In our weird 21st century, it’s not so easy to know where you can go for a good family vacation. With the proliferation of adult-only resorts, exercise cruises, and general overcrowding, is anywhere truly family friendly anymore?
Yes, there are still places you can take the family and have a great time.
I can’t guarantee that these places won’t have folks around, but they are kid friendly and parent approved. No matter which side of the country you live in, you’re surely not too far away from at least one of these places.
Disney World
As long as you’re able to avoid any unwanted encounters with “Florida Man,” Disney World is a must-see destination for every kid. Filled with magical parades, fun rides, and delicious food, parents and kids alike can find something to enjoy.
DisneyLand
I know it’s sort of cheating to put Disney right after Disney, but Disney was tailor made for kids to let loose. Since Orlando is on one end of the country and Los Angeles is on the other, these two spots are split up perfectly for east and west coast families.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is one of the most magnificent places in the world. That’s really all you need to know. If your kids are rambunctious and active, there’s no shortage of things to let them do in this sprawling park. They can hike, climb, ride bikes, swim, and so much more in this amazing park.
Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga is one of the best cities in the country. We even got an award for it. You can go hiking, camping, boating, and kayaking, and climbing. Then, when you’re tired of being outdoors, you can go to our incredible Aquarium, tour a cave, and eat amazing food. Chattanooga is awesome.
New York City
For the city that never sleeps, you know there’s plenty of stuff for families to do. Go watch a few shows, eat tasty food, and explore Chinatown. Walk to the top of the Statue of Liberty. Go to a museum. Get lost on the subway. The possibilities are endless!
Your Local Campground
You don’t have to go far to have a good time with your family. Getting outside and building a fire is one of the best things you can do together. Prepare silver turtles and eat like kings while telling scary stories around the flames. Plus, the natural light will get your kids’ circadian rhythms reset, which will put them to sleep way earlier than normal. Winning!
Great Smoky Mountains
The Smokies are great for a few reasons. First, they’re beautiful. Second, they’re right outside of Gatlinburg which is a fun little town full of great things to keep families busy. Third, Pigeon Forge is just a few miles away, meaning your kids can ride roller coasters at Dollywood. Fun!
Your Backyard
Not every destination has to be a true destination. Sometimes the most fun you can have is right at home. Set up a tent in the backyard, grill some hotdogs, and enjoy spending some time together. Best of all, it’s pretty cheap!
Washington DC
Our Nation’s Capital is a goldmine of fun things for folks of all ages. It has museums, landmarks, memorials, and more. Best of all, they’re all free to visit!
The Beach
There are beaches all over the place. Some beaches are on the ocean. Some are on lakes. Some are on rivers. Whatever’s close to you, find some sand and enjoy a day in the sun!
No matter what kind of trip you decide to go on--whether it’s across the country or just in your backyard--be sure to snap plenty of photos. There’s nothing like spending time with family. Remember: some of the most special memories that you can have with your family are the ones where you’re together. High spending isn’t required.
