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The kids are out of school and the weather is heating up — it’s time for your summer vacation. Here are 10 spots in the U.S. that are perfect for family vacations.
Orlando, Florida
“The City Beautiful” is a no-brainer choice for families, and now there’s a new attraction in town. At the I-Drive 360 entertainment complex, you can snap selfies with President Obama at Madame Tussaud’s Wax Attraction, walk through a 360-degree ocean tunnel at SEA LIFE Aquarium and get a bird’s-eye view of the city from the 400-foot-high Orlando Eye.
Where to stay: Sheraton Vistana Resort and Sheraton Vistana Villages
“The City Beautiful” is a no-brainer choice for families, and now there’s a new attraction in town. At the I-Drive 360 entertainment complex, you can snap selfies with President Obama at Madame Tussaud’s Wax Attraction, walk through a 360-degree ocean tunnel at SEA LIFE Aquarium and get a bird’s-eye view of the city from the 400-foot-high Orlando Eye.
Where to stay: Sheraton Vistana Resort and Sheraton Vistana Villages
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Washington D.C.
There’s no shortage of things to do in the capital of the U.S. — and most of them are free. Wander the National Mall to see the plethora of famed memorials, monuments and historic buildings. Spend a day or two exploring the Smithsonian Institution, a collection of 19 amazing museums that kids will love, especially the National Children's Museum, which encourages interactive play.
Where to stay: The Westin Washington, D.C. City Center
There’s no shortage of things to do in the capital of the U.S. — and most of them are free. Wander the National Mall to see the plethora of famed memorials, monuments and historic buildings. Spend a day or two exploring the Smithsonian Institution, a collection of 19 amazing museums that kids will love, especially the National Children's Museum, which encourages interactive play.
Where to stay: The Westin Washington, D.C. City Center
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Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
With over 60 miles of beach fronting the Atlantic, the “Grand Strand” is a classic seaside town, named one of the Top 10 U.S. Beaches by the Travel Channel. During the summer, outdoor festivals and special events take place at the boardwalk. Families will love attractions like the SkyWheel, Broadway at the Beach, Family Kingdom amusement park and dozens of mini-golf courses.
Where to stay: Sheraton Broadway Plantation
With over 60 miles of beach fronting the Atlantic, the “Grand Strand” is a classic seaside town, named one of the Top 10 U.S. Beaches by the Travel Channel. During the summer, outdoor festivals and special events take place at the boardwalk. Families will love attractions like the SkyWheel, Broadway at the Beach, Family Kingdom amusement park and dozens of mini-golf courses.
Where to stay: Sheraton Broadway Plantation
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San Francisco, California
Where else can you ride on a cable car, walk the “crookedest street” and overlook one the most famed bridges in the U.S.? Kids will love watching the sea lions at Pier 39, exploring Chinatown for the perfect souvenir, riding the carousel at Golden Gate Park and touring the infamous Alcatraz Island. Don’t miss a trip to the Muir Woods National Monument to see the stunning redwood forest.
Where to stay: The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square
Where else can you ride on a cable car, walk the “crookedest street” and overlook one the most famed bridges in the U.S.? Kids will love watching the sea lions at Pier 39, exploring Chinatown for the perfect souvenir, riding the carousel at Golden Gate Park and touring the infamous Alcatraz Island. Don’t miss a trip to the Muir Woods National Monument to see the stunning redwood forest.
Where to stay: The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square
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Avon, Colorado
This winter wonderland is equally beautiful when the snow melts. Explore the trails sans skis with Beaver Creek's Hike-ology program, designed to introduce kids to nature. Grab a checklist from the Summer Adventure Center so they can keep track of what they spot — keep your eyes peeled for foxes, hawks and deer. The Beaver Creek Rodeo offers fun for all ages with pony rides, face painting and finger-lickin’ barbecue.
Where to stay: The Westin Riverfront Mountain Villas and Sheraton Mountain Vista
This winter wonderland is equally beautiful when the snow melts. Explore the trails sans skis with Beaver Creek's Hike-ology program, designed to introduce kids to nature. Grab a checklist from the Summer Adventure Center so they can keep track of what they spot — keep your eyes peeled for foxes, hawks and deer. The Beaver Creek Rodeo offers fun for all ages with pony rides, face painting and finger-lickin’ barbecue.
Where to stay: The Westin Riverfront Mountain Villas and Sheraton Mountain Vista
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Chicago, Illinois
There’s plenty to keep little ones entertained in “The Windy City” during the summer months. Millennium Park is a family favorite: kids can splash around Crown Fountain (and be delighted when the video sculpture sprays water), go on a nature scavenger hunt in Lurie Garden and crawl under the iconic stainless steel sculpture known as “The Bean.” The Navy Pier features the Chicago Children's Museum, a Ferris wheel and nightly summer fireworks.
Where to stay: Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers
There’s plenty to keep little ones entertained in “The Windy City” during the summer months. Millennium Park is a family favorite: kids can splash around Crown Fountain (and be delighted when the video sculpture sprays water), go on a nature scavenger hunt in Lurie Garden and crawl under the iconic stainless steel sculpture known as “The Bean.” The Navy Pier features the Chicago Children's Museum, a Ferris wheel and nightly summer fireworks.
Where to stay: Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers
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Maui, Hawai‘i
Both keiki (children) and adults alike will love this island paradise. Calm waters and teeming sea life make Kā’anapali Beach a popular snorkeling spot for families. Don’t miss the nightly sunset ceremony, where a cliff diver climbs Pu‘u Keka‘a (Black Rock), lights torches and plunges into the sea. Plan an outing to the Maui Ocean Center to observe colorful coral and sea creatures native to Hawai‘i.
Where to stay: The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas
Both keiki (children) and adults alike will love this island paradise. Calm waters and teeming sea life make Kā’anapali Beach a popular snorkeling spot for families. Don’t miss the nightly sunset ceremony, where a cliff diver climbs Pu‘u Keka‘a (Black Rock), lights torches and plunges into the sea. Plan an outing to the Maui Ocean Center to observe colorful coral and sea creatures native to Hawai‘i.
Where to stay: The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas
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Boston, Massachusetts
The kids (and you) will feel wicked smart after learning about the American Revolution from the historic sites along the Freedom Trail. Other notable things to do include dumping tea into the harbor at the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, viewing aquatic life at the New England Aquarium, exploring exhibits at the Boston’s Children Museum and catching a ball game at beloved Fenway Park.
Where to stay: The Westin Boston Waterfront
The kids (and you) will feel wicked smart after learning about the American Revolution from the historic sites along the Freedom Trail. Other notable things to do include dumping tea into the harbor at the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, viewing aquatic life at the New England Aquarium, exploring exhibits at the Boston’s Children Museum and catching a ball game at beloved Fenway Park.
Where to stay: The Westin Boston Waterfront
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Park City, Utah
This ski town’s pristine runs are perfect for hiking and mountain biking in the summer months. Stroll the quaint, historic Main Street, lined with shops and restaurants. Visit on Sunday for the family-friendly market, where you can buy gourmet foods, antiques and local crafts. The Utah Olympic Park, host of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, also offers activities for kids of all ages, including zip lines, adventure rope courses and an alpine slide.
Where to stay: The St. Regis Deer Valley
This ski town’s pristine runs are perfect for hiking and mountain biking in the summer months. Stroll the quaint, historic Main Street, lined with shops and restaurants. Visit on Sunday for the family-friendly market, where you can buy gourmet foods, antiques and local crafts. The Utah Olympic Park, host of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, also offers activities for kids of all ages, including zip lines, adventure rope courses and an alpine slide.
Where to stay: The St. Regis Deer Valley
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San Diego, California
Offering world-class theme parks, beautiful beaches and perfect weather, San Diego is a top destination for families. Balboa Park, dubbed the “Smithsonian of the West,” boasts 85 cultural attractions, including 15 museums, eight gardens and the San Diego Zoo. Visit the candy store in Seaport Village, board the Navy aircraft carrier that’s now the U.S.S. Midway Museum or catch a Padres game at Petco Park, complete with a sand pit “beach” where kids can play.
Where to stay: Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
Offering world-class theme parks, beautiful beaches and perfect weather, San Diego is a top destination for families. Balboa Park, dubbed the “Smithsonian of the West,” boasts 85 cultural attractions, including 15 museums, eight gardens and the San Diego Zoo. Visit the candy store in Seaport Village, board the Navy aircraft carrier that’s now the U.S.S. Midway Museum or catch a Padres game at Petco Park, complete with a sand pit “beach” where kids can play.
Where to stay: Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
