With sunny beaches, fantastical theme parks, and the world’s largest comic book convention, there's no such thing as bored children in sunny San Diego. Plus, like a good Pixar flick, the best kid-friendly activities won’t leave adults gaping at their phones. We promise parents will love mingling with exotic animals, splashing through waterfront fountains, and marveling at towering Lego sculptures right alongside the kids. Avoid rowdier crowds and embrace calm waves alongside other families at Mission Beach, Coronado Beach or La Jolla Shores.
If you haven’t started planning your next family vacation in the U.S, this list will help you whittle down the options. You may have to put up with an "are we there yet" or two, but that’s just because the kids won’t be able to contain their excitement.
Treating your kids to one of the best family vacations in the US is easier than you think. Unless it’s your first rodeo, you know you have to pick a destination that offers an endless variety of entertainment options so you avoid dreaded meltdowns and tantrums. We’ve done the research to find the best family vacations in the U.S. Among the best places to visit in the country, these destinations on our list will please kids and parents alike.
Florida and California, with ever-popular Disney properties, are obvious choices. Parents can relive their youth while kids can mingle with their favorite characters. If you’re looking for non-stop entertainment but not keen on amusement parks, we suggest towns like Gatlinburg, TN and Branson, MO. Pack in hiking, tram rides, animal encounters, and a show all in one day. Heading for an outdoor adventure, or visiting one of the national parks like Yellowstone or the Smoky Mountains, means reconnecting with nature and a chance for the kids to burn off tons of energy. For good measure, we’ve added a few under-the-radar options, like a lesser-known beach and a dude ranch.
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