14 Best USA Places to Travel with Kids in July
When the calendar flips to July, it’s all about flip-flops, sunscreen, and chasing fireflies after dark.
Some places have the recipe for family fun down to a science. If your summer wish list includes beach days and big smiles, these top US destinations totally deliver!
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1. Lake Chelan, Washington
Lake Chelan is all about sunshine, clear blue water, and endless family activities. Kids can race go-karts, play mini golf, or splash at waterparks, while parents soak in the epic mountain views.
Don’t miss berry picking at local orchards or easy hikes like Echo Ridge, perfect for little legs.
Where to Stay: Lakeside Lodge and Suites. This lakeside hotel stands out with its unbeatable views right across from the water. Plus, it’s super close to all the action.
2. Crystal Coast, North Carolina
The Crystal Coast is a summer classic, stretching for 85 miles of soft sand and gentle surf. Build sandcastles, search for seashells, or try a family surf lesson.
Kids love the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, where they can spot sea turtles and touch stingrays.
Horseback rides on the beach and pirate cruises add extra excitement, and there’s mini golf, go-karts, and bike paths for non-stop fun.
Where to Stay: Islander Hotel and Resort offers a huge pool and easy access to the sand–perfect for families who want everything right at their doorstep.
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3. Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is a giant adventure waiting to happen. Walk the South Rim Trail for jaw-dropping views, or join a ranger program to learn about geology and wildlife.
The Trail of Time makes science cool with hands-on exhibits, and the Bright Angel Trail offers kid-friendly hikes with plenty of shady rest stops.
Where to Stay: Yavapai Lodge. This lodge is nestled in the forest just a half mile from the rim, with spacious family rooms and easy access to trails, museums, and the park shuttle.
4. Black Hills, South Dakota
The Black Hills are packed with wild adventures and American history. Snap a selfie at Mount Rushmore, pan for gold in old mining towns, or spot buffalo in Custer State Park.
Cool off in underground caves or hike around Sylvan Lake. For thrill-seekers, there’s ziplining, alpine slides, and wildlife parks where bear cubs play just feet away from the path.
Where to Stay: K Bar S Lodge, Ascend Hotel Collection. Families love this lodge for its roomy suites and big balconies with Mount Rushmore views.
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5. Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is a summer dream with its rocky coast, fresh lobster rolls, and easy access to Acadia National Park.
Kids can become Junior Rangers, explore tide pools on the Wonderland Trail, or walk across the magical sandbar to Bar Island at low tide.
Whale watching, mini golf, and hands-on museums keep everyone busy, rain or shine.
Where to Stay: Salt Cottages. This retro-inspired hotel has a heated pool, just minutes from downtown Bar Harbor and the entrance to Acadia.
6. Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is the spot for classic New England summer vibes, where families can try sailing in the “Sailing Capital of the World,” stroll the scenic Cliff Walk, or hop aboard a lobster boat to see how the catch of the day happens.
Kids can pick their own berries at local orchards, spot seals on a harbor cruise, and run wild at Brenton Point State Park with kites overhead.
Evenings call for patio dinners and watching boats glide by Newport Harbor.
Where to Stay: Newport Beach Hotel and Suites. This hotel is just steps from the shoreline and features an indoor pool and a rooftop deck with a fire pit.
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7. Asheville, North Carolina
With the Blue Ridge Parkway’s epic mountain views, Asheville is a summer getaway that flies under the radar for families.
Have hands-on fun at the Asheville Art Museum’s kid zone and the legendary Sliding Rock–a natural water slide that’s pure magic.
The Biltmore Estate’s gardens, petting zoo, and wide-open grounds are made for exploring.
Don’t skip Dolly’s Dairy Bar for ice cream after a day of hiking or biking in Pisgah National Forest.
Where to Stay: Aloft Hotel Asheville Downtown. This hotel stands out for its laid-back vibe, seasonal outdoor pool, and unbeatable location.
8. San Diego, California
San Diego is a sun-soaked dream for families, with world-famous spots like the San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND, and SeaWorld all within easy reach.
Little ones can splash at La Jolla Shores, ride roller coasters at Belmont Park, or get hands-on at the New Children’s Museum.
From tide pooling with sea lions to hiking at Torrey Pines, every day is packed with something new to discover.
Where to Stay: Fairmont Grand Del Mar. This luxury resort wows with a kids’ club, horseback riding, family pools, and a central location that makes hitting every top attraction a breeze.
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9. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston mixes big-city thrills with kid-friendly fun. Cruise on Swan Boats in the Public Garden, run through splash pads on the Rose Kennedy Greenway, or explore hands-on exhibits at the Children’s Museum.
History buffs can hop on a ferry to Georges Island or check out the USS Constitution. Even riding the subway feels like an adventure, and there’s always a new playground or food truck to discover.
Where to Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Boston. This hotel makes kids feel like VIPs with a secret toy closet, scavenger hunts, and a heated indoor pool overlooking the city.
10. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is a summer classic, where families spend the day building sandcastles, riding the SkyWheel for ocean views, and exploring Broadway at the Beach’s endless shops, mini golf, and live shows.
Ripley’s Aquarium brings the underwater world up close, and the boardwalk buzzes with arcades, treats, and fireworks at night.
There’s never a dull moment, whether you’re in the waves or winning prizes at the arcade.
Where to Stay: Captain’s Quarters Resort. This oceanfront hotel is famous for its Shipwreck Lagoon Pool, indoor and outdoor lazy rivers, and a bowling alley.
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11. New York City, New York
New York City is a summer thrill ride for families, where kids can spot the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry, climb the boulders in Central Park, and zoom down stone slides at Battery Park Playscape.
Don’t skip the SeaGlass Carousel, each fish glows and spins, making it a total hit, while Coney Island’s boardwalk brings classic amusement park fun.
Museums like the American Museum of Natural History and the Children’s Museum of Art keep curious minds busy.
Where to Stay: The Peninsula New York. This hotel stands out with its kid-friendly amenities, just steps from Central Park and top museums.
12. Orlando, Florida
Orlando is full of things to do, especially in July when fireworks light up the sky for Independence Day and every theme park is buzzing.
Kids can meet Mickey at Magic Kingdom, splash down slides at Volcano Bay, and build at LEGOLAND.
Water parks like Typhoon Lagoon and Aquatica help everyone beat the Florida heat, while ICON Park’s Ferris wheel gives 360° views of the city. Kayak trips and wild animal encounters add even more excitement.
Where to Stay: Loews Royal Pacific Resort. This hotel is a favorite for its tropical pool, early Universal park entry, and fun kids’ suites themed like an island escape.
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13. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg is a mountain town packed with family fun. Kids can watch sharks swim overhead at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, ride the Gatlinburg SkyLift for sweeping views, or zoom down the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has easy waterfall hikes like Laurel Falls and the Gatlinburg Trail, perfect for young explorers.
Don’t miss Wild Bear Falls Indoor Water Park or a stroll through the bustling downtown for sweet treats and souvenir shops.
Where to Stay: Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg. This spot stands out for its lazy river, family-friendly suites, and a location right near all the downtown action.
14. Finger Lakes, New York
The Finger Lakes region is a summer jackpot for families, where you can swim and splash at Roseland Waterpark, hunt for waterfalls at Watkins Glen, and play at spraygrounds in Geneva and Canandaigua.
Kids love the Strong National Museum of Play and hands-on fun at the Corning Museum of Glass.
Rent a boat, explore lakeside parks, or visit animal encounters at local zoos. The area’s walkable towns and scenic drives make it easy to fill every day with new adventures.
Where to Stay: The Lake House on Canandaigua. This lakeside hotel is unique for its spacious family rooms, outdoor pool, and direct access to the water for boating and swimming.
