Traveling with kids is a great way to strengthen bonds and make lasting memories together. But it can also be costly, largely due to airfare and accommodations.
Taking some time to research family-friendly destinations before your trip can help cut down on costs. Consider these popular locales to save money while still enjoying an unforgettable vacation with your little ones.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is home to a variety of kid-friendly activities and unique mountainside attractions. With enough things to do for a week’s vacation, this Smoky Mountain destination is sure to please the entire family. From scenic hikes to thrilling rides, Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forest has it all!
Start the day with a heart-pumping hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most visited parks in the country. This mountainous area is dotted with trails that offer views of the stunning landscape, trout fishing and wildlife encounters. Several trails are suitable for kids, including Grotto Falls Trail and Laurel Falls Trail, both a short 2.5 miles roundtrip with a beautiful waterfall at the end, and Cove Mountain Trail to Cataract Falls. Then, stop by Clingman’s Dome for a view of the breathtaking scenery from an observation tower.
If you’re looking for a little more adrenaline, head to Anakeesta, a mountain theme park that offers a bird’s-eye view of the town and the surrounding Smoky Mountains. Ride the chondola (chair-gondola), which is available with open-air or closed sides, to get to the top of the attraction and enjoy all the sights. There are lots of fun activities for all ages here, from ziplines and a mountain coaster to ropes courses, treetop canopy walks and restaurants. Plan your visit at the right time and you can also enjoy special events, like haunted houses during Halloween or holiday lights at Christmas.
Shopping in Gatlinburg is a treat for the whole family, thanks to its many specialty shops. The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is a popular place to find handmade goods from local artisans, including watercolor artists, woodworkers, silversmiths, soap makers and more. You can even watch some of these craftspeople at work as you peruse the stores. Be sure to check out the Village Shops, a small collection of boutique shops set within a European-style village with a gorgeous fountain. Shoppers will love finding gifts at the Cheese Cupboard, The Honey Pot, and Zi Olive.
The Old Mill District in Gatlinburg is another great shopping spot, with a variety of antiques and artisan-made items. This is a great place to pick up souvenirs for the family back home, or just find unique gifts for friends and loved ones.
San Diego
With gorgeous beaches, enchanting parks, and a wide variety of family-friendly attractions, San Diego is one of the best family vacation destinations. From exploring museums to spotting marine animals, the city offers something for everyone in your family.
Start your trip with a visit to the famous San Diego Zoo, which is among the top things to do in San Diego with kids. This world-famous zoo is known for its incredible animal care and preservation efforts, as well as the many educational activities that it provides for visitors.
The San Diego Natural History Museum is another must-visit during a family trip to this California town. This museum is packed with hands-on exhibits, and it is perfect for kids who love science and nature. The museum also has a number of really cool miniature train models that will fascinate kids of all ages.
If you have a kid who loves Legos, then be sure to add a day at LEGOLAND California to your San Diego vacation plans. This family-friendly theme park is full of fun-filled activities and attractions that will delight kids ages 2 through 12.
Other top things to do in San Diego include visiting the seaside Embarcadero district, where you can find the Maritime Museum, the USS Midway, and the Star of India ship. It is also home to Seaport Village, a shopping and dining area that has something for every member of the family.
Families can also find a wide variety of outdoor adventures on the beautiful San Diego Bay, which includes the Coastal Trail, a mile-long boardwalk that is surrounded by nature and offers amazing views of the bay. Guests can also take a tour of the USS Midway on the bay, or they can go kayaking or ride surrey bikes along the waterfront.
If you’re traveling with kids, you can also explore the La Jolla Cove, a coastal destination that is perfect for watching sea lions in their natural habitat. Other activities in this stunning beach community include kayaking and snorkeling.
Orlando
Orlando is known for its theme parks, but there are plenty of other family-friendly activities in the Sunshine State. Get outdoors and enjoy the scenery on a hike or bike ride, or catch an improv show at the Orlando Improv. Learn about the area’s history and culture at one of its many museums.
Kids will love a hands-on science museum, such as the Orlando Science Center. This center includes a dinosaur exhibit and a weather room, making it a great choice for children of all ages. Families can even feed giraffes and other animals at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens.
Those looking to add some extra adventure to their trip can try an aerial adventure park, like Seminole Aerial Adventures. The attraction is located near Orlando’s theme parks and features a zip line course, swinging logs, suspension bridges and more. Kids ages five and up are allowed to attempt the kids course, which is recommended for those at least 36 inches tall.
Families can also grab some tasty eats at a local farmers market. The Orlando City Farmer’s Market offers a variety of local foods, and the Winter Garden Farmers Market is a great place to pick up some fresh produce.
There are plenty of kid-friendly themed restaurants in the area, too. The Orlando Repertory Theatre lets young kids get a taste of the theater, while Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is perfect for fans of the Mouse House.
If your little ones love a good story, check out one of the many live theater shows in town. Whether it’s a magic show, a pirate tale or a mermaid musical performance, there is bound to be something your children will love.
When you need to take a break from all the excitement, head to a splash pad or play zone. Countless water activities are available, including swimming with dolphins at Discovery Cove. Then, let your kids burn off some energy on a multi-level go-kart track. Or, spend the day at Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake and check out its walking trails, petting zoo and unique animal shows.
San Francisco
The bay city of San Francisco might not be the first place that American families think about when planning their next family vacation but it’s one of the most family-friendly destinations around. This incredible city has everything from innovative museums to amazing kid-friendly playgrounds that are a hit with all ages.
The iconic cable cars are a hit with kids and a great way to see the city from different angles. The three routes run through North Beach, Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square and are a fantastic way to get from A to B on your trip. For older children there’s the chance to ride on a real submarine at Pier 45 in Fisherman’s Wharf too, this is a really impressive and unique experience that will thrill even the most daring kids!
A day in Golden Gate Park is a must and this expansive urban oasis is home to a string of family-friendly attractions. Take a tram tour to learn about the city’s history and take in all of the stunning scenery, it’s also possible to rent paddleboats on Stow Lake for some fun in the sun.
You should make time to visit the ‘Crookedest Street’ in the city which is actually Vermont street in Potrero Hill, it might not be as crooked as Lombard street but it’s certainly very impressively bent! There’s also the opportunity to walk up and down the beautiful steps of the Presidio which are a hit with kids and offer some fantastic views over the city.
If your kids are a bit younger and you’re looking for something a little more hands on then head to the Bay Area Discovery Museum which is right by the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s an immersive and interactive museum with indoor and outdoor activities that are a hit with all ages.
For older children a day at the Exploratorium is always a hit, this huge creative space is filled with fun science experiments and is a great place to let your kids imaginations run wild. You could also take the short ferry ride to Angel Island state park, this is a fantastic opportunity for some outdoors adventure that’s close to the heart of the city.
