Not every vacation destination is great for kids. While adults might enjoy the cultural highlights of a city break, finding stuff for kids to do in smaller cities can often be challenging. Parents often play it safe and stick to the famous names, or avoid city breaks with kids entirely.
But having kids is no reason not to explore new places and seek out exciting vacation destinations. There are loads of under-the-radar cities across the US that are surprisingly kid-friendly and can offer an unexpectedly brilliant family vacation. So pack your bags and check out the five most unexpectedly kid-friendly cities in the US.
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Sedona, Arizona
Most famous as a destination for spiritual retreats, wellness spas, and thermal baths, Sedona is also a brilliant place to take the kids. For starters, it is only a short drive from the Grand Canyon, which makes for an extraordinary day out for the whole family. Slide Rock State Park offers great hiking and wild swimming, a Pink Jeep tour of the Red Rocks is action-packed, and your little ones will love Sedona’s remarkable rock formations, with Snoopy Rock a particular highlight!
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles might seem like a more adult destination, with its glitz, glamor, and Hollywood intrigue, but it offers a load of great vacation experiences for kids as well. You can take a Los Angeles family cruise, hike up to the iconic Hollywood sign, or just check out the handprints of the stars on Hollywood Boulevard. Kids will love exploring where their favorite movies come to life, and places like the Time Travel Mart, El Capitan Theater, and the Kidspace Children’s Museum offer alternative options that will entertain the whole family.
Tallahassee, Florida
Tallahassee is an extremely underrated city, known primarily for being the home of Florida State University and not much else. Families tend to head to Orlando, Miami, or the Florida Keys. But Tallahassee has loads to offer as a family vacation destination. The historic Mission San Luis is a cool historic discovery right in the center of the city, while animal lovers can get up close to nature on manatee kayak tours or alligator swamp tours!
Las Vegas, Nevada
You might not think that one of the most famous gambling locations in the world would have much to offer families, but you would be wrong! While trips to the blackjack tables might be out, there are a whole host of wonderful things for kids to do in this glittering desert city. From the Adventure Dome Theme Park at Circus Circus and the High Roller Observation Wheel to Madame Tussaud’s and the Discovery Children’s Museum, Las Vegas is full of kid-friendly attractions.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis flies under the radar as a vacation spot, but did you know that it is home to the largest children’s museum in the world? If your kids are into motor racing, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum will be a wild ride, while the 100 Acres art and nature park is also a fantastic option, allowing parents to get cultural while kids climb the fiberglass exhibits, all for free!
