A great way to explore the world with your children is by taking a family vacation. You will experience some of their firsts and make incredible memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed vacation or a relaxing one, you’ll find family-friendly magic in these cities.
6 Cities for Family Friendly Fun
Orlando, Florida. Orlando is packed with family friendly activities and arguably the ultimate kid vacation destination. There’s so much to do in Orlando, from Walt Disney World to Universal Orlando to the Kennedy Space Center to the Crayola Experience Orlando. Other offerings include LEGOLAND Florida, WonderWorks Orlando, Orlando: Museum of Illusions, Titanic – The Artifact Exhibition, the Museum of Military History, and Andretti Indoor Karting & Games.
You can choose to stay at a resort hotel or choose from the many other options Orlando has to offer. One of the top places to stay is Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, which offers free shuttles and early park admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. If you are looking for more relaxing options, take a stroll around Downtown Disney or head on over to Cocoa Beach (about a 45-minute drive from Orlando). There are so many fun activities to choose from in this kid-friendly, packed city!
Branson, Missouri. The city of Branson is a favorite for kid-friendly vacations. Branson is home to the World’s Largest Toy Museum. The complex has six individual museums, which are home to a variety of toys, from trains and sports to Barbie and Western toys. Branson is also home to Bigfoot Fun Park which is packed with different activities that are perfect for adrenaline seekers.
Other fun attractions here include Silver Dollar City, the Aquarium at the Boardwalk, Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park, WonderWorks, and Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction. If you are not much of an adrenaline seeker, Branson is also home to a Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center, a Titanic Museum, a Dinosaur Museum, The Lens! Techno-Tainment Combo, and a Veterans Memorial Museum. There is an activity for every person in the family in Branson!
Bloomington, Minnesota. Bloomington is home to the famous Mall of America. The Mall of America combines kid-friendly attractions, shopping, and theme park attractions all under one roof. Head over to the SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium to meet the fish, get an eagle’s eye view in Fly Over America, or see if you can beat an escape room challenge, all without leaving the mall.
If you are looking to get out of the mall for a little while, Operation City Quest has fun scavenger hunt options for your family to participate in. Some relaxing options in Bloomington include the Normandale Japanese Garden, the Northwest Airlines History Centre, The Works Museum, the Amazing Mirror Maze, and the Old Town Hall Museum. Bloomington has something for the whole family!
Grapevine, Texas. Grapevine is home to two world-call family-friendly attractions – the LEGOLAND Discovery Center and Sealife Aquarium. Grapevine is also within easy access to Dallas and Fort Worth. After your family has explored the worlds of LEGO and sea creatures, you can make a day trip to one of these locations to see what they have to offer as well.
For kids who love football, you can visit the Dallas Cowboys Stadium. There’s also the enormous Dallas Zoo and an open-air collection of sculptures at the Nasher Sculpture Center. In Fort Worth, head over to the Modern Art Museum for a more relaxed adventure. You get more than one city's worth of options when you visit Grapevine!
Washington, D.C. There is an activity for every person in the family in Washington, D.C. This location mixes learning about history with plenty of kid-focused attractions. A flexible way to see the D.C. highlights is with hop-on, hop-off bus tours which allow your family to go at their own pace.
All the Smithsonian museums are free to visit, so you can sample them without breaking the bank, and you don’t have to stay at them all day. Washington, D.C., also offers the kid-friendly International Spy Museum, which is a favorite with would-be double agents. For more relaxed adventures, you can take a spin on the National Harbor: Capital Wheel, go on a night tour of the city, or try your hand at an escape room. Whatever you and your family choose, you are guaranteed a fun time in Washington, D.C.!
Last but not least, don’t forget to visit the Ellensburg, Washington area! Ellensburg is a fantastic destination for families looking for a fun vacation. Located in the heart of Washington state, Ellensburg offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and camping in the stunning Cascade Mountains.
Families can also explore the nearby Yakima River Canyon, home to a variety of wildlife and scenic vistas. In town, there are numerous museums, including the Kittitas County Historical Museum and the Clymer Museum of Art, which offer engaging exhibits and hands-on activities for children. Another favorite family activity location is Suncadia Resort in nearby Cle Elum.
Ellensburg is known for its vibrant downtown, which features unique shops, restaurants, and cafes that cater to families. Hotel Windrow, situated at the northeast corner of North Main Street and Fifth Avenue in downtown, is the premier boutique hotel to stay at if you wish to be in the heart of the city. During the summer season, the Ellensburg Farmers Market becomes a bustling hub as local and regional vendors set up shop on the streets, offering their fresh produce and goods for sale. With its welcoming atmosphere, natural beauty, and rich cultural offerings, Ellensburg, Washington, is a great place for families to visit for a memorable vacation.
There is truly something for everyone in these cities. Everyone can take part in an activity they enjoy! If you end up visiting the Ellensburg area, be sure to contact me for a family photo shoot while you are in town! Vacation photos are a fun and priceless way to capture your family!