Of the millions of Americans traveling this year, 53% plan on traveling with family within the next 12 months. If you fall into this group, you may already be searching for fun family vacation ideas. While everyone loves a trip to grandma’s house, why not treat the whole crew to a getaway somewhere new?
Of course, it can be tricky to pick a destination that will satisfy everyone. Here are nine family-friendly vacation travel locales that offer plenty to do and an ideal atmosphere for adults looking for a bit of rejuvenation.
1. Orlando, Florida
Home to “the most magical place on earth,” Orlando is a great kid-friendly vacation destination. However, Walt Disney World® and Universal Studios® are just a few of the city’s family attractions.
After visiting the theme parks, consider cooling off at a water park, blasting off with a visit to Kennedy Space Center or getting a bird’s-eye view of the Sunshine State from a hot air balloon. Up for a drive? There are plenty of outdoor activities and nature parks to enjoy within Central Florida.
Where to stay in Orlando: Set your suitcases down at Mystic Dunes, a Hilton Vacation Club. It’s just a 10-mile drive to Walt Disney World® and offers plenty of kid-approved activities and amenities.
Discover more: Read why one Member and her family spend their spring break in Orlando, year after year.
2. Scottsdale, Arizona
If you’ve already checked the Grand Canyon off your bucket list, Arizona may not be on your vacation short-list. However, there are plenty more kid-friendly adventures in Scottsdale to explore.
Walk on the wild side at Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center and OdySea Aquarium. Bring your camera to the Museum of Illusions, where you’ll want to capture a near-endless array of mind-boggling optical illusions. Join a free scavenger hunt at Four Peaks Mining Company and discover gemstones lining the walls of a man-made cave.
Where to stay in Scottsdale: Beat the heat at Scottsdale Links Resort, a Hilton Vacation Club. Cool off indoors in a spacious 1-, 2- or 3-Bedroom Suite or splash around the resort’s pool.
Discover more: HGV Ultimate Access* makes adding exclusive travel experiences to your vacation easy. Check out Member reviews of two events they attended while staying in Scottsdale.
3. New York City
New York is full of fun things to do and see for families with older kids and budding photographers. Hop aboard a Statue of Liberty cruise to see the United States’ symbol of freedom, stroll along the High Line or explore Central Park.
Make your way down to Broadway and catch a kid-friendly show like “The Lion King.” Parents rave about the interactive SUMMIT One Vanderbilt and the incredible views of NYC.
Where to stay in New York: Soak in the famous NYC skyline from the comfort of one of five Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare properties — including The Quin, a Hilton Club, which sits in the heart of Midtown Manhattan near sites like The Museum of Modern Art.
Discover more: Add a bit of holiday cheer to your winter vacation with a Member’s guide to festive NYC activities.
4. Hilton Head, South Carolina
Experience Lowcountry living on Hilton Head Island. Hit the sand and dig your toes into over 12 miles of pristine beaches. Race up the 114 steps of Harbor Town Lighthouse to get an unbeatable view of the shoreline.
Leave the car at the resort and grab dinner using the island’s network of bike trails. And if you have young children, dress up and play pretend at the local children’s museum, The Sandbox. Finish your day with a double scoop of ice cream at the island’s first micro-creamery.
Where to stay on Hilton Head Island: Kick back and relax with oceanfront views at Ocean Oak Resort, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club, the ideal setting for a beachfront family getaway.
Discover more: A Member and South Carolina local shares more family-friendly things to do in Hilton Head.
5. Washington, D.C.
Immerse your family in the landmarks of our nation’s capital. Whether you choose guided or self-guided tours, there’s no shortage of educational opportunities in D.C. Pedal next to iconic monuments or catch a trolley to Arlington National Cemetery.
While D.C. is home to dozens of museums, kids will likely have the best experience getting up close with the animals at the National Zoo or stepping into the shoes of a secret agent at the International Spy Museum.
Where to stay in Washington, D.C.: With a prime spot in the heart of this capital city, The District, a Hilton Club allows ideal access to historic wonders and modern marvels.
Discover more: Only have a long weekend to experience the city? Here’s a three-day itinerary of Washington, D.C. — from monuments to museums.
6. Palm Springs, California
Like much of SoCal, Palm Springs enjoys mild temperatures and abundant sunshine year-round, making it an excellent destination for all things outdoors. Skim California’s sunny skies via cable car to San Jacinto Peak, where you can take in the stunning vistas after a short but sweet hike. Or take a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park for more outdoor adventures.
Closer to town, visit the brightly colored Cabazon Dinosaurs, enormous sculptures of everyone’s favorite Jurassic giants. Or drive by a different kind of giant on a self-guided tour of Palm Springs’ windmills, about 500 feet tall.
Where to stay in Palm Springs: Southern California has no shortage of family-friendly resorts, including Palm Cayon, a Hilton Vacation Club. See one Member’s tour of a Studio (and prepare to swoon over his mountain view).
Discover more: If you’re vacationing on a budget, check out this list of affordable activities for more itinerary inspiration.
7. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg, nestled against the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, may appear to be a sleepy mountain retreat. However, this town is home to plenty of adventures and thrills. Spend a day at Anakeesta, an award-winning theme park with adrenaline-inducing attractions like ziplines and mountain coasters. Or head to Wild Bear Falls Water Park, pumping hundreds of thousands of gallons of water through water slides and play pools.
Get in touch with your inner artist with a class at Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts. Find endless inspiration at Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community from local glassblowers, basket-weavers, painters, leatherworkers, potters, blacksmiths and more.
Where to stay in Gatlinburg: Bent Creek Golf Village, a Hilton Vacation Club is a cozy, cabin-style resort within an easy drive to Ober Mountain Adventure Park and with enough space for the entire family.
Discover more: If the Great Smoky Mountains are on your list, prepare for your trip with seven tips to maximize your time (and money) at national parks.
8. Los Cabos, Mexico
Los Cabos’ main attraction is the beach. Slather on sunscreen and set your kids loose to splash in the crystal blue waves and build epic sandcastles while you watch younger ones from the shade of an umbrella.
Of course, the Pacific Ocean offers more aquatic adventures. Scuba diving on the coast of Cabo is a no-brainer, but if any 12-year-olds (or older) in your family feel brave, they can swim next to sharks. Or cruise on a replica pirate ship for whale watching and an on-board acrobatic show.
Where to stay in Los Cabos: Vacation in paradise at Cabo Azul, a Hilton Vacation Club. Not only will you enjoy the oasis-like pools and beachfront views, but the spacious Suites offer the space you need to unwind in style.
Discover more: Are you inspired to take a beachy family vacation but need help getting started? Blair O’Neal — television personality, model and celebrity competitor at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions — shares her tips for vacationing with young children and still finding time to relax.
9. Honolulu, Hawaii
Oahu embodies the classic Hawaiian experience, combining adventure and relaxation in an idyllic setting. Grab your surfboard, catch some waves and enjoy the island views from Waikiki Beach. Or submerge in a submarine for a tour of Waikiki’s depths.
Learn about Hawaiian culture and traditions at the Royal Hawaiian Center with classes on lei making, ukelele playing and hula dancing. Check out one Member’s Hawaiian island-hopping itinerary to see Maui, Kauai and the Big Island in the same trip.
Where to stay in Honolulu: Choose from several Hilton Grand Vacations resorts located at the historic Hilton Hawaiian Village® for access to entertaining amenities like pools and the Waikiki Starlight Luau.
Discover more: Read “My Journey With Hilton Grand Vacations Timeshare Has Been A Joyous One” as one Member reflects on the impact of membership on her and her family.
*To attend HGV Ultimate Access events (valued between $500–$3500), Guests must attend a membership review or timeshare sales presentation after the event, during their same stay. If you do not attend the membership review or timeshare sales presentation, the retail value of the event may be charged to your credit card. HGV Ultimate Access events are subject to availability, nontransferable and subject to change without notice. Experience fee applies, minimum of $99 per event, to be paid at time of booking. Offer dates may change due to event availability. Offers may not be used in conjunction with any other promotion.