Best Family Vacations in the US (and Cancun)

The best family vacation destinations offer something for each member of the family. When you are looking for the best beach vacations, a family all inclusive resort, or anything in between, these kid friendly vacations are proven winners.

Orlando

Orlando has some of the best family resorts in the world. It is known at the theme park capital of the world. For vacations with kids, this can be ideal. Even though it is technically land-locked, many Orlando resorts have created sandy beach style pools to give kids a beach experience. While you are probably familiar with Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, the Nickelodeon character themed resort, NickHotel, is like an amusement park itself, one of the best kids resorts ever.

Branson, MO

Midwest vacations offers a lot of different options. You can commune with nature, visit big city museums, or take off on an adventure. Its ability to combine all this in one makes Branson, Missouri one of the best places to visit in the Midwest. If visiting an amusement park in the morning, having supper on the lake, and then catching a topnotch musical show in the evening appeals to you, Branson will be your best Midwest vacation.

Cancun

Cancun has an abundance of family all inclusive resorts to take care of all your needs. Although this type of resort can be spendy, most all-inclusive resort fees include lodging, food and drink (including alcohol), taxes, tips, non-motorized water sports, organized activities, and children's day programs, and evening entertainment. When you take all this into consideration, you may save money. High season is generally Christmas through Spring Break. Prices usually drop by April. Off season rates are a good option if you can work around school schedules.

Wisconsin Dells

The cool thing about a Wisconsin Dells vacation is that you get modern amusements as well as classic Americana style leisure activities. The Wisconsin River is the real life version of those lazy rivers you'll find at the water parks. There is also great shopping and old fashioned family fun at the local drive-in movie theatre. You can ride the The Ducks and see the famous Tommy Bartlett Ski Show. All this plus mini-golf, go-karting, and the Circus World Museum.

Williamsburg, VA

If your family likes history, you may want to check out this east coast classic. In Take in the history at Colonial Williamsburg, where actors show portray the lives of everyday people prior to the American Revolution. Once the educational component is complete, take the family to Busch Gardens Europe or Water Country USA so it will really feel like a kids vacation.

Southern California

No collection of the best family vacation destinations is complete without Southern California. From Disneyland and Universal Studios to Legoland and Seaworld. Like Orlando, Southern California was practically created for the family vacation. There is more to do here than you can fine time (or money!) for.

Image Credit: Raymond Brown, Flickr