15 Best USA Summer Destinations for Families with Kids
Summer vacation with kids should be fun for everyone – not just the little ones! These top destinations across America deliver maximum family fun with minimum stress.
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1. Keystone, CO
Keystone isn’t just for winter ski trips – summer might actually be its secret best season! The mountain transforms with activities for all ages.
Kids can zoom down real snow tubing runs (yes, actual snow in summer!) or enjoy horseback riding through wildflower-dotted trails.
Parents will appreciate the 36 holes of picturesque golf while teens can tackle mountain biking adventures.
Where to Stay: The Keystone Lodge and Spa offers family-friendly accommodations with easy access to all summer mountain activities and stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
2. Lake Chelan, WA
With over 300 days of sunshine yearly, Lake Chelan delivers summer perfection for families seeking small-town charm.
The pristine, cold lake provides the ideal cooling spot during hot summer days, with the beautiful Don Morse Memorial Park offering 2,000+ feet of waterfront access.
The star attraction is Slidewaters, a 12-acre water park with 19 different water attractions that kids consistently rate as their vacation highlight.
For a change of pace, families can pick fresh fruit at local orchards or visit kid-friendly wineries like Wapato Point Cellars with its large lawn and playground.
Where to Stay: Campbell’s Resort offers lakefront accommodations with private beaches and is within walking distance to downtown shops and restaurants.
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3. Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach offers 60 miles of gorgeous coastline and attractions that go way beyond sandcastles.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade buzzes with street performers, arcades, and ocean views that kids and parents both love.
Thrill-seekers can race go-karts at The Track Family Fun Park or ride the wooden roller coaster at Family Kingdom Amusement Park.
When you need a break from the sun, Ripley’s Aquarium lets kids walk through a shark tunnel and touch friendly stingrays.
Where to Stay: The Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort features multiple water features including lazy rivers and kiddie pools, plus it’s centrally located to major attractions.
4. Boston, MA
Boston mixes history lessons with serious fun, creating the perfect educational vacation kids actually enjoy.
Follow the Freedom Trail for an interactive history lesson, then reward everyone with a ride on the historic Swan Boats in Boston Public Garden.
The Boston Children’s Museum offers three floors of hands-on exhibits, including a three-story climbing structure that lets kids burn off energy.
For sports-loving families, catching a Red Sox game at legendary Fenway Park.
Where to Stay: The Boston Harbor Hotel offers harbor views and easy walking distance to the New England Aquarium and Faneuil Hall.
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5. Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City surprises families with its perfect blend of mountain adventures and urban attractions, all within minutes of each other.
Hike the kid-friendly Living Room Trail in the morning for spectacular valley views from rock “furniture,” then cool off at Liberty Park’s splash pad by afternoon.
Hogle Zoo features 800+ animals and the chance to feed giraffes, while future scientists can explore five floors of dinosaur exhibits at the Natural History Museum of Utah.
This Is the Place Heritage Park lets kids step back in time to pan for gold and ride ponies through a replica pioneer town.
Where to Stay: The Grand America Hotel offers family-friendly luxury with an outdoor pool and central location that puts you minutes from downtown attractions and mountain adventures.
6. Gatlinburg, TN
Nestled at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains, the town’s SkyLift Park sends families soaring above the treetops on North America’s longest pedestrian rope bridge, complete with a heart-stopping glass floor section.
Brave youngsters can climb Tulip Tower for jaw-dropping mountain panoramas that stretch for miles.
When temperatures rise, Wild Bear Falls Indoor Water Park offers the perfect cool-down with its retractable roof, lazy river, and massive water slides.
Where to Stay: Margaritaville Resort puts families right in downtown’s buzzing heart – you can walk to Ripley’s Aquarium and other attractions without moving your car.
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7. Huntsville, AL
Huntsville is America’s ultimate space-themed family getaway! The U.S. Space & Rocket Center stands as the crown jewel, housing one of only three authentic Saturn V Moon Rockets on the planet.
Kids can marvel at the massive collection of space memorabilia while dreaming of their own astronaut adventures.
For a complete change of pace, the Huntsville Botanical Garden delivers natural wonders with its Children’s Garden (filled with storybook characters) and the world-famous Purdy Butterfly House where colorful wings flutter all around you.
The Lucky Duck Scavenger Hunt through downtown gives families a free, fun way to explore the city’s hidden corners.
Where to Stay: Drury Inn & Suites at the Space & Rocket Center offers spacious rooms that families love.
8. Cleveland, OH
Cleveland in the summer offers kid-approved adventures at every turn! Lakewood Park delivers playground perfection with the biggest ropes course you’ll ever find.
Preston’s H.O.P.E. playground spans a massive 60,000 square feet of accessible fun, featuring a dinosaur play pit, tiny town with buildings kids can explore, and a castle theater where little performers can stage impromptu shows.
When summer heat strikes, hit one of Cleveland’s awesome splash pads like Broadview Heights, where a mix of gentle water features and big splashers keeps everyone thoroughly soaked and smiling.
Where to Stay: Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown tops the family-friendly list with its perfect combo of comfort and location.
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9. Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach delivers 35 miles of sun-drenched coastline where sandcastle competitions and splashing in Atlantic waves become the soundtrack of summer.
Beyond the beach, families can explore the Virginia Aquarium, ride the thrilling coasters at Atlantic Fun Park, or paddle through coastal waterways spotting dolphins and sea turtles.
The three-mile boardwalk buzzes with street performers, ice cream shops, and awe-inspiring ocean views.
Where to Stay: Hyatt House Virginia Beach/Oceanfront delivers the perfect home base with direct beach access that kids absolutely adore.
10. Palm Springs, CA
Palm Springs is where families can soak up sunshine and adventure in equal measure.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway whisks visitors on a breathtaking 10-minute journey up the cliffs of Chino Canyon in the world’s largest rotating tram car.
For animal lovers, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens showcases desert creatures with up-close experiences like giraffe feedings and camel rides.
Thrill-seeking families can buckle up for Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours, bouncing through the San Andreas Fault zone or exploring the majestic Painted Canyon (minimum age is five years).
Where to Stay: Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort in Rancho Mirage tops the family-friendly charts with its epic Splashtopia water playground.
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11. St. Michaels, MD
This charming Eastern Shore gem packs big fun into a small package. Kids will love the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum where they can climb aboard historic boats, try their hand at knot-tying, and watch real shipbuilders in action.
The museum’s crown jewel – the Hooper Strait Lighthouse – lets families climb to the top for jaw-dropping bay views that stretch for miles.
When you’re ready to feel the wind in your hair, hop aboard one of Patriot Cruises’ narrated boat tours where you might spot ospreys and herons soaring overhead while learning about cool maritime history.
Where to Stay: St. Michaels Inn offers the perfect family-friendly home base with an outdoor swimming pool and complimentary continental breakfast.
12. Finger Lakes, NY
The Finger Lakes region crushes boredom with outdoor adventures that’ll have kids begging to stay “just one more day!”
Tackle the heart-pumping Aerial Adventure Park in summer with its ziplines, tightrope walks, and rope ladders that’ll test everyone’s courage.
When temperatures soar, cool off at Roseland Waterpark or Seneca Lake State Park’s awesome Sprayground where water features keep kids giggling for hours.
Even rainy days rock here – just head to Roseland Bowl Family Fun Center for laser tag battles, bumper car crashes, and arcade games that’ll have everyone competing for family bragging rights.
Where to Stay: Located near Seneca Lake, Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel is an excellent choice for exploring the Finger Lakes region’s natural beauty.
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13. Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga cranks up family fun with attractions that’ll make your kids’ jaws drop. The Creative Discovery Museum in downtown is where curious minds can touch, play, and learn through hands-on exhibits.
When summer heat strikes, Coolidge Park delivers sweet relief with its synchronized water pad where kids can splash and dash through fountains.
The same spot houses a 100-year-old carousel with tigers and other exotic animals to ride, plus you’re just a short walk from ice cream treats that make the perfect afternoon cap.
Where to Stay: The Edwin Hotel sits right on the river with killer views that families love. Parents rave about the top-notch service and the perfect location near major attractions.
14. Key West, FL
Key West packs some serious family fun. The Key West Lighthouse Museum sends families spiraling up historic stairs to panoramic views.
Nature-loving kids will love the Butterfly Conservatory where colorful wings flutter right past your nose and friendly flamingos strut their stuff.
Thrill-seeking families with kids 6+ should absolutely book Fury’s parasailing adventure – nothing beats soaring high above turquoise waters with the warm breeze in your hair!
For a full day of exploration, hop aboard the Conch Tour Train where entertaining engineers share island stories while you cruise past famous landmarks like Hemingway’s house.
Where to Stay: Parrot Key Hotel & Villas offers the ultimate family setup with beautiful pools and hammocks perfect for afternoon siestas.
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15. Hilton Head, SC
Hilton Head Island delivers family fun that’ll have kids sleeping soundly after action-packed days!
The Sandbox Children’s Museum captivates little ones up to age eight with 11 hands-on exhibits where they lead the way through play.
Adventure-seeking families should book the Pirates of Hilton Head cruise where kids transform into the pirate crew and battle the infamous Stinky Pete while hunting for treasure on Calibogue Sound.
For competitive families, Adventure Cove cranks up the excitement with miniature golf challenges and arcade games.
Where to Stay: Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island takes family-friendly seriously with their Just Us Kids Club running all summer long.
This supervised program mixes beach time, games, arts and crafts, and educational activities that keep kids entertained while parents sneak away for some grown-up time.
