Amazing U.S. Attractions to Visit with Kids

Amanda Banta said:  The red line of the Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile path that connects historical sites critical to Boston's role in the American Revolution. Spots on the trail include Paul Revere's house, the Massachusetts State House and Boston Common. Take a paid guided tour or walk the trail at your own pace.

Kristy Pepping said:  "3,160 tons of water flows over Niagara Falls every second!" Why? Niagara Falls is where four of the Great Lakes meet the Niagara River Gorge. This is a world-wide destination close to home!

You can view the Falls from both the American side and the Canadian side, and there are similar family-oriented attractions (e.g., boat tours) that both sides offer. However, passports are required to physically cross either border. Some consider the Canadian side to be more exciting, given the abundance of restaurants, amusement centers and Midway, as well as a wider-angle view of the Falls.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The site of the winter encampment during the Revolutionary War is home to Washington's headquarters, a beautiful memorial chapel, soldiers' huts and much more. It's easy to spend a day enjoying miles of trails, ranger-led tours, living history experiences and a renovated Visitor Center. If you're short on time, a drive along the tour loop can be done in as little as 20 minutes.

Tim Ponisciak said:  Elfreth's Alley is widely considered America's oldest residential street. Walk over cobblestone and take a moment to truly step back in time. The houses though are not just for show, people still live on the street. You can visit The Museum House to learn the history of the street. Walk through and guided tours are available.

Open Friday-Sunday

Shila said:  The blue sky against bright white gypsum sand dunes is a beautiful sight to see, whether you have time to linger for hours or just a quick pitstop. The park offers wide open space for family-friendly play and picnics, and you can even rent sleds at the visitor center!

Tim Ponisciak said:  When in NYC, make sure to visit the world's most famous urban park. The Park has a carousel, zoo, gardens, a number of beautiful statues and playground! The park is huge, over 800 acres, so make sure to check out the park's map before hand so you know where everything is that you want to experience. A horse-drawn carriage through the park is also popular when visiting NYC with kids.

Tim Ponisciak said:  Located close to the University of Virginia, Monticello is a beautiful property and is maintained to look as it did when Thomas Jefferson lived there. You can tour the house, the gardens and the plantation. There are also tours designed especially for families with children ages 5 to 11 that feature kid-friendly facts and interests.

Yoli B said:  The Corning Museum of Glass preserves and displays art and historical glass. When you visit, you’ll see more than 3,500 years of history in the Glass Collection Galleries. Glass blowing artists perform several times a day and one lucky audience member can win a unique sculpture at each show. This place is definitely worth the visit with kids.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The Grand Canyon, one of the most studied geologic landscapes in the world, encompasses 277 miles with unlimited views to see, trails to walk, and places to go. The historic site features hiking, river trips, bicycle rentals and much more. Stay overnight at lodging and campgrounds and refuel your body at many restaurants and grocery stores.

A free program enables kids ages 4+ to become a Junior Ranger! There are three ranger options in which kids can complete an activity booklet and turn it in at the Visitor's Center to receive a badge.

Tim Ponisciak said:  Yorktown is a great place to experience history firsthand. This is the site of the last battle of the Revolutionary War. You can see reenactors playing the fife and drums, can experience what it is like for 18th century artillery to be fired and can take guided tours led by park rangers. Check the website for a schedule of upcoming events.

Nancy L. said:  Mystic Seaport is the nation’s leading maritime museum. The grounds cover 19 acres on the Mystic River in Connecticut and now include the recreation of coastal village with a working shipyard so visitors can step back in time. This museum is home to more than 500 historic watercraft most notably the 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan. It is America’s oldest commercial ship still in existence.

Tim Ponisciak said:  Though small, this is a fantastic museum and store for sporting fans, and a great place if you have a half day to spare. Admittance gains you access to take the tour of the factory, where you can actually see the workers making bats for Major League Baseball players (there is a sign telling you whose bat they are currently making). The museum highlight is getting to hold a bat that was used by a major league baseball star. The choices rotate but in the past have included players like Cal Ripken, Jr., Tony Gwynn and Dick Allen.

Tim Ponisciak said:  If you're taking a road trip and travelling by Philadelphia or Washington, DC with kids, take a detour to Gettysburg, about an hour from the Pennsylvania Turnpike. You and your family will step foot on hallowed ground and have a chance to learn quite a bit about one of the most pivotal battles fought in any war. *Some tours and attractions may include a fee.

Kristy Pepping said:  General admission to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center includes access to historic Shuttle Park, Rocket Park and all indoor exhibit areas like the main museum atrium and the Davidson Center for Space Exploration. You can also take guided tours of the Saturn V Hall, featured traveling exhibitions, hands-on demonstrations and presentations, museum simulators, planetarium, and a behind-the-scenes tour of Space Camp.

Kristy Pepping said:  If you are in DC with kids, a must is a tour of the White House. Anyone can take photos in front of the gate of the White House. But for a more personal experience, you can request free tours in advance.