Time to plan your next family vacation? Consider taking a trip to an underrated city that still includes a lot of family-friendly fun. To help you decide, we’ve compiled 7 of the most underrated family vacation spots in the United States. With each hidden vacation spot, we’ve provided a quick snapshot of the best kid-friendly places to stay, eat, and visit.
1. Boulder, CO
Families can visit the Flatirons and enjoy taking in the natural beauty of Boulder, Colorado. Said to be one of the best places to visit in Boulder is Pearl Street, an outdoor mall four blocks long featuring shops, animal sculptures, live music, and more. Adventurous kids will enjoy the Valmont Bike Park and your star-gazers to Fiske Planetarium.
- Places to eat: Celestial Seasonings (for tea), Next Door, Murphy’s Grill
- Places to visit: Into The Wind (kite shop), ABC Kids Climbing Gym, Chautauqua Park
- Places to stay: Hotel Boulderado, Basecamp Boulder, St Julien Hotel & Spa
2. Sacramento, CA
California State Railroad Museum | Photo Credit: 2.bp.blogspot.com
There’s more family-friendly fun in Sacramento, California than just at the classic Sacramento Zoo. Families can feed rescued animals at SeaQuest or take a tour of an 1890 castle named Preston Castle. Enjoy the outdoors and lake life at Lake Natoma or visit the many museums Sacramento has to offer such as the California State Railroad Museum, Crocker Art Museum, and more.
- Places to eat: Gunther’s Quality Ice Cream, Bacon & Butter, Tres Hermanas Mexican Restaurant
- Places to visit: Sacramento Zoo, SeaQuest, California State Railroad Museum
- Places to stay: Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, Homewood Suites by Hilton Sacramento Airport-Natomas
3. Phoenix, AZ
When it’s not sweltering hot in Phoenix, Arizona, this is one of our favorite underrated family vacation spots. You can visit the beautiful Desert Botanical Garden where acres of cactus, trees, and other plants thrive. Stop at Chase Field for a baseball game or take the kids to explore at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. End the night by enjoying a family meal served out of a picnic basket at The Farm Kitchen.
- Places to eat: The Perch, The Farm Kitchen, Chelsea’s Kitchen, Organ Stop Pizza
- Places to visit: Musical Instrument Museum, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Butterfly Wonderland
- Places to stay: Royal Palms Resort and Spa, Arizona Biltmore, Arizona Grand Resort & Spa
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4. Indianapolis, IN
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis | Photo credit: Images.trvl-media.com
In Indianapolis, Indiana, any racing fan will enjoy visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and there is no doubt that kids will enjoy exploring the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Hop on a ride down Central Canal for a unique city experience. Finally, families will love ending the night by sleeping in this hidden gem—a 1920s train car at the Crown Plaza Hotel!
- Places to eat: Mug N’ Bun, Traders Point Creamery, The Flying Cupcake, Maxine’s Chicken and Waffles
- Places to visit: Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Central Canal, Indianapolis Zoo
- Places to stay: Crown Plaza Hotel, Ironworks Hotel Indy, JW Marriott Indianapolis
5. Pittsburgh, PA
Carnegie Museum of Natural History | Photo credit: Familydestinationsguide.com
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is included in our list of the most underrated family vacation spots because it offers fun for families from museums to zoos and aquariums. Visit the Carnegie Museum of Natural History where kids can dig for bones and The Frick for even more museums and historical buildings. If the family is up to a 4-hour drive, visiting Hershey Park is worth it, especially for chocolate lovers!
- Places to eat: Double Wide Grill, Everyday Noodles
- Places to visit: Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, The Andy Warhol Museum
- Places to stay: Drury Plaza Hotel, Omni William Penn Hotel
6. Duluth, MN
North Shore Scenic Railroad | Photo credit: Img.grouponcdn.com
Duluth, Minnesota may not sound like family-vacation-material but it’s an underrated family vacation spot for a reason. Located on Lake Superier, families can view the infamous Aerial Lift Bridge ⎯ a focal point of Duluth and an exciting landmark for kids and adults alike. Near the bridge is the Great Lakes Aquarium, Canal Park, and the Duluth Children’s Museum. Don’t miss taking a scenic drive or a ride on the Scenic Railroad along the North Shore.
- Places to eat: Duluth Grill, Big Daddy’s Burgers, Bridgeman’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlour
- Places to visit: North Shore Scenic Railroad, Great Lakes Aquarium, Aerial Lift Bridge
- Places to stay: Fitgers Inn, Canal Park Lodge, Pier B Resort
7. Cincinnati, OH
In Cincinnati, Ohio, families can visit a National Historic Landmark, the Cincinnati Zoo. For a short drive, Kings Island Amusement Park is nearby and offers a wide range of children’s rides and coasters. Walk through Newport Aquarium and enjoy a classic game of baseball at The Great American Ball Park.
- Places to eat: Skyline Chili, Graeter’s Ice Cream, Incline Public House
- Places to visit: Cincinnati Zoo, Newport Aquarium, Kings Island, Cincinnati Nature Center
- Places to stay: Hyatt Regency, 21c Museum Hotel, Embassy Suites
Traveling to an underrated family vacation spot is a great idea for a few reasons: it’s probably not as busy, it’s probably not as expensive, and it’s probably not been visited by everyone you know. If you like adventure and taking the road less traveled, a trip to an underrated family vacation spot is the perfect idea!
Is there an underrated family vacation spot we should have included? If so, share with us the location below and why it should have made the cut!
