Fresh-Air Fun That’s Kid-Approved

The USA is filled with natural wonders and outdoor destinations that promise excitement for all ages. Deepen family bonds on active treks through breathtaking landscapes, on informative tours led by local guides and at modern attractions surrounded by natural beauty. It’s time to unplug and head outside for unforgettable family adventures. 

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona: Dramatic Icon

Visiting the Grand Canyon needs to be added to your travel bucket list. Families can enjoy the scenic drive from airports in Las Vegas, Nevada, or Phoenix and Flagstaff in Arizona, to the canyon’s South Rim. Find a geology museum, restaurants, lodging options and breathtaking vistas in this popular area of the park. Stops at Mather Point, Yavapai Point and Desert View Watchtower offer jaw-dropping views of the canyon’s vastness. Kids can become Junior Rangers at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, adults and older children can hike part of the Bright Angel Trail, while all can enjoy a peaceful picnic at Shoshone Point.

Southern Utah: Home of the “Mighty 5”

A road trip through Utah’s five national parks – Arches, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef and Canyonlands – is a dream come true for families who love the outdoors. Set Las Vegas, Nevada, or Salt Lake City, Utah, as your starting point for an epic loop through striking red rocks. Kids will like hiking to Landscape Arch in Arches and spotting bighorn sheep and mule deer in Zion’s Emerald Pools. Drive to panoramic views like Bryce Canyon’s Inspiration Point, Capitol Reef’s Goosenecks Overlook and the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands. Each park offers kid-friendly trails, Junior Ranger programs and unforgettable scenery perfect for family photos.

Seattle, Washington: A City in Nature

Seattle serves as a perfect gateway to some of the most scenic protected lands in the USA. After arriving at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, families can take short drives to Mount Rainier, Olympic and North Cascades national parks, all in Washington State. Each park has kid-friendly hikes highlighting mountains, forests and coastlines. Outdoor escapes can also be found within Seattle itself. Snap a photo of the iconic skyline from Kerry Park or enjoy the stunning views of the Puget Sound from Discovery Park. Families seeking the cosmopolitan comforts of an international city can find delicious food, rich cultural experiences and iconic attractions throughout the Emerald City.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula: Quaint Towns & Natural Beauty

With access to three Great Lakes, endless trails through the Porcupine Mountains and over 300 waterfalls, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers some of the most breathtaking outdoor experiences in the Midwest. Set charming towns like Marquette, Munising or Sault Ste. Marie as basecamps for epic hikes and paddling excursions in nearby protected lands like Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Copper Harbor on the Keweenaw Peninsula has become known as a mountain biker’s paradise with beginner-friendly to difficult treks available. In winter, head to F.J. McLain State Park and rent snowshoes to roam peaceful trails.

Georgia Coast: Oceanside Bliss

Prepare for sun-soaked adventures filled with salty air, sandy trails and unforgettable wildlife encounters on Georgia’s Atlantic coast. Enjoy the Southern hospitality and historic charm of Savannah before driving under 30 minutes to Tybee Island, a barrier island known for its kid-friendly beaches. Head down the coast for unique experiences in the Golden Isles. Experience Jekyll Island’s legendary Driftwood Beach and Great Dunes Beach Park before visiting the island’s top attraction, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, to see colorful interactive exhibits about area wildlife. Take a ferry to Cumberland Island National Seashore to see wild horses roaming the beaches.

Niagara Falls, New York: Legendary Family Destination 

The iconic water feature is only the start for outdoor family adventures in the Niagara Falls region of New York State. Visit Niagara Falls State Park for stunning overlooks of the falls, and be sure to take the Maid of the Mist boat ride or walk the Cave of the Winds trail to get close to the roaring cascades. Just downstream, families can hike moderately strenuous trails into the Niagara Gorge at Devil’s Hole State Park, be mesmerized by the swirling currents from outlooks at Whirlpool State Park and enjoy riverside picnics at DeVeaux Wood State Park.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: All-Ages Outdoors

Be prepared for fresh mountain air, scenic hikes, wildlife sightings and family fun on a vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina. Enjoy thrills at kid-favorite attractions like Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg. In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, hike scenic trails to breathtaking waterfalls like Laurel Falls and Grotto Falls, spot deer and black bears, and explore the historic barns and log cabins in Cades Cove. The park’s serene landscape offers the perfect setting for quality family time immersed in nature.