Coming up with the best family vacation idea can be daunting. With so many options available, choosing a destination to please everyone can be difficult. Add the cost of travel and the price ranges to consider, and planning the vacation can make you, well, need a vacation.
To make things easier, we’re sharing our 31 best family vacation ideas that cater to all ages. These picks encompass various age groups, interests, and more so you can find the best place for your family’s needs.
31 of the Best Family Vacation Ideas
1. Orlando, Florida
What makes it a good family vacation idea: One of the most famous family destinations, Orlando is home to numerous theme parks, making it an ideal family vacation destination with attractions for all ages.
Things to do: Visit Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.
Places to stay: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Price range: Moderate to high, depending on the season
2. Washington, D.C.
What makes it a good family vacation idea: The nation’s capital is rich in history and offers numerous educational experiences for families. It may be best for families with slightly older kids who would get more out of learning and museums.
Things to do: Visit the Smithsonian museums, the National Zoo, and historical monuments.
Places to stay: Hyatt Regency Washington, The Embassy Row Hotel
Price range: Moderate to high, depending on the season
3. San Diego, California
What makes it a good family vacation idea: There are beautiful beaches, an incredible zoo, museums, and more, making San Diego an ideal spot for a family vacation for any age.
Things to do: San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, LEGOLAND California
Places to stay: Paradise Point Resort & Spa, The Dana on Mission Bay
Price range: Moderate to high, depending on the season
4. Niagara Falls, New York
What makes it a good family vacation idea: This breathtaking natural wonder provides a memorable backdrop for a family vacation. Kids of any age will be wowed by the incredible beauty of the falls.
Things to do: Maid of the Mist boat tour, Journey Behind the Falls, and Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory
Places to stay: Great Wolf Lodge, Marriott on the Falls
Price range: Moderate to high, depending on the season
5. New York City
What makes it a good family vacation idea: There are countless attractions, experiences, and more for the entire family to enjoy in this massive city. While older kids may be more likely to enjoy everything the city offers, there is something for every age.
Things to do: Visit Times Square, take in a Broadway show, and visit Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History.
Places to stay: The Plaza, New York Marriott Marquis
Price range: High
6. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
What makes it a good family vacation idea: This iconic national park offers stunning landscapes and unique wildlife experiences. Slightly older kids may get the most out of the experience of Yellowstone.
Things to do: Explore geysers and hot springs, watch wildlife, and hike scenic trails.
Places to stay: Old Faithful Inn, Canyon Lodge and Cabins
Price range: Moderate
7. Honolulu, Hawaii
What makes it a good family vacation idea: Hawaii’s stunning beaches and lush landscape make it an unforgettable family destination for all ages.
Things to do: Snorkeling, surfing, visiting the Honolulu Zoo.
Places to stay: Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa, and Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Price range: High
8. Savannah, Georgia
What makes it a good family vacation idea: Savannah’s charming streets, beautiful parks, and historic sites make it a great family vacation destination for everyone.
Things to do: Explore Forsyth Park, visit the Savannah Children’s Museum, and take a trolley tour.
Places to stay: The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, The DeSoto Savannah
Price range: Moderate
9. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
What makes it a good family vacation idea: With miles of sandy beaches, amusement parks, and entertainment, Myrtle Beach is perfect for a family vacation with kids of all ages.
Things to do: Enjoy the beach, visit Ripley’s Aquarium, and explore Family Kingdom Amusement Park.
Places to stay: Coral Beach Resort & Suites, Dunes Village Resort
Price range: Moderate
10. Hershey, Pennsylvania
What makes it a good family vacation idea: Love chocolate? There’s no better place to visit than the incredible Hershey, Pennsylvania! Visit Hersheypark, a theme park focused entirely on sweet treats, or visit the Hershey Story Museum to learn more about the company’s history.
Things to do: Hersheypark, The Hershey Story Museum
Places to stay: The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge, Country Inn & Suites
Price range: Low to moderate
11. Asheville, North Carolina
What makes it a good family vacation idea: Asheville’s vibrant arts scene, beautiful scenery, and outdoor activities make it a great family vacation spot. Older kids may get the most out of the experience.
Things to do: Tour the Biltmore Estate, explore the Blue Ridge Parkway, and visit the Asheville Pinball Museum.
Places to stay: The Omni Grove Park Inn, DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville-Biltmore
Price range: Moderate to high
12. Glacier National Park, Montana
What makes it a good family vacation idea: With pristine lakes, stunning mountains, and plenty of wildlife, Glacier National Park is great for nature-loving families.
Things to do: Hiking, scenic drives, wildlife watching, boat tours.
Places to stay: Many Glacier Hotel, Village Inn at Apgar
Price range: Moderate
13. Austin, Texas
What makes it a good family vacation idea: With a rich history, family-friendly attractions, and outdoor activities, Austin is an excellent vacation destination for families of all ages.
Things to do: Visit the Texas State Capitol, explore the Zilker Metropolitan Park, and swim at Barton Springs Pool.
Places to stay: Hyatt Regency Austin, Omni Austin Hotel Downtown
Price range: Moderate
14. The Florida Keys, Florida
What makes it a good family vacation idea: Beaches, warm weather year-round, and incredible wildlife make the Florida Keys a fantastic spot to visit for families with kids of any age.
Things to do: Snorkeling, dolphin encounters, and visiting the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.
Places to stay: Hawks Cay Resort, Tranquility Bay Beachfront Hotel & Resort
Price range: Moderate to high, depending on the season
15. New Orleans
What makes it a good family vacation idea: New Orleans’ rich culture, history, and family-friendly attractions make it an exciting family vacation destination.
Things to do: Explore the French Quarter, visit the Audubon Zoo, and take a steamboat cruise.
Places to stay: Omni Royal Orleans, The Roosevelt New Orleans
Price range: Moderate
16. The Outer Banks, North Carolina
What makes it a good family vacation idea: The Outer Banks offer beautiful beaches, historic sites, and outdoor activities for families to enjoy.
Things to do: Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial, explore Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and enjoy water sports.
Places to stay: Sanderling Resort, Shutters on the Banks
Price range: Moderate
17. Sedona, Arizona
What makes it a good family vacation idea: Sedona’s stunning red rock formations, outdoor activities, and family-friendly attractions make it an excellent vacation spot. With so much to do outdoors, older kids may get the most out of Sedona’s experiences.
Things to do: Hiking, Jeep tours, and visiting the Sedona Heritage Museum.
Places to stay: Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, Sky Ranch Lodge
Price range: Moderate
18. Boston
What makes it a good family vacation idea: Steeped in history, Boston offers a mix of educational and entertaining activities for families with kids of all ages.
Things to do: Walk the Freedom Trail, visit the New England Aquarium, and explore the Museum of Science.
Places to stay: The Westin Copley Place, Seaport Hotel Boston
Price range: Moderate to high, depending on the season.
19. Philadelphia
What makes it a good family vacation idea: Philadelphia’s rich history and family-friendly attractions make it a great vacation destination. You can even split your time and visit the beach at places like Ocean City, New Jersey, only about 90 minutes away.
Things to do: Visit the Liberty Bell, explore the Philadelphia Museum of Art, discover the Franklin Institute, and take in any of the professional sports teams.
Places to stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia, Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia
Price range: Moderate
20. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
What makes it a good family vacation idea: Cape Cod’s picturesque coastline, beautiful beaches, and family-friendly attractions make it an ideal family vacation destination for kids of all ages.
Things to do: Relax on the beach, go whale watching, explore the Cape Cod National Seashore, and visit the Cape Cod Children’s Museum.
Places to stay: Chatham Bars Inn, Sea Crest Beach Hotel
Price range: Moderate to high, depending on the season.
21. Portland, Oregon
What makes it a good family vacation idea: Portland offers a variety of family-friendly attractions, beautiful parks, and a unique food scene. Spots like the Oregon Zoo and Portland Children’s Museum make this a great place for families to visit.
Things to do: Visit the Oregon Zoo, explore Washington Park, and discover the Portland Children’s Museum.
Places to stay: The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland, Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown
Price range: Moderate
22. Santa Fe, New Mexico
What makes it a good family vacation idea: Gorgeous scenery and an incredible culture make Santa Fe a uniquely fun destination for kids and the whole family.
Things to do: Visit the Museum of International Folk Art, explore the Santa Fe Plaza, and hike the nearby trails.
Places to stay: La Fonda on the Plaza, Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza
Price range: Low to moderate
23. Anchorage, Alaska
What makes it a good family vacation idea: With its stunning landscapes and unique wildlife experiences, Anchorage is an unforgettable family vacation destination. Unless you’re close by, Anchorage may be quite the flight, so it could be worth waiting until the kids are a bit older.
Things to do: Explore the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, visit the Anchorage Museum, and take a scenic drive or train ride.
Places to stay: The Hotel Captain Cook, Embassy Suites by Hilton Anchorage
Price range: Moderate to high, depending on the season
24. San Francisco
What makes it a good family vacation idea: San Francisco’s iconic landmarks and diverse attractions make it a great family vacation destination.
Things to do: Visit the Golden Gate Bridge, explore Alcatraz Island, and discover the California Academy of Sciences.
Places to stay: Hotel Zephyr, The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square.
Price range: High
25. Colorado Springs, Colorado
What makes it a good family vacation idea: The stunning natural landscapes and outdoor activities make Colorado Springs an excellent family vacation destination.
Things to do: Visit the Garden of the Gods, explore the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway.
Places to stay: Cheyenne Mountain Resort, The Broadmoor
Price range: Moderate to high, depending on the season
26. Disney Cruise Line
What makes it a good family vacation idea: It’s Disney on a cruise ship! With tons of activities for all ages, everything you need is onboard.
Things to do: Depending on your ship, you can partake in a pool with a waterslide, enjoy dining, and (if going to the Caribbean) take in Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.
Places to stay: Varies by cruise
Price range: High
27. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
What makes it a good family vacation idea: The breathtaking views and outdoor activities make the Grand Canyon an unforgettable family destination. Older kids may get the most out of the destination, though.
Things to do: Hiking, mule rides, and helicopter tours
Places to stay: Yavapai Lodge, Bright Angel Lodge
Price range: Moderate
28. Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia
What makes it a good family vacation idea: This living history museum offers a unique, interactive experience for families to learn about America’s past. Kids who have learned about America’s history in school may get the most out of visiting.
Things to do: Explore the historic area, enjoy hands-on activities at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, and visit the nearby Busch Gardens theme park.
Places to stay: Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites
Price range: Low to moderate
29. Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio
What makes it a good family vacation idea: Known as the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” Cedar Point offers thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions that slightly older kids will get a real kick out of.
Things to do: Ride roller coasters, enjoy live shows, and visit the nearby Cedar Point Shores Waterpark.
Places to stay: Hotel Breakers, Cedar Point’s Lighthouse Point
Price range: Moderate
30. Sesame Place, Langhorne, Pennsylvania
What makes it a good family vacation idea: This theme park is perfect for young children, as it brings the beloved Sesame Street characters to life. This is a theme park for the younger set, as ages 10 and older may find it boring.
Things to do: Enjoy kid-friendly rides, watch live shows, and meet Sesame Street characters.
Places to stay: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Philadelphia Langhorne, Sheraton Bucks County Langhorne
Price range: Low to moderate
31. St. Petersburg, Florida
What makes it a good family vacation idea: St. Petersburg offers beautiful beaches, a vibrant arts scene, and family-friendly attractions for any age.
Things to do: Relax on the beach, visit the Salvador Dalí Museum, and explore the Sunken Gardens.
Places to stay: The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club, Sirata Beach Resort
Price range: Moderate
There are many places to explore with your family, and we hope this list of some of the best family vacation ideas within the United States will help you make the most of your family time!
