Planning the perfect family vacation is not a small feat. From ensuring activities for kids to ensuring spacious and comfortable accommodation, it's about balancing entertainment, comfort and price. A recent survey by the Family Travel Association (FTA) highlights affordability as the biggest challenge for planning family vacations.
FTA board member Ken Shapiro shares family group travel as a major trend this year despite cost concerns. He states: “These groups can include multi-generational family units or family groups that travel together. Trips where grandparents take grandchildren, known as “Skip Gen” trips, are also very popular. ”
These trends reflect the growing desire among families to prioritize meaningful, personalized travel experiences within budget-friendly frameworks. In recent years, families have increasingly searched for places with fewer visits, avoiding popular tourist hotspots.
As families look forward to exciting adventures in 2025, we are inclusive of 10 US destinations where families can take advantage of relatively affordable prices, reduced crowd numbers and a variety of family-friendly activities. We concluded the list.
1. Asheville, North Carolina
All eyes are in Asheville as the city continues to recover from Hurricane Helen. “Families visiting this year will have the opportunity to become part of Asheville's revival as businesses and attractions are open and family travel eager to travel,” said Cassidy Santander, Public Relations Manager for Asheville Explore.
The 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate remains a must-see, and the new exhibition, “Tutankhamn: His Tomb and His Treasures,” will showcase over 1,000 replicas of King Tutu's tomb until January 4th, 2026. Hiking trails allow you to capture views of the area, including the Craggy Pinnacle Trail, a simple 1.2-mile round-trip route with beautiful panoramic views.
Several of the city's family-friendly hotels have undergone major upgrades or renovations, including accommodations at the historic Grand Bohemian Asheville and Biltmore Estate. For a stay in the heart of downtown, the Foundry Hotel is an ideal option and is within walking distance of the Asheville Science Museum and the Black Heritage Trail.
(Related: In the aftermath of Helen, Asheville tells tourists, “We're open for business.”)
2. Boise, Idaho
Boise has long flew under the radar as a family destination, but this year the city has won the spotlight with National Geographic's 2025 Best of the World list. “Tree Town” is highly rated as families can explore riverside trail systems, 25-mile Voice River Green Belt and fake basin, offering year-round activities such as skiing, snow tubes and grade runners. It is an outdoor destination. Mountain coaster.
Other notable attractions include Freak Alley Gallery, Idaho's Discovery Center and the Zoo Boise, where families can engage in conservation activities and observe more than 100 species of animals. An exciting development will open this spring as the zoo unveils a new indoor and outdoor exhibition for two Chinese red pandas.
3. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Around 14 million visitors gather in Virginia Beach every year for their beautiful beaches, historic locations and lively festival scene. The city's diverse family-friendly attractions range from the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center to the historic Cape Henry Lighthouse and the 3-mile Virginia Beach Boardwalk. This spring, the city's oceanfront will undergo important restocking projects to protect and restore 35 miles of coastline.
Virginia Beach also welcomes the grand opening of another highly anticipated attraction, Atlantic Park. Supported by music mogul and Virginia Beach native, the 10-acre entertainment complex features cutting-edge two-acre surf loon, luxury retail and dining options. The debut of the Isoul Creek Landing is also home to a vast 38-acre wooded tree-like tree that includes America's first Nauchira Tower, America's longest steel slide, a vast canopy walk and a children's tree house playground. It's where I'm.
4. Keystone, Colorado
Along 1.5 hours west of Denver, along 3,000 acres of cable terrain, Keystone is one of Colorado's most family-friendly ski resorts. Keystone experienced a pivotal moment last February. This has become Incorporated Town, a development that the first newly elected mayor, Ken Riley, considers important to local governance. “By establishing it, we can work with our community partners to take Keystone to the next level as a town or destination resort.”
The children run through the snow fort at Keystone Ski Resort. Ice and snow structures are winter playgrounds with children's hills for sculptures, caves and snow tubes. Photos by Keystone Resort/Vail Resorts
With the expected opening of Kindred Resort in spring 2025, Keystone welcomes its first ski-in hotel and three new restaurants, making it the new home of Keystone Ski & Ride School. The resort also offers a “kids ski-free” program and exciting winter activities such as snow tubes, ice skating and sleigh rides, featuring what is advertised as the world's largest summit snow fort . In addition to ski season, Keystone is a popular year-round destination with outdoor activities such as golf, mountain biking and hiking.
5. Washington DC
The country's capital is one of the leading perennial family travel destinations offering a wealth of free activities, such as the Smithsonian Museum and the National Mall. In December 2024, the Smithsonian National Zoo welcomed two new giant pandas, Baolli and Chinbao, who can be seen playing around in the newly renovated Asian Trail habitat.
The family can also visit the new exhibition “The Pioneer of the Baron Hilton Flight of Flight” at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the city's latest museum, Go-Go Museum & Café. This summer, DC is one of the 12 host cities of the FIFA Club World Cup and is the first tournament between the world's best 32 club teams.
Some of the city's hotels, like Riggs DC, offer family-friendly packages. The Watergate Hotel offers a trendy panda-themed stay with sweets, pajamas and stuffed animals. Another great option is the Royal Sonesta Washington DC Capitol Hill, with major locations near the US Capitol and other major attractions.
(Related: Why is Spring the Best Time to See Washington, DC?)
6. Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale, Arizona, with over 50 resorts and daypass, is famous for its wellness offerings, but it is also an incredible family trip destination. An excellent starting point is the Arizona Boardwalk, with free events throughout the year, and eight marquee attractions including the Odesey Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland and the Museum of Fantasy.
The family can learn about musical instruments from around the world at the Musical Instruments Museum, ride horses through the scenic Sonoran desert at McDonald's Ranch, watch the stage lanes, and historic paradise and Pacific railway trains and 1950's You can ride a vintage Alan Herschel carousel. Stillman Railway Park. Some of Scottsdale's luxury resorts cater to families, including 453 luxury casitas, a children's pool and JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, featuring a variety of on-site activities.
7. Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland's budding arts and culture scene may surprise some family travelers. Its underrated attractions include the recently renovated Cleveland Museum of Natural History and the Columhouse, the oldest African-American production theater in America. Music lovers will be thrilled with live orchestra performances of classic films such as Harry Potter and the Lion King at this year's Blossom Music Festival, featuring the Cleveland Orchestra and Cynthia Eribo. The city also has iconic locations that will appear in upcoming Superman films, such as the Cleveland Public Library and Progressive Field.
The city's food scene continues to flourish with the recent opening of Fidelity Hotel and Hotel Cleveland, with renovations to the western market and the launch of Ohio City Farm's Global Farmers Market. In addition to these developments, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a year-long family-friendly event. The city's waterfront is enhancing access to the new park, Lake Erie, expanding cycling trails, and transforming the city with attractive urban outdoor destinations.
8. Palm Springs, California
The mild and dry weather of Greater Palm Springs makes it a spectacular destination for family fun all year round. The recently opened Palm Springs Surf Club features cutting-edge wave pools, five exhilarating overwater slides and a lazy river. Family members can climb the Palm Springs aerial tram for breathtaking panoramic views and access to numerous hiking trails. Other family-friendly attractions include the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, the Desert Children's Discovery Museum and the Palm Springs Aviation Museum.
For family-friendly accommodation, Omni Rancho La Palmas Resort & Spa offers over 20 activities and water parks, while Grand Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Villa has been newly renovated with water slides and lazy rivers It has properties. Celebrating its 99th anniversary this year, La Quinta Resort & Club features over 40 pools, children's playgrounds and fun activities such as movie nights.
9. Salt Lake City, Utah
Named after the picturesque lake, Salt Lake City is an attractive destination for adventurous families and lifelong learners. Museums such as the Discovery Gateway Children's Museum and the Leonardo Museum of Creativity and Innovation offer hands-on experiences that combine science, technology, art and history. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Draper's Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is unveiling a new science learning campus this year featuring rainforest habitats in Southeast Asia.
Children praise Gentou Penguins swimming at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Salt Lake City, Utah. Photo by Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
Family enjoy scenic trails at Donuts Falls and the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, and wildlife views at Hogle Zoo, Red Butte Garden and Tracy Aviary. The central location of Salt Lake City is perfect for day trips to Bonneville Salt Attractions, which is just 1.5 hours by car, and to natural attractions such as the national parks, such as the Capitol Lee Fund Arch, which is about four hours a day.
10. Anna Maria Island, Florida
Anna Maria Island exudes the charm of authentic Florida, with its quaint low-rise buildings and relaxed atmosphere, easily manipulated in a golf cart. Following Hurricane Milton, some of the island's hotels and restaurants, including waterfront restaurants, had the opportunity to be remodeled. Later this year, the island will welcome a Bohemian restaurant from local James Beard nominated chef Jeannie Pierola.
John Horn, the island's fifth generation resident and CEO of Anna Maria Oyster Bar, believes the island's food is one of its main selling points. Masu. He said, “The cuisine on Anna Maria Island is amazing because Cortez, the oldest commercial fishing village in Florida, is located in the backyard and can serve the latest Florida seafood directly from the sauce.”
Horne's popular seafood restaurant has been a community flagship since 1995 and will soon open its second location at the new terminal at Sarasota Breedon International Airport.
In addition to the 7-mile fantastic beaches, Anna Maria Island maintains a small town vibe with charming spots such as the Bridge Street pier and the Pine Avenue boutique. Nearby Bradenton offers family-friendly attractions, including the Bradenton Riverwalk and the Bishop's Science and Nature Museum.
(Related: Dragons, Archaeology, Adventures – 10 of the best family tours of 2025.)
