10 Best Cities for Family-friendly Vacation in the USA: Travel Together!!

“A family that travels together stays together!” Traveling isn’t just a word rather it assimilates a lot more - it’s exploration, it’s an adventure, it’s peace, it’s power & when you talk of a family-friendly vacation, it’s a way of strengthening the bond. Be it a short or a long trip, traveling to cities makes for an amazing getaway. From ample luxury accommodations to the most iconic tourist attractions and the best restaurants, a city vacation has it all for people belonging to all ages. Traveling to the best cities for family-friendly vacations is not only refreshing but it is also educational where you can learn ample historical facts. 

Traveling is a fantastic way when you can connect with family. Be it the parent, children, or the siblings - they get better & easy space to reforge & reinvigorate a deeper connection with each other. And, there are a few places in the world that are way more apt for a family-friendly vacation than the other. America is among those countries where - everyone can enjoy a couple of adventurous times and create some great memories together. Some of the best cities for a family-friendly vacation in the USA that gets the lion’s share of attention are Disneyland Park, Washington, New York - there are many more you must add to your bucket list cities for a family-friendly vacation. 

10 best Cities for family-friendly vacations in the USA

1. Boston, MA

2. Chicago, Illinois

3. Washington, D.C.

4. New York, NY

5. Orlando, Florida

6. Albuquerque, New Mexico

7. Palm Springs, CA

8. San Diego, California

9. Indianapolis, IN

10. Nashville, Tennessee

In this article, we’ll help you plan an inspirational family vacation with our massive list of best Cities for Family-friendly vacations in the USA. If you are looking for a family trip inspiration, you’ve landed at the right place. Ready? Get, Set, GO!!

1. Boston, MA

Best things to do in Boston, MA on a family vacation: Boston Museum of Science, Boston Children's Museum, New England Aquarium, a Swan Boat Ride in the Public Garden, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, Visit a Historic Fort, Harvard Museum of Natural History & more.

Best time to travel Boston, MA: June to October

Not losing its old-school charm, Boston has developed itself so beautifully that nothing looks missed out here. Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States, so if you want your children to learn history, it makes for one of the best cities for a family vacation where you can travel & learn. From getting lost in the hall of the museum to interacting with the marine life at the world-popular aquarium— there’s simply so much for you. The city is a delicious dose on your bucket list. In Boston, you also get an opportunity to see & know about the oldest standing baseball stadium in the country. 

2. Chicago, Illinois

Best things to do in Chicago, Illinois on a family vacation: Millennium Park, Shedd Aquarium, Lincoln Park Zoo, Adler Planetarium, Museum of Science and Industry, North Avenue Beach, 360 Chicago, Field Museum, Navy Pier, and more. 

Best time to travel Chicago, Illinois: April through May & September to October

It is the world-class architecture & the unique culture of Chicago that makes it one of the best cities for families vacation. It’s a great place to travel with kids & family! It’s an easy city to navigate when you are traveling with the family as you’ll see most of the top attractions are located in Chicago’s downtown. There is something for every age— be it children, adults, or elderly travelers. So, the most fantastic thing that makes Chicago one of the best cities for a family vacation in the USA than any other city is — the fact that you can travel from one spot to another in a matter of a few minutes. 

3. Washington, D.C.

Best things to do in Washington, D.C. on a family vacation: National Zoo, Natural History Museum, Air and Space Museum, Discovery Theater, American History Museum, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Washington Monument, Tidal Basin, Glen Echo Park, and more. 

Best time to travel Washington, D.C.: March to May & September to November

Washington, D.C. is one of the best cities for family vacation & the most exciting thing about Washington is that— it offers plenty of children-friendly affordable activities some of which are completely free most of which can be easily accessed. These edutainment activities are sure to intrigue you and your children. There are as many as 19 free museums in the Smithsonian Institute and some of the iconic monuments including the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, and more. 

4. New York, NY

Best things to do in New York, NY on a family vacation: Hershey’s Times Square, Central Park Zoo, Yankee Stadium, Circle Line Cruises, 9/11 Tribute Museum, Staten Island Ferry, American Museum of Natural History, Statue of Liberty, and more. 

Best time to travel to New York, NY: April through early June & September through early November.

There is absolutely no place in the world that delivers an exhilarating family-vacation experience as New York City. Be it the kids or the elderly or a young lad in your family vacation group— the massive number of museums & top attractions including The Statue of Liberty & central park — will thrill everyone. In addition, the city offers travelers the opportunity to watch the best family-friendly shows and to check out a great exhibit at some museums — there’s so much to do in the city. What more can we expect from the best cities for family vacations?

5. Orlando, Florida

Best things to do in Orlando, Florida on a family vacation: Walt Disney World, WonderWorks, The Great Magic Hall, Orlando Science Center, Leu Gardens, Orlando Museum of Art, Gatorland, Aquatica Orlando, Wekiwa Springs, Kennedy Space Center & more. 

Best time to travel Orlando, Florida: March to May

Orlando is considered one of the best cities for family vacations and not just for the kids — but for everyone. In fact, even within the limits of central Florida, there is so much to do and experience & though Orlando is not a beach destination, the ocean is just a few hours away. It is the town’s theme parks & the other fantastic features that make it an amazing destination for a family vacation. With the city’s sophisticated growth, many entertainment & engaging options have emerged — where families can laugh together, enjoy together & make some memories together. Besides, there are many fancy hotels available at affordable prices at every nook & cranny of the city. 

6. Albuquerque, New Mexico

Best things to do in Albuquerque, New Mexico on a family vacation: National Hispanic Cultural Center, Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque Balloon Museum, New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, and more. 

Best time to travel to Albuquerque, New Mexico: September to November

Albuquerque bursts with numerous fun-filled activities that make it one of the best cities for family vacation an unforgettable one. From ancient monuments to scenic views to enchanting culture— the city offers endless opportunities to learn, discover & enjoy. While Albuquerque is often overlooked but it should not be— for a city with so much heart all inundated with many great things to see & do. In fact, Albuquerque is the right place, if you are looking for a unique landscape that echoes friendly vibes for your family vacation. Your kids will be offered several reasons to love this place including the— aquarium, botanical garden & the ABQ BioPark. 

7. Palm Springs, CA

Best things to do in Palm Springs, CA on a family vacation: Joshua Tree National Park, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, Indian Canyons, Palm Springs Air Museum, Cabazon Dinosaur Museum, and more. 

Best time to travel to Palm Springs, CA: January and April

Palm Springs can be one of the best cities for family vacations— with plenty of activities for the entire family to get involved in. From visiting the Living Zoo to exploring the Desert Gardens, everything is fantastically FUN— besides you get some awesome deals on the best hotels & resorts. You can enjoy a laid-back vacation in Palm Springs with your family! Obviously, there are no beaches but there are many family-friendly resorts with gigantic swimming pools, onsite dining, kids’ clubs & galore of golf clubs. Everything your wanderlust may be yearning for is all in a beautiful location amidst the mountains & hills. 

8. San Diego, California

Best things to do in San Diego, California on a family vacation: San Diego Zoo & Safari Park, SeaWorld San Diego, USS Midway Museum, Balboa Park & Museums, Belmont Park, Birch Aquarium, Bike & Kayak Rentals, The New Children’s Museum, and more.

Best time to travel to San Diego, California: March to May and September to November

San Diego has been rated as one of the best cities for family vacations! All packed with several top attractions & outdoor activities, and that too all available in your range— you are not bothered about going from one place to the other even if you are traveling with kids. The right place for you to stay would be one of the resorts located in the proximity of Mission Bay, from where popular sites like SeaWorld, Balboa Park's San Diego Zoo, and various museums are closer. For families’ who want to see beaches, Coronado Island is the perfect thing for them — where the historic Hotel del Coronado is located.

9. Indianapolis, IN

Best things to do in Indianapolis, IN on a family vacation: Indiana War Memorial, Indiana State Museum, NCAA Hall of Champions, Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Victory Field, Canal Walk, Old World Gondoliers, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and more.

Best time to travel to Indianapolis: September to November

If you are looking for the best cities for a family vacation in the USA that won’t break the bank— Indianapolis is the right choice for you. And, the city doesn’t offer only some cheap adventures but it has something for everyone. From the world’s coolest museums to tons of unique city charms to some fantastic urban state parks— there is no dearth of places for families to sit together, walk together & strengthen their bonds. The Midwestern city has more memorials & museums than any other city in America. The Indiana War Memorial was built to commemorate the veteran so WWI has two more museums, fountains & parks in its proximity. The Children’s Museum is often loved by kids & at the Carter’s Antique Toy Museum you can ride on ride bumper cars.

10. Nashville, Tennessee

Best things to do in Nashville, Tennessee on a family vacation: Fannie Mae Dees Park, Nashville Zoo, Belle Meade Plantation, Belle Meade Plantation, Music City Hall of Fame, Frist Center for the Visual Arts Nashville, Musicians’ Corner, and more.

Best time to travel to Nashville, Tennessee: March to May & October to November

“Music” runs in every drop of the city’s blood! Nashville, Tennessee is where the longest-running radio show, the Grand Ole Opry was born & for obvious reasons it is called the capital of country music. Many popular singers including Taylor Swift, Jimmy Buffett,  Roy Orbison, and Joan Baez— have recorded their songs here. So, it won’t be any surprise if you run into any of the popular faces here, it could be a fantastic gift on your family-friendly vacation. Besides, there are several family-friendly attractions — like the Lane Motor Museum & the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Many of these attractions charge no admission fees for children and that’s where you can save. All of it makes Nashville one of the best cities for family vacations.