Top 16 places for family vacations in the USA: magical areas with cool water parks, galleries and comfortable hotels with Vip facilities
The United States offers travelers a lot of cool locations for family vacations. Everything is provided here, from cozy hotels for accommodation and restaurants with divine cuisine to cool entertainment for kids and adults.
We have compiled an overview of the best options for family vacations in the USA, so that you can find the best places for fun vacations with your closest people. Travel with taste, so that emotions cover you "with the head". Let's start our fascinating virtual walk without unnecessary preamble.
Yellowstone National Park
In the state of Wyoming, the famous national park of the United States by the "name" Yellowstone is nestled. Its important feature is that it is spread over a long underground volcano, so there are a lot of geysers and therapeutic thermal springs. The name of this ancient park, which is often filmed in movies, is due to the yellow color of the rocks.
Yellowstone National Park is one of the chic places for family vacations in the USA. This magical location is worth visiting to watch the eruption of Old Faithful geyser, travel along the Mystic Falls Trail and enjoy fabulous panoramas at the Grand Prismatic Lookout.
Twelve of America's scenic rivers originate in Yellowstone Park, and grizzly bears and elk, marmots and bison can easily be found here. The park's highest point rises 3,466 meters above sea level.
Our tip: Have an enchanting photo session near a cascade of springs or a high-mountain lake with a mirror-like surface. Admire the water body, which is framed by noble mountain massifs, from the Fisherman's Bridge, and you will definitely be overwhelmed by pleasant emotions. The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, 235-360 meters deep, leaves a vivid mark in the hearts of travelers.
Choose the right option for a cozy overnight stay:
- Hotels and motels with bargain prices and cool amenities.
- Wooden cottages by the lake that Airbnb offers to book.
- Comfortable campgrounds for those who love romance in harmony with nature.
The optimal time to visit Yellowstone National Park is from May to September, when the temperature reaches 25-30 degrees Celsius.
Yosemite National Park
Another good option for a family vacation in the US is Yosemite National Park. This iconic tourist spot in California is visited by thousands of tourists every year. They enjoy walking here on foot along the park's scenic trails, fishing, horseback riding and boating.
Tourists enthusiastically travel by bus to Glacier Point or descend the Yosemite Valley hiking trail to the majestic Half Dome. Here tourists are also offered good hotels with all amenities. The only thing is that accommodation here should be booked in advance, since those who want to visit this chic location for family vacations in the USA are usually very many.
Orlando
Orlando, Walt Disney's wonderful resort with spectacular shows and exciting theme parks is synonymous with a great family vacation in the United States.
We recommend you to visit popular tourist spots in Orlando:
- Peppa Pig theme park.
- Disney's Star Wars Zone.
- LEGOLAND Florida, which the little ones are just crazy about.
- Harry Potter theme park located at Universal Orlando Resort.
- Discovery Cove.
Guests enjoy visiting the all-inclusive Day Resort, where you can frolic with dolphins and snorkel near the coral reef. A great family vacation in the USA can be complemented with an airboat ride through Florida's Everglades and shopping at Universal CityWalk or Disney Springs. Water enthusiasts enjoy fun at Disney's water parks and visit Florida's best beaches.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Walking along the best places for family vacations in the USA, it is definitely worth visiting the Grand Canyon National Park. This location with magical energy seeks to see tourists from different corners of the planet. Here a real "paradise" for travelers with exciting hiking and mule rides is created. The South and North Rim of the Grand Canyon with stunning and even mystical landscapes are very popular among tourists.
Cape Cod National Seashore
The next cool family vacation spot in the United States that should definitely be mentioned is the 40-mile-long Cape Cod National Seashore. This location has maintained its "status" as a favorite travel destination in the United States for decades, where kids enjoy building sandcastles and swimming, and adults fish or play miniature golf.
After a busy day, it's the perfect time to watch a movie at the Wellfleet Drive-In Theater. Travelers greatly enjoy walking along the Cape Cod Rail Trail and visiting the Cape Cod Children's Museum.
Our tip: If you want to book a hotel room on Cape Cod National Seashore at the most attractive price, choose to travel during the fall or spring months. It's especially crowded in the summer, and lodging costs are quite expensive.
Anaheim Disneyland
Many travelers with children try to get to the Disneyland Resort, which is located in Anaheim California. This "island of entertainment" with legendary cartoon characters has been in operation since 1955. In addition to children's fun, the Top place for family vacations in the USA offers a huge selection of sports entertainment. For example, Angel Stadium regularly hosts baseball tournaments.
Visit Anaheim Adventure City or Notts Berry Farm theme park as a family and you'll have enough cool experiences to last you until your next vacation. A good family vacation spot in the USis close to the velvet beaches and vibrant attractions of San Diego and Los Angeles, which adds a few more pluses.
Our tip: Displayland's doors are open to travelers year-round, and book early to save money. If you don't like the hustle and bustle, visit Anaheim in the fall or winter.
Lake Tahoe
Another cool location for family vacations in the USA is Lake Tahoe, which is spread out on the border of Nevada and California. Young and adult tourists alike enjoy a wide range of activities here with hiking, skiing and relaxing on the picturesque coastline.
Lake Tahoe, which is framed by noble mountains, can be visited at any time of the year. It is a real "paradise" for skiing lovers with gorgeous slopes and five-star resorts.
In summer you can swim in the clear waters of the lake and make a promenade along the shore of more than 70 miles long, and in winter - go down the dizzying slope. You will have a lot of vivid impressions from such a trip, and juicy pictures will remind you of your magical trip for a long time.
Gulf Shores
Among the many options for family vacations in the USA, a worthy place is occupied by a visit to Gulf Shores. This chic beach area is located in Alabama and offers all the benefits of relaxing on the "velvet" shore and swimming in the ocean. Visit Gulf State Park with a gorgeous pool and butterfly garden for a cool vibe and experience.
There's plenty of kayaking and cool outdoor activities for the whole family. The Track Family amusement park offers tons of activities for all tastes, from go-karts and fun rides to arcade games.
Gulf Shores even has the Cool Shots Selfie Museum, which is highly rated by fans of Instagram photos. Accommodation here is also easy - you can stay in comfortable vacation homes or a luxurious apartment on the shores of the azure ocean.
Our tip: Don't forget to take part in exciting water adventures at Waterville USA Water Park and meet the funny pets of the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.
Niagara Falls, New York
If you're looking for a thrill, head to Niagara Falls, a great place for a family vacation in the US. Even the most successful photos will not give you the full range of stunning sensations that travelers experience when visiting the famous landmark.
Take a walk along the winding paths of Niagara Falls State Park, then head to the falls. You definitely need to see all three of its parts - the delicate Bridal Veil, the elegant Horseshoe, and the American Falls with its powerful descending streams. The Bridal Veil is conveniently viewed from the Cave of the Winds observation deck, which is open all year round.
Thrill-seekers will definitely enjoy a walk along the wooden walkways to the Urangan Deck. Here travelers get a unique opportunity to walk through a thick fog with splashing waterfalls. A sea of positive emotions tourists are given a boat ride on the Maiden of the Mist towards the rumbling waters of the Horseshoe and American Falls.
The Sheraton Niagara Falls USA hotel, which is located within walking distance of Niagara Falls State Park, near Old Falls Street USA, helps to solve the issues related to accommodation in one of the top places for family vacations in the USA. The Rainforest Café is on-site with a tempting assortment of salads and appetizers, deli meats and sweets.
Our tip: Visit Canalside, a vibrant New York City neighborhood where families with kids are never bored. There's the Buffalo Zoo with its funny monkeys and noble coyotes, Delaware Park with lush greenery and the chic Buffalo RiverWorks dining and entertainment complex with exciting adventures for kids and adults.
Washington
A chic family vacation in the USA invites to organize Washington with its famous National Mall, which has become a cozy "home" for famous attractions. Among them an important place is occupied by such places:
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History;
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Institute of Conservation Biology, where more than 2,100 representatives of fauna are represented;
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
There are also excellent museums for children and a large-scale shopping mall with brand-name clothing, electronics and jewelry.
Our tip: If you want to keep your lodging costs down, book accommodations at a suburban Arlington or Alexandria Virginia hotel. Use public transportation rather than cabs to get around the city.
Wisconsin Dells
If you haven't decided where to go with kids for a good family vacation in the USA, visit Wisconsin Dells, the world-famous "water park capital". Experience an incredible experience at the Noah's Ark outdoor water park, which surprises guests with its grandiose scale and a large selection of cool fun for kids and adults. Wilderness Resort features 4 outdoor and 4 indoor water parks with fun rides.
Our tip: Check out Rick Wilcox's Magic Theater magic show and watch the sloths and giraffes at Timbavati Wildlife Park. And if you appreciate the exotic, stroll through the Wisconsin Deer Park, where you can observe the noble animals in conditions as close to natural as possible.
Destin
A popular tourist destination for family vacations in the United States is Destin Florida. Children are simply delighted by the marvelous water attractions with a lazy river and water slides of Big Kahuna Park. Before visiting it, check the opening hours of the place as the park operates seasonally.
Another must-see in Destin is Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park with cute dolphins and penguins. Catch a "wave of bliss" at the city's serene beaches - Henderson Beach or Crystal Beach.
Water lovers don't miss the chance to take a boat ride along Destin's picturesque landscapes. Well, the little ones are always happy with pirate-themed cruises where they can quench their thirst for adventure and new discoveries.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
One of the cool places for family vacations in the US is Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. Here, visitors are always welcome at the Franklin Institute and Art Museum with creative works of art. Be sure to visit Franklin Square for a family game of miniature golf and exciting Sixers, Phillies, Flyers, Eagles and Flyers sports games.
Soak up the patriotic atmosphere of the United States by strolling through Independence Hall or viewing the Liberty Bell. Don't forget to visit the places where Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence and Betsy Ross embroidered the first U.S. flag.
You can always stay overnight at the Kimpton Monaco Philadelphia Hotel, where pets are allowed. It is located in the central part of Old Town, close to famous landmarks.
A comfortable overnight stay is also available at the Rittenhouse Hotel, whose rooms are equipped not only with basic amenities, but also with baby bathrobes, movie tapes and cool treats for the kids. And the Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia offers a great program for kids to explore the city's historic past.
Ocean City and Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland
A luxurious place for a family vacation in the USA is Ocean City, with its milky white beaches and plenty of entertainment for the most sophisticated tastes. Many people come here to see the wild horse population on the seashore of Assateague Island. The NASA Wallops Visitor Center and the exciting shows at the Ocean City Performing Arts Center are worth a visit here.
Ocean City has everything for a busy family vacation in the USA - attractions and stores, souvenir stores and cafes. Fishermen have a special treat here, as they have a unique opportunity to fish from the pier and "hunt" for marlin in the deeper waters of the ocean.
The Aloft Ocean City hotel with outdoor and indoor pools is ideal for travelers. It is in a prime location close to the waterfront, stores and restaurants of Ocean City.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Let's visit another wonderful family vacation spot in the US called Myrtle Beach. It is 60 miles long and there are many resorts with royal beach vacations and spacious golf courses scattered across it.
There are fabulous Medieval Times themed dinners especially for travelers. Kids especially love the pirate dinners and the Pirate's Voyage show. If you're a fan of spectacular acts, you'll probably enjoy the live shows at the Alabama Theater.
Visit Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach for a thrilling experience with the unexciting underwater life, or witness the Broadway Grand Prix with cool races. Reserve your accommodation at Dunes Village Resort for a good family vacation in the USA.
The hotel's signature feature is a luxurious 30,000 square foot water park with cool slides, kiddie pools and a lazy river. The cool perks of the hotel don't end there. Myrtle Beach has an outdoor pool, restaurants, and comfortable courts for tennis and basketball.
Austin, Texas
For a busy family vacation in the USA, Austin, the picturesque capital of Texas, is perfect. Take an impressive Austin Duck Adventures tour exploring the city and the chic Zilker Park with its botanical garden, play area and Barton Springs Pool.
Be sure to visit the Congress Avenue Bridge in the evening to enjoy divine sunsets that are "bursting" with bats with wide tails. Buy tickets to an exciting movie at the Alamo Drafthouse and enjoy a spectacular performance by talented artists at ACL Live. And don't forget to check out BookPeople's largest bookstore with a huge selection of literature for every taste.
Our tip: Stay at the Four Seasons Austin, located near the Congress Avenue Bridge. It offers well-appointed rooms with a pleasant design. If you want, vacationers can rent a guitar for free here and relax on the lawn with hammocks. If a hotel pool is important to you, book accommodations at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Austin Downtown South Congress.
Of course, in one article it is difficult to "fit" all the best places for family vacations in the USA, but we tried to emphasize the rating locations with excellent reviews and cozy hotels for accommodation. Among the picturesque landscapes, guests are presented a chic "arena" with entertainment for children and adults, ranging from water parks and themed areas to museums and art galleries.
Plan a family trip and book your accommodations in advance. Let the fresh excitement of fun-filled adventures in some of the best destinations in the United States take over!