18 Bucket List Trips To Take With Your Kids Before They Turn 18

There’s no better way to bond with your kids before they leave the nest, than by making memorable family vacations. What’s especially nice is that the U.S. has so many vast and diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures, that you can take the kids each summer until they turn 18 and you’ll never run out of places.

One of the challenges is narrowing down the list (there are so many great places!). Here are trips that offer not only adventure and beauty, but also educational and enriching experiences. These trips will provide lifelong memories while fostering curiosity and an appreciation for the world around them.

1. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)

Why it's great:

1. Oldest national park in the U.S. and a geological wonder.
2. Home to diverse wildlife, including bison, elk, and grizzly bears.
3. Incredible geothermal features like geysers and hot springs.

Must-do activities:

1. Watch Old Faithful erupt.
2. Hike the Grand Prismatic Spring overlook trail for stunning views of the colorful hot springs.

2. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)

Why it's great:

1. One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
2. Offers breathtaking views that kids will remember forever.
3. Great educational opportunity to learn about geology and Native American history.

Must-do activities:

1. Take a mule ride down to the canyon floor.
2. Visit the Grand Canyon Skywalk for a heart-pounding view.

3. Disney World (Orlando, Florida)

Why it's great:

1. The ultimate magical experience for kids of all ages.
2. A variety of parks including Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom.
3. Endless entertainment with rides, shows, and character meet-and-greets.

Must-do activities:

1. Ride Space Mountain in Magic Kingdom.
2. Explore the World Showcase in EPCOT for a cultural experience.

4. Yosemite National Park (California)

Why it's great:

1. Renowned for its majestic waterfalls and giant sequoias.
2. A hiker’s paradise with trails suited for all levels.
3. Opportunity to learn about conservation and the wonders of nature.

Must-do activities:

1. Hike to Yosemite Falls or take an easier walk to Bridalveil Fall.
2. Visit the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.

5. Washington, D.C.

Why it's great:

1. A rich history that comes alive through its monuments, museums, and memorials.
2. Free, kid-friendly Smithsonian museums.
3. The seat of U.S. government, making it a great educational trip.

Must-do activities:

1. Tour the National Museum of Natural History and see the Hope Diamond.
2. Take a nighttime tour of the National Mall to see the monuments lit up.

6. Hawaii (Big Island, Hawaii)

Why it's great:

1. Diverse landscapes ranging from volcanoes to tropical beaches.
2. An opportunity to learn about Hawaiian culture and marine life.
3. Amazing opportunities for snorkeling, surfing, and hiking.

Must-do activities:

1. Snorkel with sea turtles at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach.
2. Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and hike to see active lava flows.

7. The Outer Banks (North Carolina)

Why it's great:

1. Quiet, family-friendly beaches.
2. Historical significance as the site of the Wright Brothers' first flight.
3. A great mix of relaxation and outdoor activities like fishing and kite flying.

Must-do activities:

1. Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial.
2. Go horseback riding along the beach.

8. San Diego (California)

Why it's great:

1. Beautiful weather year-round.
2. Home to famous attractions like the San Diego Zoo and LEGOLAND.
3. Coastal city with family-friendly beaches and surf spots.

Must-do activities:

1. Spend a day at Balboa Park exploring museums and the zoo.
2. Take a boat tour to see dolphins or go whale watching.

9. New York City (New York)

Why it's great:

1. Iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and Times Square.
2. Diverse neighborhoods offering rich cultural experiences.
3. A plethora of kid-friendly museums and Broadway shows.

Must-do activities:

1. Take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
2. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and explore DUMBO.

10. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee, North Carolina)

Why it's great:

1. Lush forests, scenic views, and abundant wildlife.
2. Ideal for hiking, camping, and exploring waterfalls.
3. An accessible park that’s great for all ages.

Must-do activities:

1. Hike to Clingmans Dome for panoramic views.
2. Drive through Cades Cove to spot deer, black bears, and historic cabins.

11. Chicago (Illinois)

Why it's great:

1. Known for its museums, including the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium.
2. Beautiful architecture, such as Willis Tower and Millennium Park’s Cloud Gate.
3. Lake Michigan offers beaches and outdoor fun.

Must-do activities:

1. Visit the Museum of Science and Industry.
2. Take a river architecture tour by boat.

12. Mount Rushmore (South Dakota)

Why it's great:

1. An iconic American landmark.
2. Located near the beautiful Black Hills and Badlands National Park.
3. Rich in history.

Must-do activities:

1. Visit Mount Rushmore and learn about its history.
2. Explore Badlands National Park and its dramatic landscapes.

13. Sedona (Arizona)

Why it's great:

1. Stunning red rock formations and incredible hiking trails.
2. Known for its spiritual vortexes and artistic communities.
3. A great spot for stargazing due to its dark skies.

Must-do activities:

1. Take a jeep tour through the red rock canyons.
2. Hike Cathedral Rock or explore Slide Rock State Park.

14. Boston (Massachusetts)

Why it's great:

1. Steeped in American history, especially related to the American Revolution.
2. A walkable city with family-friendly attractions like the Boston Tea Party Museum.
3. Explore the famous Boston Harbor and Freedom Trail.

Must-do activities:

1. Walk the Freedom Trail and learn about the city’s revolutionary past.
2. Take a boat tour of the harbor and see the USS Constitution.

15. Zion National Park (Utah)

Why it's great:

1. Dramatic canyons and towering cliffs perfect for adventurous families.
2. Offers scenic drives, easy hikes, and more challenging trails for older kids.
3. Great for learning about the geological history of the Southwest.

Must-do activities:

1. Hike the Narrows, a beautiful slot canyon with a river running through it.
2. Take a scenic drive along the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway.

16. Kennedy Space Center (Cape Canaveral, Florida)

Why it's great:

1. Inspires curiosity and excitement about space exploration.
2. Kids can meet astronauts and explore interactive exhibits.

Must-do activities:

1. Explore the Astronaut Hall of Fame and space shuttle exhibits.
2. Try the Shuttle Launch Experience simulator.

17. New Orleans (Louisiana)

Why it's great:

1. A vibrant cultural experience with unique music, food, and architecture.
2. Rich in history, especially about jazz and the French Quarter.
3. Numerous kid-friendly activities like the Audubon Zoo and aquarium.

Must-do activities:

1. Take a steamboat cruise down the Mississippi River.
2. Walk through the historic French Quarter and try beignets at Café du Monde.

18. Lake Tahoe (California/Nevada)

Why it's great:

1. A year-round destination offering skiing in the winter and water sports in the summer.
2. Crystal-clear water surrounded by towering mountains.
3. Perfect for outdoor activities and scenic drives.

Must-do activities:

1. Take a boat ride on Lake Tahoe for stunning views.
2. Go hiking or skiing, depending on the season.

By Judy Koutsky, Contributor