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When people think about travel, they often think about flying somewhere or traveling internationally. However, there are plenty of places to travel to within the United States of America that you can reach by train, bus, or car.
If you are looking for the best things to do with kids in the USA, you are in the right place. There are so many amazing places around us to visit, and before you dive into the full list below, check out our Best Family Vacation Spots in the United States guide for even more inspiration on where to go next.
United States Brief
There are 50 states in the United States of America, as well as a federal district – Washington, D.C., which is the capital of the United States, and five major territories – Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Of these 50 U.S. states, 48 of them are contiguous, meaning they are directly connected, and you can road trip to all of them, or take the train or bus. The other 2 states, Alaska and Hawaii, are not connected to the 48 states. Alaska is in the northwest of North America above Canada, and Hawaii is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
How Many Days Do You Need in the USA With Kids?
- Minimum 7 days for a solid family trip
- Two weeks ideal for coast to coast exploring
- Day one: Orlando theme parks and Kennedy Space Center
- Day two: national parks like Grand Canyon or Yellowstone
- Extra time: add a coastal city like San Diego
Which US States Have We Been To?
As you can see, there are so many places to visit within the U.S., so if you do not have a passport, do not let that stop you from traveling. Aiden’s goal is to visit every state and territory in the U.S. So far, he has visited 23 states, and you can track your own progress with our Family Travel Bucket List to check off states and landmarks as you go.
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minessota
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
What Are the Best Things to Do With Kids in the USA?
- Ride record drops at Disney World Orlando
- Marvel at Grand Canyon’s mile deep gorge views
- See Lady Liberty and learn Ellis Island history
- Watch geysers erupt in Yellowstone National Park
- Meet pandas and koalas at San Diego Zoo
If you want to have an amazing family vacation in the U.S.A. before your kids are all grown and away from home, then check out the following list of things to do in the USA with kids.
Best Things To Do With Kids In The USA 1-5
1. Dinosaur Valley State Park – Glen Rose, Texas
Visit here to see some of the best preserved dinosaur tracks in the world. If your kids are into dinosaurs like mine are, then this is one of the best things to do with kids in Texas. You can check out these RV Parks in Texas if you decide to camp there. You won’t regret it.
2. Disney World – Orlando, Florida
Disney parks are designed to amaze and wow kids. With everything from fireworks, zoos, rides, and castles, this is a children’s paradise.
3. Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona
This 6,000-foot-deep, 277-mile-long gorge is one to behold. See rocks that are over a million years old and marvel at the wonders of nature.
4. Freedom Trail – Boston, Massachusetts
It’s a 2-and-a-half-mile road where your kids can learn about the Boston Massacre, Granary Burying Grounds, and other interesting stuff.
5. USA Space and Rocket Center – Huntsville, Alabama
Got a kid aspiring to become a rocket scientist? What is the best place to send them then in the US Space and Rocket Center? They have the largest spaceflight museum on earth.
Best Things To Do With Kids In The USA 6 – 10
6. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – Cleveland, Ohio
Learn about all types of rock music. If your kids like rock, they’ll love this place and may even identify with contemporary rock stars.
7. Statue of Liberty – New York
Lady Liberty is a common and famous figure, representing freedom. Your kids will learn about Ellis Island and how it presented immigrants with a chance at a better life.
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8. Alaska Cruise – Alaska
Join a cruise here and see magnificent icebergs and vast wilderness at close range. An Alaskan Cruise is one of the top things to do in the U.S.
9. Mammoth Cave National Park – Kentucky
With huge rocks hanging down, this cave is one of the world’s longest cave systems. If your kids love adventure, then this is one of the best things to do with kids in Kentucky.
10. San Diego Zoo – San Diego, California
One-of-a-kind zoo in the U.S. where kids can see practically all kids of animals, including sun bears, pandas,s and koalas. Don’t forget to check out the Safari Park also.
Best Things To Do With Kids In The USA 11 – 15
11. Georgia Aquarium – Atlanta, Georgia
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is among the largest aquariums in the world and contains a great collection of exotic ocean animals such as penguins, beluga whales, and seals.
12. Water Park Capital – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Wisconsin Dells is known as the water park capital of the world. This small town in Wisconsin is one of the top things to do with kids. There are arcades, indoor and outdoor waterparks, camping sites, and so much more. Your kids will love it.
13. Art Institute of Chicago – Chicago, Illinois
If your kids are into art, this institute is home to over 30,000 pieces of art from across the globe, obe and it is a great learning center about art and history and a top thing to do with kids in Chicago.
14. Nascar Hall of Fame – Charlotte, North Carolina
Your kids can find their favorite NASCAR drivers and learn about the history of NASCAR at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. If your kids are into cars, they love visiting this place.
15. Alcatraz Island – San Francisco, California
Your kids might not know who Al Capone was, but they will read about him in history books at some point. You can show them where Capone, and others like him, were incarcerated.
Best Things To Do With Kids In The USA 16 – 20
16. Niagara Falls – New York
See over 6 million cubic feet of water plunge into a fall in a thunder every minute! There’s a view from Canada as well, but the U.S. view is just as great.
17. Yosemite National Park – California
Yosemite National Park is home to the largest waterfall in North America. It also contains some of the largest sequoia trees in the world.
18. City Museum – St. Louis, Missouri
With man-made caves, tunnels, and slides, the City Museum is one of the best museums for kids,s offering hours of endless fun.
19. National Civil Rights Museum – Memphis, Tennessee
Let the kids learn about the civil rights struggle. One of the things to do with kids in Memphis is visiting the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
20. Arches National Park – Utah
See over 2,000 natural stone arches and red rocks blended beautifully into the environment. Arches National Park is known to have the largest density of natural sandstone arches in the entire world.
Best Things To Do With Kids In The USA 21 – 26
21. Schlitterbahn Waterpark – New Braunfels, Texas
Voted the best water park in the world, pick your choice of slides, heated pools, twisting funnels, and more,e and enjoy your visit.
22. One World Trade Center – New York
This 1,776-foot-tall building stands on the ruins of the former World Trade Center that was destroyed in the Sept 11, 2001, terrorist attack. There’s much to see and learn here,e and one of the best things to do with kids in New York.
23. Cedar Point – Lake Erie, Ohio
Experience 17 thrilling roller coasters at this amusement park. If your kids love rides, then add this to your list of things to do with kids in Ohio.
24. The French Quarter – New Orleans, Louisiana
Kids will love all the entertainment here, such as magicians, jugglers, mimes, jazz bands, and much more. Don’t forget to take a horse ride while enjoying the sights.
25. Yellowstone National Park – Wyoming
This place has the highest concentration of geysers in the world that shoot steam every 90 minutes. You can also watch as wildlife interact with each other here.
26. Islanders Beach, Hilton Head, South Carolina
This beach is named as one of the best beaches to visit in the USA. If you live on the East Coast, this is a great thing to do with kids. Every child loves the beach and will be guaranteed to enjoy their time here.
Frequently Questions About Things to do with Kids in the USA
1. Is the USA safe for families with kids?
Yes, the USA is generally safe for families traveling with kids, and most tourist destinations have strong safety infrastructure in place. Families exploring things to do in the USA with kids should still take standard precautions, like watching for busy crowds at theme parks and keeping travel documents secure while sightseeing.
2. When is the best time to visit the USA with kids?
The best time depends on the region, but spring and fall generally offer mild weather and smaller crowds than summer. Families heading to theme parks or national parks can save money by avoiding peak school holiday weeks, while winter works well for warm weather destinations like Florida or Southern California.
3. How expensive is the USA for a family?
Costs vary widely by destination, but a family of four should budget at least $200 to $400 per day for lodging, food, and activities. Theme parks and major cities run higher, while national parks and smaller towns offer more budget friendly options for families watching their spending.
4. What age is best for visiting the USA with kids?
There is no single best age, since the USA offers activities for every stage of childhood. Toddlers enjoy zoos and beaches, school age kids get more from national parks and museums, and teens appreciate cities and theme parks with bigger rides and more independence.
Conclusion
As you can see from this list above, there are so many fun places and amazing things to do with kids in the USA. So go through this list and take your kids to one of the amazing places listed.
With so many incredible things to do with kids in the USA, from national parks to theme parks to city landmarks, this list should give your family plenty of inspiration for your next trip. Bookmark this guide and start checking these spots off your list.
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find the best flight deals with Skyscanner. It searches airlines and travel sites around the world so you can compare routes, schedules, and prices in one place.
Book Your Accommodation
Book family-friendly hotels, apartments, resorts, and vacation rentals with Booking.com. It’s an easy way to compare accommodations and find the right fit for your family and budget.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can help protect your trip in case of unexpected delays, cancellations, lost luggage, or medical emergencies. Before your next international trip, check Nomad Insurance for coverage options.
Want to Travel for Free?
Travel credit cards can help you earn points and miles that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. Check out my recommended travel credit card resources to start making your travel budget go further.
Need a Rental Car?
Use Discover Cars to compare rental car options and find competitive rates worldwide. It’s a simple way to compare prices and find the best option for your trip.
Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
Viator makes it easy to discover tours, attractions, day trips, and local experiences. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities or unique adventures, you’ll find plenty of options to enhance your trip.
Shopping for Travel Essentials?
From packing organizers and travel gear to family travel must-haves, you can find many of my favorite travel essentials on Amazon.
Ready to Book Your Trip?
If you’d like extra support planning your next adventure, explore curated travel experiences through Rooted Journeys, where we help families discover meaningful and memorable travel experiences around the world.
