13 top family attractions across the US
While planning vacations for my family, I'm always seeking out destinations that incorporate a bit of science, nature, or history into our plans.
Initially, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis might attract my kids with its 630-foot view of the city and its tiny inhabitants. Yet, it also offers a chance to learn about American history and architecture.
My kids would surely be amazed by a real volcanic eruption at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, but this destination also provides insights into its rich biodiversity and the indigenous cultures that have thrived here for centuries.
Here are 13 family attractions that collectively form TPG's ultimate guide to U.S. destinations to explore with your children.
Statue of Liberty
(Image by Summer Hull/Dinogo)If you've only viewed the Statue of Liberty from one of New York City's nearby boroughs or from a history book, it's time to experience this significant national monument up close and personal.
To achieve this, you'll need to reserve a ferry tour with Statue City Cruises, which provides access to both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the primary entry point for millions of immigrants to America from 1892 to 1954. Ferries depart from Battery Park in Manhattan and Liberty State Park in New Jersey.
Access to the statue's crown is currently restricted. The highest point you can reach is the pedestal, 10 stories high (or 215 steps), just below the statue. The rest of the grounds are open to visitors, including the interactive Statue of Liberty Museum, where you can see the original torch held by Lady Liberty.
National Mall
(Image by Al Drago/Bloomberg/Getty Images)The National Mall in Washington, D.C. is often called "America's front yard." Spanning 18 acres of beautifully manicured grass from the United States Capitol to the Potomac River, it’s undoubtedly one of the largest front yards in the nation.
Surrounding this expansive lawn are memorials and monuments commemorating some of the most significant events and figures in American history. From Martin Luther King, Jr. to World War II, each tribute is both moving and educational.
The National Mall is accessible 24/7 (with rangers on duty from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.), and visiting is free of charge. You can join free weekly ranger-led programs or enhance your experience by purchasing tickets for the Washington Memorial observation deck or the Tidal Basin paddle boats.
Gateway Arch
(Image courtesy of the National Park Service)St. Louis, known as the "Gateway to the West," features the Gateway Arch — a towering 630-foot symbol of that very concept.
Visitors have various options to enjoy the Gateway Arch and its surroundings. The tram ride to the top offers access to an observation deck inside the arch, featuring windows that provide stunning views of the city and the Mississippi River. Both the tram and the observation deck can be quite tight, so keep that in mind if you prefer more space.
Entry to the Museum Under the Gateway Arch is free, though you might want to buy a ticket for the acclaimed film "Monument to the Dream," which showcases the arch's construction. The museum offers interactive exhibits highlighting St. Louis' significance in the westward expansion and the creation of the Gateway Arch.
Enhance your day by enjoying a picturesque one-hour riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River. You'll be treated to views of the arch and the St. Louis skyline, and depending on your cruise choice, you might even enjoy dinner and live music as well.
While you can buy tram, documentary, and riverboat tickets separately, you'll save money by opting for combo tickets.
Field Museum
(Image courtesy of the Field Museum)The Field Museum in Chicago stands out as one of the world's leading natural history museums. Its permanent exhibitions cover nearly the entirety of Earth’s history, from Native American and Indigenous cultures to ancient Egyptian artifacts and even prehistoric dinosaur fossils.
One of the most famous dinosaurs here is SUE, a nearly complete 40-foot-long T. Rex skeleton named after Sue Hendrickson, the fossil's discoverer.
Families with young children will enjoy the Crown Family Playlab, an engaging and educational interactive area. Kids can dig for dinosaur bones, explore a pueblo home, and try out musical instruments from around the world.
Browse the exhibits online before your visit to identify your favorites, as there's likely more to see than you can cover in a single day. There's also an on-site cafe (with a full bar, if that piques your interest) where you can refuel before continuing your exploration of the exhibits.
Most exhibits are included with museum admission, though some attractions, like 3D movies and temporary exhibits, require an additional ticket.
Grand Canyon
(Image by Tarah Chieffi/Dinogo)The Grand Canyon is an essential destination on any "Great American West" family journey. Stretching nearly 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and 1 mile deep, the range of family-friendly activities at the Grand Canyon is almost as vast as the canyon itself.
If you have young children, you'll likely want to focus your visit on the South Rim. Here, you can explore the historic Grand Canyon Village, hike the paved Rim Trail, and pick up a Junior Ranger activity book at the visitor center.
Families with older kids might opt to hike down into the canyon or reserve a mule to carry you. Both options are available at the North and South Rim, though be aware that the North Rim has fewer accommodations and is only open seasonally.
Kennedy Space Center
(Image courtesy of the Kennedy Space Center)The Kennedy Space Center on Florida's Space Coast is an essential destination for kids (and adults!) who are fascinated by space. The visitor complex is organized into six "mission zones," each focusing on different eras of space exploration.
You can explore artifacts from famous NASA missions and discover the history, present, and future of the NASA space program through engaging exhibits and simulators. If possible, try to plan your visit around a shuttle launch or an astronaut Q&A session.
It's advisable to buy one- or two-day date-based tickets online before your visit.
USS Midway Museum
(Image by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images)Even if you inform your kids in advance that you're heading to San Diego's USS Midway Museum, consider omitting the detail that the museum is actually housed within the decommissioned aircraft carrier of the same name.
Now docked at Navy Pier in downtown San Diego, the museum features over 30 restored aircraft and interactive exhibits that provide kids with a glimpse into life aboard an aircraft carrier.
Upon arrival, make sure to stop by the information booth to collect a Junior Pilot activity sheet to help your kids earn their wings during your visit.
Outside the museum, you can find a 25-foot-tall statue of a World War II soldier kissing a nurse, inspired by the famous 1945 photograph "V-J Day in Times Square." Exhibits are spread across both above and below deck.
The museum welcomes visitors every day of the year except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Dinosaur National Monument
(Image by Taylor Reilly/Getty Images)Dinosaur National Monument spans the border between Utah and Colorado. You can hike, raft, and camp across the park's vast 210,000 acres.
No trip to Dinosaur National Monument would be complete without a stop at the Quarry Exhibit Hall, where you can meet its ancient residents – Allosaurus, Stegosaurus, Apatosaurus, and their late-Jurassic companions, dating back 150 million years.
Within the Quarry Exhibit Hall, you'll discover over 1,500 dinosaur fossils (some available for you to touch) along with engaging educational displays. In various locations around Dinosaur National Monument, you can also view petroglyphs and pictographs created by the Fremont people, who inhabited the area nearly a millennium ago.
Mount Rushmore
(Image by Clint Henderson/Dinogo)If your children are of school age, they’ve likely encountered Mount Rushmore in their textbooks. However, witnessing this colossal National Memorial in person is an entirely different experience.
Visitors can admire the towering 60-foot faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, all carved into the Black Hills of Keystone, South Dakota. For the best views of the monument, stroll along the paved Presidential Trail loop. Additionally, like other National Park Service locations, there’s a Junior Ranger program for children.
Visiting Mount Rushmore is free, but there is a parking charge of $10 per vehicle.
Niagara Falls
(Photo by Victoria Walker/Dinogo)Niagara Falls consists of three stunning waterfalls—the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls—located along the U.S.-Canada border.
You can enjoy the falls from both sides of the border, and what you can do largely depends on when you decide to visit. Summer sees large crowds, but all attractions, including the Maid of the Mist and Voyage to the Falls boat rides, are fully operational during this time.
If you choose to visit in winter, many attractions may be shut down due to the area being covered in ice. Nevertheless, you’ll encounter stunning ice formations created by the chilly mist.
Regardless of when you go, the falls are aglow with a vibrant light show every evening at dusk.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
(Photo by Art Wolfe/Getty Images)Home to two of the planet's most active volcanoes—Kīlauea and Mauna Loa—Hawaii Volcanoes National Park showcases Kīlauea as the more recently active, with spots in the park offering a chance to witness the eruption.
You can also explore Kīlauea via the Crater Rim Drive Tour or Chain of Craters Road Tour, where you’ll encounter craters, lava tubes, and other volcanic wonders. Additionally, there are several day hikes that allow you to get a closer look at these geological formations.
Like many national parks, Volcanoes National Park requires a $30 entrance fee, valid for seven days. Alternatively, you can opt for a Hawaii Tri-Park Annual Pass for $55, granting access to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Haleakala National Park, and Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park for a full year.
Space Needle
(Photo by Stuart Westmorland/Getty Images)Rising 605 feet above the Seattle skyline (just 25 feet shorter than the Gateway Arch), Seattle's Space Needle is among the tallest observation towers in the United States.
Originally built for the 1962 World's Fair, the Space Needle stands as one of Seattle's most iconic tourist attractions. After a swift elevator ride to the top, you'll emerge onto an outdoor observation deck, featuring slanted glass panels that offer safety without blocking your view.
Inside, you can descend to the loupe level, which boasts the world's only revolving glass floor. Timed-entry tickets can be purchased online, helping to minimize your wait time for the ascent.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon
(Photo by Jenifoto/Adobe Stock)Sequoia National Park is renowned for its majestic giant sequoia trees. Nestled in the rugged foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, this forest is home to some of the largest trees on the planet, including the colossal General Sherman Tree, the largest living tree in the world.
The park offers four lodges and several campgrounds for overnight accommodations. It features a Junior Ranger program tailored for kids, along with the Giant Forest Museum, where they can discover more about the giant redwoods and their abundance in the area.
In summary
Among these 13 family-friendly attractions throughout the U.S., there are numerous chances to explore our nation's history, connect with nature, and enjoy some classic fun.
Exploring these natural and man-made wonders across the U.S. is almost a rite of passage for children and a family getaway they will always cherish.
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