Top 10 Family Vacations
10. Williamsburg, VA
Find things to do and attractions in Greater Williamsburg for more vacation freedom than any destination in the U.S.
Enjoy the freedom to have fun with magical spy adventures, modern day coaster thrills and outdoor excursions. Busch Gardens has dazzling Broadway-style shows, daring rides and European dining and shopping. Stomp in the clay in Colonial Williamsburg’s brickyard for added fun!
Need the freedom to satisfy your curiosity? Bring your family to the Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center to experience hands-on exhibits and displays. Swing from the trees at Go Ape and make new discoveries at the Virginia Living Museum.
Craving the freedom to relax? Enjoy a picnic along the York River, as well as our wide array of options for golfing, biking and hiking. We’ve also got special events, including a Da Vinci special exhibit, Burch Garden’s Food & Wine Festival, Blues, Brews & BBQ, Williamsburg Spring Arts and the Summer Concert Series.
9. Disneyland Anaheim, CA
Similar to its Disney sister city, Orlando, Anaheim has enough mouse-themed attractions to keep parents and kids busy and smiling. Plus, Anaheim has the added benefit of its California location, which sits in close proximity to the beaches and sights of Los Angeles and San Diego. Enter a magical kingdom where you can sail with pirates, explore exotic jungles, meet fairy-tale princesses, dive under the ocean and rocket through the stars—all in the same day! Disneyland Park is a beloved Southern California destination where generations of families have made their Disney dreams come true. Opened in 1955, Walt Disney’s original theme park is divided into 8 extravagantly themed lands—Main Street, U.S.A., Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Mickey's Toontown, Frontierland, Critter Country, New Orleans Square and Adventureland.
8. Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach lacks the diversity of other destinations on this list. But in terms of accessibility and cost, Myrtle Beach offers an excellent family getaway. Ripley's Aquarium and Mount Atlanticus Miniature Golf are welcome distractions from the shoreline. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is nestled along the beautiful coast on the Atlantic Ocean and is packed with family attractions, exciting theater shows and endless restaurants serving up almost anything you can imagine. It’s no wonder we get over 14 million visitors annually! Myrtle Beach is home to high-rise hotels and resorts as well as oceanfront condos and vacation homes plus smaller “mom-and-pop" style motels and inns. Book a spot at one of the campgrounds on the Grand Strand for a different experience. Explore MyrtleBeach.com for travel tips and savings, things to do and more to help your vacation dreams come true.With summer in full swing, accommodations in Myrtle Beach are filling up quick. Keep up with our Top Deals to find the best prices in town. Make plans to see one of the great theater shows in our area as they dive into their 2016 seasons.
7. Walt Disney World Orlando, FL
Known for its timeless appeal, thrill rides and performances, Disney World is engineered specifically for families, and its formula is very successful. But if you aren't up for putting on mouse ears, Orlando hosts a slew of other theme parks that are sure to excite wee ones. Walt Disney World Resort – Where dreams come true! When you stay at a Disney Resort hotel, you’ll enjoy an array of special benefits to make your vacation magical – from complimentary airport transportation and extra time in the parks. Plus, you’ll enjoy early access to Disney FastPass+ planning and get the opportunity to reserve select attractions, shows and more—up to 60 days before you arrive! Don’t forget to add Theme Park tickets to make the most of the magic! Enjoy the many great seasonal events during the fall and winter. Embark on a culinary adventure during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival or during the holiday season, enjoy favorite Disney traditions including the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
6. Grand Canyon, AZ
The Grand Canyon is a universally admired family destination. You'll find lots to do here, including hiking, kayaking, rafting and riding the Grand Canyon Railway. The Grand Canyon also manages to be budget-friendly. Grand Canyon National Park encompasses canyons, river tributaries, and surrounding grounds. The Grand Canyon is situated in Arizona's northwestern quadrant. With five million visitors making the trip to the canyon each year, Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. In addition, the park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. The Grand Canyon had a long and arduous road to becoming a national park, beginning in the 1880's with several failed congressional bills. After making multiple visits to the area, Theodore Roosevelt declared the Grand Canyon a National Monument in 1908. The bill to grant national park status to the area was passed in 1919 and signed by then-President Woodrow Wilson. There are two public areas of Grand Canyon National Park, the North and South Rims. At 7,000 feet above sea level, the Grand Canyon South Rim is the most accessible section of the national park, with numerous places where visitors can pull over to admire the views. The Grand Canyon North Rim, 1,000 feet higher than its southern sibling, isn't as popular because it is harder to get to, especially when harsh winter weather closes access roads. By car, the trip from one rim to the other is 220 miles. However, if traveling by foot, the distance across the canyon is 21 miles via the Kaibab Trails.
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5. Washington DC
The key to D.C.'s family appeal is the National Mall, which is surrounded by free, kid-friendly museums and renowned monuments. If you have some extra time, spend a few hours at the National Zoo (which also offers free entry) or snag a treat at one of Georgetown's cupcake shops. Tour the White House. Founded on July 16, 1790, Washington DC is unique among American cities because it was established by the Constitution of the United States to serve as the nation’s capital. From its beginning, it has been embroiled in political maneuvering, sectional conflicts and issues of race, national identity, compromise and, of course, power.The choice of Washington’s site along the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers resulted from a compromise between Alexander Hamilton and northern states who wanted the new federal government to assume Revolutionary War debts, and Thomas Jefferson and southern states who wanted the capital placed in a location friendly to slave-holding agricultural interests.George Washington, the first president and namesake of the city, chose the site and appointed three commissioners to help prepare for the arrival of the new government in 1800. Pierre Charles L’Enfant designed the city as a bold new capital with sweeping boulevards and ceremonial spaces reminiscent of Paris in his native France. Benjamin Banneker, a self-taught African American mathematical genius, provided the astronomical calculations for surveying and laying out the city. The full development of Washington as a monumental city, however, did not come until a hundred years later when the McMillan Commission updated its plan to establish the National Mall and monuments that most visitors to Washington now know.
4. Honolulu, HI
Honolulu — especially Waikiki — offers excellent child-friendly beaches and activities like snorkeling, swimming with dolphins and the Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park. Plus, many hotels sit along the shore, negating the need for public transportation or a vehicle. The mere mention of Hawaii is enough to prompt visions of grass skirts and colorful cocktails with tiny umbrellas. While you will find some kitsch in Honolulu, you’ll also find art museums, bike paths, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Popular Waikiki Beach has soft sands and great surf. For majestic Oahu views scramble to the top of Diamond Head – a 350-acre volcanic crater. Historic structures like Iolani Palace and Ali'iolani Hale are worth a visit on a non-beach day.
Sometimes called “The Gathering Place,” Oahu certainly lives up to its name. The third largest Hawaiian island is home to the majority of Hawaii’s diverse population, a fusion of east and west cultures rooted in the values and traditions of the Native Hawaiian people. It’s this fundamental contrast between the ancient and the modern that makes discovering Oahu so enjoyable.
The clear blue waters of Kailua Beach meet the metropolitan cityscapes of Honolulu. The historic architecture of Iolani Palace meets the timeless memorials of Pearl Harbor. The big city of Waikiki meets the small town of Haleiwa on the North Shore. Whether you’re hiking atop iconic Leahi (Diamond Head), enjoying some of Hawaii’s best shopping, or simply unwinding on the sands of the island’s beautiful beaches, you’ll find variety at every turn on Oahu.
3. San Diego, CA
The simple truth: San Diego offers 70 miles of sandy fun. When the waves start to bore little ones, the creatures at the San Diego Zoo or Sea World are sure to hold their interest. And if you need some relief from the sun, head to the museums of Balboa Park. An urban paradise for all ages, the San Diego Zoo is a must-see in Southern California. Spend the day monkeying around in our tropical oasis as you visit amazing habitats for animals such as gorillas, tigers, sun bears, flamingos, mandrills, polar bears, birds of paradise, giant tortoises, leopards and more. Visit the Australian Outback to see our colony of 24 koalas. Take a Panda Trek to visit the giant pandas and other animals that share their bamboo forest habitat. Go back in time through Elephant Odyssey to discover what animals used to roam Southern California and to see a herd of elephants. Enjoy a guided tour on a double-decker bus or an aerial view from Skyfari, dine in the peaceful surroundings of Albert's Restaurant, and see animals up close in the Children's Zoo. Discover the wonders of wildlife with animal encounters, interactive experiences, and keeper presentations. A leader in animal care and conservation, the San Diego Zoo is at the heart of the San Diego experience.
2. Yosemite National Park
What makes Yosemite an excellent family destination? How about its numerous outdoor offerings, from hiking and camping to mountain climbing and rafting, and unlike other parks, Yosemite boasts relatively easy accessibility (San Francisco is only a few hours away by car). Yosemite and its surrounding areas are so expansive, consider staying a few days to truly relax and enjoy its many attractions. Visit Yosemite in all its seasons – spring brings an explosion of color and rushing waterfalls, while summer is the perfect time for an exhilarating hike or leisurely rafting expedition. Autumn reveals itself in a blaze of spectacular yellow and rust colors as the leaves change, while winter offers an unmatched quiet, serenity, and beauty.Throughout the park, you’ll find endless scenic beauty, with opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and so much more! Dining options include everything from fine-dining at The Ahwahnee Hotel to casual, family-friendly options at Curry Village. The surrounding areas also include a wide-range of options to enjoy after a long day in the park.
Yosemite is the perfect vacation destination for any family. There are many things for parents to do with their children while visiting the park, ranging from mild hiking and sightseeing to thrilling whitewater rafting or ziplining through the pines! Horseback riding, walking tours, and several museums make for a vacation filled with history and wonder.
1. Yellowstone National Park- (simply amazing)
Kids will get a kick out of watching Old Faithful erupt, and there's nothing quite like an afternoon hike to bring the clan together. Hotels inside the park can be expensive, so make this a BYOB (bring your own bed) vacation.
Yellowstone National Park is the flagship of the National Park Service and a favorite to millions of visitors each year. The park is a major destination for all members of the family. By driving the grand loop road, visitors can view the park from the comfort of their vehicle and also take a rest at one of the many roadside picnic areas. For the active visitor, the park has thousands of miles of trails from dayhikes to backcountry explorations. The main attractions are all located on the grand loop road and here are some of the top reasons to visit the park. This site has a lot of the information you need for your trip and you may also consider our dvd "The Wonders of Yellowstone" to help you plan your visit.
* World's First National Park
* 2,219,789 acres (Larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined)
* Wildlife - 7 species of ungulates (bison, moose, elk, pronghorn), 2 species of bear and 67 other mammals, 322 species of birds, 16 species of fish and of course the gray wolf.
* Plants - There are over 1,100 species of native plants, more than 200 species of exotic plants and over 400 species of thermopholes.
* Geology - The park is home to one of the world's largest calderas with over 10,000 thermal features and more than 300 geysers. It has one of the world's largest petrifiied forests. It has over 290 waterfalls with the 308' Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River as it's showpiece.
* Yellowstone Lake is the largest (132 sq. mi.) high altitude (7,732') lake in north america.
* 9 visitor centers
* 12 campgrounds (over 2,000 campsites)
