Are you gearing up to plan your family’s vacations for 2025? I’ve gathered some fantastic suggestions on where to take the kids. From exciting new attractions to significant events at popular theme parks, these U.S. locations have much to offer in 2025. Here are my top recommendations for family vacations this year.

1. Orlando, Florida

Orlando is a perennial favorite for family trips, and 2025 is no exception. The Central Florida hotspot will witness the grand opening of Universal Epic Universe on May 22, 2025. This new theme park, the fourth at Universal Orlando Resort, will spotlight exciting new areas dedicated to Super Nintendo, classic movie monsters, the Isle of Berk from How to Train Your Dragon, and the Harry Potter universe’s Ministry of Magic.

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In addition to Universal, Disney will introduce the Starlight nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom Park in summer 2025, its first in nearly a decade. SeaWorld Orlando will reveal its Immersive Flying Experience, a groundbreaking Arctic-themed flying theater, in the spring. Fun Spot Orlando will launch new rides at both of its locations. Throughout summer, you can also catch 2025 FIFA Club World Cup matches at Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium.

Accommodations: Experience the new Universal Epic Universe by staying at one of its hotels: Universal Stella Nova Resort (opening January 21, 2025), Universal Terra Luna Resort (opening March 25, 2025), or Universal Helios Grand Hotel (opening May 22, 2025).

2. San Diego, California

San Diego is a fantastic spot for family vacations, and 2025 will bring even more attractions. SeaWorld San Diego will unveil the Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience in spring 2025, offering an interactive way to discover these amazing creatures. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the new giant pandas at the San Diego Zoo, which debuted in August 2024. Timed tickets are available at the zoo or you can join the standby queue.

Belmont Park will commemorate its centennial with exclusive events and promotions, including the chance to win a Lifetime Pass. Families can enjoy the refurbished Giant Dipper, one of the country’s oldest roller coasters. The Botanical Building at Balboa Park has reopened following renovations, and the city’s Major League Soccer team, San Diego FC, will kick off its season in the spring. Plus, the new Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport is scheduled to open in late summer 2025. If you’re visiting in October, don’t miss the popular Kids Free San Diego program.

Accommodations: Enjoy a stay at the iconic Hotel del Coronado, which is undergoing a $550-million renovation and will offer newly restored Victorian rooms in 2025.

3. Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis had a record year for tourism in 2024, and this trend is set to continue into 2025. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is celebrating its centennial with special exhibits and a gigantic Centennial Ferris Wheel open from March 15 to November 2, 2025. Spring also marks the reopening of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum after a significant $89 million renovation, where you can test your skills in a “pit stop competition” and try out a racing simulator.

There will be more family-friendly attractions with the expansion of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, a new chimpanzee complex at the Indianapolis Zoo, and the Riverside Adventure Park, which opens its doors in spring 2025. In addition, Indianapolis will host NCAA March Madness Sweet 16 and Elite 8 games along with the WNBA All-Star Game in July, likely featuring Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark.

Accommodations: The InterContinental Indianapolis will offer upscale lodging options for families, or consider the conveniently located JW Marriott Indianapolis for an ideal starting point to explore the city.

4. Tucson, Arizona

Tucson is celebrating several significant events in 2025, most notably its 250th anniversary with a special celebration at the Presidio San Agustin Del Tucson on August 25, featuring multicultural performances, family activities, and live music. Tucson will also commemorate ten years as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, inviting families to explore its culinary delights with Taco Bike Tours or Downtown Tucson Tours.

The Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium will launch a new exhibit titled “Universe of Science” as it marks its 50th anniversary, and visitors can check out “Dinos in the Desert” at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum until April 27, 2025. Enhance your Tucson adventure with visits to the Children’s Museum Tucson, a guided tram tour of the Pima Air & Space Museum, a hike through Saguaro National Park, and a stroll in Old Tucson.

Accommodations: Families will love The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, featuring multiple pools, a 177-foot waterslide, and a kids club.

5. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Pigeon Forge is already a top destination for families, and 2025 promises to be even more exciting. Dollywood theme park will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a series of events including a new opening ceremony each morning, a fresh summer drone and fireworks show, and enhancements to the Country Fair section of the park.

Country Cascades Waterpark Resort recently opened Braxton Beaver’s Shipwreck Bay, an indoor water park, and the new WildSide adventure park will offer mountain biking trails, guided UTV rides, and other exhilarating experiences. The Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster launches in spring 2025, joined by the Rafter’s Rage six-person waterslide at Soaky Mountain Waterpark in the summer.

Accommodations: Pigeon Forge offers several new lodging options suitable for various family sizes and budgets, including Cambria Hotel Pigeon Forge and Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Pigeon Forge.

6. Space Coast, Florida

For a unique family getaway, consider Florida’s Space Coast in 2025. Begin your journey at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to explore the area’s fascinating space history. In early 2025, the new interactive attraction, The Gantry at LC-39, will open, featuring immersive exhibits and spectacular views of Launch Complex 39.

Check for any scheduled space launches during your visit; if they occur, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the liftoff from various vantage points around the area.

(you might even find activities just outside your hotel, as I discovered on a recent trip). Numerous hotels are set to open in 2025, including Hyatt Place Cape Canaveral, Compass by Margaritaville Melbourne, and Hilton Garden Inn Cape Canaveral.

In 2025, the Cocoa Beach Mercado Brewery & Food Hall and Destination Downtown Food Hall will open in downtown Cocoa Beach, providing family-friendly dining options. Before you indulge, consider building up your appetite with a kayak tour or a stroll through Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, followed by a charming sunset boat ride. If you’re arriving via exciting new cruise ships from Port Canaveral, such as Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Treasure, Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, or Norwegian Cruise Line’s Aqua, be sure to carve out some time for local exploration either before or after your cruise.

Where to stay: For a beachside experience, choose the Best Western Cocoa Beach Hotel & Suites, or opt for the Hampton Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral Cruise Port for a convenient base to explore the area more thoroughly.

7. Portland, Oregon

Your adventure in Portland begins upon arrival at the newly updated Portland International Airport, where a beautiful wooden ceiling crafted from timber gathered from the tribal lands of several Oregon and Washington tribes enhances the natural ambiance. Dotted with plants, the terminal also features local gems like independent bookstore Powell’s Books, setting the tone for your Pacific Northwest getaway, packed with bike trails and outdoor activities.

The first phase of the James Beard Public Market will debut later in 2025, alongside renovations and expansions of the Portland Art Museum. Portland boasts a wide variety of museums suitable for every interest, including the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and the World Forestry Center. The Oregon Zoo is always worth a visit, and you can find plenty of parks and playgrounds throughout the city. Families can also enjoy classic fun at Oaks Park, one of America’s oldest continuously operating amusement parks.

Where to stay: Families will find a warm welcome at Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland, which features kid-friendly accommodations, a game room, and free bike rentals for exploring the area.

8. Raleigh, North Carolina

If you haven’t been to Raleigh recently (or at all), it’s the perfect moment to plan a family trip to North Carolina’s capital city. The Gipson Play Plaza adventure playground will open in spring 2025, becoming a new entrance to Dorothea Dix Park, the largest green space in the city transformed into a premier park experience. Pullen Park is another excellent family destination, featuring playgrounds, a carousel, a train, and pedal boats to keep the little ones entertained for hours.

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Be sure to grab a free timed-entry ticket for the Dueling Dinosaurs exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, home to what’s believed to be the only complete Tyrannosaurus skeleton worldwide and the first publicly accessible open-air paleontology lab. When it’s time to eat, check out new dining spots like Drift Coffee & Kitchen; Press Coffee, Crepes & Cocktails; and Jaguar Bolera, which combines eating with entertainment featuring duckpin bowling, shuffleboard, darts, and more.

Where to stay: The brand-new Hyatt House Raleigh Downtown/Seaboard Station offers a prime location, a seasonal outdoor pool, and spacious suites equipped with full kitchens, perfect for family getaways.

9. Mackinac Island, Michigan

Established in 1875, Mackinac National Park is the United States’ second national park. In 2025, Mackinac Island State Park will commemorate 150 years with various special events and exhibits throughout the year. This unique car-free vacation spot is perfect for those looking to take a step back in time, where both residents and visitors navigate the island via bike or horse-drawn carriage, accessible only by boat or small aircraft.

History is plentiful here, from a self-guided tour of the Grand Hotel, built in 1887, to tasting treats at Original Murdick’s Fudge, which continues to use the same recipe since its founding in 1887. Don’t miss the chance to bike to Arch Rock, and consider kayak or boat tours for a unique view of the island from the water. To add extra excitement to your trip, visit during one of the island’s cherished annual celebrations, including the Lilac Festival in June, a classic Fourth of July celebration, or the Fudge Festival in October.

Where to stay: The Inn at Stonecliffe, which opened its doors again in 2024 after a significant renovation costing $40 million, offers a picturesque environment for a peaceful family retreat.

10. Hershey, Pennsylvania

Hershey, Pennsylvania, is always a delightful destination, and 2025 is set to unveil new attractions families will adore. Highlights include the Twizzlers Twisted Gravity ride at Hersheypark, the tallest pendulum ride in the world, set to open in summer 2025, along with nine new luxury villas at The Villas at The Hotel Hershey, offering guests exclusive perks such as dedicated concierges, Hershey character meet-and-greets, and a complimentary Hersheypark Fast Track pass for each guest.

Experience the town through a trolley ride with Hershey Trolley Works, then explore the classic rides at America’s Transportation Experience. Visit ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park to see a variety of animals, from armadillos to vampire bats. Additionally, the ever-enchanting Butterfly Atrium at Hershey Gardens is a must-see. Kids will also enjoy indulging in treats along the Hershey & Harrisburg Chocolate & More Sweet Treat Trail.

Where to stay: Reserve a room at the elegantly historic circa-1933 Hotel Hershey for a refined experience or choose the Hershey Lodge, which features the candy-themed Hershey’s Water Works indoor pool complex.

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