Planning the perfect family vacation is no small feat. From ensuring kid-friendly activities to securing spacious and comfortable accommodations, it’s about striking the right balance between entertainment, comfort, and price. A recent Family Travel Association (FTA) survey highlighted affordability as the top challenge for planning a family vacation.
Ken Shapiro, a board member of the FTA, shares that, despite cost concerns, family group travel is a significant trend this year. He says, “These groups can encompass multigenerational family units or groups of families traveling together. Trips where grandparents take their grandkids, known as ‘Skip-Gen’ travel, are also very popular.”
These trends reflect a growing desire among families to prioritize meaningful and personalized travel experiences within a budget-friendly framework. In recent years, families have also been increasingly seeking out less-visited locations, avoiding popular tourist hotspots.
As families look forward to exciting adventures in 2025, we’ve rounded up a comprehensive list of 10 U.S. destinations—in no particular order—where families can take advantage of relatively affordable prices, fewer crowds, and a variety of family-friendly activities.
1. Asheville, North Carolina
All eyes are on Asheville, as the city continues its recovery from Hurricane Helene. Cassidy Santander, public relations manager for Explore Asheville, says, “Families visiting this year have an opportunity to witness and be part of Asheville’s revival, as businesses and attractions are open and eager to host family travels.”
The 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate remains a must-visit, with a new exhibit, “Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures,” showcasing more than 1,000 replicas of King Tut’s tomb until January 4, 2026. As the Blue Ridge Parkway reopens, families can take in the region’s scenery on hiking trails, such as the Craggy Pinnacle Trail, an easy 1.2-mile roundtrip route with beautiful panoramic views.
Several of the city’s family-friendly hotels have undergone significant upgrades or renovations, including the historic Grand Bohemian Asheville and The Inn on Biltmore Estate. For stays in the heart of downtown, The Foundry Hotel is an ideal option, conveniently located within walking distance of the Asheville Museum of Science and the Black Cultural Heritage Trail.
(Related: In the aftermath of Helene, Asheville tells tourists: ‘We’re open for business’.)
2. Boise, Idaho
Boise has long flown under the radar as a family travel destination, but this year, the city has captured the spotlight with its feature in National Geographic’s 2025 ‘Best of the World’ list. The “City of Trees” is an acclaimed outdoor destination where families can explore the scenic Ridge to Rivers trail system, the 25-mileBoise River Greenbelt, and Bogus Basin, which provides year-round activities like skiing, snow tubing, and the Glade Runner Mountain Coaster.
Other notable attractions include Freak Alley Gallery, the Discovery Center of Idaho, and Zoo Boise, where families can engage in conservation activities and observe more than 100 species of animals. An exciting development will open this spring as the zoo unveils a new indoor-outdoor exhibit for its two Chinese red pandas.
3. Virginia Beach, Virginia
About 14 million visitors flock to Virginia Beach every year for its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and lively festival scene. The city’s diverse family-friendly attractions range from the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center to the historic Cape Henry Lighthouse, and the three-mile Virginia Beach Boardwalk. This spring, the city’s oceanfront will undergo a significant replenishment project to protect and restore its 35 miles of shoreline.
Virginia Beach will also welcome another highly anticipated attraction, the grand opening of Atlantic Park. Backed by music mogul and Virginia Beach native Pharrell Williams, this 10-acre entertainment complex will feature a cutting-edge, two-acre surf lagoon, and upscale retail and dining options. Also making its debut isOwl Creek Landing, a sprawling 38-acre wooded site containing the nation’s first Nautilus tower, the longest steel slide in America, an expansive canopy walk, and a children’s treehouse playground.
4. Keystone, Colorado
Located 1.5 hours west of Denver, along 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, Keystone is one of Colorado’s most family-friendly ski resorts. Keystone experienced a pivotal moment last February when it became an incorporated town, a development that the newly elected first mayor, Ken Riley, believes is crucial for local governance. Riley says, “Incorporation will allow us to better work with our community partners to elevate Keystone to the next level as a town and destination resort.”
Children run through the Mountaintop Snow Fort at the Keystone Ski Resort. The ice and snow structure is a winter playground that includes sculptures, caves, and a kid-friendly hill for snow tubing. Photograph by Keystone Resort/Vail Resorts
With the anticipated opening of Kindred Resort in spring 2025, Keystone will welcome its first ski-in hotel and three new restaurants and it will become the new home of the Keystone Ski & Ride School. The resort also offers a “Kids Ski Free” program and exciting winter activities like snow tubing, ice skating, sleigh rides, and it features what’s touted as the world’s largest mountaintop snow fort. Besides ski season, Keystone is a popular year-round destination with outdoor activities such as golf, mountain biking, and hiking.
5. Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital is one of the top perennial family travel destinations, offering a wealth of free activities such as the Smithsonian museums and the National Mall. In December 2024, the Smithsonian National Zoo welcomed two new giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, who can be seen frolicking in their newly renovated Asia Trail habitat.
Families can also visit the new exhibit, “Barron Hilton Pioneers of Flight,” at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the city’s newest museum, the Go-Go Museum & Cafe. This summer, D.C. will be one of the 12 host cities for the FIFA Club World Cup, the inaugural tournament between the world’s best 32 club teams.
Several of the city’s hotels, like Riggs DC, offer family-friendly packages. The Watergate Hotel provides a trendy panda-themed stay with sweets, pajamas, and a stuffed animal. Another excellent option is the Royal Sonesta Washington, DC Capitol Hill, which has a prime location near the U.S. Capitol and other main attractions.
(Related: Why spring is the best time to see Washington, D.C.)
6. Scottsdale, Arizona
With more than 50 resort and day spas, Scottsdale, Arizona, is renowned for its wellness offerings, but it’s also an incredible family travel destination. An excellent starting point is the Arizona Boardwalk, home to year-round free events and eight marquee attractions such as the OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, and the Museum of Illusions.
Families can learn about instruments from around the world at the Musical Instrument Museum, take a horseback ride or stagecoach tour through the scenic Sonoran Desert at MacDonald’s Ranch, and ride historic Paradise & Pacific Railroad trains and a 1950-vintage Allan Herschell carousel at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. Several of Scottsdale’s luxury resorts cater to families, including the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, which features 453 luxury casitas, a children’s pool, and various on-site activities.
7. Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland’s budding arts and culture scene might surprise some family travelers. Its underrated attractions include the recently renovated Cleveland Museum of Natural History and America’s oldest African-American producing theater, Karamu House. Music lovers will be thrilled by this year’s Blossom Music Festival, featuring the Cleveland Orchestra and Cynthia Erivo, as well as live orchestral performances of classic films like Harry Potter and The Lion King. The city will also have iconic locations featured in the upcoming Superman film, such as the Cleveland Public Library and Progressive Field.
The Fidelity Hotel and Hotel Cleveland have recently opened, and the city’s food scene continues to thrive with the renovation of the West Side Market and the launch of Ohio City Farm’s global farmers market. Alongside these developments, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a year-long series of family-friendly events. The city’s waterfront is also being transformed with new parks, enhanced Lake Erie access, and expanded biking trails, making the city an appealing urban outdoor destination.
8. Palm Springs, California
The mild, dry weather of Greater Palm Springs makes it a spectacular destination for year-round family fun. The recently opened Palm Springs Surf Club boasts a state-of-the-art wave pool, five exhilarating waterslides, and a lazy river. Families can ascend the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for breathtaking panoramic views and access to numerous hiking trails. Other family-friendly attractions include The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, and the Palm Springs Air Museum.
For family-friendly accommodations, the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa provides more than 20 activities and a water park, while the Grand Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Villas features a newly renovated property with water slides and a lazy river. La Quinta Resort & Club, celebrating its 99th anniversary this year, has more than 40 pools, a children’s playground, and delightful activities such as movie nights.
9. Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City, named after its picturesque lake, is an enticing destination for adventurous families and lifelong learners. Museums like the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum and the Leonardo Museum of Creativity and Innovation provide hands-on experiences that blend science, technology, art, and history. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Draper is unveiling the new Science Learning Campus this year, featuring a Southeast Asian rainforest habitat.
Children admire gentoo penguins swimming at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Salt Lake City, Utah. Photograph by Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
Families can enjoy scenic trails at Donut Falls and the Bonneville Shoreline Trail and view wildlife at the Hogle Zoo, Red Butte Garden, and Tracy Aviary. Salt Lake City’s central location is ideal for day trips to natural attractions like the Bonneville Salt Flats, just a 1.5-hour drive away, and national parks such as Capitol Reefand Arches, which are about four hours one-way.
10. Anna Maria Island, Florida
Anna Maria Island exudes authentic Florida charm with its quaint, low-rise buildings and relaxed atmosphere, which are easily navigable by a golf cart. Following Hurricane Milton, some of the island’s hotels and restaurants, such as The Waterfront Restaurant, took the opportunity to remodel. Later this year, the island will welcome Bohemian restaurant from local James Beard-nominated chef Jeannie Pierola.
John Horne, a fifth-generation resident of the island and chief executive “oyster” of Anna Maria Oyster Bar, believes the island’s food is one of its primary selling points. He says, “Anna Maria Island’s cuisine is amazing because Florida’s oldest commercial fishing village, Cortez, is right in our backyard, allowing us to serve the freshest Florida seafood straight from the source.”
Horne’s popular seafood restaurant has been a mainstay in the community since 1995 and will soon open a second location at the new terminal at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.
In addition to seven miles of stunning beaches, Anna Maria Island maintains a small-town feel with charming spots like the Bridge Street Pier and the boutiques on Pine Avenue. Nearby Bradenton provides additional family-friendly attractions, including the Bradenton Riverwalk and the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature.
(Related: Dragons, archaeology, adventure—10 of the best family tours for 2025.)
