Best family friendly destinations in North America
Best family friendly destinations in North America
Kid-friendly theme parks and multi-generational vacation spots in North America
North America is an ideal continent for family travel, with theme parks, national parks, beach coastlines and lively cities covering just about every age, interest and budget. Family friendly accommodation, dining and attractions are built into most major destinations here more than almost anywhere else.
National parks offer some of the best family time outdoors, with junior ranger programs and easy trails that keep kids engaged while still delivering real wilderness for the adults. Theme park regions offer a different kind of trip, with resort infrastructure that takes most of the daily planning out of the picture.
Distances between major destinations can be large, which adds cost and complexity with younger kids in tow. Prices climb fast during school holidays, so traveling in the shoulder season usually means better value and smaller crowds. Healthcare is excellent but not cheap, so travel insurance with medical coverage matters for visitors from abroad.
Lists by region
State/Prefecture in United States
Hawaii
Tropical Vibes and Volcanic Wonders
Ranger programmes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park teach kids about lava and native birds. Warm reef lagoons like Hanauma Bay suit young snorkellers. Families can join a luau with hula lessons and fire dancers. Short inter island flights make it easy to visit more than one island.
Town in United States
Keystone (Colorado)
Rocky Mountain skiing paradise
Adventure Point has snow tubing, a kids playground and a lantern lit ice rink. Ski schools run games on gentle terrain near the base. The Kidtopia programme adds scavenger hunts and dance parties through winter. Summer families ride the gondola and fish in Keystone Lake.
Town in United States
Breckenridge (Colorado)
Historic Mining Town Meets Ski Paradise
The Victorian main street has candy shops and gold rush history. Ski schools teach kids on Peak 8 with gentle terrain. A free gondola links town to the slopes. Summer brings an alpine slide and a mountain coaster at the base of the mountain for older kids.
City in United States
Santa Monica
California Cool on the Pacific
Pacific Park on the pier has a solar powered Ferris wheel and small coaster. The Heal the Bay Aquarium under the pier lets kids touch sea stars. A flat paved bike path runs along the beach for miles. Tongva Park has playgrounds with slides and fountains.
City in United States
Williamsburg
Colonial History Comes Alive Daily
Costumed guides in the colonial town show kids blacksmithing and old style games. Busch Gardens has European themed villages with roller coasters. Water Country USA is a large water park with slides nearby. Jamestown Settlement lets children step aboard replica ships from the early 1600s.
Island in United States
Martha's Vineyard
Quaint New England by the Sea
The Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluffs dates to 1876. Kids still grab for the brass ring as the horses spin. Bike paths link calm beaches such as Katama and Lambert's Cove. Colourful gingerbread cottages make a fun walk in town between ice cream stops.
Island in United States
Siesta Key
Powdery quartz beaches meet turquoise waves
Fine white quartz sand stays cool underfoot even at midday. The Gulf water is warm and shallow for a long way out. Kids can join a drum circle on Sunday evenings at the public beach. Dolphins often swim past the shoreline near the pier in the evening.
State/Prefecture in United States
Florida
Sunshine State, Endless Adventure
Rides at Walt Disney World and Universal keep Orlando busy for a week. Kennedy Space Center lets kids see real rockets and the Atlantis shuttle. Airboats skim through Everglades wetlands past alligators. Gulf coast beaches have warm shallow water for toddlers and small children in winter.
City in United States
Honolulu
Aloha Vibes and Ocean Adventures
Waikiki Beach has gentle rolling waves that suit first time surf students. Outrigger canoes carry families beyond the break for a short ride. A 1.6 mile trail leads up Diamond Head crater for city views. Honolulu Zoo sits beside the beach with giraffes and lions.
City in Canada
Vancouver
Where mountains, ocean and city life meet
The seawall circles Stanley Park on a nine kilometre path for bikes and pushchairs. Vancouver Aquarium shows sea otters and jellyfish inside the park. Granville Island Public Market has sweets and a water park for kids. Capilano Suspension Bridge sways 70 metres above a river.
Country
Aruba
White Sands and Sunny Vibes
Baby Beach has a shallow lagoon protected by a rock reef. Toddlers can splash safely in the warm water. Eagle Beach offers wide soft sand and shade from divi divi trees. Flat terrain and steady sunshine make it easy to plan relaxed days out with kids.
State/Prefecture in United States
North Carolina
Mountains, cities and coastal magic
The Mile High Swinging Bridge on Grandfather Mountain sways above a deep valley. Black bears and cougars live in natural habitats at the mountain park. Kids pan for gems at mining flumes near Spruce Pine. The Blue Ridge Parkway winds past overlooks and waterfalls with picnic stops.
City in United States
San Antonio
River Walk, missions and fiesta spirit
Boats glide along the River Walk past cafes and stone bridges. The Alamo lets kids see the old mission where a famous battle took place. SeaWorld San Antonio has water rides and dolphin shows. Six Flags Fiesta Texas sits in a former limestone quarry with shaded walkways.
Island in Turks and Caicos Islands
Providenciales
Turquoise Waters Meet White-Sand Beaches
Grace Bay has powdery sand and shallow turquoise water that stays calm for young swimmers. Snorkellers meet turtles and rays at Bight Reef. Chalk Sound National Park has pale water and small islets for kayaking. Resorts offer kids clubs and shaded play areas near the pools.
National Park in United States
Acadia National Park
Rugged Shores, Sunrise Peaks, Wild Beauty
Carriage roads wind for 45 miles through the park with no cars allowed. Families bike or walk them past ponds and stone bridges. Tide pools near Thunder Hole hold starfish and crabs at low tide. Jordan Pond House serves popovers on the lawn with lake views.
Island in United States
Kauai
Lush Landscapes and Secluded Beaches
Poipu Beach has a shallow protected pool where toddlers can splash safely. Monk seals often rest on the sand nearby. Families paddle kayaks up the Wailua River to a hidden waterfall. Kilauea Lighthouse has seabirds and views of whales from the cliff in winter months.
City in United States
Gatlinburg
Gateway to the Smoky Mountains
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies has a tunnel where sharks swim overhead. Great Smoky Mountains National Park begins at the edge of town with waterfall hikes. Dollywood in nearby Pigeon Forge has rides and craft shows. Downtown has candy makers and mini golf for rainy afternoons.
City in United States
Wisconsin Dells
Waterpark capital of the world
Noah's Ark water park has dozens of slides and a big wave pool. Amphibious duck boats splash from land into the Wisconsin River on scenic tours. Indoor waterparks at resorts stay open through winter. Sandstone cliffs on the river make good photo spots for family pictures.
State/Prefecture in United States
Pennsylvania
Keystone State of American history
Hersheypark has dozens of rides beside a town scented with chocolate. Chocolate World offers a free ride through a model factory. Philadelphia's Please Touch Museum lets toddlers play in hands on exhibits. Amish farms near Lancaster offer buggy rides and fresh baked pretzels and cheese.
City in United States
Anaheim
Dreamy theme parks and sunny coastal vibes
Disneyland opened in 1955 and still draws families to Main Street and Sleeping Beauty Castle. Disney California Adventure sits across the plaza with Cars Land and Pixar Pier. Younger kids meet characters at daily greetings. Hotels offer shuttles and pools a short walk from the gates.
Island in Canada
Vancouver Island
Untamed Beauty and Coastal Charm
Orcas and humpbacks appear on whale watching boats leaving from Victoria. Butchart Gardens has a carousel and summer fireworks nights. Surf schools in Tofino teach kids on gentle waves at Cox Bay. Rathtrevor Beach has shallow tidal flats that warm up in summer sun for paddling.
Island in United States
Hilton Head Island
Beaches, Bikes and Southern Charm
Wide sandy beaches stretch for twelve miles with firm sand for biking at low tide. More than 60 miles of paved paths wind past marshes and golf greens. Dolphin cruises leave from Harbour Town and Broad Creek. Kids climb the red and white lighthouse for views.
City in United States
Clearwater
Sugary beaches meet dolphin paradise
Rescued dolphins and sea turtles recover at the local marine aquarium where families can watch. Pier 60 hosts a nightly sunset festival with street performers. The beach has soft white sand and calm shallow Gulf water. Dolphin cruises leave from the marina every day in summer.
Country
Barbados
Tropical paradise with year-round sunshine
Green sea turtles swim beside snorkellers in the calm water at Carlisle Bay. Harrison's Cave has a tram that glides past crystal streams and stalactites. West coast beaches like Mullins have gentle waves and beach bars serving kids meals. Catamaran cruises stop for swims over shallow reefs.
Island in United States
Maui
Island of Sun, Surf and Serenity
Humpback whales breach off the west coast from December to April. Maui Ocean Center has a glass tunnel with sharks and rays. Kaanapali Beach has calm shallow water and a rocky point for easy snorkelling. Families can drive up Haleakala for a sunrise above the clouds.
City in United States
Orlando
Theme park magic and sunny vibes
Magic Kingdom has Cinderella Castle and gentle rides for toddlers and thrills for teens. Universal's Wizarding World recreates Hogsmeade with butterbeer and a steam train. Water parks such as Volcano Bay cool off busy days. Many hotels offer character breakfasts and free shuttles to the parks.
Town in Canada
Jasper
Raw Wilderness and Starry Skies
A SkyTram lifts families nearly a kilometre up Whistlers Mountain in seven minutes. Elk wander across town lawns near the train station. Pyramid Lake has canoe hire and a small island reached by bridge. Miette Hot Springs offers warm pools with mountain views for tired legs.
Island in United States
Oahu
Hawaii’s Vibrant Island Adventure
Kids try island games and watch a canoe pageant at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Kualoa Ranch offers horse rides and jungle tours through movie filming valleys. Kailua Beach has soft sand and steady breezes for kite flying. Waimea Bay has calm water in summer for young swimmers.
City in Mexico
Cancún
Sun, sea and ancient wonders
Calm turquoise water off the hotel zone suits young swimmers. Ferries reach Isla Mujeres in twenty minutes for golf cart tours and snorkelling. Many all inclusive resorts run kids clubs and water parks. Mayan ruins at Tulum and Coba are easy day trips from the hotel zone.
State/Prefecture in United States
Vermont
Green Mountains, Maple Syrup, Pure Charm
Sugarhouses let kids watch maple sap boil into syrup in early spring. Shelburne Farms has a farm barn with baby animals beside Lake Champlain. Covered bridges make quiet stops on country drives. Autumn foliage draws families to scenic byways with cider doughnuts and farm stands.
City in United States
Virginia Beach
Where ocean meets vibrant culture
The boardwalk runs three miles beside the beach with bike lanes and playgrounds. The Virginia Aquarium has a shark tank and a seal exhibit. Dolphin watching boats leave from Rudee Inlet. Bay beaches at the state park have calm water and forest trails for short family hikes.
City in Canada
Whistler
Alpine Adventure, Epic Views, Year-Round Fun
A car free village is lined with candy shops and cafes. Lost Lake has a warm swimming beach and gentle trails for bikes. Kids learn in ski school on gentle terrain at Blackcomb Base. Summer brings a bike park and a zipline through old growth trees.
Region in United States
Finger Lakes
Waterfalls, wine and pristine lakes
Watkins Glen State Park has a gorge trail that passes under 19 waterfalls. Kids walk behind Cavern Cascade on stone steps. Ithaca's Sciencenter has hands on exhibits and an outdoor science park. Lakes like Seneca and Cayuga offer boat hire and small beaches for summer swims.
City in United States
Monterey (California)
Where Land, Sea and History Meet
A three story kelp forest tank rises inside the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Touch pools let children stroke rays and sea stars. Sea otters float on their backs in the bay just outside. Whale watching boats leave from Fisherman's Wharf all year round for families with kids of any age.
State/Prefecture in United States
New Hampshire
Mountains, lakes and coastal charm
Story Land in Glen turns fairy tales into gentle rides for small children. A cog railway climbs Mount Washington on a steep track above the treeline. Lake Winnipesaukee has sandy beaches and boat cruises. Autumn foliage turns the White Mountains red and gold each autumn.
City in United States
Branson
Live Shows Meet Ozark Outdoor Adventures
Silver Dollar City is an 1880s themed park with craft demonstrations and roller coasters. The Titanic Museum has a half size ship front beside an iceberg wall. Music shows and dinner theatres run daily for all ages. Table Rock Lake offers boat hire and swimming nearby.
City in United States
San Diego
California's perfect weather playground
The San Diego Zoo has open air habitats and a guided bus tour for tired legs. Legoland California in Carlsbad has rides and a Miniland USA made of bricks. Coronado Beach has shallow water and wide sand near a red roofed hotel. Tide pools at Cabrillo National Monument reveal crabs and anemones.
Island in United States
Kiawah Island
Wildlife, Beaches and Luxe Retreats
Ten miles of wide beach have hard packed sand that suits bikes and sand castles. Guides lead nature walks in salt marshes to see egrets and dolphins. Loggerhead turtles nest on the beaches each summer. Family bike paths link pools and cafes across the island.
National Park in Canada
Jasper National Park
Untamed Wilderness and Starry Skies
Big ice explorer vehicles drive families onto the Athabasca Glacier for a short walk on the ice. Maligne Canyon has bridges over narrow limestone gorges. In winter guides lead icewalks along the frozen canyon floor. Athabasca Falls thunders beside easy paved paths close to the car park.
Country
Jamaica
Vibrant culture meets pristine beaches
Families climb the terraced rocks of Dunn's River Falls hand in hand with guides. Bamboo rafts drift down the Martha Brae River through jungle. Negril's Seven Mile Beach has calm shallow water for small swimmers. Resorts run kids clubs with reggae dance and craft classes.
Island in United States
Jekyll Island
Historic Playground with Natural Beauty
Sea turtles recover at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center where windows show the hospital. Driftwood Beach has bleached fallen trees that kids love climbing. More than 20 miles of flat bike trails cross the island. Nesting mothers lay eggs on the beaches each summer night.
Region in Mexico
Yucatán
Gateway to the Mayan world
Cenotes are natural sinkholes where families swim in clear cool water. Chichen Itza has a giant pyramid that kids can admire from below. Flamingos gather in pink flocks at Rio Lagartos. Merida has friendly plazas and horse drawn carriage rides in the cool evening after sunset.
Town in United States
Vail
Alpine Adventure with Luxe Charm
Gentle beginner slopes sit close to Lionshead Village with magic carpets and ski school. A free bus system links Vail Village with Lionshead. In summer the Epic Discovery park adds ziplines and a mountain coaster on the mountain. Cobbled streets in Vail Village have candy shops and ice cream.
City in Canada
Niagara Falls (Ontario)
Nature’s Power, Lights and Mist
Boats carry families into the mist at the base of Horseshoe Falls. Tunnels behind the falls lead to viewing portals beside the roaring water. Clifton Hill has arcades and a giant Ferris wheel. Fireworks light the sky over the falls on warm summer evenings over the gorge.
Outer Territory in United Kingdom
Turks and Caicos Islands
Sun-drenched beaches with crystal waters
Humpback whales pass the islands from January to March and can be seen from boats. Boat trips stop at sandbars and small cays for picnics. The Caicos Conch Farm lets kids see queen conch of all sizes. Rock iguanas live on protected islands nearby and can be seen on short boat tours.
State/Prefecture in United States
Tennessee
Music, mountains and Southern charm
Ruby Falls drops 145 feet inside a cave beneath Lookout Mountain. The Incline Railway climbs the steep mountain at a sharp angle. The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga has river otters and a butterfly garden. Nashville offers family friendly Opry shows and live music for all ages.
Town in Canada
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Charming Wine Country by the Lake
Horse drawn carriages roll down Queen Street past candy shops and old brick storefronts. Fort George has costumed guides who show kids how soldiers lived in 1812. Fruit farms let families pick peaches and cherries in summer. Bike paths follow the Niagara River from town to the falls.
Mountain in Canada
Big White
Powder paradise with ski-in/ski-out village
Ski in ski out lodging sits right beside the slopes at the resort village. Snow ghosts, trees coated in rime ice, line many runs. Kids learn on a gentle beginner area with a magic carpet. The village has a tubing park and an ice rink with evening skating.
City in United States
Myrtle Beach
Sun-soaked shores and endless entertainment
The Grand Strand stretches 60 miles of wide sandy beach with gentle waves. The SkyWheel rises 187 feet above the boardwalk for ocean views. Mini golf courses with pirate and dinosaur themes fill every block. Broadway at the Beach has a lake, a carousel and a splash park.
City in United States
Cape May
Victorian Charm Meets Atlantic Surf
Kids climb 199 steps inside the Cape May Lighthouse for ocean views. Dolphin watching boats leave from the harbour daily in summer. Wide sandy beaches have lifeguards and gentle waves. Victorian houses along quiet streets make an easy pushchair walk after a day at the beach.
Nature Reserve in Canada
Mont-Tremblant
Year-Round Adventure in Québec
The pedestrian village has candy coloured buildings and no cars in the main lanes. A gondola links the village to the slopes and summit. Kids ride a summer luge and try ziplines through the trees. Lac Tremblant offers beaches and paddle boats in summer for easy family days.
City in United States
Bend
Mountain town that's got it all
Families float down the Deschutes River in tubes on hot summer days. The High Desert Museum has otters, raptors and a walk through pioneer history. Lava River Cave lets kids explore a mile long tunnel with lanterns. Mount Bachelor offers beginner ski lessons in winter.
Region in United States
Outer Banks
Wild horses and pristine shores
Wild horses roam the beaches north of Corolla and can be seen on guided tours. Jockey's Ridge has huge sand dunes for kite flying and sandboarding. The Wright Brothers Memorial marks the spot of the 1903 flights. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse has 257 steps to climb in summer.
State/Prefecture in United States
New York (state)
Beyond the city that never sleeps
The American Museum of Natural History displays dinosaur skeletons and a life size blue whale model. Central Park has a carousel and a zoo with sea lions. Ferries pass the Statue of Liberty on the way to Ellis Island. Coney Island has a wooden roller coaster and a beach.
Island in Bahamas
Paradise Island
Turquoise Waters and Endless Thrills
Aquaventure water park has a lazy river and a slide through a shark filled lagoon. Dolphin encounters let older kids meet dolphins in a lagoon. Sandy beaches have calm shallow water for younger swimmers. Kids clubs run games at the resort while parents relax by the pool.
Region in Mexico
Riviera Maya
Sun‑kissed beaches and ancient Mayan ruins
Xcaret park has an underground river where families float through caves in life jackets. Xel Ha is a natural inlet with snorkelling and lazy river tubing. Green sea turtles graze on seagrass in Akumal Bay near the beach. Playa del Carmen has a pedestrian Fifth Avenue with ice cream shops.
Country
Costa Rica
Lush rainforests, stunning beaches, pure adventure
Sloths hang from trees in Manuel Antonio National Park a short walk from the beach. Guides help kids spot monkeys and toucans through spotting scopes. Gentle hot spring pools near Arenal warm tired families. Many lodges are family owned and offer easy dining and pools.
Region in Dominican Republic
Punta Cana
Tropical Bliss and Crystal Waters
Bavaro Beach has soft white sand and a reef that keeps the waves gentle. Freshwater lagoons at Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve let kids swim among tropical plants. Manati Park has dolphin shows and sea lion encounters. All inclusive resorts run kids clubs and water parks.
Island in Cayman Islands
Grand Cayman
Crystal waters, stingrays and sunsets
Seven Mile Beach has soft white sand and calm shallow water. Shady trees and beach cafes line the shore. Rare blue iguanas live at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. Rum Point offers hammocks and gentle swimming for small children near the north coast of the island.
State/Prefecture in United States
Michigan
Great Lakes State of Wonder
Kids run down the huge Dune Climb at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Mackinac Island bans cars, so families bike or ride horse drawn carriages. Great Lakes beaches have soft sand and clear water. Fudge shops and lighthouses add sweet stops along the shore of Lake Michigan.
National Park in United States
Waterton Glacier International Peace Park
Where two nations preserve wilderness
Vintage red buses carry families along the Going to the Sun Road with roll back roofs. Kids join Junior Ranger programmes and earn badges. Lake McDonald has smooth coloured pebbles and calm swimming in summer. Boat cruises on Waterton Lake cross into Montana from Canada.
Outer Territory in United Kingdom
Cayman Islands
Tropical paradise with crystal waters
Stingray City is a shallow sandbar where friendly rays glide around waders. Guides help kids touch and feed them safely. Cayman Turtle Centre lets visitors hold hatchling green turtles up close. Glass bottom boats reveal colourful reef fish without anyone getting wet at all on calm days.
City in United States
Park City (Utah)
Where Olympic dreams meet culture
An alpine coaster twists down the mountain at Park City Mountain Resort. Utah Olympic Park lets older kids ride a bobsled or a zipline. Ski schools teach beginners on gentle slopes. Historic Main Street has candy shops and free buses that run all day long.
State/Prefecture in United States
Virginia
Where American history meets nature
Luray Caverns has towering stone columns and a mirror pool. Skyline Drive winds through Shenandoah National Park with overlooks and easy trails. Wild ponies gallop on Assateague Island near Chincoteague. Kids can bike the Virginia Creeper Trail downhill from Whitetop Mountain on a gentle railway grade.
National Park in Canada
Banff National Park
Majestic Peaks and Turquoise Lakes
Johnston Canyon has catwalks bolted to canyon walls with waterfalls at the end. The Banff Gondola lifts families to the top of Sulphur Mountain in eight minutes. Boat cruises on Lake Minnewanka pass sheer cliffs. Elk often graze on lawns in town in the early evening.
State/Prefecture in United States
Colorado
Rocky mountains and red rocks
Elk roam meadows in Rocky Mountain National Park where kids can join Junior Ranger programmes. The Durango and Silverton train puffs through canyons behind a steam engine. Garden of the Gods has red rock spires and easy paved trails. Great Sand Dunes lets kids sled down towering sand hills.
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