15 Unforgettable Trips to Experience with Your Kids Before They Fly the Nest

Time flies very fast, especially for kids. One moment, you’re helping them take their first steps; the next, they’re packing for college or moving out to start their own lives. Childhood slugs away.

While busy with diapers and school plays, never take your child for granted. Make every available moment count. Creating meaningful memories is the mother of all gifts.

Through these 15 tips, you can make lifelong memories with your kids. You can visit historical places or natural wonders or enjoy a fun-filled day out. These experiences will be fun for the whole family.

Sleep Under the Stars at Zion National Park, Utah

Camping brings families closer together. Zion National Park, complete with its red sandstone cliffs and scenic trails, provides an incredible backdrop.

Introduce kids to the Riverside Walk to get them out on a trail. The Narrows offers an excellent, adventurous climb through a narrow river canyon for families with older children. Camping at Zion teaches life skills and helps produce an appreciation for the outdoors.

Sightseeing along the Virgin Islands

Here’s an idyllic escape adventure spot in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, and exploring coral reefs on crystal clear waters.

Trunk Bay is a beginner-friendly snorkel for families. One visit will show you why it’s ranked among the top beaches in the world. Buy an underwater camera to record for you those special moments.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

There’s nothing like poking your head out into the void of the Grand Canyon and staring into its vast emptiness. That sight will awe kids and adults.

Step higher by hiking to the rim or whirling on the Skywalk at the West Rim. If you don’t want to break a sweat or have children who are too young or not active enough for hiking, a guided mule ride is a fun way to explore the city.

The National Park Service says that the Grand Canyon alone attracts 4.7 million visitors annually, with many families making a trip a once-in-a-lifetime event. It’s not just about the view—it’s about learning the history behind this site together.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Safari

Is your family into wildlife? Imagine walking to a land where bison graze, wolves trot over the plains, and geysers gush in the background. Wilderness comes to life in Yellowstone.

The best opportunity to spot some animals in their natural surroundings is traveling on a wildlife tour with a guide. Old Faithful’s predictable eruptions about every 90 minutes are especially popular with kids.

As Smithsonian Magazine points out, the vast ecosystem sparks interest and a love for nature in kids. An unforgettable family safari requires binoculars (of course!).

Enjoy Walt Disney World, Florida

It’s impossible to imagine a family travel list without Walt Disney World. Its magic is not carried in time. Plan your trip to include interactive attractions like “Pirates of the Caribbean” or the Star Wars-themed Galaxy’s Edge.

Disney innovates, and over 20 million people visit each year. Use Disney Genie+ to cut in line and spend more time having fun with your family.

Find Alaska’s Northern Lights in Fairbanks

Seeing the Northern Lights yourself is an awe-inspiring experience that your family won’t stop discussing. This natural phenomenon is best viewed from Fairbanks.

Peak activity is from September through March. To enhance the experience, stay in unique accommodations, such as glass-roofed cabins.

NASA explains that the Northern Lights result from Earth’s interaction with its atmosphere and run-rays’ expulsion. These produce the light that makes up the colorful aurora displays.

Road Trips on Pacific Coast Highway in California

Cruising along Highway 1, could there be anything more cinematic? It’s a quintessential American road trip, with views on one side of the Pacific Ocean and dramatic cliffs on the other.

During planned stops, you could visit Big Sur, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Santa Monica Pier. The trip can take 10 hours without stopping, but it is well worth splitting it over several days. Tidepools are fun to explore, and kids will love picnicking on scenic coastal beaches.

Ancient History in Washington, D.C.

It’s more than politics in Washington, D.C., and that’s valuable because it’s full of learning experiences for kids. See the Lincoln Memorial or visit the Smithsonian Museums.

Hands-on exhibits at the National Air and Space Museum can make some areas even more fantastic for younger visitors. For instance, there are 17 free Smithsonian museums alone here, plus free museums and monuments, which means it’s family-friendly and educational.

See Colorado by Rail on Rocky Mountaineer

Experience Colorados’ Rocky Mountaineer, a magical train offering breathtaking views of the Rockies. This destination is excellent for families who want scenic and relaxed travel.

The train has expert guides who will teach your kids about the region’s geology while they marvel at towering peaks and rivers. Opt for the daytime-only route if you want unparalleled views during the day.

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Here, you can experience the 1700s again—visit actors in period dress re-enacting colonial life at this living history museum.

Hands-on activities like candle-making and musket demonstrations allow kids to participate. No screen or textbook can immerse the family in history as Colonial Williamsburg does.

Relax amidst the Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

The Great Smoky Mountains are a peaceful but exciting family getaway. Hike to Laurel Falls or cruise the scenic drives in the area. In addition to all this fun, check out the Gatlinburg area, which has an aquarium and skylift nearby.

Coastal Charm in Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Families love Cape Cod as a summer paradise. Its irresistible charm is the beaches and its quaint towns. The Cape Cod Rail Trail offers an excruciating day of cycling, or you can spend the day whale watching. You can also spend the day enjoying fresh seafood and watching the sunset on the shore.

Visiting Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Located at 6,000+ feet in the sky, Lake Tahoe entertains families year-round, from winter skiing to summer kayaking. Hire a cabin and spend the time on the lake swimming, fishing, or stargazing around the fire.

Banff National Park, Canada

Despite being outside the U.S., Banff should be on every family’s bucket list. Its turquoise lakes and majestic peaks make for the ultimate family hikes. The hot springs here will help you unwind after an active day.

Niagara Falls On the Border of Canada and New York

Niagara Falls is one place where its grandeur cannot be beaten. Take a boat tour with the refreshing spray to experience it. It is a magical place for children and adults, and the nightly light show makes things exciting.

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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