Create Fun Memories: Things to Do with Kids as a Family

Thinking about a family vacation? If your answer is “yes,” read on. In this article, we give you a rundown of fun things to do with kids during your trip and some ideal destinations for family groups and friends. Plus, we provide some essential tips to create the best family memories on your next adventure. Don’t miss out!

 

Picture by Asad Photo Maldives on Pexels

 

Fun Things To Do With Kids

Visit Central Park Zoo NYC with Kids

Central Park Zoo is a great place for families and animal lovers. It is divided into three zones: tropical, temperate, and polar, where you can observe more than 100 species of animals, including sea lions and penguins.

Inside the zoo is the Tisch Children’s Zoo, which offers an interactive experience with farm animals such as goats, sheep, and pigs. Children can feed them to create a direct connection with animal life. In addition, there is a theater where daily shows and sculptures that teach about animal sounds are performed.

The zoo offers a 4D movie experience that combines images with sensory effects, ideal for keeping children entertained. It is open daily, with hours varying according to the season. Generally, it is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the winter and until 5:30 p.m. in the summer.

Photo by Leandro Suárez on Unsplash

 

Explore Griffith Park in LA

Enjoying the activities and attractions that Griffith Park has to offer is one of the fun things to do with kids. It is one of the largest urban parks in the United States, a natural haven in the middle of the bustling city of Los Angeles.

Griffith Observatory offers breathtaking views of the city and the famous Hollywood sign, with science exhibits and planetarium shows. There are more than 50 miles of trails with routes of varying difficulty. Travel Town Museum allows children to explore old locomotives and cars, becoming a “railroad petting zoo” where they can imagine being engineers.

The park has many areas available for picnics, as well as playgrounds and sports fields ideal for family enjoyment. In addition, there are bike trails and horseback riding options to explore the park from different perspectives.

Photo by Austin Farrington on Unsplash

 

Learn at the New York Hall of Science

The New York Hall of Science is in the heart of Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, New York. This center stands out for its focus on science education for children and families. With more than 400 exhibits, here you can explore concepts in biology, chemistry, and physics through hands-on activities. The exhibits are designed to be educational, entertaining, and to provoke scientific curiosity.

Science Playground is the largest outdoor science playground in the Western Hemisphere. Children can participate in physical activities while learning about science. Rocket Park includes a collection of rockets and spacecraft to learn about the history of space exploration.

The museum offers programs such as the “Saturday Science Kids Club” for children ages 10 to 15 and the “Young Explorers Club” for younger children. Storytelling sessions are also held in the Preschool Discovery Place.

 

Play at Chicago Children’s Museum

Encouraging learning through play at the Chicago Children’s Museum is one of the fun things to do with kids. This museum has more than 15 permanent exhibits and play spaces that provide interactive and educational experiences for the little ones. Among the most popular is the Dinosaur Expedition, where kids can find fossils in a replica of a dig site.

Also Aim High is a new interactive exhibit for kids to explore the world of aviation, including activities such as piloting a flight simulator and learning about the Tuskegee Airmen, pioneers in U.S. military aviation. Consider visiting during “Free Family Fun Days” held on the last Thursday of each month.

 

Bike Florida’s Pinellas Trail

Taking a scenic ride on the Pinellas Trail, one of Florida’s most popular bike routes is another fun thing to do with kids. The trail is paved and suitable for bicyclists, skaters, and pedestrians along the Gulf Coast. The route connects several cities, such as Seminole, Largo, Dunedin, Clearwater, and Tarpon Springs, which allow you to explore parks, coastal areas, and residential neighborhoods.

Highlights include Honeymoon Island State Park, the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, and the historic sponge stores in Tarpon Springs. The route is open during the day. We recommend you follow the rules of courtesy, such as keeping to the right and yielding to those you pass. Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially if you plan to ride long distances.

Consider renting bikes from local stores such as ABC Bicycles or Kafe Racer in Dunedin if you don’t have your bike. Pay attention to traffic signs and crosswalks, especially at intersections.

 

Explore Crossroads Village in Genesee

For history buffs, Genesee County, Michigan is a special place. Crossroads Village is a charming village that transports you back to the 19th century and offers a variety of activities and attractions. Opened in 1976, it was created to preserve and showcase local history and architecture. The village has 34 historic buildings, although many have been restored.

Among the most popular attractions is the Huckleberry Railroad, which offers rides along Mott Lake; a water mill, the oldest operating mill in Michigan; a general store, a blacksmith shop, and a barbershop. There is also a 1912 C.W. Parker carousel. Parker carousel from 1912, a Ferris wheel, and Venetian swings.

Here you can watch artisans in action, such as millers and cider makers, an educational experience about traditional crafts. Consider wearing comfortable clothing and appropriate walking shoes because the town is large and there is much to explore.

 

Ride Central Park Carousel NYC

Visiting the Central Park Carousel, an iconic attraction in the heart of New York City, is another great activity to do with kids. It is known for its 57 hand-carved horses and two decorative carousels. The carousel is located within the Children’s District, a family-friendly area of the park ideal for the little ones. In addition, there are other attractions such as playgrounds and picnic areas.

Admission is $3.50 per person and can be purchased at the carousel’s ticket booth or online. We recommend visiting during sunny days to fully enjoy the activities. Consider visiting early or on weekdays to avoid crowds.

 

Visit the Sloan Museum of Discovery

The Sloan Museum of Discovery is an interactive science and history museum in Flint, Michigan. It offers an educational and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages. The museum has a temporary exhibit gallery, with the next exhibit “2TheXtreme” scheduled to open next February 1, 2025.

There are also four main galleries, including Hagerman Street, an early childhood learning space; Durant Gallery, an exhibit of historic and rare vehicles manufactured in the region; History Gallery, focused on the local history of Genesee County and its automotive industry; and Discovery Hall, dedicated to science.

Amancour, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

See the Aquarium in Downtown Boston

For marine life lovers, visiting the New England Aquarium in downtown Boston is one of the fun things to do with kids. Here you can see thousands of aquatic animals, including seals, sea lions, African penguins, and sea turtles. One of its main attractions is the Giant Ocean Tank, a huge 200,000-gallon tank that simulates a Caribbean coral reef and houses various marine species such as sharks and rays.

There are also themed galleries, such as Tropical Gallery, featuring live corals and tropical fish; Temperate Gallery, with sea dragons and jellyfish; and Freshwater Gallery, which includes aquatic habitats from the Amazon and Connecticut River. From April through October, the aquarium organizes whale-watching tours in the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary. These tours are guided by naturalists and offer a high probability of sightings.

 

Walk Fort Worth Botanic Garden

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in Texas, opened in 1934. Its main purpose is to explore the world of plants and educate the public about their importance in the environment and culture. It has 23 themed gardens, including a tropical greenhouse, a water garden, and a conservation garden.

Koi Pond is one of the most popular attractions, where you can feed the fish with special food you buy at the entrance. Rose Garden is noted for its variety of roses and is a perfect place to stroll and enjoy the floral beauty. The garden hosts a variety of activities and educational workshops for all ages, including outdoor yoga, nature-related book clubs, and picnics in designated areas. Admission is free, although donations are accepted to support the garden’s maintenance.

Photo by Jessica Tan on Unsplash

 

Handy Tips for Creating Lasting Memories with Kids

1. Research Together: Before you travel, research the place you will visit. Involve children in the planning and let them choose some activities or places they would like to explore.

2. Join the Fun: Choose activities that include everyone’s participation, such as family games, outdoor explorations or visits to interactive museums.

3. Taste the Local Flavors: Encourage each family member to try local dishes. Always keep in mind everyone’s tastes and limitations.

4. Treasure the Best Moments: Capture special moments with photos and consider keeping a travel journal. This will help you remember the experiences forever.

5. Take It Easy: Be sure to include rest times in your itinerary. This is essential if you are traveling with children because it allows them to recharge and fully enjoy the activities.

6. Create Family Traditions: Introduce small traditions during the trip, such as a song sung in the car or a group photo at each destination.

7. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize each member’s small accomplishments during the trip, such as trying a new food or participating in a challenging activity. This builds self-esteem and creates a positive atmosphere.

8. Listen and Decide Together: If some decisions need to be made, consider everyone’s opinion and try to reach an agreement that no one will dislike.

 

You Might Also Like: How to Make Incredible Family Memories When Traveling Abroad

 

Ready For a Family Travel? Not Just Yet!

Stay connected while you travel—try Yoho Mobile’s free eSIM trial and get instant access to mobile data in over most countries. No SIM card, no contracts—just a quick setup and you’re online in minutes.

If you want to get your eSIM plan afterwards, use the code YOHO12 at checkout for a 12% discount!

Picture by Kindel Media on Pexels