We decided to create a list of 11 best places to visit in the USA with toddlers because it’s not until you have toddlers do you realize that traveling with toddlers is TOUGH. If you read the fancy blogs that are run by spoiled moms who are trying to find something to do at home and save face when other mommies say ‘so what do you do?’, then you’ll think that it’s possible to be super mommy. It’s not. It’s tough.
Let’s think about traveling and why people do it. One, vacation. Yah – Vacay! The point of vacation is to let loose and get away from your problems. For me, being a mommy is – no, I’m not going to say ‘the problem’ – one of the reasons I’m always stressed out. Is she hungry? Is she safe? Is she stimulated? Does she feel loved? Is she alive and breathing? So those problems follow me where ever I go.
So basically when I think about places to go with toddlers, I try to spot places that cater to the needs of the parent!
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Now that we’ve gotten the needs of the parent out of the way, let’s go younger. Children are the purest and most honest beings. They do not get excited about material things. What do toddlers want? Not architecture, fine wines or nature. The aspects of life that make toddlers happy are very primitive. According to the latest research from Queensland Family & Child Commission, children get excited and happy when they get a new hobby and quality time with their families and friends. Include in that food, weather, convenience, relaxing, playing. So the part about relaxing omits anything related to extensive movement (hiking the Appalachian Trail anyone?).
If you’re kids are little older, don’t miss our 10 Best Places to Visit in the USA with Kids.
It was not easy to create the list of the 11 best places to visit in the USA with toddlers because we needed to consider a lot of things and determine their significance. For example, to find the best national parks we needed to consider visitor statistics from National Geographic. We checked the Q&A section and calculated the average for each national park.
11. Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is one of the most visited places in the United States. You and your kids will be amazed by its dimensions. Grab the camera and make the best pictures with the loved ones. The good thing about this is it’s wide and open. So the little one can run to her heart’s galore. The bad thing about the Grand Canyon, is that it’s wide and open. So she might get lost, or tired, or kidnapped. Keep an eye on her!
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10. Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountain national park, next on our list of best places to visit in the USA with toddlers is located between Tennessee and North Carolina. If your family are fans of the woods and amazing waterfalls, write down this place on your visiting-list. This place has a solid place in American history. Short hikes, camping, swimming – good ol’ free and easy trips.
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9. Yellowstone
We are continuing our list of best places to visit in the USA with toddlers with Yellowstone that is another great national park in the United States. It abounds with forests, rivers, canyons and hundreds of different animal species.
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8. Kauna’oa Beach
Kauna’oa is – guess – ok, fine, you know, Hawaii is next on the list of best places to visit in the USA with toddlers. Vegetation, white sand and a crystal clear sea are just a few things this place has to offer. Kids love beaches. If yours doesn’t, it’s your fault. Take him out paddleboarding; sitting on the paddleboard in front of you like mine did a few years ago, and when his father swims out to the sea to ‘rescue’ his precious golden baby boy from the vicious waters, watch your little one for the first time in his life push his father away so he gets to stay with his mom in the water paddleboarding.
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7. The National Museum of Play
It’s in Rochester, NY. That’s why you’ve never heard of it. It’s something to do if you’re in the western New York vicinity.
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6. Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari Water Park
Please – who wouldn’t love a water park? This is fine for people of all ages but it’s near water and lots of people – so watch out for drowning probability and sketchy people.
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5. Disney World (Magic Kingdom)
An icon, an American institution – Disney World, next on our list of best places to visit in the USA with toddlers is not to be missed. For any family, anywhere, if you ca afford it. It has 4 theme parks, and the Magic Kingdom is awesome. It may look like it’s just for toddlers, but they have stuff for parents to enjoy too. One huge asset is that this place is crazy secure. They run this ship tight! It’s organized, you have junk food as soon as you need it, and there’s fun for everyone. No, they don’t pay me to say that.
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4. Disney’s Animal Kingdom
It’s cheaper than flying to Africa. Think – awesome zoo with a ton of extracurricular animal themed activities to do as well. There’s also a ‘Safari’ with African wildlife and fauna. Best of all though, you don’t need to get vaccinated. Just drive there.
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3. Disney California Adventure Park
Located in Southern California, this adventure park that is one of the best places to visit in the USA with toddlers is a typical thrills park. Note the “California Screamin” and “Radiator Springs Racers” rides that might give you a heart attack or the thrill of a lifetime – you decide.
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2. Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Not Disney World but close enough, and still located in Orlando, this theme park is part of the Universal family. Big budget but not the grandeur of Disney World.
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1. San Diego Zoo
One of the biggest, most visited and most beautiful zoo in the United States. Located in Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo is home to more than 3,700 animals. It’s user-friendly, so it’s easy to navigate and the kids will have fun.
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We hope you found the right place to spend a quality time with your family from the list of 11 best places to visit in the USA with toddlers. When you get back, hire a sitter and get a vacation from your vacation and spend some quality time with your spouse.
