For those of you that are able to get a couple of weeks off work, choose two or three national parks that your family can visit.

Besides hiking and taking in the amazing scenery, perhaps your family can give horseback riding or whitewater rafting a try?

Here is  The Ultimate National Park Bucket List to give you some ideas.

4. Don’t Drive Past the Roadside Attractions

Family Travel bucket list

Even when you have a long drive ahead and your destination is your primary focus, don’t make the mistake of passing up every sign that has a roadside attraction on it.

While you can’t stop for all of them, you may get to see something really cool and it’s a perfect chance for your kids to run around and stretch their legs.

Here are some of the craziest roadside attractions in the USA:

  1. Cabazon Dinosaurs; Cabazon, CA
  2. Carhenge, Alliance, Nebraska (yes, it is exactly like Stonehenge but it is made out of old cars).
  3. Miles the Monster; Dover, DE
  4. Jolly Green Giant; Blue Earth, MN
  5. World’s Largest Garden Gnome; Kerhonkson, NY

5. Go Kayaking

Travel bucket list for families

Kayaking is a great activity to do with kids because it teaches them how to be in control of a vessel and work together as a team. It also gets them outside and active, which is always good. Kayaking can be enjoyed on flat water or in whitewater rapids, so there is something for everyone.

Kids as young as 4 years old can participate, with some instruction. And, best of all, kayaking is affordable and easy to learn.  It’s good exercise and it’s always exciting to see what’s waiting just around the next bend.

6. Visit an Aquarium

Travel bucket list for families

Although a bit pricey, especially for families that have a lot of kids, aquariums are where your family can watch in amazement wildlife that they wouldn’t normally get to see.

There are aquariums all over the country all with different things to see. Not only is a visit to the aquarium fun, it is also educational.

7. Go Geocaching

Travel bucket list for families

If you’ve never heard of geocaching before, it’s a lot like treasure hunting, except your family probably won’t get rich while doing it. But it’s a lot of fun regardless, and all you need is the right app on your phone.

8. Give Snorkeling a Try

Travel bucket list for families

The next time that you head to the ocean with your family, take the time to snorkel beneath the waves together. Especially if you happen to be in a great location that’s known for great snorkeling. You may get a chance to see beautiful coral reefs, schools of colorful fish, and maybe even a sea turtle or two!

9. Stop for a Picnic

Travel bucket list for families

Tired of eating out everywhere during your trip? Then choose an afternoon and head to the park where you can enjoy a picnic. Don’t forget to bring their favorite snacks, games, and plenty of balls that they can throw around afterward.

10. Try Zip Lining

Travel bucket list for families

Face your fear of heights by venturing out on a ropes course and then flying down a thrilling zip-line through the trees. It’s an exciting activity to do as a family that your children will fondly look back on.

11. Stay at a Dude Ranch

travel ideas for families

We’re willing to bet that your family has never spent a week on a Dude ranch before.

Trust us, it’s a vacation that your kids will never forget! Not only will you fit in with everyone else if you choose to dress up like a real cowboy, but there are so many amazing activities, breathtaking views, and delicious homemade meals.

There are over 90+ Dude ranches in the USA and Canada, visit The Dude Rancher’s Association for a full listing.

12. Pay a Visit to a Farm

travel ideas for families

Most areas have at least one farm or petting zoo that you can visit with the kids. Many of them offer tours and provide fun interactive moments for kids. They may even have a chance to milk a cow, collect eggs from chickens, or feed and pet farm animals.

13. Get Off the Beaten Path

travel ideas for families

At some point during your trip, take your family out on a hike. It’s a great way to get close to nature and see things that you wouldn’t be able to see from your car.

The best part about hiking is that it is often completely free and all you need are your supplies and a map!

Read now: 25 Bucket List Hikes To Do Before You Die

14. Try a Unique New Food

travel ideas for families

Have you ever tried a Chicago-style hotdog? Or perhaps gumbo or crawfish that were prepared in Louisiana?

Whenever you visit somewhere new, don’t be afraid to try something that’s unique. Your taste buds may go crazy over it.

15. Spend Several Nights Under the Stars

travel ideas for families

Camping is a great opportunity for you to teach your children a few survival skills.

It’s also a chance for everyone to get some fresh air while taking a much-needed break away from technology. You don’t even necessarily have to leave home. Your family can camp from your backyard.

16. Take an Autumn Drive to See the Fall Foliage

travel ideas for families

If your family has never vacationed during the autumn months, you’ve been missing out. The fall season is a magical time of year to experience the cooler weather and view the colored leaves.

Fall in general is a great time for fun family activities and travel. Read our Family Fall Bucket List For All Ages for lots of ideas.

17. Discover Some Pretty Cool History

family travel bucket list

History doesn’t have to be boring like many people think.

Make it come alive by visiting fascinating cities that are rich in American heritage, or pay a visit to a fort that served a major part in the American Revolution. Your kids will certainly enjoy observing a live cannon blast.

18. View Wildlife

family travel bucket list

Whether you drive to a state or national park, your family has a great opportunity to see and experience wildlife like never before.

Your kiddos will never forget the summer that they saw a prairie filled with bison, or a mother bear watching over her cubs.

19. Do Something New as a Family

Have you ever wished that you could feel like a kid again? Well, you can!

Even as an adult, you can experience that same awe and wonder by doing something that you’ve never done before. And there is no better place to do it than when you’re out on the road together.

20. Go Somewhere You’ve Never Been

While you may already have a favorite vacation spot that you visit often with your family, switch it up this year by vacationing somewhere completely new! Not only will your family have a fresh excitement for seeing something incredible, but you may even be able to scratch off yet another item off of your bucket list.

We hope that your family will be as excited about our family travel bucket list as we are. Maybe it will even help you come up with several other ideas too. Which of these do you plan on doing with your family soon?

Family Travel Bucket list