family fun
across the USA
From Californian beaches to the Rocky Mountains,
get the real deal on a Stateside adventure
THE USA is the ultimate playground for family adventure. Yes, there are firm favourites like Orlando, Florida, for its world-class theme parks, and New York for its big city magic.
But beyond the most popular spots, there’s so much to explore, from sun-soaked coastal cities to the home of country music, historic sites to mountain getaways. Who better than the appropriately named Rachel Yankey, the former Arsenal and New Jersey Wildcats footballer, to share her favourite places in the USA to have a good time?
Beach beauty in
San Diego, California
Stars And Hypes
There’s a good reason locals call it the USA’s Finest City. San Diego has it all, from year-round sunshine and golden-sand beaches to wildlife and theme parks. The internationally inspired cuisine is top-notch, there are great cultural experiences and as a family-friendly holiday destination, it takes some beating.
The sprawling Balboa Park is central to everything. Wander through its lush open spaces and you’ll find museums, gardens and the San Diego Zoo, where little ones will love spotting koalas, elephants, cheetahs and grizzly bears.
Head to the La Jolla Shores on San Diego’s coast to learn to surf, stop off at Mission Bay for dolphin and whale watching tours at any time of year and, while you’re there, don’t forget to pay a visit to the historic Belmont Park for some of California’s best rollercoaster rides.
To find out more and plan your trip,
go to visittheusa.co.uk
History and harbours in Boston, Massachusetts
One of the most richly historic cities in the USA, Boston is at the heart of the independence story. Here world-class museums meet a buzzing waterfront and a streak of innovation from some of the world’s leading universities.
It’s also incredibly accessible for kids. Explore the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile path that marks the history of the American Revolution and weaves together 16 significant sites, complete with costume-clad guides.
Not only is Boston compact and walkable, the city sparkles in the summer months – perfect for kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding along the Charles River. Across town, you can take a step back in time to one of the country’s cornerstone moments, re-enacting the city’s famous protest at the Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum. You can even throw crates of tea into the harbour.
Take a boat to one of the Boston Harbour islands, catch a Red Sox baseball game at Fenway Park or strike out to explore the beauty of New England.
Skyscraper city life in Chicago, Illinois
Set on the sparkling shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago combines many wonders in one special city. There is the stunning architecture, the wonderful parks and eclectic neighbourhoods.
You’ll find child-friendly museums such as the Field Museum, where little ones can see the world’s most complete T-Rex skeleton, and the Mob Museum for teens to immerse themselves in stories of prohibition, bootleggers and gangsters.
This city is also the home of the skyscraper. Admire the towering monuments from a different perspective with a tour along the Chicago river. Or why not scale one of them yourself? The Skydeck at Willis Tower offers sweeping views of the whole of Chicago, complete with The Ledge, a glass-floored balcony only for the very brave.
Navy Pier is the place to be for theme park thrills, while Lincoln Park Zoo has been free to enter since 1868 and the Lakefront Trail is great to explore on two wheels.
Historical wonders in Washington DC
The US capital offers the chance to walk through the country’s past and present – and it’s great fun too. Everything is centred around the sprawling landscaped park known as the National Mall, where you’ll be right next to the polished presence of the White House and the Lincoln Memorial, honouring the 16th president of the USA.
Don’t miss DC’s Smithsonian Museums, a collection of 17 incredible interactive centres – many of them free to enter – ranging from the National Museum of Natural History to the National Air and Space Museum.
And head to Washington’s oldest neighbourhood – Georgetown – for a stroll through history. In the summer months, hire kayaks, canoes or paddleboards and take to the Potomac River. In winter, get your skates on and savour a magical time under twinkling lights at Washington Harbour ice rink.
Music magic in
Nashville, Tennessee
They call it Music City, and Nashville has plenty to inspire. It may be known for the country stars it has nurtured, but this friendly Tennessee city is also home to jazz and bluegrass, as well as gospel tunes and rock ’n’ roll.
Start at the Taylor Swift Education Center at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where kids can take part in interactive music programmes and craft workshops.
Then take a stroll through music history at the Walk of Fame, a tribute to legends including Little Richard and Johnny Cash.
Catch a performance from one of today’s country music stars at the Grand Ole Opry, and experience a kid-friendly and authentic honky tonk with crowd-pleasing diner food at Robert’s Western World.
Finish off your Nashville experience in style at one of many hot chicken joints, where authentic southern-style fried chicken will delight the whole family.
Space exploration in
Houston, Texas
Houston… we do not have a problem! There’s no shortage of amazing things to do for families in Space City. This is the fourth largest metropolis in the US and in Houston the energy is infectious.
Start off by discovering cosmic wonders at Space Center Houston, where little explorers can learn about new and historic NASA programmes, including famous Mars and moon explorations.
Back down on Earth you’ll find wonderful wildlife at Houston Zoo, dinosaurs and other curiosities at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, or fun for all ages at the Urban Air Adventure & Trampoline Park.
Then escape the hubbub of the city with a 45-minute boat tour of the Buffalo Bayou for nature-spotting with a wildlife expert, or head out to visit a ranch for a taste of cowboy life, and don’t forget to try a good ol’ Texas barbecue.
Natural splendour in
Denver, Colorado
Set against the backdrop of the majestic Rocky Mountains, the so-called Mile High City is alive with wild west spirit and is bathed in 300 days of sunshine a year.
Perfect for families thanks to its interactive museums and wide open spaces, in this natural playground you’ll find kayak rapids right in the heart of the city at Confluence Park. See the city from the saddle and hire bicycles to explore more than 100 miles of stunning bike trails, or take a hike along the renowned Mile High Loop.
Take a tour of the Denver branch of the US Mint to learn about coin-making and pick up a unique souvenir. Explore a 24-acre paradise in the middle of the city at the Denver Botanic Gardens, where you’ll find grasslands and nature trails.
Then head out of the city to learn about prehistoric inhabitants at Dinosaur Ridge and Morrison Natural History Museum or hit the mountains.
Food and forests in
Portland, Oregon
Set in the Pacific Northwest, this lush riverfront city is home to more than great coffee, craft breweries and a fabulous food scene.
Bring the kids and discover deep sea delights with a tour of a full-sized submarine at USS Blueback. Hop aboard a high-speed jetboat tour of the Willamette river or delight in vintage thrills at Oaks Amusement Park, one of the oldest continually operating amusement parks in the country.
This green city is also perfect for exploring via a bike tour, with an impressive 48 trails covering 269 miles and plenty of options suitable for little legs to choose from.
Safari at Oregon Zoo onboard the solar-powered Zoo Train, or head further out to Forest Park to hike and spot incredible birdlife among its 5,200 acres to work up an appetite before exploring the amazing restaurants that helped put Portland on the map.
On reflection Sunset on La Jolla Shores
Go with the flow Glide down the Charles River
Time to shine The Cloud Gate sculpture
Presidential power
Soak up some history at the Lincoln Memorial
Go for a song Catch some live country music
It is rocket science Get starry eyed at Space Center Houston
Pedal power Explore Denver from the saddle
Craving more? Try one of these alternative spots for fabulous family fun.
Leaf it be Balboa Park, San Diego
Down to a tea Grab a bite at Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Float your boat Explore the city from the Chicago River
Monumental The National Mall
Walk the line Learn more about the Man in Black
In the moo(d)
Spot speckled Texas longhorn cows
Delightful discovery Enjoy the beautiful Lan Su Chinese Garden
On your bike Portland has 269 miles of trails to cycle
Curious critters Meet the penguins at San Diego Zoo
Make a point The Denver Art Museum
