Best Places to Travel with a Toddler in the US

Being family travelers from Canada, we love to visit our neighbors to the south. We’ve traveled many times to the US with our toddlers. Whether we fly with a toddler or take a road trip with toddlers, we have visited many beautiful places in the US and visited some incredible family-friendly cities. We love discovering the best places to travel with a toddler in the USA!

In addition to our own family travels in the USA, we’re also fortunate to have a community of traveling parents who have shared with us some of their favorite places in the US with a toddler. The recommendations below are based on our collective real-life travels in the US with a toddler.

We hope the following list of toddler-friendly vacations in the USA inspire your family to go out and create memories which will last a lifetime.

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29 Places to Travel with a Toddler in the US

1. San Diego with a Toddler

Looking for a place that’s perfect for travel with a toddler? Look no further than San Diego, California. With plenty of indoor and outdoor activities, your family will have no trouble coming up with the best things to do in San Diego with a toddler.

We took a family trip to San Diego with a 2 year old toddler and a 9 month old. Between playing on Mission Beach, hiking in nearby Torrey Pines Natural Reserve and visiting the San Diego Zoo & Safari Park with a toddler, we were easily able to fill our one week itinerary. Our toddler couldn’t get enough of the animals at the world famous San Diego Zoo.

San Diego truly is one of the best family vacation spots in the USA with toddlers.

2. Sedona with a Toddler

We took a family vacation to Sedona, Arizona when our kids were 2 years old and just 3 months old. Traveling to Sedona with a toddler was the first true “hiking vacation” we had taken with our little ones. If your family loves hiking, then Sedona is one of the best places to travel in the US with toddlers.

The scenery is incredible and it was easy to find short hikes in Sedona to do with toddlers. We also loved doing more difficult hikes by carrying our daughter in a backpack carrier.

Besides the incredible hiking, we found it was easy to get around and find a family friendly place to stay in Sedona. With Phoenix nearby, Sedona is the perfect place for an extended family vacation.

3. Palm Springs with a Toddler

A great place to escape in the winter, Palm Springs, California is one of the best places to travel with a toddler in the US. With easy access to Disneyland, Legoland and Joshua Tree National Park, Palm Springs should be on your list. A family trip to Palm Springs with little ones is guaranteed to be a fun and easy family vacation.

There are plenty of good hikes in Palm Springs for kids, tons of good restaurants to choose from and family-friendly resorts and hotels to please any budget.

From Palm Springs, you can easily do a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park then spend the next day frolicking in the hotel pool. Take a day or two to visit Legoland and Disneyland, then return to Palm Springs to decompress. You’ll love every minute of your time in Palm Springs with small kids.

4. Hawaii with a Toddler

You just had to know that Hawaii would land a place on our list of the best places to travel in the US with a toddler. Our contributor Taylor visited Hawaii with her toddler and was compelled to share her family experiences with us.

During her week-long family vacation to Hawaii, Taylor and her family visited the islands of Hawai’i and Oahu. During their stay they enjoyed the best kid-friendly things to do in Hawaii such as beaches, hiking and volcanos.

5. Zion National Park with a Toddler

If you’re just starting hiking with a toddler, Zion National Park is a great national park for your family to visit. While there are plenty of opportunities to explore nature and try more difficult hikes, your toddler will also enjoy some of the flat, paved trails. These trails also make it easy to use a stroller in Zion National Park.

6. Joshua Tree National Park with Toddlers

If ever there was a US national park made for toddlers, it’s Joshua Tree National Park in sunny California. If you have a toddler that loves to run and climb then Joshua Tree is one of the best places to travel in the US with toddlers for you.

Joshua Tree National Park has plenty of short hikes and even more opportunities to climb on rocks. Take your toddler to see Skull Rock then continue on the trail towards the campground. Even better, stay in one of the campgrounds that are typically surrounded with fun rocks to climb.

7. Savannah with Toddlers

Part of our amazing SE USA road trip with toddlers included visiting the charming cities of Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina. Of course, one of the must-see places in Savannah with kids is the Wormsloe Historic Site to see the long road of towering oak trees covered in Spanish moss.

With a little extra time, make sure to visit some of the kid-friendly Wormsloe hiking paths. One of the fun hikes with toddlers in Wormsloe lets your kids explore a replica house from the plantation era.

We recommend your family spend a day walking through the charming streets of Savannah, stopping at Ellis Square to let toddlers play in the fountain and grabbing some sweets along River Street.

Then, hop in your rental car and get out to enjoy the beautiful Georgia countryside around Savannah. Skidaway State Park has some shorter trails that are perfect for hiking with a toddler. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot some dolphins in the Skidaway Narrows River.

8. Hilton Head with a Toddler

An impromptu trip to Hilton Head, South Carolina turned into a delightful adventure for Reagan and her toddler. Traveling with her mother for extra childcare support, they enjoyed an amazing multi-generation vacation on the beach,

Staying at a beachside condo, Regan and her family enjoyed the island’s toddler-friendly amenities, from playgrounds to flat, sandy beaches perfect for little ones.

9. Charleston with Toddlers

One of our favorite US cities to visit with toddlers is Charleston, South Carolina. Besides walking the beautiful streets and parks of Charleston with a toddler, you’ll love strolling the Historic Town Center. Make sure to leave time for the City Market and some delicious Southern eats!

Take a walk down Waterfront Park to let toddlers burn off some energy. The South Carolina Aquarium, the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry and Magnolia Plantation are also great spots when visiting Charleston with a toddler.

If you are up for a little more adventure, go to the coastal islands south of town for a kayak. Who will be the first one to spot dolphins?

10. Chicago with a Toddler

One of the country’s greatest cities, Chicago is one of America’s best cities to visit with toddlers. There are so many great parks, playgrounds and toddlers activities in Chicago to fill your days.

With plenty of toddler-friendly things to do in Chicago plus museums, architecture and culture for parents, Chicago is a perfect city to visit in the USA to visit with a toddler.

11. Huntington Beach with a Toddler

California is one of the best places to travel with a toddler in the US. If you are looking for a very family-friendly beach destination, check out Huntington Beach. With family friendly beach resorts, playgrounds and fun day trips, Huntington Beach is perfect for a family beach holiday in the US.

12. Magic Kingdom with Toddlers

If you have a daughter obsessed with Disney Princesses, then you’ll likely find yourself planning a family trip to Disney World in Orlando like we did. We really wanted to capture that moment when she was in awe of meeting the Disney Princesses and a trip to Disney World is just the ticket.

Of course, it goes without saying that Disney World is fun for the whole family. Disney World with a toddler is a fun, easy thing to do (though expensive). There are a few things to know before going to Disney, especially for parents with a toddler who might have limited time.

If you have several days in Orlando with your kids, take a day off the Disney theme parks to give everyone a break. We loved the airboat ride just an hour drive away from Orlando.

13. Legoland California with Toddlers

Legoland California is truly a special place for toddlers and one of the best places to visit with toddlers in the USA. With plenty of small rides and places to play, you’ll have no trouble spending the entire day (or a few days) at Legoland with a toddler.

Even if your toddler isn’t quite into Lego yet, it’s a smaller version of the Disney parks which makes it great for toddlers. While your toddler may not be able to go on all the rides, there will be enough to keep your toddler happy. At Legoland, parents will enjoy less time in line and the smaller crowds.

14. Wilmington with Toddlers

To be perfectly honest, we knew very little about Wilmington, North Carolina before deciding to use it as a stop over to break up a long drive between Charleston, SC and Shenandoah National Park. After spending a full day in Wilmington with toddlers, we really wished we had planned more time there.

We were pleasantly surprised with the outdoor fun we had in Wilmington. We looked for Venus Flytraps in the Carolina Beach State Park, we played on the beach in the Fort Fisher Recreation Area and did an Eco Tour on Masonboro Island.

While our visit was too short, we definitely consider this one of the best vacation spots for toddlers in the USA and wouldn’t hesitate to return!

15. Asheville with a Toddler

With plenty of fun breweries, great restaurants and a plentitude of places to get out and enjoy nature, Asheville, North Carolina should be on your list of places to visit!

Find out the best recommendations from a local, and you’ll enjoy every minute of this charming and friendly city!

16. Sanibel Island with a Toddler

Sanibel Island, Florida very family friendly destination and a great place to travel in the US with a toddler! You’ll find families with kids of all ages there and you are bound to spark up conversations with fellow travelers, learning what the highlights of their trip was.

There are bike paths all over the island, so you can easily get around Sanibel Island with a bike. A rental car isn’t necessary to have on the island but definitely allows you to explore a bit more.

Find yourself a top Sanibel Island family resort where you can spend countless hours in the pool and have easy beach access. Other fun activities on Sanibel Island with a toddler include collecting seashells on the beach, Ding Darling National Park, and Captiva Island.

17. Arches National Park with a Toddler

The US has some of the most incredible national parks and many are so easy to visit with a toddler. Home to some of the best scenery in the country, the national parks are one of the best places to travel with a toddler in the US.

We loved visiting all of the Mighty 5 National Parks on our family road trip through Utah. Each of the Utah national parks had something different to offer. For those traveling to Utah with a toddler, we’d recommend Zion National Park or Arches National Park.

The views alone are incredible while driving through Arches National park, but there’s many good spots to make a stop. We found plenty of toddler friendly hikes in Arches National Park.

A short hike to Landscape Arch or Sand Dune Arch is the perfect way to get your toddler hiking while giving some time to stop and play in the sand. Don’t forget a fun stop to Double Arch and Windows Arch too.

18. Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Toddlers

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the USA. With the nearby tourist towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, there are endless fun activities for the entire family. Given that there’s so much to do, we had to include the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as one of the best places to travel with a toddler in the US.

With toddler friendly hikes like Clingmans Dome, a chair lift ride up to Anakeesta or an afternoon at the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, you’ll run out of time before you run out of things to do.

19. Shenandoah National Park with Toddlers

Are you starting to get the feeling that US national parks are incredible places to travel with a toddler? The list of amazing national parks continues with Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, which is the perfect place to get out and enjoy nature while hiking with toddlers.

There are plenty of Shenandoah hikes that are easy and fun for toddlers. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for wildlife too!

20. Fort Myers with a Toddler

Michelle and her husband travel often to Fort Myers, Florida, due to a family condo there. With tips on getting around, accommodations, and packing essentials, Michelle highlights the best activities and practical advice for a stress-free family vacation.

21. Puerto Rico with a Toddler

Like many who live in the northern US, Mary and her family start dreaming of warmer climates when the winter weather starts blowing in. Mary found the perfect destination for her family in Puerto Rico.

Traveling to Puerto Rico with a toddler offers a perfect blend of convenience and adventure, with a quick flight, no border hassles, and plenty of family-friendly activities. With visits to Luquillo Beach, Old San Juan, and El Yunque National Forest, Mary’s family balanced relaxation with adventure.

22. North Conway with a Toddler

After several recommendations for visiting North Conway with a toddler, our contributor Erica shares all the best things to do in North Conway with toddlers.

Between short hikes, playing at Echo Lake and Story Land, it will be easy to keep your toddler happy and entertained with a visit to North Conway, New Hampshire.

23. Hiking the White Mountains with a Toddler

The White Mountains in New Hampshire offer beautiful hiking opportunities, even with toddler. Mary and her family, avid hikers, stayed in North Conway (also on our list), a great base for family-friendly hikes.

They brought hiking backpacks for their two young children and enjoyed easy, scenic hikes like Mount Willard, Black Cap, and Echo Lake State Park. These trails were ideal for a toddler learning to walk, while their baby enjoyed the ride.

North Conway’s amenities, like playgrounds and restaurants, made it a perfect destination for outdoor family adventures. Hiking provided an active yet enjoyable vacation for the whole family.

24. New Orleans with a Toddler

Catherine grew up close to New Orleans and spent many weekends there with her family. Now, with kids of her own, she was excited to share the excitement of the Big Easy with her family.

With its rich culture, history, and food, New Orleans is perfect for a weekend family getaway. You can explore places like City Park, Audubon Zoo, and the French Quarter, where attractions like Jackson Square and the Aquarium of the Americas cater to young children.

25. Atlanta, Georgia with a Toddler

Atlanta is such a toddler friendly city! We enjoy exploring with the Babe whenever we’re in town. There’s so much to do with kids of all ages!

One of our favorite places to visit in Atlanta is the Georgia Aquarium. It’s the second largest aquarium in the world and has over 100,000 species of marine life. It’s also the only aquarium outside of Asia to house whale sharks!

Right across the street from the aquarium is Centennial Olympic Park. It’s got a nice covered playground, and lots of green space where you can enjoy a picnic lunch. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is right across from the park, and a fun place to spend some time with your kids.

We also love the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. The grounds are beautiful, and the Children’s Garden is a fun and engaging space for toddlers and older kiddos too!

Follow @besttraveledbabe on Instagram or on their blog Best Traveled Babe.

26. Key West, Florida with a Toddler

Key West is often thought of as an escape for couples to get tropical views and tropical drinks, but it’s also very a family-friendly destination in the US. Whether it’s playing in the sand at one of the beaches or jumping around on the playgrounds at the various parks you are sure to find fun things to do in Key West with kids.

The trolley tours will safely take you up and down the narrow streets of Old Key West giving the little feet a break and the adults a chance to see the history. The trolley tour stops include a great little gift shop where you can get some beach toys and of course Key Lime Pie.

Don’t forget about a quick stop at the Southernmost Point for pictures and then you can walk around the corner to one of the best beaches (along with bathrooms) called South Beach. With hotels, a restaurant, and a Starbucks, South Beach is great for family time as you can play in the sand or rent a large umbrella if you need to escape from the sun.

From there it’s a little drive up to Higgs Beach which also has a great playground and is right next to the Key West Garden Club. There are so many native and tropical plants and a butterfly garden it keeps the little ones busy for a long time.

Finishing off the day at Mallory Square for the street performers and vendors will allow you to hopefully catch one of those postcard-worthy Key West sunsets as a family.

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27. Little Rock, Arkansas with a Toddler

Little Rock, AR was made for family fun. First things first, Little Rock is the Capital city of Arkansas. Bring the kids over for a quick photo session or Capital tour! Or head downtown to experience the Historic Arkansas Museum.

Along the Arkansas River you will find Peapody Splash pad, Arkansas river trail and the Junction Bridge. Nearby on President Clinton Ave you’ll find the Museum of Discovery; an incredible interactive children’s museum and further down you will find the William J. Clinton Library and Museum. Can you guess that President Clinton is from Little Rock?

The kids will absolutely love eating dinner at All Aboard where a train will deliver dinner to the table. After dinner, head to The Purple Cow for some of their famous purple ice cream.

If the kids want to burn some energy, take them Allsop Park where there is a great playground and plenty of space to run. Another option is to head just outside of the city to experience Pinnacle Mountain State Park for some hiking and incredible views.

Before leaving Little Rock, everyone must eat at Roots. They have an outdoor playground and will bring toys to the table if you request it. Plus, all of their food is sourced locally.

Across the street you’ll find a cute ice cream shop called Loblolly Creamery and down the street you’ll find the Bernice Garden Farmer’s Market. You definitely won’t be lacking for things to do in Little Rock with kids.

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28. New York with a Toddler

While most people think of it as a grown-up’s city, New York with kids is very doable, even with toddlers. It may be the city that never sleeps but you’ll find plenty to see and do in New York with toddlers.

We had been putting off visiting NYC but decided to bite the bullet and went when our son was just 2 years old. We had no idea if we were mad, but we found lots of things to do with him during our short time in the city.

While it was noisy, the bright lights of Times Square fascinated him. It’s very busy and not the most stroller-friendly but worth seeing. We enjoyed a walk around the World Trade Centre Memorial Park after a breakfast of pancakes, and even brought him to the 86^th floor of the Empire State Building. Our top tip for visiting the Empire State Building with a toddler is get there as soon as it opens. We had no queues and the two floors we visited weren’t packed.

Central Park, of course, is a must-visit on your family trip to NYC. Our son enjoyed running on the grassy fields, watching the people rowing boats on the lake and watched in amazement as a horse and carriage went by. We didn’t get to the zoo but will be visiting on our next visit.

The highlight of our trip to New York with a toddler was our water ferry boat trip around Manhattan. It was a great way to visit the Statue of Liberty without getting on the island itself. It was a city that we thoroughly enjoyed with our young son, one we plan to return to in the future as soon as we can.

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29. San Francisco with a Toddler

San Francisco is a great place for a fun family vacation with young children. The weather is never too hot or too cold, the cable cars are a blast and there is a good mix of food, museums and nature to keep everyone happy.

San Francisco is not a big city – just 7 x 7 miles – so your family can see a lot in a day. I like to start the day with Dolores Park, in the sunny Mission district. Grab a morning bun and a coffee from world-famous Tartine Bakery (or an ice cream from Bi-Rite Creamery, no judgement), sit back and let your toddler enjoy the playground while you people watch.

Next, choose one of San Francisco’s fun museums. I recommend the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. There are interactive exhibits about the history of San Francisco, an aquarium, a planetarium and a rainforest, all under one roof. All perfect for visiting San Francisco with kids!

In the afternoon, give your legs a rest and take a cable car through San Francisco’s prettiest neighborhoods. End your tour at Ghirardelli Square for hot cocoa and enjoy the views of the wharf. If there is still time, head over to to Chrissy Field to play on the beach and get some family selfies with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

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