10 best city breaks to enjoy as a family
Where to go for the last days of summer
Taking the whole family on a summer trip is a great way to make lasting memories. Across the US, cities host summer festivals with live music, plenty of local dining options, and cultural events. These cities also offer iconic landmarks and unique attractions to explore under clear blue skies.
If you're unsure where to go or what to do, we’ve unearthed some family-friendly adventures for you in our favorite cities in the United States. Get your bags packed and round up the family for a city break this summer.
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New York
New York is brimming with family-focused attractions and events throughout the summer. Outdoor concerts, foodie festivals, and movie screenings take place all over the city from June to August. Your first port of call should be Central Park. It’s the largest green space in New York, with over 20 playgrounds, artificial lakes and ponds, arched bridges, and woodland trails.
New York's stellar collection of museums offer daily workshops and educational programs for young children, offering anything from sculpting to science experiments. For live theater, head to Broadway for a matinee musical performance.
Los Angeles
With excellent beaches, iconic landmarks, and a sprinkling of movie magic, LA offers incredible variety for families. Throughout summer, the Santa Monica Pier attracts the crowds with its beachfront promenade, impressive carnival rides, and kid-friendly games. Away from the coast, head to Disneyland Park in Anaheim to enjoy rollercoaster rides, colorful characters, and street parades.
If your child – or your spouse – has ever dreamed of being an astronaut, a visit to the California Space Center should be high on your to-do list. It’s packed with out-of-this-world exhibits, including the space shuttle Endeavor, which traveled into orbit between 1992 and 2011.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas may seem like an adult playground at first glance, but this vibrant city also attracts families with its arcade centers, interactive museums, and indoor wildlife parks. The epicenter of the action can be found on The Strip. This high-octane neon-lit boulevard is packed with activities.
Budding detectives will enjoy CSI: The Experience problem-solving game at the MGM Grand, or if dinosaurs are more your thing, head to the Las Vegas Natural History Museum to examine fossils of a T-Rex and other Jurassic beasts.
Chicago
Summer is a great time to visit Chicago. You can enjoy world-class museums, lakeside beaches, and scenic downtown streets. Families will love Navy Pier, where you can ride a Ferris wheel and play minigolf during the day, and catch fireworks shows at night.
For a cultural experience, visit the Art Institute of Chicago and see works by famous artists like Picasso and Van Gogh. Head to Millennium Park to take some family photos in front of the Cloud Gate sculpture, and don’t leave without feasting on a deep-dish pizza, Chicago style.
Boston
Balmy weather, a fascinating history, and bucketloads of sporting activities are waiting for you in Boston this summer. From visiting historic sites like Fenway Park and the Freedom Trail to taking in some local culture at the Museum of Fine Arts, families of all ages will be engaged and inspired in this eclectic city.
Must-see landmarks like Boston National Historical Park and the USS Constitution date back to the early days of the American Revolution. On sunny days, head to Boston Common. This verdant park hosts concerts and events throughout the summer. For some iconic photos, take a ride on the famous swan boats.
Orlando
If your idea of a summer family vacation includes theme parks, then Orlando is the place for you. Whimsical Walt Disney World reigns supreme with parades, character meetings, and thrilling roller coasters such as Space Mountain and Splash Mountain. Universal Studios can’t be missed either, offering up immersive rides themed around Hollywood blockbusters like Jurassic Park and Harry Potter.
And don’t forget Orlando’s aquatic adventures, like the Typhoon Lagoon Water park and Blizzard Beach waterpark. They promise unforgettable experiences on high-speed slides and lazy rivers. Evening options include dining under the stars and watching nightly fireworks shows over Cinderella Castle.
San Francisco
San Francisco hosts fun, family events around Fisherman's Wharf and it's also where you'll find excellent shopping and dining. Pier 15 has a collection of family-friendly attractions including Exploratorium, a museum of science, art, and human perception.
The San Francisco Zoo, on the western edge of San Fran, is perennially popular for family days out. It’s home to 250 different species of animals and children’s fairground rides. Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, is one of America's premier ballparks – a family visit to San Francisco wouldn't be complete without attending one of its ballgames.
Miami
White sands, cool pools, and glamorous hotels are all part of a Miami vacation. Explore science museums and art galleries, dine in diverse neighborhoods, and admire the iconic 1930s Art Deco architecture. From aquariums and science centers to adventure parks and outdoor wonders, kids of all ages can enjoy Miami.
With its miles of pristine coastline, you’ll be spending plenty of time on the sand. The best beaches for families in Miami include peaceful South Pointe Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, backed by nature trails and an iconic lighthouse. Away from the coast, the Venetian Pool is a great place to take the kids to swim and sunbathe, with features like waterfalls and cave-like grottos.
Dallas
Modern, cosmopolitan, with a love of cowboy culture, Dallas is a culturally rich city in the deep south of Texas. Immerse yourself in wild west frontier heritage at the Dallas Heritage Village living museum to see how folks lived in the 19th century.
It’s a long, hot summer in Texas, but families can cool off at Hurricane Harbor water park. Youngsters will love the LEGOLAND Discovery Center, thanks to its mix of rides and play areas. For older kids, the rattle and woosh of rollercoasters at Six Flags Over Texas is sure to put smiles on faces.
Nashville
Nashville is an enchanting city known for its rich musical legacy. You’ll find it everywhere, from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to the renowned Studio B where Elvis recorded many of his seminal hits. The city’s main drag, nicknamed the Honky Tonk Highway, is packed with street performers day and night. Mealtimes in Nashville can be enjoyed at classic diners or authentic smokehouse barbecue joints.
The idyllic Centennial Park, with its charming replica of the Parthenon, children’s play areas, and picnic spots, is a perfect place to bask in the warm summer sun. If it gets too hot, the Nashville Shores waterpark offers a cooling experience with a bevy of exhilarating water slides.
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