10 Destinations to Visit with the Whole Family this Fall
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Leaves are starting to turn those gorgeous colors, and the air is getting crisp. So it’s time to pack up your bags, grab your family, and head out for a fall vacation.
Looking to escape the hustle-and-bustle of everyday life? Want to spend some quality time with loved ones? Here are ten family-friendly destinations in the United States that will offer everything you need this season.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee
The Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee is one of America’s most visited national parks, making it an excellent choice for your family this fall.
In addition to taking in the changing leaves, you can wander through a spruce forest and hike waterfalls. You can even catch a glimpse of wildlife like elk up close just by taking a stroll around the park.
You’ll have plenty to do during your visit besides hiking. You can camp out in the backcountry, fish in one of its many streams and rivers, or tour the historic buildings.
The Grand Canyon in Arizona
Hundreds of travel books have been written on the Grand Canyon and for good reason.
If you’re looking for a fun and educational trip with your family, visit the Grand Canyon this fall. With activities like hiking, rafting, and rock climbing available throughout different parts of the park, there is something for everyone’s taste.
Some enormously popular activities are taking a mule ride down the canyon floor, or even taking a helicopter ride to get a bird’s-eye view of the park from above.
When at the Grand Canyon, you can’t help but be inspired by all the majestic beauty that nature offers.
The Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and Virginia
Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains between North Carolina and Virginia you can find the Blue Ridge Parkway. Autumn is the perfect time for an escape to this destination because of its scenic beauty as the leaves seem to change color right before your eyes.
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, this is the place for you. You can camp out underneath a sea of stars and take in all that nature has to offer during your stay.
But even if you aren’t much of an outdoors person, there are plenty of activities available year-round like visiting historic sites or exploring museums and art galleries throughout different towns.
Wisconsin Dells in Wisconsin
Looking for an action-packed family vacation this fall? Head to the Wisconsin Dells, which is known as the indoor water park capital of the world.
You can still participate in a ton of outdoor activities like riding the Original Ducks or walking downtown to find that perfect pound of fudge to munch on while playing mini golf at Pirates Cove.
As for the Water Parks? There are a ton to choose from – both indoor and outdoor. With the Great Wolf Lodge, Wilderness Resort, and Kalihar to choose from for indoor destinations, you will be able to do everything from indoor golfing and laser tag to water slides and floating on a lazy river in an inner tube.
They are all like mini-worlds of their own. Each has pretty much anything you could need without ever having to leave a massive building. It is a must-visit destination for the whole family, at least once.
Acadia National Park in Maine
Maine’s Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful places in America to enjoy fall, seeing as it’s famous for hosting some of New England’s best foliage. There are 50,000 acres of protected land for visitors to explore, including 158 miles of hiking trails.
In addition, you can enjoy activities such as bicycling, bird watching, swimming, and even stargazing. You won’t regret spending your fall break in this national park.
Yosemite National Park in California
Yosemite National Park in California is an excellent place for families to experience the great outdoors. With activities such as camping and fishing, it is easy to connect to nature!
There are also hiking trails through meadows with beautiful waterfalls. You can also visit famous landmarks like El Capitan (the largest monolith of granite), explore Tuolumne Meadows by bicycle, or just walk around enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
The best part about this destination may be how close you can get without having any paved roads blocking your view. It really lets you immerse yourself in the splendor that Mother Nature has created.
Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming
Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park is another must-see destination for families this fall. It boasts some of the most beautiful landscapes in America, like the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, known for its colorful hot springs and geysers.
Who wouldn’t want to watch Old Faithful do its thing?
You can even take a ride on the historic Grand Loop Road, the only road through Yellowstone National Park. Don’t forget to pack your camera!
Mount Rushmore Memorial Monument in South Dakota
If you like to mix a little history in with your nature, a great fall destination to visit is South Dakota’s Mount Rushmore. This historic landmark features a series of 60-foot sculptures depicting four American presidents. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln are immortalized in stone at this famous monument.
The avenue of flags displays all 50 states and those for DC or US territories. In addition, you can enjoy incredible views at Grandview Terrace, where your kids might even learn something new about the history along the way.
While the Mount Rushmore National Memorial is one of the most visited sites in America, I suggest making this a road trip, finding all those hidden gems along the way like Ruby Falls or the Black Hills.
New York City
Bring on the Big Apple!
Thanks to its world-class museums (such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art), boutiques (like Saks Fifth Avenue), theaters (e.g., Broadway shows), and restaurants located along famous avenues such as Fifth Avenue, Madison Avenue, and the Theater District, New York City offers plenty for families to see and do throughout fall.
The wonderful thing about New York is that it makes you feel like you’re living in a novel. There are so many family-friendly attractions like Central Park Zoo or Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. You can literally find something on every street corner as well as get to experience world-class cuisine, even from food trucks!
Hershey Park in Pennsylvania
Did someone say chocolate? Hershey Park is famous for chocolate, but it’s also an excellent destination for families in the fall. Yes, it offers massive, theme-park roller coasters and thrill rides (including the Comet and Lightning Racer). But if you’re looking to take it easy, check out some attractions like ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park or Chocolate World, which offers free samples every day.
Yum!
Either way, this amusement park in Pennsylvania will be one place your kids will want to visit every fall with the whole family. We love that they donate a ton of money to their educational charitable foundation!
Conclusion
There are so many places you can visit this fall with your whole family. These destinations were just a few of the best spots for exploring America’s great outdoors, learning about American history and culture, or simply having fun.
So, what do you have to lose? Pack up your bags and hit the road!
Loving Life — The Reboot!
Dominique