The best places to visit in the South are all wonderful in their own way. If you're looking for a warm and sunny destination to escape a cold winter, you'll find it in many parts of Florida, Georgia, and other southern states. Perhaps your family is drawn to the fabulous Orlando theme parks, the country-music scene in Nashville, or the rich history of charming cities like Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia. Or, maybe you just need a good dose of southern hospitality and cooking!

Whatever your reasons for traveling down south, here are the 12 best places to visit in the South with kids. From beautiful beaches and pristine parks to world-class museums and children's attractions, there's a southern destination on this list to suit every family's interests. For even more southern family vacation ideas, check out our Southern States Vacation Guide.

You don't have to have a sweet tooth to be wowed by Candytopia, a new pop-up "museum" near Washington, DC. This candy-themed, selfie-inspired immersive experience opened March 17, 2023 on the first floor of Tysons Corner Center in Northern Virginia, following successful runs in Los Angeles, New York City, Houston, Atlanta, and other cities. Candytopia features 14 interactive environments with art and sculptures made entirely of candy, fun photo ops, a marshmallow pit to jump and play in, and so much more.

My family had the opportunity to visit Candytopia on the day it opened. Read all about our sweet experience, then make a sugar rush to get tickets—this candy wonderland is expected to leave town on December 31, 2023!

Dino lovers, take note: Dinosaurs have taken over the Rhode Island Center in Washington, DC with the Dinos Alive: Immersive Experience! In this museum-like exhibition, visitors are surrounded by over 80 life-sized, robotic dinosaurs as they walk through a prehistoric jungle habitat, getting an exciting peek at the world as it was millions of years ago. Even kids (and grown-ups) who are not dinosaur fanatics will enjoy seeing the dinos and their surroundings in this interactive experience. The exhibit is in town through April 8, 2024.

My family recently got the opportunity to visit Dinos Alive. All three of my kids—ages 10, 8, and 4—really enjoyed it. Read on for my full review of the Dinos Alive: Immersive Experience, and be sure to purchase tickets before the exhibit roars out of town!

The National Mall and Memorial Parks are one of the top-visited tourist attractions in the US, and hands-down the most famous place in Washington, DC. Plus, it's totally FREE to visit. That's why it should be at the top of any DC vacation itinerary. But with hundreds of acres of space and over 100 monuments and memorials to explore, visiting the National Mall with kids can be quite overwhelming.

Trust me, I know—I've visited the National Mall in the heat of summer with my infant twins in a double stroller, with three little ones after my daughter was born, and now with big kids who still love to climb the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and run around on the Washington Monument's vast lawn.

With all of that Mall madness under my belt, I'm here to give you the inside scoop on visiting DC's National Mall with kids, from must-see monuments to National Mall parking to the best kid-friendly restaurants near the National Mall. For more must-visit spots for families in our nation's capital, check out our list of the top attractions in DC.

Old Town Alexandria is one of the Washington, DC area's most historic neighborhoods. Founded in 1749 by Scottish merchants, the city of Alexandria, Virginia is best known for being the adopted hometown of George Washington. He owned a townhouse in Old Town Alexandria, and his famous Mount Vernon estate is nearby.

Indeed, walking through the cobblestone streets of Old Town Alexandria feels like stepping back into colonial times. You can dine where George Washington and other presidents did (Gadsby's Tavern), sit in his pew (number 60) at Christ Church, go on historic walking tours, and visit museums that showcase the city's history. But there are also many great modern-day things to do with kids in Old Town Alexandria, including fun festivals, shopping, and the bustling Old Town Alexandria waterfront.

Here are 21 things to do in Old Town Alexandria with kids, from the famous King Street Mile to kid-friendly Old Town Alexandria restaurants. For more great neighborhoods to explore near DC, check out our guides to visiting National Harbor; Fairfax, Virginia; and Kensington, Maryland with kids.

With cold winters, hot and humid summers, and unpredictable rain and snow, finding the right venue for a children's birthday party near DC can be tricky. Finding a spot that's appropriate and fun for preschoolers? Even harder. But DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia are home to several great indoor birthday party places for preschoolers that are perfect in any weather. Whether your preschooler is into science, art, superheroes, or sports, there is a great indoor birthday party spot for them.

Here are some awesome indoor birthday party places for preschoolers near DC that allow you to join the fun and celebrate with your kid without stressing over the setup and cleanup. We've also thrown in a few birthday party entertainers that will come to your home or rental space for a unique and fun indoor birthday party.

Check out our Kids' Birthday Party Places Guide for DC for more fun birthday party ideas for kids of all ages, from cool birthday party places for teens to free ways to celebrate your kid's birthday at home.