Do you enjoy travel but afraid to take your young kids? You can join the 35 percent of Americans that take a vacation with family. Hit the road (or airways) for a good, old-fashioned family vacation for some bonding.

Just because little ones have come along doesn’t mean your travel dreams have to wait. Check out the best family vacations you can take with young kids here!

1. A Disney Theme Park

It’s probably no surprise that this is number one on the list because every kid dreams about seeing the “Happiest Place on Earth” when they are still young. Cinderella’s castle can be just as magical to adults.

You will be surprised at all the different charm for all ages throughout Disney. You can find new additions like Star Wars attractions and plenty of Starbucks stations to give you a needed jolt.

Check out Disney’s Animal Kingdom to see animals like you never have before. You can do a safari in the park. While you are at Animal Kingdom, make sure you check out the new Pandora: The World of Avatar attraction.

You can ride see the old-time favorites like Splash Mountain and the ball at Epcot. Take time to see the entertaining parades and magical fireworks.

This trip is something your kids will always remember. You will too as you relive the magic of your childhood through the eyes of your children – a truly magical experience like no other!

2. San Diego

This laid-back beach town has something for everyone. Check out the Balboa Park area. You will find nearly 20 museums and the infamous San Diego Zoo.

Check out Mission Beach for some sun and surf. You can also go to La Jolla Cove and watch the sea lions and seals play soak up the sun all day. Your kids will love watching them play and bark!

Spend a day at the beach to play in the sand and listen to the ocean waves. You can find several rentals close to the beach, so you can tote all the toys and your picnic for the day.

3. Grand Canyon

Your kids will be in awe of the Grand Canyon’s majesty – it’s pretty impressive for everyone to see! You can find some suitable trails for young children and take in the beauty of the red-rock formations.

You can take a classic mule ride down into the canyon if your children are old enough. You can also try a helicopter ride to see the beauty. If you are not up for that much adventure, there are several private bus tours or shuttles that point out all the scenic overlooks like the 75-foot tall Desert View Watchtower.

4. Washington, D.C.

The Smithsonian institutions in Washington D.C. are a great thing for everyone to experience. These museums are extremely kid-friendly and are free to the public! Check out the Museum of Natural History to see the wonder of the ancient dinosaurs.

You can also check out the National Air and Space Museum to let your kids blast off into the galaxy. The International Spy Museum lets your kids solve mysteries just like James Bond.

You can see the National Mall, which is the 2-mile strip of green grass that stretches from the Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol. There are so many free learning opportunities in our nation’s capital.

5. Niagara Falls

There’s no doubt that Niagara Falls are dramatic and rather impressive with the thundering noise of water. You can choose to go to the Canadian side or just stay on the New York side.

Try the Cave of the Winds tour to ride the elevator 175 feet down to Hurricane Deck. You will be able to get within 20 feet of the Bridal Falls. Your kids will love the Maid of the Mist to ride right near the falls – you will get soaked!

Check out other attractions like the Buffalo Zoo or the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark. See the kitschy museums at Clifton Hill. You will not have a hard time filling up your time in the Niagara Falls area.

6. New York City

New York City offers several museums, shows, and parks for all kids. Try a ferry ride in the New York Harbor. Everyone needs to see the Statue of Liberty.

You can get close to Lady Liberty on Statue Cruises. These tours also stop at Ellis Island, which is where our nation’s ancestors entered the city. Kids can take an audio tour at the immigration museum and can search for their relatives.

Other attractions for children include the Central Park Zoo, American Museum of Natural History, and Dylan’s Candy Bar. Your kids may even enjoy a Broadway show like “The Lion King.”

7. Yellowstone

America’s first national park has the most concentrated geysers in the world. Your kids will be amazed to see Old Faithful when it shoots water in the sky about every 90 minutes! Even though there are more than four million visitors every year, you will forget as you see how much of the nature is untouched.

Check out the thermal pools, canyons, waterfalls, mountains, lakes, and canyons. You may even find wildlife like wolves, grizzly bears, bison, bighorn sheep, elk, and buffalo. Some of the most notable spots to visit include Lamar Valley, Hayden Valley, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone Lake, West Thumb Geyser Basin, and Dogshead Loop.

If you are in Wyoming, check out the Teton Science School in Jackson Hole. You should also explore the Grand Teton National Park.

You can also check out a show at the Playmill Theatre. If you are in the area, get your family photo at the Roosevelt Arch in Gardiner.

Preparing for the Best Family Vacations

Getting ready for vacation with children can take a little longer. Try not to plan out every minute of every day – instead, have options to go with the feel of the day. Make sure your expectations are realistic before you leave – don’t overdo it with young kids!

Lists can be your best friend. Start your list early and organize by family member This can help you pack lighter.

Don’t worry about your home. Click here to find out about a house sitter, so you can focus on having fun and not worry about your house while you are gone.

Want More Traveling Advice?

Now that you learned about the best family vacations, check out some other interesting places on our blog. You can find useful articles like top European travel destinations.