Best Family-Friendly Vacations in the U.S.

When choosing a vacation destination that kids will enjoy, theme parks and beach trips are always at the top of the list. Who doesn’t love a Disney vacation? But you can only spend so long (and so much) in the Magic Kingdom, and there are lots and lots of unexpected family travel destinations waiting to be explored, hidden gems full of enchantment that hasn’t been meticulously manufactured by a multinational corporation.

According to the Family Travel Association Annual Family Travel Survey, 84% of parents reported that family travel helps make their children more adaptable and open to new experiences, and new destinations are a perfect way to expand their horizons. Sure, everyone loves standing in line for an hour or more to ride a roller coaster, but there’s a big wide world out there to discover. And you and the kids may be rewarded with a new favorite vacation spot.

For decades, Las Vegas was unheard of for family vacations, but in 2023, the number of families visiting the city with someone younger than 21 in their group had tripled compared to pre-COVID-19 pandemic numbers, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

“I think Vegas in general is trying to attract a different customer than what maybe has been coming here for the last 20 years, 30 years,” says Shana Gerety, Circus Circus’s General Manager. “We’re trying to capitalize on that and show that Vegas is not just a gambling town,” she says.

Like Las Vegas, there are many surprising family vacation spots across the US. Here are ten hidden-gem destinations worth considering for your next kid-friendly vacation.

Family-Friendly Vacations in the South

New Orleans, Louisiana
The Big Easy is known for its party scene, but the city is plenty kid-friendly if you know where to look. The Four Seasons is great for families because it has the most spacious hotel rooftop pool in New Orleans, complete with cabanas to rent and great food. Specialty kid amenities include a decked-out children’s tent, movie night packages, and sweet surprises, with views of the Mississippi River and the iconic street cars. You can also get a suite package that includes tickets to some of New Orleans’ top family attractions at Audubon Nature Institute’s Zoo, Aquarium, and Insectarium. Take the elevator 34 stories up to Vue Orleans for an interactive experience of the city’s history and a 360 degree view of the city, or hop on the ferry to Algiers for a fun walk to pair up Confetti Park with Barracuda Taco Stand. Adults will appreciate the hotel’s Chandelier Bar and the proximity to casinos and nightlife, and the entire family will enjoy the Jazz brunch at Miss River. And most importantly, you’re just a few quick blocks from Cafe du Monde.

Greenville, South Carolina
In the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills, Greenville earns its name with a 32-acre urban park featuring the Reedy River falls suspension bridge, and miles of walking and bike trails at Paris Mountain State Park and Caesars Head State Park. Outdoor enthusiasts marvel at the largest concentrations of waterfalls in the Southeast and then unwind at a large concentration of locally owned restaurants and shops on Main Street. Kids can zipline through the trees at Flying Rabbit Adventures, feed the giraffes at the Greenville Zoo, or visit The Children’s Museum of the Upstate. All ages can enjoy bowling, arcades, escape rooms, ghost tours, building their own sundaes at Clare’s Creamery, and going on the Mice on Main Scavenger Hunt.

Ridgedale, Missouri
The Ozark Mountains are a famous paradise for active outdoorsy folks, but Branson deserves a second look for parents, too. Besides fishing tournaments on Table Rock Lake, Big Cedar Lodge offers Big Cedar Nature Golf, the Top of the Rock heritage preserve, and golf cart cave tours. Seasonal kids activities include Big Cedar Bakery Wars, movies on the lawn, and ice skating at Christmas. Fun Mountain is an easy win for kids too, featuring arcade games, bumper cars, underwater-themed bowling, laser tag, and a ropes and zipline course. Family-friendly shows on the Branson strip and Silver Dollar City amusement park are a short drive away.

San Antonio, Texas
The new 20-story luxury hotel overlooking the iconic Riverwalk offers soaking tubs, wet bars and Hill Country views, and even a penthouse with a pool table. But it’s the Thompson Sleepovers that will grab the kids’ attention: in-room glamping, complete with a delicious ‘midnight’ snack pack, fairy lights, and themed decorations. The pool deck with offers fun for kids while parents relax at the full-service Thompson San Antonio Spa. Near the property, families can experience The Alamo, the Spanish colonial missions, or visit one of the many theme parks like Six Flags Fiesta Texas, SeaWorld San Antonio, or Morgan’s Wonderland.

Family-Friendly Vacations in the West

Las Vegas, Nevada
Vegas has had quite a reputation as a gambling and drinking town, but in recent years, the city has been working to add family-friendly shows and attractions, and Circus Circus has been at the forefront. In March 2024, SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival ride opened, in addition to its Adventuredome with two roller coasters, numerous rides, an 18-hole golf course, and new and improved kiddie rides like Go Karts and Twistin Tea Cups. The Garage is another new development, featuring neon mini bowling alleys, highly immersive virtual reality, and video golf simulators. The hotel has also taken a new approach to gaming, using 95% physical coin games, and has maintained its signature restaurant, The Steakhouse. Also on the strip, see family-friendly Hershey’s Chocolate World Las Vegas, and the Fountains of Bellagio.

Moab, Utah
Red Cliffs Lodge seems like a mirage about seventeen miles outside of Moab, but that’s the beauty of it. The proximity to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, as well as its location on the Colorado River, makes it perfect for adventurous families, but far enough away to feel private and secluded. In addition to hiking the parks, families can go rafting, ride horses, go petroglyph hunting, or look for dinosaur fossils. On site, relax in the pool and hottub with the red hills as a backdrop. Don’t be surprised to see deer and other wildlife from seats along the creek or from river-facing rooms.

Greenough, Montana
Paws Up is an all-inclusive ranch getaway that’s become known for its exclusive culinary events, but adults aren’t the only ones getting spoiled. For kids, the activities are the real draw to this mountain paradise. This is the place to try new things like archery or fly fishing. Ride horses on over 100 miles of trails, race Go-Karts on an Indy-inspired track, and explore the Garnet Ghost Town on an ATV ride, and adults can indulge at Spa Town alongside a babbling brook. In the winter, guests can go dogsledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and even ice fishing which is new this year. Meals range from an authentic chuck wagon dinner to fine dining at Pomp, but save room for gourmet s’mores at the nightly campfires.

Family-Friendly Vacations in the Midwest

Columbus, Ohio
The Junto just opened in 2023, and it’s already become the focal point of the midwestern city’s new Peninsula neighborhood, located Downtown and adjacent to the Franklinton Arts District. It’s situated directly across the street from COSI (Center of Science and Industry), consistently ranked one of the top science museums in the country, and the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, which makes it the perfect basecamp for visiting Columbus, home to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Center. Guests of all ages will love the Gear Garage, the hotel’s free onsite equipment center that has everything from bikes, scooters, and kayaks to explore along the Scioto River, to record players and virtual reality gear.

Family-Friendly Vacations on the East Coast

Cooperstown, New York
Any serious baseball fan knows Cooperstown as the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, but many are surprised at the other attractions the village of around 2,000 people has to offer. Pedal along the tracks at Rail Explorers, and race ducks at the Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard— and don’t skip the barbecue or apple pie. After a day of exploring Doubleday Field, the Fenimore Art Museum, or Fenimore Farm & Country Village, The Otesaga is the perfect spot to unwind in Cooperstown, with rocking chairs overlooking Otsego Lake. Try the onsite fine dining at 1909, play a round of golf at the Leatherstocking Golf Course, or rent a canoe or kayak for a relaxing paddle around the lake.

Cape Neddick, Maine
This refined New England getaway is not just for adults. The stunning view of the rocky coast is the perfect backdrop for the infinity Cove Pool, with an adjacent hot tub. Kids can tie dye t-shirts, complete onsite scavenger hunts, and relax at the fire pit for nightly s’mores overlooking the water. Onsite dining ranges from upscale The Tiller to the laid-back Nubb’s Lobster Shack, with everything from seafood to burgers and fries. Nearby Nubble Lighthouse, Perkins Cove fishing village, and Ogunquit Beach offer fun for all ages, and Kennebunkport’s legendary spot The Clam Shack is worth a detour. Winter activities include cross country skiing, whale watching, and an indoor lap pool.

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