There’s only a limited amount of time to travel with your kids (18 summers is typically the number you’ll hear). While you probably have some ideas of places that you’ll want to go, you may be looking for a good starting point. This list of USA travel bucket list destinations for families includes some once-in-a-lifetime trips as well as smaller road trip destinations.
Keep in mind that this list doesn’t include all bucket list destinations. We’ve excluded a few, like the French Quarter in New Orleans and Las Vegas, because they aren’t necessarily family destinations.
You should also change or modify this list based on your family’s preferences. For instance, I wouldn’t visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame if you don’t have baseball or sports lovers in your family. If you do, however, you may also want to include some stadiums in your family travel bucket list in the USA..
Note that we may have visited some of these destinations at no cost over the years, but all opinions are our own. This post contains affiliate links and a purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us.
USA Travel Bucket List for Families
Yosemite National Park, California
This beautiful National Park, located in the Sierra Mountains, is one of three California landmarks on this list. Whether you are a nature lover or just a travel lover, this park definitely should be on your list.
There are several lodging options available, including RV sites and tent camping spots. Some require reservations, while others are first-come-first-served. Do your research in advance to make sure you have the reservations that you need.
Yosemite is almost 1,200 square miles, and it includes waterfalls, sequoias, wildness, meadows, and much more.
The bottom line:
Why visit: Awe-inspiring scenic views
Where to stay: See hotels in and near Yosemite
San Diego Zoo, San Diego, CA
My kids have always enjoyed our trips to the various zoos around the country. But the San Diego Zoo sticks out as their favorite. This enormous zoo offers so much for kids to see, including the famous panda exhibit.
The San Diego Zoo offers several different ticket options, so check those out before visiting.
The bottom line:
Why visit: It’s one of the best zoos in the country
Where to stay: See hotels in San Diego . We stayed at the Bahia.
The Space Needle, Seattle, WA
When I first moved to Seattle in the late 90s for an internship, I couldn’t wait to visit the Space Needle. This icon offers beautiful views of the city. Be sure to visit on a clear day, for better visibility of the Cascade Mountains.
While you are there, you’ll also want to visit Pike Place Market, another famous attraction in the city. Once you are in Seattle, there are also some fantastic road trips from Seattle to see some beautiful landmarks and family-friendly attractions.
To save money on attractions, look at the Seattle CityPASS.
The bottom line:
Why visit: It’s one of the most recognized landmarks in the US and Seattle is a unique, beautiful city.
Where to stay: See hotels in Seattle, WA
Mount Rushmore, Keystone, South Dakota
We haven’t yet traveled to Mount Rushmore, but it (along with the rest of South Dakota) is on our list. These famous carvings, among the Black Hills of South Dakota, are iconic.
Featuring George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, Mount Rushmore is a must-visit for your family travel bucket list. You can also visit the nearby Custer State Park.
The bottom line:
Why visit: Beautiful views and one of the most unique attractions anywhere
Where to stay: See hotels in Keystone.
River Walk, San Antonio, TX
Before I’d been to the San Antonio River Walk, I had visited other River Walks in the United States. None of them compare to the one in San Antonio.
This beautiful spot is the most popular tourist attraction in Texas and is home to countless hotels, restaurants, and shops. Located one story below street level, the San Antonio River Walk initially gained popularity during the 1968 World’s Fair in San Antonio.
During your trip, I recommend taking a riverboat tour. You can also walk a few blocks to visit the Alamo and drive to the nearby Pearl district.
The bottom line:
Why visit: The River Walk is a fun atmosphere with lots to do and see
Where to stay: See hotels in San Antonio (we stayed at the Omni La Mansion Del Rio).
Tidal Basin/National Mall, Washington DC
It’s impossible to pick a single attraction in Washington DC to see. The National Mall and Tidal Basin are must-sees on your Washington family vacation.
During our trip to DC, my kids loved seeing all of the monuments, as well as the Smithsonian Museum. While it’s not free, we also really recommend visiting the Spy Museum. If you visit at just the right time, you’ll be able to see the cherry blossoms in bloom.
The bottom line:
Why visit: As our nation’s capital, kids’ can learn so much history in DC
Where to stay: See hotels in Washington DC (we stayed at the Gaylord National outside the city).
Grand Ole Opry, Nashville
Although my kids aren’t country music fans, they loved our backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry. This facility, which is located outside of downtown, is home to some of the biggest country acts in the world. The backstage tour teaches you about the significance of being inducted into the Opry and takes you through the different dressing rooms.
You can also see a show at the Grand Ole Opry. When we visited, over Thanksgiving, there was a special Christmas show taking place on the stage. So the regular Opry performances temporarily moved to the Ryman. But, most times, you can see a show right there.
The bottom line:
Why visit: The best place to learn about the history of country music
Where to stay: We loved our stay at the adjacent Gaylord Opryland
Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Clearwater, FL
On a recent family trip to Tampa, FL, I knew that I had to take my kids to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This aquarium is famous for being home to the dolphin Winter from the Dolphin Tale movies before she, unfortunately, passed away.
It’s unlike other aquariums because its focus is rehabilitation and releasing animals back into the wild. Some animals at the aquarium are currently being rehabilitated, while others can’t be released at all.
You can save money on admission by purchasing a Tampa Bay CityPASS.
The bottom line:
Why visit: See Hope from the Dolphin Tale movies
Where to stay: The Opal Sands Resort or the Sandpearl Resort
Plimoth Patuxet Museums, Plymouth, MA
It’s hard to pick a spot in the Boston, MA area because there are so many historical landmarks. I’d recommend a trip down to Plymouth, MA, on the way to Cape Cod.
While you may think it would be worth visiting Plymouth Rock, I’d skip that. It’s a bit of a disappointment.
Plimoth Patuxet Museums is a great educational experience, however. Historical interpreters bring history to life while showcasing what life was like back in the 17th Century. It’s located about an hour from Boston, so you can visit during a Boston family vacation.
The bottom line:
Why visit: Learn about life during the 17th Century.
Where to stay: The John Carver Inn, or drive for a day trip from Boston
The Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown, NY
We are a family of baseball lovers, so we can’t wait to take a trip to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. The museum includes baseball exhibits as well as plaques for each Hall of Fame member. Check out the events calendar to see when various talks and other programming are happening.
The bottom line:
Why visit: Must-see for any fans of America’s pastime
Where to stay: see hotels near the Baseball Hall of Fame here
Walt Disney World, Florida
You absolutely can’t have a USA travel bucket list without including Walt Disney World. I’d recommend that every family visit all four parks at some point.
While you can combine a trip to Walt Disney World with other things to do in Orlando, I’d suggest staying on the property at least once. Be sure to do plenty of research in advance of your trip.
The bottom line:
Why visit: Fantastic rides and magical fun
Where to stay: See our hotel recommendations here
The Mall of America, Minneapolis, Minnesota
When I first heard about the Mall of America in 1992, I wanted to see it. My kids are the same way. This mall includes so much more than retail shops – there are also experiences. These include the Nickelodeon Experience, Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium, the Lego Store, Fly Over America, and the Crayola Experience.
The bottom line:
Why visit: So much under one roof
Where to stay: Radisson Blu Mall of America
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indiana
The world’s largest children’s museum offers hands-on exhibits as well as a brand-new sports legends experience. This 472,900-square-foot facility includes 11 galleries.
The bottom line:
Why visit: An experience that kids won’t forget
Where to stay: Crowne Plaza, Omni Severin Hotel
The Henry Ford, Dearborn, MI
The Henry Ford complex includes the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation™, Greenfield Village, and The Ford Rouge Factory Tour™. During a press trip to Detroit Michigan, I was so impressed with the museum. It includes such artifacts as the Lincoln Rocker and the original Rosa Parks bus.
The bottom line:
Why visit: Amazing artifacts
Where to stay: During our visit, we stayed at the Westin Book Cadillac
The Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Every family should venture to the Grand Canyon at least once. Families can stay at the park, or just visit for the day. It offers lodging right inside the park, which books up well in advance.
The bottom line:
Why visit: One of the most spectacular sites in the world
Where to stay: In the National Park, or see these local hotels
Niagara Falls, NY
While most thought of as a Canadian attraction, there is also a Niagara Falls, NY. Whether you choose to cross over the Canadian border to Niagara Falls Canada, or want to stay in the United States, you’ll be able to see the beautiful falls.
The bottom line:
Why visit: No passport is necessary to see the falls.
Times Square, NYC
It was nearly impossible to pick one thing in New York City. Ultimately, I decided on Times Square, because I remember my kids’ reactions to seeing it. They were absolutely in awe.
Of course, there’s so much more that you’ll want to do with kids in NYC, including a Circle Line Boat Tour, the Empire State Building, and the American Museum of Natural History. My kids also loved eating at Ellen’s Stardust Diner, Eataly NYC, and visiting the Museum of Math.
Save by purchasing an New York CityPASS.
The bottom line:
Why visit: It’s NYC!
Where to stay: So many options – check out reviews here.
Other things to include on your USA travel bucket list include the following: