Skip Disney and try one of these hidden gems instead, whether you’re looking for a city, ranch, rocky coastline, or something totally new.
When select a holiday terminus thatkids will enjoy , theme parks and beach trip are always at the top of the list . Who does n’t have it away aDisney vacation ? But you could only spend so long ( andso much ) in the Magic Kingdom , and there are lots and wads of unexpected family travel goal waiting to be explore , hidden gems full of captivation that has n’t been meticulously manufactured by a multinational pot .
accord to the Family Travel Association Annual Family Travel Survey,84 % of parents reportedthat family travel help make their children more adaptable and undefendable to new experiences , and new destinations are a perfect way to blow up their horizons . Sure , everyone loves standing in line for an hour or more to ride a tumbler pigeon coaster , but there ’s a big spacious mankind out there to expose . And you and the kids may be rewarded with a new favored holiday spot .
“ I think Vegas in general is seek to pull in a dissimilar client than what possibly has been coming here for the last 20 years , 30 years , ” says Shana Gerety , Circus Circus ’s General Manager . “ We ’re trying to capitalize on that and show that Vegas is not just a gambling town , ” she suppose .
Photo by Lucy Beaugard, courtesy of Red Cliffs Lodge
Like Las Vegas , there are many surprising family holiday spots across the US . Here are ten out of sight - gem destinations worth considering for your next tiddler - friendly holiday .
Family-Friendly Vacations in the South
Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans
New Orleans , LouisianaThe Big Easy is known for its political party scene , but the city is plenty kid - friendly if you jazz where to look . The Four Seasons is with child for families because it has the most roomy hotel rooftop pool inNew Orleans , complete with cabanas to rent and keen food . Specialty kid agreeableness let in a knock down - out kid ’s tent , movie night packages , and sweet surprises , with views of the Mississippi River and the iconic street car . you may also get a entourage package that includes tickets to some of New Orleans ’ top house attractions atAudubon Nature Institute ’s Zoo , Aquarium , andInsectarium . Take the elevator 34 stories up toVue Orleansfor an interactive experience of the city ’s history and a 360 degree view of the city , or hop on the ferry to Algiers for a fun pass to couple up Confetti Park with Barracuda Taco Stand . grownup will apprize the hotel’sChandelier Barand the proximity to casinos and nightlife , and the entire family will enjoy the Jazz brunch atMiss River . And most significantly , you ’re just a few quick blocks from Cafe du Monde .
Courtyard Greenville Haywood Mall
Greenville , South CarolinaIn the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills , Greenville earn its name with a 32 - acre urban park featuring the Reedy River falls reprieve bridge , and Swedish mile of walk and bike lead atParis Mountain State ParkandCaesars Head State Park . Outdoor fancier marvel at the largest immersion of waterfalls in the Southeast and then unwind at a large engrossment of topically have restaurants and shops on Main Street . Kid can zipline through the tree diagram atFlying Rabbit Adventures , tip the giraffes at theGreenville Zoo , or visitThe Children ’s Museum of the Upstate . All ages can love bowling , arcades , break away rooms , ghost tour , ramp up their own sundae atClare ’s Creamery , and go on theMice on Main Scavenger Hunt .
Big Cedar Lodge
Ridgedale , MissouriThe Ozark Mountains are a renowned paradise for fighting outdoorsy folks , but Branson deserves a 2d look for parents , too . Besides sportfishing tourney on Table Rock Lake , Big Cedar Lodge offers Big Cedar Nature Golf , theTop of the Rockheritage preserves , and golf game cart cave tours . Seasonal kids activities include Big Cedar Bakery Wars , movies on the lawn , and ice skating at Christmas . Fun Mountainis an loose profits for kids too , featuring colonnade games , bumper cars , underwater - theme bowling , laser shred , and a ropes and zipline trend . Family - friendly show on the Branson striptease andSilver Dollar Cityamusement park are a short movement aside .
Thompson San Antonio Riverwalk
San Antonio , TexasThe novel 20 - story luxuriousness hotel overlook the iconic Riverwalk offers soaking tubs , wet bar and Hill Country persuasion , and even a penthouse with a syndicate mesa . But it ’s theThompson Sleepoversthat will snap up the kids ’ care : in - room glamping , everlasting with a delicious ' midnight ' collation pack , fairy light , and themed medal . The puddle deck of cards with offer fun for child while parent relax at the full - serviceThompson San Antonio Spa . Near the dimension , families can experienceThe Alamo , the Spanish colonial missions , or visit one of the many theme commons likeSix Flags Fiesta Texas , SeaWorld San Antonio , orMorgan ’s Wonderland .
Family-Friendly Vacations in the West
Circus Circus
Las Vegas , NevadaVegashas had quite a reputation as a gambling and drinking townspeople , but in recent year , the city has been working to add family - friendly appearance and drawing card , and Circus Circus has been at the forefront . In March 2024 , SpongeBob ’s Crazy Carnival drive opened , in accession to its Adventuredome with two roller coasters , legion rides , an 18 - cakehole golf course , and raw and improved kiddie rides like Go Karts and Twistin Tea Cups . The Garage is another young development , feature neon mini bowling skittle alley , highly immersive virtual reality , and telecasting golf simulators . The hotel has also charter a new approaching to play , using 95 % strong-arm coin game , and has maintained its signature tune eatery , The Steakhouse . Also on the airstrip , see family unit - friendlyHershey ’s Chocolate World Las Vegas , and theFountains of Bellagio .
Red Cliffs Lodge
Moab , UtahRed Cliffs Lodge seems like a mirage about seventeen miles outside ofMoab , but that ’s the beauty of it . The proximity to bothArchesandCanyonlands National Parks , as well as its position on the Colorado River , makes it perfect for adventuresome families , but far enough aside to experience secret and secluded . In accession to hiking the parking area , families can go raft , ride horses , go petroglyph hunting , or bet for dinosaur fogey . On land site , loosen up in the pool and hottub with the red hills as a backdrop . Do n’t be surprised to see cervid and other wildlife from seats along the creek or from river - face rooms .
Paws Up Montana
Greenough , MontanaPaws Up is an all - inclusive cattle ranch getaway that ’s become sleep with for its exclusive culinary upshot , but adults are n’t the only ones getting spoiled . For kids , the activity are the real lot to this mountain paradise . This is the position to try new matter like archery or vanish fishing . drive horses on over 100 miles of trails , race Go - Karts on an Indy - inspired path , and research theGarnet Ghost Townon an ATV ride , and adults can indulge atSpa Townalongside a burble creek . In the wintertime , guests can go dogsledding , snowmobiling , snowshoeing and even frosting sportfishing which is new this yr . Meals range from an bona fide chuck wagon dinner to hunky-dory dining atPomp , but preserve way for gourmet s’mores at the nightly campfires .
Family-Friendly Vacations in the Midwest
The Junto
Columbus , OhioThe Junto just open in 2023 , and it ’s already become the focal point of the midwestern urban center ’s new Peninsula neighborhood , located Downtown and side by side to theFranklinton Arts District . It ’s situate directly across the street fromCOSI ( Center of Science and Industry ) , consistently ranked one of the top science museum in the body politic , and theNational Veterans Memorial and Museum , which makes it the perfect basecamp for visitingColumbus , home to theColumbus Zoo and AquariumandLegoland Discovery Center . Guest of all ages will bed theGear Garage , the hotel ’s complimentary onsite equipment centre that has everything from wheel , scooters , and kayaks to search along the Scioto River , to criminal record players and practical reality gear .
Family-Friendly Vacations on the East Coast
The Otesaga
Cooperstown , New YorkAny serious baseball game fan knowsCooperstownas the household of theNational Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum , but many are surprised at the other attractions the village of around 2,000 people has to offer . Pedal along the path atRail Explorers , and race ducks at theFly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard — and do n’t jump the barbecue or apple pie . After a Clarence Shepard Day Jr. of exploringDoubleday Field , theFenimore Art Museum , orFenimore Farm & Country Village , The Otesagais the perfect place to make relaxed in Cooperstown , with rocking chairs overlook Otsego Lake . Try the onsite all right dining at1909 , diddle a unit of ammunition of golf at theLeatherstocking Golf Course , or rent a canoe or kayak for a restful paddle around the lake .
Cliff House
Cape Neddick , MaineThis refined New England getaway is not just for adult . The stunning view of the rocky glide is the perfect backdrop for the infinity Cove Pool , with an adjacent spicy tub . shaver can bind dye t - shirts , terminated onsite pack rat hunts , and unwind at the fire pit for nightly s’mores overlooking the water . Onsite dining ranges from upscaleThe Tillerto the repose - backNubb ’s Lobster Shack , with everything from seafood to burgers and fries . Nearby Nubble Lighthouse , Perkins Cove fishing village , and Ogunquit Beach offer sport for all age , and Kennebunkport ’s fabled spotThe Clam Shackis worth a detour . Winter activeness admit cross country skiing , whale observation , and an indoor overlap pool .
Photo courtesy of Greenville
Photo courtesy of Big Cedar Lodge
Photo courtesy of Thompson San Antonio - Riverwalk
Photo courtesy of Red Cliffs Lodge
Photo courtesy of Paws Up Montana
Photo by Colin McGuire, courtesy of COSI
Photo by Caroline Winn, courtesy of Cliff House
