Under-the-Radar Family Vacation Ideas in the U.S.

1. Grand Marais, Minnesota

Grand Marais is a lovely harbor town nestled on the shores of Lake Superior against the backdrop of the majestic Sawtooth Mountains in Minnesota. The town is bursting with great scenery, local art, and a diverse choice of adventures. The town’s natural beauty has long attracted artists from afar to capture it, and is home to the renowned North House Folk School, as well as a range of restaurants, cafés, and shops.

Explore the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness on a canoeing trip, or drive along Lake Superior to Grand Portage State Park to see the breathtaking High Falls, the highest waterfall in Minnesota. Visit the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center and learn about the history of the Gunflint Trail, or enjoy exhilarating adventures on a Towering Pines Canopy Tour, Mountain Tram ride or Alpine Slide. The town is located about four hours from Minneapolis and plays host to a number of kid-friendly festivals such as Moose Madness and the Fisherman’s Picnic.

Where to Stay: The Shoreline Inn has beautiful views of the water, connecting family rooms and offers easy access to the town shops and restaurants.

Don’t Miss: Explore the lake in a kayak with North Shore Expeditions which offers kayaking trips for families with children under 13 years old in tandem kayaks.

2. Leavenworth, Washington State

Old-world Bavarian charm meets modern-day Northwestern hospitality in this beautiful German-American town. Nestled amidst the magnificent Cascade Mountains in Washington State, this beautifully designed destination offers a plethora of fun things to see and do, ranging from seasonal outdoor activities, theater-under-the-stars, festivals, food fairs and Bavarian traditions. There is a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and watersports. For some indoor fun in Leavenworth, head to the Icicle Junction Activities Center, where you can find mini golf, arcades and great restaurants. There are a number of parks around town with shady picnic spots, children’s playgrounds, bicycle paths and a skate park. Visit the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum to view a collection of nutcrackers, including Mickey Mouse, Darth Vader, Disney and Sesame Street characters.

Where to Stay: The Enzian Inn in Leavenworth, Washington State will make you feel like you have teleported to the Bavarian Alps with its inviting European décor.

Where to Eat: Andreas Keller Restaurant offers fun live events and has been serving traditional Bavarian food and imported draft beers for 20 years.

Don’t Miss: Schocolat’s gourmet chocolates are sure to be a hit with kids.

3. Lake Charles, Louisiana

In Lake Charles, Louisiana families are surrounded by beautiful natural landscape, scenic rivers, tranquil lakes, fun festivals, and fairs. Lake Charles offers a wide variety of things to do for whole family, including camping, swimming, mini golf, laser tag and bowling. Explore beautiful natural scenery, wildlife and birds along the Creole Nature trail.

Wrapping around Lake Charles Civic Center and bordering the lake, the Lakefront Promenade, otherwise known as Bord du Lac Drive is ideal for biking, relaxing strolls, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Bord du Lac Park has great playgrounds and adventures for children, including a pirate’s ship, climbing wall, a maze tunnel and a tree house.

Where to Stay: Grosse Savanne Lodge is a plantation-style retreat with a game room, fireplace and large porches.

Where to Eat: Luna Bar & Grill has a delicious kid’s menu, including fried shrimp, kids burger, grilled cheese and chicken strips.

Don’t Miss: Have a family picnic with a view of the water in Prien Lake Park.

4. Cincinnati, Ohio

Boasting a vibrant art scene, major league sports teams, Newport Aquarium with walk-through tunnels, and a popular riverfront bustling with shops, restaurants and cafés, the city of Cincinnati, Ohio is bursting with great things to do on your family vacation. Overlooking the Ohio River in southwestern Ohio, the city is home to the famous Kentucky Speedway and Kings Island, where you will find the longest inverted roller coaster in the world.

Visit the numerous parks such as Fountain Square with its historic ice rink, or take the kids to see a show at the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden provides a great way for children to learn about animals, walk through beautiful gardens and go on fun rides. Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal has a children’s museum, history museum and a science museum where you will find something to do with kids of all ages.

Where to Eat: Take the kids to Greater’s for handcrafted ice cream and other treats.

Don’t Miss: Watch the Cincinnati Reds in action at their new ballpark.

5. Athens, Georgia

Nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the hip college town of Athens, Georgia is a unique blend of old and new, where beautifully preserved Antebellum architecture and a quaint Victorian-era downtown district merge seamlessly with trendy stores, vibrant nightlife, and a blossoming culinary and contemporary art scene.

Home to the University of Georgia and the Georgia Bulldogs, this beautiful town has much to offer in the way of family fun. Take the kids to Bear Hollow Zoo, visit the botanical gardens, spend an afternoon at the Georgia Museum of Art and have fun outdoors at the Sandy Creek Nature Center. Trail Creek Park has outdoor exercise equipment, football, softball and Frisbee games.

Where to Stay: Graduate Athens has individually decorated rooms, a pool and a spa.

Where to Eat: Mama’s Boy is a great spot for a family breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Don’t Miss: Let the kids climb, jump and play at the World of Wonder Playground, followed by a family picnic in Southeast Clarke Park.

6. Madison, Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin is a beautiful university town with a friendly atmosphere, and exquisite natural scenery of glacial waterways and beaches. Home to over 250 parks and green spaces, this vibrant town is perfect for a family getaway that combines culture, history and outdoor fun. Head to one of the beaches around the city, or explore the parks where you will find jungle gyms, sporting facilities and picnicking areas. Henry Vilas Zoo provides a great day out for kids, and the International Crane Foundation boasts lovely nature trails to walk, exhibits to explore and is the only place in the world where you will find all 15 species of cranes. The Madison Children’s Museum features excellent exhibits for children to imagine, play and learn, and the Overture Center for Arts offers popular children’s programs on Saturday mornings, with storytellers, jugglers and theater. If you are staying over the weekend, visit the farmers market which features live music and great food.

Where to Stay: The Edgewater has beautiful rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake.

Where to Eat: Babcock Hall Dairy Store has excellent ice cream, sandwiches and pastries.

Don’t Miss: Olbrich Botanical Gardens are filled with stunning flower displays, fountains and a waterfall - admission is free.

7. San Jose, California

Silicon Valley meets Spanish heritage in this culture-rich Californian town, which boasts a wealth of beautifully preserved architecture, an array of excellent museums, art galleries and theater, as well as bountiful family-friendly activities. Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose and the The Tech Interactive are a great stop for their fantastic hands-on interactive exhibits, where children can poke, prod and tinker. The Golden Gate Railroad Museum in San Jose, California offers a wonderful introduction to the world of trains, while the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum provides a fascinating insight into ancient Egypt. Head to Voorhees State Park for hiking, sledding, biking and skywatching programs, or Raging Waters for some family fun spread over 23 acres of water-based activities and attractions. Holly Hummingbird Farm offers farm tours, picnics and interaction with a range of farm animals. Happy Hollow Park and Zoo is a family favorite as well.

Don’t Miss: San Pedro Square Market for great food, coffee and weekly entertainment. Here you will find wood-fired pizza, great sushi, art and the oldest building in San Jose.

8. Little Rock, Arkansas

Little Rock, Arkansas offers historic sites, attractions and great restaurants. Families can visit museums with interactive hands-on activities, such as the Museum of Discovery, where kids learn new concepts in mathematics, science and technology in a fun way, or the Clinton Presidental Library.

Visit Little Rock Zoo where you can observe unique animals and habitats. Pinnacle Mount State Park and Woolly Hollow State Park offer hiking, biking and picnicking surrounded by nature. Wild River Country and Magic Springs Theme Park have water slides, tidal pools, rapids and wave pools.

Where to Stay: The Capital is the Grande Dame of downtown Little Rock, close to the Arts Center, The Museum of Discovery and other attractions.

Where to Eat: The Pantry has two locations in Little Rock and serves amazing starters, salads, sandwiches, sausages, burgers and more. You can order a Family Style dinner with a 36-hour notice for 8-10 people.

Don’t Miss: Walk or bike along the Arkansas River Trail and enjoy scenic river views.

9. Sebring, Florida

Sebring, Florida is home to the world-renowned Sebring International Raceway and offers a great base for exploring the surrounding lakes and attractions. Take a journey back in time with a walk through the Historic District, which dates back to the 1920s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Explore quaint boutiques and galleries that line the streets, where you will find clothing, décor, jewelry and gifts. Highlands Hammock State Park offers beautiful natural surroundings, winding paths and walkways. If your children are old enough, take them to one of the scenic golf courses in the area to play a round of family golf.

Where to Stay: Inn On The Lakes offers rooms and suites with views of Little Lake Jackson.

Where to Eat: Garden Cafe at McLane's Country Garden offers a diverse menu in a beautiful garden setting.

Don’t Miss: Childrens Museum of The Highlands was designed for children ages one through 12 and offers diverse exhibits, a water play area, climbing and a mini grocery store.

10. Montgomery, Alabama

Montgomery, Alabama is a historic town where you will have a chance to step back in time and learn about the Civil Rights movement at the Civil Rights Memorial Center and the Rosa Parks Library and Museum. Alabama Shakespeare Festival presents plays and shows such as The Importance of Being Earnest, As You Like It and King Lear. The Mann Wildlife Learning Museum and Montgomery Zoo showcase exotic animals from around the world.

Where to Stay: The Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa has a rooftop pool, a spa and modern guest rooms.

Where to Eat: The Tipping Point serves great sandwiches, hot dogs and a fun kids menu.

Don’t Miss: Jump on board the Harriott II Riverboat, docked beside the Riverwalk and Amphitheater, for dinner, dancing and live entertainment, along with a variety of activities for children.