CJ
Traveling with a baby doesn’t have to be stressful! Choosing the right destination can make all the difference. Here are the top 10 US destinations for families with little ones, including top times to go, where to stay and what to do in each location!
San Diego, California
San Diego’s sunny weather, beaches, and family-friendly attractions make it an ideal destination for parents with little kids.
- Most baby-friendly airline: Southwest Airlines, offering direct flights and no fees for checking car seats and strollers.
- Best times to go: March through May or September through November for fewer crowds and mild weather.
- Typical price range: $150-$300 per night for family-friendly accommodations.
- Best neighborhood to stay in: La Jolla, known for its quiet beaches and walkable amenities.
- Baby-friendly activities:
- Stroll along La Jolla Shores, a calm beach perfect for families.
- Visit the San Diego Zoo, featuring shaded paths and nursing stations.
- Explore Balboa Park’s gardens and open spaces for a peaceful outing.
Orlando, Florida
Orlando offers a magical experience for families with little ones, even beyond theme parks.
- Most baby-friendly airline: Delta Airlines, with family boarding perks and priority for strollers.
- Best times to go: Late January to early March or September for cooler temperatures and smaller crowds.
- Typical price range: $120-$250 per night for family-friendly resorts.
- Best neighborhood to stay in: Lake Buena Vista, close to Disney attractions and amenities.
- Baby-friendly activities:
- Utilize Disney World’s Baby Care Centers for stress-free park visits.
- Take a stroll around Lake Eola Park, where you can feed swans or rent a swan boat.
- Visit Gatorland, a low-key, stroller-friendly attraction.
Austin, Texas
Austin combines vibrant culture with plenty of green spaces, making it an excellent destination for families with infants.
- Most baby-friendly airline: Southwest Airlines, offering many direct flights and a generous baggage policy for families.
- Best times to go: March to May or September to November for pleasant weather.
- Typical price range: $120-$250 per night for family-friendly accommodations.
- Best neighborhood to stay in: Zilker, close to parks and family-friendly attractions.
- Baby-friendly activities:
- Visit Zilker Metropolitan Park for stroller-friendly trails and picnic spots.
- Explore the Thinkery, Austin’s interactive children’s museum.
- Take a walk along Lady Bird Lake’s boardwalk, perfect for families. This charming mountain town offers a peaceful retreat with a mix of nature and history.
Maui, or Kauai Hawaii
These two islands are more laid-back while still offering plenty to do for a great atmosphere perfect for families.
- Most baby-friendly airline: Hawaiian Airlines, offering priority boarding, kid-friendly meals, and bassinets on long flights.
- Best times to go: April, May, September, or October for lower travel costs and fewer crowds.
- Typical price range: $200-$400 per night for beachfront accommodations.
- Best neighborhood to stay in: Wailea, with its calm beaches and family-friendly resorts.
- Baby-friendly activities:
- Beaches: In Maui, relax at Baby Beach in Lahaina, a shallow and safe spot for infants. Kauai has Poipu beach that offers calm waters and the potential for Sea Turtle sightings sure to fascinate babies.
- Scenic Drives: The Hana highway in Maui and the Waimea Canyon in Kauai are both offer impressive vistas if you are up for the drive! You can stop at the various accessible viewpoints along the way for a break. Our son wound up not being so pleased when we drove up to Waimea canyon. Sitting in the back with him on the return trip, I realized it was a bit twisty which is the same for the Hana highway. Beware of the potential for car sickness!
- Go to a Luau: There are plenty of options to have this cultural and delicious experience on any Hawaiian island. They usually include some sort of show that is bound to interest your little one!
Chicago, Illinois
The Windy City offers a mix of urban fun and relaxing green spaces for traveling with babies.
- Most baby-friendly airline: United Airlines, with many direct flights and family pre-boarding.
- Best times to go: Late spring or early fall for comfortable weather.
- Typical price range: $150-$300 per night for centrally located hotels.
- Best neighborhood to stay in: River North, close to attractions and stroller-friendly areas.
- Baby-friendly activities:
- Stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk for scenic views.
- Visit the Shedd Aquarium, where infants can enjoy colorful marine life.
- Spend time at Maggie Daley Park’s toddler-friendly play areas.
Portland, Oregon
Portland’s laid-back vibe and abundance of parks make it an excellent choice for young families.
- Most baby-friendly airline: Alaska Airlines, offering direct flights and stroller gate-check services.
- Best times to go: May to September for sunny weather.
- Typical price range: $130-$220 per night for family-friendly accommodations.
- Best neighborhood to stay in: Pearl District, with walkable streets and family-friendly eateries.
- Baby-friendly activities:
- Visit the Portland Japanese Garden for serene, stroller-friendly pathways.
- Explore the Oregon Zoo, designed with families in mind.
- Check out OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) for sensory-friendly exhibits.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston’s historic charm and slow pace make it perfect for families seeking relaxation.
- Most baby-friendly airline: JetBlue, offering spacious seats and free Wi-Fi for in-flight entertainment.
- Best times to go: March to May or September to November for mild temperatures.
- Typical price range: $150-$250 per night for family-friendly inns or hotels.
- Best neighborhood to stay in: Historic District, with its walkable streets and waterfront access.
- Baby-friendly activities:
- Walk through Joe Riley Waterfront Park for scenic views and splash fountains.
- Take a carriage tour of the historic district.
- Visit the South Carolina Aquarium for interactive exhibits.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle’s mild weather and abundance of indoor and outdoor activities make it a great family destination.
- Most baby-friendly airline: Alaska Airlines, headquartered in Seattle and offering exceptional family perks.
- Best times to go: June to September for sunny, dry weather.
- Typical price range: $150-$280 per night for family-friendly hotels.
- Best neighborhood to stay in: South Lake Union, with its parks and easy access to attractions.
- Baby-friendly activities:
- Take a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel for amazing views.
- Visit the Seattle Aquarium to see fascinating sea creatures.
- Explore Discovery Park’s stroller-friendly trails.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston’s compact layout and historical charm make it easy to navigate with an infant.
- Most baby-friendly airline: JetBlue, offering many direct flights to Boston and excellent family services.
- Best times to go: April to June or September to November for pleasant weather.
- Typical price range: $180-$300 per night for family-friendly accommodations.
- Best neighborhood to stay in: Back Bay, close to parks and attractions.
- Baby-friendly activities:
- Visit the Boston Public Garden and ride the Swan Boats.
- Explore the New England Aquarium’s engaging exhibits.
- Walk along the Freedom Trail for a mix of history and fresh air.
Denver, Colorado
With sunny weather and an abundance of outdoor spaces, Denver is an excellent choice for families.
- Most baby-friendly airline: Southwest Airlines, offering many direct flights and family-focused policies.
- Best times to go: April to October for warm weather and outdoor activities.
- Typical price range: $120-$250 per night for family-friendly stays.
- Best neighborhood to stay in: Cherry Creek, known for its parks and family-friendly amenities.
- Baby-friendly activities:
- Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens for serene, stroller-friendly pathways.
- Explore the Denver Children’s Museum, designed with infants in mind.
- Take a day trip to Red Rocks Park for stunning views and gentle trails.
With these baby-friendly destinations, you’re sure to have a memorable and stress-free family trip! Choose the location that best fits your needs and enjoy quality time with your little one.