45 Fun Family Things to Do Near Me in USA: A Quintessential List

I just returned from one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever been on with the kids, and the destination was none other than the US. On the trip, I found a few family things to do near me in USA, and the best formula for exploring its cities.  

As always, I’m not planning on gatekeeping any of it, so find out all about the best places in the States to visit with the family, and how to explore activities everyone might enjoy.

In this blog, I’ve mentioned all the things to do with family near me that I have explored. So, without another second’s delay, let’s dive right in!

1. Best Family Things to Do Near Me in New York City

NYC is abundant in terms of things to do, like visiting Central Park, the Empire State Observatory, and escaping to Coney Island Beach. But we came across these only after a rigorous search of what are the family things to do near me in USA.

Even though my husband and I came across several things to do in NYC, we weren’t sure how many of them were suitable for the kids. Lucky for you, I’m here to serve that information on a platter, so do take full advantage of it while you’re at it:

1.1. Take the Kids to the Central Park

Central Park in NYC is so renowned that it doesn’t need an introduction. But what many don’t know about it is that there are fun activities for kids almost every day that help them engage with nature better. 

Moreover, there is no entry charge that you need to calculate. Just keep a check on the activities at Central Park and make sure you sign up the kids for workshops of their interest. 

1.2. Empire State Building Observatory

Steal the best view of the city during sunset from the observatory of the Empire State Building. The best part is that kids below six aren’t even charged for entry. 

This is one of the most fun family things to do near me that I explored, and it will assuredly be the most unforgettable sunset of your lifetime. 

1.3. Escape to the Coney Island Beach 

Recreate the memories of having an authentic ferry experience at Coney Island Beach. The aesthetics of the beach are more or less the same circus vibe, which makes it unique. 

It also makes for a compelling option to visit with family, because of the water sports activities and the amusement park. 

2. Fun Family Things to Do in Los Angeles 

I’d be caught lying if I said I found fun things to do near me in LA, and left out Disneyland and Universal Studios, and Hollywood. This is a haven for kids and adults alike, and will promise an equally fun time for everyone. Here’s all the information about them:

2.1. Universal Studios, Hollywood

Discover the rides and attractions within Universal Studios, with multisensory theme parks that engulf you in a world of adventure. 

They occupy all your senses at a time, due to the use of state-of-the-art visual effects, and are an amazing outlet for the hyperactivity within kids!

2.2. The Magical Disneyland

The time spent in Disneyland is truly enchanting because it is a ticket to escape into your fantasy world for a while. Disneyland provides such an immersive experience and plays into our imagination, which makes the visit so unique and unforgettable. 

Although the park is huge, and it is impossible to cover the whole thing, you’ve got to visit the rides and attractions, since that is where all the fun’s at. 

2.3. Hike the Griffith Trail 

Reaching the sunset point right as you’re about to give up out of tiredness is one of the most amazing things to try together. Hike the Griffith trail and experience this firsthand.

As the glory of sunset subsides, the stars become visible with the sky turning darker. Due to minimal light pollution at this point, you can lie down and stargaze in peace with the family. 

3. Family Activities in Chicago 

Visiting the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the Museum of Ice Cream are a few fun things to do as a family near me that my husband and I found in Chicago. 

Read the details about the experience here: 

3.1. Art Institute of Chicago 

Engage in a collective educational experience that tests your artistic and problem-solving skills at the Art Institute of Chicago. Discover what’s on for families at the Ryan Learning Center. 

Moreover, the museum allows free entry for kids below 14 and Chicago teens below the age of 18. 

3.2. Unlock Adventure at Millennium Park 

Why look for family things to do near me in Chicago when abundant options like Millennium Park are right in front of you? There are so many activities to make the perfect use of the energy surge!

Activities from wall climbing to ice skating will keep everyone engaged. To add to the fun even more, the theme parks come into play with exciting corners like “Alice in Wonderland” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”!

3.3. Museum of Ice Cream in Chicago 

The best thing about hanging out as a family is that everyone gets to unleash the kid within. At the Museum of Ice Cream in Chicago, you can do exactly that. 

Bathe in the pool of sprinkles and enjoy the one-of-a-kind desserts. Ice cream samples here are served in quite a generous amount, which is more of a reason to come here. 

4. Phoenix and the Fun Family Things to Try Here

Phoenix has some really fun things to try with the family, like exploring the Musical Instrument Museum, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, and the Phoenix Zoo. These are the fun family activities that really struck the right chord for us: 

4.1. Musical Instrument Museum 

Keep an eye on the events calendar of the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix to visit during the family event of your choice. 

Boasting a collection of more than 7500 musical instruments from approximately 200 countries in the world, it is a must-visit and truly awe-inspiring. 

4.2. Children’s Museum of Phoenix

Designed to arouse curiosity, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix engages children in fun activities through the unique exhibits and experiences that indulge all their senses. With fun and interactive areas like the Foam Zone, it is definitely a heart stealer. 

As a part of their inclusivity program, the first Friday nights of the month have been made free from 5 pm – 9 pm. This is an opportunity to play and learn with the kids. 

4.3. Phoenix Zoo

Through the kids’ and family activities available at the Phoenix Zoo, the place encourages the curiosity of children about their surroundings with various programs, like Science Nights. 

Let the children build, break, and interact with the world around them so that they can connect well with their surroundings through Nature Play. In case you’re taking along older kids, there are programs available for teens as well.

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5. What Philadelphia Has to Offer in Family Activities

With my husband and kids, I explored the Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, and the Reading Terminal Market, after pondering hard about what fun things to do with family near me in USA. 

Here’s the fun stuff available in Philadelphia that I shortlisted to try out with the family: 

5.1. Please Touch Museum 

Nudge your child’s creativity and imagination with the unique exhibits at the Please Touch Museum (PTM). Programs at PTM foster learning through carefully disguised lessons in play.

There are various events held at the museum from time to time. Moreover, for a better experience, you can take the kids on a field trip to the museum. 

5.2. Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens

Every second Sunday of the month between 12 pm and 4 pm, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens (PMG) hosts a one-of-a-kind PECO family jam session. 

In the mosaics (small colored pieces of marble put together) present throughout PMG, there are various marble menageries (marble statues) of animals, slightly hidden. Ask for a scavenger hunt at the front desk and see how many you can spot!

5.3. Reading Terminal Market

Unlock the amazing food and shopping experience at the Reading Terminal Market. Go through the merchant directory to find out what you’re in for.

Surely, there are unique souvenir shops, flowers, and gifts that you can pick, but trying out the food market is the real deal. Eating is not just an activity; it’s an experience that needs to be savored. Do not miss this one at any cost!

6. Family Activities in San Antonio

The Six Flags Fiesta, San Antonio river cruise and riverwalk, the Sea World San Antonio are the places that guarantee the best family experience. Listed below are a few cherry-picked things to try out in San Antonio that I stumbled upon while looking for things to do with family near me. 

I still find the kids talking a lot about the fun we had in San Antonio, which totally made every penny spent there worth it! Try out these experiences with your fam: 

6.1. Go to Six Flags Fiesta for the Thrill and Chills 

Six Flags Fiesta is the go-to place when looking for a good time involving laughs and giggles. They are the biggest DC-themed park, and just upgraded their game by several notches with the 6 new slides at the Coral Cove. 

If you’ve got gamer teens who refuse to go out and are always tucked in a corner, they can be bribed with the really cool gaming zone present here, designed especially for an immersive experience.

6.2. Cruise the San Antonio River 

Walking by the San Antonio River feels like coming back home and sitting with a family member. On the river cruise, there are some must-see, culturally important gems that are beautiful to witness. 

The vibrancy is still maintained by the guided tours, riverwalks, and cruises. Moreover, the glowing lights look spectacular by the river in the dark, right after sunset. 

6.3. Sea World San Antonio 

Sea World is all you’d imagine it to be, and more, because of the multiple aspects of the ocean theme that it covers. There are so many exhilarating rides here for all age groups, from heart-pounding coasters to Steel Eel and more. 

Other than the Iron Stingrays and Eels (the rides), there are real sea creatures like beluga whales, dolphins, and seals that you can interact with and feed. 

Also Read: Top Things to Do in Amsterdam | Best Attractions, Free Activities & More

7. Stuff to Try With Family in San Diego

Sights to explore with family in San Diego are La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, and the lanes of Little Italy. The city made me realize that while looking for fun family things to do near me, exploring the streets is much better than maniacally searching through sites. 

These are the experiences stacked in a row once you get to the streets of San Diego: 

7.1. La Jolla Cove 

With a big blue stretch of the sky and the ocean bordering with the yellow sand, La Jolla Cove is a beautiful spot in San Diego to observe sea lions. 

Let the sea breeze comb through your hair while you make some memories with the waves of La Jolla by kayaking, paddleboarding, and even snorkeling. The activities are regulated and safe for everybody above the age of 6. 

7.2. Balboa Park 

There are so many interesting attractions and experiences at Balboa Park, like the California Tower, Cabrillo Bridge, miniature trains, and the Moreton Bay Fig Tree.

Make a visit to the San Diego Zoo, and don’t forget to check out the Spanish Village Arts Center once you’re done promenading through the park. 

7.3 Tour Through the Lanes of Little Italy 

Explore the unique food scene in the Little Italy market. You wouldn’t need to search “what family things to do near me” anymore after having stepped foot in this market. 

Things to do with family, like the escape room and paintball zone, are lined up on the left and right of the street. It has equally appealing attached experiences as well, like the USS Midway Museum, the cozy patio cafés, and many more. 

8. Family Activities Dallas Has to Offer

Dallas provides the opportunity to explore some vibrant cultural scenes and recreational opportunities with the Dallas World Aquarium, Reunion Tower’s observatory, and the Cedar Ridge Preserve. 

After looking for family things to do near me in USA, specifically Dallas, I decided to check out the following: 

8.1 Dallas World Aquarium and Rainforest 

The exhibitions at the Dallas World Aquarium and Rainforest are really mesmerizing. Get the rainforest experience with the simulated Orinoco Rainforest. 

Observe toucans in a free flight, and walk through the shark tunnel present in the Mundo Maya Exhibit. Complete this educational experience by getting a glance at various freshwater species, the South Africa Exhibit, and the Tribal gallery.

8.2. Skyline Views from the Reunion Tower 

A moment of epiphany is ensured once you get to the top of the Reunion Tower Observation Deck, at a height of 470 feet above the ground. The 360° panoramic view of the city is absolutely breathtaking. 

Age is no bar for this experience, and children 3 years and below do not require an entry ticket! The Geo Deck, at a height of 470 ft, is the most romantic spot in the city, which should be savored with your partner. 

8.3. Hike the Cedar Ridge Preserve

Cedar Ridge Preserve is a picturesque park with sunny ridges and picnic spots in the shade. Soak up all that vitamin D with an early morning hike and enjoy the view of bright sunny fields. 

Bring your badminton rackets and water bottles along and live the day to the fullest! 

Also Read: 25 Things to Do in Portland: Everything You Need to Know for Your Visit

9. Must-Try Family Activities in Austin

Fun family things to do in Austin include trying your hand at golf with the kids at Peter Pan Mini Golf, exploring Lady Bird Lake, and the Zilker Metropolitan Park.

It was relatively easy to find family things to do near me in USA, especially in cities like Austin, where outdoor activities are abundant. Add these to your itinerary to ensure a fun time in Austin:  

9.1. Peter Pan Mini Golf

Take your family to Peter Pan Mini Golf and have a fun day competing and bantering with your little ones. It is much more exciting and ensures good-quality family time. 

It is totally worth taking some time out to visit this mini golf course for some fun banter and lots of memories!

9.2. Lady Bird Lake Hiking and Biking Trail   

If your family is the adventurous kind, visiting the Lady Bird Lake trail is a must-do. Bike on the Lady Bird Hiking Trail, and maybe race with each other, which can be followed by setting up a picnic spot in the classic old way! 

Various water sports activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and boating are fun to end the day with during sunset. 

9.3. Zilker Metropolitan Park

Zilker Metropolitan Park is especially known for the amazing cumulative experience it provides, that makes an entire day go by easily. Cool off with the relief features of the Zilker Botanical Garden.

After which, you can proceed to go for a relaxed float in the Barton Springs Municipal Pool. Put the day to rest by checking out the Zilker Miniature Train and the Zilker Hillside Theater. 

10. Have a Memorable Time in San Francisco

The most fun family things to do near me, that I shortlisted, are visiting the unique museums, trying activities at the Fisherman’s Wharf, and of course, the renowned Golden Gate Bridge! 

It is so hard to squeeze in time for family outings amid work. So, when you do take out a day or two, visit these places in San Francisco: 

10.1. Stroll Through the Museums of San Francisco 

San Francisco has some unique museums that you must check out with the fam. The Walt Disney Family Museum, for one, is amazing for a laid-back and fun experience. 

However, if you’re looking to be inspired and go woah!, the Exploratorium is also a cool museum to check out for its science exhibits. 

10.2. Visit the Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge isn’t just a bridge hanging there to be looked at anymore; there’s much more to do around it now. 

On your visit to the bridge, check out the picturesque Golden Gate National Recreational Area. Plan to cover this spot either on a Thursday or a Sunday, since there’s a free walking tour that can be attended free of cost on both days.

10.3. Explore the Fisherman’s Wharf

Skip the boring old transit methods, and enter Fisherman’s Wharf with a bang in a cable car. There are two lines that run between Fisherman’s Wharf to Powell and to Market Street in Union Square. 

Lay back, relax, and watch the sea lions at the wharf, and if you want to soak in a more expansive view, take a ferry ride from shore. 

Also Read: Best Time to Visit Thailand: The Beach Paradise of Southeast Asia

11. Things to Do With Family in Seattle 

Experiencing the Bainbridge ferry ride, exploring the sights of Mount Rainier National Park, and shopping at the Pike Place Market were the fun things to do as a family near me in Seattle. 

Put your fingers and the keyboard to rest, as all you need to try in Seattle with family is mentioned below:

11.1 Bainbridge Ferry Ride 

If taking a ferry ride with a beverage in one hand sounds like your family’s vibe, this cruise will certainly be worth your time. 

Don’t miss the charms of Winslow Town and the mesmerizing Seattle skyline that adorns everybody with that golden hour glow during sunset. Also, consider visiting the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art in the buffer time. 

11.2. Visit Mount Rainier National Park 

Mount Rainier National Park genuinely has a plethora of things that wait to be explored. It is like being out in the wild in a real sense, with the campgrounds, hiking, boating, and fishing opportunities.

The national park gets prettier during winter with snow-capped mountains, and along with the snowy season, the opportunity to try winter sports also presents itself. A beautiful sight to enjoy is that of the wildflowers during spring. 

11.3. Pike Place Market 

Quite typical of a marketplace, Pike Place Market is also stuffed with souvenir shops, food stalls, and amazing restaurants. But the live entertainment shows hosted around every corner set it apart from a typical marketplace.

While browsing the shops, do check out the Gum Wall, Piggy Bank Rachel, and the artisans’ craft shops. 

12. Fun Things to Do With Family in Denver 

All roads lead my family to the Denver Zoo, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, and Denver Botanical Gardens, while searching for what are the fun family things to do near me. 

These are the few things to do that will promise you and the family a memorable time in Denver: 

12.1. Denver Zoo

Denver Zoo has a lot of interesting things to do, which will make for an enjoyable moment with the family. The Conservation Carousel and Denver Zoo Railroad provide a unique zoo visitation experience.

This is not your average zoo visit, because exhibitions here are unique and immersive. For example, the Gorilla Trek virtual reality experience, the Stingray Cove, and the Lorikeet Adventure for bird watching. 

12.2. Denver Museum of Nature and Science

There are some really enticing permanent exhibitions at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science that can answer several questions better than a textbook. 

The most noteworthy exhibitions of this museum are Egyptian Mummies, Gems and Minerals, and Expedition Health– to put the inquisitive questions related to biology to rest. 

12.3. Denver Botanic Gardens 

Visit the colorful Denver Botanic Gardens, which is just as fragrant as it is beautiful. Do not miss the tour through the Chatfield Farms and York Street. 

It is best visited in the spring and summer, when walking tours in the Chatfield Farms gain popularity. This can be the right spot to click the family picture that goes on the wall of your living room. 

Also Read: How to Become a Travel Agent? | A Beginner’s Guide to a Prosperous Career

13. Unforgettable Things to Try in Las Vegas with Family 

Having fun at the Circus Circus, Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, and visiting the Illuminarium are a few things to do as a family in Las Vegas. The vibrancy, which is associated with LV, was still intact while visiting kid-friendly places. 

We all know Las Vegas is not exactly famous for the most family-friendly things, but LV is a lot more than what meets the eye. Try these things in Las Vegas, and I can assure, that you guys actually will end up having more fun doing these kids’ activities:

13.1. Circus Circus in Las Vegas 

The Las Vegas experience does not tone down, even when it is adjusted to fit the family experience. Savor the moment with Circus Circus’ suspenseful circus acts (which are free) and the rides at Neon Nights.

Oh! And how can we forget the rides in the Adventuredome? It has something for every age group, starting from the kid-friendly ones to the bone-chilling Daredevil! 

13.2. Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens 

Get your perception challenged by the illusion dance and the beautiful marble menagerie at Bellagio Conservancy and Botanical Gardens. 

It has this lavish European feel with the lavish drama of baroque design, which gives a surreal and luxurious feel to everything despite being a greenscape. 

13.3. Experience the Illuminarium

Whoever named the Illuminarium clearly did an excellent job, because the space is just as spellbinding as the name suggests. Among the experiences offered by the Illuminarium– Amplified is about crazy rock, whereas Lite-Brite and Space are the most family-friendly. 

The experience is quite similar to the Van Gogh Museum, where the projections are absolutely stunning, and it feels like you’ve been sucked into a dream sequence. 

14. Don’t Miss These While Exploring Boston With the Fam! 

A few must-visit of Boston with the fam are the New England Aquarium, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, and Boston Public Garden. Boston has a historical charm and vibrant art scene that fascinates both kids and adults, which is why it makes for such a fun thing to do as a family in the USA. 

It is the perfect place to feel inspired by the art and culture, and let your own creativity run free. Find such spots to visit, and must-try things to experience with family at reasonable costs here: 

14.1. Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum 

The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is a full-scale replica of the 18th-century sailing vessels. It is a multisensory and immersive stand-out museum with actors on board. 

Out of all the parts of the museum, the most stunning spots are the Griffin’s Wharf and the gift shop, so do check them out! 

14.2. New England Aquarium 

Experience all things aqua in the wide premises of the New England Aquarium. It is the best place to teach the kids about aquatic landforms and creatures. 

The exhibits are diverse and include the Marine Mammal Center, Indo-Pacific Coral Reef, Giant Ocean Tank, and Amazon Rainforest, which provide a stimulating experience. 

14.3. Boston Public Garden 

One of the oldest classic experiences of Boston is taking a ride in the Swan Boat, which you shouldn’t miss at the Boston Public Garden. Everything here is simple and cutesy, which is reminiscent of childhood. 

Spot the George Washington Statue, the Ether Monument, and the Golden Duck Statues. If you enjoy a good horror story, go for the Haunted Boston Walking Tour.

15. Best Things to Do With Family in Washington D.C

Exploring history at the DC museums, visiting Gravelly Point, and the Planet World are the most obvious options when finding things to do in Washington D.C with family. 

I know it sounds boring, but it isn’t, especially watching the planes fly by at Gravelly Point. Here are all the details from my family’s visit to these spots: 

15.1. Museum Browsing 

When in the capital, do not miss browsing through the free museums of Washington along the National Mall. 

Visit the Smithsonian Museums, the National Museum of the American Indian, the Hirshhorn Museum, and the National Museum of Asian Arts, which is an interesting lineup of museums that make us stand face-to-face with our history. 

15.2. Gravelly Point

Right at the border of D.C., Gravelly Point is a really cool spot with a clear sky, away from the skyscrapers. This is a common point for just sitting around and watching the planes fly by. 

Bring your bikes along and enjoy the view of the Potomac River while riding by its side. 

15.3. Visit Planet Word

Planet Word, located at the historic Franklin School in Washington D.C, is a sanctuary of words that helps us understand how fascinating the creation and evolution of language are. This is such a distinctive experience that it unlocks a new perspective on words and languages.

The Speaking Willow at the beginning of the exhibits sets the ground for this perfectly, as you can hear murmurs in various languages while walking under its branches. This is just one example. Imagine the kind of wonders that await you in the exhibits!

And…it’s a wrap! Now that we’ve cruised through all the family things to do near me in USA, that my family explored and approved, let’s move towards the summary. 

To Conclude 

Sounds like a lot of places to keep track of? TripVert got you covered here, too. This is our curated list of the 20 best places to visit in the USA for 2025. 

At the end of the day, when you’re tired and returning home with the family, you will realize how good it feels to be summoned back into reality outside the phones. 

It is a very liberating feeling altogether, and makes one wonder why we don’t do it more often. Hoping you enjoy the visit to these family-friendly places in the USA, I’d like to wish you a good time!

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