USA with Kids – An Unforgettable Family Trip
Thinking about flying to the USA for a family trip with the kids, hitting New York City, Disney World in Orlando, or cruising through California on a road trip? Fantastic… But remember! A trip with kids is an art of mixing a bit of what parents want with a lot of what the kids demand (but with the right planning, you'll enjoy it too 😉).
Here are 12 key places in the USA that we think are perfect for enjoying with the kids:
- Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida – Disney World's four theme parks, Universal's parks, massive water parks, and Cape Canaveral's spaceships
- Los Angeles – The two Disneyland parks in Anaheim, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Santa Monica Beach
- San Diego – SeaWorld, the museums of Balboa Park, and the San Diego Zoo
- Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park Grand Teton
- Niagara Falls
- New York City – Central Park, giant toy stores, museums, and professional sports
- Vacation in Florida – Resorts in Clearwater, Miami Beach, and the Gold Coast
- Washington D.C. – The museums of the National Mall
- Las Vegas – Massive themed hotels
- Hawaii – Massive resorts for relaxing on the paradise beaches of Maui and Oahu (Honolulu)
- Chicago – Skyscrapers, museums, and the Navy Pier
- Road trip in the national parks of the Colorado River Basin
Click here for all the information on car rental in the USA + useful tips and significant discounts…
Click here for trip planning in the USA and professional consultation…
What to Do with Kids in America?
1. Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida
The city of Orlando in the state of Florida is the embodiment of all family vacation fantasies. Orlando is entirely dedicated to the fantasy world of children. The kingdom of Disney World in Orlando was just the beginning of the family vacation world. Across the four theme parks – Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios, unforgettable entertainment and fun for the whole family await.
Around the city, there are many other theme parks like Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Legoland. A short drive away, you can also visit Busch Gardens in Tampa or see spaceships at Cape Canaveral.
Click here for everything you need to know about traveling in Florida with kids…
The Four Themed Parks of Disney World
There aren't many places in America that compare to the Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista when it comes to the ultimate travel and vacation experience for both kids and adults. In the resort's four themed parks, Walt Disney crafted the perfect holiday experience that allows the whole family to dive into the world of fantasy.
Click here for a list of 10 vacation resorts at Disney World…
Click here for a three-park combo ticket at Disney World, including 24/7 travel agency support…
This is the perfect place to spend time with the kids at the Magical Kingdom and Epcot Park, some of the world's largest and most famous theme parks. Around them, there are countless water parks, hotel resorts where you can have breakfast with Mickey Mouse and Pluto, entertainment venues, and restaurants that are part of the experience, not to mention tons of fun and enjoyment in the ultimate American experience.
The Disney World resort encompasses four theme parks:
Universal Theme Parks
Universal Orlando Resort is a massive entertainment spot just north of Disney World Resort. It's the second most popular vacation and holiday destination in Florida after its southern competitor. The resort features two famous theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure. The parks offer amusement rides and plenty of memorabilia related to the giant production company. The resort also includes accommodations, a large and popular theme water park, and its own small downtown for evening entertainment.
Click here to purchase two-day tickets to the two theme parks…
Click here to purchase the Universal Explorer Ticket (two theme parks + Volcano Bay water park)…
Themed Water Parks in Orlando
An integral part of the Disney and Universal themed parks in Orlando also includes themed water parks. These are giant parks reminiscent of the themed parks, just with slides and pools.
- Aquatica Water Park is located at the northern end of SeaWorld. The park features water slides of all levels and speeds, a wave pool, a wet playground for little kids, lazy rivers both fast and slow, and more. Click here to purchase the Fast Track ticket for Aquatica Park…
- Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is the largest and most central in the Disney World resort. At its heart is the giant pool—the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool. Just to the north is Shark Reef—a saltwater dive with diverse marine life. Surrounding the pool is Mayday Mountain—an artificial mountain with water attractions and slides.
- Blizzard Beach water park is the second park of the Disney World Resort, located near Disney's Hollywood Studios, heading towards Animal Kingdom. The park is built around the large pool Melt-Away Bay. Surrounding the pool is what's called Mount Gushmore, with slopes descending into the pool.
- Universal's Volcano Bay water park at Universal Resort is situated at the southern end of the large complex, right next to highway I-4. The park is built around Krakatau, the iconic symbol of the park (a volcano in Indonesia). The park opened in 2017 as a competitor to the popular parks of Disney World Resort. The park has four sections filled with water slides of varying speeds, tubes, various pools, kids’ areas, places to eat and drink, and relaxation spots.
2. Los Angeles
Los Angeles is the hub of the leisure and attractions of Southern California. In the sunny Golden State, there's so much to see and do with the kids. From thematic parks like Disneyland in Anaheim and the theme park of Universal in Hollywood, to dreamy beaches and lively beach promenades from Venice Beach to the Santa Monica Mountains. From Los Angeles, you can also head to the attractions of San Diego or the Joshua Tree National Park near the resort city of Palm Springs.
Disneyland Park in Anaheim
Disneyland Park in Anaheim was the birthplace of theme parks in 1955. Over the years, the park rightly gained the reputation of being the happiest place on earth and became a significant part of the Disney brand. Today, the entire area is one of the most popular tourist destinations in California and Los Angeles, drawing a massive crowd of visitors of all ages.
The Disneyland Resort includes two theme parks:
Adjacent to the parks is Downtown Disney – an entertainment center and mall, a great place to spend the evening. Nearby are also three themed Disney hotels.
Click here for a list of 8 great hotels near Disneyland in Anaheim…
Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles
Universal Studios Hollywood is a very popular theme park just a short drive from Hollywood. Based on the historic working studios of the production company Universal, a theme park opened where you can enjoy all the fun and experiences of the films produced by the company. The facilities include rides with sets from some of the world's most famous movies and TV shows like The Simpsons, Jurassic World, Harry Potter, and more.
Click here to purchase an entrance ticket for Universal Studios Hollywood…
Click here to purchase the VIP ticket for Universal Studios Hollywood (expensive but worth it!!!)…
3. San Diego
San Diego is perhaps the most fun city in all of California. Throughout the city, there are quite a few unique tourist attractions such as the world's largest zoo, the legendary SeaWorld, the popular Comic-Con convention at the convention center, and the exceptional museum row in Balboa Park. The city's downtown is mainly known for the trendy Gaslamp Quarter, close to the waterfront and the harbor, where you can find the aircraft carrier Midway, now open to the public as a museum. The city offers many options for trips with kids, alongside a unique urban vibe and a popular resort area on the beautiful cliffs of La Jolla.
The Zoo and Museums of Balboa Park in San Diego
Balboa Park is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in California. The park houses the popular San Diego Zoo, and along El Prado Avenue stand important city and regional museums that are a concentrated paradise to visit with kids.
The San Diego Zoo opened in 1916. The zoo spans nearly a thousand acres and houses 650 different species and over 3,500 animals. It is considered the world's largest urban zoo by area and one of the largest in terms of its collection of animals.
Click here to purchase an online entry ticket for the San Diego Zoo…
The 12 main attractions in Balboa Park, San Diego
- The San Diego Zoo
- San Diego Museum of Art
- Timken Museum
- Japanese Garden
- Botanical Garden
- San Diego Natural History Museum
- Aviation and Space Museum
- Fleet Science Museum
- Model Railroad Museum
- San Diego Automotive Museum
- Comic-Con Museum
- Museum of Man
SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego SeaWorld San Diego is a massive theme park by the popular network, located in the northern part of the city. The park combines aquariums and habitats for marine mammals and large fish, along with a popular amusement park featuring roller coasters and other rides.
In the aquarium section, there are 19 different segments where you can see fish and marine mammals. The most popular ones include:
- Dolphin Aquarium and Dolphin Show
- Killer Whales or Orcas Aquarium (where for years, an orca named Shamu performed, becoming the park’s symbol). The aquarium hosts the Orca Encounter, the park's famous show
- Sea Lions and Seals Aquarium
Click here to purchase online tickets for the amazing SeaWorld in San Diego…
4. Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park is the cradle of nature conservation development. It's the first national park established in the world, aiming to preserve the unique nature of northwestern Wyoming. The park is an active volcanic area with stunning geysers and geothermal springs. Beyond the volcanic expanse, the park boasts rugged wilderness filled with bison, moose, elk, and occasionally grizzly bears. Throughout the park, there are hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails of varying difficulty, along mountainous stream channels, by lakes, on peaks, and on the brink of the magnificent Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
Nestled next to the rare geothermal sites of Yellowstone Park, there's an especially green and pastoral alpine valley, in the shadow of the massive Grand Teton Mountain, which stands about 4200 meters high. The mountain and its two neighboring peaks are some of the most beautiful sights of the Rocky Mountains. Grand Teton National Park stretches along Jackson Hole Valley, a lofty alpine valley over 2000 meters high. The valley is teeming with natural attractions like whitewater rafting on the raging Snake River, enchanting lakes such as Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake, special vantage points, hiking trails of various levels, and plenty of nature activities and scenic views.
Click here for a list of 10 excellent lodge hotels near Yellowstone Park and in Jackson Hole…
5. Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is perhaps the main attraction of Northern USA (though your visit to the falls won't be complete without crossing the border to Canada). The falls consist of the impressive American Falls section, but just south of it, the mighty Canadian Horseshoe Falls has become one of the icons of American natural wonders. Surrounding the falls is an impressive array of attractions that essentially allow you to see and feel the falls from a wide range of angles and experiences. The falls and the city are an awesome place to visit with the kids and a chance to cross the border to another country.
Click here to check availability and prices for hotels in Niagara Falls (Canada)…
Click here for a day tour from Manhattan to Niagara Falls…
10 Things You Must See and Do with Kids at Niagara Falls
- A panoramic view of the falls from the top of Skylon Tower
- An eye-level view of the falls from the promenade near the Table Rock Welcome Centre
- See the backside of the falls on the Journey Behind the Falls
- Take in the view from the Cave of the Winds and embrace the wind and spray, even with a raincoat
- Enjoy the falls from the suspended balcony of Prospect Tower
- Feel the power of the falls from the ground below on the Maid of the Mist boat tour
- The Niagara Falls fireworks displays (Click here for the exact show times…)
- The tourist attractions of Clifton Hill amusement park, topped by the giant Ferris Wheel – the Niagara SkyWheel
- Experience authentic Canada on charming Queen Street
6. New York City
New York is the liveliest and most intense city in the world. The city moves at a fast pace and is packed with top-notch museums, attractions, iconic skyscrapers, and more. Despite the fast pace, New York is a great place to explore with kids, as long as you slow down a bit. The city has tons of kid-friendly attractions, including parks, professional games, stunning observation decks, and cruises.
Click here for everything you need to know about visiting New York City with the kids…
Here are 10 of the top attractions we believe are perfect for enjoying with the kids in New York:
- Fresh air and attractions at Central Park
- The big kids' shops in Times Square
- Climbing the Empire State Building or the Freedom Tower
- Cruise to the Statue of Liberty
- The American Museum of Natural History
- Hang out at Pier 17 in the Seaport
- Lunch at Chelsea Market
- Watch a New York Knicks basketball game (or Rangers hockey) at Madison Square Garden
- Catch a Yankees baseball game at Yankee Stadium
- The Bronx Botanical Gardens and Zoo
Click here to find a centrally located hotel in New York suitable for kids…
Click here for a list of 12 fantastic hotels in Manhattan…
7. A Family Vacation in Florida
All across the southern part of Florida, both along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, there are numerous cities and towns all focused on family vacations. Miami Beach stretches along the southern part of a barrier island separating Biscayne Bay from the Atlantic Ocean. The small city just north of downtown Miami is the official start of what's known as Florida's Gold Coast, golden beaches full of sand stretching from Miami beyond Palm Beach. It’s a very popular vacation and entertainment area for Americans, featuring large resorts, family beach hotels, and a particularly fun atmosphere in the bustling city center.
The Tampa Bay metropolitan area offers another side of Florida, along the Gulf of Mexico. The gulf shores, particularly in Clearwater and St. Pete Beach, become lively vacation spots every spring, integral to the spring break scene. These lovely white sandy beaches are filled with plenty of tourist facilities nearby. Clearwater is the central resort destination of the metropolis, located on its northwest side. Clearwater's beaches frequently top the list of the most ‘cool' beaches in the U.S., and for good reason—they're magical, wide, white sandy beaches.
Click here for a list of 8 great resort hotels in Clearwater and Tampa Bay…
In Florida, there are additional vacation spots like Daytona Beach, the Florida Keys and more. All over Florida, one can find great resorts or large resorts with plenty of in-house attractions for kids and, of course, a nearby bathing beach.
Click here for a list of 8 dreamy vacation hotels in Key West and the Florida Keys…
8. Washington D.C.
The federal city Washington DC (District of Columbia) is the capital of the USA and one of the most attractive cities in America. At its heart, the National Mall in Washington is one of the most intense places in the world in terms of visiting and sites. The mall has some of the most famous icons of the USA, such as the Capitol Building, the Washington Monument Obelisk, and an endless list of Smithsonian museums. Sure, the federal and governmental space of America might seem more for adults, but there's plenty to do with the kids at the National Mall.
10 Must-Do Activities with Kids in Washington
- Visit the White House and the Capitol Building
- Climb to the top of the Washington Monument Obelisk
- Aviation and spacecraft at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
- The Dinosaurs of the National Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
- The Smithsonian National Zoo
- Meet face-to-face with the stunning statue of President Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial
- The 20th-century war memorials on the western end of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
- A Washington Wizards basketball game at the Capital One Arena
- American culture at its best at the National Smithsonian Museum of American History
- Relax or just catch some sun and river views at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Click here for a list of 10 excellent hotels in central Washington…
9. Las Vegas
Las Vegas Strip is the ground zero of the world of tourism and leisure. It's the most intense gambling place in the world and a generic name for a getaway spot with a whiff of exciting nightlife. Gambling was the foundation of the city's development as a tourist destination but today, the hotels also offer rare vacation options with pools, spa facilities, indoor malls within the casinos, and a vast array of entertainment choices.
Even the kids are not left out in today's Las Vegas, and there's plenty to see and do with them in Sin City, both in the massive resorts and at various attractions along the Strip.
10 Things You Must See and Do with Kids on the Las Vegas Strip
- The iconic fountain show at the entrance of the Bellagio
- Gondola ride at the Venetian canals
- The Pirate's Cove and Lagoon at Treasure Island Hotel
- The Big Circus and the Adventuredome Indoor Amusement Park at Circus Circus
- The Medieval Castle of the Excalibur Hotel
- Back to Ancient Rome at Caesars Palace Hotel
- Shark Reef and the Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
- The View from the Observation Tower at The STRAT Hotel and Tower
- The Eiffel Tower and Streets of the French Capital at Paris Hotel
- Times Square and the Statue of Liberty at New York New York Hotel
Click here to find a hotel for accommodation, vacation, and entertainment on the Las Vegas Strip…
10. Hawaii
The state of Hawaii is one of the top vacation destinations in all of the United States. Hawaii boasts stunning beaches with developed resort areas, perfect tropical weather, and awe-inspiring volcanic mountain landscapes. A trip to Hawaii is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the whole family. Besides lounging on paradise beaches with luxurious resorts and breathtaking pools, you can explore the volcanic mountains or the impressive series of waterfalls in tropical nature sites. Sure, Hawaii may be a long way off, but for those who already know America, it promises an unforgettable family adventure.
- Maui Island is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands but is likely the top vacation and travel destination in the archipelago. The island features stunning volcanic landscapes in the east and legendary beaches along the western shore. Kaanapali and Napili beaches on the west side are the most attractive family vacation destinations in Hawaii. The secluded beaches of Wailea's coastline are the most luxurious vacation spots in all of Hawaii, with deluxe five-star resort villages. Click here for a list of 10 resorts for a dreamy family vacation on Maui…
- Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii on the island of Oʻahu, is the vibrant metropolis of the stunning Pacific archipelago. Waikiki district is the island's main vacation area featuring luxurious beachfront hotels and resorts. Just a short drive from Honolulu are breathtaking natural sites like the tuff craters of Diamond Head and Koko Head, awe-inspiring botanical gardens, the significant Polynesian Cultural Center, and nature trails in tropical forests over stream valleys and waterfalls. Click here for a list of 10 dream resorts for a family vacation on Oʻahu Island and in Honolulu…
11. Chicago
Chicago, the formidable Windy City on the shores of Lake Michigan, is the birthplace of skyscrapers and one of the most unique cities in the USA. Today's city is bustling, with a plethora of attractions in the Loop (the downtown of Chicago) and on the Magnificent Mile. The city boasts excellent food, especially fun shopping, and breathtaking observation decks on the upper floors of the Willis Tower (Sears Tower) and the John Hancock.
8 Things You Must Do with Kids in Chicago
- Spectacular views from the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (Sears Tower)
- Have fun with the kids at the mall, museum, and restaurants on Navy Pier + enjoy a breathtaking city view
- Observation from the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center over the Magnificent Mile
- Catch the Buckingham Fountain light show in the evening at the heart of Grant Park
- Get a selfie with The Bean, the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture in Millennium Park
- Classic shopping at Macy’s Chicago
- Stroll along the Magnificent Mile from the DuSable Bridge to the upscale E Oak Street
- Catch a Bulls basketball game at United Center or a Bears football game at Soldier Field (or a Cubs or White Sox baseball game)
6 Tours Worth Taking with Kids in Chicago
- Cruise on the Chicago River admiring the skyscrapers
- Guided Sightseeing Tour of Chicago’s Most Famous Landmarks + Tastings
- Guided Bike Tour in Chicago
- Guided Tour of the Movies and Series Filmed in Chicago
- Guided Culinary Tour of Downtown Chicago's Food Scene
- Guided Tour of Downtown Chicago Following the Gangsters
Click here for the Chicago CityPASS, get discounts on five top attractions in Chicago…
Click here for a list of 12 fantastic hotels in the heart of Chicago…
12. The National Parks of the Colorado River Basin
As the Colorado River descends from the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains, it carves its way through a vast desert area known as the Colorado Plateau, recognized in the USA as the Wild West. This towering plateau is characterized by the soft Navajo sandstone spread across harder, ancient geological layers. The carving of the Colorado River (and its various tributaries) through these rocks creates a unique canyon formation. There's no other place in the world with such an incredible concentration of national parks and natural treasures. It's the perfect spot to hop in a car with the kids from Las Vegas and embark on an unforgettable road trip through the Wild West.
The circular travel route east of Las Vegas includes the following parks:
- Valley of Fire State Park
- Hoover Dam
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Monument Valley
- Arches National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
- Kodachrome Basin State Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Dixie National Forest
- Zion National Park
- Red Cliffs National Conservation Area
- Coyote Buttes
- Glen Canyon
Click here for 6 motels and hotels near Grand Canyon National Park…
Click here for a list of 9 great hotels for vacation and trips in Moab, Utah…
Click here for 8 fantastic lodging hotels as a base for exploring Zion Park…
5 Guy's Tips for Traveling with Kids in the USA
America is a dream destination for everyone, both adults and kids. What America offers can't be found in many other places around the world. The intensity and scale of America require meticulous trip planning, especially if you're trying to manage a family trip. Throughout the USA, there is an unimaginable amount of attractions for both kids and adults, and you must come prepared, down to what to do every hour (click here for planning a trip with kids in America by a professional planner…).
America offers a stunning combination of shopping malls with mega-stores like Walmart or Target, as well as local malls and outlets on every corner. There's an unbelievable abundance of food and restaurants, from fast food to truly quality dining, and you can always find something for the kids to eat (hopefully somewhat healthy). Everywhere in the U.S., you'll find attractions for kids, from large, impressive museums to breathtaking national parks, great beaches, theme parks, and various small local attractions that can fill an entire day.
When planning travel itineraries with kids, there are a few basic rules that are highly recommended to implement:
- Flight Comfort – The flight to New York can be rough even for adults without kids, so imagine flying to Los Angeles. More than a day of traveling, being in the air, and waiting at airports with kids is no picnic. It's crucial to prepare well for the journey with lots of treats and fun activities. It's even more important to prepare the kids for the long trip.
- Soft Landing – Upon landing in the USA, the jet lag begins to kick in. The time differences affect adults and can also significantly impact children. The solution is to stretch out the first day until a reasonable hour in the afternoon or early evening, then head for a long sleep.
- Don't Overload – You may have thought you could cover all of Disney World in Orlando in just two days… well, think again. When traveling with kids, whether they're older or definitely if they're young, it's very important to plan a generous daily schedule and not try to see all of the USA in one go. If you've made it to Orlando, dedicate at least four days to all the parks and attractions, and even then, you won't see everything.
- Kid's Daily Routine – When traveling in the USA with kids, it's wise to have a very clear daily schedule (with lots of windows for rest and fun), but with plenty of flexibility within the framework. Start the day with a defined major attraction, and then keep each day of the trip light, with lots of fresh air, snacking options, and finding outdoor spots where you can sit for coffee while the kids run free (with ice cream or a treat in hand).
- Don't Improvising Travel Routes – Traveling abroad means navigating uncharted territory, and even if it's not your first time in the USA, surprises are inevitable. It's important to ensure that the day's main attraction is open and operational because arriving at closed gates is frustrating for parents and a complete patience tester for kids. Knowing exactly where you're going is crucial and, more importantly, where you'll eat and rest afterward!!
