If it’s true that families that play together stay together – then, it’s probably also true for a family that goes on an epic vacation together. In many cases going on a family vacation, means traveling with kids, which determines how you plan your trip and where you decide to go.
When planning your family vacation, it’s always a good idea to plan 3 or 6 months in advance and to thoroughly research many flight options. This early planning will result in a big cost saving. It’s also wise to choose in advance where your family will stay and what places to visit when you get to your destination. So, before your journey begins, it’s a good idea to make decisions on an itinerary that works for everyone.
The biggest question, of course, is where to go. If your family vacations have already covered the traditional themes—visiting grandparents, going to state national parks, visiting Niagara Falls, and hitting all the major theme parks, maybe it’s time to do something radically different—like visiting major American cities, which, despite being considered a little wild and dangerous in the past, are hot spots for family vacations today. Top cities frequented by families because of the number of family-friendly activities available there are Los Angeles, New York City, and Las Vegas.
A quick look at why these big cities make excellent destinations for a Family Vacation:
Los Angeles
While there are many affordable hotels to stay when visiting Los Angeles, a good place to set up “base camp” would be to check out West Hollywood hotels for families because there is always plenty to do in West Hollywood when it comes to dining, shopping, entertainment, and proximity to major attractions.
Some fun places to visit when in Los Angeles might include Universal Studio Hollywood and LEGOLAND California.
Universal Studios rolls out the movie magic in extravagant style. There are movie-themed rides with special effects, shows like Universal’s Animal Actors, and a live working studio with famous actors on set. It’s an interesting blend of Hollywood movie studios and theme parks.
LEGOLAND California has more than 50 themed rides and attractions around the LEGO concept. Your family will be stunned at Miniland USA, a LEGO re-creation of seven areas of the US built out of more than 30 million LEGO building blocks. Your family will also be thrilled by “The LEGO Movie 4D A New Adventure,” which is shown exclusively at LEGOLAND.
New York
In NYC, it’s always a good idea find a hotel close to a subway stop. The best locations are Midtown, SoHo, Greenwich Village, and Chelsea. If you’re looking for family-friendly luxury hotels, check out the Le Parker Meriden and the Lowell Hotel, and if you’re looking for an affordable budget hotel for families, check out Skyline Hotel and Travel Inn.
Top attractions to visit are the Empire State Building, The MET, the Museum of Natural History, and, of course, the Statue of Liberty.
Las Vegas
You might be surprised to discover that many of the top hotels with casinos are also kid-friendly. Check out The Mirage Hotel & Casino, The Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, and Excalibur Hotel and Casino. There are plenty of PG-rated entertainment features and attractions at these hotels which are separated from the bars and the casinos. Excalibur, for instance, looks like a medieval-style castle and has the Fun Dungeon arcade. Meanwhile, the Mandalay Bay Resort has a 1.6 million-gallon shark reef aquarium.
There are no shortages of places to visit around the city, too.
M&M’s World has four floors of everything related to M&M themes for your kids to explore. For instance, one station allows your kids to personalize their M&Ms with their own messages.
Another interesting place to visit is the Gondola Ride at the Venetian. Although all the rides are indoors, it actually feels as if you are in the midst of a large open air space set in Venice. Don’t be surprised if your Gondolier serenades you and your family.
If your kids are charmed by the daring days of Knights and fair maidens, they’ll enjoy The Tournament of Kings at the Excalibur. This is a dinner show that places you back in Medieval Times. There are plenty of dancing maidens, sword fights, and jousting to keep everyone entertained.
You might be surprised how much fun you can have when you stay at great hotels and visit the attraction centers in some of the major US cities.
