The financial comparison site Go Banking Rates has compiled the 10 best places in the United States where families can enjoy time with their children. The options on the list cover a wide range, from natural wonders and historic sites to amusement parks and giant aquariums.
Go Banking Rates' 10 destinations for families
- Yellowstone National Park: Sitting atop an active volcano, the park is home to more than 10,000 hydrothermal features, around 300 waterfalls, and abundant wildlife such as bison, elk, and grizzly bears.
- U.S. Space & Rocket Center: Located in Huntsville, Alabama, and the world's largest space museum, the center hosts science camps for children. It also features simulators that recreate the sensation of a rocket launch.
- Grand Canyon National Park: Carved by the Colorado River, the canyon is one of the most popular national parks in spring, summer, and fall. It offers unforgettable views for both children and adults.
- One World Trade Center: The tallest building in the U.S., it rises on the site of the World Trade Center destroyed in the September 11 attacks. An elevator that reaches the 102nd floor in 60 seconds offers a bird's-eye view of New York. The visit can also include the 9/11 Memorial Plaza and Museum.
- Yosemite National Park: This California park is home to North America's tallest waterfall and giant sequoia trees. It is noted for its impressive rock formations.
- Schlitterbahn Water Park: Located in New Braunfels, Texas, and considered the world's best water park, Schlitterbahn offers water slides for all ages, heated pools, and artificial rivers.
- Arches National Park: Near Moab, Utah, this park resembles another planet with its more than 2,000 natural stone arches and red rock formations.
- Cedar Point Amusement Park: Located in Sandusky, Ohio, the park is one of the world's best amusement parks. It features 17 different roller coasters, family attractions, and special areas for children.
- Alcatraz Island: This island in San Francisco served first as a defense fort, then a military prison, and later a high-security penitentiary. Now a museum, the island is reached by ferry from Pier 33.
- Georgia Aquarium: One of the world's largest aquariums, located in Atlanta, it is home to a wide variety of aquatic life from seals and penguins to beluga whales. Visitors can interact with dolphins and sea otters. It is also the only place in the world that offers the chance to swim or dive with whale sharks.