If you’re looking for family activities that are fun and safe, I’ve got your covered. My step father recently went on a business trip to California and my mother took him on a tour of all the popular tourist destinations. Once they landed back in New York, she raved about the tour and suggested I could help guests add more family vacation experiences to the list of adventure themed getaways. If you’re looking for a fun family vacation, then you’ve come to the right place. Creating meaningful experiences as a family can be challenging, but our guide will help you find some amazing destinations that are sure to instill unforgettable memories.

Family vacation has never been easier – Choose the attractions you love and step on board a Magical Express Bus that delivers you directly to the parks. A vacation is one of the most wonderful experiences that you can share with friends and family. It helps people cope with the stress of work days in an exciting way. At times, finding a vacation spot that is fun and convenient to access can be challenging. As a result, let’s focus on some potential ideas for your next vacation: It’s summer and that means vacations are soon on the horizon. As parents we’re always trying to find fun family activities to do around town. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of awesome adventure theme parks and water parks in every state.

Fun Vacation For Families

Best Family Vacations in the USA

Family vacations can supply lifelong memories, but to ensure that every family member is satisfied, it’s important to travel to the perfect locale. With the help of reader votes and expert opinions, U.S. News compiled this list of travel destinations that offer reasonable rates and activities the whole family can enjoy. We hope you find this ranking of the best family vacations in the USA helpful when planning your next trip, and we invite you to cast your vote below for your favorite places. (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 31 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoOrlando#1 in Best Family Vacations in the USAKnown for its timeless appeal, thrill rides and fun performances, Walt Disney World Resort is engineered specifically for families. But if you aren’t up for donning mouse ears, Orlando hosts a handful of other theme parks that are sure to excite youths, including Universal Orlando Resort, where you’ll find The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Discovery Cove, where you can swim with dolphins and snorkel around the park’s coral reef. Because of this destination’s immense popularity, you’ll likely want to plan a visit for a less-crowded month like January. February or March. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|FLIGHTS|THINGS TO DO
• View 40 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoYellowstone#2 in Best Family Vacations in the USAKids will love watching Old Faithful erupt, and there’s nothing like a hike for family bonding. Hit up the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail for a light stroll to its namesake natural wonder. Up for more? Take the Mystic Falls Trail and hike up the switchbacks at the falls to a spectacular view of Upper Geyser Basin for a nearly 4-mile hike. Keep an eye out for bison, or visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center to guarantee some animal interactions. Hotels within this Wyoming, Montana and Idaho national park are expensive, so make this a BYOB (bring your own bed) vacation and take advantage of the park’s well-equipped campsites. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 38 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoYosemite#3 in Best Family Vacations in the USANumerous outdoor offerings make Yosemite a great family destination. In this California national park, families can hike, fish, ride horses and raft down the scenic Merced River. Plan to take the bus up to Glacier Point for sweeping views, or venture down one of the many hiking trails within Yosemite Valley. If you’re a first-time visitor, you’ll want to stay in Yosemite Valley, where you’ll find several of Yosemite’s accommodations. Book accommodations almost a year in advance if you’re planning a summer visit (the park’s peak season). Plus, if you visit from late May to September and stay outside the park, you’ll need a reservation to enter Yosemite. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 48 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoGrand Canyon#4 in Best Family Vacations in the USAThis Arizona national park is a universally admired destination. With so much to see and do here, there’s no chance anyone in your family will be bored. Enjoy one of the park’s many light hikes, take a mule ride down the North Rim, admire the view from the Grand Canyon Skywalk, raft the Colorado River or go for a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway. The Grand Canyon is pretty budget-friendly considering its low admission rate ($20 per individual or $35 per vehicle and passes are good for seven days) but know that nearby accommodations book up quickly in the peak summer season. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|FLIGHTS|THINGS TO DO
• View 56 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoWashington, D.C.#5 in Best Family Vacations in the USAThe key to Washington’s family appeal is the National Mall, which features loads of free attractions, renowned monuments and kid-friendly museums, including the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Beyond the mall, a stop at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute is also a must (the zoo is home to approximately 2,700 animals). To cut down on vacation costs, consider booking a hotel in a nearby suburb, such as Arlington or Alexandria in Virginia, and relying on the easy-to-use and affordable public transportation system. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 46 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoLake Tahoe#6 in Best Family Vacations in the USAWhether your nature-loving family’s idea of outdoor fun entails skiing, hiking or sunbathing on a beach, this lake destination on the California-Nevada border delivers. Numerous ski resorts surround Lake Tahoe, providing world-class views as your family zips down the slopes. If you visit during the warmer months, you can swim in Lake Tahoe’s azure water and take advantage of its more than 70 miles of shoreline. There are also numerous trails that crisscross the area, should your kids need to burn off some extra energy before refueling in one of the surrounding towns.   READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 41 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoCape Cod#7 in Best Family Vacations in the USACape Cod has been a family vacation destination for decades, and for good reason. Cape Cod National Seashore offers 40 miles of coastline, where kids can build a sandcastle, swim, fish or become a junior ranger. Time your visit for summer to take the kids for round of mini-golf followed up with a movie at the Wellfleet Drive-In. Looking to save some money on your Cape Cod vacation? Visit in the winter for fewer crowds and lower hotel rates. Take the kids for a stroll or bike ride along the Cape Cod Rail Trail, let them explore at the Cape Cod Children’s Museum or marvel at the fragile creations at the Sandwich Glass Museum. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO

• View 78 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoSan Diego#8 in Best Family Vacations in the USATravel to San Diego for 70 miles of coastline, allowing for ample sandy fun. Mission Beach, Coronado Beach and La Jolla Shores are the best beaches for families, offering calm surf and mellow crowds. After you’ve gotten your fill of the waves, head to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego or the San Diego Zoo Safari Park for up-close animal encounters that delight travelers of all ages. What’s more, Balboa Park offers 1,200 acres of beautiful green spaces to explore, as well as educational museums like the San Diego Air & Space Museum and the Fleet Science Center. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|FLIGHTS|THINGS TO DO
• View 30 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoDestin#9 in Best Family Vacations in the USADestin, Florida, is a hit with families thanks to its relaxing atmosphere and plethora of kid-pleasing things to do. Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park features waterslides and a lazy river, while the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is home to animals kids love, including dolphins and penguins. Families will also appreciate Destin’s scenic and calm shorelines, such as Henderson Beach State Park and the Shores at Crystal Beach Park. And if you’re looking for an adventure on the water, consider booking a boat tour. Destin offers everything from dolphin-spotting excursions to pirate-themed cruises. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|FLIGHTS|THINGS TO DO
• View 42 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoOuter Banks#10 in Best Family Vacations in the USAA barrier island chain off of North Carolina’s coast, the Outer Banks is a great place to relax on a budget. Here, you can rent multibedroom vacation homes for a week for the same price (or less) you’d spend on one or more four-star hotel rooms for a family. That means you can vacation at your leisure, exploring the miles of beaches available. Be sure to stop by scenic Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Jockey’s Ridge State Park, where you can climb the Atlantic coast’s tallest living sand dune. Kids will also love the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 30 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoAnaheim-Disneyland#11 in Best Family Vacations in the USAHome to Disneyland Resort since 1955, Anaheim, California, has enough magical attractions to keep families entertained. After catching up with Mickey and friends, visit Anaheim’s Adventure City amusement park or Knott’s Berry Farm theme park. And if you’re in town during baseball season, you can catch a game at Angel Stadium. Another bonus: Anaheim sits close to the beaches and sights of both Los Angeles and San Diego. Note that Disneyland is busy year-round, but if you visit during the offseason (spring or fall) or on a weekday, you’ll likely encounter fewer people. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 46 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoHonolulu – Oahu#12 in Best Family Vacations in the USAHonolulu offers a seemingly endless stream of things to do that families with varying interests can enjoy. Beach bums can soak up some sun and build sandcastles on iconic stretches of sand, such as Waikiki Beach, Lanikai Beach and Kailua Beach. Those interested in history will want to explore the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Families who like to stay active will enjoy the island’s hiking options, including Diamond Head State Monument and the Koko Crater Trail. And for a fun introduction to Hawaiian culture, visit the Polynesian Cultural Center to partake in a luau or learn some hula. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 43 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoMaui#13 in Best Family Vacations in the USAThis Hawaiian island has plenty of sights for kids of all ages. Hit up family-friendly beaches like Wailea Beach and Napili Bay Beach for fun in the sun, or admire the unique black sand shores at Waianapanapa State Park. Haleakala National Park offers chances to view the world’s largest dormant volcano, while Iao Valley State Monument features a popular scenic hike. You can also enjoy a traditional luau at the Old Lahaina Luau and plenty of exciting snorkeling and boating opportunities. As one of Hawaii’s most-visited islands, know that accommodations here won’t be cheap. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 14 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoGatlinburg#14 in Best Family Vacations in the USAThis mountain town in eastern Tennessee was practically made for families who love nature. When you’re not exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park (for free), take a ride on the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway to reach the amusement park of the same name. Or, head to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies to view a wide variety of marine animals. Kids might also delight in the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community, a group of artisan shops on an 8-mile loop road where you can see craft makers creating everything from pottery to hand-blown glass. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 91 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoBoston#15 in Best Family Vacations in the USABoston played a pivotal role in U.S. history, so it’s no surprise that the Massachusetts capital boasts a large share of historical sites. Students who recently studied the American Revolution will enjoy visiting Boston Common and the Freedom Trail. Supplementing its storied locations is a bevy of museums, including the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the Boston Children’s Museum. Young and old baseball fans will either love (or begrudgingly appreciate) a visit to iconic Fenway Park. And finally, no Beantown trip would be complete without walking around Harvard University and MIT’s scenic campuses in nearby Cambridge. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|FLIGHTS|THINGS TO DO
• View 37 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoJackson Hole#16 in Best Family Vacations in the USAIf you want to get your family off the grid, look no further than Jackson Hole. This Wyoming resort town is buttressed by Grand Teton National Park to the north and national forests in every other direction. In winter, families can choose from three mountains for downhill skiing, making it easy to find the right spot that suits their skill levels. Meanwhile, families can trek Grand Teton National Park’s trails come summer. After a busy day of hiking, groups can check out The Jackson Hole Playhouse, which hosts all kinds of family-friendly dinner theater productions. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 27 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoSanibel Island#17 in Best Family Vacations in the USASanibel Island, Florida, attracts families who love to do nothing but relax on a beach while on vacation. Bowman’s Beach is known for its abundance of unique shells, which will surely excite younger travelers as they look for cool ones to take home. Captiva Island, located northwest of Sanibel, also offers a stunning shoreline that’s perfect for long walks. To see turtles and alligators in the wild, stop by the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge or meet some animals up close at the Clinic for Rehabilitation of Wildlife. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• Belongs on List?YesNoHershey#18 in Best Family Vacations in the USASweet-toothed families will enjoy visiting Hershey, Pennsylvania. Named after chocolate company founder Milton Hershey, the town draws travelers to its famed Hersheypark, which features a variety of family rides, a water park, a zoo and countless candy references. For a more relaxed day, groups can tour the butterfly atrium and themed kids garden at Hershey Gardens. There’s also the indoor Hershey Story museum, an excellent option for rainy days that delves into the company’s history. Plan on staying at Hershey Lodge, The Hotel Hershey or Hershey Camping Resort for reduced or complimentary admission to all of these attractions.