Spring Break may be behind us, but it won’t be long before the summer vacation season will be gearing up. And if you’re anything like me, I’m itching to make some travel arrangements. So if you’re planning to get out of dodge, consider a jaunt to one of these family-friendly vacation destinations. (Cities are in no specific order.)

Sure it seems an obvious choice, but Orlando really does have something for everyone. Soak up the Florida sun, get your thrills at one of the many amusement parks, take in a show, enjoy a leisurely game of links and rest your head at a resort that caters to families. Many Orlando resorts even offer childcare options—including kids’ clubs and in-room care—so you and your spouse can enjoy a quiet dinner knowing your little ones are having a blast as well. And though the city is landlocked, there are beaches within 90 minutes, so your Orlando vacation can take advantage of the best Florida has to offer.

 

A trip to the nation’s capital is both entertaining and enlightening for kids and adults alike. With its plethora of renowned museums, its well-known national monuments and the political buzz thick within the air, all family members will find that Washington D.C. offers an engaging experience.

The Big Apple has so much to offer vacationing families that it’s impossible to attempt to do it all. Instead, aim to hit some of the destinations that will delight vacationers of all ages. Central Park is a must. Adults will enjoy a stroll in the natural beauty of the park, while kiddos can delight in a carousel ride or a play at the Delacorte Theater. Times Square has sights and sounds for even the tiniest youngster, and the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building and the Metropolitan Museum of Art offer educational experiences for everyone.

A popular family destination, San Antonio promises to be engaging for young kiddos, teens and parents. Soak up a bit of true Texas history at the Alamo, get wet and enjoy the thrill rides at SeaWorld, stroll the shops and restaurants along the River Walk or take a boat ride and view the city by water. The San Antonio Children’s Museum will engage little ones, and for an outdoor experience, check out Brackenridge Park, home to the San Antonio Zoo and the Witte Museum.

OK, so my bias is coming through; Dallas/Fort Worth is my home, but the metroplex has so much to offer families and is such an affordable destination that it simply can’t be overlooked. Head to the Fort Worth Zoo for a treat your kids will love! Ranked the #1 attraction in DFW by Zagat survey, the Fort Worth Zoo continually scores as one of the top five zoos in the nation. And while in Cowtown, check out the FW Museum of Science and History (a fabulous place for kids), the world-renowned Kimball Art Museum, the botanic gardens and the famous Stockyards. Just east of Fort Worth, head to Dallas for the Nasher Sculpture Center, take in the blooms and a concert or play at the Dallas Arboretum, enjoy a Segway tour of the West End or soak up a bit of culture at the Sixth Floor Museum.

With picture perfect beaches, the world-famous San Diego Zoo, a host of museums and year-long temperate weather that beckons you outside, this southern California city has something for all family members. Take the kiddos to see Shamu at Sea World, let the little ones delight in Legoland or enjoy a bike ride along the miles of boardwalks and trails.

For the older kids, consider a trip to the Windy City. With world-class museums, stunning architecture, Navy Pier and Wrigley Field, Chicago has a lot to offer families who may be seeking a culturally diverse getaway. For a free, kid-friendly audio tour of the city, download Chicago for Kids.

For an educational experience unlike any other, head to Beantown. Take your little history buffs on the Freedom Trail or the Boston by Little Feet tour, check out the Children’s Museum, take a Boston Duck Tour or catch a game at Fenway Park. Planning your days to this culturally rich city will allow you to make the most of your New England vacation.

The Mile High City is an outdoor-lover’s mecca, so plan your trip when the weather is warm and your family can take advantage of all the city has to offer. With more than 200 parks, including a Skate Park and the Denver Botanic Garden, you and your kiddos can soak up time in the great outdoors. Hike, bike or go horseback riding, and for more rugged adventure, head into the Rocky Mountains, nearly an hour away. Be sure to check out the Denver Art Museum, take in a game at Coors Field or seek some thrills at Six Flags Elitch Gardens.

Easily the most exotic locale in the U.S., the intoxicating allure of Hawaii will delight family members of all ages. Visit Oahu, Kauai, Maui or the Big Island and discover a tropical paradise boasting a plethora of activities for kids and adults. Learn to surf, swim, snorkel, hike a volcano, soak in the cultural heritage or simply take it easy. But be sure to bring your camera. A Hawaiian vacation will guarantee postcard-perfect shots of your family that will perfectly adorn your seasonal Christmas card!

Of course, this is simply a snapshot of family-friendly vacation destinations, and we know we can’t cover them all. If you have a favorite spot your family loves to retreat to, share your comment here and tell us all about it!

photos vankefamily.blogspot.com, Fort Worth CVB, Della Huff, envirogardens.com, Kristin Campbell (Chicago), Epukas (Wikimedia) and Tamara Rice, bestorlandovacationpackages.com, Kevin McCoy (D.C.), luxurylink.com, bostonguide.com, students.cup.edu.