With the end of the school year and the summer season on the horizon, families are gearing up to spend quality time together on a much-needed getaway. And while summer vacations often present the perfect opportunity for international travel, making memories that last a lifetime can also be achieved with U.S. destinations. Whether it’s exploring natural landscapes or participating in hands-on educational experiences, discover six different domestic vacation options for family fun this summer.
Dude Ranches
A Western twist to the all-inclusive experience, dude ranches are hot among outdoorsy and adventurous travelers. Similar to all-inclusive resorts, the properties typically cover all lodging, meals and outdoor activities in their pricing, making it a great all-in-one option.
Why We Love It for Families: Dude ranches have something for every member of the family, whether it’s a long massage for the parents or a horseback riding lesson for the children. Between the isolated location of the property and the inclusion of Western-themed activities, dude ranches allow guests of all ages to properly disconnect from the digital world and soak in the natural scenery around them.
Our Picks
- Crossed Sabres Ranch in Cody, Wyoming: Only a few miles away from Yellowstone National Park, this property is great for exploration of geysers, mud pots and hot springs. Guests can also try their hand at archery, fishing and horseback riding on the ranch.
- Averill's Flathead Lake Lodge in Bigfork, Montana: With daily trail rides, a family rodeo, a kid’s program and water sports, the good times never cease. Choose from lodge rooms, cabins and hillside suites in a variety of sizes and layouts to accommodate groups up to 13.
- C Lazy U Ranch in Granby, Colorado: Featuring 38 luxury and fully private cabins, this property can accommodate families and groups of all sizes. Travelers particularly love C Lazy U Ranch’s seasonal flexibility, providing unique activities and programs year-round.
Glamping
“Glamping,” short for glamorous camping, is a trending option for travelers, bridging the gap between rugged immersion and the comforts of home. If a mattress, running water and a real toilet are vacation non-negotiables, it might be time to give glamping a go.
Why We Love It for Families: From canvas tents, RVs and cabins to tiny homes, travelers have loads of options when it comes to glamping styles and property choices — this approach ensures each member of the family is satisfied with the stay. Most glamping properties also include some sort of quintessential camping element, such as campfires, s’mores or lawn games that are great for both intimate bonding and laughter.
Our Picks
- Under Canvas in Moab, Utah: Situated a few miles from Utah’s beloved Canyonlands and Arches National Park, Under Canvas offers various tent structures to sleep both couples and families. Surrounded by the desert’s red rocks, this property is nothing short of picturesque.
- Little Arrow Outdoor Resort in Townsend, Tennessee: Near the Great Smoky Mountains, Little Arrow does glamping your way with RVs, cabins and tiny homes available. A swimming pool, river access and on-site clubhouse ensure guests get out and explore.
- Terramor Outdoor Resort in Bar Harbor, Maine: With tents sleeping two to five people and an on-site pool and hot tub, relaxation is nearly guaranteed. Head to nearby Acadia National Park for some sightseeing, then come kick it to some live entertainment around a nightly campfire.
Waterparks
A summertime classic, there’s nothing quite like spending a day soaking up the sun and trying out the adrenaline-inducing slides. Big or small, waterparks are sure to be a splish-splashin’ good time for everyone.
Why We Love It for Families: Waterparks tend to have more flexibility in their offerings than other family-focused activities. Small, local properties prove to be ideal for a quick day trip, while larger, more expansive parks can serve as the focal point of a longer vacation. Considering the number of theme-and-water-park hybrids in the U.S., designated kids’ areas, relaxing lazy rivers and thrilling rides and slides will guarantee a day of family fun for all. Not to mention, water parks can fit into a variety of budgets, making them a more accessible alternative.
Our Picks
- Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Waterpark & Resort in New Braunfels, Texas: With more than 45 attractions spanning 70 acres, there’s not enough time in a day to explore the unique slides, rivers and pools.
- Noah's Ark Waterpark in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin: The shining star of the Dells, Noah’s Ark features over 80 family attractions. From the 4-D Dive-In Theater and two wave pools to the world’s largest king cobra slide, Raja, this park is undeniably special.
- LEGOLAND® California Water Park in Carlsbad, California: Roughly 35 miles north of downtown San Diego within LEGOLAND California resort, this park is perfect for younger children and tweens. Sticking with the LEGOLAND theme, various rides and activities offer a hands-on experience, allowing guests to build rafts, dams and bridges using life-sized LEGO pieces.
Museums
Sometimes, museums get a bad rap, considered by some to be too educational for a vacation. Those people probably weren’t looking in the right places because there are some strange museums out there dedicated to the quirky and unusual.
Why We Love It for Families: The beauty of a museum is that it houses niche information about random topics and features collections of trinkets most people don’t have knowledge of. Not only do most museums have an interactive component for children to keep them entertained, but older visitors are sure to learn a fun fact or two as well. The best part is, museum admission generally isn’t too pricey, making it a great option for budget travelers.
Our Picks
- Museum of Bad Art in Boston, Massachusetts: Given the tagline “Art too bad to be ignored” and the museum’s name, it’s obvious what this one is about.
- International Cryptozoology Museum in Portland, Maine: Interested in uncovering the creatures that (may or may not) exist? Wander through exhibitions and learn about Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, mermaids and other oddities. Travelers are encouraged to plan their visits ahead of time, as the museum will be relocating to Bangor, Maine, later this year.
- International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C.: We’ve probably all dreamt we were undercover spies at one point in our childhood, and this museum provides a taste of that fantasy. Test your espionage abilities by gathering intel, cracking codes and spying from an air duct.
Aquariums
Often an overlooked option for travelers, aquariums house some of the most fascinating underwater creatures. Whether it’s a deep dive into a local aquatic ecosystem or learning about a distant one, aquariums offer some underrated fun.
Why We Love It for Families: Aquariums are the perfect addition to day trips or long vacations, as they are frequently found in major cities and other hotspot summer destinations. Both accessible and often budget-friendly, aquariums satiate the inquisitive minds of young ones, tweens and adults.
Our Picks
- Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia: Visitors here are privy to sights of beluga whales, dolphins, sea lions and penguins, with the newly opened Explorers Cove offering touch pools with rays and sturgeons. Guests are encouraged to check out the Ocean Voyager exhibit, an under-the-sea experience with a 100-foot-long tunnel displaying more than 50 aquatic species.
- Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California: Naturally, the aquarium is home to plenty of underwater species, but it also showcases various on-land plants and creatures. Guests can attend a sea otter feeding or explore Into the Deep, an exhibit featuring North America’s largest collection of deep-sea animals.
- Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois: Sharks, stingrays, seahorses and giant Pacific octopuses — you name it, they have it. Young ones will particularly love the Polar Play Zone, and a conservation ecotour is available in the summertime, an excursion that takes guests out onto the Chicago River via kayaking.
Honorable Mention: National Parks
National parks are all the rage for travelers currently, coming as one of the more frequently recommended activities for families this summer. They certainly are a worthy suggestion, but considering their popularity, not one that needs an extensive introduction.
Unsure where to start? The National Park Service recently shared the top three most visited parks in 2024, with the Grand Canyon ranking third, Zion falling into second and the Great Smoky Mountains taking first.
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