We weren’t chasing perfection. We were looking for places where our son could run ahead and we wouldn’t have to call him back too quickly. Places where ice cream was a reward for nothing in particular, and mornings started with “what should we explore today?” instead of a checklist. These family getaways offered that kind of magic—parks and museums, small-town diners, animal rescues, and roller coasters. Some were big cities. Others were just blinks on a map. But all of them gave us something real to remember, together.
Best Family Vacations:
Ann Arbor, Michigan: Bookshops, Scoops & Science that Sparkles
“This town feels like it was made for wandering,” I thought as we strolled through Kerrytown, the brick sidewalks still warm from the sun. Ann Arbor gave us a little of everything—quirky shops, street art, leafy parks, and that unmistakable energy that comes from being a college town. Our son darted from mural to mural while we lingered near bookstores and cafés. It was easy to be here, and even easier to slow down.
What I Loved Most: The afternoon we spent at the Hands-On Museum—four floors of ramps, levers, bubbles, lights, and “Mom, come see this!” moments that didn’t stop until closing.
My highlights? Ice cream from Blank Slate Creamery: dark chocolate gelato with swirls of raspberry, dense and cold and so rich it almost stopped me mid-sentence. Our son chose a scoop of Michigan honey-lavender and declared it “kind of like eating a flower but good.” We sat outside on a bench under string lights, sticky hands and happy hearts.
Plan your family trip:
- Location: Ann Arbor, southeastern Michigan
- Vibe: Smart, colorful, creative with green space and personality
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall for farmers markets, festivals, and outdoor fun
- Cost: Moderate; most museums ~$10–$15/person
- Extras: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Gallup Park kayaking, Nickels Arcade, bookstores galore
Benton City, Washington: Rolling Hills, Family Farms & Stargazing Stillness
“This is where you catch your breath,” I thought as we stood on the edge of a vineyard, golden light spilling over the Yakima River Valley. Benton City wasn’t flashy, and that’s what made it perfect. We stayed in a family-friendly cabin just outside town, where morning meant spotting quail in the brush and evening meant blankets on the deck, watching stars wake up one by one.
What I Loved Most: The stillness. The way time felt slower here, stretched between bike rides on country roads and quiet picnics near the riverbanks.
My highlights? Breakfast at The Palm Bar & Grill: fluffy scrambled eggs, warm buttermilk biscuits slathered in honey butter, and bacon crisp enough to curl. The coffee had that deep-roast smell that woke me before the first sip, and our son munched happily on a giant cinnamon roll with icing that melted into the ridges. We lingered, not because we had to—but because we could.
Plan your family trip:
- Location: Benton City, in Washington’s wine country
- Vibe: Peaceful, outdoorsy, scenic with small-town hospitality
- Best Time to Visit: Summer and early fall for warm weather and farmstands
- Cost: Budget-friendly; most attractions free or low-cost
- Extras: Horseback riding nearby, river kayaking, Red Mountain trails, farmers markets, U-pick orchards
Orlando, Florida: Parks, Play, and Pure Kid Joy
“This is the sound of childhood in full volume,” I thought as our son ran ahead, mouse ears bouncing and a churro clutched in one hand. Orlando doesn’t whisper—everything is bright, immersive, and designed to make kids (and honestly, parents too) feel like anything is possible. From theme parks to splash pads to character breakfasts, it’s a city that says yes to imagination on a big scale.
What I Loved Most: Watching our son’s face during the fireworks show—eyes wide, cheeks sticky from cotton candy, his hand still in mine. For a moment, the whole world stood still in glittering light.
Plan your family food stops:
- Tamarind: Winter Park, approachable, flavorful, lots of veggie options.
- Aashirwad: Orlando’s international district, bold dishes.
- Best Time: Early dinner to avoid crowds and let the flavor settle.
- Cost: Dishes ~$10–15 for kids; main dishes ~$13–20 for adults; shared sides or lassi ~$3–5.
Plan your family trip to Orlando:
- Location: Orlando, Central Florida
- Vibe: High-energy, playful, full of magic and motion
- Best Time to Visit: February to May for cooler temps and shorter lines
- Cost: Can be high; theme park tickets ~$100–$150/person; dining from budget to upscale
- Extras: Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, LEGOLAND (nearby), Gatorland, ICON Park, dozens of family-focused resorts
Brea, California: Art Walks, Ice Cream Stops & California Sun
“This feels like the kind of place that surprises you,” I thought as we strolled through Brea’s downtown, murals blooming across the walls like color stories. Tucked in Orange County, Brea offered a quieter version of Southern California—with plenty to explore, but none of the rush. It was the kind of trip where you could bounce from a sculpture garden to a comic book shop, and still make it to the park for a late afternoon picnic.
What I Loved Most: The community art dotted throughout town—giant butterflies, abstract steel forms, and whimsical tilework that had our son pointing and guessing what everything meant.
My highlights? Treats at Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream: I ordered the banana cream pie flavor, cold and custardy with chunks of crust folded in. Our son went for the birthday cake swirl, and his blue-streaked smile said everything. We sat outside in the shade, trading bites and letting the breeze carry the scent of sugar cones and blooming citrus.
Plan your family trip:
- Location: Brea, northern Orange County, California
- Vibe: Family-friendly, artistic, sunny suburban
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, though spring brings perfect temperatures for exploring
- Cost: Affordable; many attractions free or low-cost
- Extras: Brea Art Gallery, Carbon Canyon Regional Park (with redwoods!), Birch Hills Golf, Downtown Brea shopping and dining
Sonora, California: Gold Rush Streets & Forest Trails
“This feels like stepping into a storybook,” I thought as we wandered down Washington Street, past vintage signs and iron balconies. Tucked in the Sierra foothills, Sonora was equal parts history and wild space—where one moment we were walking through a 19th-century town, and the next we were hiking to a waterfall. It had the kind of slow, layered rhythm that made every hour feel well spent.
What I Loved Most: Watching our son pan for gold in Columbia State Historic Park, his face serious with concentration—until he shouted, “I found one!” and ran to show us a fleck no bigger than a breadcrumb.
My highlights? Lunch at Diamondback Grill: a cast-iron skillet mac and cheese with three cheeses, crispy on top, and warm sourdough on the side. The whole place smelled like roasted garlic and cedar, and the peanut butter pie we shared afterward was chilled, rich, and gone too fast.
Plan your family trip:
- Location: Sonora, in California’s Gold Country
- Vibe: Historic, outdoorsy, full of character
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild weather and fewer crowds
- Cost: Mostly affordable; parks and museums low-cost or free
- Extras: Columbia State Historic Park, Railtown 1897, Dragoon Gulch Trail, local shops and family cafés
Lake Elsinore, California: Waterside Wanders & Wildflower Trails
“Let’s stay outside just a little longer,” I thought as we watched the sun sink behind the lake, turning the sky peach and lavender. Lake Elsinore gave us wide skies, big water, and the kind of space where families could stretch out—on trails, in kayaks, or just under a shaded picnic table with sandwiches in hand. It wasn’t far from the bustle, but it felt like a pause button we all needed.
What I Loved Most: Hiking up Walker Canyon in the cooler hours of the morning, wildflowers starting to pop along the trail, our son collecting tiny rocks like treasures in his pocket.
My highlights? Lunch at Jack’s BBQ Shack: pulled pork sandwiches, smoky and sweet, with a side of coleslaw that had just enough vinegar bite to balance it. The scent of hickory smoke lingered on our hands long after, and our son declared the cornbread “the best bread ever.” We ate at a picnic table overlooking the water, laughter from other families floating around us.
Plan your family trip:
- Location: Lake Elsinore, Southern California’s Inland Empire
- Vibe: Laid-back, natural, family-focused
- Best Time to Visit: Spring for wildflowers, summer for water play
- Cost: Budget-friendly; most outdoor activities low-cost
- Extras: Lake Elsinore Storm baseball games, Ortega Falls, boat rentals, hiking trails, outlet shopping nearby
Black Hawk, Colorado: Mountains, Mining, and Crisp Air Adventures
“It smells like pine and old stories,” I thought as we walked the wooden sidewalks of Black Hawk’s preserved main street. Tucked into the Rockies, this mountain town once buzzed with gold miners—and now it’s a quiet getaway where families can mix nature with a touch of history. It was the kind of place where our son could imagine wild west adventures one minute and skip stones by the creek the next.
What I Loved Most: The fresh, cool air and how everything—mountains, museums, meals—felt just a little more vivid up here.
My highlights? A slow brunch at Mill City Chophouse: buttermilk pancakes that tasted like browned butter and vanilla, bacon with a smoky snap, and eggs cooked just right. The dining room looked out toward the hills, and the scent of pine drifted in through the windows while we ate. Our son sipped hot chocolate with whipped cream that melted in seconds and smiled through every sip.
Plan your family trip:
- Location: Black Hawk, just west of Denver, Colorado
- Vibe: Historic, mountain-cozy, relaxed with a sprinkle of old west flair
- Best Time to Visit: Summer and early fall for trails and mining tours
- Cost: Moderate; some museums and attractions are free or donation-based
- Extras: Gilpin History Museum, hiking around Golden Gate Canyon State Park, scenic drives, nearby Central City
Mays Landing, New Jersey: Animal Friends & Country Calm
“They each have a name, and a story,” I thought as we stood at the fence watching a chicken ride on the back of a goat. At Funny Farm Rescue Animal Sanctuary, nothing felt rushed. The animals wandered freely—turkeys strutted past our legs, horses leaned in for nose rubs, and dogs lazed in the sun as if they knew it was their home. It wasn’t just a visit—it felt like stepping into someone’s ongoing love letter to animals and second chances.
What I Loved Most: The way our son lit up when a pig trotted right over to him, and how he crouched down, whispering like they were already old friends.
My highlights? After the sanctuary, we stopped at JD’s Pub & Grille for lunch: a grilled chicken sandwich with roasted red pepper aioli, melty provolone, and a toasted bun that smelled like fresh herbs. Our son had crispy chicken tenders with hand-cut fries, and we shared a warm brownie sundae—fudgy, gooey, and topped with vanilla ice cream that melted fast in the sunlit booth.
Plan your family trip:
- Location: Mays Landing, South Jersey (about 30 minutes inland from Atlantic City)
- Vibe: Rural, heartfelt, and deeply kid-friendly
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall for warm weather and full animal activity
- Cost: Free admission to Funny Farm (donations encouraged); meals ~$10–$20/person
- Extras: Funny Farm Rescue, Hamilton Mall nearby, Lake Lenape Park for outdoor play and kayaking
Catonsville, Maryland: Music, Trails & Small-Town Magic
“It feels like we’re in someone’s favorite memory,” I thought as we strolled along Frederick Road, guitar music drifting out of a local shop. Catonsville is the kind of place where front porches still matter, and parks seem made for wandering. We spent our time between music stores, leafy trails, and cafés that felt like community living rooms. It was a simple, gentle sort of trip—and one our whole family slipped into with ease.
What I Loved Most: The Trolley Trail, where old rail lines became a leafy green tunnel. Our son raced ahead, pointing out squirrels and stopping to toss pebbles into the stream below.
My highlights? Lunch at Atwater’s: a thick turkey sandwich with cranberry chutney and rosemary aioli on sourdough that was warm from the press. The sharp scent of dill from the pickles, the brightness of the greens, the way the bread crunched when I bit down—it was just right. Our son had tomato soup with grilled cheese, and the smell of melted cheddar and fresh herbs floated across the table.
Plan your family trip:
- Location: Catonsville, just west of Baltimore, Maryland
- Vibe: Musical, walkable, welcoming and unhurried
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall for trails, music events, and patio dining
- Cost: Affordable; trails and parks are free
- Extras: Catonsville Trolley Trail, Lurman Woodland Theatre (free summer concerts), Patapsco Valley State Park, family-owned music and bookshops
Key West, Florida: Roosters, Rainbows & Island Rhythm
“There’s no rush here, even when you're moving,” I thought as we pedaled our bikes past pastel houses and sleepy roosters. Key West had a rhythm all its own—slow mornings, sun-warmed sidewalks, and that salty breeze that made even the air feel like vacation. It was easy to fall into step here, with just enough adventure to keep our son wide-eyed, and enough stillness for us to breathe deep and stay present.
What I Loved Most: Riding bikes to the Southernmost Point at sunrise—quiet streets, waves in the distance, and the first light hitting the ocean like a promise.
My highlights? Dinner at Blue Heaven: jerk chicken with grilled pineapple, the spices sweet and smoky in every bite. We sat under the trees with string lights above us, live music playing softly, and a slice of mile-high Key lime pie for dessert—fluffy, tart, and unforgettable. Our son danced between tables with a feather he found earlier in the day, completely at ease.
Plan your family trip:
- Location: Key West, at the tip of the Florida Keys
- Vibe: Vibrant, quirky, barefoot-luxury meets family-friendly
- Best Time to Visit: Winter and spring for cooler temps and festive energy
- Cost: Moderate to high; many free outdoor attractions
- Extras: Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, Fort Zachary Taylor beach, conch train tour, street performers at Mallory Square, bike rentals
Where We Went, What We Found
We didn’t need every stop to be perfect. We needed space to play, to laugh, to reset. These places gave us all that and more—fresh air, friendly faces, animals to feed, art to admire, and meals we still talk about in the car. From sleepy mountain towns to bright coastal boardwalks, every trip brought us closer in its own way. What mattered most wasn’t how far we went—it was that we went, together.
Jump to a Spot...
- • Ann Arbor, Michigan: Bookshops, Scoops & Science that Sparkles
- • Benton City, Washington: Rolling Hills, Family Farms & Stargazing Stillness
- • Orlando, Florida: Parks, Play, and Pure Kid Joy
- • Brea, California: Art Walks, Ice Cream Stops & California Sun
- • Sonora, California: Gold Rush Streets & Forest Trails
- • Lake Elsinore, California: Waterside Wanders & Wildflower Trails
- • Black Hawk, Colorado: Mountains, Mining, and Crisp Air Adventures
- • Mays Landing, New Jersey: Animal Friends & Country Calm
- • Catonsville, Maryland: Music, Trails & Small-Town Magic
- • Key West, Florida: Roosters, Rainbows & Island Rhythm