Let’s be real: planning a family trip can feel like a total chore, but it doesn’t have to be! If you’re hunting for sun-soaked beaches, cool history, or just a spot where the kids can run wild without you losing your mind, we’ve got your back. Think of this as your ultimate guide to family vacation destinations. So, grab your tablet to make some notes, and let’s dive into some awesome vacation ideas for a legendary getaway!
Where Are the Best Vacation Spots?
Wisconsin Dells
Explore the family-friendly appeal of Wisconsin Dells, where top-tier waterparks like Noah’s Ark, Kalahari, and Chula Vista await. Since most area resorts feature both indoor and outdoor facilities, it’s a crowd-pleasing destination for a getaway during any season! Beyond waterparks, there’s also plenty of year-round entertainment available.
Activities:
- Duck Boat Tour
- Hiking at Mirror Lake State Park or Devil’s Lake State Park
- Escapology and Dell Escape Rooms
- Zipline and Bigfoot Ropes courses
- Casacampo Alpaca Ranch.
Merritt Island
Merritt Island offers families a unique blend of scientific discovery and natural wonder on Florida’s Space Coast. Located just minutes from popular Atlantic beaches, visitors can alternate between high-tech educational experiences and serene outdoor environments, so there’s something for everyone.
Activities:
- Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
- Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
- Cocoa Beach
- Manatee Observation Spots
- Family Petting Ranch.
Washington D.C.
Washington, D.C. is an educational hub as well as an administrative/governmental center. Its abundance of engaging activities for children, in particular, makes it a unique choice for a memorable family vacation.
Activities:
- Varied Smithsonian museums with free entry – history, space, art, and a national zoo
- Botanical Gardens
- Segway and Boat Tours
- D.C. Metro Food Tours
- Children’s Museum – (a 3-story jungle gym, need we say anymore?)
What Are Some Ideas for Family Vacations?
Theme Park
While many focus on Universal resorts, Orlando’s Fun Spot America and its sister park in Kissimmee offer a great alternative. Experience Central Florida’s bustling theme park and nightlife hub alongside Kissimmee’s suburban charm.
Cruise
With the likes of Disney, Royal Caribbean, and Virgin Voyages all offering family-friendly cruise deals, there’s plenty of incentive to explore multiple locations. Life is all about experiences, so why not share it with your kids and broaden their horizons as to what’s out there?
Forest & Nature Retreats
Forest and nature retreats, like Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, offer families a peaceful escape to reconnect away from screens. National parks, such as Zion and Arches in Utah, provide magical experiences, including hiking and stargazing. From trekking among waterfalls to enjoying mountain resorts, these natural settings offer varied adventures for all.
Sensory-Friendly Experiences
Families can further enhance their vacation by visiting museums during low sensory mornings to enjoy dimmed lights and quieter environments, or by utilizing designated quiet rooms in major theme parks for necessary mid-day resets. Seeking out natural serenity is also a great option, such as exploring quiet nature trails in National Parks. Sensory-friendly film screenings and theater performances are also available in many cities.
Are There Any All-Inclusive Resorts Across the Americas?
For premium family vacations, staying in one location can be ideal. You can enjoy entertainment, dining, activities, and spas together (or separately) without having to travel. Here is a list of all-inclusive resorts across various locations.
Blackberry Farm – Walland, TN
This year, Blackberry Farm are celebrating their 50th anniversary of legendary hospitality and memorable activities. Be part of the adventure and visit one of the most celebrated hotels in all of Tennessee. Relish true Southern hospitality that’s suitable for groups and families alike. Did we mention pets are allowed? Happy days for the paw-rents out there!
Hotel Xcaret – Playa Del Carmen, México
By providing an ‘All-Fun Inclusive’ experience for guests of every age, this resort transforms the concept of a classic getaway. Visitors enjoy unrestricted entry to premier regional eco-parks, sophisticated dining, airport transportation, and immersive cultural excursions. The icing on the cake is that they offer a round-trip shuttle service to and from Cancun International Airport!
Planet Hollywood – Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Set on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, this beachfront resort offers Hollywood-themed adventures and memorabilia for all ages. Guests can enjoy all-inclusive dining, bars, and the PH Spa & Beauty Bar. Family-friendly amenities include a pool, whirlpool, and supervised spaces like the Kids Club and Game Room. It’s like the best of both worlds, getting the glitz of Hollywood in a beachside location!
Woodloch Resort – Hawley, PA
Located in the heart of Pennsylvania, Woodlach offers a range of hotel-style guest rooms and large suites to private vacation rental homes. Flexible meal plans, a la carte dining and grocery options are readily available. They’ve more than 30 daily activities that offer ‘cruise-on-land’ appeal, like watersports and group pastimes. Throw in premier amenities and nightly entertainment, and you’ve got yourself a wholesome vacation for the whole family.
What Are the Best Family-Friendly City Vacations?
San Diego, CA
Get ready to soak up the sun, because San Diego is arguably the ultimate family playground in the U.S! This vibrant coastal city is bursting with high-energy adventures and unforgettable sights. Whether you’re looking for world-class attractions or breathtaking natural wonders, San Diego delivers it all with a massive smile.
Activities:
- San Diego Zoo
- Museums at Balboa Park
- Sea Lions in La Jolla Cove
- Hiking in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps.
Just a stone’s throw away:
- LEGOLANDⓇ California (only 30 minutes north!)
- Disneyland & Universal Studios Hollywood (an easy 90-minute road trip!)
Atlanta, GA
Gear up for a whimsical time in Atlanta, a city where Southern hospitality meets a bustling metropolis. There’s excitement to be found everywhere, from its sprawling green parks to its world-class tourist attractions. Whether you’re diving into underwater wonders or exploring the history of a global icon, this city is bursting with fun around every corner!
Activities:
- Georgia Aquarium
- World of Coca-Cola
- Zoo Atlanta
- Centennial Olympic Park
- Children’s Museum of Atlanta.
Just a stone’s throw away:
- Stone Mountain Park
- Six Flags Over Georgia.
New Orleans, LA
Get ready to soak up the vibrant culture and unique charm of New Orleans, a city that dances to its own rhythm! From the historic streets of the French Quarter to the lively sounds of jazz around every corner, this city promises unforgettable memories and incredible food for the whole family!
Activities:
- French Quarter Exploration
- Jackson Square Street Performers
- Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium
- City Park and Storyland
- Steamboat Natchez cruises.
Just a stone’s throw away:
- Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.
- Global Wildlife Center.
Omaha, NE
Prepare to uncover a Midwest treasure in Omaha, where you’ll receive a wholesome welcome and discover cosmopolitan thrills! This energetic city features world-class architecture and beautiful parks, ensuring a vacation filled with excitement and lasting family memories. It’s a scenic destination where every corner is brimming with wonder and exploration!
Activities:
- Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
- The Durham Museum
- Lauritzen Gardens
- Omaha Children’s Museum
- Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront.
Just a stone’s throw away:
- Fontenelle Forest
- Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum.
Where Can I Find Family Camping/Glamping Locations?
Assateague Island National Seashore – MD
Experience the unique thrill of coastal camping, where wild horses roam free along the sandy beaches of the Atlantic. Families can spend their days swimming, crabbing, and exploring the salt marshes by kayak or bike. The oceanside campgrounds provide a natural lullaby as you fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves.
Glacier National Park – MT
The Montana wilderness offers diverse camping options, from rustic backcountry to sites that are catered to families and large groups. Explore ancient forests, breathtaking turquoise lakes, and the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road. This lively playground provides nature lovers with incredible opportunities to see mountain goats, grizzly bears, and other wildlife.
Conestoga Ranch – Garden City, UT
Overlooking the brilliant blue waters of Bear Lake, this glamping destination features authentically styled wagons and luxury tents equipped with modern comforts. Families can enjoy on-site amenities like a game tent, campfire s’mores, and cruiser bike rentals for exploring the local area. It’s a practical base for water sports on the lake or hiking through the nearby scenic canyons.
Village Camp – Flagstaff, AZ
Nestled among the towering Ponderosa pines, this outdoor resort offers high-end cabin rentals and spacious RV sites with stunning views of the San Francisco Peaks. The facility serves as a gateway to high-altitude adventure, including proximity to the Grand Canyon. On-site, families can relax by the resort-style pool or gather around community fire pits for a refined take on the camping experience.
Whether you’re chasing sunsets on a Florida beach, exploring the high-tech wonders of the Space Coast, or reconnecting with nature in a luxury glamping tent, we hope this guide has sparked some serious wanderlust for your next family adventure.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get those bags packed (don’t forget the matching t-shirts and hats!) and start checking off that bucket list. We can’t wait to see where your next journey takes you. Safe travels, and here’s to making every moment Zamazing!
Hazel is a content specialist that reigns from the amazing land of Cork, Ireland. If her natural red hair doesn’t showcase her Irish roots, her love of humor and spontaneous outbursts would be a clear indicator. When she’s not looking out for her amazing team mates, she’s usually re-writing song lyrics – tirelessly trying to incorporate them into her writing pieces. She has a quirky, lively, and caring personality and her little dog Eddie makes her the happiest overall.
