Nothing spoils a holiday like bored, frustrated kids, so it pays to plan carefully when you’re traveling with children in tow. There are so many family-friendly destinations all over the USA that you don’t have an excuse not to consider them in your plans.
These are our top picks for stress-free kid-friendly vacations.
1. Family Fun in Orlando, Florida
No list of the best vacations for kids is complete without mentioning Disney World at least once. There are rides, rides and more rides for every age and bravery-level as well as interesting displays and shows to see.
The only downside at this attraction is its popularity. With over 52 million visitors flocking here annually, the crowds can be oppressive and the queues daunting. There are plenty of other ways to keep the littlies entertained in Orlando though.
Some of the top hits include:
- Wekiwa Springs State Park for biking, hiking, and boating
- Long & Scott’s Corn Maze
- Green Meadows Farm and petting zoo
- Orlando Science Center Observatory
Florida’s Space Coast is only just over an hour’s drive away where you can lap up the seaside vibe, visit the Kennedy Space Centre and explore the Canaveral National Seashore.
2. Kid-Friendly Vacations in Niagara Falls, New York
Naturally, the Niagara Falls themselves are a massive attraction in this part of the world with many activities centered on them. Children love to explore nature in the Niagara Falls State Park, ride the trolley and watch the evening fireworks display.
Old Fort Niagara is another attraction with its authentic portrayals of old times and the aquarium never fails to fascinate adults and children alike. You’ll also find a wax museum, plenty of arcades and awesome boat tours to enjoy.
All in all, upstate New York is a particularly kid-friendly vacation spot, with lots for little ones to do. Take a look at these attractions for some more ideas.
3. Journeys of Discovery in Indianapolis, Indiana
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a place of wonder for children of all ages and packed with learning opportunities. Here, arts and culture come alive in exhibits, live shows, and workshops.
The Indianapolis Zoo is another sure-fire hit with the kids featuring dolphin shows, orangutans and flamingoes.
The Art Center, Speedway Indoor Karting and the Rhythm Discovery Center are other don’t-miss attractions.
4. Time Travel in Williamsburg, Virginia
If your children like interactive museums, they’ll enjoy every minute in Williamsburg. This city is the country’s largest interactive museum, made up of 301-acres of restored 18th-century artifacts.
You can take a ride through time with interpretative characters, reveling in the sounds of fifes and beating drums, and head for Merchant’s Square where over 40 shops and restaurants continue the ruse.
The fun extends to nearby Yorktown and Jamestown with their accurate depictions of life in colonial times.
For more modern-day fun, Busch Gardens offers action-packed adventures, while Water Country USA is Virginia’s largest water park. For a break from the bustle, sit back alongside the York or James Rivers for a breather or indulge in fishing, boating, and swimming in their cool waters.
5. Be Entertained in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Best-known for its Dollywood theme park, Pigeon Forge is also close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with its opportunities for exploring.
It’s also home to a Titanic Museum with realistic interactive displays telling the tale of this long-lost ship. The Island comes alive with lighted shows when night falls and the aquarium is a top daytime attraction.
Other items of interest include the Wax Museum, World Records Hall and several dinner theatres.
6. Get Busy in Charlotte, North Carolina
Carowinds is the place to be for families visiting Charlotte. This water and amusement park combo overflow with themed rides for all ages.
Escape rooms are a big thing here too and open to children as young as ten years old. DefyGravity trampoline park is a great place to burn off some pent up energy with a range of activities from dodgeball to foam pits. There’s even a trapeze for the truly brave.
Topgolf is popular among teens who can bop to the beats while they try out their skills on the three-level driving range.
7. Watery Fun in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
If it’s water parks you love, it’s waterparks you’ll get around this outdoor-centered city. There are more of these slippery attractions in this area than anywhere else in the country.
Some of the best ones are Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park, Kalahari Water Park, Noah’s Ark Waterpark, and Chula Vista Water Park. Don’t think winter stops the action at these water parks, many of them have indoor sections where the fun goes on all year-round.
There are a host of theme parks around town too. Circus World, Timber Falls Adventure Park, and Timbavati Wildlife Park are just some of the ones you can try out during your stay. There are also go-karts, bowling alleys and mini-golf courses dotted all over town. Don’t miss the chance to take a Duck Tour in one of the local amphibious vehicles.
8. Educational Times in Washington, DC
The capital city abounds with well-organized tours and entertainment for children. The Smithsonian is as iconic as museums come, with exhibitions to delight young and old, while Einstein Planetarium delivers never-ending fascinations.
The National Museum of Natural history features like the world’s largest diamond, life-size marine creatures exhibits, and tarantula feeding time at the insect zoo.
Another unmissable zoo experience is the Smithsonian National Zoo, where 2,700 different animals vie for your children’s attention. Don’t miss the giant pandas or the Ape House for a look at some of the world’s most fascinating creatures.
There’s also a kids farm featuring goats, miniature donkeys, cows, and alpacas.
Embrace Your World
If you’d like to find out some more ideas for family and kid-friendly vacations, flip through our blog for more articles like this.
We also have plenty to offer when it comes to the romantic getaways, travels with friends, and solo expeditions. Keep exploring.
