As a parent who adores traveling, I’ve ventured with my kids to over 100 unique destinations.
We’ve marveled at the ancient Teotihuacan pyramids in Mexico, observed geysers erupt in Yellowstone, and trekked along part of the Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon.
Yet, even after all these experiences, my children—ages 2, 8, and 13—still crave visits to the same five favorite spots.
Despite my best efforts to introduce them to new destinations, they repeatedly express a desire to return to those beloved places for their charm, family-friendly nature, and the joy found in our memories.
Here are the destinations my kids treasure the most and what makes them ideal for families.
Telluride, Colorado
Whenever I mention planning our next trip, my children eagerly ask to revisit this charming mountain town.
Their top activity is riding the complimentary gondola connecting Telluride and Mountain Village, with a stop at Station St. Sophia to check out the San Sophia Nature Center where they learn about local geology, history, and wildlife.
The downtown area is perfect for souvenir hunting, dining, and enjoying the local canine culture—Coloradans have a real fondness for their dogs.
Hiking is also a beloved activity here.
Bear Creek Falls features a trail adorned with Aspen trees that is breathtaking in the autumn. For something more leisurely, walking along the San Miguel River is accessible from downtown.
Kid-friendly dining options include Brown Dog Pizza, known for its Detroit-style pies, and morning meals at the historic The New Sheridan Hotel.
Our lodging choice is The Hotel Telluride, which impresses with its cozy accommodations, friendly staff, and a hot chocolate/tea bar in the lobby that my kids love to raid daily.
The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service that makes exploring a breeze.
If time allows, take a day trip to Ouray, often referred to as the “Switzerland of America,” for stunning views of the San Juan Mountains.
Stowe, Vermont
On a recent trip to Stowe with my parents, my kids couldn’t stop discussing when we would come back.
This town radiates Hallmark-postcard charm.
Main Street has a delightful bookshop with a generous children’s section, a toy store, and a general store, while Smugglers’ Notch features fascinating climbable rock formations and breathtaking fall foliage.
We toured the original Ben and Jerry’s factory (reservations needed), sampling delicious ice cream and wandering through the quirky “flavor graveyard.”
At Nebraska Knoll Sugar Farm, we were captivated by the maple syrup tapping process.
The clam chowder at The Tipsy Trout is still a topic of conversation among my kids.
Parents can enjoy a refreshing beer at The Alchemist Brewery while the children play on the lawn.
A visit wouldn’t be complete without stopping by Cold Hollow Cider Mill for maple creemees and apple cider donuts.
We stayed at Hyatt’s The Lodge at Spruce Peak, a welcoming, family-oriented resort with breathtaking views of Mount Mansfield.
Our three-bedroom penthouse comfortably accommodated seven, and the hotel’s family-travel specialist helped us craft our itinerary—a lifesaver since rideshares were challenging, and we were uncertain about toddler-friendly trails.
On the resort grounds, my kids spent a lot of time on the ropes course playground, and we all appreciated creekside access.
Port Angeles, Washington
This serene coastal town serves as an excellent base for exploring Olympic National Park.
We spent our days wandering the stunning, moss-covered Hoh Rain Forest, one of the last remaining temperate rainforests in North America, and discovering easy waterfall trails such as Madison Falls.
Just west of town, Salt Creek Recreation offers rocky tide pools and sandy spots that keep kids engaged.
At Crescent Bay, you may even get a glimpse of whales from shore.
We enjoyed juicy hamburgers at Next Door Gastropub, which was one of our most memorable meals.
Being a small town, we opted for an Airbnb and prepared most meals using groceries from Country Aire Natural Foods.
We also took the Coho Ferry to Victoria, British Columbia, for an overnight stay at the Royal Scot (passports needed).
At Butchart Gardens, we admired the landscaping, enjoyed an old-fashioned carousel ride, and indulged in gelato.
In downtown Victoria, we visited the Royal BC Museum, watched seaplanes, and explored charming streets.
As we left, our family created a rock ballad, “Goodbye Victoriaaaa/We’ll miss youuuuuu!”
Maui, Hawaii
My beach-loving children are always enthusiastic about a seaside getaway, and Maui is their top pick for its lively island atmosphere.
While most days were spent on the beach, we dedicated one full day to the Road to Hana, where we followed Shaka’s guided itinerary for waterfall swimming, banana bread stops, and cave exploration.
Throughout the island, my kids delighted in spotting sea turtles and surfers at Hookipa Beach Park, browsing in Paʻia, and playing at Kula Country Farms.
I expected a luau to feel cliché, but the performances and storytelling were captivating, and my daughter couldn’t stop hula dancing afterward.
Our favorite dining spots include Hula Grill for its ocean views, live entertainment, and fresh menu, plus Māla Ocean Tavern in Lahaina for scenic boat watching.
And no trip to Maui would be complete without sampling the shaved ice at Ululanis.
Ka’anapali is a fantastic area for families.
Last summer, we stayed at the Hilton Vacation Club Ka’anapali Beach Maui, an older property right on the beach featuring a kitchen and spacious bathroom.
It also offers on-site activities like ukulele classes, lei-making workshops, rooftop mini-golf, and even a small bowling alley.
Washington D.C.
This city is a favorite for my 13-year-old, who loves the energy, subway access, and extensive museum options.
The Spy Museum (reservations needed) met all expectations.
Other highlights include the National Air and Space Museum, the Postal Museum, and the National Museum of Natural History.
For older kids, Ford’s Theater offers an engaging way to learn about Abraham Lincoln’s assassination.
We took a day trip to Mount Vernon, gaining insight into George Washington’s life while also learning about the experiences of enslaved individuals on the estate.
We stayed in Georgetown, a safe, historical area with easy access to waterfronts and downtown.
While I enjoyed the location, I wasn’t satisfied with our hotel, so I sought out guidance from a local.
Emily Sprague, who founded Turtlebacks, highly recommends The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown for families, highlighting amenities like welcoming surprises, spacious rooms, and a cozy atmosphere.
For those interested in rooftop pools and kitchenettes, the Hyatt House at The Wharf is also an excellent choice.
For budget-friendly options, my friend swears by Hyatt Place, which boasts proximity to museums and offers included breakfast.
Dining-wise, we loved the vibe at Maman for breakfast and delightful French pastries.
We also enjoyed traditional American fare at Clyde’s.
Sprague also mentions Farmers Fishers Bakers, where diners can relax with views of the boats, or Filomena Ristorante for homemade pasta while watching “pasta grandma” skillfully hand-roll dough in the window.
There’s also The Tombs, suitable for picky eaters.
