If you're looking for family-friendly vacation ideas, there are plenty of popular sites to visit that the whole family will enjoy. Whether you take a trip to Disney or explore some of the country's historical destinations, there's no shortage of family-oriented activities to keep everyone entertained.
Known as one of the most popular family vacation destinations, Walt Disney World offers something for everyone. Kids can enjoy running around the parks, hopping on rides and chasing after characters, while adults can enjoy a relaxing stroll through some of the park's gardens, go shopping or enjoy a meal at range of restaurants.
Walt Disney World consists of four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. There are also several themed resorts offering a range of lodging options, shopping venues and dining choices.
For avid golfers, there are four award-winning golf courses, in addition to four miniature golf courses for the entire family.
Guests looking for a less traditional park experience can spend the day at Downtown Disney, which offers shopping, dining and entertainment. The West Side of Downtown Disney is also home to Cirque du Soleil: La Nouba and DisneyQuest, an indoor interactive arcade.
The original Disney family destination, Disneyland is home to two theme parks, a resort area and the Downtown Disney District. Guests can spend the day in the theme parks, Disneyland or Disney's California Adventure, and then spend the evening at the Downtown Disney.
At the theme parks, guests can enjoy a variety of different lands that will take them through time via attractions and entertainment. Throughout the day, there are also live shows at both parks, including Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage and Billy Hill and the Hillbillies. Nightly entertainment includes the fireworks show over Sleeping Beauty's Castle, the World of Color water fountain show in the lagoon or Fantasmic! on the Rivers of America.
All of the characters come out and play in Celebrate! A Street Party at Disneyland and during Pixar Play Parade at Disney's California Adventure. Character meet-and-greets are available throughout both theme parks and entertainment comes alive on Main Street U.S.A. with shows including the Dapper Dans, a barbershop quartet.
Disneyland offers activities for both children and adults,including character dining experiences, live entertainment, themed cuisine dining venues and shopping. Guests can enjoy music from the House of Blues while dining in the Downtown Disney District or have dinner at one of the character dining restaurants, including the Chip'n'Dale Critter Breakfast at Storytellers Café, Goofy's Kitchen or at the Surf's Up! Breakfast with Mickey and Friends at Disney's PCH Grill.
If you're looking for an educational family trip, head to Washington, D.C., to tour the city's historical sites, museums and political offices. One of the best things about the city is that most of the tourist attractions are free of charge.
Families can tour the White House or one of the many Smithsonian museums, such as the Air and Space Museum, the National History Museum or the American History Museum. Other area attractions include the Arlington National Cemetery, the Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the African Art Museum, the Jefferson Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial. Families can also spend the day at the National Aquarium or the National Zoo.
Washington, D.C., is also home to a variety of shopping venues as well as restaurants offering a wide selection of cultural cuisines.
