With its hugely diverse array of cities, landscapes, and attractions, the United States has a myriad of family-friendly flights and travel destinations with something for all tastes and travel styles.
Whether you’re searching for cheap places to travel with kids and are hoping for some budget-friendly inspiration or are a family with young kids and wondering where will keep you and your little ones happy, you’ve come to the right place.
Our family-orientated guide will have you crossing off your bucket list travel spots with your kids by your side!
Keep reading to uncover our recommendations for the best family-friendly vacation destinations in the United States.
Where Are The Best Family-Friendly Travel Destinations In The U.S.A.?
It’s pretty much impossible to determine what the top locations are for a family trip Stateside, as there are truly so many, and much more than you might initially think.
If you’re flying with children for the first time, there’s a good chance you’ll be on the lookout for the best safe, family-friendly destinations. On the other hand, seasoned traveling parents might be leading toward places offering unique travel experiences with their kids, so the answers are endless.
To make the decision-making process more straightforward for you, we’ve compiled our best affordable, surf, and out-of-the-ordinary locations, plus our favorite places for those of you traveling with toddlers or younger kids.
What Are The Best Family-Friendly Travel Destinations For Parents On A Budget?
When you think of cheap countries to travel to with kids, the U.S.A. probably doesn’t spring to mind. This even goes for families from here who are planning a domestic retreat.
That being said, it’s definitely possible to find vacation destinations that are both family-friendly and within a reasonable price range; you just need to know where to look.
We’re here to show you how to travel the U.S. for cheap with kids through our picks for an affordable getaway.
Brother and sisters playing around a small tent, Bozeman, Montana, United States © Getty Images
Texas
They say everything is bigger in Texas, but this doesn’t necessarily ring true for prices!
Though not typically known for its beaches, The Lone Star State is home to South Padre Island, where watersports, dolphin-watching, and the sea turtle conservation center will keep the youngsters busy for days.
Those of you who are a little more outdoorsy will love camping and hiking at Garner State Park, while the charming city of San Antonio is much cheaper than the likes of Dallas or Austin. National Cab is a taxi company to look out for.
Great Wolf Lodge, a chain of family-centric hotels, also has a location in Texas, complete with a waterpark, an arcade, and nightly entertainment.
Outer Banks
Among the best-loved, family-friendly vacation destinations on the East Coast, the Outer Banks in North Carolina is a wonderful place for kids of any age. For this reason, it’s ideal for big families with children with age gaps.
At least a few days of your trip should be reserved for hitting the beach. Brush up on your history with your kids at Roanoke Island Festival Park, or pay a visit to hundreds of unique birds at the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Locally-loved Atlantic Cabs will be your go-to taxi service.
Washington, D.C.
Jefferson Memorial view form the Tidal Basin, Washington, D.C. © Getty Images
While you can opt for accommodation with self-catering facilities to avoid eating out, you’ll really make some savings when it comes to your activities. The Smithsonian Museums, the amazing Library of Congress, and most of the monuments along the National Mall are free of charge.
As a relatively compact, walkable city, you’ll be able to keep transport costs to a minimum, but you’ll be able to rely on the Yellow Cab Co. when you need a ride.
Discover Family Fun in Washington DC! Click for Flights to the Nation’s Capital.
Yellowstone National Park
Located primarily in Wyoming, Yellowstone is a breathtaking wilderness-like park with enough geysers, canyons, and hiking trails to keep even the most energetic children busy. You’ll have an absolute blast with your kiddos between sleeping under the stars and making s’mores around the fire pit.
You’ll likely need your own transport for this one, but Yellowstone Taxi is a great backup.
Yosemite National Park
Not just for extreme trekkers, Yosemite has an abundance of things to do and a bunch of fantastic campsites and lodges geared towards families, offering swimming pools, bike rental, and horseback riding.
Your kids can join you along easy and short hiking trails, such as the Cook’s Meadow loop, which passes Glacier Point and the Half Dome, or the leisurely hike to Lower Yosemite Falls.
Starlight Taxi and the park’s shuttle service will be a lifesaver if you don’t have a car.
Mother supports her baby boy to climb a small hill, Yosemite National Park, U.S.A © Getty Images
Grand Canyon National Park
Quite possibly the most famous National Park in the country, the Grand Canyon is also a very family-friendly tourist destination.
As well as admiring the out-of-this-world vistas you’ll see from every corner of the park, there are some brilliant activities that the little ones can get involved in here. When they’re not visiting the Yavapai Geology Museum or riding the old-school train from the village, they can partake in the Junior Rangers program and learn the ropes of protecting the park.
Cab companies are limited aside from Xanterra Taxi Service.
Grand Canyon Family Adventure Awaits! Click for Flights to Natural Wonders and Timeless Beauty.
Wisconsin Dells
There’s no shortage of things to do at Wisconsin Dells, and most of them won’t be too much of a hit to your wallet.
America’s largest and most exciting waterpark, Noah’s Ark, is an absolute must with slides and attractions for all ages, but you should also check out Mirror Lake State Park when you fancy a little peace and quiet. Get ready for kayaking, hiking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Dells City Taxi will keep you connected if you’re arriving car-free.
Wisconsin Family Retreat! Click for Flights to Charming Landscapes and Midwest Hospitality.
What Are The Best Family-Friendly Destinations For Younger Children?
Planning a vacation for kids under 10 years old, or better yet, under the age of 4? Fear not, as we have plenty of those up our sleeves, too.
It’s not uncommon to feel restricted to particular destinations depending on how old your youngsters are, and you’ll likely find yourself wondering where to travel with kids by their age. However, we hope we can put your mind at ease and open you up to a host of new options.
Holidaying with pint-sized travelers has never been easier, thanks to these fabulous vacation hotspots.
Florida
No prizes for guessing that the Sunshine State would make an appearance on this list at some point.
We’ll get to the magic of Orlando’s iconic parks in a moment, but it’s worth considering some other spots. If sightseeing is your thing, but your kids love the seaside, St. Augustine is a lovely happy medium, while Winter Haven is home to LEGOLAND Florida.
Family Adventures Await in Florida! Click for Sunshine State Flights.
Family kayaking through the Brevard Zoo, Melbourne, Florida, U.S.A. © Getty Images
Orlando
There’s no place on this earth quite like it when it comes to family-friendly fun, and the memories you’ll make with your children at the likes of the Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios, and the Animal Kingdom will stay with you for a lifetime.
Mears Transportation will take care of you from the airport to the city and all the parks.
Orlando Magic for the Family! Click for Enchanting Flights and Theme Park Delights.
New York
Notoriously expensive cities like New York aren’t off-limits once you bring kids into the mix , and the Big Apple is particularly underrated as a family-friendly destination.
From a family stroll around Central Park to trips to the Bronx Zoo, New York has an array of activities that younger explorers will love. Head to Brooklyn to the Children’s Museum, an adorable toddler-friendly exhibition with exciting play areas for every age. If you have the time, catch The Lion King or Aladdin on Broadway.
The iconic Yellow Cabs are found around pretty much every corner of the city when you need a ride.
Family Excitement in New York! Click for Flights to the Underrated Family GetAway spot.
San Francisco
This Northern Californian gem is a city that doesn’t get the love it deserves for its family-focused amenities.
There’s no denying that San Francisco is possibly the least wallet-friendly place on this list , so if you’re looking for a cheap or budget vacation, this is anything but.
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, U.S.A. © Getty Images
What it does have is horseback riding through Golden Gate Park, visits to the Walt Disney Family Museum, sea lion spotting at Pier 39, and day trip opportunities to the likes of the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
When you’re not riding the cable cars, Airport Taxi Cab will take care of the driving.
San Francisco Family Getaway! Click for Bay Area Flights and Golden Gate Thrills.
Chicago
The Windy City has to be one of the top spots in the country for a city break, as it’s jam-packed with unique attractions and activities that are perfect for younger children. What kid would say no to deep-dish pizza?
Starting with the museums, you’ll have the super fun Museum of Science and Industry, the Chicago Children’s Museum, and the Planetarium. Make the most of the numerous playgrounds and the Navy Pier Ferris wheel in the summer or the indoor play areas and ice rinks for the colder months.
ChitownCabbie and Yellow Cab Chicago are two excellent taxi companies.
Family-Friendly Chicago Calling! Click for Windy City Adventures.
Boston
Another city that has so much to offer the little ones is Boston.
Franklin Park Zoo, the New England Aquarium, and the LEGOLAND Discovery Center are musts at any time of the year, but Boston is especially captivating when the winter season sets in. Take to the snow and go sledding, or grab a hot chocolate at one of the Christmas markets.
Couple near harbour, Boston, U.S.A. © Getty Images
Boston Airport Cab provides some of the most reliable taxi services in town.
Boston Family Escapes Begin! Click for Flights to Historical Wonders.
What Are The Most Unique Family-Friendly Holiday Destinations In The U.S.A.?
Are you looking to venture further afield to some kid-friendly spots that are a little less conventional?
In this list, we break down the places that we don’t typically associate with family getaways but that are much more suited to families than you might expect.
Las Vegas
Yes, you read that correctly!
Sin City (AKA Las Vegas) will always be best known and loved by local and international tourists for its over-the-top casinos, non-stop parties, and iconic nightlife , but even the younger visitors can enjoy the giant hotels and world-class entertainment. Not to mention, we all know kids are partial to an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Beyond this, you’ll have spots like Hershey’s Chocolate World and the Avengers’ S.T.A.T.I.O.N at Treasure Island for all-round family fun, and be sure to check out shows like Cirque du Soleil in the evening time.
Keep your eyes peeled for Nellis Cab and A Cab Taxi cars when you need to get from A to B.
Vegas Fun for the Whole Family! Click for Glittering Flights and Entertainment.
Three children, two girls and a boy, looking at skyscrapers across the canal, Las Vegas, U.S.A. © Getty Images
Arizona
Provided you don’t plan your visit for the scorching summer months, Arizona is a brilliant alternative to your classic family holiday destinations.
Some of the places you should consider adding to your itinerary include the Out of Africa Wildlife Park, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and Hurricane Harbor Water Park. Gilbert and Scottsdale are two lovely kid-friendly cities.
Phoenix Taxi Service serves the Greater Phoenix area, including the above cities.
Arizona Family Excursion! Click for Flights to Desert Adventures and Southwestern Delights.
New Orleans
New Orleans’s vibrant culture isn’t just reserved for the grown-ups , as there’s more to this city than late nights along Bourbon Street.
Do some sightseeing and listen to live music with your gang in tow around the French Quarter, tuck into some not-too-spicy Cajun food, and spend an afternoon at Storyland. However, this fairytale-style park mightn’t be the most amusing for the older kids.
Between mini golf games and river cruises, you can rely on United Cabs.
New Orleans Family Fun! Click for Flights to Jazz-filled Streets and Southern Hospitality.
Philadelphia
Kids with a keen interest in history will be in their element in Philadelphia.
Don’t worry if this doesn’t apply to you and your kiddos, as you’ll be spoiled between taking in the views from One Liberty Observation Deck, getting some thrills at Sesame Place Philadelphia, and practicing your baseball swing together at Citizens Bank Park.
Call on Streamline Taxi Service if you need a ride.
Philadelphia Family Discoveries! Click for Flights to Historic Charm.
Mother and two kids taking selfie during the ferry wheel ride, U.S.A. © Getty Images
Williamsburg
Another city steeped in both history and family-friendly amenities is Williamsburg in Virginia.
When you’re not ambling around Colonial Williamsburg or feeling your adrenaline pumping at Busch Gardens, you’ll have the Jamestown Settlement, the fabulous Water Country U.S.A. Water Park and the Virginia Music Museum to explore.
Get from place to place with Williamsburg Taxi Service.
Where Are The Best Family-Friendly Surf Destinations In The U.S.A.?
If you’re a family of keen surfers looking for the finest places around to catch some waves, we have a collection of fail-safe surf havens for your next vacation.
Grab your boards and wetsuits, and let’s hit the beach!
California
As the home of over 400 surfing locations, California is on every surfer’s list.
female surfers running on the beach at sunset, California, U.S.A. © Getty Images
California Dreaming for Families! Click for Flights to the Golden State.
Los Angeles
Heading to Tinsel Town? Sightseeing and surfing certainly aren’t mutually exclusive here. Spend your mornings at Santa Monica Pier and Manhattan Beach and afternoons wandering Beverly Hills.
Look out for Downtown Taxi Services while you’re in LA.
Family Adventures in LA! Click for Flights to Hollywood and Sunshine.
San Diego
You can’t go wrong with San Diego Yellow Cab for your transportation.
San Diego Sun and Fun for Families! Click for Coastal Flights and Smiles.
Hawaii
We could spend hours gushing about how idyllic the Pacific paradise of Hawaii is.
From the Polynesian culture that your kids will love learning about to Oahu’s Disney-themed resort and encounters with nature at the Volcanoes National Park, you can do it all here.
Maui
No doubt, any avid surfers will have heard all about Maui by now. The kids can get in on the action in the West and South parts of the island, as this is where the waves tend to be much more forgiving.
You can count on CB Taxi Maui or West Maui Tax to get around.
Parents with three kids on vacation going surfing in Hawaii, U.S.A. © Getty Images
Myrtle Beach
Anyone who’s visited Myrtle Beach in the past will tell you that, during the summer, you’ll catch countless adults and kids alike flaunting their skills along the edge of the Atlantic.
There’s also the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, the bustling boardwalk, and Alligator Adventure to check out.
City Cab will get you where you want to be with ease.
Myrtle Beach Family Escape! Click for Flights to Sun, Sand, and Coastal Memories.
Puerto Rico
West Coast towns like Rincon and Aguadilla are popular surfing hotspots, and both offer lessons for newbies or anyone trying to level up their skills.
Beyond surfing, some family-friendly activities we think you’ll love include wandering through a tropical rainforest at El Yunque National Forest and pushing past your fears at Coqui Water Park.
Manny’s Taxi Service serves the Rincon area and the nearby West Coast towns.
Family Fun in Puerto Rico! Click for Caribbean Flights and Tropical Adventures.
Bahamas
Although this last spot is outside of the U.S.A., it’s so close to the likes of Florida and brings so much to the table for families that we simply had to include it.
The dreamy Eleuthera, and its famous Surfer’s Beach in particular, is a quiet spot where all the family can try their hand at surfing. For smaller boarders who aren’t quite ready to brave the sea, they might prefer the surf simulator at Baha Bay Water Park in Nassau.
A girl swinging at Cocoplum Beach Exuma, Bahamas © Getty Images
Vacationers in Eleuthera use golf carts and private vans to get around, while Nassau has the likes of Let’s Go Bahamas.
Bahamas Family Paradise! Click for Flights to Tropical Bliss and Island Adventures.
Conclusion
The U.S. really is a dream vacation spot for families with kids of any and every age, and it’s a perfect starting point if you’re not quite ready to take your little ones overseas just yet.
While you have your pick of exciting cities, surfing havens, and adventure paradises, you also have a couple of places that fit more than one of these categories for when you’re really struggling to decide where to go!
Want more interesting tips on how to travel with your kids ? Read more Travel with children articles!
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