Locals say that Panama City Beach has the most beautiful beaches in the world, and after days spent walking them, you won’t get an argument from my family. Whether you call it the Florida Pan Handle, the Emerald Coast (for its sparkling, emerald-green water), or the Sugar Coast (for its fine white sandy beaches), the northern Gulf Coast of Florida is a gem of a family vacation spot.

No need to choose between walks on white sand beaches and action-packed days at family-friendly attractions, Panama City Beach has it all. Plus, my daughter’s personal favorite: loads of animal interactions (Peanut, the cuddly baby capybara, we miss you!). All that, plus incredible seafood, welcoming locals, and totally reasonable rates. What are you waiting for?

For more places to visit along the Gulf Coast, check out our guide to the best things to do in Destin; Orange Beach, Alabama; and more fabulous Florida family vacations.

Looking for the best trampoline parks in Los Angeles and Orange County where kids can safely bounce off the walls? We found 'em, and they're perfect for rainy days, team activities, and birthday parties!

Bounce, flip, repeat. Big kids, little kids—they all like to jump. Even Mom and Dad enjoy some trampoline park exercise (though they might just prefer the trampoline park below that offers massage chairs on the sidelines). Bring a pack of kids for a birthday party, and they'll all sleep well afterward; bring an antsy one on a rainy day, and watch the mood change for the better. With sections for everything from raucous dodgeball games for big kids to tiny tot gentle bouncing play; there's a little something for every kid of every age.

For more indoor active activities, check out our roundups of the best indoor rock climbing gyms and extreme sports centers in the Los Angeles Guide To Sports Centers and Fun Zones.

Vegas, baby! While Las Vegas may not be at the top of everyone's list of family vacation spots, it's actually extremely kid-friendly. With amusement parks and arcades, interesting museums, dazzling live shows, aquariums and animal adventures, and so much more, Las Vegas is full of fun things to do with kids.

Many of these exciting activities are centered around the amazing themed resorts along the Las Vegas Strip. But there are also some great hotels off the Strip that give families more space, a break from the non-stop action, and some fun amenities of their own, like fantastic pools.

Here are our picks for the best kid-friendly hotels in Las Vegas. Use this list, as well as our roundup of 50 awesome things to do in Vegas with kids, to plan the perfect Vegas vacation for your family. You'll find more fun places to visit out west in our Western US Family Travel Guide.