Coconut Bay is a great vacation idea for large families. The Peninsula bills itself as New York's most glamorous address, but you might not realize it's a hidden gem for a family vacation in the Big Apple.
Now imagine it all without any of the hassles or problems (or whining) you can expect even on the best family vacation. Family vacation highlights at this resort include character breakfasts, live Nick-themed shows and entertainment, and a six-acre outdoor water park with slides, rides, and splash zones. After a few years of vacation and road trips, expensive family vacations are also a priority for many people. One of the most time-tested family vacation ideas, a theme park vacation is a surefire way to delight every member of your family.
If a long-tail boat trip on Bangkok's canals seems like a good start to your family trip, Intrepid Travel's family vacation in Thailand may be the perfect idea for your family vacation. With towering skyscrapers, landmarks and educational museums, New York is truly a bucket-list family vacation destination. G Adventures' National Geographic Family Trips are meant to bring families together on active vacations at some of the world's most impressive family vacation spots. Look for cruise companies that have age-appropriate kids' clubs, water slides, stage shows, kid-friendly dining experiences, and discounted rates for toddlers when planning your family cruise vacation.
We looked for properties across New York State that offered meaningful family vacations throughout the year. . .
