Looking for a great place to spend the weekend with your family? The United States is full of family-friendly vacation spots that are perfect for short stays. These vacation spots are perfect whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, cute small towns, or cultural sights. From the peaceful beauty of Mackinac Island to the unexpectedly fun things to do with kids in Las Vegas, these eight places have something for everyone.
This guide shows you places that are comfortable, fun, and easy to get to, making them perfect for getting back in touch with family and friends without the stress of long trips. From historic sites and beaches to mountain towns and beautiful lakes, each place has its own special things to see and do. If you want a weekend that is both relaxing and fun, these great American vacations have everything you need. This list has things that will make everyone happy, whether you’re going with little kids, teens, or grandparents. Let’s take a look at the best weekend trips for families in the United States.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island is a lovely place that feels like a step back in time. It is in Lake Huron, between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Since cars aren’t allowed on the island, families get around on foot, by bike, or in a horse-drawn cart. This makes for a safe and peaceful place for kids. People visit the island to see the famous Grand Hotel, which has one of the longest porches in the world, and the colorful fudge shops that were built in the Victorian era. Mackinac Island State Park, which takes up more than 80% of the island, has miles of beautiful trails that nature lovers can enjoy.
Kids can go to the famous Fort Mackinac and learn about the past through hands-on displays and character docents. A lunch at Arch Rock or a boat ride around the island are both great ways to spend a relaxing afternoon. People can enjoy butterfly houses, kayaking, and organized wildlife trips in the summer. Mackinac Island is a great place for families to get away from screens and enjoy simple pleasures together because of its slower pace and unique activities. Mackinac Island is a great place for people of all ages to spend the weekend because it has both exciting outdoor activities and charming old-world beauty.
Bath County, Virginia
Bath County is a peaceful place for families to spend the weekend. It is hidden away in the Allegheny Highlands in western Virginia. The county is known for its natural hot springs, beautiful scenery, and outdoor activities. It’s the perfect place to relax and have fun at the same time. The historic Omni Homestead Resort is a great place for families to stay. Kids will enjoy horseback rides, shooting, and mini-golf, while adults can relax in the spa or on the golf course.
The nearby George Washington National Forest has hiking trails, fishing spots, and picnic places that are great for getting to know each other better while being outside. The Warm Springs Pools have been relaxing people since the 18th century. They are a great place to learn by doing. Families can also visit the Garth Newel Music Center, which often has classical music events with kids’ areas. It doesn’t matter if you’re tubing down the Cowpasture River or staying on a quiet farm in Bath County. It’s a good place to get away from it all and spend time with family, friends, and nature. The slow pace and friendly attitude of the county make it a great place for families to get away from tourist traps and the chaos of cities.
Lake Oconee, Georgia
Lake Oconee is a secret gem in Georgia that is halfway between Atlanta and Augusta. It’s a great place for families to spend the weekend resting and enjoying life. This place is appealing to both kids and adults because it blends nature and ease in a way that makes it appealing to both groups. The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, is a great place for families to stay because it has kids’ clubs, a fire pit for s’mores, and water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking. You can swim, boat, and fish in the lake itself, which is great for relaxing and having fun for hours.
Around the lake, there are also hikes and riding trails with beautiful views and chances to see wildlife. Greensboro is a nearby town with fun cultural events, cute shops, and Southern restaurants that the whole family can enjoy. Families who love sports will enjoy the area’s top golf courses, and people who love nature can go to the Oconee National Forest. Explore the shoreline or take a moment to relax on a pontoon boat. Lake Oconee is a peaceful, family-friendly getaway with lots of outdoor activities, nice southern people, and time to disconnect and reunite.
The Catskills, New York
You can have a great family weekend trip in the Catskills in southeastern New York. The area is full of nature, excitement, and comfort. The area is only two hours from New York City and has beautiful mountains, rivers, and small towns that are perfect for families who want to get away from the busy city life. People visit the area all four seasons: in the summer, they go camping; in the fall, they ski; and in the spring, they see flowers grow. Families can hike on beautiful trails like Overlook Mountain or Kaaterskill Falls. These trails are great for both kids and adults.
There are also many family resorts and houses in the Catskills. These have indoor pools, game rooms, and activities that are guided for kids. The Catskill Animal Sanctuary and the Thomas Cole National Historic Site are great places to learn about art and nature by doing. You can pick your own food, go on hayrides, and eat meals that come straight from the farm at nearby fields. The towns of Woodstock and Phoenicia have restaurants, craft shops, and art events that are good for the whole family. If your family wants a mix of action and relaxation, the Catskills are a great place to go. You can go tubing on Esopus Creek or curl up by a cabin campfire.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Families might be surprised to learn that Indianapolis is a great place to spend the weekend, full of kid-friendly sites and cheap fun. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is the biggest museum of its kind in the world. It has hands-on exhibits on science, culture, and history that keep kids and adults interested. Kids can feed giraffes and connect with other animals at the Indianapolis Zoo. White River State Park is a great place to bike and paddle boat in the city.
Family members who love sports can go to Victory Field to see a minor league baseball game or the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum to learn about the past of racing. Many of the hotels and restaurants in downtown Indianapolis are within walking distance of the city’s main sights, making it easy to get around. Another great spot is the Canal Walk, where families can rent pedal boats or just take a walk. Kids can learn about music and play drums at the Indiana State Museum or the Rhythm! Discovery Center, which are both great places to have fun inside. Indianapolis is a great place for families of all ages to spend the weekend because it is small, has a nice vibe, and has a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities.
Park City, Utah
It’s not just ski season in Park City, Utah; it’s a family playground all year long with things to do for kids of all ages. Families can enjoy great skiing and snowboarding in the winter at Park City Mountain or Deer Valley Resort. Both have ski schools and beginning runs just for kids. Outside activities like mountain riding, climbing, and alpine slides make the area a great place to be during the warmer months. You can have a great time with your family at Park City Mountain Adventure Park, which has mini-golf, zip lines, and a mountain coaster.
Downtown Park City’s historic Main Street has places to eat, sweet shops, and fun boutiques that are great for families. The Park City Museum also has a model mine where kids can learn about the town’s past of silver mining. There are many types of places to stay, from fancy motels to cozy homes. Many of them have pools and game rooms for kids to keep them busy. Park City is a great place for families to get away for a fun and relaxing vacation. It has beautiful scenery, clean mountain air, and lots of things to do in every season. Families can have a fun and bonding time together whether they’re on the hills or exploring the woods.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks are a group of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. They are a relaxing and beautiful place to spend the weekend with your family. The Outer Banks are famous for their long beaches, tall sand dunes, and historic sites. They are a great place to relax and discover new things. On the beach, families can make sandcastles, fly kites, or do water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking in the calm waves. People love to hang glide or just run and slide down the dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, which has the largest sand dunes on the East Coast.
At the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, kids can learn about the past of flying while having fun. Lighthouses on Cape Hatteras and Bodie Island offer beautiful views and great chances to take family pictures. Along the coast, there are a lot of rental houses with kitchens and various bedrooms that are great for families. Casual restaurants and fish spots in the area serve food that kids will enjoy, and boat tours give you the chance to see dolphins and wild horses. The Outer Banks are a great place for the whole family to relax and have fun because they have both natural beauty and historic charm.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is famous for its exciting nightlife, but it also has a lot of family-friendly activities that are great for a weekend trip. Outside of the popular Las Vegas Strip, families can visit places like the Discovery Children’s Museum, which has science, art, and engineering exhibits that kids can play with. The High Roller Observation Wheel gives kids great views of the city, and the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay lets you get close to sea creatures. Families looking for adventure can go to Red Rock Canyon, which is just outside of the city. .
There are climbing trails and beautiful drives that show off the beauty of Nevada’s desert. The city also has unique hotels with fun things to do, like The Venetian’s underground canals and The Mirage’s volcano that erupts. There are a lot of shows that are good for the whole family, like magic shows and gymnastics. Many of them are designed to keep kids entertained. It’s possible to have an adventure while eating, with places serving everything from crazy milkshakes to dinners with a medieval theme. A lot of hotels have pools and activities that kids can enjoy, so it’s easy to unwind between activities. With its mix of thrills, shows, and nearby natural beauty, Las Vegas can be a surprisingly well-rounded and memorable place for family fun.
Bottom Line
Weekend trips with the family don’t have to be hard to remember. There is something for every kind of tourist in these eight U.S. spots, whether they want to explore nature, learn about history, relax, or have nonstop fun. From the quiet sands of the Outer Banks to the busy streets of Indianapolis, these places offer unforgettable adventures and quality time with your loved ones. You can plan the perfect mini-vacation for your family that fits their interests and your budget. There are choices for every season and area. Before you leave for the weekend, make sure you have your bags packed and enjoy the trip.
FAQs
When is the best time of year to take a family trip in the U.S.?
It’s nicer and less crowded in the spring and fall, but each place is best at different times of the year.
Are these places nice for families on a budget?
Yes, a lot of places offer a variety of places to stay and free or cheap things to do with your family.
Are these weekend trips good for families with young children?
Of course. Each place has things to do for kids, easy hikes, or features that are geared toward families.
How many days are best for these trips?
A two- to three-day weekend is great, but if you can, make it a long weekend and go to some places.
