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Best Cities

for Family Vacations


Pack your bags, and get your frog legs ready to hit the road! We’re hopping to some of the best family vacation destinations around the U.S. and beyond. See our top cities for family vacations and get a jump on planning your trip.

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1

Orlando

Orlando kids by pool Orlando roller coasters Orlando swim with dolphins at SeaWorld Orlando Theme Parks Disney World and Universal Orlando Orlando Eye great views

Ready to meet a mouse or summon your inner wizard? Better pack your best walking shoes, and don’t forget the sunscreen! Orlando is home to the most-visited theme parks in the world, including the Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort™, SeaWorld® Orlando and LEGOLAND® Florida. There are also water parks, world-class shopping, fine and casual dining, and entertainment.

Frog Family Tip Frog Family Tip: Download our quick-start guides or follow our park plans to do more and wait less!

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Why Parents Love It

Memory making! From the first go-round on Disney’s beloved Dumbo to a stroll through Diagon Alley, the memories made here last a lifetime.

Why Kids Love It

The theme parks offer nearly nonstop fun and entertainment. While there is something for everyone, this is tadpole paradise!

Top Attractions
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Frog Family Favorite Hotels
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Nearby Airports
  • Orlando International Airport (MCO), 19 mi (26 km) from Walt Disney World, 15 mi (24 km) from Universal Orlando
  • Sanford International Airport (SFB), 43 mi (69 km) from Walt Disney World, 31 mi (50 km) from Universal Orland
2

Los Angeles

Los Angeles Family Picnicing at Beach Los Angeles Family Playing on Beach Los Angeles Hang Gliding Adventure Los Angeles Kids at the Beach Los Angeles pier with family

Hit the beach, a museum and Tinseltown’s top tourist spots. While television and movie making are what this area is known for, Los Angeles isn’t just glitz, glam and grownup fun. There are laid-back beach destinations, diverse cultural experiences and kid-friendly attractions too. The hardest part will be deciding what to do!

Frog Family Tip Frog Family Tip: Consider a split stay! Book a beach hotel for a few days and then hop to Anaheim while you hit the theme parks.

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Why Parents Love It

Star gazing, creative dining spots by celebrity chefs and destination shopping locations.

Why Kids Love It

It’s home to beaches, museums, the Happiest Place on Earth and the Wizarding World too!

Top Attractions
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Frog Family Favorite Hotels
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Nearby Airports
  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), 33 mi (53 km) from Disneyland, 25 mi (41 km) from Universal Studios Hollywood
  • John Wayne Airport (SNA), 14 mi (22 km) from Disneyland, 48 mi (77 fm) from Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Ontario International Airport (ONT), 33 mi (54 km) from Disneyland, 49 mi (79 km) from Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Bob Hope Airport (BUR), 40 mi (64 km) from Disneyland, 6 mi (9 km) from Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Long Beach Airport (LGB), 18 mi (29 km) from Disneyland, 33 mi (53 km) from Universal Studios Hollywood
3

San Diego

San Diego family surfing adventure San Diego Legoland roller coaster San Diego kids surfing lessons San Diego water park San Diego zoo for families

Make it an easy, breezy beach vacation. With its year-round mild temps, kid-friendly vibes and picturesque spot along the coast, San Diego is the perfect place for a relaxing escape. Throw in a visit to SeaWorld® San Diego, the San Diego Zoo or LEGOLAND® California, and you’ve got the makings for a memorably family vacation!

Frog Family Tip Frog Family Tip: Look for lodging near or on the beach—Coronado Island and La Jolla are our picks!

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Why Parents Love It

Family-friendly beaches, eclectic eats and easy access to attractions.

Why Kids Love It

Fun in the sun and unforgettable animal encounters will keep the tadpoles relaxed and entertained.

Top Attractions
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Frog Family Favorite Hotels
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Nearby Airports
  • San Diego International Airport (SAN), 6 miles from SeaWorld San Diego, 35 miles from LEGOLAND California
  • John Wayne Airport (SNA), 56 miles to LEGOLAND California, 85 miles to SeaWorld San Diego
4

New York City

New York City Skyline View New York City water taxi New York City boat tour tickets New York City boat through Central Park New York City boat tour past Statue of Liberty New York City family hailing cab New York City family at Central Park New York City family shopping in Manhattan New York City father and daughter on Brooklyn Bridge New York City museum excursions New York City science excursions for kids

Take a bite out of the largest city in the U.S.! There is a ton to see and do in NYC, from beautifully manicured parks, gardens and zoos to monuments, museums and broadway shows. While you may think of New York City as being all asphalt and concrete, it boasts more than 28,000 acres of dedicated park land—almost the size of the Walt Disney World and San Francisco!

Frog Family Tip Frog Family Tip: Plan your sightseeing by day around specific locations.

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Why Parents Love It

The ease of transportation, collision of cultures and abundant sightseeing means there is non-stop activity and learning opportunities.

Why Kids Love It

Adventurous tadpoles will be wide-eyed just taking in the varied architecture, sky-scrapers and subway.

Top Attractions
Frog Family Favorite Hotels
Nearby Airports
  • John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), 12 miles from Lower Manhattan
  • LaGuardia Airport (LGA)), 8 mi (13 km) from Lower Manhattan
  • Newark International Airport (EWR), 15 miles from Midtown Manhattan, 10 miles from Lower Manhattan
5

San Francisco

San Francisco walking in Dolores Park San Francisco painted ladies San Francisco hiking in Yosemite San Francisco pier sightseeing San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf tour San Francisco aquarium by the bay San Francisco bridge San Francisco California Academy of Science

Set your sights on balmy days over the Golden Gate! Nestled along a Pacific peninsula, San Francisco is nature-lovers’ paradise, with abundant urban green space, cultural destinations, major landmarks and kid-friendly activities. The steep hills and rolling fog are part of the charm and character. The glorious Golden Gate Park—even larger than New York’s famed Central Park—is a must!

Frog Family Tip Frog Family Tip: Prepare the tadpoles for lots of walking. Pack comfortable shoes and don’t forget the sweaters! While temps are constant year round, sitting atop a double decker bus going over the Golden Gate Bridge it can feel downright frigid.

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Why Parents Love It

The best of West Coast urban life, culture, arts and nature.

Why Kids Love It

So much exploration to be done on foot, bike, cable car or rail!

Top Attractions
Frog Family Favorite Hotels
Nearby Airports
  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO), 14 mi (23 km) to Union Square
  • Oakland International Airport (OAK), 20 miles (32 km) to Union Square
  • Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), 47 mi (75 km) to Union Square
6

Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. White House visit Washington D.C. washington monument Washington D.C. monument educational for kids Washington D.C. Natural History Museum for families Washington D.C. Arlington Cemetary Washington D.C. Big Bus historic tours Washington D.C. Lincoln Memorial

Set your sights on an educational family trip! Our nation’s capital offers the opportunity to combine fun and learning. Washington D.C. is home to some of the nation’s most striking architecture and iconic buildings, including the White House, the Lincoln Memorial and U.S. Capitol. Parents and young patriots will enjoy the hands-on visits to historic sites, museums and cultural destinations.

Frog Family Tip Frog Family Tip: With so many attractions, make sure to identify your priorities at the outset and buy your tickets online in advance.

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Why Parents Love It

Terrific mix of free and low-cost, kid-friendly activities.

Why Kids Love It

Hands-on museums and tours allow tadpoles to really experience history and culture.

Top Attractions
Frog Family Favorite Hotels
Nearby Airports
  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), 4 mi (6 km)
  • Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), 27 mi (44 km)
  • Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), 33 mi (53 km)
7

Boston

Boston Harbor boats Boston aquarium for families Boston Harbor baby on ship Boston beach family vacation Boston old town trolley Boston Paul Revere statue Boston Tea Party museum

Step back in time to one of America’s oldest cities. Steeped in history, Boston played a primary role in our country’s founding and that history lives on. For families, it offers an awesome mix of history, culture, sports and kid-friendly attractions. Because it’s so easily walkable, this large coastal city has an intimate feel.

Frog Family Tip Frog Family Tip: Skip the rental car, and you won’t have to worry about parking. There are plenty of transportation options, including the T, Boston’s subway system.

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Why Parents Love It

Old-world charm meets modern attractions, shopping and dining; plus it's easy to hop around.

Why Kids Love It

Hands-on museums and tours allow tadpoles to really experience history and culture.

Top Attractions
Frog Family Favorite Hotels
Nearby Airports
  • Logan International Airport (BOS), 3 mi (5 km)
  • Worcester Regional Airport (ORH), 53 mi (85 km)
  • Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), 53 mi (85 km)
  • T.F. Green Airport (PVD), 59 mi (95 km)
8

Chicago

Chicago Navy Pier tour Chicago river boat tour Chicago-style pizza by the slice Chicago family enjoying winter Chicago ice skating in winter

Savor the best of urban life, culture and abundant green space. With its iconic architecture, happening food scene and the beautiful backdrop (and beach!) of Lake Michigan, Chicago is a surprisingly easy family favorite. Many attractions are just a hop, skip and a jump away from each other and accessible by trolley, making it an easy-breezy destination for families.

Frog Family Tip Frog Family Tip: Make meals a priority. This town is perhaps best known for its hot dogs and pizza, but it also offers fine dining for more refined palettes. Parents will find even the fanciest restaurants offer options for pickier palettes.

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Why Parents Love It

Food, culture and family-friendly attractions, from Michigan Avenue to Wrigleyville.

Why Kids Love It

World-class museums, tours and skyscrapers let the tadpoles soak up big city life.

9

Miami

Miami family walks on beach Miami kids playing in water Miami kids running on sand Miami family riding bikes on beach Miami kids spend day at pool Miami mother daughter shopping Miami Seaquarium Miami zoo bear viewing Miami zoo crocodile tube Miami Zoo playground Playworld

Get ready to soak up the sun! With its beautiful beaches, colorful art deco architecture and warm weather, Miami is a prime destination year-round. While it has a party reputation, Miami and its famed South Beach is a prime family destination with tons of kid-friendly attractions, great food and culture too.

Frog Family Tip Frog Family Tip: Take the trolley! They’re free and make it easy to get to many major Miami destinations.

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Why Parents Love It

It's easy to soak up the rich culture, food and shopping.

Why Kids Love It

Easy beach (or pool) access and magnificent parks!

10

San Antonio

San Antonio River Walk San Antonio River Walk San Antonio SeaWorld San Antonio SeaWorld San Antonio SeaWorld San Antonio SeaWorld

Discover why everything is bigger in Texas — including the fun! San Antonio is great for soaking up local culture and making memories. Enjoy SeaWorld San Antonio or Six Flags Fiesta Texas, then treat yourself to a delicious Tex-Mex dinner. See the beautiful Japanese Tea Garden, then stroll the River Walk or get a bird’s-eye view at the Tower of the Americas. Whatever you do, it adds up to a great family vacation!

Frog Family Tip Frog Family Tip: Check the average weather before booking your trip. You may want to avoid the hot summer months of June through September.

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Why Parents Love It

San Antonio offers something for everyone: theme parks, award-winning restaurants, history and shopping – plus warm weather so you can eat and play outside.

Why Kids Love It

Cool theme parks and awesome water parks. Many hotels have amazing pools and even lazy rivers, too!

Top Attractions
Frog Family Favorite Hotels
  • La Cantera Resort & Spa
  • Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort
  • Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio
  • Hilton Palacio del Rio
  • Omni La Mansion del Rio
  • Holiday Inn San Antonio NW - SeaWorld Area
  • San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter
  • JW Marriott San Antonio
Nearby Airports
  • San Antonio International Airport (SAT), 17.8 miles (28.6 km) to SeaWorld San Antonio
  • Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), 92.3 miles (148.5 km) to SeaWorld San Antonio
11

Atlanta

Atlanta City Skyline Atlanta Fun Spot America iFly Atlanta Georgia Aquarium

Set your sights on the city in a forest, known for its southern charm, diverse musical heritage, rich history, and green space! Atlanta is full of hiking trails and recreational areas, such as Stone Mountain Park! Families can easily get outside without having to make a long drive, while experiencing all the city has to offer. Iconic attractions such as, the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola Museum, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Zoo Atlanta, plus numerous other museums and historic landmarks including the King Center and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, provide plenty of activities for the whole family.

Frog Family Tip Frog Family Tip: Plan to take advantage of both indoor and outdoor activities!

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Why Parents Love It

Beautiful green spaces, world-class restaurants, professional sporting teams, venues and plenty of museums and historic landmarks for the entire family to enjoy.

Why Kids Love It

Adventurous tadpoles will love the immersive attractions such as the Southeastern Railway Museum and the wide-open spaces with room to roam. While there is something for everyone, this is tadpole paradise!

Top Attractions
Nearby Airports
  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)
12

Seattle

Seattle Space Needle skyline Seattle pier with family Seattle views family vacations

Get back to nature! This Pacific Northwest city situated on the Puget Sound offers ample parkland, water sports and other outdoor activities. Nature-loving and athletic families will feel most at home. With summer temps topping out in the upper 70s, it’s a cool escape. The vibrant farm-to-table dining scene and coffee culture is the perfect accompaniment.

Frog Family Tip Frog Family Tip: Skip the car rental. With light rail, bus and your own two feet, you won’t need it if you are staying in the city.

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Why Parents Love It

The natural splendor of the Pacific Northwest mixes perfectly with this cultural city.

Why Kids Love It

Plenty of places to play outdoors along with amazing indoor attractions!

Top Attractions
  • Space Needle
  • Pike Place Market
  • Seattle Waterfront
  • Experience Music Project Museum
  • Woodland Park Zoo
  • Pacific Science Center
  • Museum of Flight
  • Olympic National Park
  • Mount Rainier National Park
  • Aiki Beach Park
  • Ballard Locks
  • Seattle Aquarium
  • Seattle Great Wheel
Frog Family Favorite Hotels
  • Residence Inn by Marriott
  • Westin Seattle
  • Fairmont Olympic
  • Four Seasons Seattle
  • Space Needle Travelodge
  • Alexis Hotel
  • Silver Cloud Hotel Stadium
  • The Maxwell
  • Hampton Inn & Suites Seattle Downtown
Nearby Airports
  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), 14 mi (23 km)
  • Kenmore Air Harbor Seaplane Base (LKE), 2 mi (3 km)
  • King County International Airport (BFI), 6 mi (10 km)
Planning Tips for Your Vacation
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Planning Tips for Your Vacation

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