The 10 Best Places To Take The Kids

1. Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World Resort

Lake Buena Vista, Florida

It's pure "magic" at this undisputed crown jewel in Disney's 47-square-mile empire (encompassing theme parks, water wonderlands, and hotels), thanks to fireworks, parades, rides, and meals with Mickey that bring out the kid in everyone. No matter how many times you go, there's always more to do, eat, and explore, so you'll need two days to really see everything. Shrewd use of the FastPass system helps you navigate more quickly. Guests at on-site lodgings get in an hour early on certain days of the week.

2. Discovery Cove
Orlando, Florida

Discovery Cove is an amusement park owned and operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, located in Orlando, Florida. It is a sister park of SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando. Guests can interact with a range of marine animals including bottlenose dolphins.

3. Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey, California

One would have to be a very cold fish not to love this aquarium. Beautifully set on California's rocky, gorgeous coast near Carmel, this attraction is a favorite, thanks to stunning exhibits, ranging from touch pools for toddlers to big shark tanks. With so much to keep both kids and adults engaged, your biggest challenge may be getting the children away from the sea otters to see the rest of the displays. Just outside, you can watch sea lions, whales, and more swimming in their natural environment.

4. St. Louis Zoo 

St. Louis, Missouri

The Saint Louis Zoological Park, commonly known as the Saint Louis Zoo, is a zoo in Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. It is recognized as a leading zoo in animal management, research, conservation, and education.

5. Disneyland 

Anaheim, California

Disneyland Park, originally Disneyland, is the first of two theme parks built at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, opened on July 17, 1955. It is the only theme park designed and built under the direct supervision of Walt Disney.

6. Cedar Point

Sandusky, Ohio

Cedar Point is a 364-acre amusement park located on a Lake Erie peninsula in Sandusky, Ohio. Opened in 1870, it is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the United States behind Lake Compounce.

7. Grant's Farm

St. Louis, Missouri

For a relaxing getaway, try this beautifully maintained property operated by Anheuser-Busch, with something for everyone. Tour General Ulysses S. Grant's cabin; take the tots to the petting zoo; ride the tram through open terrain to view antelope, deer, and other grazing animals (look for the Oreo-cookie cows); and don't miss the world-famous Clydesdale horses. Parking isn’t free but admission beer samples are. Closed November through March.

8. St. Louis, Missouri
San Diego, California

The San Diego Zoo is a zoo in Balboa Park, San Diego, California, housing over 3,700 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies.

9. Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Park 

Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon is a water theme park located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista in Orlando, Florida and is one of two operating water parks at the resort.

10. Disney's Hollywood Studios

Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Formerly known as Disney MGM Studios, this theme park makes dreams become reality as you live out your favorite movies and TV shows. It’ll be a hit with film buffs and media-savvy kids who get a kick out of thrills and educational features, like the animation studios and back-lot tours.