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All-inclusive resorts make for great family vacations. Find your perfect getaway now!

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50 Best Family Vacation Ideas on a Budget for 2024

From all-inclusives in the Caribbean to quick getaways in the U.S., there's something for every traveler in your group.

It's not lost on us that travel, like everything else, is getting more expensive, so we focused many of our picks on properties that provide great value. When we feature splurgy spots, rest assured they're worth every penny.

Whether you're looking to chill out at an all-inclusive resort , get active in the great outdoors , check out new attractions at a theme park, hit the beach or cozy up at ski resort , there's a destination or experience here to match every vacation vibe and party size. After all, bringing the grandparents comes with so many benefits, not the least of which is babysitting so you can score some much-needed time for an interruption-free dinner, spa treatment or romantic walk on the beach.

Use this guide to help narrow down your options, and then check out the Good Housekeeping Institute 's tried-and-tested list of essential travel gear and accessories to get ready for your trip. You can also consult our guides on how to choose a family-vacation hotel as well as how to keep all ages entertained . Since the early bird gets the best deal, shore up your spring break and summer vacation plans now.

Mexico and the Caribbean

Spend your days rolling in the waves, relaxing by the pool or enjoying quiet time (thanks to some superior kids' clubs) at these island resorts.

Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya, Mexico

With massive waterparks, daily slimings and Nickelodeon characters galore, the kids have it made at the all-inclusive Nickelodeon Hotels & Resort Riviera Maya, a Good Housekeeping 2024 Family Travel Award Winner. But grown-ups aren’t left out of the fun. Tequila tastings, spa treatments and romantic dinners can be on your agenda thanks to the supervised club for kids ages 4 to 12. And while you probably wouldn’t be booking a SpongeBob-themed room if you didn’t have the kids in tow, the decor is as mod and classy as it can be. All the accommodations are suites that sleep up to five and have two bathrooms. Suites have direct access to a pool from the balcony. (Yes, even on the top floor!)

RELATED: Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana Is the Best Place to Travel With a Baby and a Sibling

Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas

Winner of a 2024 Family Travel Award, Atlantis is a top choice for families of all ages looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure. Its adrenaline-pumping waterpark features high-speed slides, including a one-of-a-kind tube slide down a Mayan pyramid. Animal encounters, like getting up close to a dolphin, are thrilling in a different way. But on the other side of the massive resort, the beaches are super chill. The gentle water is just perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Supervised clubs for kids, tweens and teens truly wow, so adults can enjoy the casino and a meal at one of the resort's fine-dining restaurants.

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Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, Dominican Republic

Movies under the stars, trapeze lessons, windsurfing — with cool activities like these, kids will never want to leave this newish resort in the lush, away-from-it-all part of the island. Supervised clubs for babies through teens keep the good times rolling while you’re at the adults-only Zen pool or doing treetop yoga. (Yes, that’s a thing.) Solar panels, recycling, plastic-free water bottles and other sustainable initiatives are part of the eco-minded resort culture.

Beaches Negril Resort & Spa, Negril, Jamaica

While this all-inclusive resort and 2024 Family Travel Award-winner caters to all ages, toddlers and preschoolers will be star-struck. Sesame Street characters entertain them with story times, dance parties and even puppet-making! That’s on top of the mini water slides, splash areas and a playground that makes little ones squeal with glee and wears them out, so they’ll hit the sack early.

Private childcare and supervised kids’ clubs (for babies through teens, including those with special needs) are an option when you want a spa treatment, a quiet dinner or just to read a book on the resort's idyllic 7-Mile Beach. All the rooms and suites got a glow-up in 2020, plus there are new villas with butler service (sign us up!)

RELATED: 20 Best Caribbean Resorts for Families to Visit

Fairmont Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

When it comes to baby and kid gear, this luxury resort has you covered. Need a bottle warmer? They got it. How about a step stool for a toddler to reach the sink? Yours for the asking. With these worries aside, you can concentrate on the beauty of the surroundings (the resort is surrounded by a lush mangrove forest) and incredible bucket-list activities, like kids’ carnivals and night kayaking. All the rooms have received a glow-up and there's a sleek new beach club to boot.

Rock House Resort, Turks & Caicos

Your family may never leave the water at this Mediterranean-inspired oasis , which opened in May 2022. In addition to a full kitchen and roomy living room, many of the villa-style accommodations feature a spacious private pool. (Yes way!) And if your crew ever tires of it, fun awaits at the resort’s oceanfront infinity pool and stretch of white sand beach, which is exclusively for resort guests. Just note that while a cliffside setting makes the resort incredibly picturesque, it’s impossible to navigate with a stroller — so bring the tweens, teens and even grandparents if they don’t have trouble climbing stairs.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort

A brand that's popular with families because it offers separate sleeping spaces for kids and adults, Embassy Suites recently opened a location in Aruba. (Pinch us now.) The 330-suite hotel boasts a kids' pool and playground and is just steps away from the iconic Eagle Beach. A breakfast buffet (with made-to-order items) is included in the price, which is already a value. Rooms also feature a kitchenette, so you can stash drinks and snacks and save your budget for the island's many incredible water activities.

New England Cozy

Lakes, lighthouses and hiking trails make New England a great place to visit in almost any season.

Quisisana Resort, Lovell, ME

Kids will get a digital detox at this all-inclusive lakefront resort , but they’ll be too busy playing to miss their devices. Without TV or a Wi-Fi signal in the comfortable, air-conditioned rooms and cabins, they’ll be fully immersed in the slew of included activities — from paddle boating to tennis to sandcastle-building. They might even learn to kayak or catch their first fish.

At night, music fills the resort. Broadway-style shows, held in a new outdoor theater, entertain all generations. There’s something about the fresh air and a choice of lollipops that keeps most kids from getting too wiggly, and the caliber of the performances is at least on par with good community theater.

The three included daily meals — with menu items like lobster rolls and Maine blueberry pie — will leave your crew’s bellies happy and full. And if you do need Wi-Fi occasionally, you can pop in the main lobby for a signal. Shh: The kids will be fine without it.

Hidden Pond, Kennebunkport, ME

Open from May to October, this nature-focused retreat provides a refuge from city life. Yoga sessions in the garden, a shed filled with arts and crafts supplies for kids, guided nature walks and outdoor art classes are easy-going yet exciting at the same time. Cottages with fireplaces foster togetherness, and complimentary breakfast arrives at your door every morning so there's no need to rush out for coffee.

Smugglers' Notch Resort, Jeffersonville, VT

Nestled in the Green Mountains, this resort is just as fun in the summer months as it is during prime ski season. Besides eight heated pools (some with waterslides!), the action-packed lineup of family activities has plenty to do whether you’re traveling with a toddler, teen or both. Sing-a-longs, magic shows and scavenger hunts keep little ones entertained while older kids will welcome the chance to take a guided hike, design and launch a water rocket or play glow-in-the-dark volleyball. A GH 2024 Family Travel Awards winner, condos at this property accommodate up to five bedrooms, making it possible for extended family and friends to stay together.

Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club, Brewster, MA

Beach, pool, eat, repeat — that’s how your crew will spend laid-back days at this Cape Cod gem . The private beach has gentle surf and at low tide, kids can spy little sea creatures in the tide pools. When the tide changes, head to the heated outdoor or indoor pools. Outdoor movies are the perfect wind-down to bedtime. And if you can pry the kids out of the water, activities like scavenger hunts, curated by the resort’s new director of fun (for real!) await. Just make sure to stay in the “mansion” section of the resort because that’s the part with private beach access.

Sebasco Harbor Resort, Phippsburg, ME

Kids will never forget sleeping in a lighthouse next to the ocean. The resort’s 1945 lighthouse contains recently renovated guest rooms with amazing views, sea breezes and conveniences like a fridge and microwave. The lighthouse rooms are also near the resort’s iconic oceanfront saltwater pool, which recently got a makeover. A vintage bowling alley, weekly pirate cruise and old-school kids’ club add to the New England charm.

Bluebird Cady Hill Lodge, Stowe, VT

A fantastic value, this new '70s-inspired cozy lodge is perfect for families who want to explore Vermont's Green Mountains. The scenic trails of Cady Hill Forest are just steps away and downtown Stowe is about a 10-minute walk. Two- and three-bedroom cottages at Bluebird Cady Hill Lodge have plenty of space for families and a kitchen to boot. A game room, fire pits for s'mores roasting and a pool make hanging at the lodge a nice respite in between nature activities.

California Dreamin'

Choose your Cali adventure: You can find bustling cityscapes, tranquil trails, stunning beaches and even a fairytale castle.

Los Angeles, CA

Tweens and teens won’t roll their eyes if you suggest a vacay in L.A. — where, trust us, they’ll ask you to eat at In-N-Out-Burger (look cool and say you already had it on the list). Some more must-dos: Visit the Griffith Observatory for the out-of-this-world exhibits and a stellar view of the Hollywood sign, and if you're an outdoorsy family you can hike down from the observatory to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and famous TCL Chinese Theaters .

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures , where anyone 17 and under gets in free, is conveniently located near the classic La Brea Tar Pits and the cool LACMA ( Los Angeles County Museum of Art). Some outdoor shopping at The Grove L.A. and a beach day in Santa Monica with a spin on the iconic wheel at the Santa Monica Pier will get you more well-deserved parent cred. Or, you can take a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood , where, for now, you can find the only Super Nintendo World open in the United States. Stay at The Garland in North Hollywood, a Good Housekeeping 2024 Family Travel Awards winner. It has a swanky trolley that transports guests to and from Universal, as well as other kid perks like dive-in movies and a retro-chic family suite with bunk beds.

San Diego, CA

Can’t decide between heading to the beach or exploring a big city? San Diego has the best of both worlds, with near-perfect weather to boot. Make your home base a beach resort like the Kona Kai San Diego Resort & Spa , San Diego Mission Bay Resort or, if you're bringing a big group, Shore House at Del, a Good Housekeeping 2024 Family Travel Award winner. Intersperse oceanside fun with short drives to the city’s famous zoo and museums in Balboa Park. Plan to spend at least a half day at Liberty Station , a cultural attraction that has many places to eat and shop. New stores and restaurants are open at Seaport Village , which has a classic carousel for kids to ride.

RELATED: The Best Things to Do in San Diego With the Whole Family

Monterey, CA

The number one reason to book a vacation in this coastal town: the aquarium. Yes, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is that good. It levels up the typical touch tank experience by letting little kids crawl through tunnels surrounded by tropical fish displays and use squirt toys to learn how animals stand up to big waves. There’s even a padded zone with eye-level exhibits for toddlers! And the whole family will be wowed by the aquarium’s newish exhibition, "Into the Deep: Exploring Our Undiscovered Ocean." Some of the creatures in the 21 live exhibit areas are newly discovered and haven’t even been named yet. Mind blown! Stay at the hotel next door, InterContinental The Clement Monterey .

Disneyland Resort and California Adventure, Anaheim, CA

If you're looking for a Disney trip with young kids, Disneyland may have the edge over an Orlando vacay. Here are some reasons why: You can get on more rides without as much walking in California, so that means fewer tired and cranky kids. Summer weather is also usually better in Anaheim than in hot-and-humid Florida. And rides like Radiator Springs Racers, which looks like it’s right out of the movie Cars , are Cali-exclusive. The new Villas at Disneyland Hotel offer options that sleep up to 12 guests plus the decor is whimsical.

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From relaxing escapes with your infant to deep cultural immersions upon college graduation, here are travel ideas for families with children at any stage.

Once a traveler, always a traveler. There are folks who believe a baby doesn't have to change a thing about a couple's lifestyle, and others who subscribe to the exact opposite theory. But all can agree on one thing: Those who loved traveling before expanding their family likely dream of continuing to explore the world, little ones in tow. One of the most exciting parts of having children, after all, is the way they enrich and amplify almost every experience. Then, of course, there's the awe-inspiring discovery that goes along with watching curious youngsters see and try new things, from delicious foods to beautiful cultures.

Knowing which places around the globe are most appropriate for kids as they grow into and out of different phases can be tough to anticipate. And yes, it's more daunting to fly or contend with jet lag at certain ages. It's true, too, that as little ones become big, trips become more expensive. But all the challenges are far outweighed by the collective joy that's possible on a family vacation, especially one tailored to the brood's developmental stage and interests.

Here, with the help of a few travel experts, we break it down by age group, pairing each with a dreamy destination for exposure to the wondrous world and maximum family fun.

Infants (Ages 0-1): A Mexican Beach Resort

You'll hear it from every parent: Travel while your baby is just that — a baby — because it'll never be easier. Once they start walking, all bets are off. True, you're likely sleep deprived, but doesn't that make it the perfect time to hop on a short flight to Mexico for some R&R and vitamin D?

When planning a first vacation with an infant, Indagare CEO and founder Melissa Biggs Bradley says, "You'll want a warm location with a direct flight, a big beach since infants are still too young to enjoy a kids club, and easy access to good medical care in case of an ear infection or anything more serious."

Expect to bring way too much gear, but don't worry — any parent will empathize. A family-friendly resort in a development like the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita (for West Coasters) or Rosewood Mayakoba (for East Coasters) is a great bet since they'll happily provide the comforts of home (think: crib, mini fridge for milk, high chair, baby bathtub, or diaper pail), meaning you can focus your packing around sun protection and adorable tropical ensembles for your baby. They're also likely to offer babysitting services, in case you'd like to have dinner one night after 7 p.m. As for the new parent exhaustion, a soft, sandy beach is an idyllic place to catch up on Zs, for all of you. There's a reason sound machines come with a blue noise option — the gentle lapping of waves could lull anyone right to sleep.

Toddlers (Ages 1-4): The Island of Hawai'i

To a toddler, there's excitement to be found everywhere. They're like mini explorers, captivated by virtually every landscape and situation. Young kids who have just discovered the freedom of walking, running, and swimming will find pure magic in the Hawaiian islands. The coral reefs, beautiful beaches , Polynesian culture, soulful storytelling, near-perfect weather, and wildlife such as dolphins, whales, and sea turtles hold plenty of appeal for adults, yes, but also for toddlers.

The island of Hawai'i, specifically, offers a diversity of stunning environments, from stark and surreal lava flows to lush waterfalls, as well as resorts with little to no crowds. Mauna Lani , part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, with its ancient royal fishponds, outrigger canoes, and calm beach, exemplifies the family-forward approach. Their Holoholo Kids Crew offers thoughtful programming (think: crab hunting, Hawaiian language lessons, petroglyph walks, and natural dyeing, stamping, and feather art). And while it's designed for ages five to 12, three and four year olds can also attend with their parents (a great excuse for grown-ups to experience all the fun, too). Uncle Danny, the resort's cultural gatekeeper whose domain is the vibrant "house of knowledge," is wonderful with children.

"Many Hawaii resorts have protected ponds where you can take your toddlers into the ocean," says Biggs Bradley. "You can enjoy whale-watching cruises, and, in their later toddler years, they'll appreciate learning about the wildlife, maybe attend lei-making classes, or just relaxing by the pool or on the beach."

Elementary School (Ages 5-10): Rome, Italy

Once your kids have reached school age, they begin to hear a little more about the world around them. Basic elementary school lessons typically include ancient Rome, the Colosseum , and gladiators, says Biggs Bradley, so a trip to Rome "will further engage them in the touring, since what they've learned in school will be brought to life."

There are countless exciting activities available for kiddos, and even picky eaters will find something they love in the boot-shaped country known for pizza, pasta, and gelato. "Pizza- and gelato-making experiences are a must," says Access Italy CEO Simone Amorico, who adds that kids love making ceramics and mosaics, too. He says other can't-miss activities include, "treasure hunts in the Vatican and the Villa Borghese, where they can also ride a four-wheel bike and stop for picnics."

Meanwhile, the fairytale-like Hotel Eden is an ideal base for Roman excursions, and it's not far from Teatro Verde, a theater for puppet shows and musicals, the Explora Children's Museum, and Bartolucci, a traditional wooden toy shop where you can find Pinocchio. "At this age, a typical family tour can be boring, as they tune out and can't wait to leave," says Scott Dunn USA president John Spence. "We had our kids attend a Roman gladiator school so they could gain hands-on lessons in fighting techniques and reenact life as an ancient gladiator — they loved it."

Tweens (Ages 11-13): A Montana Dude Ranch

Between the ages of 11 and 13, kids, or tweens, will likely want some autonomy, but they also need boundaries. A dude ranch or guest ranch encompassing hundreds of acres of pristine, wide-open space makes for a wonderful compromise.

"When kids are in their early teenage years, there is nothing better than a vacation that combines adventure with something new," says Spence. "Watching our kids step outside of their element — horseback riding on mountainside cliffs or even just hiking in the beautiful Montana nature — is one of the best parts of being a parent."

Visiting a 10-square-mile property like The Ranch at Rock Creek — with a slew of included activities like fly fishing, cross-country mountain biking, photography classes, sapphire mining, and horse roping lessons — is quite a novelty for many families. Most kids, however unique their interests, will be able to find something they are stoked about. The younger ones can also attend Flint's Forest Rangers Kids Club (ages four to 12), which offers pre-booked excursions such as wildlife spotting and treasure hunting. Families can come together in the property's western-style bar for bowling, table tennis, and karaoke, too.

And perhaps the best part about Montana, home to dozens of guest ranches, is that it's gorgeous and fun year-round. It's a winter wonderland worthy of a snow globe and, at The Ranch at Rock Creek, cold-weather options include skiing (downhill and cross-country), sledding, ice skating, hockey, and snowmobiling. Expect smiles 24/7.

Teenagers (Ages 14-17): An African Safari

"It is all about the thrill of experiencing something so different from what they've ever seen before," says Extraordinary Journeys ' founder and CEO Elizabeth Gordon of taking the kids on an African safari.

Biggs Bradley adds, "Safaris are a huge area of passion for me, and I was eager to open my kids' eyes to them when they were young. The sweet spot to take children on their first safari is after 14 because by then you can ensure they will really remember the experience. They'll be able to sit in a vehicle for long periods of time and likely won't be nervous about sleeping in a tent." Plus, many camps also don't allow kids under 12 years old.

A safari is a special experience for a family to encounter together, witnessing an exciting array of animals in their natural habitat — not to mention beautiful traditions and cultures, too. "An amazing guide will teach [the kids] about tracking, get them to think like a detective, and figure out what may have happened in the area by looking at footprints," says Gordon.

As Biggs Bradley says of Kenya, "Cultural exchange is key. The opportunity for kids to meet and interact with Maasai people, for example, can be an incredibly memorable part." Properties like Sirikoi , Basecamp Explorer 's circuit, and Angama Mara provide beautiful immersion along with amazing sightings of the world's rarest species.

Another perk? Since Wi-Fi is often sparse or unavailable, families can unplug from technology and simply enjoy being together out in the bush. For even more adventure, consider adding on gorilla trekking in Rwanda (the pricier option) or Uganda (more affordable), especially if doing a safari in nearby Kenya.

College (Ages 18-21): Queenstown, New Zealand

Once kids have gone off to college, it can take a pretty enticing offer to pull them back into the fold for family vacations. Queenstown, New Zealand, is one such attractive proposition. Known as the "adventure capital of the world," it's the kind of all-season destination that offers a scene for everyone — plus, English is the main language spoken.

The birthplace of bungee jumping is home to countless thrills, from exhilarating jumps ( AJ Hackett Bungy from the Kawarau Bridge is the classic choice) to parasailing on bright blue Lake Wakatipu. "Families will love helicopter flights over the Tasman Glacier and along Milford Sound on a sunny winter day, or careening around the bends of the Shotover Canyon on a jet boat in the summer," says Gordon of this "quintessential playground."

For anyone who's not quite as much an adrenaline junkie, there are many hiking — known there as tramping — trails that reveal jaw-dropping panoramas. "New Zealand is a dream destination for a family who loves nature, landscapes, and, of course, adventure," says Biggs Bradley, adding that skydiving, rafting, caving, and fly fishing are also draws.

In the winter, Queenstown's mountains are home to epic skiing and snowboarding. The town itself is walkable and safe, with plenty of places to enjoy a sundowner, lovely meal, or the nightlife. With the kids becoming adults (and the local drinking age being 18), there's also the option to take a day for wine tasting at some of the island country's top vineyards in the Central Otago region about 45 minutes away by car.

To allow your young adults some freedom, try a couple rooms at the boutique QT Queenstown , which is full of art, quirk, and large windows showcasing the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu.

College Graduates (Age 22 and Up): Japan

By the time they've graduated college, many young adults will be ready to dive, respectfully, into a culture as exquisite as Japan's. "Japan is a country you want to travel to when you know your family will truly be able to appreciate what it has to offer," says Biggs Bradley, pointing out the opportunity for deep cultural immersion in food and drink, museums, temples, and shrines.

In a place where there's a fine art to everything from making tea and arranging flowers to lighting incense, it's best to ensure all parties are prepared to be well-behaved and gracious guests. A more mature — or adventurous — palate is also helpful for fully enjoying all of Japan's culinary treasures. Spence calls it "the perfect place for post-graduates who want new experiences," and Japan certainly excels at providing those.

Tokyo is a dynamic urban center where exploration yields unimaginable exploits. A different energy pervades Kyoto's quieter neighborhoods of Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, bamboo forests, and famous geisha districts. ( InsideJapan offers wonderful private tours led by local experts.) "Our kids loved trains, making the bullet train around Japan one of the best parts of the trip," says Spence.

Getting around is indeed a no-brainer — trains and buses are always precisely on time, people are friendly and willing to help despite language barriers, and there are many appealing regions (prefectures) with special attributes, such as places known for sake, hot springs (onsen), and art.

Staying in a traditional ryokan is a must, and the fourth-generation Japanese-owned Hoshinoya portfolio includes several luxury options. One of the most memorable additions to the cities, however, is a couple of days near Mount Fuji, where Hoshinoya Fuji offers spectacular views of the elusive volcano alongside exceptional local cuisine and rugged outdoorsy activities, including a food smoking workshop, canoeing, and e-biking. At the end of the day, there's no better place for a globe-trotting family to relax and share stories than around a bonfire under the stars, with live acoustic music, s'mores, and Japanese whisky.

43 real-world family travel tips that actually work

Editor's Note

Family travel is a whole other ballgame. The strategy, gear, planning, expectations and number of times you may answer "Are we there yet?" make it an entirely different sport than solo or adults-only trips.

While traveling with kids is arguably quite different than taking a trip without a child (notice we didn't call it a "vacation" with kids), it doesn't have to be intimidating. In fact, there are countless ways to experience memorable moments and make lifelong memories with your kids, whether you hike the mountains of Machu Picchu or ride the newest coaster at Disney World .

Related: TPG's 10 top family vacation destinations

To make the journey a little easier, we've compiled our 43 favorite family travel tips. Whether you're traveling with infants, teens or some of both, these tried-and-true tips are bound to ease travel headaches and ensure your family travels are as fun and carefree as possible.

Travel tips for infants and toddlers

Having a baby does not mean the end of your time as a traveler. It may cause you to temporarily pause your adventures, and it will certainly change how you travel. But traveling with a baby is still worth the effort.

While it's true that your baby may not remember the details of your trips during the first few years, quality time together is invaluable. You will always remember their first big vacations.

Some travel is often easier with a small, snuggly baby than with a growing, active toddler, so don't be afraid to plan something while your little one is still young.

Use the right travel stroller

If you plan on traveling with a stroller, you want one that is lightweight and easy to maneuver through the airport or rough terrain, if necessary, once you reach your destination.

Related: These are the 13 best travel strollers for your next trip

If you choose to gate-check your stroller, foldability isn't as important. Instead, prioritize protecting your stroller from dirt and damage by investing in a stroller with a bag. For long layovers, you can request to have your gate-checked stroller delivered to you between flights so that your baby has a safe and comfortable place to rest while you navigate the airport. Just ask the gate agent when you check your stroller.

To keep your hands free and your baby snuggled, you may choose to baby-wear through the airport or on a flight (though most airlines don't allow it during takeoff and landing).

The Transportation Security Administration rules state that infants may be carried in a sling or carrier while going through the walk-through metal detector, so you shouldn't have to remove them for security — at least, according to the rules.

If it's not too hot, baby carriers and slings also come in handy at theme parks, which allow baby-wearing on many family-friendly attractions. Just be sure you ask about safety restrictions before you ride.

Breastfeeding mamas should consider carriers that allow easy access for on-the-go nursing, such as those in sling or wrap styles.

Consider a Doona

If you don't want to lug both a car seat and a stroller and your baby weighs between 4 and 35 pounds, you're in luck: The Doona can serve the function of both. It transforms very easily from a stroller to a car seat and back again, all while your baby is strapped in.

Because of their convenience, Doonas are great for flights, cab rides, Uber rides and, frankly, any part of your busy life with a baby.

Think twice about flying with a lap infant

Most airlines allow children younger than 2 to fly as lap infants instead of purchasing separate seats for them.

The cost savings can be hard to pass up, and during those early months when the little one is nursing or sleeping a lot, it can be the easiest way to go. However, if your baby is fussy or you are flying solo, you may feel more comfortable keeping them in their car seat. If they can sleep through anything or you have someone you can split baby-care duties with, you may have more success flying with a lap infant.

If you do purchase a seat for your baby, there are dozens of portable car seats out there that are much easier to travel with than the bulky car seat you may have at home.

Get a car seat just for travel

The Cosco Scenera is a perennial favorite when it comes to travel car seats. At around 10 pounds and only $50 to $60, this car seat is a winner for travel when you need something easy and affordable. It's rated for rear-facing little ones weighing between 5 and 40 pounds or forward-facing kiddos weighing 22 to 40 pounds.

Another model to consider is the WAYB Pico portable car seat, which was recommended by several TPG readers.

Use a car seat on the plane

Every kid is different, but if your little one sleeps well in a car seat in the car, they may do the same on a plane. If your kids are generally comfortable in car seats and have their own seat assignments on the plane, consider bringing the car seat on board for a secure flight experience.

Related: Car seats that are airline approved

Bring a Boppy pillow if you're holding an infant

TPG's senior director of engineering Mitchell Stoutin recommended using a Boppy nursing pillow for long flights with an infant. In addition to being handy for nursing, it gives your baby a comfortable place to rest. He also advised stashing your Boppy in a vacuum Ziploc bag to save space when not in use.

Sign your kids up for frequent flyer programs

Once you make the transition to buying your child a seat — either because they turn 2 or because you think having a separate seat will work best for your family — sign them up for a frequent flyer account and let the miles start rolling in.

No minimum age requirements exist for kids, so enroll them while they're young to maximize their earnings.

Related: Earning frequent flyer miles for your kids just got a little easier

Most airlines let families with young children board early in the process, but as long as your family has assigned seats, you don't need to worry about rushing to board before others.

Instead, have one parent get all the gear ready and board first while the other waits as long as possible before bringing the baby on board. This will help minimize the amount of time you have your little one in tight quarters, reducing the likelihood of a meltdown or further disrupting their schedule.

Pack your carry-on strategically

Think about everything you may need to easily access for yourself and your baby before organizing your carry-on. That way, you don't forget any of your must-have items or struggle to find them while on board.

Consider packing food, diapers and extra outfits for at least twice as long as you think you'll need them for your little one while in transit. Don't forget to also bring clothes, snacks and drinks for yourself so you have everything you need.

As a general rule of thumb, it's a good idea to have enough essentials to survive at least 24 hours off of what you bring on board, as you never know what is going to happen.

Bring large Ziploc bags and black trash sacks

Avoid packing a suitcase without tossing in a few Ziploc bags, grocery bags or trash bags. They can be used to stash snacks and store wet or dirty clothing.

As TPG executive editor Scott Mayerowitz shared, large black garbage bags can also work as blackout shades in a pinch.

Related: The best family beach vacation destinations to kick off summer

Find a space in your hotel for the baby to sleep

In the best-case scenario, you'll have accommodations with at least two bedrooms so your baby has a dark, quiet place to sleep while you relax without disturbing them. However, there are times when having multiple rooms isn't possible.

If you only have one bedroom, try putting a crib in a hotel closet or bathroom to achieve the same result.

Travel with gear that will help your baby sleep in the hotel

When it's time for the baby to sleep, there are numerous sleep tents, shades and white noise machines to choose from. Here are a few of our most trusted options:

• SlumberPod .
• SnoozeShade for Pack 'n Play .
• BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light .
• White Noise Lite app for iOS and Android .
• Hatch Rest Nightlight and Sound Machine .
• Portable Travel Window Blackout Curtain .

You don't always need to buy new gear for a successful trip, though. One reader suggested using painter's tape to cover outlets as a quick, cost-effective way to baby-proof your hotel room.

Related: These are the best New York City hotels for families to check out

Have diapers and essentials shipped to your final destination

While you need plenty on hand for that first day or two, you can purchase what you need from Amazon and have it shipped directly to your destination instead of traveling with an entire week's worth of needed items like diapers and wipes.

Alternatively, you can use a service like Shipt or Instacart to have essentials delivered to your hotel or home rental after you arrive.

Pack the snacks

This is true for all ages but especially applies when traveling with infants.

Don't ever assume anything baby-appropriate will be available while you are in transit. The last thing you want is the stress of scrambling to find what you need at the last minute.

To avoid this potential headache, pack enough formula, snacks and more so you have whatever your little one may need to stay happy and content.

Related: How to pack — and prepare — for travel with a baby

Travel tips for preschoolers

The good news is that when kids are old enough for preschool, they don't need quite as much sleeping and transportation gear.

With preschoolers, you'll want to pay particular attention to toys and activities that will keep them entertained, night lights that will help keep the "scaries" away and a few other important travel essentials.

Bring mess-free toys

When choosing toys to pack for a flight or road trip, keep in mind that you don't want anything that will create a mess or get lost easily, such as Legos or slime.

For mess-free coloring, we love Crayola Color Wonder Markers and coloring pages. If you're taking a long flight or road trip, consider suction toys that can stick to a car or airplane window.

Related: 14 mistakes parents make when traveling with kids

Pack hidden toys to reveal during your trip

A surefire way to keep your child content for extended periods of time is to hide some toys until your travel day arrives so they feel new and exciting. You can even wrap them up or dole them out periodically throughout your trip — we recommend packing one toy for each hour of a flight — to add an element of surprise.

Try visiting a dollar store or dollar aisle in a store to dial up the surprise factor. Trust us, the $5 investment will pay off in spades.

Related: Your guide to flying with kids of every age

Consider an inflatable booster seat

If your child has graduated to a booster seat (congrats!), there are inflatable and fold-flat booster seats available that are easier to haul when traveling by car.

While there are several options currently on the market, the BubbleBum inflatable booster seat is a TPG reader favorite.

Use a stroller

Should you find yourself covering lots of miles on your trip, having a stroller can come in handy, even if you don't normally use one at home.

For example, at a large theme park like Disney World , you may find yourself needing a stroller until your kid is 6, 7 or even 8 years old if you are moving quickly and want them to easily keep up (or if you know they will fall asleep before you are ready to call it a night). This may mean renting one when you get there, though you may prefer to have your own if you're doing more than spending time at Disney.

Get stroller straps

Because it isn't socially acceptable to AirTag children (though they do come in handy for finding lost luggage ), we instead suggest getting stroller straps that bigger kids can hold on to while you push younger children in the stroller. We're particularly fond of the Tagalong Stroller Accessory .

Preschedule car service from the airport

If you need car seats or want to be sure you have a ride waiting for you when you land, Uber and Lyft now both have options for prescheduling a ride if you need one.

While the best service depends on where you are going, one option to try is Blacklane . Consider having your driver meet you inside at baggage claim if you're traveling with a lot of gear.

Pack a night light

For kids who are afraid of the dark, night lights may come in handy. This affordable nightlight is small, sleek and easy to pack.

If you are going on a cruise and don't have access to traditional power outlets, TPG senior travel editor Erica Silverstein suggests bringing along battery-operated tea lights instead.

Travel somewhere with a kids club

A magical milestone in travel is when your child turns 3 and is potty trained, as this unlocks access to a variety of kids clubs.

Whether you're on a Disney cruise (like the new Disney Wish cruise ship , pictured below) or at a resort with a kids club (some of which are free to use), children's clubs are great for preschoolers.

By going somewhere that caters to younger children, you'll be able to get a well-deserved break while the kiddos are taken care of.

Plan down days and afternoon rest

Even if your preschooler has dropped daily naps at home, it's still smart to build some downtime into your vacation schedule. This is especially important because it's likely that their sleep schedule will be a little off while you're traveling and that your vacation will be more action-packed than what they're used to at home.

To help your overtired kid adjust, plan a relaxing pool day or take an afternoon break in your hotel room to keep crankiness at bay.

Travel tips for elementary-age kids

As kids get older, they can do more while on vacation with less help, but the tried-and-true tricks for keeping them entertained may no longer work.

Because their brains are developing and becoming more complex, elementary-age kids will need to have access to more activities while they're away from home. As a result, you'll need to adjust your strategy for vacations so they continue to have a good time.

Use packing cubes for the family

This tip applies to all age groups but can be especially helpful when your child starts taking more of an interest in choosing their own clothes. By relying on packing cubes , you can keep clothing for every member of your family organized while saving space.

If you decide to use packing cubes, there are a couple of good methods to choose from.

You can have a packing cube for each day of your trip and put your family's clothing for each day in one cube. This works well if you will be making multiple stops and don't want to pack and unpack everything.

You could also pack each family member's clothing in a separate packing cube, which is helpful when you are encouraging kids to get dressed on their own and choose their own outfits.

Leave 1 day free in the schedule

We've already covered the importance of leaving some flex time in the afternoons, but if you are traveling for more than a long weekend, we highly recommend leaving an entire day unscheduled. That way, the kids can either rest and chill or you have the ability to say yes to something they spot along the way.

Depending on your child's interests, you may want to use your free day for activities like splashing around at a water park, checking out some animals at a zoo, enjoying an epic ice cream-tasting adventure or spending more time at the kids club.

The key is to leave this day flexible so you can cater some activities to what your kid is enjoying the most.

Take advantage of your hotel's club lounge

Club access can be invaluable when traveling with kids.

If you stay in a club-level room at a hotel , you'll often have daily access to breakfast, snacks and drinks. An added bonus is that the club can serve as a gathering spot for enjoying more time (and often gorgeous views) with them.

Related: Can you use a World of Hyatt club lounge access award for someone else?

Plan trips with another family

This is the age where having other kids around really starts to matter.

If at all possible, try planning the trip to at least overlap with time spent with cousins or friends. Doing so will virtually guarantee the kids will have a better time, which means you will, too.

For these types of trips, you may want to look into finding a good vacation home rental .

Related: Why the best big family vacation may be skiing

Travel tips for tweens and teens

Traveling with tweens and teens is completely different than traveling with younger kids — something you probably know all too well if you are currently living with them.

At this age, kids are well on their way toward becoming full-fledged adults. As a result, they deserve a taste of the space, privacy and independence that comes along with adulthood.

Build an activity bag

It's easy to assume the phone will do the trick, but TPG editor Kristy Tolley is a proponent of custom activity bags to keep kids (including older ones) occupied on long trips.

For your activity bag, consider anything from snacks to quiet toys to new games for their Nintendo Switch to art supplies — whatever will keep them entertained while you get to your final destination.

Double-check downloaded content

Wi-Fi on airplanes can be quite finicky. Even if you pay for it, there's never a guarantee it'll work for the entirety of your flight. Because of this, download movies, music, games and more to your device (or your child's) before your trip.

When downloading movies or TV shows, turn to multiple sources like Netflix, Disney+ and Apple. That way, if you run into issues with one provider, you still have content from the others.

Also, remember that messaging others is free on many flights, so be sure your teen has the airline app downloaded if you want them to be able to keep using services such as iMessage while in the air.

Enroll your child in TSA PreCheck

Until they turn 13, kids traveling with a parent or guardian with TSA PreCheck will be allowed to go through the expedited security line even if they themselves don't have TSA PreCheck.

Even after they turn 13, kids 17 and younger can typically use the TSA PreCheck lines with their parent or guardian as long as the teen has the indicator on their boarding pass.

If you have a credit card that reimburses fees for TSA PreCheck , you can recoup the cost of your child's application. Note that Clear continues to work to bring kids through until they turn 18.

Related: Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear — and how you can save on both

Consider connecting rooms

The days of squeezing two or three kids into one queen-size bed are probably long gone once they reach their teenage years. Not to mention, trying to have the whole family use one bathroom is an ordeal you likely won't want to go through.

To keep the peace, consider reserving connecting hotel rooms .

With connecting rooms, you'll have double the beds, bathrooms and storage space. Plus, teens and tweens will have the space and privacy they need without you being too far away to keep an eye on them.

Related: Big news for families: Hilton to guarantee adjoining rooms with 'Confirmed Connecting Rooms'

Let kids choose a few activities (or plan the whole day)

At this age, kids are not just along for the ride. Give them some input (and independence) by allowing them to help plan your trip. Odds are they'll be more engaged by being involved in the planning.

Bring a friend

While planning trips with other families is a good strategy with elementary-age kids, by the time kids are teens, just bringing along one of their friends could be sufficient.

To keep the costs down, consider using an airline companion certificate to bring along that friend without spending extra.

Go somewhere with a teens club

If you are visiting a resort or destination where you may be going light on activities, lean into places that have a space just for teens.

Cruise ships are fantastic when it comes to this, as they often have kid-focused spaces divided into pretty distinct age ranges. For example, Disney Cruise Line has a club for kids ages 3 to 12, another for those between 11 and 14 and then one for teens ages 14 to 17.

By taking advantage of clubs that are broken up into designated age groups, your teen can have plenty of fun without the annoyance of hanging out with younger kids.

Related: Child turning 18? Here's everything you need to know before the next time they travel

General family travel tips

Some family travel tips transcend age groups.

Regardless of how old your kids are, where you're traveling or how you're getting to your vacation destination, there are a few tips you'll always want to keep top of mind.

Utilize airport lounges

Airport lounges are becoming more and more kid-friendly, as they offer dedicated family rooms with toys and kids shows on TV, plus food that will please picky eaters. Additionally, if you have a long layover or are dealing with flight delays or cancellations , you'll be much more comfortable waiting in a lounge instead of at your gate.

You can purchase a day pass to many lounges but may be able to get yourself and your family in for free with certain credit cards or airline status. For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express grants the cardmember and one guest complimentary access to Priority Pass lounges and access to Centurion and Escape lounges, though complimentary guest access depends on how much you spend annually.

Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access

Upgrade to a suite

Similar to springing for connecting rooms, upgrading to a suite will buy you additional space and, sometimes, a pullout sofa that adds another sleeping option.

You'll also have more room for your family's belongings and areas for relaxing and dining so your kids don't spend all their time jumping, eating and lounging on the beds.

Check for reciprocal zoo and museum memberships

If you have a membership to your local zoo or museum, you may be able to use reciprocal benefits for free or discounted entry to other zoos and museums that you can visit on vacation.

This information is usually available on your zoo or museum's website, but you can also check lists on the Association of Zoos & Aquariums' page about reciprocal admissions or on the North American Reciprocal Museum Association website .

Get a travel tracker that doubles as a memento

There are so many unique travel souvenirs you can get that also serve as keepsakes for remembering your child's travel "firsts."

These Junior Frequent Flyer flight logbooks allow you to record your child's flights while teaching them about aviation.

If a national park visit is in your future, order a standard or junior National Parks Passport and collect stamps every time you visit a new park.

Don't forget important medicines

When you are away from home, you have to be prepared for anything. That includes unexpected sicknesses and accidents.

Pack kid-safe and grown-up medicines, as well as Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment and other first-aid necessities in your carry-on bag so you won't be without them if your checked luggage is delayed or lost.

Bring an extra bag

If you are traveling between a cold climate and a hot one, pack a lightweight tote bag that can fold into your carry-on so you can easily gather up everyone's coats once on the plane. By keeping this tote tucked away until you're on board the aircraft, you'll enjoy an extra allowed bag, saving you the headache of trying to determine where to put bulky coats.

Get Global Entry for each family member

Unlike TSA PreCheck, which allows kids to travel with an eligible adult until they turn 18 (in most cases), anyone wishing to use Global Entry to expedite reentry into the U.S. needs to apply for the program.

Global Entry can save valuable time spent waiting in line. However, you'll need to apply well in advance of your trip so you have time to submit your application, complete an in-person interview and await approval.

Similar to TSA PreCheck, you can use a credit card that will reimburse your child's Global Entry application fee.

Try out the games built into many spaces

It's easy to miss, but many resorts, theme parks and cruise ships have a hidden layer of fun that ranges from traditional scavenger hunts to interactive activities you can unlock with an iPhone or similar device.

While the youngest travelers won't benefit from these types of experiences, they can be fun for a variety of age ranges, especially elementary-age kids and tweens.

Related: Disney World rolls out all-new MagicBand+: Here's what this wristband can do for your trip

Bottom line

Family travel has its own built-in challenges, but it also comes with immense rewards.

By knowing all the tips and tricks to traveling with kids, having the right gear with you, mapping out a game plan and having the right attitude and realistic expectations, you can have a memorable vacation every member of the family enjoys.

You may not get to do everything you want or sometimes feel like it's more of a hassle than a vacation. However, if you're willing to be flexible and appreciate when things go according to plan — even if the end result isn't quite what you had hoped for — you'll find yourself eager to book your next family trip before you have the bags unpacked and put away.

Related reading:

• 20 best all-inclusive resorts for families
• The best travel credit cards
• 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without
• 8 quirky US theme parks you have to see to believe
• The best Disney World hotels for your next magical stay

The Best Vacations for Kids at Every Age: A Trip Guide for Parents

By CNT Editors

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

For those of us who live to travel, making sure we raise Good Global Citizens is maybe even more important than sending them to a Good College. Did we just say that out loud? But during the darkest hours of new parenthood when you can hardly remember to brush your teeth, that fantasy of trekking through the Himalayas with bouncing baby on your back feels about as plausible as learning how to play the cello at 40. And suddenly the old adage you thought would never apply to you starts to make sense: The days, especially those early sleepless ones, are long and the years, between Little League and prom night, are short.

So when we cut to browsing the aisles of Bed Bath & Beyond to pick out XL twin sheet sets for the kid’s college dorm and we find ourselves asking: How did we get here? Or more importantly, where did those 18 summers go? We’ll want to have a good answer. Did we pack their heads, hearts, and palates with enough color, texture, spice, humanity, compassion, self-reliance, and grit before sending them off into the world? Did we outfox urban ennui by dragging them to see that temple, that waterfall, or even that roadside dinosaur? Or did we default to the path of least resistance, surrendering to our fears of disrupted sleep schedules or arched-back refusal to be strapped into the stroller mutiny in the middle of the Papal Apartments and settle for the all-inclusive beach resort with human-sized cartoon characters?

The secret to successful family travel is, truthfully, all of the above. It’s an endurance game which, like parenthood itself, requires symphonic pacing—the highs, the lows, the fasts, the slows—and an against-all-odds sense of ambition, improvisation, and patience in order to push through the tough stuff.

What follows is a little nudge from some of our contributors, all of whom are currently immersed in various stages of family travel. We tapped them for their tips, tricks, and trip recommendations for different age groups (trust us, that destination that miraculously worked when they were 6 months old might not be such a success once they reach 6 years old). Plus, the gear you absolutely have to pack before hitting the road. You likely will, at some point, be that family with the screaming baby in bulkhead, but remember, we were all babies once. —CNT Editors

For longer flights, travel specialist Hannah Cote recommends breaking up the journey with a stopover.

You’re taking trips, not going on vacations.

Talk with parents and one thing becomes abundantly clear about travel with kids between 0 and 2: It’s hard. “Expect the worst and enjoy the small wins,” says Traveler contributor Melissa Liebling-Goldberg. No matter how thoughtfully you schedule a trip, you may need to drop everything to make sure the youngest traveler in your group is able to simply eat or sleep. There is a silver lining to this, though: Kids under two usually have a pretty simple set of needs. And as Regan Stephens, a Traveler contributor and mother of three based in Philadelphia, notes, they are also quite portable. “We took our first daughter to Nantucket , Dallas , Bermuda , even to Italy.”

Lots of prospective parents might write off further flung travel (“Now you’re taking trips, not going on vacations,” says Stephens), but they need not. Hannah Cote of Legacy Travel , a travel specialist with a focus on Hawaii , has a good tip that may seem counterintuitive if you want to take a longer trip: “I try to recommend a stop over if parents aren’t sure how their child will react to being on a plane for that long. On our last trip to Maui we stopped in Los Angeles for a night to break up the trip so it wasn't too hard on the kids.”

Several parents I talked to, though, found slightly less ambitious trips were the most successful with kids this age. Road trips were a popular choice, and they do have a lot going for them: You can run entirely on your own schedule (or, more likely, your toddler’s schedule), you’re sure to have room for everything you want to pack, and they allow for easy tangents. That sort of adaptability is the most important asset for parents making their first trips with infants and toddlers. As one parent put it to me: “Kids can get interested in just running up and down a ramp. So don’t stress that they aren’t getting to that cool thing you want to show them.”

As I learned on my son’s first flight when he was 6 months old, even when they aren’t doing much, kids need a lot of stuff. But nothing is more important than making sure a child that young can sleep. The Slumber Pod can keep a new hotel room or Airbnb dark, comfortable, and hopefully a little quieter.

Buy now: The Slumber Pod, $170, slumberpod.com

—Noah Kaufman

For ages 3-5, trips packed with interactive activities are key.

It’s all about creating moments to learn new things—and still having fun.

Laura Walsh

Alex Erdekian

Charlie Hobbs

When asked about the best trip she’s taken with her 3-year-old twin sons, Marquita Wright instantly says Sarasota, Florida. “When we went to Sarasota, visiting the Mote [Marine Laboratory] was an absolute must. Being able to actually touch the stingrays, starfish, and sharks, absolutely blew my mind. Also, the Wild Kratts Ocean Adventure there offered interactive activities to help the boys learn about marine life; they loved the conveyor belt exhibit that teaches how sharks lose their teeth when they eat. They could not get enough of it.”

The trip, which took place over the twins birthday, wasn’t limited to educational activities, though. Wright was able to take the boys to Siesta Beach , known for its powder white sand and crystal blue water, and take advantage of the kid-friendly restaurants populating the area.

But blending education and fun in an easy to navigate way doesn’t have to be limited to domestic trips for the 3 - 5 age group, either. I have traveled a lot as a duo with my son, who was born in Poland and has spent the first four years of his life traveling at mine and my husband’s side. As a family, we prioritize cultural connectivity—our son had been to Greece, Portugal, Spain, and Egypt before he could walk or talk. However, one of the most memorable trips we have taken together was to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, just before he turned 3. We stayed right in the middle of it all: walking distance to the Central Market, the beautifully colorful Sri Mahamariamman Temple, and the huge outdoor shopping market Petaling Street. He was so excited to look at all of the colors, and people at Central Market liked to offer him free treats. I’m also a stickler for consistency and directly across the street from our hotel was a restaurant called Banana Leaf Curry House, where we shared big plates of curry with potatoes and sautéed cabbage, always washed down with mango lassis.

Another highlight? When we rode the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus stop, a double-decker bus that allowed my son to see almost every inch of the city without actually having to do anything. We passed through places like Little India, KL Bird Park , and the breathtaking Jamek Mosque. I just loved watching my son's eyes light up as he gleefully pointed out everything new he discovered.

I’ve found it imperative to have a tablet of some sort while traveling with ages 3-5. The Amazon Fire 7 has parental controls and you can download a ton of educational games, cartoons, and activities to keep the little ones busy throughout long journeys.

Buy now: Fire 7 tablet, $50, amazon.com

—Imani Bashir

Jermaine and Sarah Griggs took their three children on a yearlong journey around the world.

It's the golden time for family travel, when your little kid morphs into a big kid.

Kids have an innate ability to be impressed by the world—one that also has an expiration date. So use travel to capitalize on your child’s sense of wide-eyed wonder now, before the tween years steal it away.

“The 6-10 year old range is the sweet spot for families,” says Cate Caruso , an adviser for luxury travel agency network Virtuoso and the owner of True Places Travel . “Their mind is open, and travel can be truly formative.”

Cruises and safaris, Caruso says, offer the ultimate bang for your buck, and she recommends more intimate cruises like Lindblad Expeditions , which offer personalized tours through destinations like Alaska and the Galápagos . “Raising global citizens is in [Linblad’s] DNA,” she says. “They get the young traveler, they understand you should never underestimate your children’s abilities to experience the world, and they push kids to do things that their family may have thought they couldn’t do.”

Landlubbers should consider safaris with operators like Micato and Abercrombie & Kent , both of which can move at a family’s unique pace. For ages 6-10, Caruso recommends safaris in Africa’s southern region, where in addition to marveling at animals, kids can also interact with the local community and connect to history. South Africa, she says, hits all the marks.

“That’s where Gandhi became a global citizen with his race consciousness, and it’s an ideal way for families to help kids connect the dots,” she says. “It’s also mind-blowing—you’ll see lions, giraffes, and elephants, but also meerkats, penguins, and pangolins.”

Traveling with this age group also presents a great opportunity for teaching responsibility. When Jermaine and Sarah Griggs took their three kids on a yearlong journey around the world , Jadyn Griggs was 11, Layla was 7, and Brendan was 6. They played a game called “fun versus fact” on the road, pairing every educational outing with a fun one like a trip to a water park. But each child was responsible for packing and carrying their own luggage. “Even Brendan was able to pull his own suitcase,” says Jermaine. “Once we made that switch, they became travelers. It increased their maturity.”

Stories bring the world to life for school kids, so load up on simple chapter books that are set in your destination to help your young reader feel connected. Allow your child to pack and carry their own kids-size roller suitcase —and don’t forget an iPad or tablet to make long plane flights a breeze.

Buy Now: Lil Flyer suitcase, $140, younglingz.com

—Debra Kamin

If a resort or beach trip is where you land, pick a multi-dimensional place like Maui, which has plenty of activities for pre-teens.

The key to a great trip? Make them feel like true partners rather than just along for the ride.

Finally! Your kids more or less eat the same food as you and keep roughly the same hours. They can pack for themselves and lug around their own suitcases. They’re curious, smart, semi-helpful, and—early onset ennui notwithstanding—they still want to spend time with the family. Now, you just have to pick the type of trip and destination that will capitalize on this so-called honeymoon period of family vacationing.

This may sound a little Brady Bunch, but call a family meeting to discuss trip ideas. Have everyone come with at least one type (like adventure, nature, or ocean) and two destinations (one close by and one farther flung). You’ll make the final call that works with your budget, schedule, desire, but it goes a long way to hear where and what the junior family members are excited about. Even if the three-week South Pole adventure isn’t feasible, elements of it, like wildlife spotting or crazy nature, can likely get worked into whatever trip you decide on in some form. From there, keep them involved in the planning process, and get them excited about the destination—guidebooks and fiction or movies set in the location are great windows into a place, its people, and culture.

The beauty of this age group, however, is that just about any type of trip and any destination is on the table; they can handle long haul flights, endless hours in the car, real hikes, and pounding the urban pavement. The strategy, as compared with younger age groups, is planning enough rather than scaling back, and engaging rather than distracting. (An hour splashing in the pool and a visit to the kids club will no longer cut it.) If a resort or beach trip is where you land, pick a multi-dimensional place like Maui where, in addition to pool time and a stable of different types and priced accommodations, there’s amazing hiking and wildlife, small towns and inland farms for day visits, opportunities for independence (walking to another resort for a shaved ice, meeting other kids), a robust local food movement, manageable museums, and countless water activities (surf lessons, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing excursions).

But this is also prime time for a first big cultural trip. Kids in this age group have had some formal exposure to world history, music, or art at school, and chances are, some place that they’ve studied really resonated with them, whether it's Senegal for drumming or Rome for ancient architecture or Tokyo for anime. Let their curiosity and passion lead. If they’re interested and engaged, it’s going to be a great trip for you, guaranteed.

Blissfully, this age group doesn’t really require any fancy gear or gadgets. If they’re curious about marine life and you’ll be near the ocean, invest in a reasonably-priced but quality snorkel set rather than relying on whatever the resort has. Cressi makes a fin and snorkel set specifically for this age group. Or, if they’re into wildlife, get them a decent but affordable pair of real binoculars that are lightweight and durable.

Buy now: Cressi Youth Junior Snorkeling Set, $45, amazon.com

Buy now: Celestron Nature DX 8x32 Binoculars, $109, amazon.com

—Rebecca Misner

Active vacations are particularly popular with parents traveling with teens, says luxury travel advisor Josh Alexander.

Adventure and excitement are the secret sauce.

The good news? Traveling with older teenagers is almost the same as taking a trip with honest-to-goodness adults. The bad news? Well, we did say almost.

But let’s focus on the positives first: Luxury travel advisor Josh Alexander, who works for Protravel International , has many clients with children this age booking the most adventurous vacations out of anyone. “We see a lot of National Parks trips, biking trips through specialized companies like Backroads and DuVine Cycling and Adventure Co. ; they’re vacations with scheduled outdoor time that offer ways to be active,” says Alexander. Yellowstone is among his most popular destinations, especially because it’s easy to tack on Bozeman or Jackson Hole to the itinerary.

On the other end of the spectrum, late-stage teens are also old enough to appreciate the history, culture, and culinary delights of an urban vacation. Alexander has many families with teenagers opting for history-filled cities like Charleston , Savannah , and New Orleans . Atlanta-based author and chef Nandita Godbole has traveled frequently with her 17-year-old daughter since she was an infant, and now finds they can do activities together, as opposed to choosing something that only appeals to one of them. “We sometimes go antiquing, do scenic drives, or even stop at the local farmers market if we see one,” she says.

The best strategy, regardless of where you go, is to plan trips that keep teens curious and energized. Elizabeth Thorp, a communications strategist and writer based in Washington, D.C., has three teenage daughters with whom she travels frequently. “The vacations that are the most successful are destinations that they’re interested in and where there are activities for them,” she says. “They haven’t done as well when they’ve just sat on a beach; they need external stimulation.” One of the family’s recent favorites was a trip to Jamaica, where the girls were excited to test out all the water sports they’d researched ahead of time.

As for that “almost” we mentioned earlier? Don’t forget the snacks. “You have to make sure they’re fed or they get grumpy right away,” says Thorp.

Thorp makes sure that all three of her girls never leave for a trip without their Mophie power banks. That way, they can document their travels without worrying about their phones dying. “I borrow it from my teens,” she says. “When you’re out and about, your phone can run out so quickly.”

Buy now: Mophie Powerstation, $70, zagg.com

—Juliet Izon

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

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The Family Vacation Guide

20 of the Best Weekend Getaways with Kids in the US

posted by Caitlin Lloyd on March 31, 2022 // last updated on April 13, 2022

After a long day of work, sometimes all you need is a quick and fun getaway. Taking a vacation doesn’t always have to be lengthy trips and taking time off work or school. If you want to take your kids away for the weekend, you’re in luck. 

As you plan your little weekend getaway, you’re probably trying to find a city that offers excellent activities for you and your little ones that also doesn’t require spending more than a few days there. Here are 20 of the best weekend getaways with kids in the USA . 

Orlando, Florida

Boston, massachusetts, san diego, california, pigeon forge, tennessee, philadelphia, pennsylvania, south lake tahoe, california, charleston, south carolina, vail, colorado, chicago, illinois, new york city, new york, bar harbor, maine, outer banks, north carolina, minneapolis, minnesota, seattle, washington, ozark mountains, missouri, louisville, kentucky , dallas, texas, jackson hole, wyoming, tybee island, georgia, grand canyon national park, arizona, final thoughts, other places to consider for your family weekend getaway.

Let’s face it; there’s no place quite like Orlando for a vacation with your kids. There’s Walt Disney World , Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and other thrilling and exciting attractions for you all to see and do. 

You can spend a few hours to a few days hopping around the various parks for the Disney fans, including their two water parks. Your kids will love all the age-appropriate rides, shows, and seeing the multiple parades with all their favorite Disney characters. 

Then you have Universal and Islands of Adventure. These are great for families with kids and adults alike. They have rides and shows based on favorite movies and something for people of all ages. These are the perfect attractions for families with kids of varying ages. 

Besides all the fun these amusement parks can provide, there’s even more to consider when vacationing in Orlando with your kids. They have two large shopping outlets and you and your family can spend time on International Drive. 

This area has the famous Orlando Eye Ferris wheel and other carnival-style games and rides and makes for an affordable and great activity to do with your kids before returning home. 

One of the best cities to take your kids to is Boston. This city is rich with history and plenty of fun things to do during your weekend stay. This capital city is the perfect place to learn more about the area’s history with your kids. 

If you and your kids love seeing marine life, you need to take them to the New England Aquarium on the water in Boston. This aquarium has everything from eels to penguins to sea turtles and more. If you’re visiting between April and November, they also have whale watching tours that leave from the aquarium’s dock. 

Possibly one of the most visited museums in Boston is the Boston Tea Party Museum . You and your kids can wander through this floating museum looking at exhibits based on the 1773 incident. They do reenactments regularly, so you may want to try and catch one of those.

One of the best free things to do with your kids is hanging out on the Boston Common between touring the various museums in the city. It’s the oldest city park in the country, dating back to 1634. This sizable grassy park gives you beautiful views of the city, great food trucks, and statues of significant figures. 

California is one of the country’s largest states, but if you want one of the best weekend getaways with kids here, you need to pack the family up and head to San Diego. This southern California city is right on the coast and has a little bit of everything here. 

There are several museums and other attractions to visit. One of the most popular is SeaWorld San Diego . Your kids will love the rides, seeing the sharks and other marine life, and especially the live Orca shows. 

San Diego is the perfect place to enjoy a lovely beach weekend with your family. There are over 30 beaches in the city and the county to choose from, but one of the best to visit with kids is La Jolla Shores Beach . They have lifeguards and small areas where waters are calmer than on the open ocean. 

Many beaches in California are known for having large boardwalks and small amusement parks on them. Belmont Park is that place in San Diego. There’s the famous roller coaster, carousel, other rides, and plenty of games for you and the kids to play when you need a break from the sand. Plus, there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby to check out. 

If you’re looking to escape the mountains for the weekend with the kids, it doesn’t get much better than Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The town is nestled in the Smoky Mountains and is the perfect place to go hiking or just enjoy everything a mountain town has to offer. 

For the adventure seekers, the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is perfect. It’s a downhill coaster that takes you through the mountains. It’s the longest downhill track in the country and worth doing while in town. 

You and the kids can drive or hike to Friendly Falls for some of the best nature views. It’s a gorgeous waterfall that will take your breath away. They’re also the perfect photo spot to snap a memory of your weekend getaway. 

Of course, there are entrances to the Smoky Mountain National Park nearby that you may want to look into while you’re here. Other fun things to do in Pigeon Forge are visiting the Titanic Museum Attraction, going ziplining in the mountains, and visiting The Island in Pigeon Forge Amusement Park.

Pennsylvania’s largest city, Philadelphia, makes for the perfect weekend getaway with your children. There’s plenty of history, great restaurants, and fun things to occupy your weekend away from home. 

While you’re in Philly, you have to make time to visit Independence Hall . This historical building is where the founding fathers debated the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Within walking distance from this building is the famous Liberty Bell. Kids start learning about American history early on, so seeing significant places like this will be fascinating. 

In the same area of town, you can visit the Museum of the American Revolution , the Betsy Ross House, and more. Kids and adults alike are big fans of the Philadelphia Zoo. This zoo has around 1,300 animals from around the world for you to see and learn about. 

No matter what you like to do on vacations, you can’t leave Philadelphia without trying the famous Philly cheesesteak. These sandwiches are popular, and you can get them at various restaurants around town. But, if you want to try a Philly cheesesteak at the place that first created them, you’ll need to head to Pat’s King of Steaks in South Philadelphia. 

Spending a weekend at the largest alpine lake in North America makes for a weekend getaway that you and the little ones won’t soon forget. Lake Tahoe is a vast lake mainly in California but reaches across the border into Nevada. 

There are several little towns along the lake, but one of the best for families is South Lake Tahoe. It’s on the south side of the lake and is perfect for a weekend getaway in the summer or winter. 

In the summer, you and the kids can soak up the sun while lounging on the shores of the lake. Swimming, boating, kayaking, and other water activities are popular when the weather’s warm. Depending on where you stay, you may have access to chairs and private beach access. El Dorado Beach is one of the most popular in the area. 

There are several hiking trails nearby if you want to burn off some energy and see beautiful sights around the lake. In the winter, South Lake Tahoe turns into a ski town. Heavenly Mountain Resort places you right near plenty of ski lifts and makes for the perfect winter weekend getaway.

For a laid-back and history-rich weekend getaway in the south, Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the best places. The weather is beautiful in Charleston much of the year, so taking advantage of outdoor activities should be high on your list. 

One of the best things to do with your kids in Charleston is to take them to the Charleston Aquarium . It’s a stunning facility that’s right along the Cooper River. They have well over 4,500 animals for you to see and learn about. Popular animals include the American alligator, barn owls, Caribbean spiny lobsters, sea turtles, and more.

Your kids will love other popular museums like the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry and the North Charleston Fire Museum . The Fire Museum features fire-fighting vehicles from as far back as the 1700s. 

While in Charleston, you have to make time to walk around the Historic Charleston Market. It’s a market dating back hundreds of years. It features various vendors selling produce, local honey, and other handcrafted items. From here, you can walk to the famous Rainbow Row that features rows of colorful houses. 

Vail is one of the best skiing destinations in Colorado, making it an adrenaline-filled weekend away with the kids. Even if skiing isn’t your thing, Vail makes for a beautiful summertime destination for the family too. 

This small resort town sits in the White River National Forest, at the base of Vail Mountain. Regardless of what time of year you plan on visiting, staying in one of the ski resorts is the best way to truly experience Vail. During the winter, you’ll be right near all the lifts to easily hit the slopes. 

Fly fishing, golfing, and hiking are popular outdoor activities during the summer. Booth Falls Trailhead is an excellent trail for beginners and children. Another great attraction in Vail is the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens . It’s the world’s highest botanical garden that features stunning flowers and a paved walking path. 

If you’re looking for a great indoor activity while in Vail, the Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame is a great option. It’s a museum where you can learn all about the history of various snowsports and essential figureheads in the sport. Their gift shop is a great place to grab a souvenir to bring home with you. 

Chicago is rich in culture and famous for its deep-dish pizza, so why not make a trip to the Windy City for a few days? Chicago is one of the best weekend getaways with kids because if you’re nearby, you can quickly drive into the city or fly into one of its two major airports. 

Kids and adults alike love heading to Navy Pier when in Chicago. The pier is 3,300 feet long and extends into Lake Michigan. The pier has games, restaurants, and sometimes events that are worth attending. You can take a walk along the pier, making it a great free activity in the city.

The museums in Chicago are exciting for people of all ages. You can take your kids to the Shedd Aquarium to see the beluga whales and other marine life, the Field Science Museum , and the Art Institute of Chicago. All are fantastic museums that everyone will love. 

Arguably one of the things that makes Chicago famous, besides deep-dish pizza, is the renowned Bean statue. Better known as Cloud Gate Park, this beautiful city park is perfect for walking around, letting the kids play, and seeing The Bean. 

And you can’t leave Chicago without trying deep-dish pizza. You can find this delicious and unique style of pie at almost every pizzeria or Italian restaurant in the city. 

The Big Apple is one of the most well-known cities in the entire world. Most people either love it or hate it, but you have to go at least once in your lifetime. While the city is large and bustling, it’s still a great place to take your kids for the weekend. 

You can’t head to Manhattan without taking the kids to Times Square . This tourist attraction is the epitome of New York and features bright neon lights, billboards, street performers, and plenty of shops and restaurants to visit. The best part is that simply walking around is free. 

Manhattan is loaded with some of the best museums in the world. While you probably don’t want to visit every single one during your weekend, you may want to look into one or two. There’s the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The American Museum of Natural History, and more.

Other notable places to try and visit while in NYC are the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center , and Central Park. You can get a great view of the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park or book a tour of the island and see it in person.

The northernmost state on the eastern seaboard of the United States may not be the first place you think of for a weekend away, but it should be. Bar Harbor is a little coastal town on Maine’s Mount Desert Island that is booming during the summer. 

One of the main attractions in Bar Harbor is that you’re in the perfect location to visit Acadia National Park . They have a visitors center just outside of town where you can find hiking information and other relevant information about visiting the park. The good news is that the views are outstanding, and many trails are kid-friendly. 

In town, you’ll have your pick of some of the best seafood Maine has to offer. Lobster is famous here, and most of it is caught fresh daily. Besides Acadia, you can walk across the Bar Island Land Bridge for the outdoorsy family. It’s perfect for people of all ages and is something unique to do here. 

There are also a few beaches in town that are worth hitting when the weather’s warm. Something you and the kids will love is to take a tour with Bar Harbor Whale Watching Co . They provide whale watching tours, lighthouses, and other nature tours via boat. 

If you’re closer to North Carolina and want a beach weekend with your family, the Outer Banks (OBX) is the perfect place. It’s a barrier island off the coast with plenty of small little towns and beaches for you and the kids to relax on. 

There are several little towns on the barrier island. Some of the most popular are Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head. Each town has several little beaches for you and your kids to lounge on. Swimming, surfing, and other beach activities are popular here. The good news is that if you need any beach supplies, there are several little stores to buy whatever you need. 

Besides spending time on the beaches, there are plenty of other low-key activities to fill your weekend in the Outer Banks. Your kids will love First Flight Adventure Park . They can participate in aerial ropes courses and show off their skills. 

While on the island, you won’t want to miss seeing the Wrights Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills. Several piers set up along the island are great for walking, watching the sunrise, and fishing.

Minneapolis is one-half of the Twin Cities and a great weekend getaway for you and your children. This midwest city has the Mississippi River running through it with plenty of parks to play at and museums to explore. 

One of the best parks in the city that you may want to visit is Lake Harriet Bandshell Park . The park features paved biking and walking trails. You can rent bikes from stores in the city or just stick with your own two legs. There’s even a castle-inspired bandshell that’s sure to impress your kids. 

If you want to try something new on your trip to Minneapolis, they have a great rock climbing gym just north of downtown. They have instructors and padded mats to ensure the safety of everyone. 

Other attractions in this half of the twin cities include the Minneapolis Institute of Art , the Mill City Museum, Immersion Van Gogh Exhibit, and more. Another great sight to see is the Stone Arch Bridge. It looks like something out of medieval times and is a great place for photos to remember your weekend getaway. 

As Washington state’s largest city, you can be sure that you’ll have more than enough things to do and see here for a weekend trip. While there are dozens of things to do, since you’ll only be there for a weekend, you’ll want to look into the can’t miss things to do in Seattle. 

First and foremost, you can’t go to Seattle without seeing the Space Needle . Whether you just want to see it from afar or travel up the 605 feet tall spire, it’s worth seeing. If you and your kids aren’t afraid of heights, heading to the observation deck is fantastic. The views are spectacular, and there’s even a rotating glass floor that allows you to see the ground below.

Another thing that you can’t go without seeing while in the city is Pike Place Market . This large market features restaurants, shops, and local vendors selling food, earrings, and so much more. It’s fun to walk around, and your kids will love watching the famous fish-throwing that happens every hour here. 

For some of the best views in Seattle, Gas Works Park is the best spot. It’s in a neighborhood north of downtown and offers the best skyline views. It has walking paths and a playground that the little ones will love playing on.

There are two mountain ranges that make up what we know as the Ozarks. There’s the Boston and the St. Francois mountain ranges. This beautiful area is perfect for families that love being outside hiking, walking, and being on the water. 

In the summer, most people head to Lake of the Ozarks to swim, boat, and lounge on the sandy shores of a lake surrounded by tall mountain peaks. There are several vacation rentals and resorts along the lake and nearby that you and your kids will love.

You may want to consider several lakeside resorts for your weekend getaway. One popular resort is the Margaritaville Lake Resort . It has a beachy atmosphere and is an exciting resort right on the water. Another great option is The Lodge of Four Seasons . This one has two championship golf courses as part of their list of amenities.  

However you choose to spend your weekend in the Ozarks, you’re sure to have the time of your life. Good luck convincing your children that it’s time to return to reality. 

Louisville is one of the most popular cities in Kentucky, therefore a great place to spend a few days with your kids. It sits just across the Ohio River from Indiana. As the state’s most populated city, you’ll have plenty of choices when it comes to weekend activities. 

Louisville is known for two things: the Louisville Slugger and Churchill Downs, where the Kentucky Derby is held every year. Churchill Downs opened in 1875 and is a beautiful complex that’s worth seeing while you’re in town. 

You have to visit the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory . This museum is in downtown and on what locals call “museum row.” The museum is perfect for kids, especially if you and your family love baseball. You’ll learn all about how this famous baseball bat brand came to be, and you can even create a personalized bat. 

Other popular attractions in the city include the Speed Art Museum, the Louisville Zoo, Malibu Jack’s Louisville, and Cherokee Park.

This northern Texas city is vast and offers one of the best weekend getaways with kids. Especially if you’re in Texas already or in neighboring states, this large city has a lot to do and see, so narrowing down which activities you prefer to do during your weekend before you head there is a good idea. 

Just outside downtown Dallas is the Dallas Zoo . The zoo sits on over 100 acres of land and houses around 2,000 animals. They have animals from around the world and a fun exhibit on dinosaurs that they affectionately call Jurassic Park.

There are several museums in Dallas that your kids might be interested in. There’s the Dallas Museum of Art downtown, the Meadows Museum, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, and the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. 

Something that your kids will love doing is heading to Celebration Station in east Dallas. This facility has hundreds of arcade games where you can win tickets to trade for prizes, go-karts, batting cages, and a mini-golf course. You can grab food here without worrying about if they have anything that the kids will approve of.  

The town of Jackson Hole sits in Wyoming’s Jackson Hole Valley. This area of Wyoming is well known for its scenic hiking, ski resorts, and historic downtown area. Like many other ski resort towns, you can still take the time to visit them during the summer. You’ll have a plethora of different activities to partake in. 

Of course, if you’re looking for a winter or weekend getaway when you can see snow and ski, then Jackson Hole is the perfect spot. There are several resorts that place you right near the ski lifts. One of the best options, winter or summer, is the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole .

There are also several golf courses in the area if you love playing golf. If you plan on visiting during the summer or when the weather’s getting a little warmer, hitting the hiking trails is a great way to spend the weekend. 

Some popular hiking trails that are great for kids are the Granite Canyon Trailhead, Phelps Lake Overlook, and the Albright View Overlook. The downtown area is beautiful and offers excellent shops and restaurants for you to enjoy while in town. 

Tybee Island is only about 17 miles from Savannah and the perfect little island getaway for the weekend. It’s a small island town with plenty of beaches, little restaurants and shops, and activities that your kids will love. 

Mid Beach and South Tybee Beach are two of the best beaches on the island. Most people love South Tybee Beach because it places you right near the Tybee Beach Pier and other attractions on that end of the island. 

The pier is perfect for fishing, walking, and just enjoying the fresh air. There’s a covered pavilion, too, if you need some shade from the Georgia sun. Besides laying on the beach, swimming, and building sandcastles, there are a few great things to see on the island. 

Popular attractions include the Tybee Island Marine Science Center, Tybee Island Light Station Museum, and Tybee Island Memorial Park.

What better way to spend the weekend with your kids than to show them one of the best national parks for kids in the US ? The Grand Canyon is sure to leave both you and your kids awe-struck with its beauty and multitude of things to do. 

When traveling to this stunning national park, you can choose to visit the North Rim or South Rim. While you can see both if you want, it’s better to choose one for a weekend trip so you can do as much as possible. 

Your kids will be amazed at the natural beauty of the park. It has layered bands of red rock that show millions of years of history in the sediment. Some notable hikes or things to see include Mather Point, Lipan Point, and Yavapai Observation Station.

There are several lodging options around the Grand Canyon, but if you want an experience that will reconnect you with nature, there are campsites that you can look into. 

Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway filled with amusement park rides, city escapes or reconnecting with nature, one of the best weekend getaways with kids is waiting for you. Your kids will love getting out of their hometown for the weekend, and you’ll love creating memories that they’ll go on to tell their kids about. 

If you’re considering other destinations for your weekend away with the kids, take inspiration from our other handy guides below!

• The Best Family Weekend Getaways near Maryland
• Revealed: the 20 best family weekend getaways on the east coast
• Recommended: The Best Family Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
• Recommended: The Best Family Weekend Getaways in Illinois
• Recommended: The Best Family Weekend Getaways in Northern California
• Recommended: The Best Family Weekend Getaways In Ohio
• Recommended: The Best Family Weekend Getaways in NJ
• The Best Family Weekend Getaways in Virginia
• Recommended: The Best Family Weekend Getaways In Texas
• Recommended: The Best Family Weekend Getaways From NYC
• Recommended: The Best Family Weekend Getaways in Missouri
• Recommended: The Best Family Weekend Getaways in Indiana
• Recommended: The Best Family Weekend Getaways in Upstate New York
• Recommended: The Best Family Weekend Getaways in Colorado
• The Best Family Weekend Getaways In Pennsylvania
• Recommended: The Best Family Weekend Getaways in Massachusetts
• Recommended: The Best Family Weekend Getaways in Washington State
• Recommended: The Best Family Weekend Getaways in Mississippi

More about our TFVG Author

Caitlin Lloyd

Caitlin is one of The Family Vacation Guide's long standing contributors. She enjoys taking vacation to busy, vibrant cities and has stretched her traveling legs out towards Europe in recent months, enjoying new experiences in Barcelona in Spain, and Nice in France.

About Caitlin Lloyd

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From theme parks to national parks, we found 40 vacation spots the whole family will love

Remember what a typical day in your childhood looked like? Probably not, but we bet you can vividly recall a family trip that blew your young mind. While many of us are contemplating our big travel plans for the next year, now might be an excellent time to let those long-dreamt-about family vacation ideas come to fruition.

If you want your child or teenager to experience the same magic on vacation , take them to any of these family vacation destinations. From glaciers to beachfronts , dinosaurs to Disney characters, there's something here for everyone — even the kid that's hard to please.

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" Cedar Point has gorgeous views of the Lake Erie shore, especially from the top of some of the best roller coasters around. There’s also a water park that’s fun for everyone." — Laura Millar, an NBC Page at Shop TODAY

Best for ages: 6-18

Why go? It’s the roller coaster capital of the world with more than 10 miles of track!

What to do: Ride the Blue Streak — a historic wooden roller coaster dating back to 1964. Or, opt for more modern thrills like the Millennium Force (rated one of the best steel coasters around), suspension coasters (your feet dangle from the floorless Raptor) and — new for 2024 — Top Thrill 2, the world’s tallest and fastest triple-launch strata coaster. Younger kids will find fun at Snoopy’s Space Race and the Kite Eating Tree.

Where to stay: Cedar Point’s Hotel Breakers , located on Lake Erie beach, offers early entry into the park. Five miles inland, Great Wolf Lodge has an indoor water park.

More info: CedarPoint.com

"Of all the places to take kids, Disney probably requires the most amount of planning. The two biggest things that helped make the trip enjoyable for us was using a free (!) Disney concierge planner — they have intimate knowledge of everything from restaurants to lesser-known gems hiding in the park, like a great place to sit to watch fireworks — and designating someone in the group to become a pro at understanding and executing the Fast Pass, Lightning Lane-type offerings. Disney World is massive; we took it slow to prevent meltdowns, and even baked in days to just recover at the hotel in between park visits." — Rebecca Brown , a deals editor at Shop TODAY

Best for ages: 2-14

Why go? You’ll never forget the first time your princess-loving child catches their first glimpse of the real Ariel or Belle or watches fireworks explode over Cinderella’s Castle. Disney is fun for parents, too!

What to do: Check the Magic Kingdom classics off your list first, then head over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom . At Disney Springs , experience the Vintage Amphicar and Aerophile.

Where to stay: Good times at Disney’s properties — including Disney’s Beach Club Villas — are always a given, or try the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld for rooms at half the price.

More info: DisneyWorld.Disney.go.com

Florida’s Space Coast

"If your kid is into space and planets, this corner of Florida is a must-visit. There are several cities that compiles Florida’s Space Coast , including Cocoa Beach and Port Canaveral, but Cocoa Beach is probably my favorite. They have the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier, where locals meet to watch the spaceship launches and the Kennedy Center is also nearby. It’s a wonderful place for all ages and kids will definitely enjoy the space tours, the beach and the sightseeing." — Jannely Espinal , a commerce writer at Shop TODAY

Best for ages: 5-15

Why go? Where else do you get to be an astronaut for a day?

What to do: You can feel what it’s like to rocket into the stratosphere on the Shuttle Launch Experience flight simulator . Take mission control tours, have lunch with an astronaut and even train with one in a family Astronaut Training Experience (ATX) program.

Where to stay: Both the Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral and the waterfront Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach have pools and breakfast. The Radisson Resort at the Port isn’t oceanfront, but there’s a pool with a built-in playground!

More info: VisitSpaceCoast.com

Legoland, New York

Best for ages: 2-12

Why go? Kids (and kids-at-heart) won’t be able to resist the colorful attractions and hands-on exhibitions, all revolving around the iconic playset series.

What to do: Play all day! The theme park destination is currently open for their festive Holiday Bricktacular through Dec. 31, but their newest — and wettest — attraction, the Water Playground , allowing kids to splash, slide, build and get doused with a gigantic 318-gallon water bucket, is well worth another trip. The park has also become a Certified Autism Center , partnering with The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to train employees and providing low-sensory guidance and accommodations to children with cognitive disabilities.

Where to stay: The park’s namesake resort — Legoland Hotel — extends the family fun everyone is having, from offering nightly entertainment to crafting the perfect build in the Creative Workshop. For something a little more low-key and affordable, Sleep Inn & Suites Monroe provides free breakfast every morning and is in close proximity to sites like Bear Mountain and Woodbury Commons .

More info: legoland.com/new-york

"The San Diego Zoo ended up being much bigger than I’d imagined. One thing we did that really stood out to me was making a lunch reservation ahead of time. We sat outside near a waterfall and honestly it felt like a vacation in it of itself. It was great to have a place to plop down and just recharge." — Rebecca Brown , a deals editor at Shop TODAY

Best for ages: 1-11

Why go? It’s one of the world’s best zoos — and one of the few places in the U.S. to see the world’s smallest bear.

What to do: Don’t miss Elephant Odyssey and Northern Frontier to see polar bears and arctic foxes. Also noteworthy is the Africa Rocks exhibit (baboons, leopards, blue-eyed lemurs, etc.).

Where to stay: In October, “Kids Free San Diego” features dozens of hotel deals. Year-round, Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa has great water sports rentals and Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego is practically next door to The New Children’s Museum .

More info: SanDiegoZooWildlifeAlliance.com

"I grew up going to Sesame Place about once every summer and have fond memories of lounging on the lazy river! I have two young nephews now who had a blast on a day trip there last year." — Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil , a senior editor of partnerships at Shop TODAY

Best for ages: 2-5

Why go? The world’s best park for toddlers and preschoolers is scaled to young fans of Elmo and the gang.

What to do: Spend your time on water attractions like The Count’s Splash Castle, Big Bird’s Rambling River and Bert & Ernie’s Splashy Shores during the summer. Then dry off and do the rest: Take a dizzying ride in Flying Cookie Jars, ride Flyin’ Fish and Peek-A-Bug (in Elmo’s World) and explore Sesame Neighborhood via Oscar’s Wacky Taxi Rollercoaster. Plus, new for 2024: the imaginative and interactive 123 Playground!

Where to stay: The pet-friendly Red Roof Inn Philadelphia Oxford Valley is affordable, or get a little more space at Langhorne’s top-rated hotel, SpringHill Suites Philadelphia Langhorne .

More info: SesamePlace.com

The Strong National Museum of Play, New York

" This place is a kid’s (and adult’s) paradise. You and the family can spend all day here and still not scratch the service. From the Barbie exhibit to the slew of nostalgic pinball games, guests will be in their glory. There is even a mini Wegmans where kids can (pretend) shop and play cashier!" — Allie Wise , a Rochester, New York native and an associate editor at Shop TODAY

Best for ages: 4-12

Why go? It’s devoted to every kid’s favorite thing to do!

What to do: Celebrate superheroes at the museum’s American Comic Book Heroes exhibit or walk through the world’s largest pop-up book in Reading Adventureland. Visit the Toy Halls of Fame and play your way through the history of video games at eGameRevolution.

Where to stay: Book a room at the Hyatt Regency Rochester , which is a five-minute drive or short walk to the museum. Other family-favorite hotels include the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Rochester , which features a large indoor pool, and the Hilton Garden Inn Rochester University & Medical Center which is connected to the College Town shopping complex.

More info: MuseumOfPlay.org

"The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has rides and experiences that’ll satisfy everyone in the family. Enjoy thrill rides like 'The Forbidden Journey' or relax with a butterbeer at the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley. Being there really makes you feel immersed in the world of Harry Potter. I’ll never forget buying a wand at Ollivanders!" — Laura Millar, an NBC Page at Shop TODAY

Best for ages: 8-13

Why go? Your Potter lovers will go Hog(warts) wild to see Hogsmeade and Hogwarts recreated in amazing detail.

What to do: Get there first thing in the morning. Ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey first: Muggles meet Dumbledore, join a Quidditch match and encounter a Whomping Willow. Next, conquer the ultra-fast Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure coaster and the tamer Flight of the Hippogriff; then go wand shopping at Ollivanders (if you’re lucky, the wand will choose you).

Where to stay: On-site properties like Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel offer guests free Universal Express Unlimited passes to skip lines. Or, for about half, you can stay at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes — the kids’ club has a 500-acre scavenger hunt.

More info: UniversalOrlando.com

Wisconsin Dells

Why go? It’s the water park capital of the world, year-round!

What to do: Get a day pass for Noah’s Ark Water Park (America’s largest) and race down the Raja, which ends in the mouth of a king cobra. Or book one of the wet and wild resorts, like the African-themed Kalahari (the Sahara Sidewinders looping slides literally drop you through the roof) or Mt. Olympus (the Lost City of Atlantis water fortress has slides, geysers and monster dump buckets). Afterwards, kids won’t get enough of the robust (and cheesy) offerings at Macs .

Where to stay: In addition to the resorts with indoor water parks, there are quieter options like Black Hawk Motel , Wingate by Wyndham and Hilton Garden Inn .

More info: WisDells.com

Beach vacations

"I grew up in Miami for 20 years and going to the beach every weekend was a ritual. There are many family-friendly spots including 17th street and Collins avenue, or you can stroll around Lincoln Road Mall and stop for a coffee break. The Botanical Garden is also a nice escape from the party scene, and if you want a more bohemian experience, take your family to Nikki Beach during lunch time. The food at this restaurant is exquisite (try the pistachio affogato dessert if it’s still on their menu) and the beach is just a few steps away." — Jannely Espinal , a commerce writer at Shop TODAY

Best for ages: 8-12

Why go? Although it’s often associated with a party crowd or retirees, Miami Beach also has plenty of kid-friendly activities.

What to do: Miami Beach has the most tropical beaches in the continental United States. As you drive to Miami Beach from Miami, you hit must-see attractions like Wynwood Walls and the Pérez Art Museum Miami . Indoors, the Miami Children’s Museum shares an island with Jungle Island .

Where to stay: At the north end of the island, Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour has the best kids’ beach club. At the south end, Hilton Bentley Miami/South Beach has direct beach access and sits between two public parks.

More info: MiamiandBeaches.com

Best for ages: 12-17

Why go? Hailed as “the next Costa Rica,” this Central American country is enjoying a transformation.

What to do: Fly into Managua , and from there, head to the Spanish colonial town of Granada on the shores of Lake Nicaragua — the 19th largest lake in the world and home to two island volcanoes you can hike. In Cerro Negro near Leon, kids can sandboard (basically snowboard) down the volcanic ash sides. End your trip at One Love Surf School in the Pacific coastal town of San Juan Del Sur or head to the Caribbean side to explore the Corn Islands.

Where to stay: With its private beach, private farm and resident monkeys and sloth, there’s no place on earth quite like Morgan’s Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge . At Jicaro Island Ecolodge Granada , you feel like you have the island to yourself — until the birds wake you up in the morning.

More info: VisitNicaragua.us

Riviera Maya, Mexico

More info: NPS.gov/glac

Best for ages: 4-14

Why go? Snorkel in freshwater cenotes (natural pools), swim with manatees and climb ancient Mayan ruins all before the sun sets.

What to do: Fly into Cancun and then head to Playa del Carmen, the perfect launching point for all of Quintana Roo’s adventures. Float the underwater river at Xcaret Eco Theme Park and stay late for the musical show, “Xcaret Mexico Espectacular.” Then, taxi or bus to Dolphin Discovery in Puertos Aventuras where the kids can splash and play with dolphins, manatees and even sea lions! Finally, explore the clifftop ruins in Tulum. Further inland, take a day trip to Chichen Itza . For beach time, check out Aloha Paddle Club’s water sport rentals in Playa del Carmen or take the ferry to nearby Cozumel.

Where to stay: Outside of town, Barcelo has everything from its impressive all-inclusive Barceló Maya Tropical (five family-friendly hotels in one, plus an adults-only one for a parents’ weekend away) to its more intimate Allegro Playacar where babysitting is always available. In Cozumel, Allegro Cozumel has a pirate-themed water park on site.

More info: VisitMexico.com

Best for ages: 10-18

Why go? This Caribbean Island has the world’s only “drive-in” volcano.

What to do: Rent a car and head for the crater! After hiking around La Soufriere Volcano ’s hot springs, let the kids throw mud at each other in a mud bath. (You can relax in the mineral waters beneath a waterfall.)

Where to stay: Zoëtry Marigot Bay St. Lucia has a kids’ activity program and a tween-driven mani-pedi spa. Bay Gardens also ranks well for its activity-loaded water park and beach access.

More info: StLucia.org

Virginia Beach

Best for ages: 5-17

Why go? It’s got beaches, boardwalks, American history and a military aviation museum.

What to do: First, take a ride in an open cockpit biplane at the Military Aviation Museum . Then, hit the beach and Neptune’s Park where the kids could compete in a sandcastle building contest if your timing is right. Finally, drive to Fredericksburg to walk in the footsteps of our first president at his boyhood home, Ferry Farm .

Where to stay: The top-rated hotel choice is the oceanfront Hyatt Place , which is within walking distance of boardwalk attractions. Barclay Towers Resort Hotel is a bit farther, but every room is a suite.

More info: VisitVirginiaBeach.com

Waikiki Beach

" Waikiki Beach looks exactly like how you would imagine Hawaii to be! On the beach, you can rent surfboards and try out surfing for a few hours. Waikiki is actually perfect for learning how to surf since the water is pretty shallow for what feels like ages. You look out into the water and surfers are everywhere trying to catch the perfect wave. The neighborhood is incredibly walkable with stores, hotels and shops dotting the entire road. Pick a direction to walk and I guarantee you’ll stumble upon the classic ABC convenience stores filled with everything from snacks to souveniers and even spam musubi! Major bonus is that Waikiki is under 30 minutes from the hotel, making it convenient to get to." — Anita Chomenko, a social media video producer at Shop TODAY

Best for ages: 11-16

Why go? Thanks to warm, shallow and relatively calm waters, there’s no better place to take your first surf lesson.

What to do: Sign up for a lesson at one of the Star Beach Boys stands , located on the sand in front of the statue of Duke Kahanamoku. (This Hawaiian hero is considered the father of modern surfing.) Or try one of the local surf schools, like Big Wave Dave and Surfer Girl Academy . While on Oahu, visit the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites including the USS Arizona Memorial .

Where to stay: With its airport transportation, on-site pool and free breakfast, Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach could not be more convenient. Further inland, the Oasis Hotel offers boutique vibes.

More info: GoHawaii.com/Islands/Oahu

Outdoorsy adventures

An alaskan cruise.

Best for ages: 9-16

Why go? Besides heli-tours, cruising is the closest you can get to Alaska’s calving glaciers.

What to do: Crystal Cruises , the first cruise company to complete the entire Northwest Passage, has several options. For example, its Glacier & Gold Cruise visits the Inside Passage where it parallels the tallest coastal mountains in the world. On port days, kids can learn about the historic Gold Rush in the frontier town of Skagway or go dogsledding or take a floatplane to fish in a remote inlet.

Where to stay: Book a stateroom on the luxurious, all-inclusive Crystal Serenity or Crystal Symphony . If you extend your trip and check out Denali National Park where you can see Mt. McKinley, consider Aurora Denali Lodge .

More info: TravelAlaska.com

"I just went on a trip to Aspen and it’s no secret it’s a huge ski town, however, it’s also kid friendly! If you’re looking for a family ski trip, Buttermilk Mountain offers group or individual ski lessons, and Panda Peak is so cute. The kids can hold little stuffed animals on the ski lift! I was tempted to ask for one on my first run down on the bunny slopes." — Shannon Garlin , an associate commerce editor at Shop TODAY

Best for ages: 4-18

Why go? Between its four different mountains, Aspen Snowmass has something for all skiers and snowboarders.

What to do: First, check out the resort’s daily child-friendly programming and packages . Then, drop the 2-4-year-olds at The Treehouse Kids Adventure Center for their lessons and then head to Camp Aspen with the older kids and preteens. In the afternoon, meet up to ski together, go tubing or take a free naturalist tour. End the day with schnitzel and burgers on the mountain or family dogsledding and dinner at a remote cabin.

Where to stay: If you don’t want to rent a car, stay at Stonebridge Inn , a Destination by Hyatt Hotel where everything Snowmass-related is within walking distance. Or reserve a room at the town’s only ski-in, ski-out property, The Little Nell . Sometimes you can get two complimentary ski passes for each night you stay!

More info: AspenSnowmass.com

Canada’s Rockies by Rail

Best for ages: 8-15

Why go? If your kids haven’t outgrown their fascination with trains, you’ll be parent of the year in their eyes.

What to do: Book Fresh Tracks Canada’s Vancouver to Toronto train trip. It’s an 11-day itinerary stretching across the Canadian Rockies. Begin in Vancouver on a drive along the Sea-to-Sky Highway. Then, travel by rail across the country, watching the glaciers turn into cowboy country, wheat fields and finally, the city of Toronto. Older kids will demand extra time to see the Stanley Cup at the Hockey Hall of Fame and get their hearts rate up at the Stingray Experience at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada .

Where to stay: Spend all 14 nights in a Prestige cabin on VIA Rail’s flagship transcontinental train, The Canadian. If you just want to explore Western Canada, Rocky Mountaineer makes a great home away from home.

More info: CanadianTrainVacations.com

Colorado Springs

Best for ages: 7-13

Why go? Nestled at the base of America’s peak, this town showcases Colorado for kids.

What to do: Watch athletes train for upcoming events at the Olympic Training Center . Then, hand-feed the giraffes at the country’s only mountain-top zoo, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo . Older kids can hike to the summit of Pikes Peak — the mountain that inspired the lyrics to “America the Beautiful” — and cross North America’s highest suspension bridge at The Royal Gorge. Finally, explore the geological wonders of Garden of the Gods .

Where to stay: Ride mules up to your cabin or fire tower accommodations at Cloud Camp , part of The Broadmoor Resort . Down in Colorado Springs, the Great Wolf Lodge boasts the state’s first indoor water park.

More info: VisitCOS.com

Dinosaur Valley State Park, Texas

Best for ages: 5-11

Why go? This state park just 75 miles southwest of Dallas boasts some of the best preserved dinosaur tracks in the world.

What to do: In addition to walking in the humongous footprints left in the Paluxy River, take a covered wagon tour, mountain bike the trails, borrow a fishing pole from the park’s Tackle Loaner Program and visit the museums in downtown Glen Rose , the Dinosaur Capital of Texas.

Where to stay: Pitch your tent or park your RV at Dinosaur Valley State Park, or consider Best Western Dinosaur Valley Inn & Suites .

More info: Texas.gov

" Volcanoes is not the easiest to get to, but the views are worth the journey! Located on the island of Kona, you could truly spend days exploring this national park. You can drive to overlooks, explore flat pathways, hike down into a crater, explore lava tubes and maybe even see an active volcano! If you’re prioritizing the park, you should stay on the eastern side of the island. You can drive from the west but it is more of a trek. Either way, you should also make a stop at Punalu’u Bake Shop, the southernmost bakery in the United States for sweet breads!" — Anita Chomenko, a social media video producer at Shop TODAY

Best for ages : 11-16

Why go? Two massive volcanoes are here, including Kilauea — one of the world’s most active. Trails take you past smoking steam vents, black lava rock and enormous craters.

What to do? Stop at the Kilauea Visitor Center to pick up maps, check current conditions and learn how the volcano came to be. Ask if rangers are leading walks or set out on your own hike. The Earthquake Trail (Waldron Ledge) is an easy hike with great views of the Kilauea Caldera. Don’t miss the Thurston Lava Tube, an underground tunnel where the hot stuff once flowed. (Drive there, then hike in, through a mossy fern forest.) Return to the park at night to see the gorgeous glow from the Halema’uma’u Crater.

Where to stay: For a dramatic crater view from your room, stay across the street from the Visitor Center at the Volcano House . If you don’t mind staying 29 miles outside of the park and want to be closer to town, one of Hilo’s top properties is SCP Hilo Hotel .

More info: NPS.gov/havo

Glacier National Park, Montana

Best for ages: 8-18

Why go? Thanks to climate change, North America’s few remaining glaciers are disappearing.

What to do: Hike! The Going-to-the-Sun Road — one of the most scenic in the world — is also fun to bike, but it's best ridden early or late in the season when car traffic is minimal. The open-top Glacier Park Red Bus Tours (open seasonally) allow kids to see wildlife from a safe distance. To get out on the glacial lakes, rent canoes or kayaks or book a boat tour with Glacier Park Boat Co .

Where to stay: Spend a few nights in a cabin at the no-frills Apgar Village Lodge . Then, splurge at the luxurious, all-inclusive and dog-friendly The Resort at Paws Up located on the edge of the scenic Flathead National Forest.

Grand Canyon National Park

Best for ages : 8-13

Why go? This great gorge is 277 miles long and 6,000 feet deep in some spots, with rocks that are millions of years old.

What to do: Don’t just stand there! Bike along the South Rim (rent from Bright Angel at the visitor center) or hike into the canyon on free ranger-led tours. To explore by mule with Xanterra , reserve at least a year in advance.

Where to stay: The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon is only one mile from the popular South Rim entrance. At the bottom of the canyon, check into a cabin at the historic Phantom Ranch .

More info: NPS.gov/grca

" Jackson, Wyoming is for the outdoorsy kid who loves skiing, snowboarding or simply building a snowman. I’ve only visited during winter time and is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been. They have the National Elk Refuge and is an iconic place to take pics and watch wildlife up and close. My favorite activity was riding on a fat bike and just enjoying the scenic views with the Teton Mountain Range as the backdrop." — Jannely Espinal , a commerce writer at Shop TODAY

Best for ages: 6-16

Why go? Jackson Hole is home to Grand Teton National Park and a world-class ski resort.

What to do: Jackson Hole boasts more outdoor activities than there are hours in the day. You can raft the scenic Snake River , tube down the runs at Snow King Resort or explore the magical ice castle and ice skate in Teton Village .

Where to stay: Hotel Terra Jackson Hole and Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa are within walking distance of the chairlifts. Both properties have ski packages in the winter and national park packages in the summer.

More info: VisitJacksonHole.com

" Niagara Falls is breathtaking, especially the first time you see it. The backdrop offers unbeatable photo opportunities for the whole family, too." — Laura Millar, an NBC Page at Shop TODAY

Best for ages: 5-12

Why go? Six million cubic feet of water thunders over the massive falls every minute.

What to do: Bring your passport so you can view them from the Canadian and American sides; to visit both, cross Rainbow Bridge. Kids who aren’t afraid of heights will love the view from Skylon Tower .

Where to stay: The most exciting option is the Sheraton Fallsview with its family suites complete with bunk beds! Its Reef Beach Club has a shark tank and a coral reef lagoon, and is attached to the Rainforest Café .

More info: Niagara-USA.com ; NiagaraFallsTourism.com

Pacific Coast Highway Drive

Why go? Curvy Highway 1 winds along California’s craggy coastal cliffs, high above the ocean.

What to do: Take it slow and make lots of stops — whether you conquer the whole thing (about four days) or just tackle small portions. Kids will be wowed by the Santa Cruz Boardwalk (ride the wooden coaster!); Monterey (go kayaking and see the Aquarium ); Carmel’s Pt. Lobos State Natural Reserve (otters, seal lions and whales hang here); Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (great hiking and camping); Hearst Castle , in San Simeon, and the elephant seals on the beach just north.

Where to stay: The pet-friendly boutique Laurel Inn is in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights neighborhood. In Southern California, stay within walking distance of Disneyland at the Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim , which has a waterpark and rooms with bunk beds.

More info: CentralCoast-Tourism.com

Redwood National & State Parks

Why go? The California parks are home to the tallest, most majestic trees on earth.

What to do: Stroll through the mile-long Lady Bird Johnson Grove, a mossy jungle of sky-high sequoias — some of them 2,000 years old (kids can crawl through the hollow ones). See if Roosevelt elk are grazing in Elk Meadow, then pick up the path to Trillium Falls. On coastal trails, take guided tide pool walks. You may spot whales from December through April.

Where to stay: The Best Western Plus Northwoods Inn is located right off of Redwood Highway and includes breakfast. View Crest Lodge has cozy cottages for less than $200 per night.

More info: NPS.gov/redw

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

Why go? You’ll never see sand dunes like these! Some are nearly 500 feet high, with views of Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands from the top.

What to do: Climb the dunes, of course! Run (or roll) down these majestic sand mountains. Cool off with a swim at Esch Road Beach where the pristine Lake Michigan water is brisk but refreshing. There’s great kayaking and tubing on the warmer Platte River (gear up with Riverside Canoe Trips ). Or, sign the kids up for a freshwater surf lesson from Sleeping Bear Surf .

Where to stay: Duneswood Resort is a short walk to the Dune Climb, and they rent bikes, buggies and strollers. If you’re based in Traverse City , stay at Great Wolf Lodge for its indoor water park.

More info: NPS.gov/slbe

The Black Hills, South Dakota

Best for kids ages: 5-15

Why go? Mount Rushmore ! Plus, these mountains and badlands are some of the most underrated destinations in the country.

What to do: The kids will love the hands-on American history lessons offered at Mount Rushmore. (Stay for the evening flag ceremony during the summer.) There’s also buffalo to be seen, ghost towns to be explored and the world’s largest collection of reptiles .

Where to stay: Stay at the KOA camping resorts in Rapid City , Mount Rushmore or Badlands/White River . Or, find modern rooms at the Hampton Inn Deadwood at Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort .

More info: TravelSouthDakota.com

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Best for ages: 6-12

Why go? North Dakota just may be the most underrated and understated state!

What to do: Sleep under the stars in the national park named for Theodore Roosevelt , who once lived here. These dramatic badlands are home to the Painted Canyon; see who can spot the most bison or elk. Prairie dog barking is audible and just outside of the park is Medora , a town where horses are still a form of transportation.

Where to stay: Lodging is pretty limited, but it’s got character! The Rough Riders Hotel in Medora has a pool and a two-story rock fireplace. Badlands Hotel , also in Medora, is further from downtown but the rooms are slightly bigger and it’s only two blocks from Medora Children’s Park.

More info: NDTourism.com

Yellowstone National Park

Why go? It’s America’s very first national park and has the highest concentration of geysers in the world!

What to do: See Old Faithful , which shoots steam sky-high every 90 minutes, and then move on to the other geysers, stinky mud pots and multicolored hot springs within walking distance. Bison, elk, bears, wolves and Bighorn sheep all hang out here. In winter (when it’s easiest to spot wildlife), take the kids on their first snowcoach tour . In summer, fly high at Yellowstone Aerial Adventures .

Where to stay: The Summit at Big Sky puts you just outside the park. A more rustic option is Chico Hot Springs .

More info : NPS.gov/yell

Yosemite National Park

Why go? This national park is a scenic superstar: Think thundering waterfalls in spring and early summer and seriously steep granite cliffs.

What to do: Get your bearings on the free park shuttle around Yosemite Valley — home to famous sights like the Half Dome, El Capitan and Yosemite Falls; hopping on and off as you please. Set aside a half day to hike the Mist Trail alongside majestic Vernal Falls, climbing 600 granite steps to the top. (Pack a waterproof poncho!) Raft the rivers around the area with Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions .

Where to stay: The charming mountain town of Mammoth Lakes makes a great home base, or check out the highly-rated Juniper Springs Resort or The Village Lodge . Both properties have a pool!

More info: TravelYosemite.com

Major cities

" Denver is definitely for the adventure-friendly family. There’s so much to see and explore in this city, and the food is A plus. Denver Biscuit Co. is my go-to spot when I visit for juicy biscuits smothered in gravy. Also, you can make it a half day of outdoor activities and take a drive through Guanella Pass — one of the most scenic byways in United States." — Jannely Espinal , a commerce writer at Shop TODAY

Best for ages: 8-16

Why go? The Mile High City has tons of experiences for the 48-inches-and-under crowd.

What to do: One of Denver’s top attraction is the Denver Zoo . It’s more than 100 years old! At the Children’s Museum of Denver , younger kids can experiment in a test kitchen, cool off in an outdoor splash zone and dance in a room of bubbles. Older kids will appreciate the exhibits and the Phipps IMAX 3D Theater at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science . When they get tired, ride in the free open-air Denver Trolley.

Where to stay: The Limelight Hotel is in the heart of downtown (and a stone’s throw from Union Station). The Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center is just one block from the 16th Street pedestrian mall and has an indoor pool.

More info: Denver.org

Millennium Park, Chicago

Why go? It's an amazing green gathering place.

What to do: Strike a pose in the reflective Cloud Gate sculpture (affectionately known as The Bean). Splash around in the animated Crown Fountain, which literally makes faces at you. Join one of the free activities (family yoga, anyone?) on the big lawn or rent bikes from Bike and Roll Chicago or Divvy Bikes Millennium Park to ride to nearby Navy Pier .

Where to stay: Both the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel and the Swissotel Chicago on the Riverwalk are within three blocks of Millennium Park.

More info: ChooseChicago.com

New Orleans’ French Quarter

Best for ages: 3-17

Why go? The Mardi Gras spirit lasts all year long in this family-friendly city.

What to do: There’s lots of free PG-rated fun in Jackson Square , where magicians, jugglers, mimes and jazz bands make the street their stage. Grab an outside table at Café du Monde , famous for its sugar-covered beignets . A stroll along the Mississippi River leads to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and the Audubon Butterfly Insectarium . Hop the St. Charles streetcar to the lovely Garden District and the Audubon Zoo where kids can feed giraffes.

Where to stay: The Homewood Suites by Hilton in the heart of the French Quarter has free buffet breakfast. The pet-friendly Quarter House rents suites with fully equipped kitchens.

More info: NewOrleansOnline.com

Tenerife, Spain

Why go? This Canary Island is home to Europe’s No. 1 water park, its most visited national park and world-class beaches featuring sand imported from the Sahara!

What to do: Head to Siam Park , voted the best water park in Europe. Ride the water slide that travels through a shark tank or relax at the world’s biggest wave pool. Drive a rental car across the island to paddle board, kayak and snorkel with Teno Activo at Los Gigantes . Also check out Loro Parque and visit the volcano in Teide National Park .

Where to stay: In between Siam Park and the beach, Iberostar Selection Anthelia has a free breakfast buffet and a kids club. Or, rent a poolside apartment from Apartamentos Casablanca .

More info: WebTenerife.com

Historical outings

Buckingham palace.

Why go? When you tell kids a real king lives here, their ears will perk up!

What to do? Start monitoring flights months in advance and consider European airlines. (Low-cost carrier Norwegian Air often has round-trip, nonstop London flights from several major U.S. cities for less than $500.) On your first full morning in London, check out the Changing of the Guard where the soldiers march out in their trademark red coats and fuzzy black hats. It starts at 11 a.m. (10 a.m. on Sundays) but get there at least a half-hour early so the little ones can see. If the royal flag is flying, the King is in residence. St. James Park is a stone’s throw away and has a lovely playground.

Where to stay: Located opposite the Royal Mews, The Rubens at The Palace could be to London what the Plaza Hotel was for Eloise. The Resident Victoria is just steps from Buckingham Palace.

More info: Royal.uk

"If you’re a baseball family, the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown is a can’t miss destination. The Hall of Fame is interactive, informative, and perfect for the young all-star in your family to dream big about making their mark in the MLB. As the little sister in the family I got dragged to too many baseball games to count, but this museum remains one of my favorite family trips to date." — Kate McCarthy , the senior social media editor at Shop TODAY

Best for ages: 8-17

Why go? It’s home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum .

What to do: Practice those swings at Barnyard Swing Miniature Golf . Climb aboard the Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad or cruise Otsego Lake on the Glimmerglass Queen .

Where to stay: Stay on the water at Lake ‘N Pines Motel where guests have an outdoor pool, an indoor pool and a video arcade room. Downtown, The Railroad Inn has lofts that comfortably sleep families of six.

More info: ThisIsCooperstown.com

The National Mall

Why go? If there’s ever a place to instill a sense of American pride in your young one, it’s here.

What to do: In spring during the famous Cherry Blossom festival, The National Mall is where most of the action and colors are. Hit the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History , the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History . There are also several art museums — ideal for older kids — and the International Spy Museum .

Where to stay: With a No. 2 ranking on TripAdvisor, The River Inn near Foggy Bottom metro station is a great affordable option. Closer to the National Mall, you a comfortable room at Sofitel Washington, D.C.

More info: Washington.org

“As a Massachusetts native, Plimoth Plantation was a hot field trip destination during my school years, and for good reason. The outdoor recreation of a 17th-century village makes kids (and adults) feel like they’re stepping back into time. The best part is that there are actors who fully stay in character like it’s the year 1627, so while there are plenty of moments to learn about what life was like then, kids will also get a kick out of asking them questions about modern life and seeing the confusion on the actor’s faces.” — Kate McCarthy , the senior social media editor at Shop TODAY

Why go? It’s like stepping back in time to the 17th century, when the pilgrims arrived here from England.

What to do: Get a look at Plymouth Rock, where colonists first set foot on American soil. You won’t believe how tiny it is. Costumed actors recreate what it was like on the crossing and in the settlement. Learn about Native American cooking, crafts and culture at the Wampanoag Homesite. Visit the nearby Plimoth Grist Mill where you can see how they grind corn and even buy it to take home!

Where to stay: Pilgrim Sands on Long Beach has a waterfront view of Warren Cove. In colder months, consider the Hilton Garden Inn Plymouth , which has a great indoor pool.

More info: Plimoth.org

30+ Engaging Travel Activities for Kids

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When you’re traveling with kids, you want to make sure you’ve prepared some activities to keep them entertained on the trip. 

We are always on the search for awesome plane and road trip activities for kids. On our many, many trips with our kids, we’ve discovered through experience that some travel activities are better than others. 

Buuut it’s not so fun to discover that you have a dud once you’ve already left on your trip. We’re here to help you out by finding the very best travel activities for kids so you can relax and enjoy your trip!

Whether you’re going on a road trip or traveling by plane, these travel activities for kids are approved by both kids and parents!

Travel Activities for Kids

Water wow activity pads.

Water Wow Activity Pads are a truly mess-free travel activity for kids. Simply fill the pen with water and watch as colorful pictures appear as the brush goes across the page. The picture dries after about ten or fifteen minutes and can be used again!

There are a few different kinds of pads, ranging from simple pictures to number and alphabet activities to mazes and seek-and-find activities . 

This activity appeals to a broad age range, as kids get a huge kick out of seeing the picture magically appear on the page as they color. We as parents even have fun doodling on the pages when our kids are done!

Paint by stickers

These paint by sticker books are a great way to entertain kids on a trip. Each picture is completed by placing the little stickers on the correct number in the picture (think paint by numbers, but with stickers). It’s a great calming, focused activity for any kind of travel.

And when you’re finished, you have a gorgeous and vibrant picture! Our son likes to hang them up in his room when he’s done making them. 

These books have been a huge hit with my kids while traveling. And I love how focused they keep my kids and that they are mess-free!

Guess in 10 Game

Ages 6+ (or junior version for ages 3-6)

Guess in 10 is a game that requires two people to play (or up to 6), but is sure to keep your child wanting more! Each person can ask up to 10 questions to guess the animal on the other person’s card. The first person to collect 7 game cards wins.

One of the best things about this game is how simple it is. No complicated rules or setup, just grab a card and start playing! And it’s so fun to learn new interesting facts about the animals on the cards.

In addition to Guess in 10 Animal Planet , there are lots of other versions of the game depending on your child’s interests, such as Guess in 10 Junior (for kids ages 3-6), Countries of the World , Deadly Dinosaurs , Things that Go , and World of Sports .

Tip: When playing with younger children, it can be helpful to choose a small group of 10-15 cards and then review them before playing. This narrows the scope of guessing to a more reasonable level for young children, especially if they aren’t familiar with a wide range of obscure animals.

Magic clay , also called air dry clay or model magic, is a creative outlet for kids of all ages while traveling. Unlike playdough (which I wouldn’t bring on a plane or into my car in a million years), this light clay does not make a huge mess when used. Its foamlike texture holds together and doesn’t crumble apart or squish into carpets, seats, etc.

My kids have the best time with this activity when we travel and it’s always fun seeing the creative ideas they come up with.

We actually bought this big set of magic clay , which contains a 36 resealable little tubs of the clay, so it’s easy to just grab a couple of containers whenever we have a trip. And my kids can also make fun creations at home. If you want a smaller quantity, you can also buy a pack like this .

Mental Blox Go!

Mental Blox Go! is a set of over 30 games and puzzles in a compact travel case. This portable puzzle set includes ten different puzzle types with various levels of difficulty. Some games can be played individually, while others require multiple players.

Some of the games include memory match, shapes sudoku, and 4×4 chess, to name a few. The pieces are sturdy and chunky, making them difficult to lose.

I love that this game is small enough to be quite compact, without being so small that you lose the pieces, and my kids love the variety of games that you can play with just the one set!

Tangram Magnets

This Trangram Puzzle Book has a variety of different puzzles children can make with the shapes at increasing levels of difficulty. And because the wooden shape pieces are magnetic, they stay in place when kids are playing with them on the go!

Although it is marketed for children ages three and up, this one will probably work better for older children as most of the puzzles are quite challenging.

Hidden Pictures Book

Ages 3-6 yrs

Hidden picture books will keep your child engaged as they search for the images concealed in plain sight in each picture. 

This Things that Go Hidden Pictures Book has 96 pages with a variety of transportation-related scenes. On some of the images, there are matching stickers to put on the hidden picture once you find it, while on others you’re meant to circle the hidden picture.

Our preschooler loved the things that go theme and especially enjoyed the pages with stickers to put on the pictures. There are also other themes you can choose from, including Pet Hidden Puzzles , Adventure Sticker Puzzles , etc.  

Fidget popper

For some simple and compact travel activities for kids, fidget poppers are a great choice. They give your child something to do with their hands while on the go.

It’s surprising how entertaining popping those little buttons in and out can be, for kids and adults. They are also a great sensory activity if a child is feeling agitated or anxious.

If you’re traveling with a young jokester, consider bringing a joke book to keep them laughing. They will love learning new jokes to share and you might get a few laughs too. 

The Silly Kids Joke Book has over 500 jokes in large, easy-to-read font, perfect for young comedians on the go. The jokes are divided up into different categories, such as food jokes, knock-knock jokes, animal jokes, etc. so that your child can find the perfect joke for any occasion!

Puffy Sticker Activity Book

One of my favorite travel activities for kids, the Melissa and Doug Puffy Sticker Activity Books can keep a child busy for a long time on a trip. The sets come with background scenes and dozens of little stickers to decorate each picture to their own liking. 

And the best part is that they’re reusable! And they actually are, unlike some sets that say they are but have stickers that are hard to get off or lose their stick. The set we have has lasted us several years and countless trips. My son always checks to make sure I’m bringing his puffy sticker set when were packing for a trip.

There are many different puffy sticker set options, depending on your child’s interests. We have the farm, chipmunk house (by far our kids’ favorite), and safari set , but you can also find princess, dress-up, and mermaid, dinosaur, ocean, safari , etc.

Wikki Stixs

Wikki Stixs are a fun, mess-free activity that can grow with your child. Younger kids will enjoy squishing and twisting the bendable wax sticks, while older children can make more elaborate creations, such as shapes, words, people, animals, etc. The sky is the limit with this travel activity!

I love seeing the creative ideas my kids come up with when deciding what to make with their Wikki Stix. And since they are reusable, you can just unbend them when you’re done to make new projects!

Secret Decoder Activity Books

Let your kid become a detective with these Secret Decoder Activity Books by Melissa and Doug. This set comes with three activity books and spy tools to help them reveal clues. In each book they will find a mystery to uncover using different spy techniques such as code breaking, unscrambling messages, and completing mazes.

This is such a fun and engaging way for kids to pass the time while traveling! They will love solving mysteries as they build skills such as attention to detail, problem solving, and following directions.

Scratch art

Scratch art is a fun, creative activity that’s easy to do on the go. Kids will love creating their own colorful pictures simply by scratching off the top black coat with the wooden sticks provided. And this set comes with several stencils for kids who want a little help knowing what to draw.

Honestly, I got this on a whim before a trip, not knowing how incredibly entertaining my 5-year-old would find it. This kept him entertained for hours at the hotel, in the car, on the plane…. He had so much fun drawing pictures of all the places we were visiting for everyone he knows. 

It does create a little bit of black residue from scratching off the topcoat, but not enough to be too annoying. And the entertainment value far outweighs that minor inconvenience.

A tablet can be a lifesaver when you’re traveling. I’m all about bringing lots of hands-on activities for my kids to do while traveling, but sometimes screentime is the best way to keep a child occupied or distract them from a meltdown. 

The Kindle Fire comes with a tough, child-proof case and a two-year warranty. You can choose to stream content through wifi or download it onto the device.

Tip: Be sure to download some favorite movies, shows, or apps before getting on the plane. 

Learning Workbooks

Learning workbooks are a nice way to combine academic learning with entertaining travel activity. And although these workbooks do have educational value, they are also a lot of fun for kids to work on while traveling.

You can find all sorts of interesting workbooks with a variety of interesting activities based on your child’s age. For kids ages 3-6, the Little Get Ready! series has some really engaging activity books. Another favorite is Highlights , which also has a wide rage of learning workbooks for all different grade levels and topics.

Help your child learn a craft to keep them entertained while traveling. Our 5-year-old recently expressed a desire to learn to crochet, and that can keep him engaged for hours!

A craft like crocheting, knitting, weaving, or needlework is perfect for keeping a child occupied on trips, whether you’re traveling by car or plane. (And yes, you can bring knitting and sewing needles on a plane!)

This is usually one that you want to prep a bit beforehand though so that they can learn the basics and you can see if it’s really something that will keep their attention. You can get your child started with this beginner crochet set or a loom kit for making hats and infinity scarves .

And of course, there are a lot of other interesting crafts out there. See what appeals to your child and help them to develop that talent as they travel!

Drawing book

For your little budding artist, bring a book that teaches them to draw pictures. This is a another way for them to learn some new skills while they pass the time.

For younger children, consider a book like How to Draw Animals for learning to draw basic pictures. For older children up for a bit more of a challenge, How to Draw All the Things for Kids has detailed tutorials for 42 different projects. 

Pair it with a small sketch pad and a couple of colored pencils or mechanical pencils (so that you don’t have to worry about the tip breaking) and your child will be all set to draw to their heart’s content!

Look-and-find book

Look-and-find books are a fun way to keep children entertained while traveling. They will love exploring the detailed pictures as they search for various items on each page. 

We love the 1001 Things to Spot books by Usborne. The pages are so interesting and our kids have a great time looking for all the different objects in the pictures. Usborne has a lot of books in the 1001 Things to Spot series, including Animals , Bugs , Monsters , and so on.

Magnetic tin playset

A magnetic tin playset is a self-contained activity that provides lots of creative fun for kids. The inside of the tin contains a background onto which your child can stick the magnets to create a fun scene. Each set comes with dozens of small magnets that match the theme of the set you chose. 

These are a great entertainment option for traveling by car or plane, or for using as entertainment when you arrive at your destination. My kids love arranging and rearranging the magnets to create new scenes and stories!

Tip: Bring a small plastic bag to use for storing the magnets you aren’t currently using, otherwise the scene ends up getting a bit too crowded. 

Usborne Wipe-Clean book

These Wipe Clean books by Usbourne Books and More have been one of my go-to travel activities for kids for years. There are a lot of different options depending on what your child is ready for or interested in, including Wipe Clean Travel Activities , Wipe-Clean Space Activities , Wipe Clean First Math , Wipe Clean Travel Puzzles , and the list goes on and on.

One of the nice things about these books is that they incorporate all sorts of learning activities without making it feel like a workbook. I also love the fun and engaging pictures and that it’s endlessly reusable. Just wipe it off and start again!

Tip: Don’t forget to bring some extra dry erase pens for when your child inevitably misplaces theirs!

Would You Rather Book

For kids who love a good laugh, this Would You Rather Book for Kids is sure to keep them enteretained as they think through various “would you rather” scenarios.

This book contains 200 would you rather questions to get your child thinking and laughing. It’s a fun way to get conversation going and bond as a family as you talk through different outlandish situations.

The book is compact and easy to pack, but contains hours of entertainment for your trip!

Color by Numbers

Color by Numbers books are a fun way for kids to entertain themselves while traveling.

This set comes with numbered pens that correlate to the numbers on the pictures so kids know which color to use for each section of the picture. The numbers disappear after you color over them, leaving just the art behind!

Our son loved seeing the colorful picture appear as he used the numbered markers.

If you have a kid who enjoys puzzles, consider bringing a small puzzle or two to help them pass the time.

These small 20-piece puzzles are a great travel activity for younger kids. They have a frame and travel bag, so it’s easier to keep all the pieces contained and to pack up when it’s time to go.

For older kids, consider a larger puzzle as a hotel activity to keep them occupied if you have some downtime in your room. 

One great way to pass the time while traveling is listening to podcasts. There are some really fun and entertaining podcasts for children out there that are sure to keep kids entertained on a trip. Our son could listen to his favorite podcast (Little Bedtime Stories) for hours!

Just make sure to bring a good pair of headphones for an ideal listening experience. For our younger kids, we typically use toddler headphones , but when they get older we prefer a pair of wireless headphones .

Tip: Preview the podcasts before your trip so that you know that it’s something that your child will find entertaining and also something that is appropriate for your child. Also, be sure to download the podcasts in advance so that you have access to them when you don’t have internet access.

Riddles Travel Game

Get the gears turning by bringing along some riddles for your child. The 100 PICS Riddles Travel Game is a pocket-sized deck of 100 riddles, perfect for travel!

At the bottom of each card is the scrambled answer to the riddle, so you have an extra clue if you need help. Once you’ve guessed what it is, slide open the shutter to reveal the correct answer.

The small size and portable case make this a perfect travel activity for kids!

Sticker books

You can’t go wrong with sticker books for travel. And these days, there are so many different options that kids of all ages will love!

Our 3 and 5-year-old sons both loved the First 100 Trucks and Things That Go Sticker Book . It’s full of fun sticker activities, from color matching to creating your own construction site. This was one sticker book that our kids kept coming back to again and again throughout our trip!

Origami Craft Activty Set

For kids who love crafts, origami is a fun way to engage their creativity while traveling.

This On the Go Origami Kit from Melissa and Doug comes with all the materials you need to make 40 paper animals, along with detailed instructions. The papers have marks on them to show where to where to fold and include stickers to add eyes and embellishments to the completed animals.

There are beginner, intermediate, and advanced projects, so your child can challenge themselves with more difficult creations when ready.

Travel journal

Kids will love recording their travel memories and experiences in a travel journal! 

The Ultimate Travel Journal for Kids provides a creative forum for little travelers to think about and write about their travel experiences. This book includes guided travel writing prompts as well as games and activities for keeping kids entertained on the go. And there’s space to write about four trips, so your child can look forward to using it on their next trip too!

This is one of those perfect travel activities for kids that gets them really thinking and engaging in their trip. Plus it’s a great way for them to record memories to look back on for years to come!

I don’t know what it is about stencils, by my kids find them so fun to play with! Maybe it’s that they can get really fun and detailed pictures that would be challenging for them to draw on their own. 

And there are some really fun stencil sets out there. This set comes with 16 stencil sheets with a wide variety of subjects (planes, dinosaurs, letters and numbers, animals, princesses, flowers… the list goes on and on). It also has pencils, a sharpener, and a sturdy little carrying case for everything.

But if you’re looking for something more basic, just get a small set to give your child something to work with. The key is just to find a set that appeals to your child and set them loose to see what they create!

Travel Scavenger Hunt

This Travel Scavenger Hunt is a great way to pass the time on a long road trip! The cards are easy to read with big pictures, making it easy for kids of all ages to play.

And in addition to the typical cards of objects to look for, there are also special cards for things to hear (like a siren), feel (like the car going over a big bump), and smell (like a skunk or something stinky).

The one downside for this game is that it doesn’t work as well in more remote areas, as it’s a lot harder to find the items on the cards. But save it for when you’re driving through more urban areas and you’ll have a fun game that everyone will enjoy!

All ages (find age-appropriate books)

Reading is one of the best ways to pass the time while traveling, for children and adults! Find a topic or author that appeals to your child and bring along a book or two for them to read on the trip.

You can choose informative, non-fiction books or gripping fiction, depending on your child’s preference.

We love the Usborne Lift-the-Flap books on all different topics, such Look Inside Space , which has over 70 flaps with interesting facts about space, and Look Inside How Things Work , which teaches all about the inner workings of machines, vehicles, household items, and more. I love these books for travel because one book contains so much information to hold a child’s interest throughout the trip.

Or you can choose a fun fiction book like the Magic Treehouse series (our 6 year old’s favorite), the hilarious and wacky Wayside School series , or an adventure story like Fablehaven .

Whatever your child’s age or interests, you can find fun and interesting books that they will love for your trip! This is probably one of our favorite travel activities for kids because of how engaging a good story can be.

Final Thoughts

When taking a trip with kids, it’s important to bring some fun activities to keep your child entertained. Bringing a few fun items to engage your child during travel will help make for a smoother trip for them and you.

And if you’re looking for some great options, you can’t go wrong with any of these travel activities for kids.

Other posts you might be interested in:

21 Airplane Toys and Activities Your Toddler Will LOVE!

50+ Road Trip Food Ideas- Easy Meals On the Go!

Road Trip Activities for Toddlers (That They Will Really Love!)

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12 genius travel accessories for kids that will make your family vacation so much easier.

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Best Kids Travel Accessories at a Glance

Remember how good it felt the first time you figured out just what to pack in  your diaper bag  to leave the house for half an hour? (Change of clothing, extra wipes and diapers, and … an extra shirt for you.) You have it in your power to feel that mastery when you pack for family vacation now, too.

The Kinds of Kids Travel Essentials Pros Recommend

Depending on the type of traveling you’re embarking on, you will need “a plethora of engaging diversions is paramount to mitigating restlessness and maintaining harmonious spirits.,” says Justin Crabbe , CEO and Founder of Jettly . “Portable electronics, beloved times, coloring accouterments, and diminutive playthings can work wonders in captivating young wanderers.”

And if you’re camping Edenburgh shares “during a recent camping trip with my kids, I found that giving each child their own little backpack with personalized items made them feel involved and kept them entertained. This not only helped them to manage their belongings but also built their independence and enjoyment in the outdoors.”

Below, reference our guide to the best travel accessories for kids to have for your next trip.

Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Kiki Pure is a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Kids Travel Gear for Weekend Trips

Kiki pure a2 uv & 3 stage h13 hepa air purifier.

Travel purifiers are handy, especially when you’re traveling for a long weekend. Whether you’re visiting a humid and stuffy climate, or if your children have breathing sensitivities, this purifier will help them feel soothed like they’re at home. Kiki Pure’s A2 UV & 3 Stage H13 Hepa Air Purifier is one of the best to consider for your next adventure. It features a sleek design, two fan speeds, and up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge (meaning: It’s ultra travel-friendly, which is why it made this list). Most importantly, the air purifier covers up to 150 square feet and is 99.96% effective at controlling allergens, bacteria, viruses, and odors. It’s great for hotel rooms, guest bedrooms, camp sites, RVs, and more.

Entertainment

Tonies peppa pig toniebox starter set.

Tonies are an excellent travel item to take with you on a long weekend trip. Each one is packed with your child’s favorite characters, like this one with Peppa Pig . The Tonies box plays stories, songs, sounds, and more, which gives little ones a break from screen time and a chance to explore their imaginations. Plus, it gives parents a break too!

Kids Travel Gear for Road Trips

Chicco kidfit adapt plus 2-in-1 belt-positioning booster car seat.

Hopping into a car that’s been roasting in a hot parking lot is kind of the worst. And shoving your kid into a hot car seat while you run around to turn on the air conditioning is a dance we’ve all performed. At least we know the breathable fabric in these  Chicco booster car seats  have “naturally derived volcanic mineral particles” so that heat won’t stay trapped there for long.

The Table Tyke Store 100% Silicone Placemat

Toddlers and babies aren’t especially well known for having the best table manners, and getting them to keep their food on a plate at home is challenging enough. This  silicone mat  provides a clean, safe space for them to eat on any flat surface and rolls up easily for storage or travel. It also doubles as a playmat and features a table-hugging bumper mat to prevent your little one from teething on germy corners. 

iClever Kids Headphones 

When you finally decide to plug your child into a screen (or audio device) to get your own vacation peace and quiet (no shame in this), we definitely recommend headphones that won’t get too loud. These inexpensive and durable headphones also feature a built-in splitter, for when siblings and parents want to listen in.

Cubcoat Kids Transforming 2-in-1 Hoodie

You don’t need to pack too many layers for warm-weather travel, but whenever your kid isn’t wearing their  Cubcoat , they can cuddle with it. They also make for excellent little pillows in the car or plane.

Kids Travel Gear for Long Plane Rides

Jetkids by stokke bedbox ride-on suitcase .

If your kid has outgrown their stroller or you’re just not taking it, you will whining when it comes to long walks through hotels, airports, and the like. This  ride-on suitcase  will solve that problem (for kids ages 3-7), and then some. It also converts into a clever footrest that many airlines have approved for use during flight, turning an economy-class seat into a first-class naptime bed.

Melii Snackle Box

Long plane rides mean the kids are going to need plenty of snacks to keep them nourished. Sure, plane snacks are fun, but there’s nothing like their favorite picks from home. That’s where the Melii Snackle Box comes in. It has 12 compartments with removable dividers, so you can completely customize the box for smaller and larger items. The lid also securely fits the box, so you don’t have to worry about spills.

PLUS PLUS Travel Case

It’s a pretty good idea to bring along at least one or two toys to keep kids occupied on vacation, but finding something that’s both compact and engaging for hours and days is a challenge. This  PLUS PLUS Case  comes with 100 pieces and a building base. (We can’t guarantee you will be bringing all 100 of those piece back home with you, sadly.)

Kids Travel Gear for Camping

Kidco peapod plus.

Whether you’re at the beach all day, camping, or crashing at a family member’s home with no crib easily available, your little ones need a comfy, safe, and shady place to sleep . The sleeping pad is built into the bottom of this little tent, and UV protection is built into its cover.

Summer by Bright Starts Pop ‘N Sit Portable Booster Chair

So you could rely on restaurants and friends to provide you with high chairs wherever you go, and then be resigned to feeding your kiddo on your lap when none is available. Or you could get one of these clever  fold-up boosters , which work just as well on the ground as attached to a chair. They’re easy to clean, light, and may even have you tossing out your high chair at home, too.

Kid Made Modern On-The-Go Vacation Journal

If your child loves art, you will always be on the lookout for an easy way to pack some art supplies for vacation. This little vacation journal kit includes pages for documenting the trip and markers, and it will be perfect to pull out during any down-time.

Experts in This Article

Stephanie Edenburgh , CEO of Bizzie Mommy and mother of three Justin Crabbe : CEO and Founder of Jettly

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More stories from parenting, chrissy teigen chronicles her toy-building journey while her kids sleep & we can’t stop laughing, rumer willis’s daughter lou is a sleepy sweetheart in a new photo with aunt scout, don’t be afraid to read to your big kids, too, jana kramer had the best response when her daughter jolie asked if it’s okay to not like taylor swift’s music, drew scott is looking at fatherhood in a new way & his video of son parker will make you emotional.

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"Kid Tripp is a wonderful platforming experience that will have you moving around on your chair with excitement as you get closer and closer to completing its fiendish levels." Nintendo Life

"A brilliantly well put-together labour of love, Kid Tripp will have you gnashing your teeth & screaming with joy." PocketGamer

"Kid Tripp not only offers up a charming world that feels familiar, yet different, but it also puts your platforming skills to the test with pixel-perfect touch controls." Destructoid

"Quite simply, this is the finest platforming experience you can buy now on iOS." Save/Continue

"Tough as nails, but tight as a drum, Kid Tripp brings the thrills of old-skool platforming to the auto-runner genre." AppSpy

"If you're up to the challenge, Kid Tripp is a sometimes brutally hard, yet incredibly rewarding little platform runner." TouchArcade

"Those who love speed running in other games and mastering perfect runs should absolutely delight in Kid Tripp." Gamezebo

"Kid Tripp is right up there with some of the other great retro titles out there like Meganoid and Mikey Shorts." Arcade Sushi

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Kid Tripp has crashed on a mysterious island and now the local wildlife is out to ruin his day. Run and jump your way through 20 levels of intense platforming madness in this tough-as-nails platformer! Have you got what it takes to help Kid Tripp escape? Features: Super challenging, fast paced platforming action. Silky smooth 60 frames per second. Twenty levels, four awesome worlds. Super cute pixel art by Mike Burns. Old school soundtrack from Chris Kukla. Optional challenges to test players' skills to the max.

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His Ex Kept Their Child A Secret So He Wouldn’t Spoil Him, But When He Found Out He Bought The Kid A Ton Of Toys And Planned A Trip To Disney

Hiding a child from their father sounds like something that only happens in movies or cheesy soap operas.

But there are some very real and justifiable reasons you wouldn’t want your child to know their Daddy, especially if they treated you like absolute garbage.

When this user’s brother found out about a surprise son, he wanted to plan a big trip together – good idea or bad ?

Let’s find out.

AITA for saying “this is exactly why she never told you about him” to my brother about his son? My nephew is 3 years old and we only found about him a few months ago. Obviously, the last few months have been rough on all of us, but especially my brother who I think was in shock and denial for the longest time. One of the big reasons his ex didn’t tell my brother about their son was because she didn’t want him to grow up spoiled and entitled like most of my family.

But she said growing up spoiled wasn’t the only reason their nephew was hidden from the family.

My parents also really hated her and did a lot to try and get my brother to dump her. My dad had her fired from her grad job and I think he was the reason she couldn’t get another one in that field for the longest time. So she was scared of how they’d react if they knew. My nephew turned 3 right around the time we found out so we weren’t able to celebrate. His ex would only accept one small gift from my brother for him so my family are belatedly celebrating his birthday and they’re going all out.

She doubted her brother’s ex would be thrilled about all the extravagance they were planning…

My brother has bought more toys than one kid needs and is talking about taking him to Disney even though there’s no way in hell his ex would let him take my nephew abroad. Anyway we were talking about the party yesterday and I told my brother we should tone it down. I said he shouldn’t give his son that many gifts in one go because it’ll upset his ex and most likely overwhelm my nephew whose life has already been flipped upside down. I think for my nephew’s sake it would be best if we work with his ex because we’re all going to be connected forever now so there’s no point fighting or holding onto grudges.

Unsurprisingly, her brother didn’t exactly see things the same way.

My brother disagreed and said he wouldn’t let his ex dictate his relationship with his son. I was going to explain why fighting with her wouldn’t be good for my nephew but our cousins were all siding with him and crapping on me for defending her. They think I’m only siding with her because she was one of my best friends and I’m trying to be friends with her again. I do want her as a friend but that’s besides the point.

And under fire from her entire family, she blew up on her brother…

I was irritated because they were ganging up on me and in the heat of the moment I said “This is exactly why she never told you about him” to my brother. He didn’t say anything but my cousins tore me to shreds. My brother has barely spoken to me since and for some reason our family is now convinced I knew about my nephew all along when I absolutely didn’t. My brother is also being so nasty to his ex now when he wasn’t before and I think it’s because he’s taking his anger at me out on her. AITA?

Sounds like a complicated situation to say the very least.

Reddit said this new aunt was well within her rights.

This user suspected that from the brother’s behavior, the ex probably wasn’t even the one to tell him about his child in the first place.

Many thought that this all boiled down to class, and if the ex was lower class, it would explain her reluctance toward the family.

This user strongly suggested she warn the ex about these gifts before hand so she wasn’t caught off guard.

And finally, while this user said it was understandable for her brother to be hurt, his behavior would only make his ex feel justified in her decision to keep the baby from him.

This is one situation I would not want to be caught in the middle of.

I would definitely watch it with popcorn if it was on television, though!

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The post His Ex Kept Their Child A Secret So He Wouldn’t Spoil Him, But When He Found Out He Bought The Kid A Ton Of Toys And Planned A Trip To Disney first on TwistedSifter .

Michigan student dies 'suddenly' on school trip to robotics competition in Texas

If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, dial 988 to reach someone with  the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline . They're available 24 hours a day and provide services in multiple languages

A Michigan community is mourning after a student died suddenly while on a school trip to a robotics competition in Texas last week.

The student "suddenly passed away," Lake Orion High School confirmed with USA TODAY Tuesday, but did not identify the student. The school is located in Orion Township, about 40 miles north of Detroit.

"It is with deep regret that we inform you about a recent loss to our school community," superintendent Ben Kirby said in a statement sent out to the student body on Friday, obtained by USA TODAY.

"Today, Friday, April 19, one of our current high school students suddenly passed away. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to their family and friends," the statement continued.

Officials have not identified the student.

Student was attending Robotics World Championship

The school's principal, Dan Hass, informed parents that the student was attending the Robotics World Championship, according to reporting by the Oakland County Times .

“Our hearts are very heavy as we mourn this loss," Hass said, per the outlet. "We will be ready to meet the needs of our students and staff Monday morning.”

Kirby noted in the statement that Lake Orion High School and Lake Orion Community Schools have crisis teams that will be ready to "help with the needs of students and school personnel."

"We are saddened by the loss to our school community and will make every effort to support our high school students through this tragedy," Kirby shared.

Authorities in Houston told USA TODAY a 16-year-old boy from Michigan died as a result of an apparent suicide Friday evening. 

The teen's official cause of death is pending an autopsy by the Harris County Coroner Coroner's Office.

Lake Orion High School Robotics team responds to tragedy

"This has been an incredibly challenging time for our team and community, and we are grateful for the overwhelming support we’ve received," Lake Orion Robotics FIRST Team 302 shared in an Instagram post .

"We’re prioritizing the privacy of the family right now and will share more when it’s appropriate. Thank you all for your understanding and support."

Lake Orion High's robotics team was attending the FIRSTS robotics world championships in Houston, Texas that ran April 17 through April 20, according to the competition's website.

Support has poured in from other robotics teams across the country.

"Everyone on f(x) robotics sends their love and support to all @firstteam302 team members, their families, and the entire Lake Orion community as they get through this incredibly difficult time. #wearealldragons ," a North Carolina team wrote.

"4362 would like to extend our deepest condolences to all of the families, students, mentors, and coaches on @firstteam302 we our all here for you. #morethanrobots #wearealldragons ," wrote a Michigan team.

A West Virgina team said it is "grieved by the fact FIRST has lost a member of its community."

"This is a tragic time for everyone associated with team 302 and the FIRST community," an Idaho team shared.

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Kid Fury: Life is Better 2024 (San Francisco) | Cobb's Comedy Club

Kid Fury: Life is Better is set to light up the stage at Cobb's Comedy Club on May 31, 2024. Located at 915 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94133, this concert promises to be an unforgettable night filled with laughter and music. The event will showcase a lineup of electrifying performances that will leave the audience wanting more. Tickets for Kid Fury: Life is Better will go on sale starting from March 8, 2024, at 6:00 PM and will be available until June 1, 2024, at 4:45 AM. This is an opportunity not to be missed for fans of Kid Fury and those looking for a night of entertainment and fun. Come and experience the magic of Kid Fury: Life is Better in the heart of San Francisco. Mark your calendars and get ready for a show that will have you laughing, singing, and dancing the night away.

Provided by artair | Published May 1, 2024

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Powered by hip-hop legends and movie stars Kid n Play, The Fun House podcast is a curated platform that celebrates 50+ years of hip-hop and the impact its had globally on all cultures. The riveting podcast features coveted interviews across diverse guests and an enviable trip down memory lane with some of today’s most celebrated new artists along with the founding fathers of hip hop.

The Fun House w/ Kid N Play Urban One Podcast Network

• 30. APR. 2024

Kid Capri talks Beef w/ Martin Lawrence, Who's Hot In Hip-Hop, Def Comedy Jam + More

DJ Kid Capri blesses the mic with exclusive stories from his personal crates that span from the early days of hip-hop, to who's hot and who's not today!  He also dishes on the "beef" with him and Martin Lawrence from the hit tv series, "Martin".   Watch full episodes of #thefunhousepodcast with Kid n Play on YouTube https://FunHousePodcast, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or visit @urban1podcasts to learn more. Catch us live by visiting us at https://www.thefunhousewithkidnplay.com/ Follow us on IG: @thefunhousepod @KidFromKidnPlay @the_playgroundz @Jodi.Gomes  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• 22. APR. 2024

TREACH talks Friendship with Biggie & Tupac, Crazy Story w/ Michael Jackson & Bubbles, Repsect For Queen Latifah + More

Join us for our inaugural episode of The Fun House with Kid N Play when our first guest, Treach from Naughty By Nature, stops by to share exclusive stories about his friendship with Biggie, being a roadie for Tupac, his respect for Queen Latifah and hanging out with Michael Jackson and Bubbles the Chimp!  Also, find out what's next for Treach—could it be a mashup with Eminem?  Endless fun and surprises populate this first episode, which takes you on an insider's journey in hip-hop like no other!   Watch full episodes of #thefunhousepodcast with Kid n Play on YouTube https://FunHousePodcast, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or visit @urban1podcasts to learn more. Catch us live by visiting us at https://www.thefunhousewithkidnplay.com/ Follow us on IG: @thefunhousepod @KidFromKidnPlay @the_playgroundz @Jodi.Gomes  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Jessica Alba Smiles with All Three of Her Kids in Cute Photos as She Celebrates 'Another Trip Around the Sun'

The actress shares her daughters Honor and Haven and son Hayes with husband Cash Warren

Jessica Alba/Instagram

Jessica Alba is spending her birthday surrounded by her loved ones.

On Monday, April 28, the actress, 43, shared a series of photos on her Instagram as she celebrated her 43rd birthday. In one sweet photo, Alba poses with her family of five, standing in front of four different cakes.

Alba smiles as she has one arm around daughter Honor, 15, and the other around daughter Haven, 12. Husband Cash Warren, 45, stands next to Honor, placing a hand on her shoulder while son Hayes, 6, smiles for the camera in, posing in front of his sister.

Another sweet photo shows the mom of three with both her daughters, sitting on a day bed together as they enjoyed Alba's birthday party.

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Earlier this month, Alba shared a series of photos on  her Instagram  from her trip to London with her two daughters . In one photo, the proud mom posed to the left of her older daughter, who stood taller than Alba.

Daughter Haven posed on the other side of her sister, only a few inches shorter than Honor. The mother and daughters could also be seen enjoying afternoon tea at Sketch, attending a play at the West End and posing in front of the iconic red phone booth.

"Girls trip 🇬🇧🫶🏽🤍☺️  #SpringBreak   #London ," Alba wrote in her caption.

In September, Alba  shared with PEOPLE that she learns from her kids  just as much as they learn from her.

"They're either teaching me something every day or I'm teaching them something," she said.

"We're learning from each other. It's definitely a back and forth," she said, adding that it's important to "not take the relationship for granted, knowing that I'm always going to be there for them, and for right now, they're always going to be in the house. We have a really healthy relationship and unconditional love for one another."

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Kristi Noem killed her pet dog, "Cricket," after the animal misbehaved on a hunting trip, she says

In her tell-all book, noem proves she can get the “job” done, no matter the animal, by nandika chatterjee.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a Republican seen as a potential running mate for Donald Trump, tells a story in her new book about shooting and killing her young dog and a goat, The Guardian reported .

In the book, Noem explains in excruciating detail how she gunned down a 14-month-old wirehair pointer named "Cricket." What crimes earned this dog the death penalty? Noem reported that the puppy was disobedient and out “having the time of her life” during a pheasant hunting trip and that the animal later attacked and killed a neighbor's chickens.

The ill-fated Cricket proved not to be a bad hunter, after all, but was guilty of killing the wrong kind of bird. According to Noem, since a shock collar didn't instill the desired discipline, the only reasonable thing to do was to kill the excitable and “untrainable” pup.

Noem, who became governor in 2019, likened murdering her canine to having the ability and willingness in politics to do anything “difficult, messy, and ugly.” It’s not the only animal she chose to sacrifice that day, she wrote: "​​I realized another unpleasant job needed to be done.”

The “job” in question was killing a “nasty and mean” male family goat. What outrageous crimes did the goat, whom she described as “disgusting, musky, rancid,” commit other than needing a bath? The uncastrated, unnamed farm animal, “loved to chase” Noem’s children, knocking them down and ruining their clothes.

After killing the goat, who proved to put up a bit more of a fight than the defenseless dog, Noem wrote that the school bus arrived to drop off her kids. Her daughter Kennedy looked confused, according to Noem, asking: “Hey, where’s Cricket?”

“I guess if I were a better politician I wouldn’t tell the story here,” Noem wrote.

Death of Lake Orion teen on robotics trip determined to be suicide, Houston police say

The death of a Lake Orion High School student during a school robotics trip in Texas has been determined by medical examiners to be a suicide, Houston police officials said.

The April 19 death of the teen, whose name has not been released, was investigated by the Houston Police Department.

The Harris County Institute of Forensic Science determined the death was suicide, Houston police public information officer Victor Senties told The Detroit News on Thursday. Senties added results of the teen's autopsy remained pending.

The student was in Houston with members of the high school's robotics team , school officials said. High school officials said in an April 15 Facebook post that the school's robotics team was heading to Houston to compete in the FIRST robotics world championships, which began last April 17 and ran through April 20.

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