The Best Place to Travel with Kids in the US – 2025 Version

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Are you planning a family vacation and wondering what is the Best Place To Travel With Kids In The US? Look no further!

Just because you have kids does not mean you can’t plan a fantastic vacation. One where your kids won’t get bored and you’ll have a great time also. So if you love to travel, and are ready to make some great family memories, take a look at the list below and get ready to plan your epic family vacation!

This list will give ideas for everything from laid-back beach vacations to adventurous outdoor trips. So no matter what you are looking for, or the age of your kids, you will find something for every family member here!

Fortunately, the United States has an abundance of places to travel with your family. Each state has something different to offer and is easy to travel to.

1 – Myrtle Beach, North Carolina

Myrtle Beach is located on the shores of South Carolina and is a perfect beach family vacation! They have tons of resorts and numerous Airbnb condos that easily accommodate families.

At Myrtle Beach, you will never get bored. There are numerous water activities such as banana boats, snorkeling, parasailing, boating, jet skis, and more. Or go into town and see one of the many museums, shopping centers, and restaurants.

Myrtle Beach is also only about an hour’s drive from Charleston, South Carolina for a quick day drip to the colorful buildings and horse-drawn carriages of the south.

Fun Activity: Guided Myrtle Beach Kayak

2 – Kauai, Hawaii

We have been to several of the Hawaiian Islands and Kauai will always be our family’s favorite place to visit. The scenery is gorgeous, the beaches are out of this world. And there is so much to do there.

In Kauai, you can rent snorkel gear and just pull up to any beach, go snorkeling, swim, or just lounge in the sun. Looking for more adventure? You can go kayaking to secret waterfalls, river tubing in the rain forest, ride horses or ATVs, and take helicopter rides, or boat tours to the famous NaPali coast.

Keep Reading: 15 Unforgettable Things To Do In Kauai with Kids

3 – Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is known for its red rocks and peaceful atmosphere. But there’s tons of adventure there too! You can take jeep rides through the mountains, go horseback riding, check out tons of shopping and restaurants, and even enjoy natural wonders like Slide Rock State Park.

Sedona is a great place to go hiking, with literally hundreds of trails ranging from difficult to easy cheesy for young kids. Tons of trails have incredible scenic views and take you to swimming holes and waterfalls where you can spend the entire day swimming and picnicking.

4 – San Diego, California

San Diego has always been a family favorite of ours. I’ve taken my daughter there as a toddler and as s teen and we have a great time no matter what age she is.

San Diego is home to some amazing beaches, shops, and restaurants. But they also have things like SeaWorld, The San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and more. Head out to Coronado Island for a day of fun. Stroll through downtown San Diego, or ride some coasters at Mission Beach.

There’s always something to do in San Diego!

Don’t Forget! Get a copy of the San Diego Travel Guide to make the most of your family vacation!

5 – Gulf Shores, Alabama

Located on the Gulf coast of Alabama, The Gulf Shores offers tons of beach recreation activities as well as water adventures. Or head to the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge to see sea turtles and other marine wildlife.

There are golf courses for the parents and sand dunes to play on for the whole family. ANd since Gulf Shores are located on the Gulf of Mexico, the water is always calm and warm, making swimming ideal!

Don’t Miss Experience: Gulf Shores, Orange Beach Area Multi-Attraction Pass

6 – Key West, Florida

If you want a fun, tropical vibe for your family vacation but you dont want to travel internationally, Key West is a great choice!

This island on the southern part of the Florida Keys is surrounded by turquoise waters and colorful fish. The downtown area is vibrant with nightlife, restaurants, and shops.

And there are tons of excursions here! Take a boat trip out to Dry Tortuga National Park, go deep-sea fishing, book a sunset catamaran cruise, take a snorkeling trip, or watch manatees floating around the docks right outside your Key West hotel!

Your Kids Will Love: Shark and Wildlife Viewing Adventure in Key West

7 – Galveston, Texas

Galveston is home to over 32 miles of beaches off the coast of Texas, just a short drive from Houston. From iconic beaches to shopping and restaurants, Galveston has it all!

There are plenty of water activities to keep your family busy. But there are also museums, go-kart racing, adventure courses, resorts with waterslides and so much more. You can even go on fishing charters or rent kayaks and paddleboards.

Best Galveston Excursion: Baywatch Dolphin Tour

8 – Yellowstone and Jackson Hole

If your family loves the outdoors, wildlife, and adventure, then check out Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Yellowstone itself is home to so many wonders. You could spend 2-3 days here driving around looking at Buffalo, seeing Old Faithful, hiking to waterfalls, or seeing geysers.

Jackson Hole offers a wide range of activities as well. Go horseback riding, fishing, hiking, biking, or even white water rafting. You can camp near Yellowstone, stay in a luxury resort, or rent a log cabin.

Don’t Miss it! Snake River Scenic Float Trip with Teton Views in Jackson Hole

9 – Durango, Colorado

Durango Colorado is a gorgeous mountain town with so much to offer! Durango is home to million-dollar resorts, small cabins, and tons of camping. Stay a week or take a road trip to nearby Silverton and Ouray.

If your family loves the outdoors, this might be the perfect place for you guys! Take a ride on the old railroad, go ziplining, white water rafting, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, kayaking, and more.

The downtown area is filled with the cutest shops and restaurants. Soak in their natural hot springs. Visit Honeyville and James Ranch for some of the best food you’ll ever find. The list is endless!

Keep Reading: Family-Friendly Things To Do In Durango with Kids

10 – Nashville, Tennessee

We love Nashville so much, we have visited this area several times! And while Nashville may seem like a party city, its actually very family freindsl and offers many tings for you and your kids to enjoy.

The city itself is pretty family-friendly. You can walk down the main street and listen to live music being played through open restaurant walls. There’s even a place called the Wildhorse Saloon that allows kids and gives country-line dancing lessons.

But Nashville is more than just a party city. It’s home to the Cumberland River where you can bike along paths, kayak, and paddleboard, and explore several different areas out in nature. And hello moms! Nashville has a music museum with a whole section dedicated to Taylor Swift!

Explore More: Nashville to Fall Creek Falls All Inclusive Full Day Adventure

11 – New York City

New York City is also the Best Place To Travel With Kids In The US, and we have gone several times as well. You can visit Central Park and ride a carousel or take a horse-drawn carriage ride (they even have a zoo!).

But what we like the most, and your family will too, are all the sites and museums. Your kids will enjoy themselves visiting things like the 9/11 museums and Ellis Island. They would even love to explore the Tenement Museum.

Sometimes its fun to just walk around Times Square, visit the top of the Empire State Building, catch a live taping of the Today Show, or browse through some of the worlds most expensive stores on 5th Avenue.

12 – Bar Harbor, Maine

If you like coastal towns, check out Bar Harbor Maine. Bar Harbor offers boutique hotels, cozy B&Bs, and woodland camping. This coastal town in Maine offers boutique shopping along the boardwalk, fresh seafood restaurants, and tons of outdoor water activities.

It’s also home to Arcadia National Park, where you can spend endless days exploring the area. You can go hiking, biking, horseback riding, and more. You can even go on a Bar Harbor ghost tour if you dare!

Unique Experience: 2-Hour Windjammer Sailing Trip in Maine with Licensed Captain

13 – Orlando, Florida

Disney World always seems like the logical choice when you are looking for the Best Place To Travel With Kids In The US, but it can also be easily forgotten. Orlando has a lot more to offer than just Disney. With Animal Kingdon, Universal Studios, Epcot, and more, your whole family will definitely be kept busy.

Orlando also offers more than just that. Spend a day lounging at a resort pool, going down waterslides, or even go see some Florida crocodiles. Orlando is always warm and sunny and a great family destination year-round.

Your Kids Will Love: Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida Admission

14 – Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles can be a lot of fun for families to visit. You have the typical theme parks like Disneyland, Universal Studios, and California Adventure. But you also have the glam of Hollywood!

You can visit movie studios, and take tours of different TV and movie sets. Or just do some shopping along the famous Rodeo Drive. Have younger kids? Huntington Beach is nearby with some great beach areas to play in the sand or rent some bikes along the boardwalk.

Near Los Angeles: Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach

15 – Anchorage, Alaska

Don’t underestimate a family trip to Alaska! Alaska has so much to do and see and Anchorage is the perfect place to fly to. You can go dog-sledding or take a helicopter tour to the top of a glacier.

Or ride the open-view train to Denali National Park. Watch for bears, bald eagles, moose, and other wildlife you won’t see anywhere else. Anchorage is a place you could just drive around and be in awe of the majestic mountains and scenery. But the list of family-friendly activities is endless.

Great Excursion Idea: Alaska Railroad Anchorage to Seward Round-Trip

16 – Zion National Park, Utah

If you are a National Park enthusiast like I am, check out Zion National Park and the surrounding areas. You’ll see sites you never saw before and even your kids will be amazed. Explore nearby Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona. VIisit horseshoe bend or go swimming in Lake Powel.

Zion National Park is also very close to Moab, Canyonlands Nation Park, and Bryce Canyon National Park. Maybe even consider renting an RV and exploring all these places in one vacation.

Memorable Experience: East Zion Crimson Canyon Hike & UTV Adventure

17 – Tucson, Arizona

Tucson never sounds amazing at first, but dont let this small city 2 hours south of Phoenix fool you. It has plenty to do! You can hike around Saguaro National Park or drive up to Mount Lemmon for tall pines and camping.

Tucson is also close to small towns like Bisbee and Tombstone where you can see an authentic old Western Town with tons of fun activities for the kids.

Tucson even has a few dude ranches you and your family can stay at. Your kids will love going horseback riding, sitting by a campfire, and feeling like an actual cowboy.

Check Out: Guided 2-Hour Horseback Ride Catalina State Park Coronado Forest

18 – Door County, Wisconsin

If you’re looking for the Best Place To Travel With Kids In The US around the Midwest area, check out Door County in Wisconsin. This outdoorsy family-friendly area is a hot spot in the summer because of its location on Lake Michigan.

You’ll find plenty of water activities from boating to fishing and kayaking or paddleboarding. Rent a boat for the day, or take a scenic sunset ride. Door County is known for its cherry orchards and wineries. Visit a winery and get samples for the parents while the kids enjoy things like cherry pit spitting contests and homemade cherry pie.

There are petting zoos and farms to visit, ziplining, and plenty of shops and restaurants in this cute little town that resembles Stars Hollow from the Gilmore Girls.

Check Out More In Door County: Door County Visitor Information

19 – Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Located near Rocky Mountain National Park, Gatlinburg Tennessee is a great vacation spot for families in the summer. There are plenty of outdoor activities in this cool mountain town that will keep your whole family busy.

But probably the most exciting part (for your kids) is the amusement park and ski resort. What kid doesn’t love a good amusement park? Don’t forget to visit their space needle and cable cars for a unique activity. And keep a lookout for wildlife like bears and deer that frequent the area.

For a Fun Adventure: Mountaintop Zipline 2-Hour Activity

20 – Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

Located in Central Missouri, this popular vacation spot offers more outdoor activities than you can probably handle! The diverse lakes and land provide a perfect setting for various adventures. Most people find that there’s not a whole lot they can’t do here, making it a versatile destination.

Everything is based on the lake, so you’ll find lots of water and boating activities. Visitors can enjoy seeing gators and even try dishes like Gator Bites at local eateries. Despite the cold winters, the area thrives with freshwater activities year-round.

Lake of the Ozarks has everything from nightlife to spas, high-end resorts, and casinos to small cabins in the woods. You might even spot a breeding pair of birds, adding to the diverse species found here. Every age group will find something they love about this area, even if you are just looking to relax by the water. You might notice a bit of wildlife activity, especially when gators take a strategic bite during their hunts.

The rivers and water conditions are ideal for fishing and boating. While the idea of sharks in the lake is amusing, it’s highly unlikely due to environmental barriers.

Keep Reading: Lake of the Ozarks: My Surreal Summers in a Vanishing America

21 – Mackinac Island, Michigan

Located in the upper peninsula of Michigan, Mackinac Island is a truly unique place to visit. Explore historic forts, go shopping (for fudge!) along their main street, or go for a carriage ride. There’s something for everyone here.

But what makes Mackinac Island truly unique? There are no motor vehicles allowed here! You take a boat to get to the island and all transportation is by horse carriage, biking, or walking. You can go parasailing, take a boat ride, or simply rent bikes to explore this island.

Fun Adventure: Mackinaw City Parasailing

22 – Miami, Florida

While you may think Miami is a party town, it’s actually a really great place for a family vacation. The beaches are a great place to lay in the sun or have fun playing in the sand. You’ll find lots of water activities here if you’re looking for more activity.

Miami is an airline hub and you can often find direct flights here from almost anywhere in the United States. This town also has some hidden gems your family can discover! Like visiting the Everglades National Park and going on an exciting air boat ride to see Alligators!

Don’t Miss: Miami Everglades Experience Airboat Ride, Wildlife Show

Best Place To Travel With Kids In The US

Vacations with your families dont have to be boring. There are tons of places you can go that will excite both you and your kids, and create amazing memories together!

I hope you found something on this list that sounds like a fun family getaway. If you’ve been on a great family trip and it’s not on this list, leave it in the comments below for other readers to find. Happy travels!

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