An American tradition, family summer vacation is a time to escape from the normal day-to-day grind and unwind. Many vacation planners are unaware of how their choice of family summer vacation destination can be stressful for some families.

Summer is here and you’ll be spending a lot of time on the road this season with your family. Whether you’re taking the kids to summer camp or heading out on a week-long road trip, put some thought into where you go this summer. Here are our top picks of family vacation destinations.

When you’re thinking of Summer vacation destinations, sometimes the cheaper ones are your best bet. I’m not a frugal person at all. I have a ton of hobbies that cost a lot of money, but my family and I love to travel. A family trip to Disney is near our top list of expenses, but no matter how much we spend, it’s well worth it. We love going there and spending time with the entire family; grandparents, sisters and brother. This year, though, I thought we should try some new destinations that wouldn’t bust our budget so much.

Family Summer Vacation Destinations

Planning a summer vacation is one of the most exciting experiences in life; planning a family summer vacation, however, could seem like a daunting task. Here’s some information that will guide you in making the best decisions for your family about where to go on vacation.

Best Family Summer Vacations

School’s out and workloads are lighter, making summer a prime season for family travel. Considering factors that make a destination stand out for families (like family-friendly accommodations, attractions that appeal to kids and easy travel itineraries), U.S. News determined this list of the best family summer vacations. Use this ranking to jumpstart your family vacation planning, and vote for your choice destination below. (Note: Some of the below destinations may be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Check with the CDC and the U.S. Department of State before traveling.)

Read Best Vacations

• View 40 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoYellowstone#1 in Best Family Summer VacationsYellowstone is an incredible place for adults, but its geysers, buffalo herds and rock formations can be especially magical through the eyes of a child. More than 900 miles of trails are available in the Wyoming, Montana and Idaho sections of the park, so you’re guaranteed to find the perfect route for your family. If you’d rather avoid hiking, you’ll find that many of Yellowstone’s most memorable attractions, including Yellowstone Lake, Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful, are accessible by car. Since the park’s $35 entrance fee covers everyone in your car, Yellowstone is a relatively cheap family vacation destination. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 56 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoWashington, D.C.#2 in Best Family Summer VacationsThe perfect destination for families with kids who have recently completed a U.S. history class, the District of Columbia appeals to visitors of all ages. Summer days on the National Mall are incredible, as you can enjoy the warm weather while walking between national landmarks like the Washington Monument, the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. What’s more, the city’s multitude of Smithsonian museums are free to visit and are sure to satisfy every type of traveler. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 48 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoGrand Canyon#3 in Best Family Summer VacationsWhile a rim-to-rim hike of the Grand Canyon may be too daunting for the whole family, everyone can appreciate the park’s world-class views. There are also more accessible trails for adventurous families to take advantage of, while groups hoping for some relief from Arizona’s heat can enjoy the canyon during a river rafting excursion. Most visitors head to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim for its assortment of amenities, but families in search of thinner crowds and a more rustic experience should consider exploring the national park’s North Rim. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|FLIGHTS|THINGS TO DO
• View 42 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoOuter Banks#4 in Best Family Summer VacationsThe most experienced summer visitors to the Outer Banks spend their trips lounging in the sun on the 100-plus miles of barrier islands that line North Carolina’s portion of the East Coast. When you’re not soaking up some sun, explore the Outer Banks’ iconic lighthouses or take in the view from one of the area’s piers. To give your kids a dose of history, head to the Wright Brothers National Memorial, which sits on the location of the brothers’ famous first flight. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 78 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoSan Diego#5 in Best Family Summer VacationsAnalysis paralysis is the only issue facing families visiting San Diego, as the California city offers so many excellent things to do. If your children have an affinity for exotic animals, check out the world-renowned San Diego Zoo. Meanwhile, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach and Coronado Beach offer breathtaking sands for budding architects to use while building sandcastles. Regardless of how your family spends a summer day in San Diego, they’re bound to create lifelong memories. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|FLIGHTS|THINGS TO DO
• View 22 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoBahamas#6 in Best Family Summer VacationsWith family-friendly resorts and warm temperatures, the Bahamas is a solid family summer vacation spot. Many island hotels feature kids clubs, water sports equipment rentals and massive pool and water park areas. Plus, children and adults alike can enjoy the islands’ excellent desserts, which include guava duffs and rum cakes. (Don’t worry, most of the alcohol cooks off during baking.) Of the summer months, June is the best month to visit since hurricanes become more of a threat later in the season. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO

• View 30 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoAnaheim-Disneyland#7 in Best Family Summer VacationsMany adults still remember their first visit to Disneyland, making it no surprise that Anaheim is a top summer destination for families. Although kids would likely be perfectly content spending their entire vacation at Disneyland itself, Mickey Mouse isn’t this Southern California city’s only draw. Families can explore Anaheim’s lesser-known theme parks, such as Adventure City and Knott’s Berry Farm. Be sure to enjoy Anaheim’s warm weather, too, as it’s (probably) not every day your family gets to bask in the California sun. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 37 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoJackson Hole#8 in Best Family Summer VacationsBoasting incredible mountain scenery, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is a great option for families who want to immerse themselves in nature. Adults and kids can hike through Grand Teton National Park (and keep an eye out for wildlife!) before setting up camp within the park. The area also offers horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing and river floating tours, and memorable whitewater rafting excursions start up for the summer season in May.