With majestic redwoods and rugged cliffs overlooking the windswept Pacific, Mendocino County is an immersion in nature. Hike the fern-filled forest at Van Damme State Park , spot seals as you paddle an outrigger canoe in the Big River Estuary and pedal a two-person railbike surrounded by towering trees.
Once known for steel and coal, Pittsburgh has traded industry for cultural institutions that are heavy on family appeal and light on pretensions. For a sky-high perspective of Pittsburgh’s three rivers, ride the Duquesne Incline ’s wooden cable cars, which is a great way for kids to take in the city before exploring its many charms.
Sports fans will appreciate Pittsburgh’s legendary passion for sports at the Senator John Heinz History Center’s Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum , while the Carnegie Science Center ‘s interactive exhibits are a paradise for curious minds. And kids of all ages will find something to enjoy at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh , where cutting-edge experiences in art and technology always offer something fun to do.
For spacious rooms and grand public spaces, stay at Omni William Penn Hotel .
5. Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
On Vancouver Island, Victoria blends old-world charm with Western Canada cool. The showery climate is a springboard for lush blooms that grace postcard-pretty parks and gardens.
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At Butchart Gardens , families with little ones can meander stroller-friendly paths and soak in the floral splendor. Bucolic Beacon Hill Park has a petting zoo and totem poles dispersed among ponds, lakes and streams. Or enjoy aquatic serenity on a whale-watching cruise departing from the Inner Harbour before you head indoors to explore Canada’s First Nations People at the Royal BC Museum .
Stay near the Inner Harbour at the boutique and family-friendly Magnolia Hotel and Spa .
6. Portland, Maine
Breathe salty air and see seagulls strut in Portland, a small Maine city that’s tethered to the sea. Kids will love watching the lobster boats dock in the harbor before catching a ferry to one of the timeless Casco Bay islands .
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Sample local seafood at Luke’s Lobster , where clam chowder is heavenly and lobster rolls are luscious and visit the aquarium at the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine to see turtles, sunfish, frogs and other marine species up close.
Stay at Cambria Hotel Portland Downtown Old Port within walking distance from waterside attractions.
7. Houston
With more than 140 languages spoken, Houston is one of the best places to go with kids while celebrating the nation’s diversity of cultures and experiences. At Smither Park , a medley of mosaics adds up to a vibrant outdoor gallery. Artists work on this evolving project on Saturdays, providing an opportunity to observe the creative process.
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Head to Rice University to experience James Turrell’s Twilight Epiphany Skyspace . Enter the spaceship-like structure and enjoy an ever-changing play of light and psychedelic vibes. And for the granddaddy of interactive experiences, try on a spacesuit and helmet as you explore the workings of mission control at Space Center Houston .
Stay at Hotel Zaza in the heart of Houston’s Museum District. Zaza’s over-the-top cattle horn accents add a Texas twist.
8. Williamstown, Massachusetts
A patchwork of cute hamlets nestled among rolling hills and mountains, The Berkshires is a fabulous place to go with kids for a classic New England vacation any time of year. Consider Williamstown, a sweet little village that’s infused with youthful energy courtesy of Williams College.
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Here you can browse mom-and-pop bookstores, eat ice cream at Lickety Split and enjoy the Clark Art Institute ’s rich family programming and world-class collection of Impressionist art. The Clark’s acres of meadows and walking trails are home to a friendly herd of pastured cows, an unexpected delight.
The upscale Williams Inn has family-friendly perks like outdoor fire pits and delectable dining.
9. Curacao
Beach fun and Caribbean culture meet in Curacao , an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands that embraces its multicultural identity. Gorgeous beaches like Grote Knip have soft sand, gentle waves just right for little swimmers and water that’s as blue as a sapphire.
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Willemstad, the cosmopolitan capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, charms with candy-colored buildings and vibrant street art. Go hands-on and paint your own Chichi doll, one of Curacao’s most recognizable crafts. Stay at Avila Beach Hotel, which has a protected beach and an infinity pool that are pure tropical fantasy.
10. London
The city of London is one of the most kid-friendly cities in the world and an especially great place for family vacations with teenagers . Enjoy a birds-eye view of Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament from the London Eye, the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel. If your kids are Potterheads, don’t miss the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter , where the whole family can explore the Wizarding World at the studio where the eight films were produced.
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