Family Weekend Getaway

Last Minute Family Vacations

Last minute family vacations can still be some of the best trips you’ll ever take, and they’ve become some of my favorite ways to make memories without the stress of overplanning.

I took this photo of my son admiring a turtle we saw on one of our nature walks

Family Weekend Getaways in the United States

The United States is full of some of the best family weekend getaways, and they’ve become some of my favorite ways to make memories together.

Getting ready to interact with animals at the zoo

From world-famous city zoos to unique smaller gems, America delivers the best mix of animal encounters and educational experiences, many of which are underrated and have become some of my favorite spots to explore.

Long Weekend Getaways from NYC with Kids

For families in New York, long weekend getaways with kids can be some of the best ways to recharge and explore together, and they’ve quickly become some of my favorite trips.

Walking down a sandy beach on a family getaway

Best Family Vacations in the USA

Family vacations are the stuff memories are made of. From theme parks to national parks, beaches to big cities, the USA offers the best mix of fun, adventure, and relaxation for every kind of family trip.

Family Vacation Ideas in the Southwest

For me, family vacations in the Southwest aren’t just about the sights. They’re about the unique experiences, the favorite traditions, and the underrated gems that bring families closer together.

Family Beaches in the USA

Beach vacations are one of America's favorite summer family pastimes, calling up the best memories of sandcastles, suntans, and gorgeous sunsets along the coastline. They are absolutely some of my favorite spots for fun, comfort, and togetherness.

Best Day Trips in South Florida & Things to Do

South Florida is home to some of the United States' loveliest natural and cultural attractions, including the protected wilderness of famed Everglades National Park and the vibrant, avant-garde nightlife of lively metropolis Miami.

Enjoying a lake view with Colorado mountains all around

Best Things to Do in Colorado

Colorado contains most of the southern Rocky Mountains and is named for the powerful river that rushes through it.

I took this photo of pink tulips on my spring garden visit

Botanical Gardens for Families

Plan a family trip to a botanical garden where children can plant, play and learn in a natural setting.

I took this photo of Hayden Planetarium on our family trip to NYC

Under-the-Radar Places to Visit in the U.S. with Kids

These family-friendly U.S. destinations are fun and educational to visit with kids, whether you are looking for outdoor activities, museums or interactive exhibits.

Things to Do in Kingman, AZ

The city of Kingman, Arizona was founded in 1882, prior to the Arizona Territory's incorporation as an American state.

Best Family Resorts in Florida

Florida is home to some of the best family resorts in the U.S., and it’s one of my favorite states for kid-friendly vacations that combine fun and relaxation.

Indoor Water Parks in the United States

From massive resorts like Kalahari and Great Wolf Lodge to the underrated indoor parks tucked into smaller towns, these attractions combine water fun with hotels, dining, and entertainment under one roof. Add in themed rooms, arcades, and spa options, and it’s no surprise indoor water parks are some of the best family trips in the country.

Fun on the sand in California with my family

Best Family Vacation Ideas in California

For me, California is one of the best states for family vacations. They are unique destinations, favorite experiences, and underrated gems that families will love discovering together.

Indoor Amusement Parks in the USA

When the rain and snow trap the kids indoors, keeping them happy is much more difficult, unless you are near one of the fun indoor adventure and amusement parks, where even the largest rides are safely enclosed in a warm space.

Old-fashioned trains close-up side by side

Train Museums in the U.S.

It’s no surprise that trains excite and intrigue us. The development of the railroad in the United States greatly affected many aspects of the country, and this influence can be seen in the museums around the country that celebrate, preserve, and memorialize the railroad.

Family Vacations

Family weekend getaways never needed to be far or fancy. Just a change of pace, a packed cooler, and the open road. I remember the sound of laughter from the backseat, the quiet joy of everyone waking up under the same roof, and thinking, “This is what we’ll remember, not the schedule, but the feeling.”

What stayed with me were the little things: skipping rocks by the lake, board games by lamplight, breakfast in a cozy cabin with messy hair and sleepy smiles. We wandered through forests and farm towns, along beaches and hiking trails, and every moment felt like a stitch in something we were building together, something soft and lasting.

Need Help Planning?

Whether you’re dreaming of cabin weekends, beach picnics, mountain towns, or simple road trips full of snacks and surprises, these guides gather the family getaways that mattered most, easy, heartfelt, and stitched together by love, not plans.

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Let me help you plan your next authentic and truly unique getaway. I've been a travel professional for nearly 30 years. I've been featured on abc6 Morning Show, Best of the Web, USAToday, and many other media outlets, government and educational institutions. Click for more.