You needn’t travel far for incredible adventures that the whole family can enjoy right here in North America. Whether you have little ones, teens or a multigenerational mix, this diverse continent has something for everyone, from stunning natural landscapes and wide-open country ranges to historical landmarks and amusing theme parks. To help you dream big, we’ve come up with a few family vacation ideas that manifest playful childhood fantasies for kids and adults alike.
Stateside Safaris
North American national parks are home to countless exotic creatures, from alligators in the Everglades to bears in Yellowstone National Park. Of course, plenty of wildlife can be seen during a visit to city park zoos, like the San Diego Zoo or at reserves such as Fossil Rim Wildlife Center just outside of Dallas, where you can enjoy a private family tour and encounters with curious giraffe and ostriches. For another family quest, discover Adventures by Disney’s “Denali National Park, Anchorage & Kenai Peninsula Family Vacation,” a weeklong tour to Alaska, including a visit to an Iditarod dog sled kennel, a jet boat excursion to a trapper camp, and a cruise through the Kenai Fjords to see otters, seals and an up-close look at bald eagles at a local conservation center. For an ocean exploration underscored by indulgence, plan a trip to Southern California. Keep an eye out for seven species of whales and dolphins while cruising in Dana Point Harbor, and then retire to the comfort and class of The St. Regis Monarch Beach for spa services and oceanview dining.
Be a Cowboy or Cowgirl
The spirit of the Wild West lives on in the old cowboy towns and cattle ranches of the Great Plains. To experience it firsthand, take your family to the Cowboy Capital of the World in Bandera, Texas, hidden within beautiful Hill Country. Catch the Cowboy Capital Rodeo, browse the Frontier Times Museum and ride horses at Dixie Dude Ranch; then, bed down amidst casual luxury at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, set on the grounds of the Rogers-Wiseman Ranch. To see even more of the American West, we recommend Tauck Bridges’ “Cowboy Country” tour, from the Grand Tetons to Mt. Rushmore. Experience the heyday of the Wild West in Cody, Wyoming, founded by Buffalo Bill himself. Browse the museums and cheer on the cowboys at the local rodeo. The tour culminates with an opportunity for horseback riding and an overnight stay at a real dude ranch, The Ranch at Ucross in the Bighorn Mountains. Another nice option is the Globus Wild, Wild West Family Vacation.
Making History
Nothing brings learning to life like visiting the sites where historic events took place. In Boston, retrace the steps of the American Revolution along the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile walking path that connects the city’s most celebrated sites. Then, admire the view of the Tea Party Ships from your room at the gorgeous InterContinental Boston, with a prized waterfront vista of this revolutionary attraction. In Washington, D.C., visit the Smithsonian, the world’s largest museum and research complex. Afterwards, explore the streets and behold the marble monuments that honor our nation’s fallen heroes and respected leaders. Then retire to Fairmont Washington, D.C. hotel in Georgetown where your family can spread out in the newly appointed 1,100 square-foot Magnolia Suite. For a broad overview of early American history, Trafalgar’s “Trails of Liberty” hits the historic highlights of the Mid-Atlantic States, from the earliest English settlement at Jamestown to colonial Williamsburg to Independence Hall in Philadelphia. A professional Travel Director escorts you throughout this eight-day tour to places such as Pennsylvania’s Amish Country – with a sweet history detour to Hershey’s Chocolate World – and ensures that your family is privy to one-of-a-kind experiences like the fascinating Historical Highlight Dinner in Gettysburg. Travel in this region is beautiful in September and October during the fall foliage season.
Theme Parks
Your family adventure is as unlimited as your imagination. Spend a day at the quaint TrainTown in Sonoma, California, riding the rails, exploring their miniature Old West and feeding alpacas, goats and ducks at the petting zoo. Later, enjoy the evening sipping wine and soaking in the waters at The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa. With four theme parks and two water parks, Orlando, Florida’s Walt Disney World® lives up to its title, “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” Many park goers claim that the highlight is still the original Magic Kingdom® park, but this legendary park keeps getting bigger and better, most recently with the addition of the New Fantasyland. Now your children can step into lush, life-size reproductions of the settings of their favorite animated films, participating in a live narration of Beauty and the Beast or meeting The Little Mermaid’s Ariel in her grotto. On the other side of the U.S., your family can experience Disneyland® Resort’s recently reimagined Disney California Adventure Park. Race over to the park’s 12-acre expansion, Cars Land, to experience three new attractions from this Pixar animated hit. We can arrange back-stage tours, entry to private events and exclusive access to see how Disney magic is made. Call or visit us online today for even more family vacation ideas. Every detail can be left to us, from organizing a personal tour and transportation to helping you come up with creative ideas that will please all members of your family. In addition, great value is guaranteed with exclusive deals at our fingertips, turning a fun family vacation into a dream trip!
Adventures close to home are often undervalued by experienced travelers. Our advisors’ Bucket List Worthy Destinations guide includes US destinations worthy of any international traveler’s attention.
