Washington, D.C.
There are over 100 free, or nearly free, things to do in Washington, D.C., many of which are family friendly. The giant pandas, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, at the National Zoo have a new baby named Bao Bao, making the panda family a must-see. DC by Foot offers free kid-friendly tours, but they do recommend tips. Friendship Park is a great place for parents to take a rest while their children play in their huge sandbox.
Oahu
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Many people consider Oahu the heart of Hawaii. Most Hawaiians live on Oahu and over 4,000,000 tourists visit the island each year. Hawaii’s third-largest island features dozens of sites and attractions including surfing, snorkeling, and adventuring by land and sea.
Oahu is an excellent destination for previous tourists to revisit. The North Shore and Pearl Harbor are just a few of the many areas available beyond Waikiki. Returning visitors can venture out for traditional Hawaiian cuisine or discover more about the history of Hawaii through Oahu’s historical museums.
San Francisco
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San Francisco is a wonderful place to take your family on vacation. The Fisherman’s Wharf is a top destination for tourists. Most are there for the seafood, but plenty of street performers will keep the kids entertained while you’re enjoying fresh crab. You might even see a few sea lions, depending on what time you arrive there.
The cable cars are a historic part of San Francisco and a few of them stop at Fisherman’s Wharf. Alcatraz Island is visible from most parts of the Wharf. If your family is brave enough, consider taking a dining cruise to The Rock.
Orlando and Walt Disney World
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Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida may be the most family-friendly destination in the United Sates. An estimated 50 million people visit Orlando every year, and there are plenty of activities in Orlando and Walt Disney to keep tourists busy.
At Walt Disney World, parents enjoy various activities with their kids including rides, theater, various sports and recreation, and a variety of other events. In total, there are four different theme parks and two water parks, so some planning is necessary. Locations in Orlando, outside of Walt Disney World, include Universal Studios, SeaWorld, several golf courses, a zoo, and many other attractions.
 Yellowstone National Park
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Yellowstone National Park is an excellent choice for family vacations. It boasts the world’s largest collection of geysers and is a wildlife haven for wolves, bison, elk, and the infamous grizzly bear.
More active families can enjoy activities like biking, camping, and day hiking. Families with small children and the elderly can enjoy quieter activities such as fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing.
Entrance fees to Yellowstone National Park are reasonable, but larger vehicles should prepare to pay $125 or more to enter the park. Children 15 and under can access the park for free.
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Feature Image via Flickr by robposse