Amazing U.S. Attractions to Visit with Kids

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The Strong, a leading U.S. Museum serving families, features 100,000 square feet of interactive, educational and fun exhibit space for ultimate play during your Road Trip upstate NY with kids. They have permanent and short-term exhibits based on Arts and Sciences, Transportation, Dance, Pinball, Wegmans Super Kids Market, Imaginative and Pretend Play, Sesame Street, and much more. Check their Calendar for special events, too! Tip: Check out their Trip Tips!

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.

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.

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:   Nearly one million visitors flock to this location yearly where in 1620 Europeans made their home in America. Plymouth Rock has come to symbolize the first colony and the contract between the Native Americans and the new European Americans. Visitors can come learn more about the history and to see a replica of the Mayflower Ship.

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.

Kristy Pepping said:  Mammoth Caves is a series of over 400 miles of caves. It's known as "the world's longest known cave system." If you are planning to stay in the area, there is a hotel inside the park, as well as camping. For food options, there are restaurants onsite and picnic tables if you plan to pack a lunch. Of course there are some great tours of the caves. But there are also bikes to rent, fishing, hiking trails, horseback riding and more.

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 headed to Florida on vacation and even to Disney World, the Kennedy Space Center is not far away. Kids will love to see where rockets launch and learn about space travel. There are several tours and interactive experiences like training like an astronaut, experience going to the moon or launch or just touring the museum.

Kristy Pepping said:  If your travels take you through Chicago, a must is a stop at Navy Pier. It's a Chicago landmark and a massive pier that sits on Lake Michigan. There is shopping, restaurants, boat rides and attractions. It's located right downtown, so a short cab ride if you are staying on or near Michigan Avenue. There are fees for The Children's Museum inside as well at the famed ferris wheel! And if you are visiting during the summer, you can even catch an evening fireworks display!

Free entry to Navy Pier

Kristy Pepping said:  No "must see" list would be complete without Disney World: Epcot Center, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and so so much more. Disney can be expensive and also time consuming to plan. Consider using our Resources to Plan Your Trip list, which will make the planning a lot easier. To keep costs down, consider staying off property. There are several area hotels all with a short drive to the park, while theme park vehicle parking per day could cost less than one adult character meal!

Yoli B said:  Busch Gardens Tampa has long been overshadowed by the theme parks in Orlando; however, the park has gone through a rebirth in recent years. Busch Gardens Tampa has shows, animals, and all the roller coasters you can imagine! The park gives guests a little taste of Africa with live music and decor. In addition to everything Busch Gardens offers, closeup animal encounters are available with Serengeti Safari, Penguin Insider and Elephant Insider. The kids will be talking about this trip for years to come!

Kristy Pepping said:  If you find yourself traveling through the Midwest and in particular, St. Louis, stopping at The Gateway Arch is a must. This monument symbolizes the city’s role in pioneers discovering the West. The Arch is an impressive 630 feet off the ground providing amazing views of the city.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Graceland offers families the unique experience to learn about the life of Elvis Presley, the history of Tennessee, music and more. The Elvis Presley's Memphis is an exhibit and entertainment center with multiple museums showcasing his life's work and possessions including cars and airplanes. There are multiple dining options to sample Memphis cuisine or dine in a 1950s themed restaurant. Events and festivals are featured throughout the year.

Kristy Pepping said:  The Everglades are a large nature area in Florida. A trip to The Everglades is a fun way for kids to see all kinds of birds, fish and other animals. There are a ton of activities inside the park and nearby; you can take a ride on one of the famous air boats, a tour to learn the area history, or go bird watching.