The perfect destination for a family vacation should offer a mix of hands-on activities and family-friendly accommodation with a little education thrown in. Some of the best vacation spots in the US include:
- Disney World, Orlando, Florida
Famed for its timeless appeal, this remains a popular destination for families. Your children will love seeing their favourite cartoon characters come to life amid numerous theme parks and rides. For an additional treat, take your family on a trilling roller coaster ride at Universal Studios or head to SeaWorld to catch the famous Shamu Show.
- Washington D.C.
Take your family on a historic journey exploring the diverse museums and landmarks in Washington, all within walking distance of each other. Entry into any Smithsonian museum is free and you should pay a visit to traditional sites such as the Washington Monument. After a day of sightseeing, unwind and enjoy a meal at one of the trendy dining spots dotting the city.
- Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Drag your children away from their gadgets and let them spend a vacation communing with nature. The scenery in Yellowstone is picturesque and Old Faithful never disappoints. There are plenty of family-oriented activities on offer including hiking, fishing and ranger-guided tours. Your family will also get a kick out of camping out and you might catch a glimpse of some of the park’s wildlife.
- Honolulu, Hawaii
Escape from the city and take your family to this tropical paradise. Honolulu is easily accessible and provides lots of activities to satisfy every vacationer. You can spend your days sunbathing, swimming or snorkelling. Alternatively, you can schedule a visit to Pearl Harbour and the USS Arizona Memorial, two reminders of WWII.
Remember that if you are travelling to the USA from the UK you will need ESTA approval. You can find out more here: www.estafasttrack.org.uk/
- Wisconsin’s water parks, Madison, Wisconsin
The self-proclaimed Waterpark Capital of the World has enough to keep the whole family busy. Take your children on an exciting amphibious boat ride or spend time on one of the numerous waterparks in Wisconsin Dells. Ensure you catch the Tommy Bartlett Show for a dazzling display of speedboat stunts.
- Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico
Combining wildlife with a bit of history, this destination nestled at the base of the Guadalupe range is sure to be a family favourite. Whether you join a guided tour and venture underground to explore the slightly spooky caverns or you opt for a hike round the scenic trails, your days will definitely be filled with adventure.
- Pikes Peak, Colorado
This is the perfect location for relaxation and rejuvenation. Children can spend their days feeding giraffes at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, hiking the nature trails, biking, horseback riding or taking cogwheel train rides to the top of the peak.
- Chicago, Illinois
Nicknamed the windy city, Chicago teems with family-friendly attractions. The city is home to the Shedd Aquarium, Lincoln Park Zoo and the Field Museum. Set aside time to explore Chinatown or catch a comedy show in a theatre. Don’t forget to spoil your children with the carnival rides at Navy Pier.
- Hershey’s Chocolate World, Pennsylvania
Thrill your family with a vacation in this chocolate town. Whether you opt to catch a show at the Giant Center, investigate the museums and zoo or take a trolley excursion through the town and a roller coaster ride at Hersheypark, your holiday is bound to be fun-filled and memorable.
- Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, Maine
Any family that adores the outdoors will love this park with its breathtaking views of the Gorham and Cadillac Mountains. Offering ranger-narrated boat cruises, hiking, biking, visits to The Wild Gardens of Acadia as well as various museums and state parks, your family will never get bored.
Travelling with your family in tow might be exhausting but the rewards are worth it. Wherever you go, remember to have fun and squeeze in as much bonding time as you can.
