The Ellie Sparkles Show, a children’s entertainment show, recently analyzed all 50 states against eight key metrics to determine the top states for adventure-filled family travel in the United States.
The eight metrics included:
- Accommodations (number of family-friendly hotels per 100,000 people)
- Things to Do (number of child-friendly tourist attractions in the state)
- Gas Prices (average state price for regular gas)
- Local Transport (average cost of a family ticket in the most-populated city)
- Walking Trails (number of child-friendly walking trails)
- State Safety (state’s personal and residential safety rank)
- Restaurants (number of child-friendly places to eat per 100,000 people)
- Family Meal (average cost of a meal for four at inexpensive restaurant)
According to The Ellie Sparkles Show’s Family Adventure Index, the top 10 states for a family vacation are:
- California
- Florida
- Maine
- Wisconsin
- Massachusetts
- Pennsylvania
- Connecticut
- Texas
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
California’s family adventure score was 6.17 out of 10, as home to Disneyland, several zoos, more than 3,232 kid-friendly tourist activities and more.
Other findings include:
- Missouri is the cheapest state to grab ice cream with your kids
- American families spend $3,189 a year on family days out
- Georgia’s Savannah Historic District and Florida’s Dry Tortugas National Park rank as America’s best-rated, free, family-friendly attractions
Read This Next
Why is Baltimore Called Charm City?
Destinations / North America
Jun 16, 2026#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
Jun 12, 2026Saddle Up for Skillcations at These U.S. Ranches
Dude ranch vacations are growing in popularity among family travelers, but skillcation trips on ranches are also on the rise, with travelers looking for opportunities to learn a new skill and develop a new hobby while escaping day-to-day life.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Destinations / Europe
Jun 12, 2026This Swiss Alps Destination is Perfect for Families
Most U.S. family travelers are familiar with popular Swiss destinations like Zermatt and St. Moritz. However, many may not know, but just 90 minutes from Zürich, there's a Swiss Alps resort European families have visited for years: LAAX is designed for families — and that’s for all members of the family, be it different ages, different skill levels, different energy windows. Everyone can enjoy the destination without anyone feeling forced into a set itinerary.
Hotels
Jun 11, 2026Park Hyatt St. Kitts Launches Postpartum Experience for Moms
Park Hyatt St. Kitts now offers the perfect escape for postpartum moms to reconnect with herself in paradise through a partnership with Anya, a women’s health and beauty brand dedicated to helping with postpartum.
Hotels
Jun 11, 2026Slow Mom Summer: Family Getaways Designed for Doing Less
This summer’s biggest lifestyle trend: doing less. That mindset applies to family travel, too, with Slow Mom Summer emerging online. Moms are rejecting overscheduled itineraries and high-pressure vacations while seeking out slower, more intentional experiences.
Hotels
Jun 10, 2026AYANA Resorts Launches Dual-Island Family Escape from Bali to Komodo
AYANA Resorts just debuted a new, dual-island itinerary from Bali to Komodo, allowing family travelers to enjoy a seamless experience between both resorts. The journey starts along Bali’s southwest coast, where AYANA Bali welcomes guests.

ShareThis