Unforgettable Grand Adventures: 14 Incredible Journeys to Share with Your Grandkids Across the USA

Ready for Some Unforgettable Grand Adventures?

After what feels like an eternity, we can finally reunite with our beloved grandchildren thanks to the vaccine. It’s time to make up for lost moments and create new, lasting memories. To help you plan your next grand adventure, we’ve curated a list of the best destinations in the United States to visit with your grandkids.

Hawaii – A Tropical Paradise

Hawaii is a no-brainer when it comes to family vacations. No matter which island you choose – Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island – you and your grandkids are guaranteed a fantastic time. Oahu, with its direct flights, is our top pick.

Oahu offers a mix of outdoor activities like parasailing and surfing, historical sites like Pearl Harbor, fun luaus, and delicious food. We recommend staying at Disney’s Aulani, which offers Disney magic with a beach twist. Don’t miss out on breakfast at Cinnamon’s, lunch at Giovanni’s shrimp truck, and a treat at Shimazu Shaved Ice.

Anna Maria Island, Florida – Sugar Sand Beaches

Anna Maria Island is a hidden gem on the Florida Gulf Coast, known for its pristine, soft, and white sugar sand beaches. It’s a top destination for families, offering a wide range of vacation rental beach houses and condos.

Start your day with breakfast at Ginny’s and Jane E’s, enjoy morning beach walks, and end your day with a Gulf Coast sunset celebration. For a special treat, have dinner at Beach Bistro, one of the USA’s top-rated restaurants. Don’t forget to visit Bean Point, the widest beach section on the island.

Sun Valley, Idaho – Year-Round Luxury

Sun Valley is a luxury destination offering outdoor activities all year round. It’s famous for skiing, with two ski mountains, including Dollar Mountain, perfect for beginners. In the summer, enjoy hiking, horseback riding, biking, fishing, golfing, and even ice skating. Stay at Sun Valley Resort to take advantage of their swimming pools.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee – Kid-Friendly Fun

Pigeon Forge is a mountain town packed with kid-friendly attractions. It’s home to Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s Appalachian-themed playground, and offers outdoor activities like biking and hiking. Don’t miss The Island, an entertainment complex, and Pigeon Forge Snow, an indoor tubing winter wonderland.

Other attractions include dinner theaters like Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede and country music revues like the Smoky Mountain Opry. Visit during the spring or fall for pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.

Naples, Florida – Sunshine and Smiles

With over 270 days of sunshine a year, Naples is a great destination for grandkids. Enjoy beautiful beaches, kayaking through mangroves, and visiting the Everglades. Take a private boat tour with Pure Florida or a shelling cruise with Rising Tide Explorers.

Visit the Golisano Children’s Museum or Sun ’N Fun Lagoon, and have lunch at Tin City Naples. For dining, try Tommy Bahamas for live music or Rumba Cuban Cafe for Cuban food. For family-friendly resorts, consider the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa or the Ritz-Carlton Naples.

Utah’s National Parks – The Mighty Five

Utah is home to five national parks known as the “Mighty Five”: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef. Grandparents over 62 can get a lifetime National Park Pass for $80, a great value for frequent visitors.

Kids will love hiking on the red rock formations, seeing the weeping rock at Zion, and making echoes in the tall canyons of Capitol Reef. The junior ranger program is a great experience for kids at each national park.

For more information on planning your trips, visit National Park Service.