25+ things to do in US states with kids in 2026

Going on a family vacation is a great opportunity to take a break from everyday life. You can explore museums, national parks, historic sites, beaches, theme parks, and other fun places with your kids.

Many families think they must travel outside the United States to have an exciting vacation, but that is not the case. There is so much to see and do across the country. Below, I share 12 of the best states to visit, along with practical things to do in US states with kids, family-friendly hotels, and updated planning tips for 2026.

These are only five of the things to do in US states with kids included in this guide. The best choice depends on your children’s ages, your budget, the season, and how far your family wants to travel.

What Are the Best Things to Do in US States With Kids?

1. Explore Yosemite National Park’s family-friendly trails.
2. Ride New York’s free Staten Island Ferry.
3. Tour Natural Bridge Caverns in Texas.
4. See rescued wildlife at Alaska’s conservation center.
5. Snorkel responsibly at Hawaii’s Hanauma Bay.

These are about 5+ things to do in US states with kids included in this guide. The best choice depends on your children’s ages, your budget, the season, and how far your family wants to travel.

How Many Days Do You Need in US States With Kids?

1. Minimum: Four days for one city or region.
2. Ideal length: Seven to ten days for one state.
3. Day 1 focus: Settle in and explore locally.
4. Day 2 focus: Visit the main family attraction.
5. Extra time: Add a national park or road trip.

The United States is too large to cover in one vacation, so focus on one state or one region at a time. Families visiting a large state such as California, Texas, Alaska, or Florida may need more than a week.

12 Best US States to Visit With Kids

1. California

California is a beautiful destination for children and adults. It offers beaches, mountains, national parks, zoos, museums, and amusement parks. There are so many things to do in US states with kids in California that one trip will not cover everything.

Instead of trying to drive “coast to coast,” plan a north-to-south road trip or focus on one region, such as Southern California, the Central Coast, or Northern California.

Rent a car and drive from coast to coast to see as much as possible.

Top Things To Do In California With Kids

• Yosemite National Park: Families can hike, camp, take photographs, complete the Junior Ranger program, and explore waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. A park-entry reservation is not required in 2026, although lodging and campground reservations may still be needed.
• Disneyland Resort: Enjoy classic attractions, character experiences, parades, fireworks, and themed food. Ticket prices, park reservations, and Lightning Lane options change, so check the official Disneyland app before visiting.
• Crystal Cove State Park: Build sandcastles, explore tide pools, walk along the beach, hike inland trails, or join a guided program. Check ocean conditions and trail notices before your visit.
• LEGOLAND California Resort: The resort includes more than 60 rides, shows, attractions, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and a water park. The new LEGO Galaxy land opened in March 2026.
• San Diego Zoo: Families can see animals from around the world, learn about wildlife conservation, and explore child-friendly exhibits. Do not confuse it with the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, which is a separate attraction in Escondido.

Best Kid-Friendly Hotels In California

• Great Wolf Lodge: This hotel has an indoor water park as well as several activities to keep your kids busy during your stay.
• Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa: perfect hotel with rolling lawn and radiant gardens with bicycle and jogging trails. The hotel has many child-friendly activities that your kids will love.
• Marriott’s Shadow Ridge II-The Enclaves: a magnificent hotel with numerous dining options on-site, with many fun things for kids. Stuff like whirlpool spas, waterslides, children’s pools, tennis courts, and game rooms are included.
• L’Auberge Del Mar: it has a private path to the beach with poolside cabanas and a spa to just relax. Your kids will also enjoy the horse race and playing golf by the sea.
• Omni Las Palmas: family-friendly hotel with water park and lazy river.

2. New York

New York offers city attractions, beaches, lakes, mountains, museums, arts, and Niagara Falls. Families can also enjoy pizza, bagels, international food, desserts, and child-friendly restaurants.

The variety of things to do in US states with kids makes New York suitable for both weekend city breaks and longer road trips.

Top Things To Do In New York With Kids

• Staten Island Ferry: you are going to get magnificent views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor from this ferry ride, which will linger on in your kids’ memories.
• The Empire State Building: best place to get mesmerizing city views from the 86th floor
• Brooklyn Children’s Museum: This museum houses up to 30,000 items ranging from minerals to skeletons of Asian elephants to masks and dolls, with many other children’s activities that your kids will love to participate in.
• Bronx Zoo: this attraction has lots of animals that kids can see, with activities like bug carousels, camel rides, and many more.
• Max Brenner Chocolate Bar and Restaurant: This is a chance to treat your kids to mouthwatering foods that they will love.

Best Kid-Friendly Hotels In New York

• Lowell Hotel: the hotel is close to many attractions like Central Park, Museum Mile, and so on, with babysitting services for toddlers.
• Sofitel New York: the hotel features a separate bedroom,m and it is close to the Manhattan subway lines.
• Thompson Central Park, New York: This hotel features an enclosed rooftop pool where you will get magnificent views and kid-friendly restaurants.
• Langham Place Fifth Avenue: this is the most luxurious kid-friendly suite in the city, in a great location and close to Times Square.
• Doubletree Guest Suites Times Square: The hotel is equipped with a microwave and mini-fridge, with a kids’ menu for room service.

3. Colorado

This is a perfect place to spend your summer with kids, as it has lots of kid-friendly activities, such as great camping spots, out-of-this-world theme parks, and many indoor attractions that your kids will enjoy.

Some of the top things to do in Colorado with kids are listed below.

Top Things To Do In Colorado With Kids

• Visit Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: your kids will get to see wildlife and also get to feed the giraffe while enjoying magnificent views of the area.
• Ski at Winter Park: Winter Park is a very kid-friendly ski resort with plenty of activities your family will enjoy.
• Hot air Ballooning: Your children need to be five years and above to participate, but this is a stunning adventure with 360-degree views of the stunning Colorado Rockies.
• Go sightseeing at Broadmoor Seven Falls: These are stunning falls that are easily accessible by a short walk and elevator ride. You can also explore the additional trails and zip-lining adventures while you are here.
• Acacia Park: This is home to the famous Uncle Wilbur’s Fountain with a play area that your kids will really love. You can also have a picnic here.
• Denver: From the children’s museums to good food, there is no shortage of things to do in Denver.

Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Colorado

• Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn & Suites: this hotel boasts a Jacuzzi and an indoor pool. They also provide a continental breakfast every morning, and there are many restaurants close by.
• Tivoli Lodge: This is a luxury ski resort popular for its stunning location with magnificent mountain views and Vail’s Golden Peak ski area.
• Woolley’s Classic Suites – Denver Airport: This is a magnificent hotel with many amenities to make your stay comfortable, from breakfast in the morning to wines and cocktails in the evening,g to an indoor pool, pets are allowed, a heated pool, and so on.
• The Broadmoor: this hotel features a Jacuzzi, golf course, outdoor pool, sauna, connecting rooms for the family, and so on.
• The Crawford Hotel: this hotel offers a unique experience to guests with modern luxury, the hotel also provides a shuttle bus service, and they also allow pets.

4. Texas

Texas gives children room to explore nature, history, culture, caves, theme parks, ranches, lakes, and wildlife centers. Since the state is very large, choose one region rather than trying to cover every attraction. Texas has enough things to do in US states with kids for several separate vacations.

Top Things To Do In Texas With Kids

• Natural Bridge Caverns: This is a great spot to have thrilling adventures while learning about nature and geology.
• Six Flags Fiesta Texas: a stunning theme park with roller coasters and a waterpark that will make you scream your lungs out.
• Silver Spur Guest Ranch: This is the best place to experience the Western way of slow living. While riding the horses, eating meals, and spending quality time with your kids on the range.
• Lake Travis: Your kids can have fun at the on-site water park, which is filled with rides and activities that the whole family will love.
• National Butterfly Center: You and your family will get to see hundreds of wild butterflies. Admire the numerous shapes and colors that the different species ofbutterflies haves.

Best Things To Do With Kids In Texas

• JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa: You and your kids will love this hotel, which features waterparks and many other activities in which the whole family can participate.
• Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa: This hotel has a golf course with a kids’ program and a water park with restaurants with children’s menu options.
• The Woodlands Resort: This hotel features many fun games like golf courses, a tennis center, a swimming pool, and a water park. You can also enjoy poolside movies afterward.
• Hilton Anatole: This hotel features a water park and several restaurants, so you can just stay in, relax, and enjoy your stay.
• Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa, Cedar Creek: The popular activities for your kids here are hiking and biking. Nature tours, a water park, and tennis courts.

5. Georgia

Georgia, especially Atlanta, is a great place for young kids with its rich history, lots of cultural activities, and many parks that you will love.

The state is filled with many outdoor-type adventures, from biking on the Beltline to hiking up the magnificent Stone Mountain.

There are also many museums with lots of kids’ activities that you and your young ones will have a splendid time at.

Top Things To Do In Georgia With Kids

• Georgia Aquarium: you will see lots of aquatic animals here.
• Piedmont Park: lots of fun things to do here, and it features playgrounds, swimming pools, picnic areas, and so on.
• Legoland Discovery Center Atlanta: This attraction features two different rides. Duplo Village and a 4-D cinema for you and your kids.
• Centennial Olympic Park: you and your kids will get to enjoy live music at festivals throughout the year here, with daily fountain shows, and kids can play in the jets in the summer.
• Stone Mountain Park: This park offers the opportunity for kids to hike up Stone Mountain. There are lots of fun and thrilling rides for your kids.

Best Kid-Friendly Hotels In Georgia

• Hampton Inn Darien-I-95: the hotel has a friendly staff that will treat your kids like kings and queens, with many off-site restaurants with a kids’ menu.
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Savannah Historic District / Riverfront: you will get a mind-blowing river view from the hotel. And they have an on-site restaurant with a kids’ menu.
• The Marshall House: This is a stunning hotel with free breakfast available. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant with a kids’ menu and lots of family-friendly amenities.
• River Street Inn: hotel with magnificent river views and an on-site library where you will get access to lots of books. It is also close to many restaurants and many attractions that you can easily access.
• Hampton Inn & Suites Savannah Historic District. The hotel is close to many attractions, and it has an outdoor pool that your kids will love. With many amenities provided, I’d like free breakfast and so on.

6. Louisiana

Although many people do associate Louisiana, especially New Orleans, with a non-stop party atmosphere and vibrant nightlife, there are many magnificent things for you to see and do here, too.

There are lots of kid-friendly activities here. From educational museums, stunning gardens, historic buildings, parks, and zoos that they will really love to experience.

Top Things ToDo In Louisiana With Kids

• Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point: This is a free and fun attraction where your kids can spot wildlife. Try out Cajun/Creole cooking, get creative with hands-on imaginative display, and much more.
• Sam Houston Jones State Park: The best place for outdoor activities for your kids. And they will also get to see some wildlife like alligators and snakes.
• Audubon Zoo: A magnificent attraction where you will get to see an exotic mix of wildlife from around the globe in stunning natural habitats. And also the best place where the kids can learn about conservation.
• Mardi Gras Museum: you will get to see the amazing fantasy factory with many props.

Best Kid-Friendly Hotels In Louisiana

• Hotel Monteleone: the hotel is close to many attractions, with an easy check-in process and an outdoor pool. It has an on-site restaurant with a kid-friendly menu.
• Bourbon Orleans Hotel: It is located in a perfect location close to restaurants and nightlife options. The hotel provides amenities like a coffee maker, iPod docking station, on-site restaurant, etc.
• Cambria Hotel & Suites New Orleans Downtown Warehouse District: the hotel has a refreshing,g relaxed vibe with a spa, free breakfast, concierge service, on-site restaurant, etc.
• The Jung Hotel & Residences: the hotel provides free breakfast and other amenities. Like self-serve laundry, an on-site restaurant, a pool, and so on.

7. Alaska

Alaska is a wild and scenic destination filled with mountains, fjords, glaciers, forests, and wildlife. Families may see whales, bears, moose, and other animals, but sightings are never guaranteed. Alaska also offers museums and family attractions in Anchorage, Juneau, Fairbanks, and other communities. It is one of the most adventurous places for things to do in US states with kids.

Best Things To Do In Alaska With Kids 

• The Alaska Zoo is the best place to see wildlife like bears, moose, and so on.
• The Reindeer Farm: This is a stunning attraction where your kids will get to see and have a hands-on experience with reindeer, horses, Rocky Mountain elk, and bison.
• Ride The Tram: a thrilling ride where you will get mesmerizing views.
• Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: the perfect opportunity to see diverse Alaskan wildlife up close.
• Eagle River Nature Center: The attraction is filled with numerous thrilling activities for you and your kids. Like hiking, overnight camping, nature studies, and so on.

Top Kid-Friendly Hotels In Alaska

• Bridgewater Hotel: This hotel has stunning river views with a free breakfast buffet. It has family amenities like cribs, a refrigerator, laundry service, and so on.
• Reluctant Fisherman Inn: you will get mesmerizing glacier views from here. It also has a private balcony that overlooks the water and many family amenities like on-site dining, kitchenettes, etc.
• Turnagain View Bed and Breakfast: it has spacious suites with cribs and a family room that can accommodate more than 5 people.
• Bristol Bay Lodge: the hotel has remote overnight camps, a hot tub with a sauna, free breakfast, a game room, etc.
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Anchorage: the hotel has a Jacuzzi, indoor pool, laundry facilities, on-site dining option with akids’s menu, and so on.

8. Hawaii

Hawaii is a great place where you will get to mix adventure with relaxation, as you will get to see beautiful scenery and interact with some amazing animals. And also experience the cosmopolitan vibe with mind-blowing shopping opportunities in Waikiki.

Your kids, no matter how old they are,e will surely find something that will pique their interest in Hawaii.

Top Things To Do With Kids In Hawaii

• Visthe it Honolulu Zoo: the perfect place for your kids to see different wildlife. And also get the opportunity to take Instagram-worthy pictures.
• Experience A Traditional Luau: This is the best opportunity to learn and experience the Luau culture. Your kids should not miss the opportunity to see this.
• Picnic at Hanauma Bay: This is a perfect place where your kids can learn about conservation, safety rules, and marine life. And a perfect swimming opportunity for them.
• Dole Plantation: your kids will have a fun and educational day here as you explore the plantation and feed the fish in the pond. You can also buy yummy pineapple treats here.
• Visit the Black Sand & Green Sand Beaches: These are amazing places for your beach vacations. There are so many amazing beaches in Hawaii. And the green and black sand beaches stand out the most.

Best Kid-Friendly Hotels In Hawaii

• Turtle Bay Resort can be found in a stunning location with a private beach and a huge pool. You will get ocean views from your hotel. With many things to do, like having surf lessons, snorkeling, bike rentals, and so on.
• Grand Wailea: the hotel rooms have a private balcony and a connecting room for families. It is the perfect spot for standup paddleboarding and boogie-boarding. With many water activities like water slides, water elevator, game area, and many more.
• Four Seasons Hualalai: it has the option of connecting rooms for ffamilies And it has many kid amenities, including a kid pool that your kids will love, a nd they can learn to swim and snorkel inside the pool here.
• Montage Kapalua Bay: This luxury resort has many fun activities for kids, like a kids’ club. And a teen program where they can go hiking, horseback riding, and zip lining nearby.
• The Westin Maui Resort & Spa: luxury resort with an adjoining room for the family. And a mini water park with waterslides, hot tubs, and kids’ programs for your kids.

9. Florida

Florida is among the best states to visit in the United States with kids, ds as there are lots of fun things to do, especially in Orlando With Kids. The attractions include museums, theme parks, beaches, and natural parks.

There are many fun things to do in the US with kids and memories to make that they will surely remember.

Top Things To Do In Florida With Kids

• Walt Disney World: This attraction is filled with thrilling experiences like fun rides, live performances, themed restaurants, and so on.
• Universal Studios Orlando offers opportunities to go on thrilling themed rides, watch stunt shows, try out snacks and treats from Honey Dukes, and a water park to enjoy in the summer for kids.
• Legoland Florida: The park has more than 50 rides, shows, and attractions designed mainly for families with children ages 2 to 12. The Galacticoaster opened as a new indoor family coaster in 2026.
• Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory: This attraction provides the perfect opportunity to learn about how insects eat, breed, and migrate. And your kids can get creative at the imagination art gallery.
• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: a perfect place to go snorkeling and see mesmerizing and colorful corals, sea turtles, reef fish, and so on. There are many water sports for you and your kids here.

Best Kid-Friendly Hotels In Florida

• Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach: there are many family-friendly amenities in this resort with many activities like nature walks, dining in movies, sandcastle building, games, and so on.
• Holiday Inn Vacation Club At Orange Lake Resort: The Holiday Inn Resort property is full of kid-friendly things to do with kids.
• Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa: located on Miramar Beach with multiple pools, a water park, a zip line, go-karts, child care services, and many more.
• Legoland Florida Resort: This resort is next to Legoland Florida theme park, with numerous children’s facilities. And a colorful interior filled with Lego toys and play areas.
• Portofino Island Resort: located at Portofino Beach with numerous kid-friendly activities like kayak excursions, a water park, mermaid adventure, surf camp, dolphin cruises, mesmerizing firework shows, and so on.

10. Illinois

Illinois is a state that is rich in excitement, adventure, and history. And it is also the state that Abraham Lincoln calls his home,e which also makes it pretty special.

The state has many fun adventures waiting for your kids, such as the Pirates Cove Children’s Theme Park, zoos for the family that loves animals, and nerve-wracking adventures at Safari Land.

There are also many museums with a stunning range of exhibits and children-friendly activities. And Chicago is one of our favorite cities to visit.

Top Things To Do In Illinois With Kids

• Millennium Park: This is a stunning attraction that hosts hundreds of free cultural events like exhibitions, concerts, and family activities.
• Leaning Tower of Niles: the perfect place to attend open-air music concerts, enjoy picnics, and take Instagram-worthy pictures.
• Chicago Botanic Garden: gorgeous garden with 27 display gardens that you can explore. You can also visit the on-site gift shop and café.
• Willis Tower Skydeck: This is an iconic building where you will get to see mesmerizing views of the city and learn about the history of Chicago.
• Chicago Children’s Museum: This museum will help build the creativity of your kids. You should not miss this attraction while in Chicago.

Best Kid-Friendly Hotels In Illinois

• Hilton Chicago: the hotel is close to many attractions, and it has an indoor pool and running track. There is also the spacious rooftop deck where you can relax in the sun.
• Four Seasons Hotel: there are many fun activities and learning opportunities for your kids here with pizza-making class. Your kids can also listen to bedtime stories from the hotel’s storyteller. And there are toys and treats that the hotel provides for your kids.
• Fairmont Chicago at Millennium Park: located in the heart of downtown Chicago and close to Millennium Park, where you can enjoy a family gourmet picnic, cribs for toddlers, and a kids’ menu in the restaurant.
• Swissotel Chicago: numerous kids’ activities are waiting for you here, ranging from the coloring area to the playing area. The hotel also has an adjoining room equipped with stuffed animals, video games, and so on.
• Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown: The hotel offers free breakfast and is close to many parks. The hotel is also equipped with an indoor heated pool.

11. Oregon

Oregon is a kid-friendly state with numerous attractions and fun activities. Portland is a great city to go for a weekend getaway for new adventures.

There are many things to do in US states with kids, from riding the aerial tram to see a mesmerizing view of the city to seeing rare animals at the zoo,o and exploring the popular Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

The state also has many spots for a picnic. And there are mancafés’s to try out mouthwatering meals with the whole family.

Top Things To Do In Oregon With Kids

• Oregon Zoo: the best place for the family to have a stunning animal experience where you will see and learn something about your favorite animal that you didn’t know before.
• Portland Aerial Tram: a thrilling ride where you will also get magnificent views of the city. And the perfect place to take Instagram-worthy pictures.
• Coastal Oregon: Oregon has lots of beaches to visit just 2 hours outside of Portland that your kids will love.
• Portland Children’s Museum: The museum is filled with many interactive and stunning exhibits for the kids. And they also encourage the kids to be creative.
• Floating World Comics: This is a stunning bookstore in downtown Portland where your kids can get comic books of all kinds that they like.
• Go Hiking: there are so many family-friendly hiking trails in Portland, and waterfalls too.

Best Kid-Friendly Hotels In Oregon

• Inn at Seaside: located in a picturesque area, it has many fun activities for the kids. The hotel is equipped with an aquarium, bumper boats, kitchens, and so on.
• Sandcastle Beachfront Motel:e The motel has stunning oceanfront views with kitchens, whirlpool tubs, an indoor pool, and so on.
• Hotel Lucia: This is a luxury hotel with standard amenities. The hotel is pet-friendly and has lots of facilities that the kids will enjoy.
• The Ocean Lodge: this lodge is equipped with kitchenettes, fireplaces, a library filled with books for all ages, a free continental breakfast, and so on.
• Hallmark Resort & Spa Cannon Beach: This is a mid-range beachfront hotel close to Haystack Rock with lovely spas and saltwater pools.

12. Nevada

This is a city driven by tourism. Whether you are in the city for business trips, family vacations, or party groups, there are many fun things that you can do in Las Vegas.

The state is getting filled with family-friendly activities that will make your kids have a good time. The city is also adding more and more fun and stunning experiences, which makes the state somewhere that you and your kids need to be.

Top Things To Do In Nevada With Kids

• Visit Las Vegas: Although Las Vegas does not seem family-friendly, there are many things to do here. From the visit to Bellagio Fountains and conservatory to the ride in the world’s tallest Ferris wheels.
• Explore Ely: this stunning museum gives you the chance to go on 90-minute train rides. With many other activities that vary from one season to another.
• Visit Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park: This park is divided into three main areas where your kids will get to learn more about history.
• Visit the Great Basin National Park: at this park, your kids will get to enjoy outdoor activities with many exhibitions of art sculptures. And a perfect place to go hiking.
• Shark Reef aquarium: This is a thrilling underwater experience that you and your kids should not miss. You will see diverse, dangerous, and unusual aquatic animals.

Best Kid-Friendly Hotels In Las Vegas

• The Mirage: The hotel has nightly eruptions of the man-made volcano. Watching the lion and dolphins, a puppet show, a kid’s menu, and many more.
• MGM Grand Hotel & Casino: This luxury hotel has many thrilling facilities for kids. Like the five-pool complex with a long winding river pool, waterfalls, and so on.
• Green Valley Ranch Resort and Spa: a stunning resort with an arcade anda Regal Cinemas movie theater on site. The hotel also has a pool area with a sandy bottom, which is popular among families.
• Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino: The hotel is well known for its tank pool. And the highlight is the water slide that runs through a shark tank.
• The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa: the hotel offers family-friendly amenities with large guest rooms that are suitable for families, a children’s pool, and so on.

Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in US States with Kids

Show your kids that adventure can be right around the corner!

There are many amazing states to visit, so if international travel is not possible, consider traveling locally by car, bus, train, or plane.

When planning things to do in US states with kids, avoid trying to cover too much in one trip. Choose one state, build the itinerary around a few important experiences, and leave enough time for rest.

Use this family travel bucket list to save more ideas for future trips. You can also get travel books for your kids to help them learn about the state before you visit.