Check out these family-friendly destinations offering a range of attractions everyone can enjoy. Each has its own appeal but all are safe, accessible and affordable for most families. From beaches to amusement parks to large cultural centers with museums and art galleries, these locations are full of memories in the making for kids and adults.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco (and the entire Bay Area) is a superb vacation location for adults with varying interests and kids of any age. Enjoy near-endless attractions that appeal to both thrill-seekers and outdoor adventurers. If you and your family are looking for something a bit lower-key, see the sights and take in a San Franciscan culture that’s world-renowned for its history, architecture and food scene. San Francisco Bay is home to watersports including sailing and jetskiing. Boating tours of the Bay are also available.
Planning a San Francisco itinerary is easier than ever before with a city-wide pass that offers prepaid entry and priority access to a number of popular sites and activities. Use your mobile device for one-time entry for you and your family into dozens of locations. It’s also a great way to receive discounts and special offers to make the most of your trip.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is an underrated East Coast destination that appeals to families seeking a beach vacation but with much more to offer! Charleston’s vibrant energy and immersive culture make it a great getaway for those vying for an experience they’ll remember for years to come.
When you’re finished enjoying its picture-perfect beaches, head into Charleston’s town center for luxury shopping, mouthwatering meals and historic sites. For adult-focused fun, Charleston is home to several storied distilleries and famous golf courses. The kids will enjoy guided boat tours of the harbor and surrounding area. Not far from the city center is an aquarium featuring marine animals and wildlife native to South Carolina!
Washington, D.C.
A trip to the nation’s capital is one every family should take. Though its rich history and the opportunity to experience civic pride are great reasons to visit, Washington, D.C. is so much more. It is a global center of diversity, art and culture. This is reflected in the experiences it offers for both children and adults that include incredible modern art, theater and dining options.
Guardians can enjoy a round of mini-golf with their kids or take them to explore the esteemed National Zoo. For more outdoor fun, a forest park containing aerial mazes and miles of zip lines is just an hour outside of D.C. When it’s time to visit the heritage sites like the National Mall, the Smithsonian and the White House, tours and attractions designed for kids of all ages are readily available.
San Diego, California
This quintessential California city is known for its laid-back vibes and sun-soaked lifestyle. But there’s more to San Diego than its 70 miles of pristine beaches. Full of family fun in the form of professional sports, amusement parks and a legendary zoo, San Diego is an unforgettable destination for both kids and adults.
Like the other California city on this list, San Diego offers an all-access pass to popular tourist locations all over the city. Easy to buy and use, it is the best way to take advantage of discounts while hitting all of your family’s desired attractions.
San Diego is also home to an aquarium and 17 museums that house exhibits in photography, natural history and classic art. Take your kids to the nearby Children’s Discovery Museum where they can take part in art, archeology, and a world of plants and insects.
Chicago, Illinois
What’s not to love about Chicago? Home of the deep dish pizza, beloved major sports teams and some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers, this major metropolitan hub on the banks of Lake Michigan makes for an exciting family-friendly adventure.
Staying in the city can help save on transportation fees by putting you in walking distance of downtown’s main attractions. You can also simplify your trip by purchasing a digital pass for admission into 25+ popular locations city-wide.
There are also tons of free activities available in Chicago including Millennial Park, Chicago Cultural Center and Chicago Riverwalk. Free neighborhood tours are also available, guided by locals who love to show off Chicago’s many storied and historic neighborhoods.
Denver, Colorado
Denver is a location known for the wacky and weird. Kids and parents alike will love all the eclectic attractions this mile-high Rocky Mountain city has to offer.
Start the fun from the moment you step off the plane at Denver’s International Airport, where the city has commissioned dozens of exciting and creative art exhibits by local artists. Then head over to the Denver Botanic Gardens and enjoy rare plants from all over the world including a curated Japanese garden and flora native to the Rocky Mountains.
Kids will love Denver Zoo where they can see 3,000+ wild animals in the city’s most popular paid attraction. After that, take them to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science where they can see permanent exhibitions that include an IMAX theater experience, dinosaur fossils and a planetarium.
