Family vacations are an opportunity to relax and unwind, spend time with loved ones, and create cherished memories. But selecting the ideal destination is crucial to ensure everyone has fun. Fortunately, the US is home to a range of amazing family vacation spots. So, whether you are looking for a cross-country tour or a vacation somewhere closer to your state, there are plenty of exciting places to explore in America as a family.
In this article, we list the best destinations in the country for a memorable family experience. But first, let’s find out what you can do to make planning easier.
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Tips for Planning the Perfect Family Vacation
Traveling with kids is quite different from vacationing with adults. Understandably, it requires much more deliberation to minimize stress and anxiety. But you can easily create an unforgettable experience for everyone with these essential tips:
- Identify the likes and preferences of each family member.
You may end up with an eclectic list of interests, from visiting museums and theme parks to hiking and surfing. But diversity will make your vacation interesting and allow you to appreciate each other’s interests more.
- Set a budget.
Decide your spending limits and prepare a budget with key expenses. Consider the cost of air tickets, accommodation, meals, local travel, activities, and the like.
- Opt for family-friendly resorts at the chosen destination.
They are better equipped to ensure the safety and comfort of the whole family, with facilities ranging from kids’ activities to child-friendly meal options. Read reviews on Tripadvisor, Hotel.com, and other travel sites and make bookings in advance to enjoy the best prices.
- Prepare a list of things to pack.
While traveling light is ideal, there are essential items you need to carry when vacationing with kids. These include appropriate clothing, a few games and toys, medicine, and a first aid kit.
- Book the tour guides before you arrive at the destination.
Guided tours are excellent for gaining insights into little-known factoids, exploring interesting hotspots, and navigating local attractions and activities effortlessly. You can find guides on social media and travel sites. But before contacting them, search for more details on Leadar to ensure you select reliable and experienced professionals.
Best Family Vacation Spots in the United States
Here are our top five destinations to plan your next family vacation.
1. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
If your family enjoys outdoor activities, look no further than Yellowstone National Park. Located in the state of Wyoming, but partially extending to Idaho and Montana, Yellowstone is the first official national park in the world.
From subalpine forests to canyons and wildlife, it has a variety of attractions to explore the great outdoors. You can meet grizzly bears and gray wolves at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, watch the Old Faithful geyser erupt, or trek along the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail.
2. Maui, Hawaii
This island in Hawaii is the ideal destination for a tropical family getaway without crossing the oceans. Second only to Big Island in size, Maui’s sandy beaches and clear blue waters provide the perfect setting to unwind and destress.
From snorkeling to windsurfing and whale watching, there are various water-based activities to keep the entire family occupied. But Maui is not just about the sun, sand, and the sea. Hiking in the Haleakala National Park, milking a goat at the Surfing Goat Dairy, and horseback riding at the Mendes Ranch are some of the many exciting adventures for you to plan.
3. Orlando, Florida
Orlando is the theme park haven for kids of all ages. The Walt Disney World is inarguably the most popular of these, with several exciting theme parks and water parks. Its appeal to kids and adults alike makes it the world’s most visited amusement park.
Universal Orlando Resort, best known for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, is another attraction you should not miss when visiting Orlando. It features three theme parks, eight resort hotels, and plenty of magical experiences.
Each resort has countless activities to explore. So, whichever one you visit, plan to spend several days.
4. Washington, DC
For an opportunity to experience US history first-hand, you must plan a vacation in the iconic American capital. Its imposing monuments, museums, botanical gardens, and parks provide exhilarating attractions for the whole family.
The National Mall, which houses the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, the White House, and the Library of Congress are some of the must-visit destinations. The National Museum of American History and the National Museum of Natural History of the Smithsonian Institution are also popular among visitors for their fascinating exhibits.
If you love arts and culture, don’t forget to catch a show at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts or visit one of the many art galleries in Washington.
5. Park City, Utah
While there is much to do and explore in Park City during the summer months, it is an equally captivating destination for a winter vacation with some fun in the snow.
This small town in Utah attracts thousands of visitors for winter sports. Snow-covered mountain resorts are its greatest attraction, apart from the uber-popular Sundance Film Festival that brings the town alive each year.
If your kids are not into skiing, there are other activities to enjoy in this tiny town. For instance, you can visit the Ice Castles to see the frozen thrones and ice slides, take a sleigh ride in the evening, or try ice skating and snow tubing.
To Wrap Up
Family vacations are a perfect opportunity to take a break from a stressful lifestyle, create lasting memories as a family, and even learn a thing or two about each other.
Our list of top family vacation hotspots in the US covers unique experiences — from tropical beaches and the great outdoors to historical monuments, theme parks, and winter ski resorts. They each offer exciting and fun-filled activities to create unforgettable memories for the whole family. So, pick a destination and start packing your bags!