Amazing U.S. Attractions to Visit with Kids

Tim Ponisciak said:  This is widely considered to be one of the best, most all-encompassing museums for the U.S.A. Your kids can learn about the founding of the nation, can see examples of advertising and product marketing, can hear old music and can learn about some of the harsher times faced by many Americans through the years. Truly experiencing this museum will take at least a day.

Cost: free!

Kristy Pepping said:  If you are in DC with kids, a must is a tour of the White House. Anyone can take photos in front of the gate of the White House. But for a more personal experience, you can request free tours in advance.

Tim Ponisciak said:  The Air and Space Museum is the best place to visit to learn about some of the most monumental moments in American history. You can see various objects related to the lunar landing missions, a reproduction of the Wright brothers flyer and the Spirit of St. Louis, the plane that Charles Lindbergh flew on the first solo non-stop transatlantic flight. Kids will love being able to go inside some of the exhibits of older planes!

Cost: Like all the Smithsonian museums, it is free to attend!

christadiserio said:  The U.S. Capitol is one of the most historic, important, & architecturally fascinating buildings in the USA. Everyone in your family should have a chance to visit. The Capitol is home to our nation's lawmakers, where decisions made affect our day-to-day lives. The kids will remember this trip when they're sitting in their U.S. Government class or running for office themselves. Tours are great for the kids to experience a real-life government lesson & should be booked in advance via the proper avenue (details online).

Tim Ponisciak said:  If you're taking a road trip and travelling by Philadelphia or Washington, DC with kids, take a detour to Gettysburg, about an hour from the Pennsylvania Turnpike. You and your family will step foot on hallowed ground and have a chance to learn quite a bit about one of the most pivotal battles fought in any war. *Some tours and attractions may include a fee.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Take your family and step back in time to 18th Century America in historic Colonial Williamsburg, VA. There are unlimited attractions including museums, tours, recreation, performances, military activities, shops and more. Special events and seasonal activities will make your visit unique and fun.

Additional local towns offering historic family fun are Jamestown and Yorktown.

The fun continues with Busch Gardens and Water Country USA! There is something for everyone in Williamsburg!

Tim Ponisciak said:  Located close to the University of Virginia, Monticello is a beautiful property and is maintained to look as it did when Thomas Jefferson lived there. You can tour the house, the gardens and the plantation. There are also tours designed especially for families with children ages 5 to 11 that feature kid-friendly facts and interests.

Tim Ponisciak said:  Yorktown is a great place to experience history firsthand. This is the site of the last battle of the Revolutionary War. You can see reenactors playing the fife and drums, can experience what it is like for 18th century artillery to be fired and can take guided tours led by park rangers. Check the website for a schedule of upcoming events.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The site of the winter encampment during the Revolutionary War is home to Washington's headquarters, a beautiful memorial chapel, soldiers' huts and much more. It's easy to spend a day enjoying miles of trails, ranger-led tours, living history experiences and a renovated Visitor Center. If you're short on time, a drive along the tour loop can be done in as little as 20 minutes.

Kristy Pepping said:  The Liberty Bell was sent from London to what today is called Independence Mall. This large 12-foot bell was cracked by a clapper the first time it was ever rung. Since that time, artisans have attempted to restore it, but never fully fixed the crack. Visitors can see the bell up close, learn more about its history and even see x-ray images from inside it.

Tim Ponisciak said:  Elfreth's Alley is widely considered America's oldest residential street. Walk over cobblestone and take a moment to truly step back in time. The houses though are not just for show, people still live on the street. You can visit The Museum House to learn the history of the street. Walk through and guided tours are available.

Open Friday-Sunday

Yoli B said:  The Corning Museum of Glass preserves and displays art and historical glass. When you visit, you’ll see more than 3,500 years of history in the Glass Collection Galleries. Glass blowing artists perform several times a day and one lucky audience member can win a unique sculpture at each show. This place is definitely worth the visit with kids.

Kristy Pepping said:  For those who do not know the history, "The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World" was a gift from France and represents freedom. It has been a national monument since 1924. Visitors have several options while visiting this monument, The two main options are to visit up close include: the bottom of the statue, the pedestal or the top of the statue, the crown. Of course, you may also view Lady Liberty afar across the river.

You must purchase tickets in advance via Statue Cruises. Boats leave from two places: Liberty State Park (New Jersey) or Battery Park (New York).

Tim Ponisciak said:  When in NYC, make sure to visit the world's most famous urban park. The Park has a carousel, zoo, gardens, a number of beautiful statues and playground! The park is huge, over 800 acres, so make sure to check out the park's map before hand so you know where everything is that you want to experience. A horse-drawn carriage through the park is also popular when visiting NYC with kids.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The WonderWorks Museum, famous for their upside-down buildings, has a few U.S. locations to enjoy on your next family road trip. These are especially unique places to visit with kids in the Smoky Mountains or even when discovering Orlando with kids beyond Disney. The Museums are educational entertainment experiences with over 100 hands-on and interactive science-related exhibits such as Space, Natural Disaster, Light and Sound, Imagination Lab and Physical Challenge Zone. They also feature laser tag, 4D rides, indoor rope climbing, magic and comedy shows and more fun for the entire family.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The Strong, a leading U.S. Museum serving families, features 100,000 square feet of interactive, educational and fun exhibit space for ultimate play during your Road Trip upstate NY with kids. They have permanent and short-term exhibits based on Arts and Sciences, Transportation, Dance, Pinball, Wegmans Super Kids Market, Imaginative and Pretend Play, Sesame Street, and much more. Check their Calendar for special events, too! Tip: Check out their Trip Tips!

Kristy Pepping said:  "3,160 tons of water flows over Niagara Falls every second!" Why? Niagara Falls is where four of the Great Lakes meet the Niagara River Gorge. This is a world-wide destination close to home!

You can view the Falls from both the American side and the Canadian side, and there are similar family-oriented attractions (e.g., boat tours) that both sides offer. However, passports are required to physically cross either border. Some consider the Canadian side to be more exciting, given the abundance of restaurants, amusement centers and Midway, as well as a wider-angle view of the Falls.

Nancy L. said:  Mystic Seaport is the nation’s leading maritime museum. The grounds cover 19 acres on the Mystic River in Connecticut and now include the recreation of coastal village with a working shipyard so visitors can step back in time. This museum is home to more than 500 historic watercraft most notably the 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan. It is America’s oldest commercial ship still in existence.

Amanda Banta said:  The red line of the Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile path that connects historical sites critical to Boston's role in the American Revolution. Spots on the trail include Paul Revere's house, the Massachusetts State House and Boston Common. Take a paid guided tour or walk the trail at your own pace.

Kristy Pepping said:   Nearly one million visitors flock to this location yearly where in 1620 Europeans made their home in America. Plymouth Rock has come to symbolize the first colony and the contract between the Native Americans and the new European Americans. Visitors can come learn more about the history and to see a replica of the Mayflower Ship.

Tim Ponisciak said:  Though small, this is a fantastic museum and store for sporting fans, and a great place if you have a half day to spare. Admittance gains you access to take the tour of the factory, where you can actually see the workers making bats for Major League Baseball players (there is a sign telling you whose bat they are currently making). The museum highlight is getting to hold a bat that was used by a major league baseball star. The choices rotate but in the past have included players like Cal Ripken, Jr., Tony Gwynn and Dick Allen.

Kristy Pepping said:  Mammoth Caves is a series of over 400 miles of caves. It's known as "the world's longest known cave system." If you are planning to stay in the area, there is a hotel inside the park, as well as camping. For food options, there are restaurants onsite and picnic tables if you plan to pack a lunch. Of course there are some great tours of the caves. But there are also bikes to rent, fishing, hiking trails, horseback riding and more.

Kristy Pepping said:  General admission to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center includes access to historic Shuttle Park, Rocket Park and all indoor exhibit areas like the main museum atrium and the Davidson Center for Space Exploration. You can also take guided tours of the Saturn V Hall, featured traveling exhibitions, hands-on demonstrations and presentations, museum simulators, planetarium, and a behind-the-scenes tour of Space Camp.

Kristy Pepping said:  If you are headed to Florida on vacation and even to Disney World, the Kennedy Space Center is not far away. Kids will love to see where rockets launch and learn about space travel. There are several tours and interactive experiences like training like an astronaut, experience going to the moon or launch or just touring the museum.

Kristy Pepping said:  If your travels take you through Chicago, a must is a stop at Navy Pier. It's a Chicago landmark and a massive pier that sits on Lake Michigan. There is shopping, restaurants, boat rides and attractions. It's located right downtown, so a short cab ride if you are staying on or near Michigan Avenue. There are fees for The Children's Museum inside as well at the famed ferris wheel! And if you are visiting during the summer, you can even catch an evening fireworks display!

Free entry to Navy Pier

Kristy Pepping said:  No "must see" list would be complete without Disney World: Epcot Center, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and so so much more. Disney can be expensive and also time consuming to plan. Consider using our Resources to Plan Your Trip list, which will make the planning a lot easier. To keep costs down, consider staying off property. There are several area hotels all with a short drive to the park, while theme park vehicle parking per day could cost less than one adult character meal!

Yoli B said:  Busch Gardens Tampa has long been overshadowed by the theme parks in Orlando; however, the park has gone through a rebirth in recent years. Busch Gardens Tampa has shows, animals, and all the roller coasters you can imagine! The park gives guests a little taste of Africa with live music and decor. In addition to everything Busch Gardens offers, closeup animal encounters are available with Serengeti Safari, Penguin Insider and Elephant Insider. The kids will be talking about this trip for years to come!

Kristy Pepping said:  If you find yourself traveling through the Midwest and in particular, St. Louis, stopping at The Gateway Arch is a must. This monument symbolizes the city’s role in pioneers discovering the West. The Arch is an impressive 630 feet off the ground providing amazing views of the city.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Graceland offers families the unique experience to learn about the life of Elvis Presley, the history of Tennessee, music and more. The Elvis Presley's Memphis is an exhibit and entertainment center with multiple museums showcasing his life's work and possessions including cars and airplanes. There are multiple dining options to sample Memphis cuisine or dine in a 1950s themed restaurant. Events and festivals are featured throughout the year.

Kristy Pepping said:  The Everglades are a large nature area in Florida. A trip to The Everglades is a fun way for kids to see all kinds of birds, fish and other animals. There are a ton of activities inside the park and nearby; you can take a ride on one of the famous air boats, a tour to learn the area history, or go bird watching.

Tim Ponisciak said:  While not too far off the beaten track, history buffs may not realize that this interactive, detailed museum is located in the heart of America. The museum features digital exhibits where visitors can learn about propaganda art, songs from the era and different types of gear carried by soldiers. There is also a large diorama showcasing what the battlefield trenches looked like.

Pick up the museum's Family Guide, where you can send your children on a scavenger hunt throughout the exhibits. And for more energy to burn, check out Kansas City's best playgrounds.

Nancy L. said:  At the Fort Worth Stockyards, visitors can see the world's only twice daily cattle drive held at 11:30am and 4pm. Start at the Stockyards Visitor Center for the Historical Walking Tour and the Texas Trail of Fame. This is a great way to see the cattle drive. Here's an extensive list of attractions and family-specific events if you have more time.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Historic, educational and fun, The Alamo is a family destination. The most visited landmark in Texas, the 300 year old Alamo offers tours and activities to showcase the beauty and history in remembering the Alamo. Special events are featured monthly such as movies, programs and book signings. For free, visitors can witness History Talks, live reenactments and demonstrations, history of the Alamo film, and visits to the Alamo Church and Long Barrack Exhibition.

Kristy Pepping said:  Mount Rushmore features four former presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln all carved into the face of a mountainside. Visitors can learn about American history via an audio tour and visit the museum onsite for some souvenirs. There's plenty more historic sites nearby too, such as Crazy Horse or Wind Cave National Park. In addition, Rapid City caters very well to tourist families with many restaurants, shops, museums, wildlife attractions, adventure parks and amusement centers.

Shila said:  Rocky Mountain National Park is appropriate and accessible for all ages (there are a handful of stroller-friendly hikes and easy trails). From wildlife to wildflowers, there's a lot to soak in - including the fresh alpine air. At the foot of each entrance lay lovely neighboring towns where you can stay, eat, and shop.

Shila said:  The blue sky against bright white gypsum sand dunes is a beautiful sight to see, whether you have time to linger for hours or just a quick pitstop. The park offers wide open space for family-friendly play and picnics, and you can even rent sleds at the visitor center!

Shila said:  A very fun thing to do with kids in Sedona is Slide Rock State Park. The slippery footing underneath Oak Creek's wade-level water gives way to dozens of short water slides to explore while others lounge alongside the river bed. It's just a great place to get your feet wet, or swim for bit. Either way, it's also a fun, natural desert experience for families. There's also restrooms, trails and a market.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The Grand Canyon, one of the most studied geologic landscapes in the world, encompasses 277 miles with unlimited views to see, trails to walk, and places to go. The historic site features hiking, river trips, bicycle rentals and much more. Stay overnight at lodging and campgrounds and refuel your body at many restaurants and grocery stores.

A free program enables kids ages 4+ to become a Junior Ranger! There are three ranger options in which kids can complete an activity booklet and turn it in at the Visitor's Center to receive a badge.

Kristy Pepping said:  For those who do not know the history, The Hollywood sign started as an outdoor ad campaign for a housing development. Today, it has become a symbol of the movie and entertainment industry. It sits in the hills overlooking Los Angeles. There are hiking trails to see it up close and personal, or from a far still capturing that awesome photo-op. The other option is go to the Griffith Observatory which may be a better option for younger kids.

Tim Ponisciak said:  See the stars of film and television when you visit southern California! The Walk of Fame features the names of some of the most legendary stars of Hollywood. It's also a great away to experience the glitz of LA without paying for a tour. You might just luck out and run into one of the stars! There are now over 2,000 names enshrined.

Kristy Pepping said:  Yosemite National Park is in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. is known for its giant, ancient sequoia trees and for the Bridalveil Fall and the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome offering peaceful, family "chill time" at its best.

In Yosemite Village there are shops, restaurants and more. Yosemite has 10 campgrounds that can accommodate RVs and trailers. Yosemite offers many fun tours of the park, and there are also bike rentals so you can explore even more.

Erynn said:  Visit the tallest trees on Earth in California's Redwood Forest! The park runs along 40 miles of coastline, so you can see the beach while you're in town, too. There's a drive-thru option to see the sights, overnight camping under the trees, plus hiking, biking, and animal-watching, and other scenic things to do.

Tim Ponisciak said:  No trip to San Fran is complete without a ride on one of the Cable Cars! Hop on and feel the wind in your face as you go down the hills of SF. The most popular route is the Powell/Hyde line. Make sure to follow the directions of the crew and have your kids hold on tight!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The beautiful Golden Gate Bridge is an awe-inspiring experience for families. Pedestrians can walk across the the bridge on the East Sidewalk and bicyclists can ride on either the East or West Sidewalks. You will get jaw dropping views of the City and San Francisco Bay. There is also a lot to do other than cross the bridge - visit the Welcome Center, explore the Golden Gate Recreation Center, check out the interactive exhibits, take a walking tour and grab a bite at one of the cafes.

Erin P. said:  One of two parks that are a short drive from Seattle, visiting Mount Rainier up close will help provide perspective to kids who have only seen the mountain from the city. There are a number of hiking trails of varying difficulty. While it is not obvious, the mountain is an "episodically active" volcano, though it hasn't erupted in about a thousand years. Check the weather before visiting as the Park gets a wide range of weather.

Tim Ponisciak said:  To get the quintessential Seattle experience, stop by Pike Place Market! See the fishermen toss fish, sample some great coffee and check out some small bookshops. Your kids will love walking around and experiencing the sights and smells of the market. Don't forget to stop by the original Starbucks across the street!

Kristy Pepping said:  Visiting Seattle? Your first stop should be the Space Needle. A trip to the top only takes 43 seconds on the elevator. Once you are at the top, you'll enjoy 360 degree views of the city. With your ticket price you receive digital photo downloads and access to the telescopes. If it's too cloudy, a free family photo out front will also suffice!

Combo tickets with nearby museums like Chihuly Garden and Glass or the Pacific Science Center are also available.

Tim Ponisciak said:  If you can take the family to Hawaii, Waikiki Beach is a must see! The beach features beautiful sand and surf. There are numerous hotel options along the beach, in all price ranges. You can also take surf lessons, go on an outrigger canoe, and can enjoy some great restaurants! Diamond Head Crater from Waikiki is only a short bus ride plus a moderate-level hike (175 steps); the view from up top is monumental.