Best Family Destinations in the US
Kid-approved destinations for every age. From theme parks to national parks, beaches to mountains.
Orlando, FL
Theme Parks- - Walt Disney World
- - Universal Orlando
- - SeaWorld
- - LEGOLAND
San Diego, CA
Beach & Zoo- - San Diego Zoo & Safari Park
- - LEGOLAND California
- - La Jolla Cove
- - Balboa Park
Outer Banks, NC
Beach & History- - Wild horses
- - Wright Brothers memorial
- - Lighthouses
- - Uncrowded beaches
Yellowstone & Grand Teton
National Parks- - Old Faithful
- - Wildlife spotting
- - Junior Ranger programs
- - Scenic drives
Maui, HI
Beach & Nature- - Snorkeling at Molokini
- - Road to Hana
- - Haleakala sunrise
- - Whale watching (winter)
Washington, DC
Educational- - Smithsonian museums (free)
- - National Mall
- - Air & Space Museum
- - National Zoo (free)
Great Wolf Lodge (multiple locations)
Indoor Water Park- - Indoor water park resort
- - MagiQuest adventure game
- - Bowling, arcade, spa
- - Year-round fun
Myrtle Beach, SC
Beach & Entertainment- - 60 miles of beaches
- - Broadway at the Beach
- - Mini golf capital
- - Budget-friendly
Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, TN
Mountains & Shows- - Dollywood
- - Great Smoky Mountains
- - Aquarium of the Smokies
- - Pancake houses
Lake Tahoe, CA/NV
Lake & Mountains- - Crystal clear lake
- - Skiing in winter
- - Hiking in summer
- - Beach and water sports
Family Travel Tips
- - Southwest Airlines: kids under 2 fly free, and free checked bags save families $120+ per trip.
- - Hyatt's all-inclusive resorts (Ziva/Zilara) can be booked with 25,000 points/night -- incredible family value.
- - Capital One Venture X: Priority Pass for the family + $300 travel credit makes it the best family premium card.
Family Travel Destinations: Creating Memories with Points and Miles
Traveling with kids doesn't mean sacrificing quality or breaking the bank. From all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean to Disney theme parks, from European city adventures to beach getaways in Hawaii, American families have incredible options for creating lasting memories. Smart use of credit card points and hotel loyalty programs can make family travel significantly more affordable.
Top US Family Destinations
Orlando remains the undisputed king of family travel, with Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld offering weeks of entertainment. San Diego combines beaches, the famous zoo, and Legoland. Hawaii (especially Maui and Oahu) offers family-friendly beaches, snorkeling, and cultural experiences. Washington D.C. provides free Smithsonian museums and monuments. National parks like Yellowstone and Grand Canyon inspire wonder in all ages.
International Family Adventures
Mexico's Riviera Maya offers all-inclusive resorts with kids' clubs, cenote swimming, and Mayan ruins. Costa Rica combines wildlife encounters with adventure activities suitable for families. London and Paris provide world-class museums, historic sites, and kid-friendly attractions. Japan amazes children with its blend of ancient temples and futuristic cities, plus Tokyo Disneyland. Flights from JFK, LAX, and ORD to these destinations are regularly available using airline miles.
Maximizing Family Travel with Points
The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 3x on travel and dining for a family of four, and its points transfer to Hyatt for all-inclusive resorts like Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara. The Amex Gold earns 4x at restaurants and US supermarkets, accelerating points earning for family spending. Hilton and Marriott offer free nights and suite upgrades that give families the extra space they need. Many airlines allow free changes on award tickets, providing flexibility for family schedules.
Family Travel Planning Tips
Book during shoulder seasons for lower prices and smaller crowds. Choose hotels with free breakfast and suite options to reduce dining costs. Pack snacks, entertainment, and changes of clothes in carry-on bags. For international trips, apply for Global Entry for the whole family ($100/person, often reimbursed by premium credit cards) to speed through customs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Travel
1What is the best family-friendly all-inclusive resort bookable with points?
Hyatt Ziva resorts in Cancun, Los Cabos, and Jamaica are among the best all-inclusive options bookable with World of Hyatt points. Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to Hyatt at 1:1. Hilton's all-inclusive brand in the Caribbean is bookable with Hilton Honors points. Club Med properties accept some loyalty currencies as well.
2How can I save money on family travel?
Use credit card points for flights (kids' tickets cost the same miles as adults). Book suite hotels with free breakfast. Travel during shoulder seasons. Use the Chase Sapphire Reserve's 1.5x redemption for family flights. Stack hotel loyalty benefits (free nights, room upgrades). Pack lunches for theme park days.
3What credit cards are best for family travel?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 3x on travel and dining and transfers to Hyatt for all-inclusive resorts. The Amex Gold earns 4x at US supermarkets and restaurants, ideal for family spending. The Capital One Venture X provides $300 in annual travel credits. Add authorized users on premium cards to earn points faster.
4At what age should I start traveling internationally with kids?
Many families start international travel when children are 3-5 years old, when they can enjoy experiences and remember them. However, infant-friendly destinations like Mexico's all-inclusive resorts and Caribbean beaches work well for younger children. Consider flight duration (shorter is better for young kids) and nap-friendly itineraries.
5How do I handle jet lag with children?
Gradually shift bedtimes 30 minutes per day in the week before departure. Arrive a day early to adjust. Keep kids hydrated and active during daylight at the destination. Maintain familiar bedtime routines. Consider booking overnight flights so kids can sleep during travel. Melatonin can help older children adjust (consult your pediatrician).
6Are kid-friendly airline seats worth the extra cost?
For flights over 3 hours, paying for seat selection to keep the family together is worthwhile. Bulkhead seats offer extra legroom for families with infants. Some airlines offer bassinets for under-2s on long-haul flights (request at booking). Consider upgrading one parent to a premium cabin with lie-flat seats for overnight flights to arrive rested.