Top 10 Kid-Friendly Destinations in the U.S.

Planning a family vacation with kids can seem as daunting as wrestling an alligator! Where do you even start when you envision tiny dictator tantrums, endless requests for snacks, and the beat drop that follows the dreaded "I'm bored"?!

Luckily you have me, your family travel spirit guide, to turn the madness into magic. I've discovered some key ingredients that transform even the feistiest families into happy campers: constant motion and non-stop stimulation!

We're going to strategically choose destinations bursting with amusement parks, hands-on museums, bustling beaches, and interactive activities. Of course a few hazards still lurk around every corner, from the "I need to poop NOW" emergency to having to use the bathroom desperately while waiting in line, almost to the very front of a popular ride (yes, we have been there!).

But that's part of the adventure, right? Ten years from now you won't remember the ugly cries over spilled ice cream...only the contagious giggles echoing through the car and spontaneous dance parties on hotel beds. And those soul-stirring sunset snuggles watching waves crash along the shoreline, grateful to soak up these fleeting, precious family moments.

So here are 10 kid-tested, parent-approved destinations guaranteed to create lasting memories without breaking the family fun bank! From world-famous theme parks to down-home southern hospitality, brace yourself for nonstop action that transforms into priceless bonding.

Orlando, Florida

Dubbed the theme park capital of the world, Orlando bursts with larger-than-life thrills for fun-seekers of all ages. From Cinderella's Castle to Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, fairytales and fantasies fuse into reality here!

Walt Disney World resort sprawls bigger than San Francisco with FOUR og theme parks and two waterparks. That's more magical kingdoms than my kids have meltdowns before noon (and that's saying something!). Scope out favorites like Splash Mountain and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, then hit up EPCOT to sample street fare from 11 countries without needing a passport.

Just down the road, Universal Studios also dominates with two epic parks. Follow dinosaur footprints into Islands of Adventure’s Jurassic Park, then blast through the galaxy with the Guardians of the Galaxy crew. Score coveted wands at Hogsmeade and zoom through Gringotts vaults at Diagon Alley too.

Not to be outdone, SeaWorld and Aquatica enchant with killer whales and roller coasters while LEGOLAND’s MINILAND USA dazzles young architects. From building workshops to 4D movies, it overflows with 35 million LEGO bricks!

With this much larger-than-life action, even my posse prefers riding rides over waiting in lines. So take breaks to refuel with iconic snacks like Mickey premium ice cream bars. Let kiddos burn off zoomies at playgrounds and splash pads. And utilize rider switch passes allowing one parent to wait while the other plays.

Most of all, surrender your type-A tendencies to go-with-the-flow instead. Orient yourself with park maps then set the kids loose to explore their interests. Follow them down rabbit holes and detours that reveal personalized adventures far more magical than methodical military-style plans.

Because in the Most Magical Place on Earth, the BEST memories come from wandering wild, free, and full of childlike wonder!

San Diego, California

More than just glorious weather and gorgeous beaches, San Diego brims with world-class family fun from the zoo to theme parks and everything in between!

Of course we have to start with that famous zoo and wildlife park duo. The San Diego Zoo pioneers up-close animal encounters with rare koalas and pandas amidst lush botanical gardens. Hit Africa Rocks to catch a killer cat nap with lounging lions or laughing hyenas. Then roar through the Safari Park’s vast open enclosures on an off-roading safari to feed giraffes eye to eye.

Just praying this doesn’t inspire another round of pleaded requests for a pet tiger like last year! Still finding orange fur shedding from Mr. Stripey the plushie in random places...

When you inevitably get pooped out, LEGOLAND California rescues the day! Test your mettle on Coastersaurus while mini figures transform into firefighters defeating raging reptiles. Then engage future engineers as they construct skyscrapers and robots in hands-on building workshops. Don't miss saving the LEGO Friends Heartlake City from a sneaky thief either!

Thrills continue just north at SeaWorld San Diego’s Electric Eel coaster blazing 60 mph down streaks of blue lightning. Hold your breath plunging through arctic waters on Emperor roller coaster too before screaming “Beluga whale!” every time you see a splash of white. No one can get enough of silly Sesame Street shows either with front row views of daily parades.

Wrap up steamy summer days splashing down Shipwreck Rapids waterfall rides or wading with Bat Rays in calm lagoons. And around every corner, fond memories burst from sharing icy lemonade tipped with souvenir blinky light cup toppers!

Yep, San Diego totally delivers the zoo-riffic goods exceeding even my crew’s wildest imaginations. Just pray there's still room for our traditions of demolishing epic burritos, basking on Coronado’s golden shores, and gazing at the magic hour skyline glimmering red-gold. It’s going to be warm, wild, wrinkled-prune hands AMAZING!

Galveston, Texas

They say everything's bigger in Texas, and this playground by the sea proves it in (wait for it...)XL-sized family fun!

Set your sights on 32 miles of snow-white sand beaches first. Build colossal sandcastles then cool off bodysurfing gentle waves lapping the shore. Hunt for angel wing shells and sand dollars too, comparing collections of ocean treasures. Just don't be surprised if a competitive spirit emerges--these are MY kids after all!

Up your adventure ante riding the 61st Street Fishing Pier's adrenaline-pumping Pleasure Pier. Practice your cowboy swagger on the Texas Star Flyer swing plummeting 228 feet at 70 mph--yeehaw! Then show no fear facing the ocean's wrath on Iron Shark spinning roller coaster modeled after menacing Great Whites.

More thrills and spills splatter across Schlitterbahn Waterpark, with epic tube chutes plunging through a dense forest canopy. See who can stand the tallest on Storm Surge simulated hurricane waves without literally losing their lunch! Our wave pool shenanigans definitely make a splash heard ‘round Houston.

When kiddos crash, explore Galveston’s vibrant arts scene at the Harbor Walk Strand Historic District. Grab pastel pralines from La King’s Confectionery, operating since 1947, to power the whole fam browsing eclectic boutiques. Don’t miss posing amidst the Instagrammable beachy murals either, sure to flood the ‘gram with seaside vibes that win all the hearts!

Yep, between beachfront relaxation and pulse-pounding rides, this Texas barrier island blends big fun with island chill. An XL family vacation delivering ocean breezes and powdery sand memories made to last a lifetime! Just pray the kiddos actually sleep on the long slog home instead of riding a lingering sugar high shouting “Are we there yet?!”Galveston, TX – This Gulf of Mexico barrier island boasts 32 miles of beach dotted with kid-friendly resorts and vibrant amusement parks. Don’t miss the downtown Strand arts district either.

Hilton Head, South Carolina

Get ready for some serious island time, blending beach bliss with eco adventures that excite even the surliest of teens! Let's navigate 12 idyllic miles of silky sand first, studded with crescent coves made for lazy lounging. Build epic sand castles then cool off boogie boarding gentle waves in the Atlantic, dolphins darting nearby.

Nature calls next at Coastal Discovery Museum, where intriguing exhibits like giant replica skulls make science rule. Get hands-on at sandy labs examining creatures caught in seines and sieves. Then awe at lemon sharks and sea turtles rehabilitating behind the scenes. Just don't let curious kids "accidentally" sneak any baby alligators home this time!

Kayaking through lush marshes offers peaceful paddling amid stately egrets and ibis. While wild dolphin cruises invite friendly mobs to play in the boat's wake, showing off with flashy flips much to the kids' delight. Don't miss stopping at remote Daufuskie Island either, its funky arts scene charming with locally-made sweetgrass baskets and Gullah folklore.

Back on Hilton Head, indulge in epic bike rides threading shady trails lined by massive oaks dripping in Spanish moss. Fuel up on pineapple whip soft serve from Java Burrito after. Then sample AK Shrimp Co’s sweet, plump shrimp fresh off the boat (literally!), best devoured dockside amid raucous seagull squawks.

Yep, Hilton Head sweeps up families with irresistible island vibes, blending beach bliss with outdoor adventures. Expect salty hair, sandy feet, glowing smiles that prove the simple pleasures in life just can't be beat! Just pray we actually want to leave by vacation’s end instead of booking our dream retirement here on the spot!

Williamsburg, Virginia

Get ready to blast back through the centuries for Revolutionary adventures spanning muscle-powered rides to museums and everything in between!

Our time travel tour kicks off at Colonial Williamsburg, plunging headfirst into 18th century life. Stroll cobblestone streets while costumed characters like wigmaker's apprentices and village blacksmiths share tales of colonial rebellion. Peep livestock in pens, soldiers drilling with muskets, and stately Governors Palace too. Just don't let the kids sneak a turn in the public stocks no matter how much they beg!

Flash forward at American Celebration showcasing decades of music innovation through modern times. Hearty huzzahs ring from the rafters by the finale! Then taste history itself at beloved diners and taverns like King's Arms Tavern, with colonial chocolate almond cake that earns my highest praise.

Busch Gardens steals our hearts next with pulse-pounding rides and charming European flair. Conquer Verbolton, a heart-pounding roller coaster , and Tempesto, a fast, twisting coaster that blasts you sky-high. Then grab Italy’s best brews and bites to fuel up for water park play at Water Country USA when sizzling summer days hit full blast.

Expect kids radiating joyful exhaustion by day’s end, still chattering about conquering the vicious verge roller coaster backward! Yep, Williamsburg delivers dynamite family memories spanning powdered wigs to waterslides. And I have a feeling we’ll be "revolutionary ready" to ride it all again tomorrow! Just pray we avoid any actual 18th century diseases, thank you very much modern medicine!

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Get ready for sandy toes, thrill rides, and nonstop entertainment at this iconic beach vacation mecca!

Miles of shoreline keep us beach bumming sunrise to sunset, building epic sandcastles and collecting seashells by the seashore. Add adrenaline to the mix riding soaring roller coasters and plunging log flumes at Family Kingdom Amusement Park. Practice your pirate “arghs” aboard the Swashbuckler swooping three stories high over glimmering waters too.

No trip is complete without a round of putt putt either! Glow-in-the-dark courses allow midnight matchups beneath the stars. Take on animated dinosaurs, erupting volcanos, and chomping alligators along the way at favorites like Jurassic Golf and Hawaiian Rumble. Just pray we avoid any head-on collisions or gaping black holes that swallow our balls whole!

Rainy days barely dampen the action either inside Ripley’s Aquarium and Five D Rides wax museum. Peep bizarre shrunken heads then pose with doppelganger diva wax figures from Marilyn Monroe to Jimmy Fallon himself!

Myrtle Beach swept us away with sun-kissed days packed with shells, thrills and laughter galore. We’ll definitely depart with extra freckles, damp swimsuits, and sandy car floors that I’ll be discovering for months. But those salty air memories glowing bright in the kids’ eyes? Absolutely priceless. I’d “shore” come back to make more anytime!

Washington, D.C.

Get ready for a whirlwind tour of iconic American history and culture with monuments, memorials, and museums galore!

Kick things off riding an open-air bus down the National Mall to scope the legendary landmarks. Gaze up at the soaring obelisk of Washington Monument then saunter past the sprawling National Sculpture Garden's massive whimsical spider sculpture. Snap selfies during bathroom stops at vibrant state-themed metro stops like Georgia's fluttering peach petals and Maryland’s colorful crabs too!

Dig into hands-on history at the 20 (!) Smithsonian museums ringing the Mall as well. Roam stately art and dino bones at Natural History Museum while the Air and Space's colossal rockets leave junior astronauts starry-eyed. Just don't let them try to climb into ancient fighter jets and spaceships no matter how much they beg!

The National Zoo joins the fun with giant pandas frolicking in bamboo and rare red pandas napping in cherry trees. Say hi to the mischievous orangutans too—they’ve been known to cause trouble throwing fruit bombs at innocent bystanders!

After pounding miles of museum marble floors, replenish with legendary staples like Ben's Chili Bowl half-smokes or Georgetown Cupcakes' decadent maple-bacon cupcakes. Then watch monuments glow against vibrant pink and tangerine sunsets the whole fam can toast to after whirlwind days playing I-Spy across America's front yard.

Washington D.C. delivers dynamite monuments and memorials guaranteed to inspire the next generation of history-making leaders! Just pray you leave before the kids stage a coup to extend spring break “learning” indefinitely at so many world-class museums!

Pigeon-Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Yeehaw, get ready for boot-stompin’ Smoky Mountain adventures from moonshine tastings to hatchet house thrill rides in these spirited Wild West towns!

First up is Dolly Parton’s fantastic Dollywood theme park, its namesake rhinestone legend larger than life. Practice your country crooning on karaoke rolls through Wildwood Grove’s musical Mash-Ups. Then hang ten riding the pumped-up surf Wave Swinger and daring Wild Eagle wing coaster swooping through the forest canopy.

More thrills surge at indoor skydiving as the fam swirls weightlessly soaring on indoor wind tunnels. Catch epic air leaping from indoor trampoline SkyBoxes into towering foam pits too for friendly " abdomen" contests. Just pray the ride home avoids upchuck episodes after all that bouncing and somersaulting!

In quirky Pigeon Forge, slide five stories down indoor Avalanche tubing before barreling down go-kart tracks at dizzying turbo speed. Little ones squeal with joy at kid-sized bumper cars too! Then embrace your inner Paul Bunyan at Smoky Mountain Axe House chucking blades at painted wooden targets. My competitive crew never tires of trying to "out-stick" each other!

Wrap up steamy summer days splashing down Dollywood’s Splash Country water park racing each other down slippery slides. Then bond over backyard barbecue & blues at Mama’s Farmhouse serving up quintessential southern fare like fried okra, cornbread, banana pudding...and of course, East TN moonshine!

Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg deliver boot-stompin’ family fun quicker than you can say “Tennessee whiskey!” Just pray no one face-plants attempting silly slow-mo axe-throwing poses for the ‘Gram. Now that’s an injury story bound to “make the cut”!

Yellowstone National Park

Saddle up for a Wild West adventure through legendary landscapes and natural wonders on this national park road trip!

Yellowstone dazzles first with over 10,000 freaky geothermal features like Old Faithful geyser blowing steaming towers high as skyscrapers. Marvel at rainbow hydrothermal pools and volcanic hot springs too, testing Homer Simpson-worthy echoes across the cauldrons. Just pray no one face-plants into scalding mud!

Spy elk and bison lumbering across grassy plains, wolves prowling the Lamar Valley at golden hour, and even grizzlies grazing in meadows (from a safe distance away, of course!).

Then thrill to backcountry adventures like tromping along the Continental Divide's craggy peaks for majestic eagle eye views. Just don't let the kids try tightrope walking any narrow cliffs despite their Cirque du Soleil aspirations!

Over in neighboring Grand Teton National Park, gasp at the jagged Teton Range suddenly rocketing skyward over shimmering alpine lakes. Hike through fields of wildflowers to cascading waterfalls and emerald pools prime for cooling dips. Just keep an eye out for mooseprotecting their young and other critters lurking in the woods!

Camp under starry skies with the fam then fuel up on heaping pancake breakfasts at Range riders alongside fellow adventurers. I promise the 5 am wake-up calls will be worth it catching rainbow sunrises with a steaming mug of cowboy coffee in hand.

Yellowstone and Grand Teton deliver stunning landscapes and close wildlife encounters guaranteed to inspire even the most angsty teen. Just pray the motorhome avoids bumping into any territorial bison during driveway drama!

Chicago, Illinois

The Windy City blows us away with big city action from soaring skyscrapers to delectable deep dish pizza galore!

We'll navigate Navy Pier's thrilling 200-foot wheel and musical carousel first for bird's eye views of glimmering Lake Michigan. Little ones squeal riding the remote control boats in Centennial Fountain then get lost in the Mirror Maze's dizzying halls of reflections. Just don't let them actually venture out on the ledge of those skyline glass balconies!

Next we'll roam Grant Park's epic Museum Campus where little learners excavate Egyptian tombs and ignite mini volcanoes at Chicago Children’s Museum. Say hi to Sue the T-Rex’s giant toothy grin at The Field Museum too before catching crack-of-the-bat action cheering the Cubs at Wrigleyville.

When appetites strike, we'll sample Chicago's famous fab fare like cheesy deep dish pie at Lou Malnati’s or Italian beef dripping with juicy au jus from Al's. Just don't wear your Sunday best in case of messy giardiniera stains!

Then work off the meat sweats biking or strolling the leafy Lakefront path to frolic in Crown Fountain’s cooling water streams. Finish by tapping toes during free Grant Park Symphony concerts as we snack on Garrett’s gourmet popcorn watching sailboats drift across the glittering skyline.

The Windy City delivers dynamite urban action from dizzying high-rises to lakefront lounging guaranteed to dazzle and delight. Just don't be surprised if the kidlets lobby to trade our humdrum hometown for Chi-town instead!

No matter your kids' ages or interests, these dynamite destinations deliver nonstop action for the whole fam! From cuddle time with pandas to face-planting foam pits, once-in-a-lifetime moments burst from every corner.

Just don't be surprised if fussy eaters suddenly crave exotic eats like fresh mahi mahi fish tacos or epic Belgian waffles topped with whipped cream as big as their heads! And good luck dragging thrill seekers away from waterslides and rollercoasters despite prune skin and wobbly sea legs.

Through goofy selfies and sky-high views, late-night s'mores and sandy car floors, new passions ignite that last long after you fly home. Little Luxers spot leopard print and fanciful feathers in bustling bazaar stalls thattransform their dreams for the future. Budding chefs sample regional delicacies that expand comfort zones and appetites exponentially. Tiny tots tenderly release baby sea turtles scampering to sea or plant coral fragments giving them roots in our planet’s future health.

Yep, family adventures stitch together life’s patchwork quilt, each colorful square bursting with priceless memory making moments both big and small. So what breathtaking backdrop will frame YOUR next chapter? With so many fabulous destinations to choose from, the possibilities are positively dizzying!

Luckily your trusted travel buddy Ashley is always here to bounce around ideas as we brainstorm the perfect spot for your one-of-a-kind crew! Just call, text, or hit me up on social so our next wild adventure can begin...