The ultImate ACCESSIBLE family travel bucket list
I'm a huge fan of accessible travel. Maybe it's an actual term... maybe I made it up. But to me, accessible travel means short, budget-friendly trips that might not be as adventurous as riding camels through Egypt or zip lining in the Costa Rican rainforest but it will create memories with your family. It means sharing an experience together, whether it's a few hours from home or a quick flight down the coast. From kid-friendly theme parks to a train ride through the mountains, each getaway on this list has something for everyone in the family.
1 -
A National or State Park
It's no secret on this blog that I'm a huge fan of North America's national parks. Staring out over a canyon or up at a massive mountain peak can be a life-changing experience. These parks have so much to offer, no matter who you are. There's diverse wildlife, incredible hikes, and stunning views. They really are something your whole family can enjoy.
Because national parks aren't as accessible to certain parts of the country, state parks are an easy alternative. Some of the most beautiful and interesting landmarks in the US are actually state parks. Niagara Falls is a state park, and so is Valley of Fire in Nevada.
Franconia Notch in New Hampshire is an old-growth forest with a 90-foot-tall, moss-covered granite canyon called Flume Gorge. Having grown up in New Hampshire, I've been here myself, and it's really incredible and hard to believe such a stunning place can be so close to home.
Cumberland Falls in Kentucky is one of the few places in the world you can see a lunar rainbow, an effect seen through the mist of the waterfall on the Cumberland River.
2 -
A peaceful retreat
Peaceful could mean a lot of things and can vary, depending on your interests. If you're a cocktail-on-the-beach kind of family, an all-inclusive resort might be the way to go. If you're a yoga-and-tea-type family, many wellness retreats are actually kid-friendly. If animals keep you centered, consider a farm stay or ranch.
The C Lazy U Ranch in Colorado offers a ton of activities including a ropes course, horseback riding, fly fishing, archery, yoga, as well as a spa.
Cal-a-Vie in California is a wellness retreat for the whole family and offers things like yoga, kickboxing, cooking demos, and spa treatments.
3 -
Something for the kids
While Disneyland and Disneyworld are probably the most well-known kid-friendly parks, there are so many smaller, more accessible theme parks, and some of them might even be in your area.
Legoland now has locations in New York, California, and Florida, in addition to several countries. This is a great way to get that kid-focused theme park feel but on a much smaller scale.
Storyland in Glen, New Hampshire, offers rides and activities, including a train ride, antique cars, and kid-friendly rollercoasters. The park is on the smaller side, so you can easily get through it in an afternoon.
Hershey Park in Hershey, Pennsylvania, has a ton of kid-friendly rides, coasters, attractions, and even a waterpark. This park is bigger than you might expect and has a lot to offer the whole family.
4 -
A glamping getaway
This might be one of my favorite options. If you've read my previous posts or glanced at the blog, you'd know that I'm a sucker for an overnight outdoors. In my opinion, it's the perfect way to clear your head, reconnect with the people you love and just press restart. You can use sites like Hipcamp and Tentrr to search for spots, and even the more popular vacation stay platforms have glamping filters to search by. And there are some really great places to stay in each state. Things like treehouses, yurts, and domes are all featured heavily on these sites. Here are just a few on my personal bucket list.
Wonderlust Airstream in Joshua Tree, CA
Alpaca Treehouse in the Bamboo Forest in Atlanta, GA
Hudson Valley Glamping Geodome in NY
5 -
Airbnb and chill
I will take a cozy home feeling over a hotel any day. It lets your family have their separate rooms, allowing a bit of peace, and it doesn't feel as stale as hotels can often feel. A lot of times, you'll have an outdoor space and a full kitchen and living area as well. Sometimes, all you really need is to relax in a clean house that's not your own.
I like searching Airbnb (or any vacation stay platform) for places that will look great in our family photos. Just me? Oh… well, whatever it is that draws you in, there are so many vacation homes available year-round for a casual escape that everyone in the family can benefit from. Here are a few on my list.
Mojave Villa in Joshua Tree, CA
Light filled Sag Harbor village gem in NY
Clark Fair Cilos in Kallspell, MT
Architectural Wonder in the Woods in Rhinebeck, NY
6 -
A close-by cultural weekend
For almost everyone in the US, a city escape is only a few hours' drive. Whether you live in a rural area or even another city, experiencing a bit of art and culture can reset your family's mental state and spark creativity and bonding.
I currently live in a major city, and I can say, honestly, that I take it for granted. I don't experience nearly as much of the area as I'd like so when I do find myself in new neighborhood or seeing the city through different views, I feel like a whole new person.
7 -
An RV road-trip
This one might seem a bit out of reach at first read, but did you know that there are websites (and RV owners!) that will rent out their travel trailers, RVs and campers so your family can experience RV life without the massive undertaking? Sites like Outdoorsy and RV Share allow RV/van/travel trailer owners to rent their vehicles out by the night. This is a really great way to either test out RV life before purchasing or just experience a glimpse of it. It's also convenient that you can shop around and find the right one for your family and destination.
8 -
Train trip
Ok, this one might sound a bit farfetched, but I promise, it's absolutely doable! Amtrak goes to many places in the US and is often running deals for specific trips/destinations. Do you know what this means? Everyone in the family can experience the breathtaking views and leisure time of a road trip, including you and your spouse. And since no one's driving, you can put your feet up and grab a book because all you have to worry about is what time the diner car opens.
There are also some smaller train rides available if you're not ready to commit to a couple of days in a sleeping car.
The Cog Railway in New Hampshire takes you through the White Mountains and up to the top of Mount Washington, allowing your family an unforgettable experience.
Closer to regular elevation, in the town of North Conway, New Hampshire, there's a train ride available during the holidays, perfect for the kids. It's Journey to the North Pole and is a 2-hour ride, taking you to Santa's Workshop. People often wear pajamas, evoking the book, The Polar Express, and it's a festive winter experience your family will love.
One of my dream train rides is the Rocky Mountaineer. It's a luxury train with 360 views and travels both in the Garibaldi Park area of Canada as well as from Moab, Utah to Denver, CO.
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Budget-friendly tips for road trips with the family
