🚗 Dinosaurs, Caves, Aquariums & Waterfalls: Our Family Road Trip Through Kentucky, Georgia & Tennessee

May 11, 2026May 11, 2026 / jennifersheeman / Leave a comment

Family posing in front of the Mammoth Cave National Park sign during a Kentucky Georgia and Tennessee family road trip — One of our favorite stops on our family road trip through Kentucky, Georgia, and Tennessee.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through my links—at no additional cost to you. I only share places and products we personally use and love.

There is something about a family road trip that turns even the random stops into core memories. The snacks packed into every bag, the hotel rooms, the “how much longer?” questions, the tired kids in the backseat, and somehow, the moments you did not over plan become the ones everyone remembers.

This road trip took us from Indiana through Kentucky, Georgia, Tennessee, and back through southern Indiana.

This trip also happened during the COVID era, so you will notice masks in some of our photos. Even with restrictions at the time, this became one of our favorite active family road trips because we walked, explored, climbed, wandered, and somehow still had enough energy for hotel swimming.

Our Family Road Trip Route

Indianapolis to Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville to Bowling Green, Kentucky
Bowling Green to Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave to Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta and the Georgia Aquarium
State Botanical Garden of Georgia with friends
Atlanta to Chattanooga, Tennessee
Ruby Falls and Rock City Gardens
Chattanooga to Dinosaur World in Cave City, Kentucky
Louisville overnight
Jeffersonville, Indiana riverfront stop before heading home

Jump to a Section

Louisville Slugger Museum · Mammoth Cave · Atlanta · Georgia Aquarium · Botanical Garden · Chattanooga · Ruby Falls · Rock City Gardens · Dinosaur World · Jeffersonville

Road Trip Tip:

This was a very walking-heavy trip. Between cave tours, aquariums, gardens, mountain paths, pedestrian bridges, and city exploring, comfortable shoes were absolutely necessary.

Planning a Similar Family Road Trip?

Here are a few helpful places to start when planning hotels, attractions, and family-friendly stops along this route.

Compare Family Hotels Browse Family Attractions Shop Road Trip Essentials

Day 1: Indianapolis to Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

Family visiting the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory during a Kentucky family road trip — Our first major stop on the road trip was the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory in Louisville, Kentucky.

We started our road trip by driving from the Indianapolis area to Louisville, Kentucky. Our first big stop was the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, which was such a fun way to kick off the trip.

Even if your family is not completely baseball obsessed, this is a classic Kentucky stop. The giant baseball bat outside is worth a photo on its own, and the museum gives kids something active and interesting to do before getting back in the car.

Great photo stop
Fun for baseball-loving families
Easy downtown Louisville attraction
Good way to break up the drive

Louisville Travel Planning Links

Louisville makes a great first stop if you are driving south from Indiana.

Browse Louisville Hotels Find Louisville Attractions

Where to Stay Near Mammoth Cave With Kids

After spending time in Louisville, we continued south and stayed overnight in the Bowling Green area before visiting Mammoth Cave National Park the next day.

Bowling Green worked well for us because it gave us more hotel and restaurant options while still keeping us within driving distance of Mammoth Cave. For families doing a road trip through Kentucky, this can be a practical place to stay before or after a cave tour.

Find Hotels Near Mammoth Cave

Bowling Green and the Mammoth Cave area both have hotel options that work well for families road-tripping through Kentucky.

Compare Bowling Green Hotels Browse Mammoth Cave Area Hotels

Day 2: Mammoth Cave National Park

Massive underground cave chamber inside Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky

Mammoth Cave ended up being one of the biggest surprises of our Kentucky road trip. We expected a cool cave tour, but what we found was an enormous underground world that felt completely different from a typical sightseeing stop.

This part of our trip happened during the COVID era, which is why masks appear in many of our photos. Even with those extra layers of travel weirdness, Mammoth Cave was still one of the most memorable stops of the trip.

Pro Tip:

Mammoth Cave stays cool underground year-round, so bring hoodies or lightweight jackets even if it feels warm outside. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must because the tours include walking, stairs, and uneven areas depending on which cave tour you choose.

Family photo inside Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky

Boy walking through large underground passage inside Mammoth Cave National Park

Some parts of Mammoth Cave were enormous, while others had ceilings so low we had to duck while walking through narrow passageways. The kids loved that it felt less like a regular tour and more like an underground adventure.

Tips for Visiting Mammoth Cave With Kids

Book your cave tour ahead of time when possible.
Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Bring a sweatshirt or lightweight jacket.
Check the tour description before booking because some tours include more stairs or tighter passageways than others.
Use the bathroom before your tour starts.
Take a photo at the Mammoth Cave National Park sign or visitor center sign.
Plan extra time before or after your tour to walk around the visitor center area.

Coming Back Out of the Cave

Visitors walking through the massive entrance of Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky — Walking back toward daylight after exploring the underground world of Mammoth Cave National Park.

Walking back toward the cave entrance almost felt like re-entering another world. Mammoth Cave ended up being one of the most unexpectedly memorable stops of our Kentucky road trip, especially for the kids.

Family standing at a scenic overlook at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky during a family road trip — The scenery above ground at Mammoth Cave National Park was beautiful too.

Planning a Mammoth Cave Visit?

If you are building a Kentucky road trip with kids, Mammoth Cave makes a memorable stop and pairs well with Bowling Green, Louisville, Cave City, and Dinosaur World.

Browse Mammoth Cave Tours Browse Kentucky Activities Find Hotels Near Mammoth Cave

Where We Stayed in Atlanta

Element Atlanta Buckhead

For the Atlanta part of our trip, we stayed at Element Atlanta Buckhead. This ended up being a great fit for our family.

We personally did not want to stay right in downtown Atlanta with kids. Buckhead felt quieter and more comfortable for our family, while still allowing us to drive to the Georgia Aquarium and other attractions. After long days of walking and sightseeing, we liked having a hotel in an area that felt more relaxed at night.

Great location outside of downtown Atlanta
Nice pool for kids
Comfortable family-friendly stay
Good option if you prefer staying in Buckhead instead of downtown
Easy place to unwind after busy Atlanta sightseeing

Atlanta Hotel Tip for Families

We liked staying in Buckhead instead of downtown Atlanta because it felt more comfortable for our family while still being close enough to visit the aquarium and nearby attractions.

Check Element Atlanta Buckhead Prices Browse Buckhead Hotels Find Atlanta Hotels With Pools

Atlanta With Kids: Georgia Aquarium & SkyView Atlanta

Kids standing outside the Georgia Aquarium during a family trip to Atlanta — Visiting the Georgia Aquarium was one of the biggest highlights of our Atlanta stop.

The Georgia Aquarium was one of the main reasons we planned time in Atlanta, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. Between the glowing blue tanks, sea life exhibits, tunnel views, jellyfish, sharks, and whale sharks, this was easily one of the kids’ favorite stops on the entire road trip.

This was also one of the most walking-heavy parts of our trip. Between the aquarium, the surrounding downtown area, and the nearby SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel, we spent a lot of time on our feet. This part of the trip also happened during the COVID era, so you will notice masks in several of our aquarium photos.

Whale shark swimming inside the large tank at Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta — The whale shark exhibit was absolutely incredible and worth seeing in person.

What We Loved About Georgia Aquarium

The massive whale shark viewing areas
The aquarium tunnel and glowing blue tanks
The jellyfish exhibit
Easy indoor exploring with kids
Being close to other downtown Atlanta attractions

Kids sitting in front of sharks swimming in a large tank at Georgia Aquarium

Large blue aquarium tank filled with fish and sea life at Georgia Aquarium

Family Tip:

Plan plenty of time for the Georgia Aquarium. It is the kind of place where kids naturally want to slow down, sit by the tanks, revisit favorite exhibits, and stare at the whale sharks for way longer than you expect.

Planning Atlanta Attractions With Kids?

If you are visiting Atlanta with kids, the Georgia Aquarium is a must, and nearby attractions can easily be added to the same day.

Book Georgia Aquarium Tickets Browse Atlanta Family Attractions See Atlanta CityPASS Options

SkyView Atlanta Ferris Wheel

Right near the aquarium, we also rode the SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel. It was a fun extra stop and gave us a different view of the city after spending time inside the aquarium.

SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel against a blue sky in downtown Atlanta — SkyView Atlanta was an easy add-on since it was close to the aquarium.

Our Easter Hotel Room Surprise

This trip happened over Easter weekend, which made it even more memorable for the kids. The Easter Bunny somehow managed to visit our hotel room, hide eggs, and leave little bunnies waiting on the beds.

It was such a small thing, but it became one of those memories the kids still talk about. Sometimes the best travel moments are not the expensive ones. They are the little surprises tucked into the middle of the adventure.

State Botanical Garden of Georgia

After several busy Atlanta attractions, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia was a nice slower-paced stop. The walking paths, open outdoor areas, and peaceful scenery made it a great place to let the kids move around a bit while still enjoying another beautiful part of Georgia.

While we were in Georgia, we also met up with friends and visited the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. After the busy energy of the aquarium and Atlanta sightseeing, this was a slower, peaceful outdoor stop.

We walked the gardens, explored outside, and the kids even caught a lizard, which of course became one of the funniest little memories from the day.

Where We Stayed in Chattanooga

Embassy Suites Chattanooga Hamilton Place

For our Chattanooga stay, we booked Embassy Suites Chattanooga Hamilton Place. It worked well for our family because we had more space, restaurants nearby, a pool for the kids, and easy access to the highway and Lookout Mountain attractions.

Chattanooga Hotel Planning

If you are visiting Ruby Falls, Rock City, or Lookout Mountain with kids, Chattanooga has several family-friendly hotel options depending on whether you want downtown walkability or easier highway access.

Check Embassy Suites Chattanooga Prices Compare Chattanooga Hotels Browse Lookout Mountain Area Hotels

Ruby Falls

Ruby Falls was one of the most unique stops on this road trip. You ride an elevator down into Lookout Mountain, walk through cave passages, and eventually reach the glowing underground waterfall. It felt part cave tour, part hidden-world adventure, and part “please tell me my kids are not touching every single rock wall” parenting workout.

Inside Ruby Falls

Ruby Falls underground waterfall illuminated with colorful lighting inside a towering cave chamber in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

What to Know Before Visiting Ruby Falls With Kids

Book tickets ahead of time when possible.
You will take an elevator down into the mountain.
The tour includes walking through cave pathways.
Wear comfortable shoes.
Bring a light layer because caves can feel cool.
Expect some darker areas and tight-feeling cave spaces.
Remind kids not to touch the cave walls or formations.

Family Tip:

If your kids like caves, waterfalls, and anything that feels slightly mysterious, Ruby Falls is a great stop. It is not a long hike, but it does involve walking and waiting with a tour group, so snacks before you go are your tiny survival lantern.

Lookout Mountain and Rock City Gardens

After Ruby Falls, we also explored Lookout Mountain and Rock City Gardens. This area felt completely different from the caves. Instead of being underground, we were walking through rock paths, stone bridges, gardens, overlooks, waterfalls, and narrow passageways that made the kids feel like they were crawling through a secret mountain maze.

Family sitting beneath the Rock City Gardens sign on Lookout Mountain in Tennessee — Rock City Gardens ended up being one of the most fun and unexpectedly beautiful stops of our Chattanooga trip.

Rock City Gardens Photo Highlights

Waterfall flowing beside a stone bridge at Rock City Gardens on Lookout Mountain in Tennessee

Mountain overlook view from the See Seven States viewpoint at Rock City Gardens on Lookout Mountain

Favorite Parts of Rock City With Kids

Stone bridges and winding garden paths
The waterfall views
Narrow rock walkways
The See Seven States overlook
Fun photo spots tucked throughout the gardens
A mix of nature, scenery, and kid-friendly exploring

Ruby Falls & Rock City Tickets

If you are visiting Chattanooga with kids, Ruby Falls and Rock City make a great pair of Lookout Mountain attractions. You can do both on the same trip day if your kids are up for a full sightseeing day.

Book Ruby Falls Tickets Book Rock City Tickets Browse Chattanooga Attractions

Chattanooga Riverfront & Walnut Street Bridge

Family standing on the Walnut Street Bridge in Chattanooga, Tennessee with the steel bridge structure surrounding them. — Walking across the Walnut Street Bridge gave us some of the best river and city views in Chattanooga.

Before leaving Chattanooga, we spent time around the riverfront and Walnut Street Bridge area. After doing the Georgia Aquarium, Ruby Falls, and Rock City, this was a slower, easier stop before continuing north.

We considered visiting the Tennessee Aquarium while we were in Chattanooga, but after already doing the Georgia Aquarium and walking so much on this trip, we decided to keep this part simpler. Sometimes on a family road trip, knowing when not to add one more big-ticket stop is the real travel wisdom.

Dinosaur World in Cave City, Kentucky

Kids standing in front of the Dinosaur World sign in Cave City Kentucky during a family road trip — Dinosaur World was the perfect quirky roadside stop to break up our drive through Kentucky.

On the way back north, we stopped at Dinosaur World in Cave City, Kentucky. This was exactly the kind of quirky roadside attraction that kids love during a long drive.

There were giant dinosaur statues, walking paths, and plenty of fun photo opportunities. It was a great way to break up the drive and give everyone a chance to get out of the car.

Final Overnight Stop: Louisville East

Embassy Suites Louisville East

That night, we stayed at Embassy Suites Louisville East. This worked well as a final overnight stop before heading to Jeffersonville and then home the next day.

Need a Louisville Stopover Hotel?

Louisville makes a practical overnight stop when driving back north from Chattanooga or Kentucky attractions.

Check Embassy Suites Louisville East Prices Compare Louisville Hotels

Final Stop: Jeffersonville, Indiana

Family riding together in a pedal cart near the Big Four Bridge waterfront park in Louisville, Kentucky. — One of our favorite simple moments was riding pedal carts together near the waterfront by the Big Four Bridge.

Before officially ending the trip, we stopped in Jeffersonville, Indiana. We walked, enjoyed the riverfront, and spent time near the Big Four Bridge.

Union Restaurant & GameYard

Child standing outside The Game Yard entertainment and restaurant area in Louisville, Kentucky. — The Game Yard was a fun stop for food, games, and letting the kids burn off some energy during our road trip.

We also ate at Union Restaurant & GameYard, which was a fun and relaxed way to wrap up the trip. After days of caves, aquariums, waterfalls, mountains, hotel pools, and nonstop walking, this was exactly the slower ending we needed.

Final Thoughts on This Family Road Trip

This road trip became one of our favorite family adventures because it had such a great mix of big attractions, outdoor exploring, hotel memories, scenic stops, and quirky roadside fun.

We explored caves, walked through gardens, saw whale sharks, rode a Ferris wheel, climbed through Rock City, visited an underground waterfall, stopped for dinosaurs, and even had the Easter Bunny visit our hotel room.

It was not a fancy or perfectly polished trip. It was a real family road trip, full of walking, snacks, tired legs, hotel pools, random laughs, masks, and the kind of memories that sneak up on you later.

Helpful Family Road Trip Planning Links

Planning a similar trip? These links can help you compare hotels, book attractions, and grab a few road trip essentials before you go.

Compare Family Hotels Browse Family Attractions Shop Road Trip Essentials

More Family Travel Adventures You May Love

If your family loves road trips, scenic stops, quirky attractions, and kid-friendly adventures, here are a few more family trips to explore next.

Niagara Falls With Kids New York City With Kids Washington DC With Kids Southwest Road Trip With Kids

🚗 Family Road Trip to Texas with Kids: Memphis, Dinosaurs, Buc-ee’s & Teepees

May 7, 2026May 11, 2026 / jennifersheeman / Leave a comment

Memphis, Hot Springs, Fort Worth, Granbury, Dinosaur Valley State Park, Buc-ee’s, and teepees in Oklahoma

Family standing beneath the Fort Worth Stockyards sign during a spring Texas family road trip with kids — Exploring the Fort Worth Stockyards was one of the most memorable parts of our Texas family road trip.

There’s something about a family road trip that always turns into a mix of unforgettable memories, random roadside stops, snack explosions in the car, and at least one child asking “how much longer?” every twenty minutes.

This road trip took us from Indiana down through Tennessee and Arkansas before making our way into Texas for cowboy boots, cattle drives, dinosaur tracks, and our very first Buc-ee’s experience. On the way home, we ended the trip sleeping in teepees at Orr Family Farm in Oklahoma City while roasting marshmallows around a fire.

Our Road Trip Route

Indiana → Memphis, Tennessee → Little Rock, Arkansas → Hot Springs, Arkansas → Fort Worth, Texas → Granbury, Texas → Dinosaur Valley State Park → Buc-ee’s → Oklahoma City → Indiana

Day 1: Indiana to Memphis, Tennessee

We started our road trip from Indiana and drove to Memphis, Tennessee for our first overnight stop. Memphis sometimes has a reputation that makes families wonder about safety, so we planned carefully and paid attention to where we stayed.

We stayed at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Memphis Downtown and personally felt comfortable where we stayed and while exploring the main tourist areas. We did not go out past dark, and like we would in any larger city, we stayed aware of our surroundings and planned ahead.

Overall, we had a very positive experience visiting Memphis as a family.

Family Travel Tip: If you are visiting Memphis with kids, research your hotel area ahead of time, stick to the main tourist areas, and plan most sightseeing during the day.

Compare Memphis Hotels Browse Memphis Attractions

Kids posing beneath the Memphis sign during a family road trip through Tennessee — Our Memphis stop included music history, Beale Street, great food, and one very excited family road trip crew.

Day 2: Exploring Memphis

Walking Around Beale Street During the Day

We also spent time walking around Beale Street during the day. Since we were traveling with kids, daytime felt like the best fit for us. We were still able to see the famous music signs, blues clubs, and downtown Memphis atmosphere without being out late at night.

Kids standing beneath the Home of the Blues Beale Street sign in downtown Memphis Tennessee — Walking around Beale Street during the day gave us a fun taste of Memphis music history.

Kids exploring Beale Street in downtown Memphis Tennessee during a family road trip — Exploring Beale Street during the day felt like the right pace for our family.

Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid

One of our favorite Memphis stops was the giant Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid. It is hard to explain until you see it in person because it is part outdoor store, part tourist attraction, part aquarium, and part lodge all rolled into one giant pyramid.

We rode the elevator to the top, saw the massive fish tanks and displays, and had lunch upstairs. It ended up being a really fun stop for the kids and a great way to break up the trip before heading farther west.

Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid in Memphis with kids — The Bass Pro Pyramid was one of the most unexpected and fun stops in Memphis.

The Arcade Restaurant

We also ate at The Arcade Restaurant in downtown Memphis. It has that classic old-school diner feel and made a fun, local food stop during our Memphis day.

We also drove past some of the famous music and record label areas, which gave Memphis such a cool historic music feel.

National Civil Rights Museum

One of the most meaningful stops of the entire trip was the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.

Walking through the exhibits, seeing the Rosa Parks displays, and learning more about the Civil Rights Movement made a lasting impact on all of us. This was one of those stops that added depth and importance to the trip beyond just fun attractions.

National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis — The National Civil Rights Museum was one of the most meaningful stops of our trip.

Kids standing beneath the Lorraine Motel sign at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis — The Lorraine Motel is one of the most historic and emotional landmarks in Memphis.

Historic Lorraine Motel balcony and memorial at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis Tennessee — Standing outside the Lorraine Motel made the history feel incredibly real.

I AM A MAN civil rights exhibit inside the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis Tennessee — The exhibits inside the museum were powerful, emotional, and educational.

After exploring Memphis, we drove to Little Rock, Arkansas and stayed overnight there before spending the next day exploring Hot Springs.

Night 2: Little Rock, Arkansas

We stayed overnight at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Little Rock-West. This worked well as a comfortable stopping point before heading to Hot Springs for the Arkansas portion of our trip.

Compare Little Rock Hotels Browse Hot Springs Hotels

Day 3: Hot Springs, Arkansas

After spending the night in Little Rock, we made our way to Hot Springs, Arkansas for one of the prettiest and most unexpected parts of the trip.

Garvan Woodland Gardens

Garvan Woodland Gardens was absolutely beautiful. We walked through the gardens, saw the tulips, explored the treehouse area, and visited the stunning wood chapel tucked into the trees.

The chapel photos were some of my favorites from the entire trip. It was peaceful, scenic, and such a pretty contrast to the busier city and western stops later in the itinerary.

Wood chapel at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs Arkansas — The wood chapel at Garvan Woodland Gardens was one of the most beautiful photo spots of the trip.

Family photos with tulips at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs Arkansas — The tulips made Hot Springs feel like such a colorful spring road trip stop.

Kids exploring the treehouse at Garvan Woodland Gardens — The kids loved exploring the treehouse area inside the gardens.

Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo

Another unexpected stop we loved was the Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo. The kids got to pet baby alligators, bottle feed baby goats, see wolves, and spend time with baby bunnies. It had that old-school roadside attraction feel in the best possible way.

This was one of those quirky family road trip stops that kids remember because it is hands-on, unusual, and totally different from a standard sightseeing stop.

Kids petting baby alligators at Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo — Petting baby alligators was definitely one of the most unique Arkansas stops.

Animals at Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo in Hot Springs Arkansas — The petting zoo had baby bunnies, wolves, and plenty of kid-friendly animal moments.

Girl bottle feeding a baby goat at Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo in Hot Springs Arkansas — Bottle feeding baby goats ended up being one of the sweetest little moments from our Arkansas stop.

Another Arkansas Stop We Almost Added: We also considered visiting Crater of Diamonds State Park because our son loves digging for rocks and gems. We did not have time on this trip, but it would be a great add-on for families who love geology, treasure hunting, and hands-on outdoor activities.

Shop Family Road Trip Gear

After our Arkansas adventures, we drove toward Texas for the main part of the trip.

Kids sitting in Texas bluebonnets wearing cowboy hats during spring family road trip — Texas bluebonnets, cowboy hats, and spring sunshine. One of those simple road trip moments we still talk about.

One thing we did not expect during this trip was just how beautiful Texas would be in the spring. Between the bluebonnets, wide open skies, tiny farm stops, and western towns, it ended up feeling like one long movie scene the kids could run through.

Our Texas Home Base: Granbury, Texas

During the Texas portion of the trip, we stayed at Comfort Suites Granbury. Granbury worked well as a home base for our family because it gave us access to Fort Worth, Dinosaur Valley State Park, and the charming historic downtown Granbury area.

For families planning a similar trip, I think both Granbury and Fort Worth can make sense depending on the type of trip you want.

Where to Stay Tip:
Stay in Fort Worth if you want to be closer to the Stockyards, restaurants, and western nightlife.

Stay in Granbury if you want a slower pace, charming downtown, and easier access to Dinosaur Valley State Park.

Compare Granbury Hotels Browse Fort Worth Hotels

Fort Worth Stockyards

Fort Worth felt like stepping into a real western movie. Between the cowboy boots, longhorn cattle drive, bull riding, shops, restaurants, and western atmosphere, this ended up being one of the most fun stops of the trip.

Watching the cattle drive in person was such a classic Texas experience. Seeing the longhorns walk right through the Stockyards felt surreal, especially for the kids.

Longhorn cattle drive at the Fort Worth Stockyards — The Fort Worth cattle drive is a must-see if you are visiting with kids.

The kids also got to try bull riding, which quickly turned into one of those hilarious family travel moments we will probably talk about forever.

Kids trying bull riding at the Fort Worth Stockyards — Bull riding added a funny, memorable moment to our Fort Worth stop.

Where to Eat in the Fort Worth Stockyards

We ate lunch while visiting the Stockyards. There are several family-friendly restaurants in and around the Stockyards, so this is a great area to plan lunch or dinner around your cattle drive or rodeo-style activities.

Restaurant we ate at: Riscky’s Steakhouse

Browse Fort Worth Tours Shop Western Travel Outfits

Historic Granbury, Texas

Granbury ended up being one of the biggest surprises of the trip. The historic downtown square had such a fun small-town Texas feel with shops, restaurants, ice cream, and western charm.

Historic downtown Granbury Texas with family — Historic downtown Granbury was charming, walkable, and full of small-town Texas character.

We stopped to shop for cowboy hats and cowboy boots, and I believe we visited Boot Barn in Granbury. This was one of those simple road trip moments that felt very Texas in the best way.

Shopping for cowboy boots and cowboy hats in Granbury Texas — Buying cowboy hats and boots in Texas made the trip feel even more memorable.

Silver Saddle Saloon Ice Cream Stop

While exploring historic downtown Granbury, we stopped for ice cream at Silver Saddle Saloon on the square. It ended up being one of those simple little family moments that somehow becomes a favorite memory from the trip.

After walking around the shops, shopping for cowboy boots and hats, and meeting up with grandparents, sitting outside with ice cream in the middle of historic Granbury just felt like classic small-town Texas.

We also learned that parts of the Yellowstone prequel 1883 were filmed around Granbury, which made the western atmosphere feel even cooler while walking around downtown.

Family eating ice cream in historic downtown Granbury Texas — Ice cream in downtown Granbury was a sweet little family memory from the trip.

We also ate at a great barbecue place in Granbury that had chickens running around, outdoor tables, and a stage out back for live music. It was one of those fun, memorable food stops that gave the trip even more personality.

Granbury barbecue restaurant: Brock’s Food & Drink

Outdoor barbecue restaurant in Granbury Texas with chickens and stage — This Granbury barbecue stop had outdoor tables, chickens, and such a fun backyard atmosphere.

Dinosaur Valley State Park

One of the coolest stops of the Texas portion of the trip was Dinosaur Valley State Park near Glen Rose, Texas. We got to see actual dinosaur tracks preserved in the riverbed, which was such a wild experience for the kids.

It is one thing to learn about dinosaurs in a museum, but it feels completely different when you are standing near real dinosaur footprints in the rock.

Real dinosaur tracks at Dinosaur Valley State Park in Texas — Seeing real dinosaur tracks at Dinosaur Valley State Park was one of the coolest moments of the trip.

Kids exploring Dinosaur Valley State Park in Texas — Dinosaur Valley State Park is a great family stop if your kids love dinosaurs, hiking, or outdoor exploring.

Dinosaur Valley Tip: Bring water shoes, towels, sunscreen, and extra water. Depending on the water level, you may be walking through river areas to see the tracks.

Shop Family Hiking Gear Browse Texas Activities

Our First Buc-ee’s Stop

On the way home from Texas, we stopped at Buc-ee’s for the first time.

If you have never been to Buc-ee’s before, imagine a gas station crossed with a convenience store, barbecue restaurant, shopping mall, and roadside fever dream. That was basically our first reaction.

The snacks, the giant store, the drinks, the candy, the brisket sandwiches, and the clean bathrooms made it feel more like a tourist attraction than a gas station.

Even if you are not normally excited about gas stations, Buc-ee’s somehow turns into a full family road trip experience.

Family stopping at Buc-ee’s for the first time on a road trip — Our first Buc-ee’s stop was basically a full road trip event.

Oklahoma City: Cattlemen’s Steakhouse & Teepees at Orr Family Farm

On the way home, we stayed overnight in Oklahoma City and added one more memorable experience to the trip.

Cattlemen’s Steakhouse

We ate at Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City, which is one of the classic, historic steakhouse stops in the Stockyards City area. It fit the western road trip theme perfectly and felt like one final cowboy-style meal before heading home.

Orr Family Farm Teepees

Instead of staying in a standard hotel, we stayed in teepees at Orr Family Farm in Oklahoma City. This ended up being such a fun and memorable way to end the trip.

We visited in April, and it was chilly at night, but the teepees had heaters inside so we stayed warm. At night, we could hear coyotes or wolves in the distance, which made the whole experience feel even more adventurous.

Inside a family teepee stay at Orr Family Farm in Oklahoma City — Inside our teepee at Orr Family Farm, it felt cozy, unique, and much warmer than we expected.

Family inside a teepee at Orr Family Farm in Oklahoma City — The teepee stay ended up being one of those family travel experiences we still talk about.

The kids roasted hotdogs and marshmallows by the fire, swam, played on the playground, saw animals, and fed animals at the farm. After days of driving and sightseeing, this was the perfect slow-down stop before heading home.

Kids roasting hotdogs & marshmallows by the fire at Orr Family Farm teepees — Roasting hotdogs and marshmallows by the fire made Orr Family Farm feel like the perfect road trip finale.

Kids playing at Orr Family Farm in Oklahoma City — The farm had animals, playground areas, swimming, and plenty of kid-friendly activities.

Kids posing by the Oklahoma City sign during a family road trip — Oklahoma City was our final overnight stop before driving home to Indiana.

Orr Family Farm Tip: If you visit in spring, pack layers. April nights can be chilly, but our teepee had heat and stayed warm. The campfire, marshmallows, animals, and farm activities made this stop feel extra special for kids.

Scissortail Park

We also stopped at Scissortail Park in Oklahoma City, and it ended up being such a great kid-friendly break on the way home. After so much driving, the kids needed space to run, climb, slide, and burn off energy.

The playground here was incredible. It had giant bird-shaped play structures, huge slides, rope bridges, and climbing areas that felt more like an outdoor art installation than a regular playground.

Large bird-themed playground with giant slides at Scissortail Park in Oklahoma City — Scissortail Park was the perfect place for the kids to burn off road trip energy.

Kids climbing rope bridges at Scissortail Park in Oklahoma City — The rope bridges and giant slides made this one of the coolest playground stops of the trip.

Road Trip Tip: Build in playground or park stops on longer family road trips. Even a short stop can reset everyone’s mood after hours in the car.

Browse Oklahoma City Hotels Shop Camping Gear for Families Shop Road Trip Games

Final Thoughts

This trip reminded us that family road trips are rarely perfect.

Somebody spills snacks. Somebody gets tired. Somebody asks “how much longer?” at least nineteen times. But somehow, those are the trips that become the stories your family talks about for years afterward.

Between Memphis history, Arkansas gardens, baby alligators, Texas cattle drives, cowboy boots, dinosaur tracks, Buc-ee’s snacks, and Oklahoma teepees, this road trip ended up becoming one of our favorite family adventures yet.

Those simple little moments — ice cream in Granbury, marshmallows by the fire, dinosaur tracks in the riverbed, and bluebonnets in Texas — ended up becoming the memories we still talk about most.

And honestly? We would do it all over again.

More Family Road Trips You Might Like

If you love family road trips with a mix of sightseeing, food, outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly stops, you may also like these posts:

Explore More Family Travel Ideas Read More Family Travel Tips

🏷️ How to Plan a Family Trip Without the Overwhelm

April 23, 2026April 23, 2026 / jennifersheeman / Leave a comment

Family wearing ponchos at Niagara Falls during a boat tour experience — One of our favorite family travel moments—completely soaked and totally worth it.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.

Travel planning sounds fun… until you’re juggling schedules, budgets, activities, and three different opinions on what sounds “fun.”

We’ve been there. After a lot of trial, error, and “why did we plan it this way?” moments, we’ve found a simple way to plan family trips that actually works—for everyone.

If you want a trip that feels fun instead of stressful, this is exactly how we do it.

🌎 Choose a Destination That Works for Your Family

Not every “popular” destination is a good family destination—especially with kids. We’ve learned to choose places that actually work for our family, not just what looks good online.

Pro Tip: If your kids are excited about the destination, everything else gets easier—from travel days to long lines.

Family sitting together in front of red rock mountains in Sedona, Arizona during a scenic outdoor adventure — One of our favorite family travel days—exploring Sedona’s red rocks together.

Explore Family Travel Destinations

🗓️ Build a Flexible Itinerary (Not a Packed Schedule)

We used to try to fit everything in—and it backfired. Now we keep it simple.

✔ One main activity
✔ One optional activity
✔ Built-in downtime

Pro Tip: Leave space in your schedule. The best moments usually happen when you’re not rushing.

Kids relaxing in a hotel lounge during a family trip break — Sometimes the best part of the trip is slowing down for a bit.

🏨 Book Hotels & Experiences Strategically

Where you stay can completely change your trip. We’ve found that location matters more than almost anything else—especially when traveling with kids.

Find Family-Friendly Hotels

Browse Family Activities

Kids relaxing and playing in a hotel pool during a family vacation — Built-in fun like a hotel pool can make travel days so much easier.

✈️ Plan for Travel Days (This Changes Everything)

Travel days can make or break your trip. A little planning goes a long way.

Read My Packing Guide

Blue hard-shell suitcases and carry-on luggage for organized family travel — Having the right luggage setup makes family travel days feel so much easier.

Our go-to travel essentials:

Packing cubes (game changer for organization)
Kids headphones for travel days
Portable charger (we never travel without this)

Shop Travel Essentials

Pro Tip: Always pack snacks and a few easy activities. It makes a bigger difference than you think.

💛 Keep It Simple (This Is the Secret)

This is what they’ll remember most.

Kids wrapped in towels relaxing by a pool at night after a long day of travel — Sometimes the best moments of a trip are the simplest ones.

The best trips we’ve taken weren’t the most packed—they were the ones where we had time to actually enjoy where we were.

✨ FINAL THOUGHT

At the end of the day, family travel isn’t about doing everything—it’s about being together and creating memories.

And the best part? It doesn’t have to be complicated to be unforgettable.

✨ Plan Your Next Family Adventure

Ready to start dreaming? These family travel guides make planning your next trip even easier.

New York City with Kids

Washington DC with Kids

San Diego with Kids

Keep exploring:

← Back to Travel Tips

🌴 San Diego with Kids: The Ultimate 5-Day Family Itinerary

April 15, 2026April 15, 2026 / jennifersheeman / Leave a comment

Seal resting on rocks at sunset in La Jolla Cove San Diego California — Sunset in La Jolla with seals — one of the most unforgettable moments of our San Diego trip

If you’re planning a San Diego trip with kids, this itinerary made for one of our favorite family vacations.

💡 Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you book through them—at no extra cost to you!

✨ How This Trip Started (Quick LA Stop)

We kicked off this trip flying into Los Angeles and spent a couple days easing into vacation mode before heading south to San Diego.

Santa Monica Pier with Ferris wheel and ocean view in Los Angeles California — The Santa Monica Pier — a classic California stop and such a fun place for the kids to explore

Stayed at: City Express by Marriott Manhattan Beach
Walked the beach, played in the ocean, and explored a pier (the one with the Ferris wheel 🎡)
Watched sunrise at Manhattan Beach Pier (SO worth waking up early)
Drove to see the Hollywood Sign

👉 Check Availability at City Express by Marriott Manhattan Beach

If you’re looking for something closer to the beach or more walkable, you can browse other Los Angeles hotel options here:

👉 View Los Angeles Hotel Options

Then we made our way down the coast to San Diego… and that’s where the trip really hit its stride 👇

🌊 SAN DIEGO WITH KIDS

🏨 WHERE WE STAYED

📍Grande Colonial, La Jolla

Exterior view of the Colonial Grand hotel near the beach with palm trees and coastal architecture. — The Grande Colonial’s charming coastal exterior sets the tone for a relaxing beachside stay.

Oceanfront pool at the Grande Colonial hotel overlooking the beach and Pacific Ocean. — Nothing beats an oceanfront pool—this was the perfect spot to relax while the kids swam.

Spacious bedroom at the Grande Colonial hotel featuring comfortable beds and coastal-inspired decor. — Clean, comfortable, and just what we needed after long days of exploring.

✔️ Ocean views
✔️ Spacious suite (perfect for a family of 5)
✔️ Great location near everything

Book Your Stay at the Grande Colonial

📍 Why We Loved This Location

The location here was honestly perfect for a family trip. We could easily walk to see the seals at La Jolla Cove, which meant we didn’t have to worry about parking or planning—it was just part of our day.

Right across the street was Ellen Browning Scripps Park, and this became our go-to spot. The kids burned off energy here, and we found ourselves starting our mornings or winding down at night with some of the best ocean views.

This location alone made the stay 100% worth it for us.

La Jolla Cove at sunset with ocean cliffs and colorful sky in San Diego California — Sunset at La Jolla Cove — one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots in San Diego

Ellen Browning Scripps Park in La Jolla with ocean views and grassy area for families — Ellen Browning Scripps Park — the perfect spot to start our mornings and let the kids run around with an ocean view

🏨 Other Great Hotel Options in San Diego

If you’re planning a San Diego trip with kids, there are so many great places to stay depending on your budget and location preference.

While we loved staying in La Jolla, here are a few other great options depending on your style and budget:

🌊 Beachfront / Walkable Location

Hotel del Coronado (Coronado Island)
A beautiful beachfront resort with direct beach access and tons of space for families.

Check Availability at Hotel del Coronado

Hotel del Coronado beachfront resort with ocean views in Coronado San Diego California — A classic beachfront stay with direct access to one of San Diego’s most beautiful beaches

🎡 Close to Attractions (Mission Beach / SeaWorld Area)

Paradise Point Resort & Spa
A super family-friendly resort with pools, beach areas, and plenty of room for kids to explore.

View Family Rooms at Paradise Point

Paradise Point Resort San Diego with palm trees waterfront and tropical setting — A laid-back resort with plenty of space for kids to explore and relax

🌆 Downtown / Gaslamp Area

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Great location if you want to be close to restaurants, shops, and the waterfront.

Check Availability at Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego skyline hotel near waterfront and downtown — A great option if you want to stay close to the city, restaurants, and waterfront views

💰 Budget-Friendly Option

Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina
A more affordable option that still has great views and family-friendly amenities.

Check Availability at Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina

Best Western Island Palms Hotel marina view San Diego waterfront budget hotel — A more budget-friendly option with beautiful marina views and a relaxed atmosphere

💡 Pro Tip: If it’s your first time visiting San Diego, staying near the coast (La Jolla, Coronado, or Mission Beach) makes the experience feel much more “California” and keeps you close to the best views and activities.

🎉 Visiting San Diego in October (What to Know)

If you have flexibility in your travel dates, October is an amazing time to visit San Diego—especially with kids.

💰 Kids Get in FREE at Many Attractions

One of the biggest perks of visiting in October is that kids can get free admission at many of San Diego’s top attractions with the purchase of an adult ticket.

This often includes places like:

San Diego Zoo
LEGOLAND California
SeaWorld San Diego
USS Midway Museum
And other local attractions

✨ What This Meant for Our Trip

We were able to take advantage of several of these offers, and it made a big difference in the overall cost of our trip.

For a family, this can add up quickly—so if you’re able to plan around October, it’s definitely worth considering.

🎯 Check Current Ticket Options

You can check current availability and pricing for attractions here:

Check San Diego Attraction Deals

💡 Pro Tip: Not all passes include the same attractions, so double-check what’s included based on what your family actually plans to do.

🌊 Swimming in the Pacific (What to Expect)

Kids wearing wetsuits swimming in the Pacific Ocean at a San Diego beach — Wetsuits made a huge difference—especially for the kids who wanted to stay in the water longer

One thing we didn’t fully expect—the Pacific Ocean water is cold, especially in the fall.

Even on warm, sunny days, the water temperature can be a shock if you’re used to warmer beaches.

🏄‍♀️ Our Tip: Consider Wetsuits

If your kids love the water (like ours do), you may want to consider bringing or buying wetsuits.

They make a huge difference and allow you to stay in the water much longer without getting cold.

💡 What We Learned

October weather was still beautiful ☀️
But the ocean water was definitely chilly
Wetsuits made beach time way more enjoyable

🎯 Find Wetsuits Before Your Trip

If you want to grab some ahead of time, you can browse options here:

View Family Wetsuit Options

💡 Pro Tip: If you don’t want to pack wetsuits, you can also rent them at many beach shops around La Jolla and Mission Beach.

📅 Our 5-Day San Diego Itinerary with Kids

We like to plan one main activity per day and leave room for exploring, relaxing, and spontaneous stops. This keeps the trip fun and not overwhelming—especially when traveling with kids.

🗓️ Day 1: Arrival + La Jolla Exploring

La Jolla coastline with ocean and cliffs in San Diego

We arrived in San Diego, checked into our hotel in La Jolla, and kept this first day easy.

Checked into Grande Colonial, La Jolla
Walked to La Jolla Cove to see the seals 🦭
Grabbed dinner nearby

👉 This was the perfect way to ease into the trip without overpacking the day.

🗓️ Day 2: USS Midway + Coronado + Gaslamp

USS Midway aircraft carrier docked in San Diego harbor

We packed a lot into this day, but everything was fairly close and easy to get to.

Explored the USS Midway Museum

Check USS Midway Tickets

Drove over to Coronado Island
Walked along the beach near Hotel del Coronado
Explored the Gaslamp Quarter
Quick drive by Petco Park

👉 If your kids enjoy interactive experiences, the USS Midway was a really fun and hands-on stop.

🗓️ Day 3: Zoo + Little Italy + Sunset Cliffs

San Diego Zoo animals and exhibits with family-friendly atmosphere

This was one of our favorite days of the entire trip.

Spent the day at the San Diego Zoo

Check San Diego Zoo Tickets

Dinner in Little Italy
Watched sunset at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park 🌅

👉 The sunset here is absolutely worth planning your evening around.

🗓️ Day 4: LEGOLAND + Beach Night

LEGOLAND California rides and attractions for kids

We took a short drive north for a really fun day.

Visited LEGOLAND California (Carlsbad)

Check LEGOLAND Tickets

Visited friends nearby
Beach time (rocky shoreline — something different and fun for the kids)
Pizza Night 🍕 at Pizza Port

👉 This is a great day to mix activities with downtime.

🗓️ Day 5: SeaWorld + Mission Beach + Old Town

Old Town San Diego colorful buildings and shops

We wrapped up our San Diego stay with a mix of fun and exploring.

Visited SeaWorld San Diego

Check Sea World San Diego Tickets

Biked along Mission Beach Boardwalk 🚲
Explored Old Town San Diego
Dinner, shops, and live music

👉 Old Town was such a fun way to end the trip with a different vibe and lots to explore.

🌵 Extend Your Trip: Palm Springs + Joshua Tree

If you have extra time, this is an amazing add-on to your San Diego trip.

Drove to Palm Springs / La Quinta
Hiked Indian Canyons 🌴
Stargazing in Borrego Springs ✨
Explored Joshua Tree National Park

👉 This part of our trip felt completely different from San Diego and was such a cool contrast.

✨ Final Thoughts

San Diego ended up being one of our favorite family trips.

It has that perfect mix of:

beach days
fun activities
great food
and just enough downtime to actually relax

From watching the seals in La Jolla to exploring the zoo, LEGOLAND, and the coastline, this trip had something for everyone—and it’s one we would absolutely do again.

If you’re planning a family trip to California, San Diego is one of those places that really delivers.

Save this itinerary for later or use it to start planning your own trip!

🌸Washington, DC With Kids: A 5-Day Itinerary & Travel Guide (+ Baltimore Bonus)

April 14, 2026April 15, 2026 / jennifersheeman / Leave a comment

Washington Monument surrounded by cherry blossoms in Washington DC during spring family travel itinerary — Cherry blossoms in bloom around the Washington Monument during our family trip to Washington, DC

💡 Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you book through them—at no extra cost to you!

Washington, DC ended up being one of our favorite family trips because it had such a good mix of history, iconic sights, walkable attractions, and kid-friendly experiences. From seeing the monuments lit up on our first night to touring the Capitol, biking around the memorials, exploring Smithsonian museums, and adding in a Baltimore stop, this trip gave us a little bit of everything.

What also surprised us was how manageable it felt as a family trip. So many of the major museums and attractions are either free or low-cost, which helps balance out hotel and parking costs. The city also felt easy to navigate once we got comfortable mixing walking, Metro rides, and the occasional Uber.

Meaningful Road Trip Stop: Flight 93 National Memorial

Flight 93 National Memorial field and visitor area in Pennsylvania

On our way east, we made a stop at the Flight 93 National Memorial before heading on to Baltimore and then Washington, DC. This was one of the most meaningful stops of the trip and definitely not just a quick roadside attraction kind of place. It is quiet, reflective, and worth planning as its own stop rather than trying to squeeze it into your DC days.

If you’re considering adding it to a similar route, it makes much more sense as a stop on the drive in or out, not as a day trip from Baltimore or DC.

Pro Tip: The Flight 93 National Memorial is best treated as a separate road trip stop before or after your Washington, DC and Baltimore portion of the trip.

🏨 WHERE WE STAYED

📍 Washington, DC

Spacious suite layout made a big difference for our family

The indoor pool and hot tub were perfect after long days exploring DC

Free breakfast made mornings so much easier before busy days

We stayed at
👉 Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington DC Georgetown

For a family trip, this checked a lot of boxes:

✔ Suite-style rooms (separate space = sanity saver)
✔ Indoor pool + hot tub (perfect end-of-day reset)
✔ Free made-to-order breakfast (huge time + money win)
✔ Walkable to the Metro (we used it daily and loved it)

⚠️ Parking is paid (pretty standard for DC)

This ended up being a great home base for exploring Washington, DC with kids.

Book Embassy Suites Georgetown

📍 Baltimore (Bonus Stop)

Exterior Photo of Hyatt Place Baltimore Inner Harbor hotel — Easy walk to the Inner Harbor from our hotel

Nice indoor pool to burn some energy at the end of a day

Room at Hyatt Place Baltimore Inner Harbor hotel — Comfortable and simple room for a quick Baltimore stay

We stayed at
👉 Hyatt Place Baltimore Inner Harbor

✔ Walkable to the Inner Harbor + aquarium
✔ Easy location for a quick overnight
✔ Comfortable, simple, and family-friendly

Baltimore was a really easy and fun add-on to our DC trip and gave us a nice change of pace from the museums and monuments.

Book Hyatt Place Baltimore Inner Harbor

🏨 More Washington, DC Hotel Options for Families

If our hotel is booked or you want to explore different areas, here are a few great options depending on what matters most to your family—location, Metro access, or extra space and included breakfast.

🏛️ Stay Near the National Mall

Staying near the National Mall puts you within walking distance of many of the most iconic sights like the Washington Monument, Smithsonian museums, and memorials. This is a great option if you want to minimize transportation and maximize sightseeing time.

View Hotels Near the National Mall

🚇 Hotels Near Metro Access

One of the best things we did was stay near a Metro stop. It made getting around the city so much easier, especially after long days of walking. If you’re traveling with kids, this can make a big difference in how manageable your trip feels.

Browse Hotels Near Metro Stations

🛏️ Family Suites + Breakfast Included

For families, having extra space and breakfast included can make a big difference. Suite-style hotels give everyone room to spread out, and starting the day with breakfast already handled makes mornings so much easier.

Find Family Suites with Breakfast

Pro Tip: In Washington, DC, you’ll likely trade off between location, price, and space. For our family, having extra room and breakfast included was worth being slightly outside the main tourist areas.

🚇 GETTING AROUND WASHINGTON, DC WITH KIDS

One of the things that surprised us most about Washington, DC was how easy it was to get around.

We also loved that our hotel was within walking distance of the Metro, which made getting around the city much easier for our family.

💡 What worked well for us:

Walking the National Mall
Using the Metro for longer distances
Mixing in Uber when needed

Pro Tip: If your hotel is near a Metro stop, it makes a big difference. We loved having easy access from our hotel to the subway—it saved time and gave us a break from walking.

🌙 Day 1: Arrive in DC + See the Monuments at Night

Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument lit up at night in Washington DC — Seeing the monuments lit up on our first night was the perfect start to our trip.

We arrived in Washington, DC at night, and one of the best decisions we made was heading straight out to see the monuments lit up. Seeing the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument glowing after dark made such a strong first impression and felt like the perfect start to the trip.

Browse DC Monuments Tours

🐰 Day 2: Easter Sunday + Ford’s Theatre + Pool Time

Easter Bunny visit during family meal in Washington DC — A surprise Easter Bunny visit made this part of our DC trip extra memorable.

The next day was Easter Sunday, and we had such a fun surprise when the Easter Bunny showed up during our meal. Later, we toured Ford’s Theatre, which was one of the most meaningful and interesting stops on the trip. After that, heading back to the hotel for pool time ended up being the perfect reset for everyone.

Ford’s Theatre recommends advance tickets, and a limited number of same-day historic site tickets are also sometimes available.

Browse Ford’s Theatre & DC Attractions

🏛️ Day 3: Capitol Tour + National Archives

United States Capitol building during family visit in Washington DC — This ended up being one of our most memorable history-filled days in Washington, DC.

This was one of our big history days. We toured the U.S. Capitol and visited the National Archives, and both were absolutely worth doing. Seeing those spaces in person makes everything feel so much more real for kids and adults.

Capitol tours are free, guided, and reservations are recommended. The National Archives is also free, and while tickets are not required, they are encouraged to improve the visit experience.

Browse Capitol & National Mall Tours

🦖 Day 4: Natural History Museum + National Zoo

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History exhibits with kids — The Natural History Museum was one of the easiest family wins of the trip.

Family visiting the National Zoo in Washington DC — The National Zoo made a great slower-paced day between the bigger sightseeing stops.

The Smithsonian museums are one of the best parts of visiting Washington, DC with kids, and the Natural History Museum was an easy favorite. We also spent time at the National Zoo, which made for a nice balance after some of the more history-heavy parts of the trip.

The Natural History Museum is free and does not require tickets. The Zoo is also free, but entry passes are required.

Browse Family-Friendly DC Activities

✈️ Day 5: Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum

Aircraft displays inside the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia — This museum ended up being one of the best surprises of our entire trip.

Instead of visiting the downtown Air and Space Museum, we went to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, and honestly, it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made. It had so much more space, so much more to see, and felt much less crowded. It ended up being one of our favorite stops of the whole trip.

The Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles displays thousands of aviation and space artifacts, is free to enter, and is open daily.

Browse Air & Space and Family Museum Tours

🚲 Day 6: Bike Tour + Cherry Blossoms + Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Family bike tour route near monuments in Washington DC — Biking the monuments was one of the coolest ways to see the city.

Cherry blossoms blooming in Washington DC during spring — We were lucky enough to catch some cherry blossoms blooming during our trip.

One of the coolest ways we explored Washington, DC was by doing a bike tour around the monuments. It was such a great way to cover more ground and keep everyone engaged. We also got to see some of the cherry blossoms blooming, which made the city feel even more special.

This ended up being one of our favorite days because it felt active, flexible, and a little more relaxed.

Another stop that really stayed with us was the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We happened to visit on a rainy day, and somehow that made the experience feel even more fitting and memorable. Arlington is large and hilly, so it helps to plan for more walking than you might expect. The Tomb’s changing of the guard ceremony takes place every hour from October through March and every half hour from April through September.

Book a DC Bike Tour

Rainy day visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — Visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on a rainy day felt especially moving.

🏛️ White House Tour: Plan This Early

White House exterior view in Washington DC during family travel itinerary — A visit to the White House is one of the most unique experiences in Washington, DC, but it requires advance planning

Touring the White House was one of the most unique parts of our trip, but it definitely takes advance planning. This is not something you can just book like a regular attraction. White House tour requests must go through your U.S. Representative or Senator, and the official request window is typically 21 to 90 days before your requested tour dates. Approval is not guaranteed.

Pro Tip: If touring the White House is on your bucket list, start planning as soon as your dates are set. Requests go through your congressional office, not a travel site, and spots are limited.

Browse Popular DC Tours

🍴 Where We Ate in Washington, DC

We found a mix of casual and sit-down spots worked best for our family in DC, especially with long days of walking and sightseeing.

Pizzeria Paradiso Dupont
Ted’s Bulletin for the homemade pop tarts
Union Market
Matchbox for mini burgers, pizza, beer, and wine
Old Ebbitt Grill
Carmine’s Italian
Café Berlin
Etto
Food Truck lunch near the National Mall

Pro Tip: In DC, it helped to balance one or two sit-down meals with casual options like food trucks, Union Market, or pizza. That made sightseeing days much easier with kids.

☔ What We Were Glad We Packed

It rained for a good part of our trip, so having a few weather-ready items made a big difference. If you’re heading to DC in spring or anytime the forecast looks iffy, these are worth tossing in your suitcase.

These were items we ended up needing during our trip and were really glad we had.

Having these on hand made a big difference on rainy sightseeing days.

Shop Rain Ponchos

Shop Travel Umbrellas

⚾ Bonus Stop: Baltimore With Kids

Oriole Park at Camden Yards during a Baltimore Orioles game — Catching an Orioles game made Baltimore such a fun add-on to this trip.

Historic stop at the Star-Spangled Banner House in Baltimore — The Star-Spangled Banner House was a quick but meaningful stop.

Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum in Baltimore — We found a Groupon discount for the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum.

Before DC, we also spent time in Baltimore, which made a really fun add-on to the trip. We caught an Orioles game, visited the Star-Spangled Banner House, and went to the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum, where we found a Groupon discount.

If you’re traveling with kids and want more options in Baltimore, some other places worth looking into include Port Discovery, the Maryland Science Center, the Baltimore Museum of Industry, Urban Pirates, Shenanigans Toy Shop, and Bengies Drive-In.

Browse Baltimore Family Activities

🚇 Getting Around Washington, DC With Kids

Washington DC Metro subway station platform during family travel — We used the Metro several times during our trip and found it safe, clean, and easy to navigate with kids

One of the things that surprised us most about Washington, DC was how easy it was to get around. We used the Metro multiple times during our trip and felt completely safe the entire time. It was efficient, easy to figure out, and gave us a break from all the walking.

Having a hotel within walking distance of a Metro stop made a huge difference for us. We still did a lot on foot, especially around the National Mall, but mixing walking, Metro rides, and the occasional Uber was definitely the best strategy.

Pro Tip: If you’re booking a hotel in Washington, DC, being near a Metro stop is worth it. It made getting around so much easier for our family.

💛 Final Thoughts on Washington, DC With Kids

Washington, DC ended up being such a memorable family trip for us because it had a little bit of everything: history, iconic landmarks, museums, meaningful moments, and just enough fun mixed in to keep it exciting for kids. We loved the mix of walking, sightseeing, and slower-paced moments like pool time, food stops, and the bike tour.

If you’re planning a family trip to DC, I hope this itinerary helps make it feel a little less overwhelming and a lot more doable.

It’s one of those trips that’s not just fun in the moment—but meaningful long after you leave.

🗽 NEW YORK CITY WITH KIDS: 5-DAY MANHATTAN ITINERARY

March 30, 2026April 15, 2026 / jennifersheeman / Leave a comment

New York City is not a place — it’s a feeling, and it hits you the moment you see the skyline.

💡 Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you book through them—at no extra cost to you!

A 5-day New York City itinerary packed with skyline views, Broadway nights, iconic food stops, and unforgettable family experiences in the heart of Manhattan.

We spent five unforgettable days here as a family of five, staying right in the heart of Manhattan near Times Square and exploring the city through skyline views, Broadway lights, iconic landmarks, and nonstop energy from morning to night.

This trip blended bucket-list moments with kid-friendly fun — walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, visiting the Statue of Liberty, exploring Grand Central Terminal, seeing the skyline from Summit One Vanderbilt, and discovering hidden favorite food stops along the way.

We also built in interactive experiences like the Bronx Zoo, Yankee Stadium tour, LEGO Store Fifth Avenue, FAO Schwarz, slime making, and even making custom Funko Pops.

Below is our full 5-day NYC itinerary, including attractions, food, hotel details, and tips for visiting New York City with kids or teens.

View New York CityPASS Options

Compare Go City Passes

💡 Tip: City passes are best if you plan to visit 2–3 major attractions per day. If your itinerary is more relaxed, individual tickets may be a better option.

🏨 Where We Stayed in New York City

We stayed at the RIU Plaza Manhattan Times Square, and it was the perfect home base for our New York City trip.

The biggest advantage was the location. Being just steps from Times Square made it easy to walk to Broadway shows, restaurants, and many of the main attractions, while also having quick access to subway lines to explore the rest of the city.

For a family visiting NYC, having everything so close made the trip smoother, more efficient, and much more enjoyable.

Check Prices at RIU

Compare NYC Hotels

🏨 Other Great Places to Stay in NYC

If you’re planning your trip, here are a few great areas to consider depending on your travel style and budget.

⭐ Times Square

Best for first-time visitors who want to be close to Broadway, restaurants, and major attractions. This is where we stayed, and it worked really well for our family.

View Times Square Hotels

🌆 Midtown Manhattan

A slightly quieter option that still keeps you central and close to the action.

View Midtown Hotels

💰 Budget-Friendly Manhattan Options

If you plan to spend most of your time out exploring, smaller and more affordable hotels can still give you excellent access to the city.

Find Budget NYC Hotels

✨ Luxury or Special Stay

If you’re celebrating something special or want a more elevated Manhattan experience, there are incredible NYC hotels with amazing views and amenities.

View Luxury NYC Hotels

New York City hotels can book quickly, especially in Times Square and Midtown, so if you find a good option, it’s worth reserving early.

🗺️ Our 5-Day New York City Itinerary

Here’s exactly how we spent our days in NYC — including what worked, what we loved, and what we’d do again.

🌆 Day 1: Arrival in Manhattan and Times Square at Night

We arrived on Saturday night and immediately stepped into the energy of Times Square. It was the perfect introduction to New York City — bright lights, nonstop movement, and that exciting feeling that you really are in the middle of it all.

We kept our first night simple and just took it all in. Even walking around the area felt like an experience on its own.

🗽 Day 2: Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial, and Lower Manhattan

One of our most memorable days in the city was visiting the Statue of Liberty. Taking the ferry and seeing the skyline from the water made this feel even more special.

Book Statue of Liberty Ferry Tickets

We also visited the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, which was one of the most powerful and meaningful stops of the trip.

Get 9/11 Museum Tickets

After visiting the Statue of Liberty and walking around Battery Park, we found the SeaGlass Carousel, which was such a fun and unexpected stop for the kids. It’s a beautifully designed ride with glowing fish and music, and it was a great way to slow down for a bit after a busy day of exploring.

While downtown, we also stopped at Eataly near the World Trade Center, which was a great casual Italian option during a busy sightseeing day.

🌉 Day 3: Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO, Jane’s Carousel, and the Waterfront

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge was one of our favorite experiences of the entire trip. The views are incredible, and walking from Manhattan into Brooklyn makes the skyline feel even more dramatic.

🌉 Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tips

Distance: About 1.1 miles one way
Time: Plan 45 to 60 minutes with kids and photo stops
Best direction: Walk from Manhattan to Brooklyn for the best skyline views
Go early or later in the day: It gets crowded midday
Watch the bike lane: Stay in the pedestrian section
End in DUMBO: Perfect for food, photos, and Jane’s Carousel

After crossing the bridge, we explored DUMBO and the waterfront area near Jane’s Carousel. This part of Brooklyn was such a fun contrast to Manhattan and had some of the best views of the trip.

We also explored the Time Out Market nearby, which made for a great stop after the bridge walk.

Explore Brooklyn and DUMBO Tours

New York City is not a place, it’s a feeling.

🏙️ Day 4: Midtown Favorites, Grand Central, Fifth Avenue, and Interactive Fun

This day was packed with some of the most fun and interactive experiences of the trip. On Fifth Avenue, we visited the LEGO Store and built custom LEGO mini figures, which was such a fun activity for the kids.

One of the kids’ favorite activities was making custom slime, which ended up being one of those unexpected highlights.

At FAO Schwarz, we went beyond just shopping and got to make our own custom Funko Pop, which made for a really fun souvenir and memory from the trip.

Grand Central Terminal was another must-see stop for us. The architecture is stunning, and it feels like one of those places in New York that you have to experience in person. We also visited the whispering gallery and grabbed food inside.

We visited the Harry Potter Store and tried butterbeer, which was a huge hit and such a fun thing to sprinkle into a New York City itinerary with kids.

Explore NYC Harry Potter Experience

One of the highlights of our Midtown day was visiting Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center, and the views were absolutely incredible. One of the best things about this observation deck is that you get a clear view of the Empire State Building in the skyline, which makes it feel especially iconic.

Get Top of the Rock Tickets

We later experienced SUMMIT One Vanderbilt as well, which had a completely different, more interactive feel — but Top of the Rock is hard to beat if you’re looking for classic New York City views.

🌳 Day 5: Central Park, Museum of Natural History, Bronx Zoo, and Yankee Stadium

We spent part of the trip exploring Central Park and also visited the American Museum of Natural History, which is always such a great stop with kids.

We considered biking in Central Park and ended up enjoying just walking and taking our time through the park.

Book Museum Tickets

We added in a trip to the Bronx Zoo, which felt like a fun break from the pace of Manhattan and was a great family-friendly addition to the trip.

Get Bronx Zoo Tickets

For the sports fans in our family, the Yankee Stadium tour was another highlight. Seeing the stadium and getting that behind-the-scenes feel made this one really memorable.

Book Yankee Stadium Tour

🌇 Day 6: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, Broadway, and Final City Moments

Instead of going up the Empire State Building, we chose SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, and it ended up being one of the most unforgettable experiences of the entire trip.

Earlier in our trip, we also visited Top of the Rock, which offers more traditional skyline views. SUMMIT felt completely different — much more immersive and interactive — which made it a really fun contrast.

There really is not a bad time to go, but for us, night was perfect.

Get SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Tickets

Compare Top of the Rock Tickets

Broadway was another major highlight of our trip and one of those classic New York City experiences that really does live up to the hype.

Browse Broadway Shows & Tickets

🚇 Getting Around NYC

We used the subway throughout our trip and found it safe, efficient, and one of the easiest ways to get around New York City. We never felt unsafe and actually ended up really liking using it.

🍕 NYC Food Highlights

Food was a huge part of our New York City trip, and we ended up finding several places we would absolutely recommend.

Joe’s Pizza was our favorite slice in the city and easily topped everything else we tried.

Prince Street Pizza was another fun and iconic pizza stop that is definitely worth trying.

Magnolia Bakery was one of our favorite dessert stops and is known for banana pudding and cupcakes.

Carmine’s in Times Square was our family-style Italian dinner, and it is definitely a place where you should make a reservation ahead of time.

Eataly near the World Trade Center was a great casual Italian stop during our downtown day.

Ellen’s Stardust Diner was worth it for the entertainment, even if the food itself was not the highlight. This is a great place to just do an appetizer or dessert if you mainly want the experience.

View NYC Food Tours

🌆 Final Thoughts on Visiting New York City with Kids

New York City exceeded every expectation we had. It’s fast, loud, exciting, and somehow still filled with moments that slow you down just enough to take it all in.

From skyline views and Broadway nights to pizza stops and interactive experiences for the kids, every day felt completely different, and that’s what makes NYC so unforgettable.

If you’re planning a trip, don’t try to do everything. Pick your highlights, leave room to explore, and let the city surprise you.

Because in the end, New York City isn’t just a place you visit — it’s something you feel long after you leave.