Traveling with a toddler may seem challenging, but being able to experience the wonders of the country is certainly worth it.
While it can be demanding to pack diapers and adhere to sleep and meal schedules during vacation, some destinations make it much easier,
Here’s my pick of favorite vacations for toddlers.
1. Indianapolis, Indiana
No better place to take your gorgeous toddler than the picturesque city of Indianapolis. Your toddler will have a blast in this world-famous sports city, with race cars, green space, and glistening waterways.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis will hold your toddler’s interest while you stay in one of the city’s best all-inclusive resorts for toddlers—there’s a variety of things to play with, learn from, and build.
Next, watch the race cars; they’re great for captivating the attention of teens (and hubby, of course).
A shark petting experience at the Indianapolis Zoo may be right up your child’s alley if he or she is adventurous.
A family picnic in one of the city’s downtown gardens is the perfect way to unwind after all the excitement.
2. San Diego, California
With so many attractions in San Diego for kids and parents alike, you’ll never run out of things to do and see with your little ones.
From San Diego Zoo to SeaWorld, parents, and kids love San Diego because it feeds all five senses!
Among the many kid-friendly tours, you can board an aircraft carrier from World War II!
Kayak into the La Jolla Sea Caves or stroll through Balboa Park for a bit of fun in the water.
3. Sanibel Island, Florida
With its gorgeous beaches and calm, azure waters, Florida’s Sanibel Island is the quintessential summer getaway for families.
A great spot for just relaxing and soaking up the sun, Sanibel Island’s shores are less crowded and thus more peaceful than shoreline areas on or near mainland Florida.
Make sandcastles with your child or collect seashells together.
Take in the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico as the sun sinks into the water.
4. Port Aransas, Texas
Enjoy a fun-filled vacation in Port Aransas that connects you with nature and provides fun for the whole family.
The beautiful sands of the Beach are an excellent place for lessons on baiting hooks for the kids.
Take some time to play with the kids after lessons and take a relaxing sunbath afterward!
A great introduction to surfing for older kids is the Gulf of Mexico’s relatively calm waters, but toddlers can go splashing around at the area’s many sheltered beaches in even calmer waters.
5. Durham, New York
With a ton of old-school fun, Durham is another great toddler-friendly getaway.
If you are an adventurous family, try one of the many friendly hikes or visit the ultra-cute Hull-O petting farm at Durham, nestled within the Catskill Mountains in New York.
Durham isn’t all old school—you can ride thrilling rides at Zoom Flume Water Park that will have kids screaming for joy (in the best possible way).
6. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Lake of the Ozarks is a popular destination for families with children if you wonder where to go for a weekend getaway.
There are nearly 1,150 miles of lakeshore along the Lake of the Ozarks, making it a great place for picnics and walks along the lakeside.
Explore Lake of the Ozarks State park or go canoeing on a sunny day.
Whether your kid wants to play games at Miner Mike’s Adventure Town or explore stalactites and stalagmites exploration at Bridal Cave, there’s plenty to do indoors.
7. Carlsbad, California
Carlsbad is a true wonderland of the city with a variety of themed entertainment, making it one of the favorites of families with young children.
Have a fun day at Legoland California. It is suitable for children of all ages, but children will especially love the rides and themed areas designed specifically for children.
From transforming into miniature Los Gellers and digging for “dinosaur bones” to the giant sandbox essential to Fairy Creek’s boat rides and playgrounds, there are more than a dozen themed areas at Legoland.
The city’s aquarium and miniature park are also great places to explore.
8. Port Angeles, Washington
From the towering trees of Olympic National Park to the beautiful tide pools overlooking Juan de Fica, Port Angeles offers every opportunity to be in the heart of nature.
Little kids will love the many kid-friendly hiking trails in the huge Olympic National Park that stretches out to the outskirts of the city.
Thereafter, you can go to the tide pools and see a little paradise on land! In short, every opportunity to get to know nature better while enjoying a vacation for kids!
9. Langhorne, Pennsylvania
Toddlers will love the chance to meet Bert, Elmo, and the rest of the Sesame Street gang at the colorful Sesame Place and the many kid-friendly rides on offer, making it one of the best places for families with toddlers.
The city center will take you back to when it was built in the 17th century. However, you can still find many outlet opportunities in this area.
Langhorne is also just a few hours from Philadelphia, making it a great choice for a short weekend getaway from Philadelphia.
10. Orlando, Florida
You can spend a day on your trip exploring Orlando’s various theme parks, but it’s not over yet!
Exaggerations aside, toddlers will love the magic of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (you can even gift your own Hogwarts admission letter!); Also, visit SeaWorld to see the show (you might want to consider the ethics of doing so).
But nothing beats the original definition of fun in Orlando—Disney World! Ask your Disney World Assistant to look after the kids during vacation.
11. Williams, Arizona
To quote Bobby Trope, “Have a good time on Route 66” in Williams, Arizona.
Just an hour from the Grand Canyon (a great day trip option), Bearizona Drive-Thru Wildlife Park offers little ones the chance to see real wolves and their cubs for the first time. There is also a zoo with adorable rabbits, horses, and other pets!
Oh, and don’t forget to ride the historic Grand Canyon Railroad at the historic Williams Railroad Depot. Nostalgia reigns here.
12. Jeffersonville, Vermont
One of the best places to visit in the United States in any season, Jeffersonville is a great choice for the very active “outdoor” family, with plenty of family activities all year round.
Have fun at the kid-friendly Smugglers’ Notch Resort. It is considered one of the most child-friendly resorts in the region, as well as on the entire East Coast.
Parents can enjoy the big runs and amazing backcountry that the Vermont Mountains have to offer while kids learn how to make their first beginner turns on the terrain.
13. Chincoteague Island, Virginia
Chincoteague Island has everything a laid-back getaway has to offer. There are many cafés where you can spend a relaxing day in the sun with delicious ice cream or open a shop in a beautiful beach location and relax.
For a unique experience, join a tour to see beautiful herds of wild ponies roaming freely around the island. If you and your kids love adventure, go shellfish and crab hunting!
At least you can enjoy the typical summer fun of building sand castles and playing in the water with the kids.
14. Traverse City, Michigan
If you wonder where to go for a fun and raucous family summer vacation, be sure to consider Traverse City.
During the warm summer months, Traverse City boasts many outdoor concerts and family movie nights.
Another great reason to visit Traverse City is the world-famous cherry. You and your little ones can eat as many cherries as they want during the National Cherry Festival.
Traverse City is situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, so even kids can enjoy a beach vacation. Don’t forget to visit the unique dog jumping competition!
15. Washington, D.C.
Get a taste of American culture in Washington, DC, a city rich in history and home to some of the most important historical events in American history.
In DC, there is no shortage of free attractions, museums, and monuments. You can take a guided tour or, better yet, explore on your own using the city’s reliable public transport.
From whales to airplanes to dinosaurs, the Smithsonian’s seven attractions are also all free for toddlers.
16. Captiva Island, Florida
Cool emerald-green waters and kid-friendly activities make Captiva Island a great resort for toddlers.
The Beach offers an abundance of sandcastles to build, colorful seashells to discover, or simply the gentle waves of the Gulf of Mexico to chase.
There are several beachfront condos that offer kid-friendly activities, including kite making and coconut painting, which makes staying with the family fun.
In addition, large families can choose from a wide range of spacious vacation homes.
17. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
With its picturesque setting amidst the Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge boasts an incredibly inviting atmosphere and a small-town feel.
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Take a hike through the Appalachian wilderness or rent a bike to explore the lush forests.
It’s also home to a variety of swimming holes where you can cool off.
In case you find yourself hankering for city life, Pigeon Forge’s bustling downtown area is just a short drive away, and it offers a variety of attractions, family-friendly theme parks, and melodious country music.
