31 of the Best Family Vacation Ideas

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!