10 Surprising Family-Friendly Vacation Ideas in the U.S.

Skip Disney and try one of these hidden gems instead, whether you’re looking for a city, ranch, rocky coastline, or something totally new.

Text by Trudy Saunders

When choosing a vacation destination that kids will enjoy, theme parks and beach trips are always at the top of the list. Who doesn’t love a Disney vacation? But you can only spend so long (and so much) in the Magic Kingdom, and there are lots and lots of unexpected family travel destinations waiting to be explored, hidden gems full of enchantment that hasn’t been meticulously manufactured by a multinational corporation.

According to the Family Travel Association Annual Family Travel Survey, 84% of parents reported that family travel helps make their children more adaptable and open to new experiences, and new destinations are a perfect way to expand their horizons. Sure, everyone loves standing in line for an hour or more to ride a roller coaster, but there’s a big wide world out there to discover. And you and the kids may be rewarded with a new favorite vacation spot.

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