United States & Canada

Best Family Friendly Vacations - United States & Canada

Orlando, Florida

Orlando offers opportunities to ricochet through a thrilling itinerary of roller coasters, resorts, dinosaurs and Disney amusements. Fantastic family fun plus shows and rides galore come courtesy of Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando and Universal's Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios.

New York City, New York

New York's many zoos, museums and landmarks make the city a perfect destination for families of all ages. Explore Times Square or take the kids to FAO Schwarz, take a boat ride to the Statue of Liberty or an elevator to the top of the Empire State Building, eat lunch at Carnegie Deli or picnic in Central Park - the choices are endless.

Chicago, Illinois

One of the best places to go with family in tow, Chicago absolutely teems with attractions. Choose from the fun of touristy Navy Pier and photo ops at the mirrored Cloud Gate sculpture to riding a tandem along the hem of Lake Michigan, the (free) zoo or the wonderful Shedd Aquarium.

Anaheim, California

Anaheim is ideally situated to take advantage of all Orange County's adventures, whether you plan on delving into the delights of Disneyland or basking on the bountiful beaches. Biplanes and hot-air balloons soar over O.C.'s aquariums, museums and restaurants. A visit to Nixon's Birthplace adds another element to family vacations.

San Diego, California

Beaches, fierce beasts and some serious splashes are just some of the sizzling hot family attractions in San Diego. The home of the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld and LEGOLAND California's slew of more than 50 rides, holidays in San Diego are always hot commodities.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

With its beautiful beaches and scores of golf courses, popular Myrtle Beach offers plenty of great outdoor activities. And if the weather doesn't cooperate, there's a great hands-on children's museum, Alligator Adventure and outlet malls that are sure to please.
Also recommended for: Beaches & Sun

Washington DC, District of Columbia

D.C. diversity dazzles. Families find an endless variety of attractions to explore, from the buzz of Georgetown and funky Adams Morgans to more than a hundred monuments and museums, including the Smithsonian. And most are free! There's also a vibrant performing arts scene and major league sports excitement, courtesy of the Redskins and the Nationals.

Boston, Massachusetts

With its host of revolution-related sites and an eclectic range of attractions, from the Museum of Science to the Museum of Bad Art, Boston is an inspired choice for family vacations. Watery wonder is on offer at New England Aquarium and from a swan boat on Public Garden Lagoon.

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

Honolulu has more than history and tropical beaches. The entire family can delight in the astounding views from the short hike to Diamond Head crater, splash about in any of the water parks, investigate Hawaiian marine life in nature reserves and aquariums and indulge wonder in the many kid-friendly museums.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale calls itself the Venice of Florida, with frontage on the Atlantic Ocean, the New River and the Intracoastal Waterway. Families can journey through the Everglades, salt marshes and savannahs or relax on sunny, sandy beaches. Kids will especially love the Museum of Discovery and Science.

Maui, Hawaii

Whether on beautiful island beaches or volcanic craters, families will have a hot time enjoying all that Maui has to offer by foot, bike, car, helicopter or submarine. Kids will especially enjoy a Trilogy trip to Lanai, exploring Haleakala crater and visiting Maui Ocean Center's Turtle Lagoon and Hammerhead Harbor.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Boasting the world's longest pleasure beach, a renovated three-mile boardwalk and a plethora of parks--nature and themed--Virginia Beach is a perfect family getaway. You can escape the sun, but not the water; explore Virginia's largest aquarium or Ocean Breeze Water Park.

Nashville, Tennessee

Great country music may have put Nashville on the map, but other attractions are rapidly taking center stage. The nationally acclaimed zoo features the largest community-built playground in the nation, plus great animal exhibits. And the Adventure Science Center is perfect for all ages.

Kauai, Hawaii

The least developed of Hawaii's major islands, Kauai offers big fun to young families. Take a boat ride to Fern Grotto, explore the Children's Discovery Museum or go wild at the Makalani Playground and Lydgate Beach Park, wandering a labyrinth, snorkeling or swimming in pools safe enough for your littlest ones.

Los Angeles, California

The rejuvenated Hollywood Boulevard is sure to keep the family entertained with such historic sights as the Chinese and El Capitan theaters and Hollywood and Highland, the home of Academy Awards, plus visit the kitsch hot dog stand, Tail O' The Pup. Griffith Park offers great Hollywood Sign views.