The United States is huge. We don’t often think about it, but we’re very lucky to have so much domestic land to explore! Within our very own country, we can encounter all sorts of cultures, climates, and characters. It makes the U.S. the perfect place to travel with a family! There are thousands of destinations that are just a road trip or flight away no passport required!
Though there are lots of places to visit, not every place is ideal for kids. Visiting Napa Valley’s vineyards or going on a spa retreat in Sedona are great for grown-ups, but not necessarily the best choice for the whole family. Luckily, there are so many child-friendly destinations with plenty for kids to experience and explore.
So, today, we’re sharing our top destinations for travelling with kids! Here are our favorite family-friendly vacation ideas:
12 Best Places To Travel With Kids In The US
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is probably one of the first family vacation destinations that came to mind with all its theme parks! However, Orlando is also great for their outdoor experiences, interactive museums, animal encounters, and proximity to the ocean! Here are some things to do as a family in Orlando, Florida:
- Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios, Legoland
- The Crayola Experience
- Orlando Science Center
- Leu Gardens
- Gatorland
- Kennedy Space Center
- ICON Park (The Wheel)
- Cocoa Beach
Anaheim, California
Anaheim has just as many theme parks and exciting attractions as Orlando! But, there are also plenty of enriching outdoor and indoor activities to make memories in lots of different ways! Here are our favorite places in and around Anaheim:
- Disneyland Resort, Adventure City, Knott’s Berry Farm
- Discovery Cube Orange County
- Anaheim Packing District
- The Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center
- Yorba Regional Park
- Orange County Zoo
- Huntington Beach
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
This one’s for families who love the outdoors. The Smoky Mountains are stunning and provide space to observe wildlife, play outside, hike together, and more. Plus, it’s one of the more budget-friendly options on this list! Here are some things to do in Pigeon Forge:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Dollywood
- The Island
- WonderWorks
- Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
- Pigeon Forge Snow
- The Apple Barn Village
- The Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Oʻahu, Hawaii
Whether you like beaches, history, wildlife . . . or Jurassic Park, O’ahu has something for everything. There are so many places to learn, explore, and have a blast on one of Hawaii’s most popular islands! Here are some attractions your family may enjoy:
- Waikiki Beach
- Honolulu Zoo
- Pearl Harbor National Memorial
- Honolulu Museum of Art
- The Dole Plantation
- Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
- Kualoa Ranch
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
If you’re looking for a more slow-paced, peaceful getaway with the kids that still offers a variety of activities, Cape Cod is a great choice! Whether you want to whale watch, wade in the shallow water, or catch ice cream and fresh seafood in one of the many quaint towns, Cape Cod has something for everyone in the family. Here are some ideas:
- Cape Cod Children’s Museum
- Cape Cod National Seashore
- Hyannis Whale Watching Tour
- Cape Cod Rail Trail
- Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
- Pirate Adventure Cruise
- Hyannis Harbor
Washington, D.C.
For an educating and enriching vacation that’s also interactive and fun, you can’t go wrong with Washington, D.C. With plenty of parks, hands-on exhibits, and exciting historical sites, D.C. makes learning an adventure. We recommend you check out these D.C. stops:
- Smithsonian Museum
- Smithsonian National Zoo
- Smithsonian Children’s Museum
- U.S. Botanic Gardens
- The International Spy Museum
- The Yards Park & Splash Pad
- Glen Echo Park
- National Harbor & The Capital Wheel
Chicago, Illinois
For kid-friendly museums, attractions, food, and outdoor fun, Chicago is a great destination for family vacations! Yes, Chicago has lots of urban excitement, but it also has plenty of spacious outdoor activities. You’ll also be happy with the number of family-friendly hotels there are in Chicago that are a destination in themselves. These are some top things to do in Chicago:
- Shedd Aquarium
- Millennium Park & “The Bean”
- Navy Pier
- Lincoln Park Zoo
- Maggie Daley Park
- Museum of Science and Industry
- Chicago Botanic Garden
- Legoland Discovery Center
- Chicago River Water Taxi
Omaha, NE
Here’s a destination you probably hadn’t thought of! The fact that it’s in middle America makes it an easy place for anyone to get to, and it has quite a few hidden gems including one of the best zoos in the world, plenty of beautiful outdoor space, and unforgettable museums. If that wasn’t enough, Omaha is very budget-friendly and is easy to get around on your own! Here are some things you should check out:
- Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
- Omaha Children’s Museum
- Lauritzen Gardens
- Fontenelle Forest
- The Durham Museum
- The Riverfront
- Zorinsky Lake Park
- Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park
- Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
Houston, Texas
The Houston area has so much to offer families with kids of any age! You can ignite your child’s sense of wonder with real rockets while enriching all their senses with beautiful parks, nearby beaches, delicious food, exciting wildlife, and so much more. Check out these attractions in and around Houston:
- Space Center Houston
- Discovery Green
- Houston Museum of Natural Science
- Buffalo Bayou Park
- Kemah Boardwalk
- The Health Museum
- Houston Zoo
- Dig World
- Galveston Island
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
If you don’t like to be cooped up during your vacations and overwhelmed by urban hustle and bustle, Yellowstone National Park is a great option for your family! There are so many wide open spaces to explore natural wonders, mesmerizing wildlife, family-friendly trails, and more! Here are some attractions your kids won’t forget:
- Old Faithful Geyser
- Yellowstone Lake
- Mammoth Hot Springs
- Junior Ranger Program
- Canyon Village
- Bear World
- Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
San Diego, California
A lot of the options we’ve listed so far are near water, but not on the water. So, if an ocean vay-cay is what you’re dreaming of, consider visiting San Diego! Plus, you can visit one of the best zoos in the world (always in competition with Omaha) and visit the exhilarating theme parks Cali is known for! These are some must-see spots in San Diego:
- San Diego Zoo
- Balboa Park
- Legoland California
- La Jolla Cove
- Coronado Island
- Mission Bay Park
- Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
- San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum
Rapid City, South Dakota
Here’s one last recommendation for those looking to make their vacation extra educational! Rapid City is located in a beautiful area of South Dakota and is home to lots of museums, monuments, and wildlife centers to keep everyone engaged. Here are our destination recommendations in Rapid City:
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- Dinosaur Park
- Storybook Island
- Reptile Gardens
- Bear Country USA
- The Journey Museum & Learning Center
- The South Dakota Air and Space Museum
- The Rushmore Tramway Adventures
How To Travel With Kids
How to Travel With Kids by Car
Do a full car inspection before you leave.
No one wants to deal with car problems on their family road trip, right? Before you leave, do a full inspection of your vehicle to determine if there are any potential problems that could delay your travels we’d even recommend taking it to a professional if it’s in the budget! Not sure what to look for on your own? Here’s what to check before a road trip.
Pack a weather-appropriate emergency kit.
Even if everything on the vehicle is in optimal condition, emergencies can still happen! Whether it’s a weather-related delay, an injury, a flat tire, a potty accident, or something else, you want to be prepared. Though you’ll need a lot of your vehicle space for luggage and kid essentials, leave room for a weather-appropriate emergency kit. If you need to know what to pack, here are essentials to always keep in your car.
Plan stops every two hours.
It’s recommended that any car occupant take a stretch break every two hours. This is even more important for kids and infants riding in car seats! Strategically plan stops every two hours to use the bathroom, move around, have a snack, and get some fresh air.
Be mindful of snacking and drinking in the car.
No matter what, eating and drinking in the car poses a safety risk. However, we understand that waiting for those breaks in driving is not always practical. If you do choose to let your kids have snacks and drinks in the car, ensure you’re monitoring them and choosing snacks that aren’t a significant choking risk. Here’s more on car snacks and road trip safety.
Bring vehicle-friendly and car seat-safe activities.
Not every toy is safe for the vehicle! In fact, hard-sided or heavy toys can become projectile risks in a crash. Additionally, anything that attaches to the car seat is considered unsafe, because it’s not crash tested this includes lap desks, infant carrier handle toys, anything that is fixed in the cup holders, and more.
So, what activities are safe for road trips? We’ve got you covered! You can find tons of car seat-safe toys HERE, but check out these posts for more ideas on how to keep kids entertained on long drives!
Prepare for car sickness and other accidents.
Even if you don’t usually deal with motion sickness and potty accidents in the car, you want to be prepared for anything on a road trip! The amount of time spent in the car, the unusual terrain, the extra snacks/drinks, and other factors can contribute to car sickness and potty accidents. Don’t be surprised if something happens!
Instead, be ready for it with essentials. For potty accidents, consider putting recently potty trained kids in pull-ups and bringing along a portable potty chair, keep extra clothes handy, and don’t forget a few wet bags. If your car seat manufacturer sells a pee pad, that may be a wise purchase! (But, don’t buy anthat are not made for your specific car seat, because they’re not approved or crash tested for use with your car seat.)
For motion sickness, check out our post on how to prevent car sickness! There are a few products and strategies that can help if the issue arises. Also, familiarize yourself with how to safely clean pee out of car seat and how to safely clean vomit out of car seats just in case!
Pack things safely and stay organized.
Toys aren’t the only things that are projectile risks in a crash. Anything hard-sided or heavy can put your family at risk in an accident. So, as you’re packing up your vehicle, make sure things are safely stowed. Put things inside of containers or luggage and ensure those items are strapped down or tightly packed in a way that they won’t jostle around in an accident. You may also want to opt for safer alternatives to things like heavy stainless steel water bottles silicone tumblers are better for the car!
In addition to storing things safely, also store them logically! Keeping everything organized may not be essential for safety, but it is essential for staying sane on your road trip. Whether you need a diaper, a change of clothes, a first aid kit, a snack, or something else having everything easily accessible and organized will keep the trip efficient and stress-free! Here are our essential car organizing tips if you want to start prepping now! And, if you’re at a loss for what to pack, check out our list of family road trip essentials!
Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.
No matter how much you plan and prep . . . if any two things are unpredictable, it’s kids and roadways. Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at your destination, so when there are inevitable setbacks, it won’t ruin your trip! The goal is to enjoy all aspects of the trip including the drive.
How to Travel With Kids by Plane
Choose your flights wisely.
When choosing your flights, there’s a lot to consider! Try your best to get direct flights, and, if you can, fly at naptime or bedtime. If your young kiddos are sleeping for most of the flight, that makes things so much easier!
Check your airline policies.
With kids, you’ll need to bring quite a bit of extra gear. Check your airline’s policy on car seats, strollers, family boarding, carry-on luggage, personal items, cancellation/change fees, and anything else that may be relevant to your family’s travels.
Purchase a seat for all passengers.
Though it’s legal to fly with kids under 2 on your lap, it’s NOT recommended and NOT safe. In fact, even the FAA says that kids should be in an FAA-approved child restraint system. That means car seats should come on board!
Not only are kids generally more comfortable and easier to manage when in their car seats, but in unexpected turbulence, rough landings, and other emergencies, they’re essential to keep your little ones safe. Plus, sending a car seat through airline transit can be more damaging than a car crash, and you may not even know your seat is compromised!
If all that wasn’t enough, you’ll just need your car seat at your destination anyway, so it’s best to bring your own. Car seat rentals also pose safety concerns, and there’s no way to know for sure it’ll fit your child well. So, when planning a flight with your family, book a seat for every passenger no matter how small and bring that car seat on the plane!
Note: You can’t use booster seats on planes. But, you can still bring your own along and stow it in the overhead bins. It shouldn’t get checked with your luggage.
Consider what car seat you want to bring.
Most car seats are FAA-approved, but there are a handful that aren’t! Check the stickers on your car seat to see if you can identify the FAA-approved label. If you locate it, you can safely install your car seat on the plane. Make sure to read your car seat's manual on how to install the seat on an airplane because in some cases the installation will differ from how it is done in a vehicle.
Though you may be able to bring your car seat on the plane, you may not want to. Whether you want to leave it home because it’s heavy and bulky or you don’t want to mess with uninstalling it from your home vehicle, a travel-specific car seat can be a good option. These are generally lightweight and easy to install! Here are our favorite travel car seats for flights!
Decide how you’ll bring your stroller.
The stroller is another important piece of baby gear that needs to get to your destination undamaged! You can either check it at the gate and hope for the best, or you can choose a stroller that fits in the overhead bin. There are quite a few out there, including the Munchkin Sparrow and GB Pockit Air.
Pack essentials in your carry-on and personal bag.
You may be able to endure a long flight with nothing but your phone and the sweatshirt on your back, but your kids will need a few more essentials. Prioritize packing must-have things in your carry-ons and personal bags that you’ll need on the flight and would need in the event your luggage doesn’t arrive at your destination.
On the flight, you’ll need things like diapers, formula, snacks, toys, and comfort items, depending on your child’s age. In an emergency, you’ll also want medications, toiletries, bedtime essentials, your pump (if applicable), and a few changes of clothes. Of course, keep everything organized, so accessing what you need while flying is as easy as possible!
Bring airplane-friendly toys and activities.
Airplane activities should follow the same rules as vehicle activities! They should be soft-sided and not attached to the car seat in any way. You may also want to consider toys that don’t have a lot of pieces, aren’t noisy, aren’t messy, and will keep kids engaged for more than a few minutes. Open-ended activities are best! If you need more help, we have lots of airplane activity ideas and a list of airplane-friendly toys!
Don’t board the kids early.
Family boarding allows you to get on the plane before everyone else. This is great for installing car seats and stowing luggage, but do you really want to deal with your kids for an extra 45 minutes on the plane? The shorter the better, if you ask us!
Instead, if you’re traveling with another adult, have them board first with the car seats and whatever luggage they can take. They’ll get on the plane, install the car seats, and get everything situated while you let the kids run wild for a little longer. Then, board with the kids with everyone else and their car seats will be ready and waiting. It’s the best hack!
Make a plan for ear pressure changes.
No one likes the feeling in your ears when the cabin pressure changes during take-off and landing. Make a plan to prevent irritation. The best thing to do is to give your kids something to eat or drink when going up and coming down. You can give your infants a pacifier or bottle to keep them comfortable! But they should be in their car seats during taxi, take-off, and landing as these are the most common times to experience a crash.
Rehearse the process with your child.
The whole process of getting to the airport, going through TSA, and boarding the plane is totally foreign to most kids. This is why it can be so stressful! To help everyone understand the process and avoid confusion and meltdowns the day-of, rehearse the whole day at home. Make it a game! That way, they’ll know what to expect at each stage.
There are so many great places to vacation in the U.S. as a family!
The memories you create as a family as you travel together are truly unforgettable. Family travel brings everyone together and provides so many developmental benefits for kids of all ages.
It’s time to start planning your next trip and remember to consider all of our safe trip tips! For more like this, check out the Safe in the Seat blog and be sure to follow us on Instagram!
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