The United States is a massive country with a ton of things to do, no matter where you are. It can be hard to decide when you think of ‘things to do with kids near me’ when they’re bored or need something new and exciting. But don’t worry! There are plenty of things for them, no matter their age.
Your kids will never be bored in the USA, from theme parks to zoos, forests to museums. If you’re ever stuck on what to do, dive into this list of 20 things to do with kids in the United States!
1. Ghost Town Museum
Address: 400 S 21st St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, Phone: 719-634-0696
There’s something oddly intriguing about a place that was once bustling with people and is now abandoned. The Colorado Springs Ghost Town Museum, which opened in 1954, is a historically significant structure that houses a growing collection of antiques, equipment, and keepsakes from the 1800s.
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2. Crater Lake National Park
Address: Crater Lake National Park, Oregon 97604, Phone: 541-594-3000
This national park is home to the deepest lake in the United States, Crater Lake. The water is so blue and clear that it’s mesmerizing.
There are plenty of things for kids to do here, like hiking, fishing, swimming, and boating. You can also take a scenic drive or go on a ranger-led tour.
3. The Field Museum
Address: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, Phone: 312-922-9410
The Field Museum is one of the largest natural history museums globally. It’s home to Sue, the largest, most extensive, and best-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex fossil.
Kids will love exploring all the different exhibits, like dinosaurs, ancient cultures, and animals worldwide. They can also participate in hands-on activities, like digging for fossils or mummifying a chicken.
4. National September 11 Memorial & Museum
Address: 180 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007, Phone: 212-266-5211
The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is a moving tribute to the lives lost in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
While it might not be appropriate for very young children, older kids will appreciate learning about this significant event in American history.
There are several interactive exhibits, like a replica of the Twin Towers and a timeline of events.
5. National Air and Space Museum
Address: 600 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560, Phone: 202-633-1000
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is one of the most famous museums in the world. It’s home to over 60,000 objects, including the Wright brothers’ airplane and Buzz Aldrin’s spacesuit.
Kids will love seeing all the different airplanes, rockets, and spacecraft. They can also learn about the history of aviation and space exploration.
6. American Museum of Natural History
Address: Central Park West & 79th St, New York, NY 10024,
Phone: 212-769-5100
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the largest museums in the world. It’s home to over 32 million specimens, including a life-sized blue whale.
Children can enjoy exploring different exhibits, like dinosaurs, animals, and rocks and minerals. They can also participate in hands-on activities, like digging for fossils or panning for gold.
7. Yellowstone National Park
Address: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190,
Phone: 307-344-7381
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. It’s home to Old Faithful, a geyser that erupts every 90 minutes.
Kids will love seeing different animals, like bison, bears, and elk. They can also explore the many hiking trails, geyser basins, and waterfalls.
8. Niagara Falls State Park
Address: 2450 Parkway Dr, Niagara Falls, NY 14303,
Phone: 716-278-1796
Niagara Falls State Park is home to the world-famous Niagara Falls. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States.
Your kids will enjoy the majestic waterfalls and learn about the area’s history. There are also several hands-on activities, like taking a boat ride or going on a hike.
9. The White House
Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500, Phone: 202-456-1111
The White House is the official residence of the President of the United States. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Washington, D.C.
Children will love seeing the historic building and learning about the presidents who have lived there. They can also tour the grounds and see the White House gardens.
10. Disney World
Address: Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, FL 32830, Phone: 407-939-5277
Disney World is a world-famous theme park in Orlando, Florida. It’s home to four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.
Your child will love meeting their favorite Disney characters and riding different rides. There are also several shows and parades throughout the day.
11. Universal Studios
Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, Phone: 407-363-8000
Universal Studios is a world-famous theme park in Orlando, Florida. Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure are home to two theme parks.
Kids will love riding all the different rides and seeing their favorite movies come to life.
12. SeaWorld
Address: 7007 Sea World Dr, Orlando, FL 32821, Phone: 407-545-5550
SeaWorld is a world-famous theme park in Orlando, Florida. It’s home to killer whales, dolphins, penguins, and other marine animals.
Children will enjoy seeing all the different animals and riding the rides. There are also several shows throughout the day, like the Shamu Show and the Dolphin Show.
13. The Statue of Liberty
Address: Liberty Island, New York, NY 10004, Phone: 212-363-3200
The Statue of Liberty is a world-famous monument in New York City. It’s a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States.
Children will love seeing the giant statue and learning about its history. They can also take a pedestal tour or take a ferry ride to Ellis Island.
14. Ellis Island
Address: Ellis Island, New York, NY 10004, Phone: 212-363-3200
Ellis Island is a historic site in New York City. It’s where millions of immigrants first arrived in the United States.
Your kid will learn about the history of Ellis Island by seeing the artifacts on display. They can also take a ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty.
15. The Alamo
Address: 300 Alamo Plz, San Antonio, TX 78205, Phone: 210-225-1391
The Alamo is a historic site in San Antonio, Texas. It’s where the Battle of the Alamo took place during the Texas Revolution.
Kids will get to know the history of the Battle of the Alamo and can also take a tour of the grounds or visit the Alamo Museum.
16. Independence Hall
Address: 520 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, Phone: 215-965-2305
Independence Hall is a historical site in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It’s where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were both signed.
17. The Liberty Bell
Address: 6th & Market Sts, Philadelphia, PA 19106, Phone: 215-965-2305
The Liberty Bell is a world-famous monument in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It’s an iconic symbol of American freedom.
There is a massive bell your kids will love, and they will also learn about its history. They can also take a tour of the Liberty Bell Center or visit the Independence Visitor Center.
18. The Grand Canyon
Address: Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86023, Phone: 928-638-7888
The Grand Canyon is a world-famous national park in Arizona. It’s one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World.
The vast canyon is mesmerizing, and your kids will love it! You can also take them on a park tour or rafting trip down the Colorado River.
19. Mt. Rushmore National Monument
Address: 13000 S Dakota 244, Keystone, SD 57751, Phone: 605-574-2523
Mt. Rushmore National Monument is a world-famous monument in South Dakota. It’s home to the faces of four American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt.
Kids will love seeing the huge faces and learning about the history of Mt. Rushmore. They can also tour the monument or go hiking in the surrounding Black Hills.
20. The Golden Gate Bridge
Address: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA 94129, Phone: 415-921-5858
The Golden Gate Bridge is a world-famous bridge in San Francisco, California. It spans the Golden Gate strait and connects San Francisco to Marin County. The bridge is one of the most photographed bridges globally, and it is a popular tourist destination.
Kids love to run and play on the Golden Gate Bridge. It is a beautiful place to take a walk or ride a bike. There are also many exciting places to visit nearby, such as Alcatraz Island and Golden Gate Park.
Let’s Go!
With so many things to do, you’ll have plenty of things to plan for your next vacation near the U.S. and with kids in tow! With theme parks and zoos around every corner, museums, nature walks, live music performances, festivals, and more – there’s something for everyone on this list.
Whether you’re trying to find a new destination or want some suggestions closer to home, these 20 destinations will keep any child entertained while challenging their minds at the same time. Along with outdoor activities, you should also encourage your kids to get involved in indoor activities! So what are you waiting for? Get started with your kids today!
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