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17 minutes readContents
- NYC, New York
- Miami, Florida
- Orlando, Florida
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Los Angeles, California
- Yellowstone National Park
- Cape Cod, Massachusetts
- Washington, D.C.
- Maui, Hawaii
- Hershey, Pennsylvania
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Grapevine, Texas
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Park City, Utah
- Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
- Gatlinburg, Tennessee
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Chicago, Illinois
- San Diego, California
1. NYC, New York
Where to stay: Dylan Hotel NYC
Tourist spots:
- Statue of Liberty
- Times Square
- Madison Square Garden.
New York is the city that never sleeps. Famous for its Broadway shows, international cuisine, and legendary museums, this city has something to offer every family. While hotel space might come at a premium, the city is surprisingly easy to navigate by public transport or ride-share apps, ideal for those who don’t want to hire a car.
Photo: cla78 / Shutterstock.com
New York City’s iconic landmarks include bucket list sights like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Madison Square Garden.
Younger guests and little kids at heart will want to stop by FAO Schwarz, while a trip to Bronx Zoo should be top of the travel itinerary for animal lovers.
2. Miami, Florida
Where to stay: InterContinental Miami, an IHG Hotel
Tourist spots:
- “Sabrina’s Beach” at Miami Beach
- Matheson Hammock Park
- Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Miami is a luxury beach vacation most of us associate with spring breaks, cruises, and legendary concerts. Its year-round subtropical climate makes it the perfect option for a family getaway any time of year. The city is full of family-friendly beaches, ideal for a more laid-back vacation. Its thriving Latin American and Caribbean communities mean there’s plenty of delicious cuisine to tickle your taste buds.
Families can head to “Sabrina’s Beach” at Miami Beach, the city’s first fully accessible beach with an inclusive playground and Adaptive Fitness and Recreation Center. Its tailored ADA-accessible dune crossing makes a beach day possible for family members of all abilities.
Photo: zimmytws / Shutterstock.com
Groups with younger kids can also head to Matheson Hammock Park in Coral Gables with its wave-free lagoon.
Miami is also home to some of the top-rated beaches in the United States, including Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park with its historic lighthouse, outdoor restaurants, and stunning Atlantic Ocean views.
3. Orlando, Florida
Where to stay: Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites
Tourist spots:
- Disney World
- Kennedy Space Center
- Crayola Experience Orlando
Fans of theme parks will be right at home in Orlando. It’s one of the most popular kid-friendly vacations, continuing to attract record-breaking numbers of tourists every year. Every family must visit Orlando and the “Happiest Place on Earth” at least once, whether with their kids or grandkids.
While Disney World – with its four major parks, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom – is the main attraction, other theme parks are just as exciting and can be more affordable.
Has your family already been to Disney World?
Read our guide on the best Disneyland locations to visit to plan your next theme park vacation.
Universal is the theme park undergoing major renovations, having recently added a waterpark — Volcano Bay — to its Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure Park. It’s home to IPs like Despicable Me, The Simpsons, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal is expecting to open its third major land, “Epic Universe,” in May 2025 with three new on-site hotels and new IPs, including Super Mario and How to Train Your Dragon.
Photo: universalorlando.com
There’s more to Orlando than its theme parks. Kennedy Space Center is a must-visit for fans of space exploration, while the Crayola Experience Orlando is ideal for younger guests.
4. Las Vegas, Nevada
Where to stay: Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel Casino, a Radisson Hotel
Tourist spots:
- Fountains of Bellagio
- Mystére by Cirque du Soleil
- Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Las Vegas might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of vacation ideas for families. Although guests must be 21 and older to try their luck at the city’s famous casinos, Vegas is more kid-friendly than most travel agents expect. It offers the best of cities like New York and Orlando, while having a more grown-up backdrop for guests with the flexibility of having older kids or a babysitter traveling with them.
Photo : blog.cirquedusoleil.com
Grab tickets to Mystére by Cirque du Soleil, the group’s original must-see production. It’s been running for over 30 years with acrobatic thrills and live musicians. This production is one-of-a-kind and a must-see for family members of all ages.
5. Los Angeles, California
Where to stay: The Hollywood Roosevelt
Tourist spots:
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Santa Monica Pier
- The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
If you want a theme park vacation without traveling to the East Coast, head to Los Angeles. Many of Orlando’s famous parks have sister attractions in the City of Angeles. You’ll find Universal Studios Hollywood, with its own Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World, alongside the original Disneyland in Anaheim.
Photo : santamonicapier.org
There’s more to Los Angeles than just its theme parks. It’s a fun vacation for kids with its family-friendly beaches, including Santa Monica Pier, and attractions like Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum.
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood allows guests to walk through movie history in the footsteps of legends from the silver screen, from shows like Gilmore Girls, Friends, and movie franchises like Harry Potter.
6. Yellowstone National Park
Where to stay: Super 8 by Wyndham Gardiner/Yellowstone Park Area
If you’re a fan of the hit CBS show “Yellowstone,” you probably already have this family-friendly destination on your travel bucket list. Yellowstone National Park is one of the best vacations for kids who enjoy exploring the outdoors. With 2.2 million acres to explore, the Park offers unparalleled access to geological wonders, with a chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat.
Photo: buluo / Shutterstock.com
Guests can plan to explore the park on a covered wagon to see elk, moose, and bison, or try their hand at horseback riding to channel their inner cowboy.
Most guests will focus on one section of the park, depending on their itinerary. In-park transportation makes it easy to plan a multi-leg tour for longer family vacations.
7. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Where to stay: The Mansion at Ocean Edge
Tourist spots:
- Nauset Lighthouse
- Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
- Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club
Cape Cod is a vacation destination families have been going to for generations. It’s the quintessential American vacation. Indulge in fresh-to-plate lobster rolls and explore the historic 19th-century Nauset Lighthouse.
The serene beaches, picturesque cottages, and quaint bed-and-breakfast offerings make it the perfect escape from the city. Cape Cod is one of the best vacation spots for families seeking to take things a little slower. Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary offers a chance to get up close with wildlife, while Villages at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club offers activities like kayaking, tennis, and stand-up paddle boarding.
Photo by Vivek Kumar on Unsplash
Cape Cod’s serene beaches, scenic bike routes, and whale-watching spots make it the perfect late spring or early summer getaway. The slow-town charm offers a form of escapism you’ll not find anywhere else.
Any travel itinerary should include a stop at Provincetown to explore the independent stores, and the area’s oldest town, Sandwich, to experience the traditional New England lifestyle.
8. Washington, D.C.
Where to stay: Phoenix Park Hotel
Tourist spots:
- The National Archives
- The Smithsonian National Zoological Park
- International Spy Museum
Washington D.C. is the perfect option for a short family vacation with frequent AmTrak trains running from nearby cities, offering a great alternative to New York or Boston.
There are dozens of museums with free admission and kid-friendly exhibitions to turn your family vacation into an educational experience.
Photo: spymuseum.org
The U.S. capital is a great option for a weekend trip as a highly walkable city with something to match everyone’s interests. The National Archives is a must-visit for history buffs, while the Smithsonian Museums offer a wealth of free exhibitions, including the National Air and Space Museum, where younger kids can attend a weekly story time at 11 am every Thursday.
Families with fans of James Bond will want to check out the International Spy Museum with its 90-minute highlight tour. The Smithsonian National Zoological Park is one of DC’s most popular attractions, with a range of seasonal activities, and has recently added two Giant Pandas.
9. Maui, Hawaii
Where to stay: Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort
Tourist spots:
- Ultimate Air Maui Trampoline Park
- Haleakala Crater National Park
- Napili Beach
Hawaii might be a little further afield but it’s a family vacation unlike any other. Grab a book and watch the world go by at one of Hawaii’s iconic sandy beaches or get up close with the aquatic wildlife. Although a more expensive vacation, Hawaii is the perfect option for a family reunion or a trip to celebrate a milestone occasion. There are dozens of family-friendly beach resorts dotted across the island with Maui being the most popular for guests with kids.
Photo: ohrim / Shutterstock.com
Learn how to surf or try snorkeling with a day trip to one of Maui’s beaches or jump to new heights at the Ultimate Air Maui Trampoline Park. Curious adventurers can see an active volcano at Haleakala Crater National Park.
While Maui offers several places to stay, Wailuku is just 10 minutes from Kahului Airport, while Wailea is slightly further away but ideal for families with young kids.
10. Hershey, Pennsylvania
Where to stay: Days Inn by Wyndham Hershey
Tourist spots:
- Hersheypark
- The Hershey Story Museum
- Hershey’s Chocolate World
Do you have a sweet tooth? Chocolate fans will be right at home in Hershey, home of the famous American chocolate brand. Hersheypark is an alternative to the other major theme parks along the East Coast with a major stadium, water park, zoo, and family-friendly rides. It’s the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania with a new “Twizzlers Twisted Gravity” rollercoaster scheduled to open in summer 2025.
Photo: stories.hersheypa.com
This destination offers attractions for all the family – from relaxing spas to sell-out live concerts and award-winning restaurants.
While Disney might be the “Happiest Place on Earth”, Hershey calls itself “The Sweetest Place on Earth!”.
11. Boston, Massachusetts
Where to stay: The Newbury Boston
Tourist spots:
- New England Aquarium
- Boston Tea Party Ships
- Boston Public Garden
Get the kids away from their iPads and introduce them to American history in Boston. The city is slightly slower-paced than NYC and is packed full of kid-friendly attractions and tours about the country’s revolutionary past.
Photo: Marcio Jose Bastos Silva/ Shutterstock.com
The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum gives guests the chance to toss a bale of tea into the harbor, before taking the 15-minute walk to New England Aquarium.
Relax in one of the Swan Boats at the Boston Public Garden and finish the day with a Red Sox game at Fenway Park.
12. Grapevine, Texas
Where to stay: Sheraton DFW Airport Hotel
Tourist spots:
- Sealife Aquarium
- Legoland Discovery Center
- Dallas Cowboys Stadium
Grapevine is nestled between Dallas and Fort Worth as an under-appreciated vacation spot for family trips. Sealife Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Center are two of the city’s most popular attractions, while sports fans can take a tour of Dallas Cowboys Stadium.
Photo: PeopleImages.com – Yuri A / Shutterstock.com
Grapevine is famous for being the so-called “Christmas Capital” of Texas and is a great option for a winter getaway.
No walk down the Historic Main Street is complete without experiencing one of the authentic 1920s coaches from the Grapevine Vintage Railroad.
13. Atlanta, Georgia
Where to stay: Hotel Indigo Atlanta Downtown
Tourist spots:
- Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
- Georgia Aquarium
- World of Coca-Cola
Atlanta is famous in U.S. history for its role in the civil rights movement and is now a popular travel destination, known for its southern hospitality and festive nightlife. Families can learn about Atlanta’s most famous resident, Dr. Martin Luther King, at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and The King Center.
Photo: worldofcoca-cola.com
Plan a day trip to the Georgia Aquarium, which offers an “Aqua Pass” for unlimited visits for the same price as a one-day ticket.
The immersive shark and ray interaction experiences are great for kids with adult-only events hosted throughout the year. Explore interactive experiences and sample beverages at the World of Coca-Cola, included as part of the popular Atlanta CityPASS.
14. Indianapolis, Indiana
Where to stay: Hyatt Regency Indianapolis
Tourist spots:
- Children’s Museum
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- Speedway Indoor Karting
Indianapolis offers endless fun for adults and kids alike with the world’s largest Children’s Museum, offering a family dinosaur dig area, live theater shows, and year-round indoor exhibitions. Guests will want to plan to spend at least four to five hours at this museum – or even longer during summer when the outdoor exhibitions are opened.
Photo: indianapolismotorspeedway.com
Motorsports fans can’t pass up the opportunity to visit Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home to the iconic Indy 500. Fancy getting into the driver’s seat?
Head up the street to Speedway Indoor Karting for a multi-level track inspired by classic European karting circuits.
15. Park City, Utah
Where to stay: Hyatt Place Park Cit
Grab your ski gear, it’s time to hit the slopes. Park City is one of Utah’s most popular vacation spots offering year-round thrills and adventure.
Read our guide on the top 10 places to ski in the U.S. for more family vacation ideas.
Spring and summer are mountain biking season and a popular time for hikers and camping. Once the temperatures drop, guests switch out their bikes for snowboards.
Photo: Vadym_Hunko / Shutterstock.com
Park City looks like the backdrop to a Hallmark Christmas movie in winter with its enchanting Main Street, while guests can explore the weekly Park Silly Sunday Market during summer.
You don’t have to travel to Europe for skiing and Utah isn’t your only option domestically.
16. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Where to stay: AmericInn by Wyndham Wisconsin Dells
Tourist spots:
- Land of Natura
- Rick Wilcox Magic Theatre
- Noah’s Ark Waterpark
Wisconsin is nicknamed the “Badger State” and is a popular family-friendly destination in the Midwest. While the summer is high season, Wisconsin Dells is a great option for a winter getaway or an off-season vacation. During the summer, guests can explore the Land of Natura, the largest inflatable water park in America, or catch a magic show at Rick Wilcox Magic Theatre.
What makes Wisconsin Dells famous is its water parks and outdoor activities. This family vacation idea is perfect for guests who want to pack their itinerary with fun activities. Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf has 91 holes, while Noah’s Ark Waterpark is America’s largest outdoor waterpark with over 80 activities on offer.
Photo: rickwilcox.com
While most of Wisconsin Dells’ water parks are attached to resorts, non-resort guests can buy a day pass to access them.
Mt. Olympus Resort offers both indoor and outdoor water parks, while the Wisconsin Dells outpost provides trap-door slides and surf simulators.
17. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Where to stay: Edgewater Hotel, Gatlinburg
Tourist spots:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Gatlinburg’s Space Needle
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Is there anything more quintessentially American than a trip to the Great Smokies? Gatlinburg is just a stone’s throw away as a small town that packs a punch. You can head straight from the main street to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park using a 2-mile hiking trail. It’s a great alternative to Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon with biking routes, horseback riding trails, and seasonal events.
Photo: Weidman Photography / Shutterstock.com
Gatlinburg’s Space Needle offers a 407-foot panoramic observation deck, while Ober Mountain is an amusement park on the slopes with an aerial tramway and seasonal events.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is home to 12-foot sharks, exotic sea creatures, and a daily penguin parade. Open 365 days a year, this aquarium has feeding shows and unique experiences, from PJ parties with penguins to adult sleepovers.
18. Charleston, South Carolina
Where to stay: The Francis Marion Hotel
Tourist spots:
- Charleston Farmers Market
- Gibbes Museum of Art
- Historic Dock Street Theatre
Charleston is a dreamy city that feels like stepping into an Old Hollywood movie. Its brightly colored buildings and traditional architecture feel both contemporary and timeless, whether you’re indulging in afternoon tea or experiencing southern hospitality at a delicious barbecue.
Photo: visit-historic-charleston.com
Channel your inner Scarlett O’Hara with a horse-drawn carriage ride and stop by Charleston Farmers Market to sample the local cuisine.
Get up close and personal with over 10,000 American works at the Gibbes Museum of Art or catch a production by the Charleston Stage Company at the Historic Dock Street Theatre, famous for being “America’s First Theatre.”
19. Chicago, Illinois
Where to stay: Kinzie Hotel
Tourist spots:
- The Bean
- Millennium Park
- Lincoln Park Zoo
Chicago is known as the “Windy City” and gives you the same type of city adventure without the overwhelming feeling that can kick in during a visit to New York. This city is a little easier to navigate and is another year-round vacation option for families.
Nestled on Lake Michigan, Chicago is worth considering for a winter vacation with ice skating at Millennium Park and its famous German-style Christkindlmarket, considered the most traditional market anywhere outside of Europe.
Photo by Kevin Olson on Unsplash
Grab a quirky picture at The Bean and stop by the 35-acre Lincoln Park Zoo to find out about one of the largest zoo-based conservation programs in the country.
The Chicago Children’s Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium are all top attractions for rainy days or to escape the chilly weather.
20. San Diego, California
Where to stay: The Wayfarer San Diego
Tourist spots:
- Legoland California
- San Diego Zoo
- Birch Aquarium
San Diego is one of the best family vacation spots with something to suit every budget and interest.
Legoland California is a theme park you can explore in a day and is popular with kids and adults alike. Meanwhile, the San Diego Zoo and the Birch Aquarium are open year-round for animal lovers and budding zoologists.
Photo: FamVeld/shutterstock.com
Feel like getting your feet wet? Take a surf lesson or catch the waves at La Jolla along the Pacific coastline. October is one of the most popular times to visit as San Diego runs its “Kids Free” promotion, where kids can eat, play, and stay for free.
Take family vacations to the next level with RateHawk
As a travel agent, organizing a family vacation isn’t always easy. A first-class customer service experience includes offering travel recommendations that align with your client’s budget, interests, and preferences.
These 20 family vacation spots are dotted throughout the United States and offer something for every type of trip, from family reunions to weekend getaways.
Photo: Sunny studio/shutterstock.com
At RateHawk, we offer access to over 2.6 million hotels globally from over 260 international suppliers, including thousands of family-friendly hotels in the United States. Get started with RateHawk today to expand the family-friendly packages you can offer your customers
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