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THE MILESOPEDIA COLLECTION

Best Family Destinations in the US

Kid-approved destinations for every age. From theme parks to national parks, beaches to mountains.
Find your next experience

LET THE CALENDAR INSPIRE YOU

When will you go?

A month. A season. Somewhere new.

10 experiences

The experiences

  • FL
  • Theme Parks

Orlando, FL

Best months
Feb · Mar · Sep · Oct · Nov
Best ages
All ages
  • Walt Disney World
  • Universal Orlando
  • SeaWorld
  • CA
  • Beach & Zoo

San Diego, CA

Best months
Mar · Apr · May · Jun · Sep · Oct
Best ages
All ages
  • San Diego Zoo & Safari Park
  • LEGOLAND California
  • La Jolla Cove
  • NC
  • Beach & History

Outer Banks, NC

Best months
May · Jun · Sep · Oct
Best ages
5-15
  • Wild horses
  • Wright Brothers memorial
  • Lighthouses
  • WY
  • National Parks

Yellowstone & Grand Teton

Best months
Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep
Best ages
5+
  • Old Faithful
  • Wildlife spotting
  • Junior Ranger programs
  • HI
  • Beach & Nature

Maui, HI

Best months
Apr · May · Sep · Oct · Nov
Best ages
6+
  • Snorkeling at Molokini
  • Road to Hana
  • Haleakala sunrise
  • DC
  • Educational

Washington, DC

Best months
Mar · Apr · May · Sep · Oct
Best ages
6+
  • Smithsonian museums (free)
  • National Mall
  • Air & Space Museum
  • Multiple
  • Indoor Water Park

Great Wolf Lodge (multiple locations)

Best months
All year
Best ages
3-12
  • Indoor water park resort
  • MagiQuest adventure game
  • Bowling, arcade, spa
  • SC
  • Beach & Entertainment

Myrtle Beach, SC

Best months
May · Jun · Sep · Oct
Best ages
All ages
  • 60 miles of beaches
  • Broadway at the Beach
  • Mini golf capital
  • TN
  • Mountains & Shows

Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, TN

Best months
Apr · May · Jun · Oct
Best ages
All ages
  • Dollywood
  • Great Smoky Mountains
  • Aquarium of the Smokies
  • CA/NV
  • Lake & Mountains

Lake Tahoe, CA/NV

Best months
Jan · Feb · Jun · Jul · Aug · Dec
Best ages
5+
  • Crystal clear lake
  • Skiing in winter
  • Hiking in summer

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.

A CLOSER LOOK

A little planning. A better experience.

The context and practical tips to plan your next trip.

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.

YOUR QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Travel

A few answers before you book.

What 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.

How 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.

What 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.

At 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.

How 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).

Are 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.

WHERE TO NEXT?

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