Find the Heart Rock at Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by the author

Unique Family Vacation Spots in the Western US

1. Joshua Tree National Park — Twentynine Palms, CA

Every national park has at least one standout feature, like a majestic waterfall or a towering peak. What sets Joshua Tree apart is its abundance of unique rock formations that visitors can actually climb on. Many of these rocks are shaped like real things, such as Heart Rock and Skull Rock. And the namesake Joshua trees that dot the desert landscape are unique unto themselves. It's like a natural playground for kids (and grown-ups)!

For more ideas like this: Our United States National Parks Family Travel Guide is full of more great parks to explore, including the best national parks in the US for kids.

2. C Lazy U Ranch — Granby, CO

C Lazy U combines the adventures of a dude ranch with the luxury of a fancy hotel for the perfect all-inclusive family vacation in any season. Kids and teens are kept busy from sunup to sundown in supervised programming with ranch counselors, while their adults can truly relax. Activities include horseback riding, a ropes course and zip line, fly fishing, trap shooting, snow tubing, cross-country skiing, and so many more. Stay in a guest room or a fully private cabin.

For more ideas like this: Our list of must-try dude ranch vacations for families includes more fun ranches in California, Montana, New York, and other states.

3. Conestoga Ranch Glamping Resort — Bear Lake, UT

Glamping is a unique vacation option because it allows families to be out in nature but still have the comforts of home. Conestoga Ranch offers tents that sleep up to six and feature plush beds, electricity, heaters, campfire patios, and dining tables. Some also offer a mini fridge and an en-suite bathroom with a shower. But if you want to be really unique, stay in a Conestoga Family Wagon! Nearby are hiking trails, horseback riding, and lake activities like fishing and boating.

For more ideas like this: Here's our list of the best glamping spots in the US for families.

RELATED: Detroit with Kids: 22 Best Things To Do in Detroit, Michigan

No vehicles are allowed on Mackinac Island! Photo courtesy of Mackinac Island 

Unique Family Vacation Spots in the Midwest

4. Mackinac Island, MI

Take a ferry (or charter a plane or private boat) to this gorgeous and quaint island where no vehicles are allowed. Once there, your family can get around on foot, on bike, or via horse and carriage. Mackinac offers loads of outdoor fun, from water activities to golf to playgrounds. On a rainy day (or if you need a break from the sun), explore museums and historic sites, shop in unique stores, and sample the island's famous fudge.

For more ideas like this: Nearby Interlochen and Traverse City, Michigan are unique towns to explore, from the world-renowned Interlochen Center for the Arts to fun outdoor activities. Here are our favorite things to do near Interlochen with kids.

5. Santa Claus, IN

Your family can celebrate Christmas in July—or any month, for that matter—at this small town with street names like Kringle Place and Christmas Boulevard. Catch some thrills at Holiday World and Splashin' Safari, a theme park and water park. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Santa's Candy Castle. Write a letter to Santa at the Santa Claus Museum & Village's "post office." And shop for all sorts of holiday decor in the various Christmas-themed shops.

For more ideas like this: For more hidden-gem towns, check out our list of the best family vacation spots in the US that are off the beaten path.

RELATED: Bismarck with Kids: 20 Things To Do in Bismarck, North Dakota

To truly understand the wonder of Mount Rushmore, you'll need to see it in person! Photo by Jackie Jones

6. Keystone & Rapid City, SD

Keystone, South Dakota is best known for Mount Rushmore National Memorial, which is always worth a visit with kids. But Keystone and nearby Rapid City offer plenty of other family fun, too, like a mining museum, a reptile garden, and an outdoor adventure park. See it all in our guide to visiting Mount Rushmore and Rapid City, SD with kids.

For more ideas like this: Bozeman, MT is another growing midwestern city that would make for a unique family vacay. We share the best things to do in Bozeman with kids.

Unique Family Vacation Spots in the Northeast

7. Salem, MA

If your family loves Halloween, this town nicknamed Witch City is a must-visit. It's way busiest in October, of course, so visit any other of time of year if you want to avoid crowds—we promise it'll still have October 31 vibes! Visit the various witch museums, learn about the city's maritime history, explore caves for hidden treasures at the New England Pirate Museum, and more. We share it all in our roundup of the best things to do in Salem, MA with kids.

For more ideas like this: Our list of the best Halloween towns in the US has more semi-spooky places your family can visit all year long.

8. Littleton, NH

This incredibly pretty mountain town has several quirky claims to fame that kids will enjoy. The candy store Chutters is home to the world's longest candy counter, running the entire length of the store! Lahout's Ski Shop is widely considered the oldest in the US, and the Littleton Diner is nearly 100 years old. There are more fun shops to explore downtown, as well as beautiful hiking trails, an Insta-worthy covered bridge, and a locally owned ski hill.

For more ideas like this:Here are our favorite things to do in the White Mountains of New Hampshire with kids.

9. The Treehouse at Moose Meadow Lodge — Duxbury, VT

Who says tree houses are just for kids? Your entire family can stay in this two-story luxury tree house featuring 31 windows and a wraparound deck. A second-floor balcony offers a bird's-eye view of the wooded surroundings, and the cabin boasts all the creature comforts you'll need for an unforgettable stay. Enjoy mountain views, hiking, and plenty of outdoor activities.

For more ideas like this: Believe it or not, this isn't the only tree house you can stay in! Our list of family-friendly tree house rentals has a dozen more awesome options. 

RELATED: Best Family Road Trips From Washington, DC

Assateague's wild ponies are well known, even among people who have never been there.

10. Chincoteague & Assateague Island — MD & VA

Want to hang out on a beach and see wild ponies saunter by? Head to Chincoteague and Assateague, which are famous for the ponies that roam the islands. Outdoor activities abound, like hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, crabbing, and kayaking. If you don't mind crowds, visit in July for the annual Chincoteague Island Pony Swim, when ponies are herded by "saltwater cowboys" to cross the narrow waterway from Assateague to Chincoteague.

For more ideas like this: See our list of fun places to visit in the Chesapeake Bay Area with kids for more Maryland and Virginia towns to explore.

11. Kinderhook Farm — Ghent, NY

Got an animal lover? At this working livestock farm, your family can sleep in a barn (rent it here)! The two-bedroom barn sleeps six and has a bathroom, an outdoor fire pit, a gas grill, hammocks, and gorgeous views of rolling hills. A crib and high chair are available upon request. On the farm, kids will love visiting the chickens, sheep, cows, and other animals. Workers are happy to show guests around to teach them about farm tasks, and they'll even let kids help out.

For more ideas like this: See our list of farm stays near NYC for more farms where your family can stay.

Unique Family Vacation Spots in the South

12. Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, TN

These Tennessee towns are wildly popular, but what makes them unique is the huge variety of things to do with kids. We're talking Dollywood, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Anakeesta mountaintop theme park, quirky museums, fun dinner shows, and so much more. It's all in our massive list of 70 fun things to do Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee with kids.

For more ideas like this: If you want to visit Tennessee but are looking for a less high-profile city than Nashville or Memphis, check out our list of things to do with kids in Chattanooga, TN. The city has a great zoo and aquarium, an underground cave and waterfall, and plenty of outdoor fun.

13. Villatel Orlando Resort — Orlando, FL

Plenty of themed hotel suites exist, but Villatel—which opened in March 2025—takes it to a whole new level. It features modern villas with four to nine bedrooms, sleeping up to 26 people. Each villa has its own screened-in pool, and larger ones have additional features like arcades, game lofts, and theaters. Themed bedrooms range from pirate ships to castles to Super Mario World and have fun features like foam pits and bunk beds with slides.

For more ideas like this: See our list of hotel suites around the world that will blow your kids' minds.

14. Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, AL

Many East Coasters head to beaches in Florida, North Carolina, and other coastal states when they're craving sun and sand. But if you want your beach fix without all the crowds, try Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on Alabama's Gulf Coast. Enjoy white-sand beaches, back bays full of outdoor adventures like fishing and kayaking, and water activities like parasailing and bumper boats. You'll also find beach-town staples like mini golf courses and seafood restaurants.

For more ideas like this: Looking for a unique beach vacation on the west coast? Check out these hidden-gem beaches in the Los Angeles area.

We may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase through our links. This revenue helps us maintain this site, so thank you for supporting us.