The Best Family Holiday Spots to Visit in the US

Family holidays come with many benefits. Not only does it help you and your family reduce stress and relax, but it also helps you strengthen family bonds. What’s more, you get to build pleasant memories that boost your happiness levels. It’s also a great way to stay active and improve your overall health. Indeed, taking a holiday in a foreign country can be exciting. A 2022 Forbes Advisor survey revealed that Brits chose the US as the top holiday destination for 2022. Are you organising a family getaway to the US soon? If yes, here are the best family holiday spots you can visit. 

#1 Anaheim, California 

Anaheim is called the centre of family holidays in Southern California for good reasons. It is home to several world-class holiday activities and destinations, the most popular being Disneyland. Anaheim receives approximately 20 million visitors annually due to its location and fun-filled activities. Also, its activities are kid-friendly, so you can be sure that your kids won’t get bored anytime soon. For instance, Disney California Adventure Park can help you and your kids explore the history of California more excitingly. 

Likewise, Disneyland Park offers attractions such as themed entertainment venues and amusement rides. If you’re a pilot at heart, you can live your dreams by visiting the Flightdeck Flight Simulation Center, which replicates the feeling of flying an aircraft. You can also visit the Honda Center, as sporting events and concerts are hosted here. The Wood Ranch BBQ and Grill is the home to all kinds of grilled meat, a must-visit place for foodies. They also have a kids‘ menu to cater to your children’s dietary needs. You can visit Yorba Regional Park, Earl of Sandwich, Indoor Trampoline Park, etc. 

#2 Gatlinburg, Tennessee 

Gatlinburg is another family-friendly place to enjoy your holidays. Statistics reveal that Gatlinburg hosts approximately 12 million people annually, crediting its popularity. It boasts spectacular landscapes and fun attractions and museums, mountains and malls. If you wish to visit this city, you can begin your adventure with the Gatlinburg Trolley. It is an old-fashioned transit bus that will help you explore the city through different scenic routes. For instance, the yellow route passes through the Arts and Crafts community, so you can hop on if you are an avid art lover. The tan route takes you through nature, while the red route takes you to Gatlinburg’s liveliest downtown areas. 

You can also soak in the wonder of one of the most beautiful places in the US, the Great Smoky Mountains National Parks. It is excellent for outdoorsy people as it offers a plethora of outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, and camping. You can also go horseback riding, water tubing, fishing and backpacking. The best part is that it’s free, so you can enjoy good family time without straining a budget. Feel free to laugh out loud at the Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre, and satisfy your sugar cravings at the Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen. If you enjoy the supernatural, the Ghost walk of Gatlinburg will help you live out of your fantasy. 

#3 Orlando, Florida 

The city of Orlando hosts seven of the world’s most sought-after theme parks and is a top family holiday destination for families enjoying some time off their busy schedules. Orlando’s theme parks, outdoor activities and other attractions draw millions to the city, peaking at 75 million people in 2019. You can enjoy the magic of the Walt Disney World Resort, as it boasts two water parks, four theme parks, an entertainment and shopping district, a sports complex and an extensive boardwalk. You can also tour the Universal Orlando Resort with three individual parks. 

SeaWorld Orlando’s dolphin and whale shows, aquariums, touch pools, and rides will pique your interest if you’re a sea lover. If you’re an astronaut at heart, you can have the best time at the Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex. Aside from the theme parks, the city also has abundant parks and nature reserves to satisfy nature lovers. You also want to include a visit to Madame Tussauds to get a closer view of your favourites celebrities and historical visitors. If you wish for comfortable accommodation when visiting Orlando, you can see what Ocean Florida has to offer. 

#4 Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona 

You can treat your family to an adventure at the Grand Canyon National Park. It is currently one of the world’s seven wonders and boasts museums and national historic landmarks. Statistics reveal that approximately 5.9 million people visit the Grand Canyon annually. You can begin your adventure by visiting Havasu Falls. Although Havasu Falls is one of the most spectacular falls in the Grand Canyon, you’d have to hike 10 miles before reaching it. You can also tour the Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon and Glen Canyon on foot, by air or river. Admire the beauty of the Colorado River from the safety of the Black Suspension Bridge, and admire the architectural genius of Mary Colter at the Bright Angel History Room. 

The Grand Canyon also offers trail rides along the North Rim. However, this ride doesn’t feature vehicles but mules to give visitors a unique experience. You can also enjoy a scenic ride by driving along Arizona Highway 64, also known as the Desert View Drive. 

#5 Williamsburg, Virginia 

Do you desire a trip down memory lane? If yes, your family can visit the historic town of Williamsburg. It has a historic setting and promises fun and education, the best combination for your kids. That said, tour around Jamestown to feel how the first British Colonists lived. You can also visit colonial Williamsburg as it gives you an idea of how the people in the 17th and 18th centuries lived. If you want to satisfy your inner childhood needs, Busch Gardens is the place to be. This theme park features stunning landscapes and sights from France, Germany and Italy. It also boasts thrilling roller coasters, broadway-style shows and live animals. There’s also something for art lovers to enjoy at the Muscarelle Museum of Art and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum.