Our Top Family Destinations in the U.S. for 2024

Traveling with kids changes the experience, but it doesn’t have to stop; you just need to consider a few more needs and perspectives. Fortunately, the United States is filled with incredible destinations where both parents and children can enjoy themselves. I’ve loved exploring Southern California with my family, discovering forests, sea caves, and snowy peaks in Sequoia National Park, La Jolla, and Big Bear, respectively.

We consulted several contributors who balance parenting and writing to gather their family travel experiences from across the nation—and their top picks for 2024 and beyond. Your next family adventure begins here.

Buffalo, New York

My husband's family resides in Buffalo, New York, and I've been visiting the city for over twenty years. However, I've only recently discovered how family-friendly it is. Our two-year-old son, Julian, enjoys exploring the seven interactive play areas—like a pretend car wash and a splashy water exhibit inspired by the Erie Canal—at the expansive Explore & More Children’s Museum. We ride the charming, hand-painted ostriches and giraffes on the Buffalo Heritage Carousel, a century-old merry-go-round now completely solar-powered; spin around the painted branch sculptures at the Charles E. Burchfield Nature & Art Center; and taste new dishes at the recently expanded West Side Bazaar, a nonprofit food hall featuring cuisine from Egypt, Myanmar, Congo, and more. Although Julian is too young to appreciate Buffalo’s stunning architecture (including Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House), we love constructing our own towers in the LEGO-themed Creative Commons lab at the newly reopened Buffalo AKG Art Museum. And of course, there’s the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls—it’s sure to leave you speechless, even calming the most intense toddler tantrums.

Where to stay

The 88-room Richardson Hotel occupies the former Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane on the historic Richardson Olmsted Campus, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux (the creators of Central Park). Its spacious suites feature vaulted ceilings and large windows, but the colorful tiles in the mile-long hallways make for the perfect toddler runway. —Ashlea Halpern, contributing editor

Washington’s Olympic Peninsula

The Twilight series brought attention to the small town of Forks, Washington, highlighting its dreary weather and portraying it as a perfect hideaway for sun-averse vampires. However, the books overlook the breathtaking beauty found amidst the rainforests, waterfalls, and hot springs of the magical Olympic Peninsula.

As a toddler, my son loved splashing in the ocean as the waves kissed the rugged coastline, and later, as an eager hiker, he tested his skills by climbing over fallen Douglas fir trees to earn a prized Junior Ranger badge. The Pacific Northwest continually draws my family back for fresh adventures, and with nearby Mount Rainier adding to the growing list of national parks implementing a reservation system in 2024, Olympic remains delightfully accessible to explorers of all ages—even those who prefer not to plan ahead.

This year, we’re eager to visit the Tree of Life, an almost magical tree that appears to float in midair. With the ground beneath it eroded, the tree’s roots are exposed, leaving it without soil for support. It’s only a matter of time before the Tree of Life topples, and we hope to witness this stunning sight before it disappears—and maybe snap a photo with the “Welcome to Forks” sign as we pass through town.

Where to stay

Camp next to majestic Sitka spruce at one of the various national park campgrounds, or find comfort at the picturesque Lake Crescent Lodge. For those in search of upscale accommodations with a rustic chic touch, consider Olympic Lodge by Ayres, situated in the lovely town of Port Angeles. —Amanda Adler

Santa Fe, New Mexico

This New Mexican city makes you feel like you've traveled internationally without needing a passport, thanks to its rich Indigenous heritage and close ties to Mexico. Discover a variety of indoor and outdoor attractions such as Bandelier National Park with its preserved ancestral pueblo dwellings; the Museum of International Folk Art, which features the Tree of Life play area; the quaint Georgia O’Keeffe Museum; the lively Santa Fe Farmers’ Market; and the Santa Fe Reptile & Bug Museum, which has relocated to house live animals and natural history exhibits.

During our visit to Santa Fe, our family had a fantastic time exploring the incredible interactive installation known as Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return, a vast and constantly changing experience inside an old bowling alley. Make sure to book a ride on the Sky Railway, which features themed rides on two beautifully painted trains traveling between Santa Fe and Lamy, complete with entertainers, music, storytelling, and more. For kid-friendly dining, check out the Shed for classic New Mexican dishes like burritos, enchiladas, and tamales. We also enjoyed breakfast at Dolina Café & Bakery, known for its New Mexican breakfast burritos and Eastern European pastries. Don’t miss stopping by Kakawa Chocolate House for delicious chocolate truffles, ice cream, or hot chocolate.

Where to stay

The Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado has recently undergone a multimillion-dollar renovation of its spacious 65 casitas, which can be equipped with baby gear and child-sized robes and slippers upon request. For those who prefer to stay right in the bustling downtown area, consider booking a room at the historic La Fonda on the Plaza, featuring a heated pool and various room options, some including sleeper sofas. Don’t forget to ask for the scavenger hunt booklet at check-in to keep the kids entertained. —Devorah Lev-Tov

Columbus, Ohio

When our plane landed in Columbus from Tampa in Fall 2023, my six-year-old enthusiastically told his sister they would be greeted with flower necklaces called leis. He had somehow confused Ohio with O‘ahu! However, Columbus offered so much family fun that there was no room for disappointment. In the Franklinton Arts District, we enjoyed the community festival known as Franklinton Fridays, occurring twice a month. Nearby along the Scioto River, the COSI (Center of Science and Industry) Museum featured a Barbie exhibit alongside its interactive science displays. Through early September, visitors can explore a Titanic exhibition showcasing full-scale room re-creations from the famed ocean liner. In the vibrant Short North Arts District, where the fall leaves piled high were irresistible to any Florida child, we indulged in macaroons at a local bakery and crafted bracelets at the ever-changing interactive pop-up project Tenspace.

We also enjoyed a food hall adventure, hopping from the city’s 150-year-old public market, North Market, where we tasted Somali dishes and Himalayan dumplings, to Budd Dairy Hall, where we played foosball while savoring pizza and cheesesteaks. While we didn’t have time for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium with its over 10,000 animals, we were captivated by the blue morpho butterflies landing on us at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, where a nature playground awaited in the refreshing fall air. The picturesque streets of German Village later caught our attention, with the 32 labyrinthine rooms of the Book Loft and Schiller Park, complete with a pond stocked with rainbow trout and yet another fantastic playground.

Where to stay

The Junto is conveniently located just across from the Scioto Riverwalk and COSI Museum, occasionally featuring themed rooms that showcase visiting exhibits. (During our stay, we enjoyed a temporarily Barbie-themed suite at the height of its popularity.) The hotel’s inviting lobby boasts open fireplaces and large tables for board games, along with easy access to beverages for adults at the Trade Room lobby bar. Plus, the rooftop restaurant, Brass Eye, offers a fantastic brunch with scenic river views. —Terry Ward

Denver, Colorado

Blending the vibrancy of a bustling city with breathtaking natural landscapes, Denver is a walkable city that offers endless fun for families, particularly active ones. During a recent visit, we enjoyed a colorful and narrative-rich two-hour stroll through the street art of RiNo with the Denver Graffiti Tour, while our toddler was captivated by the tactile, immersive experience at the quirky and enchanting Meow Wolf. The city's exceptional museums, like the Denver Art Museum and Denver Museum of Nature & Science, engage visitors of all ages, and outdoor lovers have plenty of hiking options, including Red Rocks (famous for concerts and summer movie nights) and the charming town of Golden, where we relished leisurely walks with our baby.

Summer 2024 in Denver promises exciting events such as the Tennyson Street Fair (July 20) and the Denver Burger Battle (August 1). Additionally, on June 1-2, the inaugural Outside Festival at Civic Center Park will feature a family-friendly lineup of music, adventure, wellness, films, and activities for kids. Plus, the first carbon-positive hotel in the country, Populus at Civic Center Park, with its sustainable design by Studio Gang, is set to debut this summer. While the warmer months are delightful, we prefer visiting in winter, when Denver is an inviting spot to adjust to higher altitudes before heading to nearby ski destinations like Breckenridge or Vail.

Where to stay

The Four Seasons Hotel Denver sets the benchmark for family-friendly accommodations, providing travelers with little ones amenities like miniature robes, gentle toiletries, and essentials such as small bathtubs and diaper pails. For our 10-month-old, they even provided a welcome treat of freshly made applesauce. For older children, the Curtis Denver – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel offers an unforgettable experience with its whimsically themed rooms featuring designs inspired by Barbie, Comic Book Heroes, and Ghostbusters. —Kathryn Romeyn

Jackson, Wyoming

Deciding whether the gateway to the national park and the Wild West town of Jackson (often referred to as Jackson Hole, which is actually the name of the valley and ski resort) is more enchanting in winter or summer is nearly impossible. Both seasons feature stunning blue skies and a wealth of both thrilling and tranquil experiences. During our recent winter visit, my two-year-old joyfully began learning to ski, we all indulged in the warmth of the steamy springs at Astoria Hot Springs Park, and we observed bighorn sheep, foxes, and moose during a spectacular snow-covered expedition with Jackson Hole EcoTour Adventures. Dogsledding with the charming huskies from Call of the WYld was one of the most delightful family activities we’ve ever experienced, solidifying Jackson as a place for unforgettable family memories.

Once the snow melts, Jackson offers endless fun through activities like fishing and floating on the Snake River, hiking, tram and gondola rides, and the rodeo. The summer months are always bustling with events, such as the Grand Teton Music Festival or the Snow King Summer Concert Series. In June, the Snow King Observatory and Planetarium will open its doors to the public, featuring a 24-foot AstroHaven dome, a cutting-edge one-meter PlaneWave telescope, and interactive galleries that will captivate space enthusiasts of all ages.

Where to stay

With striking wildlife videos displayed on massive screens at the end of each hallway, along with a pool, large hot tub, and complimentary snack and hot chocolate stations, the Cloudveil, Autograph Collection Hotels caters to both children and the young at heart with a luxurious touch. Located just off the town square, the family-run Hotel Jackson combines rustic charm with modern comfort, featuring a Lebanese restaurant downstairs and a cozy hot tub a few floors above. —Kathryn Romeyn

Kaua‘i, Hawaiʻi

With breathtaking hikes, abundant marine life, and delightful chocolate tours, lush Kaua‘i (nicknamed the Garden Isle for good reason) is a true family playground. My family discovered the fascinating process of how cacao is grown, harvested, and transformed, indulging in a variety of treats (macadamia nuts, apple bananas, lychee, spiky rambutan, cacao nibs, truffles!) during a three-hour tour at Lydgate Farms, renowned for its award-winning, sustainably sourced chocolate. For snorkeling adventures, hop on sailing trips with Holo Holo Charters, which tracks where reef fish and green sea turtles are active. The highlight of our island adventure? Soaring through the skies with Island Helicopters, where we even spotted a double rainbow during our 50-minute flight over the breathtaking Nāpali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and lush rainforests.

Where to stay

Consider the oceanfront Timbers Kaua‘i, situated within the 450-acre Hōkūala resort on the island’s southeast coast. Featuring stunning multi-bedroom accommodations, an on-site farm that supplies pineapples and papayas to guest rooms, a rejuvenating spa (don’t miss the Lomi Lomi massage), a restaurant, and a breathtaking infinity pool, this property offers pure paradise. —Tanvi Chheda

Lake County, Northern California

Residing in the Bay Area of Northern California, my husband, our two kids (ages five and seven), and I often explore Sonoma and Napa Valley. Recently, however, we uncovered a hidden gem just north of these famous wine regions, offering fewer crowds yet abundant scenic hills, lakes, hiking trails, and vineyards. During our latest trip to Lake County, we visited Six Sigma Ranch and Winery, where families can embark on a tour of the rugged property in an all-terrain Pinzgauer vehicle (the kids adored bouncing around in this sturdy military truck). Afterward, our little ones enjoyed feeding pigs and goats, and we savored cheese and charcuterie plates while the adults sampled tempranillo and sauvignon blanc.

There’s so much more to experience. At Anderson Marsh State Historic Park, explore the 19th-century ranch house and barn, then embark on a nature walk through stunning marshlands teeming with birds and frogs. Visit Clear Lake State Park, located on the shores of California’s largest freshwater lake, for access to a swimming beach and additional hiking trails. En route to or from Lake County from the San Francisco area, consider a detour to SDinogoi West, an African sMytouri experience on a 400-acre private preserve where kids can spot giraffes, rhinos, wildebeest, and zebras. Don’t forget to refuel at Oxbow Market or Gott’s Roadside along the way.

Where to stay

For families, the standout option in Lake County is Huttopia Wine Country, a glamping concept introduced by a French family in 2023. Embracing a summer camp atmosphere, Huttopia offers 93 solar-powered wood and canvas tents, each equipped with an outdoor kitchenette and barbecue grill. Many also feature private bathrooms with showers (otherwise, shared facilities are available). Amenities include a swimming pool, a main lodge with dining, concessions, games (such as Ping-Pong and foosball), and activities (like arts and crafts for kids and outdoor movies). We especially appreciated the playground, and electric mountain bikes are available for rent. Your children are bound to make new friends while exploring nature. —Michelle Baran, deputy editor, news