A family vacation in the USA is an unforgettable experience for young and old. We explain how you can prepare for your holiday with the kids and which destinations are trending for families this year.
Good organization is particularly important when traveling with children. It's best to start planning and booking your flight, rental car, and activities early so that you can start your family vacation in the USA in a relaxed mood. Here's what you need to bear in mind when preparing for your vacation:
When flying to the USA, not only the adults but also all accompanying children must have a complete set of travel documents. These include:
A valid travel authorization is particularly important. If you come from a country that is a member of the Visa Waiver Program (e.g., most EU countries, Australia, or Japan), you can apply for an ESTA travel authorization for vacations of up to 90 days. However, this is not only required for yourself. Each child traveling with you must also have their own ESTA to enter the USA.
Important: ESTA can only be applied for with a valid biometric passport!
With an ESTA, you can stay 90 days visa-free in the USA. Apply online now!
Babies and small children under the age of two can usually fly free of charge if they are seated on a parent's lap. For children over the age of two, you must book a separate flight ticket. On a long-haul flight to the USA, it is nevertheless advisable to book a separate seat for infants as well. Not only will all family members travel more comfortably, but you can also bring an extra piece of luggage to the USA.
Check the regulations and costs of baggage with your airline before booking your trip. Bulky baggage such as baby carriages, buggies, child seats, or changing bags can be transported free of charge with some airlines, for example, while others charge an additional fee.
Strict regulations normally apply to the transportation of liquids in hand baggage. However, there are exceptions to the 100 ml rule for baby food, porridge, or baby milk. When putting together your hand luggage, also think about snacks and entertainment for the children.
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Choose family-friendly accommodation. Hotels that cater to families offer amenities such as play areas, entertainment, kids' clubs, and family-sized rooms.
If you value a cozy atmosphere and plenty of space, renting a vacation apartment or house can also be a good option for you and your family.
If you want to use a rental car on your family vacation in the USA, make sure you book a vehicle model with sufficient capacity and storage space. In the USA, child seats are mandatory for children up to the age of six. If you are traveling with kids this young, you must notify your rental car provider in advance.
Tip: Create a flexible travel itinerary that includes a mix of different family-friendly activities. Include the children in the planning to create a sense of excitement. But also leave enough room for spontaneous activities that will make your family vacation in the USA even more memorable.
Travel health insurance is recommended for every journey. As healthcare costs in the USA are well above average, even minor treatments can easily blow your vacation budget.
It is therefore particularly important to ensure that all travelers have sufficient insurance coverage during a family vacation in the USA. Usually, underage children can also be included in a family plan.
To make a family vacation in the USA a success for all travelers, the joint activities should be varied and offer a good mix of fun, adventure, and relaxation. With the following activities, boredom will never be an issue!
The United States is a paradise for amusement parks. A visit to one of the huge, colorful theme worlds is a real highlight of your family vacation in the USA because great entertainment is guaranteed at Disneyland, SeaWorld, or Universal Studios!
Amusement parks are so popular among Americans that you can actually find them all over the country. However, a particularly wide variety awaits you and your family in Florida and California.
Nature lovers will have the adventure of a lifetime in the spectacular national parks of the USA! Exciting outdoor activities such as hiking or canoeing are ideal for a vacation with children and teenagers. At the same time, the parks usually offer visitor centers and special Junior Ranger programs where children can learn about the flora and fauna of the region in a fun way.
A total of 63 of the protected natural areas can be found throughout the country, giving you the choice between a wide variety of climate zones and vegetation types. Ice and glacier worlds in Alaska, gigantic trees in Northern California, bizarre rock formations in Utah, or endless forests in the Smoky Mountains – the possibilities for your exploration tours are endless.
A beach vacation is the classic choice when traveling with the whole family. Anyone can find something to enjoy here, from an active vacation with water sports, and an exploration tour on a boat to a relaxing day of sunbathing.
And when it comes to beautiful beaches, the USA has a lot to offer! Not only do you have the choice between two oceans, but you can also discover numerous dream beaches and sun-drenched regions such as Southern California, Florida, or Hawaii.
U.S. News & World Report has ranked the best destinations for family vacations in the United States in 2025. These are the top ten:
The city of Orlando in the heart of Florida is a vacation paradise for families. Nowhere in the United States is the density of amusement parks as high as in that region. World-famous theme parks such as Disney World Resort, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld will make every child's heart skip a beat.
In addition to the amusement parks, Orlando's lively city districts and excellent gastronomy scene provide plenty of variety on a family vacation in the USA. And a good mood is guaranteed in the warm and sunny climate of the Sunshine State.
America’s oldest national park is a perfect destination for families seeking an adventure in nature. The extensive hiking trail network offers numerous opportunities to explore Yellowstone National Park with all its breathtaking landscapes and geothermal wonders.
The eruption of Old Faithful, the dazzling colors of Grand Prismatic Spring, or encounters with bison and elk are unforgettable experiences for both kids and adults. A stop at one of the visitor centers provides insights into the animal and plant world, and a paddle tour across the rivers and lakes of the popular national park guarantees plenty of action.
-> Book your journey to Yellowstone National Park now*
America's capital, Washington, D.C., is best known for its political institutions and sights such as the Capitol, the Washington Monument, and the White House. But the city on the Potomac River is also an excellent destination for a family vacation in the USA. The highlight of the city tour: a visit to the National Mall, which offers numerous free attractions, famous monuments, and child-friendly museums.
Don't miss the world-famous Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, where you can see airplanes, space capsules, and even a real space shuttle! For nature lovers, a visit to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute is an absolute must. On a stroll through Washington, D.C., you will also discover numerous restaurants, cafés, boutiques and art galleries.
Majestic granite cliffs, rushing waterfalls, gigantic sequoia trees, and mysterious natural phenomena: the breathtaking landscapes of Yosemite National Park in the high mountains of the Sierra Nevada will linger in your memory for a long time!
Thanks to numerous outdoor activities, Yosemite is also a great destination for families. Set off on a hiking tour in Yosemite Valley, enjoy the view at Glacier Point, relax while fishing at the picturesque Mirror Lake, or go rafting on the Merced River.
Are you in the mood for fishing villages, seafood, and East Coast charm? Then the idyllic Cape Cod peninsula in Massachusetts is the perfect destination for your family vacation in the USA! The Cape Cod National Seashore offers 64 km of coastline where you can swim, boat, sunbathe, and build sandcastles with your children.
If you travel outside of the swimming season, other exciting activities await you, such as a walk on the Cape Cod Rail Trail, a movie night at the Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre, or a visit to the Cape Cod Children's Museum. Be sure to also visit the colorful town of Provincetown – nowhere else can you better enjoy the maritime flair and the region's excellent seafood specialties!
Standing at the Grand Canyon is an unforgettable experience for young and old! After all, the huge canyon in the Northwest of the state of Arizona is around 450 km long, up to 1,800 m deep, and 26 km wide at its widest point. The South Rim is particularly popular with visitors, being home to the Grand Canyon Village and the Bright Angel Trail.
A more secluded nature reserve can be found on the North Rim, where you can camp in the backcountry and go on challenging hikes. Or are you looking for an extraordinary experience? Then sign up for a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon or take a raft ride on the Colorado River!
-> Book your Grand Canyon hiking tour now*
Wisconsin Dells in the state of Wisconsin promises a fun-filled family vacation in the USA! The "water park capital of the world" is THE destination for families in the Midwest and will delight you and your loved ones with a wealth of water parks, theme parks, and outdoor adventures.
The little ones can let off steam as much as they like in huge water slide paradises such as Noah's Ark Water Park, Kalahari Indoor Waterpark, or Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park. A subsequent visit to the Timbavati Wildlife Park or the Wisconsin Deer Park offers fascinating insights into the animal world.
The town of Anaheim near Los Angeles is home to a fantastic destination for family vacations in the USA. The world-famous Disneyland Resort offers a magical mix of fun, fantasy, and adventure. Another entertainment highlight, Knott's Berry Farm Amusement Park, is just a few kilometers away.
Thanks to its location in Southern California, Anaheim is also home to many great beaches. Afterwards, you can go on a visit to the Anaheim Packing District to sate your hunger and discover culinary delights. In addition, museums and other cultural highlights provide plenty of variety on a family vacation.
Florida number two! The snow-white beach and crystal-clear water make the sun-drenched city of Destin on the Gulf of Mexico the perfect place for a beach vacation with the whole family.
The coastal paradise offers ideal conditions for relaxing on the beach, but also a variety of activities in the water. At the beautiful HarborWalk Village, you'll find waterfront dining, family-friendly entertainment, and exciting events.
Lake Tahoe in Western California is an excellent vacation destination at any time of year! While the crystal clear, turquoise blue lake alone is worth the journey, the surrounding area also has a lot to offer. Be impressed by towering mountain peaks, steep granite cliffs, miles of hiking trails, and dozens of picturesque viewpoints.
In summer, you can enjoy numerous outdoor activities such as mountain gondola rides, hot air balloon rides, and boat tours across the mirror-smooth water. In winter, the Lake Tahoe region becomes one of the best ski resorts in North America. On the North shore of the lake you will also find a variety of shopping opportunities and restaurants.
Need more inspiration for choosing your next travel destination in the USA? Then take a look at our magazine:
With an ESTA, you can stay 90 days visa-free in the USA. Apply online now!