The 7 Top Cities to Visit with Your Family This Summer

This blog post was updated on May 12, 2020.

Suzy wants to be at the beach, Jimmy wants to go to cool theme parks, Jenny wants to be in the great outdoors and you want to make sure they get a healthy dose of history on your next summer trip… and we want to make sure you make it to that family holiday without losing your marbles! Between booking flights to Myrtle Beach and giving the kiddos their amusement park thrills in Orlando, we get that choosing a summer vacation destination can get pretty overwhelming. But, don’t fret!

Here’s our list of the most family-friendly cities in the U.S. to ease your planning woes!

San Diego, California

Jam-packed with fun family activities and a plethora of options for the adults as well, San Diego is a great spot to soak up the sun this summer! Enjoy top-rated attractions like the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, and beautiful Balboa Park and get your relaxation on along one of the many beautiful beaches or explore quiet trails, lighthouses, and tidal pools at low tide at places like Point Loma.

Chicago, Illinois

With so much to do, we’re sure the windy city will leave you breathless by the end of your trip! Some of the must-do activities include The Field Museum, which houses the world’s largest and best-preserved T-Rex remains; the giant 150 foot Ferris wheel at Navy Pier; or for the little sports fans in the family, head to a Cubs baseball game at Wrigley Field. Feast your eyes on the famous sculpture “The Bean” at Millenium Park and then when you’ve had your fill, feed those hearty appetites with world-famous hot dogs at Portillo’s or deep dish pizzas at Lou Malnati’s!

Washington D.C.

Not only is Washington D.C. the nation’s capital, it’s safe to say that it’s also the nation’s museum capital as well! This metropolis is an ideal destination for families interested in learning about America’s unique history. It gets better: many of the capital’s museums and monuments are free to visit and so are the many walking tours! Of course, no D.C. trip is complete without a visit to the National Mall to ride the carousel.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Thrill rides, water sports and 60 miles of sandy beaches – all at refreshingly affordable prices, now that’s a great vacation! This South Carolina resort town presents an especially hospitable choice for an all-ages getaway. Practically all hotels and the vast majority of attractions are kid-friendly by design. Choose from the dozens of resorts and vacation packages available to make your time here unforgettable. If the summer sun is getting a little too hot for comfort, you can slide your way into indoor water parks at many of these resorts, too!

Houston, Texas

With more than a dozen museums and cultural attractions within a mile and a half radius, there are plenty of good reasons to book flights to Texas. Everything truly is bigger here! Houston’s Museum District is home to 19 museums and cultural attractions all located by the Mecom Fountain. Your family is in for an out-of-this-world experience at the Space Center Houston or for an animal adventure at the city’s highly rated zoo! The downtown area is also popular for its world-class shopping and dining (a good thing to keep in mind if the grown-ups in your group start to get restless).

Indianapolis, Indiana

Home to the largest Children’s Museum in the world, you and your loved ones are sure to have a fun-filled time in Indianapolis. The Children’s Museum alone has 5 levels with 15+ exhibit areas! If you have a car-lover in the family, speed into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum to catch a glimpse of 75 cars. For a wallet-friendly experience head to 100 Acres Park and take in some incredible art while your kids swing from a giant-chopstick sculpture or climb the many fiberglass benches that make up the ‘Funky Bones’ sculpture.

Orlando, Florida

We’ve got two words for you: Disney World. A much-loved attraction for vacationers of all ages, Orlando is home to innumerable theme parks, such as Universal Studios, LEGOLAND, and SeaWorld, just to name a few. Take a break from the roller coasters and relax on one of the many beaches or freshwater springs throughout the city. With the number of all-inclusive family vacation packages, planning your trip here is super convenient!

What’s your favorite city for family fun? We’d love to know! Leave your comments below.