Things to do

Amalfi Coast · Morning into lunch

A family cooking school in Ravello with a garden and a long lunch overlooking the sea.

Aruba · Full day · from $159

An all-inclusive island day with snorkeling, a waterpark and flamingos. Good for families.

Aulani · 90 minutes to full day · from $63

The Jurassic Park valley on the windward side. The Movie Sites tour works for all ages, and UTV and zipline tours are there for thrill seekers. It's a long drive from Ko Olina, so plan a full day.

Big Island · 8 to 9 hours · from $330

Hawaii Forest & Trail drives you to nearly 14,000 feet for sunset, then sets up telescopes lower down. Warm clothes are provided. Ages 13 and up.

Big Island · Free

A working Kona coffee farm that's been run by the same family for generations. Free tours daily, with tastings.

Disney Cruise Line · About 2 hours

The adults-only brunch I tell every couple to book. Big ocean views and a long, slow meal while the kids are in the clubs. Reserve the moment your booking window opens.

Disney Cruise Line · Beach day

The adults-only beach is free and much quieter than the family side. The barbecue moved to the new Hangar 98 BBQ building. Cabanas cost extra and sell out early.

Disney Cruise Line · 1 hour · from $54

Kids 5 and up can feed and touch stingrays in shallow water. It's short, so you still have the rest of the beach day. $64 for ages 10 and up, $54 for ages 5 to 9.

Disney's Animal Kingdom · 25 minutes · Included with admission

A colorful musical with big puppets, great for young kids and a good sit-down in the air conditioning. Check showtimes in the app, since it runs only a few times a day.

Disney's Hollywood Studios · About 2 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible (top tier)

A family coaster with a fun second launch, and the best first real coaster for kids who are 38 inches. It's the most popular Multi Pass pick in the park, so book it as early as you can.

Disney's Hollywood Studios · About 5 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

A trackless ride inside a cartoon, with gags happening on every wall. No height requirement, and it's my pick for families with toddlers.

EPCOT · About 5 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible (top tier)

A 3D trackless ride where you shrink down to rat size in Gusteau's kitchen. No height requirement, and it's a strong pick for families with mixed ages.

EPCOT · About 15 minutes, self-paced · Included with admission

A walk-through water trail where the water reacts to you, and it's perfect for little kids. Go in the afternoon heat and expect to get a little wet.

Hudson Valley · About 1.5 hours · from $71

A gentle walk around a 25-acre fiber farm in Hyde Park with a llama or alpaca on a lead, and it's an easy win for kids or anyone who wants a slower afternoon. Pair it with the Vanderbilt Mansion a few minutes away, and wear shoes you don't mind getting muddy.

Kauai · About 1 hour · from $460

Most of Kauai can only be seen from the air. Doors off means clear photos of Nā Pali, Waimea Canyon and the waterfalls. Ages 10 and up.

Magic Kingdom · About 3 minutes · Lightning Lane Single Pass $10-$18

A smooth family coaster with swinging cars and a fun trip through the dwarfs' mine, and it's the right first coaster for most kids (38 inches). The line gets long fast, so ride it during Early Entry or buy the Single Pass.

Magic Kingdom · About 4 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

It reopened in May 2026 after a long refurbishment with new track and effects, and the height requirement dropped to 38 inches. It's the best family thrill ride in the park, and I love it after dark.

Magic Kingdom · About 5 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

It reopened in 2026 with new blasters and targets, and it's a competitive one if your family keeps score. No height requirement, and kids love it.

New York City · About 2 hours 30 minutes · from $146

If you see one Broadway show with kids or first timers, I'd make it this one, and the puppetry in the opening number is worth the ticket on its own. Book weeks ahead for weekends and holidays, and pick center orchestra or front mezzanine for the best view of the staging.

New York City · About 90 minutes · from $62

Running November 4, 2026 to January 4, 2027, it's the holiday tradition I steer most families toward, and this ticket also includes a self-guided holiday tour of Midtown. Early November and weekday morning shows are the cheapest and calmest, and show tickets are usually final, so lock your date first.

Oahu · 3+ hours · from $194

A smaller boat out of Waiʻanae, away from the Waikīkī crowds. Spinner dolphins, turtles and whales in season.

Puerto Rico · About 2 hours · from $65

The brightest bio bay in the world. Worth an overnight on Vieques. No kids under 5.

Telluride · Half day, about 2 hours on snow · $310 per snowmobile

Groomed trails and open meadows with big San Juan views, and hotel pickup is included, which matters in a town with no Uber. Book the family-friendly tour unless you ride often; tours run late November to early April.

The Bahamas · Full day · from $329

Powerboat Adventures runs from Nassau to the Exuma cays with sharks, stingrays, iguanas, lunch and an open bar.

The Bahamas · Full day · from $160

The waterpark at Baha Mar, open to non-guests with a limited day pass. $65 for kids under 48 inches.

The Berkshires · Self-paced, 2 to 3 hours · $22 per adult

A world-class collection of Impressionist and old master paintings in Williamstown, set on 140 acres with walking trails and a reflecting pool. Open year-round, closed most Mondays outside July and August, and free for kids under 18 and on first Sundays from October to May.

The Berkshires · About 2 hours · $150 per group

A private guided hike on the Greylock Glen trails at the foot of the highest peak in Massachusetts, with a local guide who picks the route and shows you spots like the old abandoned ski area. The price covers up to six people, so it's good value for a family or group of friends, and fall foliage weekends book up first.

Turks and Caicos · 2 to 3 hours · Free

The best shore snorkeling on Providenciales, near Turtle Cove. The east entrance is shallowest for kids. Stay away from the channel.

Vail · 5-day rental · from $283

Black Tie fits your skis and boots in your room, so you skip the rental shop line on your first morning, which is worth it with kids. Book it before you arrive and have everyone's height, weight and shoe size ready.

Venice · About 1.5 hours · from $124

Through the hidden offices, the prisons and Casanova's cell. Not for kids under 6 or anyone claustrophobic.

Walt Disney World · 1 hour · from $39

The cheapest good tour on property. You walk through the greenhouses and fish farm in The Land. Kids actually like it, and it's a break from the heat.

Walt Disney World · About 1 hour · from $89

An open-air vehicle on the lodge savanna after dark, with night-vision goggles. Pair it with dinner at Jiko or Boma. Ages 8 and up.

Walt Disney World · About 3 hours · from $239

A small-group walk through the savanna in a harness, close to the hippos and crocodiles, plus snacks and photos. Ages 8+, 48 inches and up, 45 to 300 pounds.

Walt Disney World · About 5 hours · from $179

A walking tour of how Magic Kingdom works, including a stretch of the backstage areas. Lunch is included. Ages 16 and up with photo ID, and park admission is extra.