When you’re planning a family vacation, the destination options can feel endless, but some cities are more kid-friendly than others. Choosing a kid-friendly destination is a great way for your whole family to have fun.
There are several kid-friendly cities throughout the United States. Here are six of our favorites!
ORLANDO, FLORIDA
A vacation to Walt Disney World Resort ranks at the top of every kid’s bucket list. Orlando is considered one of the best cities to visit with kids, thanks to its abundance of family-friendly hotels and attractions.
Other popular destinations in Orlando include Universal Orlando Resort, The Wheel at ICON Park, Orlando Science Center, SeaWorld Orlando, and the nearby Kennedy Space Center.
When you’re ready to take a break from these amazing theme parks, you can enjoy a beach day! You can enjoy the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean in Cocoa Beach, just 60 miles east of Orlando, or the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico in Clearwater Beach in just under 2 hours. Several other beautiful Florida beaches are also within 1 to 2 hours from Orlando.
At South Bend International Airport, we offer nonstop flights to Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) via Allegiant.
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK
The city with the largest population in the U.S. is also known as one of the most kid-friendly cities to visit.
Some top attractions in New York City include the world’s largest Harry Potter store, the carousel Le Carrousel in Bryant Park, and the American Museum of Natural History. There’s also Peter Pen Tours of Central Park, the Bronx Zoo/Wildlife Conservation Park, and the Statue of Liberty.
Many people know New York for its theater opportunities (hello, Broadway), but families can also enjoy a show at the New Victory Theater or Tada! Youth Theater.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
San Diego is a popular west coast family destination. With beautiful weather to enjoy nearly every day of the year, there’s no best time to visit this city.
Families who visit San Diego will love spending time at Balboa Park, which includes the San Diego Zoo and several museums, performing arts, attractions, gardens, tours, and restaurants.
SeaWorld San Diego is another popular attraction, and you don’t want to miss LEGOLAND California or Belmont Park. If your family loves baseball, make sure to visit Petco Park.
Located along the Pacific Coast, there are also several family-friendly beaches to visit in the San Diego area. Children’s Pool beach is a popular kids’ beach due to the way the breakwaters shelter it from the waves. You can often see seals here, and if you venture to La Jolla Cove, you may find some sea lions too.
PORTLAND, OREGON
Another kid-friendly west coast destination is Portland. This laidback city has an extensive public transportation system that makes visiting lots of places easy.
Attractions kids love include the Oregon Zoo, the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry, and the Portland Japanese Garden. Even the Portland Farmers Market is kid-friendly with cooking classes for kids and The Grilled Cheese Grill!
For those looking for a more adventurous way to view the city, you may enjoy the Portland Air Tram. After taking in the amazing views from 500 feet above the city, everyone will enjoy a stop at Voodoo Doughnut for a sweet treat.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
No matter what ages your children are, Boston has something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you stop by one of Boston’s many museums — like the Museum of Science, Museum of Fine Arts, or the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum — or opt to see the beautiful outdoors.
Boston is home to the first public botanical garden in America, the Boston Public Garden, and the Boston Harbor Islands are just a quick ferry ride away. If your kids are thrill-seekers, take a tour on a Codzilla speedboat. Of course, what’s a visit to Boston without stopping by Fenway Park to tour the home of the Boston Red Sox?
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
The south-central Texas city of San Antonio is also a great kid-friendly destination. Most people know San Antonio as the home to the Alamo, which is a must-see during your vacation. Other popular attractions include the San Antonio Zoo, the San Antonio Aquarium, and SeaWorld® San Antonio.
The whole family will enjoy meandering around the San Antonio River Walk. Enjoy a riverboat tour and plenty of opportunities for entertainment, shopping, and dining along this iconic waterway.
Due to San Antonio’s hot summer months, you may prefer to reserve this trip for spring or fall. Or spend your summer days in this beautiful city enjoying the water attractions like Splashtown San Antonio or Aquatica.
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT TODAY
The best news? The South Bend Airport offers nonstop flights to 12 destinations and convenient connections worldwide to safely transport you to whichever kid-friendly city you choose.
Learn more about flying with us or call us anytime at 574-282-4950.
