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Is there anything better than going on vacation? With the weather finally warming up, many of us are preparing to start planning our yearly summer vacations.
So, where are we all going this year? The opportunities are endless, but families with kids might be looking for advice on kid-friendly locations. The following locations are a mix of big cities, beach towns, and national parks that will keep you and your family smiling the whole trip.
1. San Diego, California
This sunny southern California coastal town is an ideal family destination due to its pristine weather, sandy beaches, and perfect location to visit neighboring towns. Families can easily spend a week soaking up the sun, splashing in the waves, and visiting the world-famous zoo and numerous museums.
But San Diego is also great because it is a short drive to other famous attractions in Southern California. Right in San Diego’s backyard in Disneyland. The most magical place on Earth is just over an hour’s drive up the I-5, making it a perfect highlight to your Southern California trip.
2. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg is a perfect spot for families looking to enjoy the fresh mountain air and fun activities for kids. Families can pick their adventures, like visiting aquariums, playing mini golf, riding rollercoasters, attending magic shows, and playing escape games.
Looking to enjoy the outdoors? Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just a short drive away. The park offers overnight camping, hiking, biking, and whitewater rafting.
3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
If you are looking for a fun-filled beach vacation, Myrtle Beach should be high on your list of destinations. The town has miles of soft sand beaches to sunbathe and play on and a huge ocean to splash in.
After the beach, you can hit the famous Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, where there is always something fun to do. The street is bustling with shops, restaurants, arcades, street performers, and rides. Be sure to ride their iconic Ferris wheel, and you might be able to catch their nightly fireworks show 100 feet up in the sky.
4. Maui, Hawaii
Very few places in the United States have the natural beauty of Maui. Imagine enjoying a fruity beverage on a picture-perfect beach while your kids play in the ocean. If that sounds like paradise, it’s because it just might be.
Maui has more to offer than its beauty. There are a bunch of fun activities geared towards families. In addition to classic water activities like snorkeling, surfing, paddle boarding, and kayaking, there are cultural centers for tourists to learn about the state’s history. There are also plenty of family luas where you can enjoy Hawaiian dancers and classic island cuisine.
5. Washington, D.C.
What better way to spend time with your family than educating them on our nation’s history? Washington, D.C., is an excellent spot for kids to explore museums, art galleries, and zoos.
Of course, the real attraction is the National Mall, a walkable park home to D.C.’s most famous landmarks. You will find the Washington Monument, Lincoln Monument, U.S. Capitol, and The White House here. Be sure to book your tours of the White House as soon as possible because they go quickly.
6. Branson, Missouri
It doesn’t matter how old you are; you will have a blast during your vacation in Branson. It’s consistently one of the more popular destinations for families with kids. Branson Landing offers access to the beaches of Lake Taneycomo, which have various restaurants, shops, and a dazzling water and fire show.
The Silver Dollar Theme Park is perfect for a family of thrill seekers. It is full of rollercoasters, water rides, and giant swings. There is endless fun to be had here, so add the town to your list of potential vacation stops.
7. Wisconsin Dells, WI
How many of you know that Wisconsin Dells is known as the waterpark capital of the world? I would have never guessed that a small town in the Midwest would claim that moniker. The town is so much more than waterparks, though. Whatever you are looking for on your next trip, Wisconsin Dells might have what you’re looking for.
Besides the famous waterparks, the town has many other great attractions. Parents can enjoy relaxing spa days, casinos, great food, and local breweries. Kids will love the outdoor adventures, animal exhibits, rollercoasters, and water slides.
8. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Universally considered one of the most gorgeous and scenic landscapes in the United States, Yellowstone is home to some natural wonders that will leave your family in awe. Whether it is the sprawling canyons, rushing rivers, or free-roaming wildlife like bison, bears, elk, and wolves, Yellowstone is a special place.
One of the coolest parts of the park is that it sits on top of an active volcano. The geothermal features just under the Earth’s crust make for some molting hot springs and geysers. The most famous geyser is Old Faithful, which shoots water hundreds of feet in the air almost every hour on the dot.
9. Dollywood, Tennessee
Country music fans will love a trip to the amusement park named after one of our national treasures, Dolly Parton. There is so much to do in this park that you might want to schedule a long weekend to soak everything in.
Dollywood has over 40 attractions, including rollercoasters, water rides, live entertainment, and award-winning festivals. Outside the park, you can visit the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame and an eagle sanctuary where you can get up close and personal with some American Bald Eagles.
10. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Image Credit: Shutterstock.[/caption]
The Grand Canyon is an ideal family vacation destination for its numerous activities and attractions. The park has various hiking trails and scenic lookouts over the massive canyon, with the mighty Colorado running at its base.
Visitors looking for an adrenaline rush can camp in the park and ride the river through the numerous white water rapids. Those looking for more tranquility can stay nearby Flagstaff or Williams, which also offers plenty of family-fun activities.
11. Moab, Utah
The southern Utah city of Moab neighbors to two of the nation’s most popular National Parks: Arches, and Canyonlands. Both parks offer fantastic hiking trails and scenic views.
The town of Moab itself is an adventure lover’s dream. There are miles of trails to explore on mountain bikes or one of their famous Hummer tours. Visitors can also brave the river and go white water rafting while stopping to camp under the stars. After your adrenaline rush subsides, you can head to the Moab Giants Dinosaur Park & Museum, where kids can practice their archeologist skills while searching for dinosaur fossils.
12. Gulf Shores, Alabama
Gulf Shores can be described as an ideal vacation spot due to its white sand beaches, mazes of bayous, and warm waters. Beach days in Gulf Shores include sandcastle making, dolphin spotting, fishing, and tiki-themed boat tours.
Off the beach, you can find delicious seafood at the Wharf, stroll through the various souvenir shops, ride the Ferris wheel, or bike the 28-mile Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail.
13. New Braunfels, Texas
New Braunfels has been a popular spot among local Texans to cool down in the hot summer months. Just outside of Austin and San Antonio, the town sits on the Guadalupe River, an ideal river for paddle boarding, clear bottom kayaking, or an all-day tub float.
In addition to the water sports, there is the McKenna Children’s Museum and the Landa Park Train, which can take you on a tour of the region. The town is also a quick day trip to the San Antonio Zoo, where kids can interact with various exotic animals.
14. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta perfectly combines fun kid attractions and cultural and learning experiences. It is home to The King Center and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, both dedicated to the famous civil rights leader.
After learning about the city’s history, families can catch a Braves game at Truist Park, visit the Coca-Cola Museum, or stare down massive whale sharks at the country’s largest aquarium.
15. Yosemite National Park, California
Tourists have been flocking to Yosemite to relax in its serene valleys surrounded by monumental granite walls, calming streams, and dense forest. If your family loves the outdoors, you must spend a weekend in this magical national park. You can spend your days hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and white water rafting.
Just outside the park, you can take a shuttle to Mariposa Grooves, where you can view some of California’s mighty Redwoods. These massive trees will make you feel small, as some have grown large enough to drive a car through.
16. Orlando, Florida
Orlando might be the mecca for family-friendly vacation spots. It is packed with so many things to do that it’s almost impossible to see everything in one trip. Obviously, Orlando is famous for being home to Walt Disney World, but there is so much more to see than that.
Shall we go down the list of notable attractions in this city? In addition to Disney World, we also have Universal Studios Florida, SeaWorld, and Funtastic Depot. Seriously, you could spend a month in this town and still not get the full experience.
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