26 Doable Family Vacations to Take with Your Kids in 2026
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Looking for family vacation ideas for 2026? These 26 destinations are fun, doable, and filled with kid-friendly adventures that are absolutely worth it.
Each place on this list offers something special for families, whether you’re dreaming of a weekend getaway, a beach escape, a mountain trip, or a big-city adventure.
These are destinations we’ve loved as a family or places I know will make your travel year easier, more memorable, and full of moments your kids will talk about long after you get home.
So if you’re ready to start dreaming and planning, here are 26 family-friendly destinations worth adding to your 2026 list.
1. Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

This is one of our family’s favorite “doable and worth-it” mountain destinations because there’s truly something for every age.
My boys love the gondola ride and the adventure zones at Anakeesta, we’re always trying a new mini golf course or mountain coaster, and we never skip The Island with its snacks, rides, and dancing fountain show.
Whether you want the convenience of the Residence Inn Pigeon Forge or a quiet cabin with views, this spot makes it easy to find something that fits your style and your budget.
It’s packed with fun, easy-to-plan activities, kid-friendly restaurants, and tons of lodging options that work for larger families.
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2. Branson, Missouri

Branson is packed with family favorites, but our standout experience was the Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail golf cart tour with its waterfalls and cavern tunnels.
Silver Dollar City is a huge hit for families too, especially with its coasters, festivals, and kid-friendly areas that make it easy to spend a full day there.
We also never miss a stop at Branson Landing for the dancing fountain show, ice cream, and a little wandering.
With mini golf, mountain coasters, and shows for every age, there’s always something new to try.
Branson has plenty of family-friendly lodging at all price points, making it a super doable getaway.
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3. Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City has so many family-friendly attractions in and around the Crown Center and Union Station area, including LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and Science City inside Union Station.
Basketball fans will love the College Basketball Experience, and another favorite for younger kids is the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead in Overland Park.
We always enjoy grabbing treats at Crown Center and browsing the fun shops with the kids before heading to our next activity.
With fun neighborhoods to explore and hotels at all price points, Kansas City is a fantastic spot for a weekend getaway.
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4. St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis has some of the best kid-friendly attractions in the Midwest, and City Museum is always the showstopper. The tunnels, slides, caves, and rooftop fun are unlike anything else.
A trip to the Gateway Arch adds a memorable moment (and an epic photo), and Forest Park is packed with free museums, the zoo, and wide-open green space.
Our go-to hotel is the Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch because it is incredibly walkable, offers a complimentary breakfast, and includes the 5:30 Kickback that makes evenings with kids so much easier.
It’s a city trip that feels unexpectedly manageable with kids.
Related Posts:
- Ultimate Guide to Exploring Gateway Arch National Park with Kids
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5. Omaha, Nebraska

The Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is one of the best zoos in the country, and my boys especially love the Children’s Adventure Trails, the Desert Dome, and the shark tunnel.
We enjoy exploring the Old Market, grabbing ice cream, and walking to the amazing downtown parks like Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America Park, and Lewis and Clark Landing.
Families can also walk across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, stand in two states at once, and look for Omar the Blue Troll under the bridge.
Our go-to hotel is the Embassy Suites Old Market, which is walkable to restaurants, ice cream shops, and all of the fun parks.
For a great add-on, the Durham Museum is perfect for families who love trains and history.
Omaha is such an easy, family-friendly weekend trip with something for every age.
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6. Seattle, Washington

Seattle is a surprisingly doable and enjoyable place to visit with kids, especially if you stay near the Seattle Center.
You can walk to the Space Needle, MoPOP, the Pacific Science Center, and the Artists at Play playground without needing your car.
My boys especially love the playground and the quick monorail ride over to Westlake, the downtown shopping center near Pike Place Market.
A visit to Pike Place Market adds fun moments like watching the fish-throwers and grabbing snacks, and the waterfront has kid-friendly stops like the Seattle Aquarium and The Great Wheel.
We stay at the Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown because the walkability makes the trip feel relaxed, convenient, and very manageable with kids.
Related Post: Where to Stay in Seattle with Kids
7. Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver is a beautiful and easy place to explore with kids, and the Hop On Hop Off bus is a great way to see the highlights and get a good feel for the city.
We enjoyed walking through Stanley Park, stopping at the totem poles, and taking in the views around the park.
Granville Island is another favorite with its kid-friendly shops, food vendors, and fun atmosphere.
We couldn’t leave without making a stop at the iconic Lee’s Donuts inside the Granville Island Public Market.
Kids also love spotting landmarks like the Olympic Cauldron near the waterfront and the famous Gastown Steam Clock.
Vancouver is a beautiful, kid-friendly city with plenty for families to enjoy, and the waterfront paths are a great way to take in the scenic views.
8. Oregon Coast (Seaside + Cannon Beach)

The Oregon Coast is an easy and memorable place to visit with kids, and Seaside is the perfect home base.
We stayed at a vacation rental and loved walking to downtown Seaside to browse the shops, ride the carousel, play at the arcade, and grab gelato.
The wide sandy beach in Seaside is great for families, and heading down at low tide to look for sand dollars was one of our favorite moments.
A short drive south brings you to Cannon Beach, where the tide pools at Haystack Rock are absolutely incredible.
You can see starfish, sea anemones, and so many colorful creatures during low tide, and it is an easy place for kids to explore.
This stretch of the Oregon Coast offers beautiful views, kid-friendly beaches, and relaxed coastal towns that make the whole trip feel doable and fun for families.
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9. Niagara Falls, Ontario

Niagara Falls is such a fun place to visit with kids, and the views alone are worth the trip.
We loved staying at the Embassy Suites Fallsview because the rooms have incredible views and the location makes it easy to walk to Table Rock Centre to see the Horseshoe Falls up close.
The WEGO bus system is simple to use and makes getting around with kids much easier.
Our boys loved experiencing the power of the falls on the Journey Behind the Falls, feeling the mist at the Horseshoe Falls overlook, and watching the nighttime illumination from different viewpoints.
A visit to Clifton Hill adds even more family fun with arcades, mini golf, the SkyWheel, and plenty of kid-friendly attractions.
Niagara Falls is the perfect mix of natural wonder and family entertainment, and staying in the Fallsview area keeps everything convenient for a quick and memorable trip.
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10. Vail, Colorado

Vail is one of my boys’ absolute favorite vacation spots because it has so many easy, fun activities for kids.
Riding the gondola is always a highlight, and Epic Discovery at the top adds simple adventure with ropes courses, summer tubing, a mountain coaster, climbing walls, and beautiful mountain views.
We love Vail Village and Lionshead for their walkability, scenic views, and the convenience of having everything you need right there.
Vail’s parks are second to none, and our boys always want time at the Pirate Ship Park in Vail Village and Sunbird Park in Lionshead Village.
The outdoor paths along Gore Creek are perfect for a family stroll, and there are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants that make meals easy.
Every part of Vail feels designed for families, especially in the summer when everything is accessible and relaxed.
Vail is the kind of place you can return to again and again, and it continues to be one of our kids’ most loved destinations.
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11. Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs is a great place to visit with kids because it offers a mix of outdoor beauty and unique, family-friendly attractions.
Garden of the Gods is the star of the area with its incredible red rock formations, wide-open trails, and stunning views that are simple for families to explore.
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is another favorite and one of the most unique zoos we have visited.
A trip up Pikes Peak is also a classic Colorado Springs experience, and the Pikes Peak Cog Railway is an easy way for families to reach the summit without the mountain drive.
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center is a fun stop for sports-loving families, and the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park offers scenic overlooks and plenty of space for kids to explore.
There are also many family-friendly restaurants and hotels in the area, which helps keep planning simple.
Colorado Springs is a beautiful spot for families who want memorable views, fun outdoor activities, and a trip that feels both doable and worth it.
12. Palm Springs & Joshua Tree, California

Palm Springs is a fantastic place to visit with kids, especially if you enjoy warm weather, beautiful views, and easy resort-style relaxation.
We stayed at the Marriott Desert Springs Villas II, and the villas were spacious, the pools were amazing, and the mountain views were incredible.
Our favorite attraction was the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which offers stunning views as you rise above the desert.
We also enjoyed the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, which has a great mix of animals, walking paths, and hands-on experiences.
Downtown Palm Springs is worth a visit too, especially to see the Marilyn Monroe statue, the public sculptures, and the Walk of Stars. It is an easy area to explore and has plenty of shops and treats for families.
You also can’t miss a trip to Joshua Tree National Park, which has so many kid-friendly trails, rocks to climb, and beautiful desert scenery.
Palm Springs is an unforgettable place to explore together as a family.
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13. San Diego, California

San Diego is an easy, kid-friendly place to visit with a great mix of beaches, museums, and family attractions.
We love staying at the Homewood Suites in Liberty Station because we can walk to restaurants, coffee shops, the grocery store, and the waterfront paths. It is a convenient and relaxed area that works so well for families.
A visit to the USS Midway Museum is always a highlight, and kids love exploring the aircraft, sitting in the cockpits, and seeing the massive flight deck.
Balboa Park is another favorite with its gardens, museums, and wide-open spaces.
The San Diego Zoo sits inside the park and is an incredible place to spend a day with kids.
We always make a trip to La Jolla to see the sea lions in their natural habitat.
San Diego also has so many beautiful beaches, from Coronado to Mission Beach, and each one offers an easy spot for kids to play in the sand and enjoy the views.
There is so much to do here with kids, and the great weather makes it an easy place to enjoy any time of year.
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14. Phoenix & Scottsdale, Arizona
The Phoenix area is a great place to visit with kids, especially if you enjoy warm weather and easy outdoor adventures.
There are so many incredible playgrounds around the valley. One of our favorites has always been Riverview Park in Mesa next to the Cubs Spring Training stadium. It has unique play structures and a 50-foot climbing tower that older kids love.
One thing that makes this area unique is how many miniature train rides there are for young kids, and the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale is one of our favorites!
A visit to Papago Park is another must with the short and doable hike to Hole in the Rock. Kids love climbing up to the opening and taking in the views, and it is an easy outing for families.
We also enjoy exploring Apache Junction, especially Goldfield Ghost Town, where you can take the Goldfield Mine Tour, ride the narrow-gauge railroad, try the zipline, and watch the Goldfield Gunfighters put on their show.
Some of our favorite kid-friendly places to eat include Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa, Joe’s Farm Grill in Gilbert, and the Sugar Bowl in Scottsdale.
This part of Arizona is a fun and relaxed destination for families, with great weather, kid-friendly activities, and plenty of places to explore outdoors.
Related Post: Explore Phoenix: A Guide to Family-Friendly Attractions
15. Maui, Hawaii

Maui is an easy and beautiful place to visit with kids, with calm beaches, clear water, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
Kapalua Beach is a great spot for snorkeling with little ones thanks to its gentle waves and easy shoreline access.
Kaanapali Beach is another favorite for families. You can spend time on the sand, walk over to Whaler’s Village for lunch or treats, and enjoy the paved path along the water.
Black Rock is a fun place to watch cliff jumping and spot fish while snorkeling.
We also enjoyed visiting the Maui Tropical Plantation for its tram tour and open grounds.
Iao Valley State Park is another beautiful spot, with a short, scenic walk to the overlook that is manageable for kids.
A stop at Ululani’s Shaved Ice is the perfect way to end any beach day.
With gorgeous scenery, family-friendly beaches, and memorable activities, Maui is a place kids and parents will love.
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16. Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga may not be the first destination on everyone’s list, but it truly has so much to offer families.
It is an affordable mountain getaway with incredible views, outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly attractions.
Rock City is a must-see, with its beautiful lookouts, unique walking paths, and the whimsical Fairyland Caverns that kids always enjoy.
We also love spending time at Coolidge Park and walking across the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge, which has great views and plenty of space for the kids to explore.
A stop at Clumpies Ice Cream Co. is also a must-do!
A ride on the Incline Railway is a can’t-miss family activity, and the views from Point Park at the top are spectacular. The kids will also enjoy seeing the historic cannons there.!
The Tennessee Aquarium is also a great place to visit, with impressive exhibits that both young kids and older ones enjoy.
Chattanooga has a great mix of outdoor fun, scenic spots, and kid-friendly attractions that make it a memorable place for families to visit.
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17. Minneapolis – Mall of America

Mall of America is such a fun place to take kids and has way more to do than just shopping.
Nickelodeon Universe is the main attraction, with roller coasters, rides for all ages, Paw Patrol Adventure Bay, and ClimbZone, which is especially fun for older kids.
We also love exploring some of the kid-favorite stores like the LEGO Store and Toys R Us, and there are lots of quick, family-friendly spots to grab food.
On our last visit, we had lunch at Shake Shack, which was perfect for a quick break between rides.
There are also fun attractions beyond the rides, including SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, the Crayola Experience, mini golf, and lots of spots to stop for treats.
Everything is indoors, which makes it an ideal family trip in winter or on a rainy day.
We stayed just outside the mall at Home2 Suites, which worked great for our family.
With so many attractions under one roof, Mall of America truly feels like its own destination and delivers a real “wow” moment for families.
18. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is a fantastic place to visit with kids, offering a mix of museums, parks, and city sights that feel exciting and doable.
Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park are always favorites for us.
Our kids have a blast exploring the imaginative play areas at Maggie Daley, and Cloud Gate (“The Bean”) is a must-stop for photos and fun!
Families also love spending time at Navy Pier, riding the Centennial Wheel, and enjoying the shops and lake views.
The Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, and the Museum of Science and Industry are all must-sees and have plenty to keep kids of all ages interested.
Don’t forget a stop at Wrigley Field if you have baseball fans or a stroll along the beautiful Lakefront Trail.
Chicago is also home to some of our favorite deep-dish pizza spots, including Giordano’s, Lou Malnati’s, Gino’s East, and the original Pizzeria Uno, which always makes for a fun family meal.
The city’s lively energy, incredible attractions, and lakefront views make a trip here feel special from start to finish.
19. 30A / Florida Panhandle

30A is such a beautiful place for a family beach vacation, with charming coastal towns, bike-friendly paths, and some of the prettiest beaches in Florida.
Seaside quickly became one of our favorite communities to visit.
The pastel cottages, Airstream Row, the big green space in the town square where the kids loved running around, and the soft white-sand beach make it a memorable stop for families.
There are so many little spots to browse, grab a bite, or simply enjoy the views.
We also loved our stay in Dune Allen, which has a much more quiet and laid-back feel. It’s a great area if you’re looking for a peaceful home base with access to the entire 30A stretch.
The beaches here are beautiful and, in our experience, ideal for a relaxed, low-key beach day with kids.
Families also enjoy visiting The Big Chill, a lively, family-friendly gathering spot where you can grab lunch or dinner, listen to music, and let the kids play in the large open courtyard.
Another great stop is the Village of Baytowne Wharf, which has a fun atmosphere, kid-friendly attractions, and plenty of places to eat.
Whether you’re biking between beach towns, exploring local shops, or spending long afternoons by the water, 30A has a relaxed charm that makes it a wonderful place for families to unwind and enjoy time together.
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20. Anaheim / Disneyland Area
Disneyland is one of those family trips that feels magical no matter the age of your kids.
Between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, there are so many iconic rides, shows, and themed areas that make planning a trip here feel exciting.
Classic attractions like It’s A Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Incredicoaster, and Radiator Springs Racers give families plenty of fun rides for every age.
What I love most about Disneyland (and what keeps it high on my personal “must-visit” list) is how walkable and compact the entire resort area is.
So many hotels are just minutes from the gates, which makes breaks, naps, and mid-day downtime doable even with younger kids.
The Downtown Disney District adds even more for families, with places to eat and shops to explore right outside the parks.
With character experiences, seasonal events, nighttime shows, and that warm Southern California weather, Anaheim offers a Disney trip that feels exciting and manageable for families.
It’s definitely a bucket-list destination I hope to take my boys to soon.
21. Mackinac Island, Michigan

Mackinac Island is one of those trips our boys still talk about, and it truly feels magical from the moment you arrive.
With no vehicles on the island, everything slows down in the best way.
We stayed at Mission Point Resort, which was a great home base for exploring the island and enjoying those beautiful lake views.
Wandering around downtown, sampling the famous fudge shops, and biking the 8.2-mile loop around the island were some of the biggest highlights of our trip.
The bike ride was such an epic experience for our family and a fun way to see the shoreline.
Families also enjoy visiting Fort Mackinac, hiking up to Arch Rock, playing miniature golf, and simply soaking in the charm of the island.
Mackinac Island has a way of making a family trip feel memorable in a way that sticks with your family long after you leave.
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22. Rapid City & Black Hills, South Dakota

Rapid City is a great home base for exploring the Black Hills area, especially with its wide range of family-friendly hotels and easy access to nearby attractions.
Some of our favorite stops were Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, and Custer State Park, all of which offer beautiful views and short hikes that work well with kids.
Driving through Custer State Park is always exciting, especially when you spot bison, donkeys, or other wildlife along the way.
We also visited Bear Country USA, which was such a fun experience for the kids.
Each stop offered something different and kept the days full and engaging.
Whether you’re checking off national parks, enjoying scenic drives, or stopping for ice cream after a day of exploring, the Black Hills area offers a memorable family trip with plenty to see and do.
Related Posts: Ultimate Guide to a South Dakota Family Vacation: Black Hills and Badlands
23. Dallas, Texas

Dallas is a great place for a family trip, with tons of kid-friendly attractions, museums, and fun neighborhoods to explore.
Families love visiting the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, which has hands-on exhibits and plenty of spaces for kids to explore and learn.
The Dallas World Aquarium is another popular stop, with unique animals and walk-through habitats that make it a memorable visit for kids of all ages. My favorite was the sloth!
Another highlight for us was visiting The Star in Frisco, home of the Dallas Cowboys Headquarters.
The kids loved running around on the turf, seeing the massive screens, and exploring the plaza area.
It’s such a fun stop if you have sports fans in the family.
You can also make a quick trip over to Fort Worth, where families enjoy visiting the Stockyards, watching the cattle drive, and checking out the kid-friendly museums.
The Dallas–Fort Worth area has so many hotel options at all price points, making it easy to find something that fits your family.
Dallas offers a nice mix of attractions, food, and memorable stops that work well for a family getaway.
24. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is actually more family-friendly than you might expect, especially if you explore the Strip in the morning or early afternoon.
Kids enjoy the arcade and Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York, browsing Hershey’s Chocolate World, and walking through the beautiful Bellagio Conservatory.
You can also visit the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay or stop to see the flamingos at the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat, which is always a fun surprise for kids.
Outside the Strip, there are plenty of great family day trips. Hoover Dam and Valley of Fire State Park are both incredible spots for families who love to explore.
You can also visit Ethel M Chocolate Factory, walk the cactus garden, or head to Red Rock Canyon for beautiful views and kid-friendly trails.
Younger kids love the DISCOVERY Children’s Museum, which is packed with hands-on exhibits.
We stayed in a vacation rental off the Strip that had its own pool, which worked perfectly for our family after busy mornings exploring.
Las Vegas has a surprising mix of attractions, outdoor adventures, and memorable stops that make it a fun place to visit with kids.
Related Posts:
- Las Vegas for Families: Guide to the Kid-Friendly Side of Vegas
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25. Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is a fantastic place to visit with kids because so many of the major attractions are free and located close together.
Families enjoy exploring the Smithsonian museums, visiting the National Zoo, walking the National Mall, and seeing iconic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and U.S. Capitol.
There are also plenty of green spaces, easy walking routes, and kid-friendly exhibits that make sightseeing manageable with younger ones.
With so much to see in one area and tons of options for food, museums, and monuments, D.C. makes a great family trip full of learning and memorable moments.
26. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone is another destination we haven’t visited yet, but it’s one we’re genuinely excited for.
I already have Canyon Lodge and Cabins booked for our family because it’s one of the few lodging options inside the park that can accommodate all six of us, and staying inside the park makes exploring so much easier with kids.
What draws me to Yellowstone is the variety of experiences families can have in one trip.
Kids can see Old Faithful, watch colorful hot springs bubble and steam, spot wildlife in Hayden Valley, and explore the boardwalks around Grand Prismatic Spring.
There are also plenty of short, kid-friendly hikes and scenic drives that make each day an adventure without feeling overwhelming.
With its geysers, waterfalls, wildlife, and wide-open views, Yellowstone offers the kind of national park experience that feels both memorable and completely worth the trip.
If you’re unsure which destination fits your family best, I’ve put together two helpful guides to make planning feel doable instead of overwhelming:
• Tips for Picking Your Next Family Travel Destination
• 10 Game-Changing Tips for Traveling with KidsThese walk you through choosing a destination that matches your family’s budget, interests, ages, and travel style.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing I’ve learned after years of traveling with kids, it’s that the best trips aren’t always the biggest ones.
They’re the ones that feel right for your family. I hope this list helps you dream, plan, and pick the destinations that fit your season of life, whether that’s a road trip, a national park, a beach week, or a new city.
Wherever you go, I’m cheering for you as you plan meaningful, doable travel in 2026. 🎉
Before you start planning, don’t forget to grab my free Travel Itinerary Planner. It’s a simple way to organize your days, map out activities, and make the most of every trip with kids.
May you LOVE your adventure! KW

