Everything you need to know about visiting the USA with kids

07.10.2023 - 18:01 / lonelyplanet.com

The most common question you’ll hear when traveling with kids in the USA? “When can we have a snack?”

We jest, kind of, but hungry kids may be onto something. Cool snacks – from giant turkey legs to milkshakes served upside-down – are a US specialty and indicative of the attractions you’ll find from coast to coast: innovative, exuberant and fun for the entire family. And the sense of welcome? Most facilities are ready and happy to accommodate children.

From wide beaches and soaring mountains to niche museums and immersive art experiences, there’s a destination for every kind of kid. Adventures are equally varied, with easy hikes beneath soaring redwoods, leisurely bike rides, thrilling zipline tours, and stomach-dropping plunges on roller coasters. In every region of the US, you’ll find engaging activities suitable for every age group, from toddler to teen. One thing the US does particularly well? Dinosaurs.

Here's everything you need to know about visiting the USA with kids.

Most major attractions keep kids in mind, and hotels and restaurants are typically adept at accommodating kids and their families. Traveling with children in the US can also bring a new dimension to your trip, allowing you to make deeper connections with locals, who typically enjoy chatting with children.

It sounds obvious, but stop by the visitor center when arriving in a new city for a list of kid-friendly attractions – most have suggestions ready. Larger museums often have programs designed for children as well as hands-on, kid-themed areas where they can create art or dress up in clothes from a different era. Children’s museums, geared to younger kids, and science museums, well-suited for older kids, are common in larger cities.

Restaurants are typically built for family-style service. Children are welcome almost everywhere, and that includes craft breweries, which often have expansive outdoor spaces. Many restaurants have a limited children’s menu, typically with smaller portions and lower prices. They often provide high chairs and booster seats, too. High-end restaurants may discourage kids at dinner time, but if you show up early, you might be able to dine without causing too much stress. Keep control of youngsters in coffee shops and cafes, which can have limited space for free-range exploring.

Most public restrooms have a baby-changing table (sometimes in men’s toilets, too), and gender-neutral, or unisex, facilities are increasingly common in larger public areas like airports and major train stations. City transport systems may have steep stairways, which are not great for strollers, but most will have wheelchair-sized ticketing areas. Every state requires child seats for smaller children riding in cars, so reserve one – at an