Whether you love sightseeing, learning about history, visiting museums or trying new cuisines, there are countless reasons to explore a new city for your family’s next vacation. Not to mention that these types of trips typically offer an exceptional value, meaning you can accomplish a lot without spending a fortune. From the cities that impressed our travel pros to specific hotels that helped create fun-filled memories, these winners just might surprise you with their one-of-a-kind offerings.
With direct flights from more than 90 airports, Salt Lake City stands out as an easy-to-reach getaway at the base of a mountain playground. Kid-friendly attractions abound, ranging from must-see-for-dino-fans Natural History Museum of Utah to This Is the Place Heritage Park, an interactive pioneer village that teaches kids about the history of the area in a fun hands-on way (gold panning! a petting zoo! train rides!). All year long, nearby mountain spots like Snowbird provide outdoor adventures that will enthrall active families. The food and shopping scenes are first-rate — particularly the Maven district, which is dedicated to woman-owned businesses.
TESTER NOTES: “The vibe was outdoorsy and family-friendly. It didn’t really feel touristy even at the ‘tourist’ spots,” reported our tester, who visited in the summer with her 9-year-old. They stayed at Evo Hotel Salt Lake City, which had rooms in many family-friendly configurations, including bunk beds for kids. Much to the delight of our tester’s son, the property also offers skateboarding and complimentary boulder climbing in the hotel building.
If you long to take the kids to Europe but are struggling with budget, flight length and time zone changes, say “Bonjour!” to the Canadian province of Québec. The region, which includes Montreal, Québec City and charming towns and villages like Mont-Tremblant in the Laurentian Mountains, immerses families in Old World splendor and the French language while offering exceptional value thanks to the favorable exchange rate. Cobblestone streets, historical architecture (particularly the Notre Dame basilica in Old Montreal), independent cafes and bakeries galore offer Paris vibes without the hefty price.
TESTER NOTES: “It truly felt as if I were on another continent, since French was the dominant language,” said our tester, an accessibility travel blogger. “It's a beautiful and vibrant region with fascinating history and lots of family-friendly activities, and though accessibility can be challenging in some areas, it’s doable for people with disabilities.” She stayed at the Fairmont Tremblant, calling it “fantastic.”
Families will not run out of activities in the British Columbia capital of Victoria, a three-hour ferry ride from Seattle. No matter what your kid’s interest is, this highly walkable, sustainability-minded mecca offers something for them. Kids fascinated with insects will dig the Victoria Bug Zoo, while Craigdarroch Castle tours will appeal to fairy tale fans. Whale-and wildlife-watching cruises in the picturesque Inner Harbour seem to be all-around family faves, as is the Fisherman’s Wharf district with its floating homes, food kiosk and cool little shops. For playgrounds and beautiful gardens — Victoria is in fact known as the City of Gardens — head to Beacon Hill Park, a short walk from downtown.
TESTER NOTES: “The Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA, on the stunning shores of Victoria’s Inner Harbour, offers a perfect location for families with easy access to renowned landmarks and dining experiences along with a swim-in/swim-out heated pool,” said our tester. She also took advantage of the free resort shuttle to explore local attractions.
Your family will undoubtedly remember the Alamo and the host of other kid-friendly attractions in the historic, culturally vibrant city of San Antonio. It’s free for all to enter the 18th century Spanish mission and its gardens, movie stations and living-history encampment (which is surprisingly a hit with the littles). The Witte Museum, home to interactive exhibits featuring the dinosaurs that once roamed the state, will have kids roaring with excitement. Located just 10 minutes from downtown, the airport welcomes direct flights from 30 U.S. cities and distributes Loteria game cards to help kids pass the time while they’re waiting for their flights home.
TESTER NOTES: “There is a wide variety of activities for all tastes and ages,” said our tester, who visited with her teen son. A wheelchair user, our reviewer was most impressed by Morgan’s Wonderland, an attraction designed so guests of all abilities can enjoy the rides and activities side by side. She also noted, “My son loved the zip line. It's truly an incredible and inclusive place.”
There’s always something new in Orlando, the theme park hotspot that is gaining accolades for its cultural and dining scene. The recent openings of a penguin-themed coaster at SeaWorld and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World along with the upcoming opening of Universal’s highly anticipated Epic Universe in May 2025, further cement the city’s reputation as the ride capital of the world. At the same time, a growing number of experiences, such as family-forward shows at the impressive downtown Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and Michelin-starred restaurants with kids’ menus such as the Spanish steakhouse Capa at the Four Seasons Orlando, lure out-of-towners to venture beyond the theme park gates.
TESTER NOTES: On a recent visit, our tester chose to forgo a second theme park day to explore Winter Park, a vibrant neighborhood with one-of-a-kind shops including the flagship location of Rifle Paper, scenic boat tours, frequent festivals and the unforgettable AVA MediterrAegean restaurant. Said our tester, “My perfect vacation in Orlando is alternating low-key days like this with ones where we rope-drop at the parks.”
On the north side of Phoenix, the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is like a little family-friendly city in itself. Given that it has an aesthetically pleasing half-mile water park, 17 pickleball courts, two 18-hole golf courses and a massive kids’ club, some families never leave the newly renovated property with more than 1,000 rooms. In fact, many spend their days hopping from slide to slide at the park, which also features a lazy river and splash zone for littles. But for those itching to explore, experiences like the Cave Buttes Recreation Area, with a collection of trails to take in the stunning vistas, and the Musical Instrument Museum, with a kid-friendly experience gallery, are a just short drive away.
TESTER NOTES: Try to have at least some meals on-property. “The food is high-quality and delicious,” said our tester, who especially enjoyed the Asian fusion restaurant Kembara. Tia Carmen, a concept from Top Chef alum Angelo Sosa, serves up creative Southwestern cuisine.
A newish boutique hotel in the trendy East Nashville neighborhood that will pass your teen’s vibe check, Waymore's Guest House is teeming with local flavor. Older kids pore over the coffee table books and kitschy objects in the lobby, posting TikToks. The restaurant that’s open for breakfast and brunch attracts as many neighborhood families as hotel guests — it’s reasonably priced, and the food is delicious. Helpful staff members dole out recommendations for nearby vintage shops and music venues. A variety of well-priced rooms, including some with bunk beds, make the hotel a comfortable home base for a trip with teens.
TESTER NOTES: “The location, a smidge away from the touristy parts of Nashville, was just perfect for our long weekend,” said our tester, who brought her Swiftie daughter. “We took a rideshare downtown for the Taylor Swift exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame, but otherwise we explored the fun spots nearby.”
A landmark hotel in a prime location near Rockefeller Center, The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York recently received a glow-up that preserved its character while adding modern and fun touches. Spacious one-bedroom suites, each with a kitchenette and a master bedroom with a door that separates it from the living room’s queen-size sleeper sofa, give families a lot of real estate, especially by New York City standards. Known for its “pillow menu” that allows guests to try out and select pillows, the well-priced property now has complimentary sleep program for children. At check-in, families can borrow a white noise machine, a sleep mask, a children’s book about mindfulness and more to ensure their kids will get their zzz’s after a long day of sightseeing.
TESTER NOTES: If you plan to visit American Girl Place, just a few blocks away, book the hotel’s special package. “Your child will receive treats for their doll, including a travel-size bed along with PJ’s and slippers,” said our tester, who visited with her daughter. “The package is a good deal, especially considering that it includes a $50 gift card to use at the store.”
Whether you want to ensure that you won’t be stuck in traffic getting to your morning flight or need a spot convenient to see a concert or a game at SoFi Stadium, The Westin Los Angeles Airport soars above other airport accommodations. A beautiful lobby with fun, comfy seating gives kids a place to chill before exploring the entertainment options. Families can swim in the hotel’s pool or make a reservation for one of the three bays at the Topgolf Swing Suite, a lounge for having bites and playing VR games. Another option is to book the hotel's “surf concierge” to show you the best beaches in town. If you have the energy for a workout, they’ll whisk a Peloton to your room. A complimentary 24/7 shuttle will take your crew (and all your luggage) on the four-block journey to the airport.
TESTER NOTES: Our tester’s family stayed at the newly renovated hotel on the last night of their vacation, before their trip back to the East Coast. “We enjoyed delicious appetizers and drinks at the Topgolf Swing Suite,” she said. “Overall, the hotel experience was impressive and relieved the stress of getting to the airport on time.”
