Plan Your Trip

Family Travel

From coast to coast, you’ll find superb attractions for all ages: bucket-and-spade fun at the beach, amusement parks, natural history exhibits, camping adventures, hikes in wilderness reserves, leisurely bike rides and plenty of other activities likely to wow young ones.

Keeping Costs Down

Accommodations

In motels and hotels, children under 17 or 18 years old are usually free when sharing a room with their parents. The many campgrounds in the Eastern USA are a fun and affordable way for families to see the country. Homesharing websites are also widely available in the USA and popular with families.

Transport

Most public transportation offers reduced fares for children. Children under the age of two can fly for free. Driving is the cheapest way to travel and often the easiest for families.

Eating

Many restaurants have children’s menus with significantly lower prices – always inquire about options. For moderately healthy, affordable meals on the go, hit up the grocery store for some Uncrustables (frozen peanut butter sandwiches) and fruit.

Activities

Most sites and museums offer free admission for children five and under, and reduced admission for children under 12.

Region by Region

New York, New Jersey & Pennsylvania

This region has tons of beaches, bike paths and outdoor activities in stunning natural areas such as Delaware Water Gap and the Catskills. Kids will love the all-ages fun of the Silverball Museum Arcade, the interactive displays at the Museum of the American Revolution, and the raw energy of New York City.

New England

Roadside stands pepper rural New England, offering kid-friendly fare like fish sticks, burgers and ice cream. Also family-friendly are the many beaches, from the calm waters of Martha’s Vineyard to the superb stretch of shore at Ogunquit Beach. Plus there are museums aplenty for rainy days and Acadia National Park for rugged adventures.

Washington DC & the Capitol Region

The Mid-Atlantic features fun distractions for all ages: bucket-and-spade adventures on Delaware beaches, the massive National Aquarium in Baltimore, historic sites like Mount Vernon, and white-water thrills on the New River Gorge National River. The highlight, of course, is DC, with its miles of museums and monuments.

The South

The Great Smoky Mountains are a wonderful family destination, as are nearby theme parks Anakeesta and Dollywood. Atlanta holds the child-driven Center for Puppetry Arts, Charlotte has fun simulators at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Huntsville hosts the US Space & Rocket Center and vibrant New Orleans is fabulous for music-minded families.

Florida

From Walt Disney World ® to Everglades National Park, to the calm waters and white beaches of the Panhandle – the Sunshine State makes it so easy for families to have a good time that many return year after sandy year.

Great Lakes

Chicago has ferocious dinosaurs at the Field Museum, and lively Navy Pier; Indianapolis features the world’s largest kids’ museum; and outside of Detroit, Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum hold hours of entertainment. Skiing in Minnesota, ice cream in Wisconsin’s Door County or biking across Mackinac Island are also good options.

Great Plains

Family-friendly attractions like Mt Rushmore and the Gateway Arch spool out along the wide, flat stretch of the Great Plains. Kansas City barbecue and fried treats at the region’s myriad state fairs are also sure to please.

Texas

Locals love little cowpokes, so expect a warm welcome here. San Antonio, Austin, Dallas and Houston all have children’s museums, public parks and many other attractions. Don’t miss the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Rocky Mountains

The Rocky Mountain states have plenty to offer – plan carefully to conquer the long distances between sites. Hit up museums and water parks in Denver, or family ski resorts just about anywhere. Conquer ziplines and ride horses in the Rockies. Volcano-loving kids will enjoy Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve. Go looking for grizzlies, wolves, bison and elk in Yellowstone National Park, and don’t miss the cliff houses in Mesa Verde.

Southwest

This region is a goldmine for adventurous families with older kids. Hike into the Grand Canyon, splash in Oak Creek and ponder the saguaro cacti outside Tucson. Water parks, dude ranches and ghost towns should also keep kids entertained. Las Vegas has a surprising range of child-friendly activities and entertainment.

California

California seems custom-made for kids. See celebrity handprints in Hollywood, ogle the La Brea tar pits, and hit the beach in Santa Monica or San Diego. The Warner Bros Studio Tour will appeal to lovers of everything from Harry Potter to Batman, while Universal Studios Hollywood is like a stroll through every movie they’ve ever watched. And then, of course, there’s Disneyland.

Pacific Northwest

From the sun, sand and surf on the coast to the snow-covered slopes further inland, the Pacific Northwest is full of child-oriented museums and amusement parks. National and state parks often organize family-friendly activities, and whale-watching can be a big hit. There are also plenty of playgrounds and skateboard parks in the region. Portland and Seattle are particular kid-friendly highlights.

Alaska

Alaska has outdoor adventures and attractions to intrigue the entire family – whether you’re a kid or a parent. Hike the Flattop Mountain Trail in Anchorage or take in one of the city’s more than 40 parks.

Hawaii

In Hawaii, kids can play on sandy beaches galore, snorkel amid colorful tropical fish in Hanauma Bay and watch lava flow at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Then get them out of the sun for a spell by visiting museums, aquariums and historical attractions. Don’t forget a healthy dose of shave ice.

Good to Know

Look out for the c icon for family-friendly suggestions throughout this guide.

Accommodations Cots and roll-way beds are usually available in hotels and resorts. Children are often not welcome at smaller B&Bs and inns.

Baby items Baby food, formula and disposable diapers (nappies) are available in supermarkets and pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS) across the country.

Breastfeeding All large airports are required to have lactation rooms by 2020. Breastfeeding in public is legal and generally accepted, although many American women use nursing covers.

Changing facilities Many public toilets have a baby-changing table, and gender-neutral ‘family’ facilities appear in airports.

Driving Seat belts or age-appropriate child safety seats are compulsory. Most rental car companies offer car-seat rentals, but be sure to inquire about availability at the time of booking.

Eating out High chairs or booster seats are usually available, but inquire ahead of time. At upscale restaurants, children are typically tolerated with more grace early in the evening.

Toilets If traveling by car, rest areas are your best bets for bathroom breaks, although a gas station or fast-food restaurant will do in a pinch.

Travel documentation Single parents or guardians traveling with anyone under 18 should carry proof of legal custody or a notarized letter from the non-accompanying parent(s) authorizing the trip. This isn’t required, but it can help avoid potential problems entering the USA.

Useful Resources

Family Travel Files (www.thefamilytravelfiles.com) Ready-made vacation ideas, destination profiles and travel tips.

Lonely Planet Kids (www.lonelyplanetkids.com) Loads of activities and great family travel blog content.

My Family Travel Map: North America (shop.lonelyplanet.com) Unfolds into a colorful and detailed poster for kids to personalize with stickers to mark their family’s travels. Ages five to eight.

Parents Magazine (www.parents.com) Monthly magazine that includes travel tips and advice.