8 Places to Consider for a Family Vacation

A good family trip needs a place to stop for lunch as much as it needs a famous attraction. Think about the ages coming along, how far they can comfortably walk and what they want to spend time doing.

Here are eight places to consider. You don't have to fit all of a city's big attractions into the visit. Choose around your children's interests and check the official visitor information before booking, including reservations and age or height restrictions. Keep a quieter plan for bad weather or low energy. Some days, the museum and time to play are plenty.

1. San Diego, California

An animal fan may vote for the San Diego Zoo; another child may prefer a museum in Balboa Park. Look at the choices together before you go. At the zoo, allow time for walking and choose a few areas rather than trying to see everything. Plan around what interests your family, with space to change your mind.

2. Indianapolis, Indiana

Show your children the Children's Museum of Indianapolis exhibit list before you go. Their choices can help you plan the visit and decide how long to allow. One older recommendation needs correcting: Rhythm! Discovery Center's site says temporarily closed. Don't book your day around visiting it.

3. Washington, D.C.

Start with your child's interests: flight at the National Air and Space Museum, perhaps, or the International Spy Museum. Then check the visitor information for the one you've chosen. Admission and reservations differ. Allow a break before the next stop instead of assuming a tired child will enjoy another long walk.

4. Atlanta, Georgia

Before a Georgia Aquarium visit, look through the programs with your children and check accessibility information. Their choices can help shape the day. Film-location tours are another possibility in Atlanta, but look at the route and age guidance before booking one. Choose the outing for the group you have, rather than its publicity photo.

5. Los Angeles, California

For a Harry Potter fan, Universal Studios Hollywood may be the draw. Theme parks need a little homework: ticket terms, ride restrictions and travel time all affect the day. Los Angeles also involves substantial distances between attractions. Staying near your main plans can save time that would otherwise disappear in the car.

6. Wailuku and Maui, Hawaii

Check local access and ocean guidance before planning a day around the water. Swimming, snorkeling and other activities need to suit your children's abilities, with appropriate supervision. Respect any closed areas. A Maui visit can also include outdoor time without water sports; leave room for a slower day rather than booking every hour.

7. Branson, Missouri

Branson offers museums and family attractions, including the World's Largest Toy Museum complex. A child interested in old toys may enjoy a different outing from a child wanting rides. Check what's included in admission and plan for breaks. You don't need to buy several attraction tickets to fill a single day.

8. Virginia Beach, Virginia

Build something in the sand, walk along the shore and see how the afternoon goes. Swimming depends on conditions and local guidance, with close adult supervision. For dolphin watching, look into a responsible wildlife trip before booking. Don't plan around a promised show; wild dolphins don't follow a visitor schedule.