If you feel the warmth of the summer sun calling out to you with promises of adventures and lifelong memories with loved ones, it’s time to start thinking about summer vacation ideas. Planning the perfect family getaway can feel like a big undertaking, but with a little work (and some tips for making traveling with kids easier), you’ll find a destination that will make everyone in your family happy.
We’ve put together 17 of the best summer vacation spots for families, so no matter what kind of trips you love to go on, you’ll find one that is just right.
1. Outer Banks, North Carolina
Best for: Families seeking a relaxed coastal vacation with historical charm.
Top Rated Accommodations: Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk
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The Outer Banks offers a great blend of relaxation and adventure, making it one of the best summer vacation spots for families. Kids will love exploring tide pools and building sandcastles on the beach. To get an up-close look at ocean life, you can visit the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island or take a dolphin watching tour. If you’re a history buff, check out the Wright Brothers National Memorial to learn about the early history of aviation. You can’t do much better than the Currituck Beach Lighthouse for a great view and photo-perfect backdrop.
2. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Best for: Adventurous families who love outdoor activities and national parks.
Top Rated Accommodations: Hotel Terra Jackson Hole
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Step into a real-life Western adventure in Jackson Hole. The Teton Mountains feature some of the most rewarding hikes and picturesque views in the world, which is great for families who love to get out into nature. If you’d prefer to see the area from above, you can ride the aerial tram. Stopping at Yellowstone is a must, where powerful geysers erupt, and the bison roam free. For a taste of the authentic Western lifestyle, head to the Jackson Hole Rodeo, where cowboys and cowgirls display their skills.
3. Washington, D.C.
Best for: Families interested in educational vacations and iconic landmarks.
Top Rated Accommodations: Lyle DC
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If you and your kids love spending your vacations learning, Washington, D.C., has a wealth of educational and cultural sites to enrich your understanding of the US. Visit iconic landmarks like the reflecting pool that is surrounded by the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. Many museums in D.C. have free admission, including the Smithsonian, making it an affordable option if you’re trying to stretch your budget. The range of activities in the area and family-friendly lodging make it one of the top vacation spots in the U.S. for families.
4. Chicago, Illinois
Best for: Families desiring a vibrant urban experience with diverse attractions.
Top Rated Accommodations: Swissotel Chicago
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Chicago offers an exciting mix of culture, entertainment and culinary delights that will make your next vacation to Windy City fun for your entire family. Stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, visit the Chicago Children’s Museum or head to Millennium Park to take a family photo with the iconic Bean sculpture. If you’ve gotten your fill of famous Chicago foods like deep-dish pizza and hot dogs, enjoy an entertaining dinner show at Medieval Times.
5. Hilton Head, South Carolina
Best for: Families wanting a relaxing beach vacation with leisure activities.
Top Rated Accommodations: Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort
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In Hilton Head, you can pack your vacation with so many fun activities that you might need to check your camera roll to remember them all. Surprise your kids with a dolphin-watching cruise to see some of nature’s most playful, beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. For some lighthearted fun, sign up for a Pirates and Pizza tour, where treasure hunts and tasty treats combine. When you have a spare moment, go for a bike ride together or explore the pristine beaches and make a sandcastle.
6. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Best for: Families seeking a peaceful, nostalgic coastal getaway.
Top Rated Accommodations: The Mansion at Ocean Edge
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There aren’t many family summer vacations that are as iconic as visiting Cape Cod. With its photo-ready beaches, charming towns and some of the best seafood on Earth, it’s a perfect spot for families who want to make memories they’ll treasure forever. If you’re looking for things to do in Cape Cod, go for a bike ride along the Cape Cod Canal to get a feeling for the area, then stop at the Chatham Lighthouse Beach to catch a glimpse of the area’s famous seals. The locals and kid-friendly accommodations and attractions will make your trip to Massachusetts extra special.
7. San Diego, California
Best for: Families who enjoy a mix of urban and outdoor adventures.
Top Rated Accommodations: Bahia Resort Hotel
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San Diego offers a perfect blend of city excitement and natural beauty. The city has attractions that will make any kid happy, including the famous San Diego Zoo and the lush open space of Balboa Park. You can also soak up the sun on the area's many wonderful beaches or take a family surfing lesson together. If you want a little history in your vacation, board the historic ships at the Maritime Museum of San Diego to learn about the history of seafaring. The area’s resorts are comfortable, clean and safe, though you probably won’t be spending much time in your room with so much to do.
8. Anaheim, California
Best for: Families with young children and theme park enthusiasts.
Top Rated Accommodations: Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa
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Anaheim is perfect for families who want to enjoy a warm California summer while experiencing the magic of some of the world’s most exciting theme parks. Book a room at one of the area’s kid-friendly resorts and immerse yourselves in the magic of Disneyland. If you love theme parks but want to ratchet up the thrills, spend a day riding roller coasters at Knott’s Berry Farm.
When you want to take a break from the parks, head to the Downtown Anaheim Farmers Market to see some beautiful crafts made by local artisans and enjoy fresh food. Whatever you do in Anaheim, you’ll quickly understand why it’s one of the best family vacation spots in the U.S.
9. Orlando, Florida
Best for: Families craving high-energy theme park entertainment.
Top Rated Accommodations: Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
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If your kids have always wanted to get up close and personal with their favorite characters from movies and TV, Orlando is like a dream come true. Walt Disney World® Resort and Universal Orlando Resort are full of thrilling rides, movie magic and unlimited fun.
For families who like a more varied vacation, Orlando has lots of other options, including Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and SEA LIFE® Orlando, where a wide range of ocean life will inspire and surprise. Thanks to its many kid-friendly resorts and activities, Orlando is one of the best places to travel with kids for a summer vacation.
10. Maui, Hawaii
Best for: Families seeking a luxurious tropical vacation with natural beauty.
Top Rated Accommodations: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
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Maui is the best for a luxurious tropical escape with stunning natural beauty and exciting outdoor activities. Snorkel with your kids in the crystal-clear waters of Molokini Crater to see some of Hawaii’s incredible marine life. If you want to learn more about the ocean, the Maui Ocean Center has exhibits and aquariums that will teach you all about the diverse sea creatures that call the islands home.
Make sure to catch a traditional luau and enjoy a scenic drive on the Road to Hana. Its laid-back vibes, delicious food and family-centric attractions make it one of the best tourist destinations in the U.S.
11. Cancun, Mexico
Best for: Families looking for a lively, all-inclusive beach vacation.
Top Rated Accommodations: Moon Palace The Grand Cancun
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While Cancun has a reputation as a high-energy area full of clubs and nightlife, it’s also an underrated summer travel spot that’s home to some of Mexico’s most beautiful and exciting resorts. Many of these resorts are all-inclusive, meaning you never have to leave the grounds if you don’t want to. They feature access to the beach, swimming pools, entertainment and on-site activities that will keep you and your children entertained. But if you want to explore, you can taste traditional Mexico at Xoximilco Cancun or see a swashbuckling show with dinner at Captain Hook Cancun.
12. Riviera Maya
Best for: Adventurous families who enjoy exploring nature and ruins.
Top Rated Accommodations: Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya
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Riviera Maya is the laid-back cousin of Cancun. Located south of Cancun, the resorts and activities in Riviera Maya are centered more around the natural and ancient wonders of the area. It’s a prime destination for families who love exploring ruins like those at Quintana Roo. But if you and your kids also want to vacation in an area where you can go ziplining, swim in underground rivers or investigate the lush rainforest, you’ll feel right at home. Many of the resorts also have kid’s clubs and activities for kids that they’ll remember fondly for years.
13. Paradise Island, Bahamas
Best for: Families desiring a luxurious beach vacation with high-end amenities.
Top Rated Accommodations: The Ocean Club
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Paradise Island lives up to its name. The warm sun and clean sea air are just the first layer of your Bahamas vacation with your family. Whether you want to take in the charm of Nassau by riding the trolley or planning a walking tour of historical sites, you’ll feel welcomed and relaxed. For a bit of fun, take your kids to the beach to swim with the friendly pigs or ride the water slides at Aquaventure at Atlantis.
14. Toronto, Canada
Best for: Families seeking a diverse urban experience with cultural attractions.
Top Rated Accommodations: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel
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If your family’s summer vacation ideas center around exploring new cities, you should put Toronto at the top of your list. The multicultural city is friendly and full of activities that are perfect for families that love to see new art, hear new music and try new foods. Toronto also has everything that any great city has, including a beautiful zoo and many great public parks, including High Park. And if you’re a family of hockey lovers, you have to visit the Hockey Hall of Fame.
15. Vancouver, Canada
Best for: Families who appreciate urban living and outdoor adventures.
Top Rated Accommodations: The Westin Bayshore Vancouver
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Summer vacations for kids and families don’t have to mean theme parks and long road trips. If you visit Vancouver, your family can experience an exciting blend of urban attractions with outdoor adventures. The mild summer weather makes exploring the area’s natural and artificial sites comfortable for everyone, whether you’re celebrating the spirit of athletics at the Vancouver Olympic Cauldron or getting caught up in the thrill of crossing the Capilano Suspension Bridge high above the forest. You’ll always be able to find something interesting to see or something delicious to eat when you’re on vacation in Vancouver.
16. Niagara Falls
Best for: Families who want to experience natural wonders and family attractions.
Top Rated Accommodations: Hyatt Place Niagara Falls
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Niagara Falls can be a deeply humbling experience for kids and adults. You can hear and see the raw power of the falls from many different vantage points, including on a boat or along the walls where the falls tumble down. Along with the many beautiful sites, you can take your kids to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! for interesting and strange exhibits or see marine life at the Aquarium of Niagara.
While Niagara Falls is a popular wedding destination and honeymoon spot, most of the activities in the area are kid-friendly, and there are tons of great options for lodging that will keep your family comfortable without emptying your wallet.
17. Turks and Caicos
Best for: Families seeking a serene, upscale beach vacation with excellent snorkeling.
Top Rated Accommodations: The Shore Club Turks & Caicos Islands
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Why is Turks and Caicos one of the best summer vacations for families? It gives everyone the chance to relax in a comfortable, beautiful area while still being able to have some fun. In between relaxation sessions, explore the reefs with snorkeling and diving at the Northwest Point National Park. Feel the sea breeze as you ride horses with your kids along the beach after breakfast or before you all sit down to an upscale dinner at your resort or one of the incredible restaurants nearby.
Plan Your Family Vacation with AAA
Let AAA help you turn your family summer vacation into cherished memories at the best summer vacation spots for families. The AAA Travel Experts are ready to make traveling with your family easier and help you plan the perfect itinerary, whether you’re dreaming of a beach vacation or a theme park adventure. If you’re a AAA Member, you get exclusive discounts from resorts, savings on flights and car rentals and a lot more.