Family vacations carry memories over the years. Selecting the right place is essential to ensure everyone has a good happy time with family members. The following holiday destinations are full of kid-friendly activities with reasonable costs in the USA in 2025.
Before making a tour, you may consider purchasing a family travel insurance policy to save your vacation cost.
If the US is the right destination for your family, this article is for you that explore more about the best family vacations in the USA. Here, you will get some of the best locations for a luxury family vacation in the US.
1. Boston
There is great importance of Boston to American history as one of the best state to go on vacation in the USA. It is not unexpected that there are a lot of historical sites in Massachusetts’ capital. Students who have just studied the American Revolution will enjoy trips to Boston Common and the Freedom Trail. Boston’s well-known attractions are complemented by an abundance of museums. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the Boston Children’s Museum are some of them. Young and elderly baseball fans will either love or grudgingly appreciate visiting the storied Fenway Park. Finally, a trip to Beantown would not be complete without seeing the MIT and Harvard University campuses in lovely Cambridge.
2. Gatlinburg
Those who enjoy the outdoors were the ones who planned this hilly town in eastern Tennessee. If you don’t want to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can ride the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway to the Ober Mountain Adventure Park. You may check out Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies for experiencing a wide variety of aquatic life. Another entertaining spot for youngsters is the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, a jumble of artisan shops encircling an 8-mile circle road. Here, you can see craft workers creating anything from pottery to hand-blown glass as the best vacation spot in the USA.
3. Hershey
It is one of the best family vacations in the USA. Sweet-toothed families will love paying a visit to Hershey of Pennsylvania. In honor of Milton S. Hershey, the man who founded the Hershey chocolate company, the town is well known for its world-famous Hersheypark. It has a water park, zoo, rides for kids, and numerous candy references. For a more relaxed day, groups can explore the themed children’s garden and butterfly atrium at Hershey Gardens.
There’s also the indoor Hershey Story Museum. You can plan to stay at Hershey Lodge, The Hotel Hershey, or Hersheypark Camping Resort to take advantage of special entrance packages to some of Hershey’s best attractions.
4. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
This beachside city has many things to do that will make your family’s holiday unforgettable. Riding the tall SkyWheel, playing mini golf, and engaging in exhilarating water sports are some popular activities at Myrtle Beach. The most popular attraction is WonderWorks, an educational theme park with interactive displays, ropes courses, and laser tag.
You should remember to spend the day relaxing on the beach and enjoying a wonderful family dinner at one of Murrells Inlet’s waterfront restaurants.
5. Williamsburg, Virginia
You may visit historic Williamsburg to gain experience of a bygone era. The main draw of the city is Colonial Williamsburg, the largest living history museum in the world. Your family can interact with historical actors portraying farmers, and tradespeople. Experiences include seminars, musket demonstrations, and performances.
Situated in Williamsburg, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is an excellent theme park. The park is separated into regions based on European countries. Each region offers fantastic food, thrilling rides, and captivating acts inspired by each nation. You can take a trip on the Roman Rapids white-water rafting adventure in the Fiesta Italia sector of the park.
6. Portland, Oregon
When you visit during the summer, you will see why Portland is known as the ‘City of Roses’. The International Rose Test Garden boasts over 10,000 colorful rose bushes that bloom from late spring to early October.
If you’re looking for less-touristy activities, you should consider going to some of Portland’s other beautiful parks. Forest Park, Lan Su Chinese Garden, or Mount Tabor Park are some of them. The city offers a wide range of local culinary options, festivals, shopping, and nightlife to keep you busy while visiting.
7. Seattle, Washington
It’s best to visit Seattle in the summer. This time of year in Seattle is perfect for relaxing at the beach, climbing mountain trails, viewing whales, and having park picnics. There are also plenty of sunny days and a comfortable but not very hot climate outside. Although visibility of Mount Rainier during fog is often poor, this location offers the best views of the peak.
8. Tybee Island, Georgia
Georgia’s Tybee Island, a barrier island near Savannah, is a great place to spend a summer vacation. In addition to lounging on the beach and engaging in water sports, you may visit historically significant sites. These include the Fort Pulaski National Monument and the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum.
9. New Orleans, Louisiana
You can go to New Orleans if you’re searching for a romantic getaway with a diverse cultural background. You may visit the vibrant French Quarter to savor jazz music, Creole cuisine, and delicious beignets. For couples seeking excitement, consider going on a swamp expedition in Louisiana’s Bayous. This is the natural habitat of alligators and other species.
10. Hawaii
Hawaii, home to some of the most breathtaking beaches on the planet, is the best American vacation destination. The crystal clear seas and immaculate beaches will instantly calm you down. You can stay on any of the six islands. Oahu is the most popular. The weather is nice all year round. Therefore, you are welcome to plan your trip during any season as one of the best family vacations in the USA.
11. Orlando
The Orlando is full of the thrilling rides, captivating performances, and timeless appeal of Walt Disney World Resort. It was designed keeping mind families. There are many kid-friendly theme parks in Orlando. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is located at Universal Orlando Resort, and Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive day resort. You may swim with dolphins and snorkel around the park’s coral reef. Due to its immense popularity, it is advisable to plan your visit during a less crowded month often January, February, or September, excepting school breaks.
12. Yellowstone National Park
You are recommended to visit Yellowstone for a classic outdoor family holiday. A hike is a great way to strengthen family bonds, and youngsters will enjoy seeing Old Faithful erupt. Visit the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail for a stroll to the natural wonder. Alternatively, for an amazing view of the Upper Geyser Basin, take the Mystic Falls Trail. To get up close and personal with some wildlife, search for bison or visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. This national park, which spans Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, has expensive motels. Instead, you can consider traveling with your bed (BYOB) and using the well-equipped campsites that are available.
13. Washington, D.C.
Families visiting Washington are mostly drawn to the National Mall. It has a good number of free attractions, famous monuments, and kid-friendly museums like the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. You may visit the National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute at the Smithsonian.
It is home to over 2,100 species if you venture outside the shopping center. If you are looking to cut costs on your trip, consider booking a hotel in a nearby suburb like Arlington or Alexandria, Virginia. You can take advantage of the accessible and affordable public transport system.
14. Anaheim-Disneyland
Disneyland Resort, located in Anaheim California, has been a family destination since 1955. It offers an excess of magical experiences. After spending time with Mickey and friends, you can make a tour to Adventure City, an amusement park near Anaheim, or Knott’s Berry Farm, one of the best amusement parks in the country and the best family vacations in the USA.
If you chance to be in the neighborhood during the season, you may also attend baseball games at Angel Stadium. The proximity of Anaheim to the beaches and attractions of San Diego and Los Angeles is a bonus. Disneyland is packed all the year-round. However, visiting in the late winter or fall, even on a weekday, is likely to result in fewer visitors.
15. Destin
It is for your knowledge that families love Destin, Florida for its kid-friendly atmosphere and plenty of family-friendly activities. Youngsters will enjoy the dolphins and penguins at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park. Here is a lazy river and waterslides. Families are especially drawn to the quiet and gorgeous shorelines of Henderson Beach State Park and the Shore at Crystal Beach Park. You can book a boat tour if you’re searching for a thrilling aquatic experience. Destin offers everything from dolphin-spotting trips to cruises with a pirate theme. However, don’t forget to pack your beach hat.
16. Lake Tahoe
If your family’s idea of outdoor fun is skiing, hiking, or beach tanning, Lake Tahoe is the best place located on the California-Nevada border and one of the best family vacations in the USA. Any of the several ski resorts that encircle Lake Tahoe gives world-class views that you can take in. Here your family can rip down the slopes. During the warmer months, you may enjoy swimming in Lake Tahoe’s beautiful waters along its nearly 70 miles of shoreline. There are several trails winding through the area, in case your kids need to burn off some extra energy before replenishing in one of the local towns.
17. San Diego
The 70 miles of coastline that makes up San Diego presents a ton of opportunities for sandy fun. Mission Beach, Coronado Central Beach, and La Jolla Shores are the best beaches for families. There are calm residents and mild waves. When you and the family become tired of the surf, you may engage up close with animals at the famed San Diego Zoo, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, or the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
In addition to educational establishments like the Fleet Science Center and the San Diego Air & Space Museum, Balboa Park boasts 1,200 acres of beautiful green area for exploration.
18. Yosemite National Park
There are many outdoor activities in Yosemite. It is a great family vacation spot. Families can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and floating along the scenic Merced River in this well-respected national park in California. If you are looking for expansive vistas, you can consider riding the bus up to Glacier Point or ascending one of the many pathways in Yosemite Valley to see the famous Half Dome. Yosemite Valley has many excellent housing alternatives. It may be your desired place to stay if this is your first time visiting the park. During the park’s peak season, the summer, make sure to book your lodging up to a year in advance.
19. Cape Cod
Families like to visit Cape Cod for vacations for a long time, and with good reason. Kids may build sandcastles, swim, fish, and even become junior rangers at Cape Cod National Seashore. It boasts 40 miles of shoreline. If you go in the summer, make plans to take the kids to mini-golf followed by a movie at the Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre. For additional amusement, you can take the kids to the Cape Cod Children’s Museum, go for a family bike ride, or stroll along the Cape Cod Rail Trail. In June or September or in the months of November through April, there are fewer visitors and staying costs are lower. Therefore, budget-conscious families should visit then.
20. Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole is the only location you should go if you want to get your family off the grid. This Wyoming tourist hamlet is supported by Grand Teton National Park to the north and national forests on the other sides. There are three mountain resorts with downhill skiing in the winter. So, families may easily choose the spot that best suits their skill level. Families can hike Grand Teton National Park’s trails in the summer. After a strenuous day of hiking, groups can visit The Jackson Hole Playhouse. It offers a variety of family-friendly dinner theater presentations and is one of the best family vacations in the USA.
21. Hilton Head
Hilton Head Island in South Carolina is one of the best family vacations in the USA and a great option for families who are looking for a relaxed, easy vacation spot. Hilton Head Island’s numerous beaches, kid-friendly amenities, and gentle surf make it the perfect destination for families with young children. Coligny Beach Park is the busiest beach on the island. However, Driessen Beach Park’s less crowded environment is well-liked by both inhabitants and visitors. You may tour to Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge and the Coastal Discovery Museum to learn more about the Low country’s plants and animals. Parties can also eat at Harbour Town and enjoy sunset performances.
22. Grand Canyon National Park
In the USA, the Arizona national park is a well-liked vacation spot and one of the best family vacations in the USA. There are so many things to see and do. Therefore, there’s no way that any member of your family could grow bored. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park, go on a short hike, ride the Grand Canyon Railway, or float the Colorado River. You can also take in the vista from the Grand Canyon West Skywalk. However, it should be advised that during the busiest summer months, nearby accommodations fill up quickly.
23. Wisconsin Dells
Families who are seeking a plethora of activities may find Wisconsin Dells, popularly known as ‘The Water Park Capital of the World,’ to be an excellent visit. It is also one of the best family vacations in the USA. Pick from a range of exciting venues, like Noah’s Ark Waterpark, the largest outdoor water park in the country. Wilderness Resort features four indoor and four outdoor water parks. For a break on dry land, you can visit Timbavati Wildlife Park to see the tigers, sloths, and giraffes. You can take in a magic show at Rick Wilcox Magic Theater. Wisconsin Deer Park offers opportunities to feed and watch a variety of deer species as well as other animals.
24. Gulf Shores
Families would love a beach vacation in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Family vacations can be spent splashing in the surf and relaxing on the warm beach at places like Gulf State Park. It features a butterfly garden, hiking trails, kayaking, and other activities. The Waterville USA water park, the Track Family Fun Park offers go-karts, exhilarating rides, and arcade games. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, and the Cool Shots Selfie Museum—, which caters to aspiring social media stars—are some of the other attractions. There are many options for places to stay, including large vacation homes.
25. Honolulu – Oahu
In Honolulu, there may be an endless supply of things for families with diverse interests to do. You can sandcastle and enjoy the sun at well-known beaches like Waikiki Beach, Lanikai Beach, and Kailua Beach Park. The Bishop Museum and the Pearl Harbor National Memorial are worth seeing for history aficionados. The hiking paths on the island, such as Le’ahi Diamond Head State Monument and the Koko Crater Trail, are ideal for families with active children. The Polynesian Cultural Center is another place where you can learn the hula and attend a real luau. Both of these introduce Hawaiian culture as one of the best family vacations in the USA.
26. Outer Banks
Off the coast of North Carolina, the Outer Banks are a chain of barrier islands and one of the best family vacations in the USA. It is an inexpensive and beautiful place to relax. This is where you may share a reasonably priced vacation rental home with multiple bedrooms. You can enjoy a relaxing week-long vacation exploring the many state parks and beaches. Favorite spots include Jockey’s Ridge State Park. It has the tallest living dune on the Atlantic coast and the scenic Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The Aquarium is another family-friendly destination located on Roanoke Island of North Carolina.
27. Maui
This Hawaiian island presents a variety of kid-friendly attractions. You can take in the stunning black sand beaches of Wai’anapanapa State Park. You may spend a good time in the sun at family-friendly beaches like Wailea Beach. Haleakala National Park is home to one of the largest dormant volcanoes in the world. Lao Valley State Monument boasts a popular, stunning hike. Families can enjoy an abundance of exhilarating boating and snorkeling experiences. It is noted that this is one of the most visited islands in Hawaii, budget for expensive lodging.
28. Kiawah Island
Families may relax at Kiawah Island, a private, gated barrier island community approximately 25 miles southwest of Charleston, South Carolina. You can pick a spot to go beach biking, water sports, and conch hunting around the ten miles of coastline.
Tennis, a ton of outdoor activities, kid-focused nature hikes, midnight beach walks, and more are available at the Kiawah Island Nature Center. Boat rides including fishing excursions, paddle tours, dolphin viewing, and more are other activities offered. There are many different options for places to stay, from luxurious options like The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Here are more reasonably priced rental homes.
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