Family holidays in the USA

Best family holiday spots in the USA

Whether you’re excited to hit the theme parks, hike mountains, check out a basketball game or do some sensational shopping, the USA has it all. Every family is different and there’s no one-size-fits-all trip, so make sure you do plenty of research before you decide on a US destination for yours. We’ve broken down some of our favourite places by activities so you can pick out the hot spots that might suit your family the most. 
 

Best for culture and sightseeing: New York 

We couldn’t start our list of best family vacation spots in the US without mentioning the one and only Big Apple. Make the most of your visit to the epicentre of the arts by hitting up cultural hotspots like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park, One World Observatory, and Brooklyn Bridge.

For a true New York City (NYC) experience you can’t miss the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty. A visit to the Yankee Stadium is another must for sports fans, where you can catch a glimpse of the famous 27-time World Series winning baseball team. Or, maybe Broadway is more your thing, where you can sing-along to shows from the Lion King to Wicked. 
 

Best for theme parks: Orlando, Florida 

Another of the most iconic USA family holiday ideas is Orlando, Florida. From some of the best theme parks in the world to incredible wildlife within reach, Orlando has something to offer family members of all ages.

Spot elephants and cheetahs at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park™. Glide down the lazy river at Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, delight in your imagination in The Magical Kingdom at Walt Disney World or sling spells at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ in Universal Studios.
 

Best for iconic scenery: The Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is a true bucket list adventure and should be high up on any USA family holiday itinerary. The iconic landscape is breathtaking and the perfect destination for nature-loving kids and adults alike.

If you are going with the little ones, plan a family-friendly hike. The South Rim Trail or Bright Angel Trail are good options for families. To make your USA family holiday one to remember, consider a horseback ride for the ultimate Old West experience. 
 

Best for movie lovers: Los Angeles

Calling all movie lovers. Take a trip to where the magic happens. From incredible theme parks and inspiring museums to breathtaking beaches, there is so much to discover in the City of Angels.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of the most iconic free family tourist attractions in the USA. Walk in the footsteps of some of your favourite celebrities and make memories to last a lifetime. Or for some well-earned rest and relaxation, head to Santa Monica Beach – one of the best family beaches in America . After the kids enjoy the pier rides, you can unwind on the white sandy beaches.
 

Best for food and shopping: Chicago

If you’re in America for the food, the Windy City is the right place. Chicago is the land of the iconic deep-dish pizza. Lose yourself in the rich music scene and catch some live performances at Millenium Park.

There’s plenty for the family to enjoy, from interactive museums, shopping centres, theatre, and waterfront adventures. You’ll soon see why Chicago is one of the best cities to visit in the USA with family. Another one for the bucket list, plan a visit to The Ledge – an all-glass balcony at Sky Deck Chicago where you can enjoy awe-spiring 360-degree views across four states. 
 

Best for wildlife and nature: Yosemite National Park 

Active families will want to head to Yosemite National Park for beauty and adventure.  As one of America’s favourite national parks, it offers magical views, an abundance of hiking trails and everything you need for a United States family vacation.

Climb up to Glacier Point and gaze down at the Valley Floor and or hike the Alpine Meadow for the gentle rivers and lovely scenery. Yosemite is best known for its waterfalls so be sure to visit Yosemite Falls – the highest waterfall in North America.

Best for island paradise: Hawaii

Travel to Hawaii for a slice of heaven – beautiful bays, glorious coral reefs and volcanoes await. The four most family-friendly islands are Maui, O’ahu, Kaua’i and Big Island, and each has its own unique tropical island culture.

For those thrill seekers, surfing is a must on any Hawaiian holiday. Book a family surf lesson to make lasting memories. Whale watch in Maui, road trip down the Hana Highway or stroll through the historic seaside village Lahaina.

Best for island paradise: Hawaii

Travel to Hawaii for a slice of heaven – beautiful bays, glorious coral reefs and volcanoes await. The four most family-friendly islands are Maui, O’ahu, Kaua’i and Big Island, and each has its own unique tropical island culture.

For those thrill seekers, surfing is a must on any Hawaiian holiday. Book a family surf lesson to make lasting memories. Whale watch in Maui, road trip down the Hana Highway or stroll through the historic seaside village Lahaina.

Best time to visit the USA with the family

As the USA is such a big county, the weather can vary hugely between states, cities, and regions. In fact, Death Valley in California holds the record for the hottest place on earth, its air temperature hit 57 degrees (134.F) in summer 1913. New York, in comparison, can be bitterly cold in winter – reaching lows of -4 degrees.

Luckily, it has something for every family all-year-round. It’s a good idea to plan city breaks in the spring or autumn to avoid the heat – and the crowds. But beach breaks are perfect in the summer months. Autumn is another great time to visit the USA, when the leaves start to turn and the colours of fall come alive. Halloween is a huge event in the USA and can be a fun time to visit with kids to enjoy the festivities. 

Currency for visiting the USA

The currency used is the US dollar, so you’ll want to be prepared and sort your travel money before your family holiday in the USA. 

While many places will accept card, there are still some places that don’t yet. We’d advise taking a mixture of payment methods including Travel Money Card and US dollars in cash.

Tipping is widely expected in the USA too so it can be helpful to have cash to hand to tip your servers with.

Travel insurance for your family trip to the USA

Before you jet off on your family adventure to the USA, make sure you have travel insurance to protect you all. 

Sainsbury’s Bank offers a range of single, multi and extended trip policies – with optional extras for additional travel protection.