Every family has different interests and travel preferences.
Fortunately, you dont have to travel outside the country to find a stellar destination for your brood.
Check out these 20 ideas for the best family vacations in the U.S. to get you on your way.
Siblings dipping feet in water on pier at Outer Banks, North Carolina.Credit:ferrantraite / Getty Images
But modern delights are plentiful inBoston, too.
The three-story Boston Childrens Museum stokes little ones curiosity with playful science exhibits, theater performances, and more.
But if possible, book a trip for June to see the magical synchronous firefly spectacle.
Street scene in Boston.Kelsey Glennon/Travel + Leisure
The Museum of Illusions is another fun option.
Other crowd-pleasers for tiny travelers: Sesame Place and Legoland Discovery Center.
(Word to the wise: Snowshoeing is more rigorous than it looks.)
Families at the Pineapple Fountain in Charleston.Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
From May through October,Cape Codhas plenty to keep every member of the family happy.
(Bonus: Both have free admission.)
Each has its distinct charms and perks, so its hard to go wrong.
Horses grazing in a Great Smoky Mountains valley.Jon Mattrisch/Travel + Leisure
Coastal Maine Bike offers rentals for both adults and kids, along with accessories like helmets.
Youll find plenty of shopping and restaurants, especially around Dock Square.
Dont miss the lobster bisque poutine atAlissonsor the lobster rolls and tart lemonade atThe Clam Shack.
Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia.Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure
For a parents-only dinner, spring for theWhite Barn Inn Restaurantor Hidden Ponds ownEarth.
Prefer to take in the scenery from ground level?
Head to Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center.
Paddle boarding in Lake Tahoe.Don Eim/Travel + Leisure
One of the states premier resortsThe Broadmooralso happens to be in Colorado Springs.
If you need a break from sightseeing, take advantage of one of the citys cozy play cafes.
Tourism can help the destination build back better if done responsibly.
Coastline of Cape Cod.Violetta Smirnova/Travel + Leisure
Luckily, there are tons of homegrown businesses with all-ages appeal.
Theres also no shortage of family-friendly resorts.
Notably, theFairmont Kea Lanirecently debuted Hale Kukuna, an open-air cultural center with weekly programming.
Downtown Kennebunkport, Maine.Ivey Redding/Travel + Leisure
(The latter also hosts sleepovers with crafts and games.)
For spellbinding large-scale installations that marry science, art, and technology, spend an afternoon at Artechouse.
Several inns and hotels are situated within blocks of the ferry terminal, including the waterfrontHotel Iroquois.
Garden of the Gods State Park in Colorado Springs.Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure
To explore, rent bikes (and a tag-along, if needed) from Mackinac Wheels.
Fort Mackinac gives little ones a chance to learn about the islands history through live demonstrations.
Before heading home, pick up a box or two of fudge, the islands signature treat.
Skyline behind Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri.Sean Pavone/Getty Images
on the streets of Hogsmeade.
Leave room in your schedule for other marquee sights like the Kennedy Space Center and Orlando Science Center.
Coastal Alaska
Cruises streamline many aspects of travel planning, making them a popular choice for families.
Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
Kids who are transfixed by cars and trains will find the Texas Transportation Museum fascinating.
Morgans Wonderland fosters inclusivity with accessibility-minded rides and attractions.
Channel the spirit of the Mountain West with a stay at the all-inclusiveRanch at Rock Creekin Philipsburg.
The MLK Jr. Memorial in Washington D.C.Heather Durham/Travel + Leisure
And for towering pastrami sandwiches and other deli classics, you cant go wrong with eitherKatzsorSarges.
Perhaps thats part of the reason the Golden IslesSt.
Wildlife is abundant across all four islands, but Little St. Simons holds the crown for bird-watching.
A busy street in Mackinac Island.Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
Of the accommodations on Sea Island, the elegantCloisteris the most family-friendly, thanks to its multiroom configurations.
Scott Markewitz/Getty Images
Mountains along the coast of Alaska.Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
Restaurants in Old San Diego.Chelsea Loren/Travel + Leisure
Market Square in San Antonio.Vincent Mercer/Travel + Leisure
Nature of Big Sky, Montana.Amanda Blackard/Travel + Leisure
A baseball field in NYC’s central park.Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure
Cannon’s Point Preserve in St. Simons Island, Georgia.Stephanie Vermillion/Travel + Leisure