7 TOP Family-Friendly Destinations in the USA
From sea to shining sea, the U.S. has cities of sizes that appeal to Americans’ love of travel. From scenic beaches and national landmarks to affordable family fun and sprawling museums, there’s an adventure waiting around the corner!
Good Housekeeping’s list of must-see cities for 2024 has something for everyone, inviting eager travelers to explore popular destinations, quaint smaller towns, and a few hidden gems. The list spans westward from Arizona and New Mexico, moves east toward Wisconsin and South Dakota, and reaches the east coast in South Carolina.
Traverse City, Michigan
The Cherry Capital of the World in Northwest Michigan is noted by Good Housing as a triple threat, offering three vacations in one. Traverse City is noted for its bustling downtown, scenic, sandy beaches, and family-friendly wineries.
Traverse City is always brimming with activity and offers year-round fun that appeals to all visitors. Whether travelers want to soak up the sun on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay, explore a unique, walkable downtown, nosh at a locally owned restaurant, or enjoy the beautiful scenery of the surrounding area, the possibilities for adventure are endless.
New Orleans, Lousiana
The Big Easy is well-known for its annual Mardi Gras celebration, but outside of that, New Orleans is filled with lots of family-friendly fun.
Families with tiny tourists can explore the Louisiana Children’s Museum before taking a trolley ride to the city’s famous French Quarter for a tasty meal. The recently renovated Audubon Aquarium is also a must-see attraction for youngsters.
Greenville, South Carolina
Greenville, South Carolina is described by Good Housekeeping as a ‘southern gem’ and a place that appeals to anyone who visits. Even with bigger cities like Charlotte, Asheville, and Atlanta within reasonable driving distance, Greenville still manages to stand out.
Downtown Greenville has dozens of locally-owned eateries that can satisfy all appetites and outdoor aficionados will love exploring Greenville’s urban park, which curves around a scenic waterfall. There are also many unique museums that appeal to a wide variety of interests.
Madison, Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s capital city is lauded by Good Housekeeping for its great value and this lakefront town offers plenty of bang for the buck for vacationing families.
The city has five lakes, offering families the chance to have plenty of outdoor fun, including renting rubber-duck-shaped paddle boats. Madison also has plenty of free activities, including botanical gardens, a zoo, and an art museum.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Visitors looking for a kid-friendly, walkable city need look no further than Santa Fe. New Mexico’s capital city offers a variety of cultural attractions that are great places to share memorable family experiences.
One can’t-miss spot in Santa Fe is the Museum of International Folk Art, which offers fun scavenger hunts where youngsters can search for dioramas and dolls around the museum. The Museum of Indian Art and Culture is a unique spot too, whose exhibits include a life-size tipi.
Tucson, Arizona
Described as a ‘desert oasis,’ Tucson is known for its plentiful cacti, but it has also firmly established itself as a kid-friendly city with lots to do.
Those traveling with kids can visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which includes an aquarium and a city zoo. Downtown Tucson offers plenty to see and the Degrazia Gallery in the Sun highlights beautiful Southwestern art with a variety of kid-pleasing indoor and outdoor exhibits.
Rapid City, South Dakota
The Mount Rushmore National Monument is the biggest attraction in South Dakota. But Rapid City, which sits a half hour north of the monument offers a lot for families to do.
Families can visit Badlands National Park and the Crazy Horse Memorial or visit free, kid-friendly attractions in town like the Museum of Geology or Dinosaur Park. There’s also a waterpark resort in town that’s connected with five different hotels.
Discover America’s Must-See Cities For Yourself
Whether you’re seeking family fun in the shadow of Mount Rushmore, soaking up the sun on a scenic beach getaway in Traverse City, or immersing yourself in culture in Tucson, America’s must-see cities have something for every type of traveler.
A trip to any (or all) of America’s must-see cities is a chance to experience a new place and have a new adventure. Travelers can go all out and experience the hustle and bustle of a big city or get away from it all and seek tranquility in a scenic hidden gem!