Start your trip with a visit to the happiest place on earth - Disneyland Park. The park features classic Disney rides, themed lands, and many exciting attractions suitable for all ages. Meet your favorite Disney characters, enjoy parades, and watch stunning fireworks shows at night.
The San Diego Zoo is home to over 650 species and subspecies of rare and endangered animals from around the world. Get up close with wildlife, ride a Skyfari, and see breathtaking exhibits like the Panda Trek and African Rainforest.
Take a road trip to the Grand Canyon National Park, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Marvel at the stunning red rock formations, hike trails, and explore the South Rim Visitors Center. Each viewpoint provides a unique perspective for your family photos.
The Hoover Dam is an engineering marvel that provides hydroelectric power, flood control, and water storage to the surrounding states. Take a guided tour and learn about the history, design, and construction of the dam. Don’t forget to take a selfie on the bridge with the Colorado River and Lake Mead in the background.
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Las Vegas Strip. Enjoy the famous fountain show at the Bellagio, ride the High Roller observation wheel, and watch a Cirque du Soleil show. Have fun at the arcades and amusement parks, and explore world-class shopping centers.
Discover the breathtaking natural beauty of Yosemite National Park. See giant sequoias, hike trails, and take memorable photos at Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan. The park offers many activities for all ages, including snow sports in winter.
Visit the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and explore the Golden Gate Park. The park features many family-friendly attractions such as the San Francisco Zoo, the California Academy of Sciences, and the De Young Museum. Enjoy picnics, boating, and scenic views.
Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island, home of the infamous former maximum-security prison. Learn about the prison's history, including its most famous inmates and escape attempts. Take photos of the San Francisco skyline, and watch seabirds and harbor seals.
Yellowstone National Park is a geothermal marvels and offers natural beauty around every corner. Watch Old Faithful, hike trails, and visit the geothermal pools. The park also offers ranger-led programs and other activities such as boating, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Marvel at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a colossal sculpture of four former U.S. presidents carved into the mountain. Learn about the history of the sculpture and the lives of the presidents depicted in it. Enjoy the ranger-led tours and ranger-led walks.
The Kansas City Zoo is home to over 1,700 animals and offers many exciting exhibits and activities for all ages. The zoo includes both indoor and outdoor exhibits, such as the African savannah, the Australian outback, and the polar bear exhibit. Get up close with the animals, enjoy shows and feedings.
Explore the largest cave system in the world at Mammoth Cave National Park. Take a guided tour and discover the fascinating geological features and history of the cave. The park also offers many other activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and camping.
During your trip, you may consider renting a car or RV for convenience and flexibility in visiting different attractions. Some attractions offer shuttle services, such as the Yosemite Valley Shuttle and the Mount Rushmore Audio Tour. Be sure to factor in gas costs and parking fees. Long driving times could be tiring, so it's important to plan for rest and breaks. Consider taking a flight for a faster and more comfortable option to visit distant attractions such as Yellowstone National Park.
If you have more time, consider adding a few extra days to explore more of each destination. There are many other family-friendly attractions in these cities and beyond, such as Legoland in San Diego, Universal Studios in Los Angeles, and the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. On the other hand, if you have less time, you may want to skip some destinations or shorten your stay. Make sure to plan ahead, book tickets and accommodations in advance, and check each attraction's schedules and opening hours.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the primary airport serving the Los Angeles area, located 16 miles from downtown Los Angeles. San Diego International Airport (SAN) is located 3 miles northwest of downtown San Diego. San Francisco International Airport(SFO) is the main airport serving the San Francisco Bay Area, located 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco. Kansas City International Airport(KCI) is served by major domestic airlines and is about 15 miles northwest of downtown Kansas City. These are some of the busiest airports in the country, so it's important to arrive early and plan for possible delays.