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San Francisco, California
Hi friends! 👋
It’s been a little while! I took a summer break from the newsletter to enjoy some extra time with my four little ones. ❤️
Over the past few months, we’ve also explored a few U.S. destinations that work really well for families with young kids. So if you’re looking ahead to fall break, spring break, or even next summer, I’m sharing a few destinations to put on your radar — plus a few family-friendly highlights you can borrow for your own itinerary.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs, CO
If your family loves animals, nature, and a little adventure, Colorado Springs is a great family getaway without requiring a packed or complicated itinerary. You can have a big mountain experience one day, see animals the next, and still have plenty of downtime — without spending every day on a long hike.
A few family-friendly highlights to add to your itinerary:
🦒 Feed giraffes at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo — a fun animal experience that kids of all ages can enjoy.
🚂 Take the train up Pikes Peak — an easy way to experience the mountain views without having to hike.
🏔️ Explore Garden of the Gods — incredible scenery with plenty of opportunities for kids to get outside and explore.
🏨 Stay at Garden of the Gods Resort — a beautiful home base with family-friendly amenities and gorgeous views.
Great for: Families who love animals, nature, scenic views, and active kids.
For my full guide on Colorado Springs with kids, visit here.
Colorado Springs, CO
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is proof that city trips can absolutely work with little kids. With major attractions, beautiful outdoor spaces, and plenty of kid-friendly food, you can pack a lot into a trip while still building in time to slow down and explore.
A few family-friendly highlights to add to your itinerary:
🏛️ Visit the Field Museum — a great option for curious kids who love dinosaurs, animals, and exploring.
🐠 Explore the Shedd Aquarium — an easy way to add an animal-focused activity to your city adventure.
🚤 Take an Architecture River Cruise — a fun way to see the city while giving little legs a break from walking.
🍕 Make time for Chicago pizza — because no family trip to Chicago is complete without it! 😉
🌳 Balance sightseeing with outdoor time — the Riverwalk and Chicago’s parks give kids a chance to run around between attractions.
Great for: Families who want a city adventure with museums, animals, food, and plenty of kid-friendly activities.
For my full guide on Chicago with kids, visit here.
Chicago, Illinois
San Diego & San Francisco, California
San Francisco, California
Our California trip was a fun reminder that you can combine two completely different family vacations into one trip — giving you animals, amusement parks, beaches, city sightseeing, great food, and time with friends all in one getaway.
A few family-friendly highlights to add to your itinerary:
🦁 Visit the San Diego Zoo — a must for animal-loving kids.
🎢 Spend a day at LEGOLAND — especially fun for younger kids and LEGO fans.
🎃 Check out SeaWorld — with rides, animals, shows, and seasonal events like Spooktacular.
🌉 Explore San Francisco — from the sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf and cable cars to Golden Gate Bridge views and a picnic at Tunnel Tops.
Great for: Families who want lots of variety and don't mind combining two destinations into one bigger trip.
For my full guide on San Diego and San Francisco with kids, visit here.
San Diego Zoo, California
What’s Next?
Fall and spring breaks are great opportunities to explore the U.S. without the logistics of an international trip.
Whether your family loves mountains, animals, beaches, or city adventures, hopefully these ideas give you a few destinations to add to your list. And remember: with young kids, you don't have to see it all — choosing a few things they'll love and leaving room for downtime can make the trip so much more enjoyable.
Happy traveling!
Shaina ❤️
Ferry Building in San Francisco, California
