Amazing Family Experiences Across the USA

Wherever you look across the USA, from the Atlantic to the Pacific – and in between – exciting destinations and attractions await, each offering experiences that appeal to a wide range of ages and interests. Get outside your comfort zone and experience new adventures together. You’ll come away with amazing photos and meaningful shared memories.

Thrill Rides at Central Florida Theme Parks

With four major theme parks – Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and LEGOLAND Florida Resort – Orlando and the surrounding Central Florida region is at the top of many children’s must-visit lists. New parks and attractions are debuting all the time, the latest being Universal Epic Universe, which opened in spring 2025. Rides, themed entertainment, special events and unique dining and shopping add up to nonstop family amusement, but the theme parks aren’t the only fun around. Shift gears to paddle a canoe or kayak on a crystal-clear, spring-fed river or zoom around a nearby lake on an airboat and look for gators.

Beach Escapes in Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Poised like a flexed arm curling into the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Cod encompasses picturesque beaches, charming hamlets and nautical history. Favorite family activities include building sandcastles on Cape Cod National Seashore, peering into maritime history during a tour of Nauset Light and cycling along the Shining Sea Bikeway. Hop a ferry from Hyannis to explore the dramatic beaches and quaint shops of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Before or after your beach vacation, walk Boston’s Freedom Trail, catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park and putter around Boston Public Garden on the iconic Swan Boats.

Epic Sightseeing in Washington, D.C.

It may be hard to believe that so many cultural attractions are packed into one city – and many of them free – but it’s true in Washington, D.C., especially around the National Mall. At the Lincoln Memorial, teach the kids about the 16^th U.S. president as they marvel at the huge statue of Abraham Lincoln. Others may be drawn to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial or the Martin Luther King Jr., Memorial. At city’s free museums, including the National Air and Space Museum, families can wander in and out, taking a break for lunch or a nap. Beyond the city, check out the historic towns and countryside of Virginia, and the fishing villages of Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Shopping and Playing in Bloomington, Minnesota

Many people have heard of Mall of America, but you must see it to believe it. Four levels packed with 500 stores, from department stores to boutiques, will satisfy the most serious shoppers. At Nickelodeon Universe, amusement park rides range from gentle to spine-tingling, plus kids may spy their favorite characters. The fun can last days: Marvel at sharks at SEA LIFE Aquarium, enjoy hands-on activities at the Crayola Experience and challenge each other to a round of adventure golf. Refuel at more than 60 dining options. While in Bloomington, get some fresh air on the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail and kick back at Nine Mile Brewing, the city’s first.

Delving into History in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Site of a pivotal 1863 battle during the U.S. Civil War, Gettysburg National Military Park in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is a great place to learn about that period of American history. Original artifacts, a 360-degree diorama painting and a 20-minute film in the museum and visitor center bring history to life. Visitors can tour the extensive grounds by bus, car or bike or on foot, either on their own or with a licensed battlefield guide. Chances are you’ll pass through Philadelphia, so find food to satisfy everyone’s appetite in the Reading Terminal Market and check out thousands of murals across this thriving city.

Meeting Marine Friends in Monterey, California

Who doesn’t love playful otters and amusing penguins? The Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California, has these adorable marine critters plus sharks, octopus and hundreds more species. Watch sardines, eels and other fish swim through an underwater kelp forest, then learn about the creatures that thrive in the pitch-black depths of the ocean. Look for humpback whales and sea otters from the aquarium’s decks, which overlook the Pacific Ocean, or book a whale-watching or sunset boat tour. Electric-bike tours traverse the stunning Central California coastline. In Cannery Row, shop in eclectic boutiques and dine with water views.

Discovering the Old West in Nevada

The neon lights of Las Vegas may be the best-known part of Nevada, but they’re far from the only reason to visit this intriguing state. Several well-preserved mining towns offer a glimpse into Nevada’s Old West history. The discovery of a rich silver deposit in the mid-1800s transformed Virginia City into a boomtown. Today, follow a walking trail to museums and saloons in the historic district. Later, ride the Virginia & Truckee Railroad to Gold Hill or head underground on a mine tour. The Hoover Dam, Lake Tahoe and Valley of Fire State Park are other cool Nevada attractions.

Water Park Fun in San Antonio, Texas

On a hot summer’s day, there’s nothing quite as refreshing – or as fun – as spending a day at a water park. Aquatica at SeaWorld San Antonio in Texas offers water slides for various ages, a wave pool for surfing and lazy rivers for chilling. A special area is set aside for the youngest family members, while the surfing and more dramatic drop slides will appeal to adults and older kids. Stingray Falls leads visitors in rafts through an underground grotto past stingrays and tropical fish, or choose the Stingray Encounter, where you can touch and feed cownose rays. In San Antonio, dine along the River Walk and get a fascinating history lesson at the Alamo. Other nearby family attractions include Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Morgan’s Wonderland and Schlitterbahn New Braunfels.

Hiking and Mountain Biking in Utah

The red rocks and otherworldly geological formations of Arches National Park in Utah, including more than 2,000 natural stone arches, are found nowhere else on Earth. Drive along scenic routes past some of the largest arches, or head out on foot to immerse yourself in the surroundings. Hikes range from very short to more than 10 kilometers. In the nearby gateway city of Moab, go mountain biking and river rafting, then enjoy locally owned restaurants and craft breweries. A little farther afield, explore four more Southern Utah national parks and the museums and history of Salt Lake City.

Whitewater Rafting in Idaho

Thrilling whitewater rafting on the world-class rapids of western Idaho’s Payette River is a big draw, but this is also an amazing place to canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Families might enjoy soaking up the tranquility of this scenic river while floating on inflated tubes. Depending on the time of year and section of the river, adventures can range from mild to wild. In nearby capital city Boise, feed giraffes and giant anteaters at Zoo Boise, get hands-on at the interactive Discover Center and ride down a mountain coaster at Bogus Basin.