Top 10 places to visit with the family in the American West

A family road trip in the American West is on the bucket list of many a parent.

What could be better than watching your children marvel at all the beauty and vastness the West has to offer?

Here are my top 10 places to visit with the kids at least once in a lifetime!
 

#10. Yosemite National Park

The vast natural playground of Yosemite may not be what springs to mind when you think of a family day out, but think again!

There are plenty of child-friendly hiking trails in Yosemite, such as Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, Bridalveil Fall Trail and Mirror Lake Loop.

Yosemite is also known for its waterfalls, and there are several within easy reach, such as Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls and Vernal Falls.

Children will love watching the water cascading down and playing in the pools.

The Yosemite Valley Visitor Center offers interactive exhibits on the region's plant and animal life and the history of the park.

Children can also take part in the Junior Ranger program and explore the outdoor learning trails.

If your children are less active, the park's winding roads, such as Tioga Road, offer magnificent views and easy-to-reach panoramic lookouts such as Half Dome, Glacier Point and Tunnel View.

Finally, children can take a guided horseback ride through Yosemite Valley.

This is a great opportunity to discover the park in a unique way while learning about horses and their care.

#.9 Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon offers a wide variety of activities suitable for all ages.

Bryce has many family-friendly hiking trails, such as Rim Trail and Navajo Loop.

Children will love exploring the fascinating rock formations and the spectacular views.

The park's roads offer magnificent vistas with easy access to iconic viewpoints such as Bryce Amphitheater and Sunset Point. 

Here too, it's possible to go horseback riding with a certified guide.

For families spending the night in the park, the park's night sky programs are an excellent opportunity for children to do some stargazing and learn about astronomy.

 

#8. Los Angeles

The City of Angels is a great city to explore with the whole family. 

In my opinion, a Universal Studios Hollywood tour is a must when visiting Los Angeles with children. 

There are rides, shows, famous characters and attractions for all ages.

And be sure to take a walk along the legendary Walk of Fame and find the stars of the familiy's favourite celebrities. 

When it comes to beaches, there are several to choose from: Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach and Malibu Beach are my favourites.

You can enjoy an afternoon of relaxation, or do some swimming, surfing, cycling, skating or skateboarding.

Santa Monica Beach also has a bustling boardwalk complete with an amusement park!

The Los Angeles Zoo and the Aquarium of the Pacific are popular attractions that are fun for the whole family with their wildlife exhibits, exotic animals and dolphin shows.

Finally, don't miss a visit to Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park. 

Whether it's for the panoramic view of the city, to photograph the famous Hollywood sign, or to look at the exhibits, you won't be disappointed. 

 

#7. Grand Canyon

Not only is the Grand Canyon one of the top destinations in the United States, it's even more so during a family trip. 

There are many child-friendly activities and attractions to help kids better understand and appreciate the canyon's natural beauty and geology.

The most popular viewpoints such as Mather Point, Yavapai Point, Desert View and Grandview Point are within easy reach.

Grand Canyon National Park also houses several exhibits and museums that showcase the natural and human history of the canyon, including the Yavapai Geology Museum and the Tusayan Museum and Ruin.

As for hiking, Bright Angel Trail and South Kaibab Trail are suitable for families, offering panoramic views of the canyon as well as opportunities to discover the local flora and fauna.

Children can also enjoy outdoor activities like rafting on the Colorado River, camping, stargazing, and national park discovery programs such as the Junior Ranger Program.

 

#6. San Francisco

San Francisco is an incredible city to visit with children, offering a wide variety of activities for all ages. 

Golden Gate Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States, has a ton of activities for children, including the San Francisco Botanical Garden, the California Academy of Sciences and the Young Museum.

Fisherman's Wharf is another popular spot for families.

The whole family can watch the sea lions, enjoy the attractions, and sample fresh seafood.

More specifically, Pier 39 is where you'll find the sea lions, in addition to Aquarium of the Bay and the San Francisco Carousel.

The kids will also love taking the ferry to Alcatraz Island, where they can explore the infamous prison and learn about the history of the region.

Riding the famous San Francisco Cable Car is another experience the whole family will enjoy. 

Don't forget to capture the moment!

Finally, Baker Beach is a popular beach for families and has a spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Children can build sandcastles or swim in the ocean.

 

#5. Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a fantastic place for families who enjoy hiking. 

It offers many child-friendly trails, such as Riverside Walk, Weeping Rock, and Emerald Pools.

The Navajo Loop Trail is a little more challenging, but kids will love zigzagging down into the canyon, with incredible views of the rock formations and the surrounding trees.

The Emerald Pool Trail is a great way to discover Zion's colourful rock formations while enjoying magnificent canyon views.

The Pa'rus Trail is easy and perfect for families with young children or strollers.

It follows the Virgin River and offers magnificent views of the park's rock formations.

For the less energetic, the park offers tram tours around the park, with guides to explain the park's natural history and geology.

 

#4. Disneyland California

Disneyland Resort in California is a must-see entertainment resort for families visiting the region.

It is home to two theme parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.

Both parks offer a wealth of attractions, rides, shows, restaurants and shops for all ages.

Children can meet and take photos with their favourite Disney characters, such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and many more.

Disneyland Resort offers numerous shows, including daily parades and nightly firework displays, as well as theme shows such as Fantasmic! and World of Color.

There's also a variety of rides for all ages, from children's rides to thrilling rides for the more adventurous.

Star War fans won't be disappointed, with the opening of Galaxy's Edge, a Star Wars-themed area featuring attractions such as the interactive Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and new Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

Marvel fans will also enjoy the Avengers Campus, a Marvel-themed area featuring attractions such as Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure and meet and greets with superheroes such as Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Black Widow.

 

#3. Canyonlands

Canyonlands National Park offers exciting activities for families with children, although the terrain itself is enough to capture the imagination of the whole family. 

The park offers several spectacular viewpoints such as Mesa Arch, Grand View Point and Green River Overlook, which provide panoramic views of the canyons and rock formations.

There are a number of easy, child-friendly hikes in the park, such as Whale Rock, Aztec Butte and Upheaval Dome.

4x4 excursions are also available. 

This is an exciting way to explore the park with more adventurous children.

There are several guided tours available that allow you to learn about the park's geology and history while enjoying a fun ride in an all-terrain vehicle.

The Colorado River flows through the park, offering rafting opportunities for families.

Rafting companies offer child-friendly excursions, with professional guides to ensure everyone's safety.

This park also offers discovery programs for children, such as the Junior Ranger Program, which teaches children about the park's natural history and geology.

They can even earn a Junior Ranger badge as a token of their achievement!

 

#2. San Diego

San Diego is probably the western city with the most diverse options for children. 

The San Diego Zoo is one of the most famous in the world, with over 3,700 animals representing more than 650 species.

It offers a variety of interactive activities for children, including animal contact areas, special experiences and shows.

Located in Carlsbad, about 30 minutes from San Diego, Legoland is a Lego-based theme park that will appeal to children and nostalgic parents alike.

It features rides, shows, Lego exhibits and interactive play areas for children.

The San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum provides hands-on educational exhibits and activities focusing on science, art, and world cultures, including a robot building zone, a dinosaur exhibit and a science area.

There's also an outdoor discovery area with interactive activities and exhibits.

La Jolla Cove has a lovely beach with steep cliffs, caves and rock formations.

Children can go snorkeling, watch the seals and sea lions, or just play in the sand.

Finally, Balboa Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States, with museums, gardens, picnic areas and sports fields.

Kids will especially enjoy the playgrounds, gardens and fountains.

 

#1. Monument Valley

In these famous landscapes, the whole family will want to play cowboys!

Monument Valley is the perfect place to learn all about Navajo culture, in a breathtaking setting. 

A jeep tour of Monument Valley is a great way to explore the area with children.

Navajo driver-guides take visitors to the valley's most iconic locations, sharing their history and culture.

Children can take part in cultural activities, such as making Navajo jewelry or learning a traditional dance.

It's an excellent opportunity for kids to learn about Navajo culture and traditions while having fun. 

Monument Valley Tribal Park has easy child-friendly hiking trails, such as Wildcat Trail.

The Goulding Museum houses exhibits on Navajo history and culture, and shows films made in the area.

The whole family can also enjoy an outdoor cinema where Western films are shown every night.

When night falls, Monument Valley offers magnificent starry skies, far from city lights.

It's a great place for children to observe the stars and learn about astronomy.

 

So where will you go to create your unforgettable family memories? 

Let us know in the comments below!