This summer, you want to take your kids on an unforgettable family vacation, but where to go? It can be difficult to decide where to go with kids. I know that as a child, I would love to spend three weeks visiting the Grand Canyon, Fossil Butte and the beach…all in one week! So for this summer vacation, we’re going to consider the worlds of video games. This year, we’re going to go on a virtual tour of some of the hottest virtual vacation destinations available. These places are sure to make you feel like you have escaped reality and have headed into an alternate gaming world.

It’s summertime, which means kids at school will be thinking about vacations that they plan on taking. It can be hard to go visit family or friends so why don’t you create a vacation plan with your children and teach them something new at the same time?

Fun Summer Vacation Spots For Kids

Vacations are a right of passage for families, and there is so much fun to be had. Now, if your kids are anything like mine, their imagination is the best place imaginable. This can lead to conflict when they want to be stuck inside of the house or at one of those mega-theme parks that turns you into a human porcupine. With this in mind, I’ve assembled a list of some destination ideas that your kids will enjoy. What are some of your favorite vacation spots? Right now I’m thinking about our family trip to the North Carolina coast 3 years ago. It was so much fun…we hiked through a beautiful forest, ate lunch at a cute little restaurant on the water, and caught wild shrimp for dinner (which we steamed up in a coffee pot).

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.)

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• 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. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 21 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoNiagara Falls#9 in Best Family Summer VacationsNiagara Falls is the quintessential family vacation. Niagara’s location between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie on the U.S.-Canada border makes it easy to reach during a road trip from American cities like New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland and Detroit. Kids and parents alike can enjoy an up-close view of the tumbling falls during a Maid of the Mist boat excursion or a Journey Behind the Falls walking tour. Additionally, the falls sit close to animal-focused attractions, such as the Aquarium of Niagara and the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|FLIGHTS|THINGS TO DO
• View 91 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoBoston#10 in Best Family Summer VacationsBoston is home to world-class museums like the Boston Children’s Museum and the Museum of Science, giving families the chance to keep the educational spark alive even when school’s out. Still, a family vacation to Boston wouldn’t be complete without catching a baseball game at famous Fenway Park. First-time visitors should also consider joining a Boston Duck Tours outing to see the city from both Newbury Street and the Charles River. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|FLIGHTS|THINGS TO DO
• View 48 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoU.S. Virgin Islands#11 in Best Family Summer VacationsThe U.S. Virgin Islands offer a beach retreat that’s equal parts relaxing and adventurous. The islands are home to numerous beachfront resorts with organized kids clubs and activities. Between the resorts are pristine preserves like Virgin Islands National Park, where families can hike and take in the beauty of nature. Plus, families can book snorkeling excursions and kayaking tours to explore the picturesque scenery. The beaches here are nothing to scoff at, either. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 29 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoAruba#12 in Best Family Summer VacationsTropical pastel buildings offset the blinding white beaches of Aruba. One of the few Caribbean islands that lie outside of the hurricane belt, Aruba is an optimal destination throughout summer. If you’re not looking to spend all day on the beach, many of the island’s resorts offer activities for kids that are both fun and educational. Alternatively, those looking to leave their resort for a family excursion can try visiting the island’s butterfly and ostrich farms. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 69 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoNew York City#13 in Best Family Summer VacationsThe Big Apple is a playground for children and adults alike. Families visiting New York City in summer can enjoy the outdoors while biking through Central Park, ride the fun attractions at Coney Island and shop at kid-focused stores like American Girl Place and The Lego Store. Plus, parents with picky eaters can satiate their appetites at one of the city’s multitude of eateries. Don’t forget to save time for snapping pics of iconic sights like the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 62 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoAmsterdam#14 in Best Family Summer VacationsAmsterdam’s world-renowned canal system can be seen across the city, separating beautiful museums from large parks and world-class restaurants. While Amsterdam does have a lax attitude toward many vices, the Red Light District is easily avoidable, and its “coffee shops” pass as quaint cafes to the untrained eye. Given the opportunity, the city’s diverse attractions – including lush Vondelpark (perfect for playing in the grass), the Artis Royal Zoo and the educational Anne Frank House – will pleasantly surprise any family. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|FLIGHTS|THINGS TO DO
• View 43 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoPuerto Rico#15 in Best Family Summer VacationsFamilies seeking a mix of culture and adventure find Puerto Rico to be a top-notch summer vacation destination. Pencil in some time to explore colorful Old San Juan, build sandcastles on the area’s beaches (Sun Bay and Flamenco Beach are a few family favorites), explore El Yunque National Forest and travel to nearby islands. Kids will especially love Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay; at night, the water emits an otherworldly blue glow caused by organisms that live there.