Planning family vacations can be stressful, but these trips present great opportunities for parent-child bonding and can create memories that last a lifetime. Whether your preference is theme parks, outdoor recreation, or educational attractions, here are some of the best places in the United States for family vacations.
Orlando
Walt Disney World Resort is the primary vacation attraction for kids in Orlando, but the Florida city has plenty of other attractions, including Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and the Kennedy Space Center. Disney World offers countless hours of entertainment, with four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot) and two water parks in an expansive 43-square-mile space. Universal Studios also has four distinct theme parks with different experiences and attractions, including Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
SeaWorld, meanwhile, has a mix of animal experiences and presentations, in addition to unique, wildlife-based riders. Penguin Trek, for instance, is an immersive indoor/outdoor roller coaster that simulates an Antarctic expedition and concludes in a real penguin habitat. The Kennedy Space Center also has several interactive attractions and galleries, as well as viewing areas where guests can see live rocket launches.
In addition to theme parks, Orlando is a great destination for nature and wildlife tours, and also has plenty of museums and shopping malls. U.S. News & World Report ranked it No. 1 on its list of Best Family Vacations in the USA for 2024.
Indianapolis
The Midwest might not be the first region that comes to mind when planning a family vacation, but there are many hidden gems in this part of the US, particularly Indianapolis, Indiana. A great destination for both children and parents, it is home to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, one of the most iconic race tracks in the world. It also has several other educational attractions, including the Rhythm! Discovery Center (the only interactive percussion and drum museum in the world), and offers a variety of fun outdoor experiences.
Frank’s Paddlesports Livery Co. offers stand-up paddleboard and kayak rentals for White River, which winds through downtown Indianapolis and White River State Park, the only cultural urban state park in the US. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, meanwhile, is the largest children’s museum in the world, with nearly a million square feet of space full of interactive exhibits, including Dinosphere and Treasures of the Earth. The nearby Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience also has a variety of indoor and outdoor attractions, including an oval racing track, four golf courses, and a 25-foot-tall climbing tree house.
Yellowstone National Park
For a more nature-based vacation experience, there’s no better place in the US than Yellowstone National Park, which spans Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. The 3,471-square-mile natural wildlife sanctuary has a dozen affordable campgrounds and many natural wonders, including mesmerizing mountains and canyons. It also boasts an abundance of hiking trails and is home to the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, a wildlife park where guests can view grizzly bears and gray wolves.
The geysers of Yellowstone alone are enough to warrant a visit to the national park. These natural hot springs erupt frequently, with volcanic activity causing water to spray more than 100 feet into the air. Old Faithful, the most prominent geyser in Yellowstone, erupts at least once every two hours. This lasts for up to five minutes, with the water reaching a maximum height of 184 feet.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is a great vacation destination for families with older children interested in learning about the history of the U.S. and exploring the multitude of museums the nation’s capital has to offer. Visitors can go on guided tours of the White House and U.S. Capitol and visit one of the many free-to-enter Smithsonian museums, including the National Museum of Natural History and Air & Space Museum. The National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute is another notable attraction featuring more than 2,100 animals.
Many of these museums and attractions are near the National Mall, a grandiose, landscaped park which has been the site of notable events in U.S. history, including presidential inaugurations and the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom rally, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
San Diego
Similar to Orlando, San Diego is a perfect destination for outdoor family fun and has several kid-friendly attractions, including the San Diego Zoo, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, the Fleet Science Center, and 1,200-acre Balboa Park. The California city has more than 70 miles of coastline and dozens of sandy beaches, making it perfect for relaxing or trying out water sports like paddle boarding or surfing.
Legoland California is a must-visit theme park with more than 60 rides and attractions, including a dedicated Star Wars space and a hotel with Lego Ninjago-inspired rooms. October is a great time to visit San Diego because of the city’s Kids Free San Diego promotion, through which kids stay and eat for free at participating hotels and resorts.
