Family Vacation In North America

Are you looking for some information on the best family vacation in North America? Well, there are thousand of options at your fingertips. In fact, I’d bet you could find hundreds of different lists of places to go and things to do; however, they’re not all equal. There are many great places to vacation in North America. However, you do not want to go to them all. The best tips on making this list is from those who have been there and shouldn’t go back. They now look for the experience of a lifetime in a new location. Part of visiting any part of North America is what you need to find out where you should stay. Find out why it is important to make sure you get a hotel that works for everyone traveling with you. Certainly, there are some expenses that will be covered for this trip. You can make some creative decisions regarding your budget.

Traveling is always one of the top answers when people ask you what is your favorite thing to do in life. It’s hard to exactly name why we all love it so much. People are drawn to traveling for many different reasons. The sheer adventure, discovery and newness are part of the reason a lot of people love it. But most travel enthusiasts will tell you they also love the planning and organizing that comes along with traveling.

Family Vacation In North America

North America is the second largest continent, covering an area of 24,709,000 km2 (9,504,000 sq mi), or about 0.3% of the Earth’s surface. It is divided into two subcontinents: The American subcontinent and the subarctic North America.

Sometimes you don’t have to look too far from home to find the best family vacation ideas. From sea to shining sea, the U.S. is packed with amazing places to see and things to do—and many of them are ideal for family getaways. Whether you dream of a relaxing family beach vacation, an exciting outdoor adventure in the Midwest, or a theme park getaway with thrill rides for kids and adults, you’ll find some of the world’s best family vacation spots in the U.S. 

The Best Family Vacation Spots in the U.S.

If there’s one thing a family vacation is perfect for, it’s making memories that’ll last forever. The key to your dream trip is finding attractions and activities to keep every member of the family happy. Luckily, the best family vacation spots in the U.S. have it all. From beach towns to winter hot spots, amusement parks to art and culture, the hardest part may be choosing just one destination for your family trip.

NO HIDDEN FEES: 13 Best All-Inclusive Family Resorts in the World

1. Family Vacations in Orlando, Florida

If you’re dreaming of fun in the sun—and a few thrills to boot—Orlando is one of the best family vacation spots in the U.S. for people of all ages. There’s a good reason this Florida city is known as the world capital of theme parks. Disney’s Star Wars land at Hollywood Studios and the Harry Potter theme park areas at Universal are among the best in the world in many people’s minds, but don’t overlook SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove, LEGOLAND Florida, and the new Peppa Pig theme park for younger kids, among many others. 

SUN AND SAND: 10 Dreamy Florida Beach Resorts Perfect for Families

When you’ve had your fill of theme parks, there are always more things to do in Orlando. Take an air boat tour of the Florida Everglades, shop at Universal CityWalk or Disney Springs, or go wakeboarding or tubing at the Orlando Watersports Complex or Disney water parks. If you’re craving time on the sand, take a short drive to one of the many beaches near Orlando for swimming and sunbathing.

Orlando is also known for its family-friendly eateries, from dining with dinosaurs at the T-Rex Cafe to satisfying your sweet tooth at the steampunk-inspired Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. And, of course, the Orlando water parks are some of the best in the whole country if you’re thinking of wet and wild spring getaways or summer vacations.

Where to Stay in Orlando

If you’re planning to make the Disney parks a major part of your vacation, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is a perennial favorite. Your kids will adore your room’s pirate décor, complete with ship-shaped beds. They’ll also love the water cannons and 82-foot slide at a main swimming pool that’s designed to look like an ancient Spanish citadel. Shop and dine at the Old Port Royale before climbing into the Disney Skyliner, a gondola that whisks your family between the Caribbean Beach Resort, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

There are plenty of other Disney World hotels, Universal Studios hotels, and affordable theme park hotels in Orlando that offer magical theme park perks like early admission as well. There’s even a fully immersive Star Wars hotel that offers two-night themed vacations.

2. Anaheim, California

If your family can’t get enough of that famous mouse, plan a Disney trip in Anaheim, California, to experience the amusement park that started it all: Disneyland. Since the 1950s, this American institution has delighted families with classic attractions like Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and It’s a Small World. Today, families can explore more than 500 acres of fun at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park, which are packed with rides and attractions such as Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Haunted Mansion. 

AVOID THE CROWDS: When Is the Best Time to Visit Disneyland and Disney World?

But Anaheim isn’t known as one of the best family vacation spots in the U.S. just because of Disney. Your family will also love the rides at Knott’s Berry Farm, including the world’s largest wooden rollercoaster. CtrCity Anaheim offers shopping and dining galore. The Anaheim Packing House is a foodie destination, with breweries for the grown-ups and delicious treats for the kids. Take in live music at the Anaheim Garden Walk, or watch an Angels baseball game or Anaheim Ducks hockey game while you’re in town.

Where to Stay in Anaheim

For the perfect mix of luxury and convenience, it’s hard to beat Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, one of the most kid-friendly hotels near Disneyland. Located in the heart of the Downtown Disney District, this resort offers suites with up to three bedrooms, so there’s always plenty of room for the family to spread out. With more than 60 restaurants within walking distance and pools for guests of all ages, this hotel completes the Disney experience. 

3. Oahu and Maui, Hawaii

It’s easy to see why Hawaii tops so many lists of the best family vacations in the U.S. From the bustling shores of Waikiki and the gentle waves of family-friendly Lanikai beach to the black sands of Maui’s Wai’anapanapa State Park, these beautiful Pacific islands offer can’t-miss beach fun for your whole crew.

HAWAII VACATIONS: 4 Best Hawaii All-Inclusive Resorts for Families

Families with older kids can spend the day enjoying water sports like snorkeling with sea turtles in Oahu’s Hanuama Bay Nature Preserve or taking surfing lessons in Kihei, Maui. For a break from the sand, head to the Honolulu Zoo, hike to Manoa Falls, ride horses at Kualoa Ranch, or explore the rich history and culture of Oahu and its sister islands at the Bishop Museum, where the interactive displays are designed just for kids.

On Maui, the volcanic Haleakala National Park offers the chance to peek inside a crater, then take a looooong bike ride all the way down from nearly the top of the volcano. For kids who love to snorkel, hop on a boat and head out to Molokini, a volcanic atoll where the snorkeling is world-class.

Where to Stay in Hawaii

For family-friendly accommodations on Oahu, stay at the Sheraton Waikiki. The hotel’s Helumoa Playground Pool offers fountains and water slides to keep the little ones busy for hours. And when parents need a break, the kids camp offers outings to various destinations around town. 

For Maui vacations, book one of the best Hawaii all-inclusive experiences at the Royal Lahaina Resort. This beachfront destination offers multiple pools, private garden cottages, and tennis courts. 

4. Outer Banks, North Carolina

When it comes to cheap family vacations, the Outer Banks in North Carolina is one of the best family vacation spots in the U.S. that won’t break the bank. This chain of towns lies off the coast on a series of barrier islands that offer miles of stunning beaches. The area is well known for its rich maritime history, and the Outer Banks’ museums and historic sites bring the past to life. 

Kids can learn about the Wright Brothers’ first airplane flight at Kitty Hawk, explore shipwrecks at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, walk the African American History Trail through Roanoke and Hatteras Islands, and ponder the mystery of the Lost Colony at Roanoke. 

BEACH VACATIONS: The Best Family Beaches in North Carolina

And with more than 100 miles of coastline to explore, your family can spend the day taking sailing lessons or climbing to the top of the East Coast’s highest sand dune at Jockey Ridge. Rent a stand-up paddle board, learn to surf at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, windsurf in Pamlico Sound, or go fishing off Jennette’s Pier. The outdoor activities in the Outer Banks are endless.

Where to Stay in the Outer Banks

For family-friendly lodging in the Outer Banks, look to the Sanderling Resort. While grown-ups will appreciate stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Sound—offering both sunrise and sunset viewing—kids will love the resort’s huge pool. With large rooms and on-site restaurants, Sanderling Resort offers a home base from which you can easily explore the beauty of the Outer Banks.

5. Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Got a family full of nature lovers? Head to Gatlinburg, a mountain town known as the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park (three park entrances are conveniently located right downtown). Here, you’ll find all the outdoor activities your family could want, with miles of trails perfect for hiking, walking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, as well as whitewater rafting and kayaking. Keep your cameras at the ready for shots of local wildlife like elk, deer, and even the occasional black bear.

ROAD TRIP READS: 33 Books Like Harry Potter to Binge on Your Next Vacation

Closer to town, you’ll find a plethora of kid-friendly activities. Take in a live performance at the Sweet Fanny Adams Theater, or marvel at the penguins, sting rays, and sharks at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Browse the galleries and studios of the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community for local artisanal products and artwork to take home as souvenirs. For the best views in town, climb to the top of the 407-foot Gatlinburg Space Needle, or take a ride above the treetops on the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway.

Where to Stay in Gatlinburg

When visiting Gatlinburg with the family, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort and Water Park is a destination in its own right. Located just minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, downtown Gatlinburg, and attractions such as Dollywood, kids will love the resort’s large indoor/outdoor water park. Choose one of the three-bedroom units for privacy and plenty of room for larger families.

6. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park isn’t just one of the best family vacation spots in the U.S., it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the entire world—and for good reason. Though it’s packed with family-friendly activities like hiking and mule rides, the true grandeur of this natural wonder can only be fully appreciated in person. Talk about making memories: Your kids will never forget the moment they first peer over the edge into the awe-inspiring canyon below. 

Most families head to the Grand Canyon South Rim for the clearest and most spectacular views all the way down to the Colorado River. But you can have an equally enjoyable family vacation at the more secluded and less-visited Grand Canyon North Rim. If the views aren’t quite as spectacular, the lighter crowds more than make up for it. (The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is generally open from mid-May to October, weather permitting.)

ROAD TRIP IDEAS: 11 Scenic Family Road Trip Ideas That Kids and Adults Will Love

Another fun thing to do at the Grand Canyon is whitewater rafting the Colorado River. Everything from day trips to week-long excursions are available, and many Grand Canyon rafting trips are tailored to families with kids. Or, splurge on a helicopter tour and see the Grand Canyon from the sky. And speaking of sky, you can walk over the edge on a glass-bottom bridge called the Grand Canyon Skywalk along the canyon’s West Rim. 

Where to Stay at Grand Canyon National Park

Plan ahead—we’re talking months to years ahead—and you can snag an overnight spot at Phantom Ranch, situated along the shores of the Colorado River at the bottom of the Grand Canyon and most easily accessible for hikers or mule riders from the South Rim. 

There are plenty of campgrounds above the rim, too, and one of the country’s best national park lodges, the historic El Tovar Hotel, overlooks the majestic South Rim. On the other side of the national park, Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim also offers canyon-edge accommodations in a rustic family-friendly setting. 

7. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

If you dream of white sand beaches lapped by calm ocean waves, book a family vacation to Myrtle Beach. With 60 miles of South Carolina coastline, this popular family vacation spot is known for its sunny weather, clean beaches, delicious food, and great golfing. (With more than 90 golf courses, as well as some of the most creative mini-golf courses in the country, there are plenty of places to hit the links.)

DON’T FORGET: 11 Beach Essentials You Need for Every Sun-Soaked Vacation

It’s no wonder Myrtle Beach is one of the best family vacations in the U.S. Here, you’ll find resorts, entertainment, and eateries galore along the Grand Strand. When you’re not engaged in water sports, kids will love exploring the upside-down world of WonderWorks, complete with laser-tag, a ropes course, and a discovery lab. Blast back to the past at the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament, or dine with seafaring scoundrels at the Pirate’s Voyage Dinner and Show.

For more live entertainment, don’t miss the Carolina Opry or the Alabama Theater. The Broadway Grand Prix offers entertainment for racing enthusiasts, while Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach makes undersea exploration fun. 

Where to Stay in Myrtle Beach

For a fun family vacation, the Dunes Village Resort has it all. When you’re not dining in one of the on-site restaurants, playing tennis or basketball on the resort’s courts, or swimming in the outdoor pools, you can enjoy the indoor water park. The Dunes Village Resort’s water park is 30,000 square feet of water slides, a lazy river, children’s swimming pools, and more. 

8. Branson, Missouri

If your family loves music and live performances, Branson offers one of the best family vacations in the U.S. This Missouri city is famous for its live musical entertainment, with venues such as Dolly Parton’s Stampede, Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, and many more. It’s the perfect place to take in a show or to enjoy dinner theater. Kids of all ages will love the Aquarium at the Boardwalk, as well as the rides at Silver Dollar City, Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park, Bigfoot Fun Park, and Fritz’s Adventure.

BACK TO NATURE: 10 Best Outdoor Activities and Things to Do Near Branson

But there’s so much more to experience in Branson. Hop on the Spirit of America—a 148-foot catamaran—or the Showboat Branson Belle for a sail around Table Rock Lake. Bike, hike, or horseback ride through miles of trails in Dogwood Canyon Nature Park. Take a ride through the Ozarks forest on the Branson Scenic Railway, a historic train with cars dating from the mid-20th century. For more indoor fun, venture to Beyond the Lens to try cutting edge gaming systems, or experience the world’s most (in)famous boat at the Titanic Museum.

Where to Stay in Branson

The Cabins at Green Mountain offer two- or three-bedroom villas near all the action in Branson. This family-friendly resort is tucked into the trees and offers serene views of the Ozarks. You’ll enjoy your own cabin with a washer/dryer, kitchen and fireplace, and use of the resort’s pool and clubhouse. The restaurants, music venues, shopping, and golf of Branson are all just a short drive away. 

9. New York City, New York

Big city family vacations don’t come any bigger than the Big Apple. This vibrant city is one of the most amazing family vacation spots in the U.S. Of course, you’ll want to hit all the iconic landmarks—the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the Empire State Building, and the Museum of Natural History—but there are many kid-centric destinations, too. Central Park is a great place to spend the day, with its rolling lawns, walking trails, playgrounds, conservatory, castle, and the Central Park Zoo. 

TRAVEL WITH TEENS: 10 Best Vacation Ideas for Families with Teenagers

Don’t miss Rockefeller Center, where you can see a popular TV show being filmed, explore the Channel Gardens, and (in the winter) glide around the famed ice skating rink. For upscale shopping, browse the luxury shops on Fifth Avenue, or take it easy and explore the quirky boutiques and eateries of Brooklyn and the East Village. For the full New York family vacation experience, take a turn around Times Square or buy tickets for a Broadway performance; if your kids are younger, consider taking in an age-appropriate show at the New York City Children’s Theater. 

Where to Stay in New York City

Brooklyn’s NU Hotel offers a number of kid-friendly perks. Not only can you grab free breakfast, the hotel offers loaner bikes upon request. If you’re traveling with very little ones, you can also request high chairs, a baby bathtub, and step stools from the front desk if you’ve left anything off your baby packing list. Book the Bunk-Bed Suite, which offers a queen bed, twin bunk beds, an eat-in space, and a chalkboard. Several subway stops are within walking distance, making it easy to get around the city.