Come summer, and the US beckons families and leisure travellers looking to enjoy bucket loads of fun and excitement together! Several aspects make it one of the best summer holiday destinations, along with Europe and the UK, including the sheer diversity of attractions and the family-friendly atmosphere across various states. Of course, you’ll also find plenty of comfortable and flexible serviced apartments that give you better value in terms of space, budget, and amenities. 

So, which are the top US summer vacation spots for youngsters, kids, and adults in 2025? Let’s take a look below. 

Why Summer Travel is Perfect for Families

Why is summer travel worth considering for your family? For starters, it means longer days (giving you more scope to go sightseeing) and amazing weather, which suits all your outdoor pursuits. At the same time, several family-friendly festivals and events take place in the US during this time, while the school break also makes it conducive to taking your kids along. 

Summer’s also when several resorts and other entertainment destinations offer a slew of family-friendly activities and offers, while the season is pocket-friendly and less crowded too. When it comes to accommodation, you’ll find great summer deals on serviced apartments, which are spacious and flexible options for your family, while providing higher comfort simultaneously. 

Top Summer Vacation Destinations for Families

The US offers some of the best summer vacation spots you’ll ever find! Here’s looking at some of them below. 

 

1. Austin, Texas – Live Music & Lakeside Fun

Austin’s an eclectic mix of natural beauty, cultural effervescence, and heady music. Sounds intriguing? The city’s famous for its multiple family-friendly musical festivals like the Do512 Family events and more events spanning genres like indie, rock, country, etc. You can hop over to Lady Bird Lake and enjoy paddleboarding here while enjoying the outdoor parks and nature trails. 

Some of the top choices include the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, Auditorium Shores and Festival Beach Park, and more. There’s also a generous dose of culture with plenty of art galleries, museums, and live music venues to check out. 

Things to Do in Austin with Kids

Austin’s also got some of the best summer travel spots for kids, including the fantastic Thinkery, which is a hands-on and interactive learning center focusing on STEM education for kids. You’ll find plenty of workshops and exhibits to keep the little ones engaged here for sure! Of course, you can take them to the Zilker Metropolitan Park (the oldest in Austin), with 351 acres of greenery and other attractions or check out the Barton Springs Pool, which is a natural spring-fed marvel where locals love swimming. 

The Austin Nature & Science Centre is another attraction worth checking out, offering fabulous exhibits and recreational activities for kids of all ages. In fact, your kids will have a ball viewing unique Texas wildlife and birds here. 

Where to Stay in Austin 

You can consider serviced apartments near downtown Austin (for easy access to all these landmarks) with pools, well-equipped kitchens, and family-friendly amenities. 

 

2. Calgary, Alberta – Outdoor Adventure Meets Urban Fun

Calgary, Alberta, is one of the best places to visit in summer in North America, being the gateway to the Rockies and Lake Louise and Banff. At the same time, the city’s also got a fabulous cultural circuit, while offering attractions like the Calgary Zoo, Calaway Park, and the Calgary Stampede, a massive outdoor festival and rodeo that your family will enjoy. 

Then there’s Studio Bell, the TELUS Spark Science Center, and the National Music Center to explore, along with Fort Calgary and the Calgary Tower. 

Things to Do in Calgary with Kids

The Calgary Zoo or Wildlife Institute will be a fascinating experience for the kids, housing 4,000+ animals across more than 100 species. You’ll all have a blast, checking out zones like Exploration Asia, Wild Canada, and Destination Africa. Another attraction is the TELUS Spark Science Centre that offers amazingly interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and other programs to engage visitors. Check out 200+ special experiences here, including Western Canada’s biggest dome theatre and the Creative Kids Museum. 

At the same time, the Heritage Park Historical Village is a one-of-a-kind living history museum covering 127 acres within the Glenmore Reservoir. Some attractions here include the Railway Café, Gasoline Alley Museum, Railway Prairie Town, and many more. 

Where to Stay in Calgary

You’ll find several serviced apartments that offer easy access to multiple transit points and attractions. 

 

3. Chicago, Illinois – City Adventures for All Ages

Looking for some classic places to go this summer, with a mix of museums, boat rides, theme parks, and lakeside frolic? Try Chicago with all its cultural attractions and child-friendly adventures in store for visitors. There’s the Art Institute of Chicago, Shedd Aquarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry to explore, along with the fabulous Millennium Park with its sculptures and interactive fountains. You’ll all enjoy the lakefront with its walking, boating, and biking opportunities, and of course, the Lincoln Park Zoo here. 

Hop down to the Navy Pier with all its attractions or take a cruise to see the fabulous Chicago architecture up close! The city also has hop-on and hop-off sightseeing buses for sightseeing, while the kids will fall in love with the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre and the Chicago Children’s Museum. 

Family Things to Do in Chicago

Some of the best family-friendly things to do in Chicago include paying a visit to the wonderful Millennium Park, with its famous Bean sculpture, Maggie Daley Park, rock climbing wall, and more. You can also head to the Navy Pier with its Centennial Wheel and FlyOver Chicago, or even visit the Shedd Aquarium and Lincoln Park Zoo to get close to nature. 

Where to Stay in Chicago

There are numerous serviced apartments near the Chicago lakefront and well-known museums in the city. 

 

4. Dallas, Texas – Family Fun & Cultural Buzz

Undoubtedly one of the best summer destinations in the US, Dallas is the crown jewel of Texas, offering fabulous attractions like the Children’s Aquarium and Dallas World Aquarium, along with the Dallas Museum of Art. At the same time, there are several activities to enjoy in the lovely summer weather here, including hiking at the popular Trinity Audubon Center and checking out the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. 

Things to Do in Dallas with Kids

There’s no dearth of activities in Dallas with children, including paying a visit to the Dallas Zoo, with its vast range of animal exhibits like the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo for the family to explore. At the same time, there is the Perot Museum of Nature and Science with its movie theater, interactive exhibits, and a children’s museum. 

You can also check out the fabulous Dallas World Aquarium with its rainforest zone and diverse species, including fish, reptiles, amphibians, and more. If you’re looking for a bit of relaxation in a green setting, the Klyde Warren Park is also a must-visit with its green trails, playground, live music, and food trucks. 

Where to Stay in Dallas

You can consider the Uptown and Downtown zones for family-friendly serviced apartments in Dallas, which are excellent choices for accommodation, to say the least. 

 

5. Denver, Colorado – Gateway to Mountains & Urban Adventure

Denver, Colorado, is one of the best places to travel in the summer, with its plethora of outdoor adventures, family parks, and a whole lot more! You’ll find everything here from the Denver Zoo and Denver Museum of Nature and Science to the Children’s Museum of Denver, and the Confluence Park and Red Rocks. 

Check out the Rocky Mountain National Park near the city and check out the unique Denver Firefighters Museum nearby. There’s also the WOW! Children’s Museum to check out, along with the Hammond’s Candies Factory Tour here. 

Fun Activities in Denver for Kids

There’s no limit to having fun in Denver with your kids for company! Take them to the fabulous Denver Museum of Nature & Science with its interactive exhibits or visit the Children’s Museum of Denver that is designed for young ones with its play areas and innovative collections. 

Don’t miss the spectacular City Park with its lakes and playgrounds, and get up close with wildlife at the Denver Zoo. You can also consider paying a visit to the Denver Botanic Gardens with its conservatory, theme gardens, and sunken amphitheatre that hosts special summer concerts too! 

Where to Stay in Denver

You will find several serviced apartments in Denver that come with family-friendly amenities and gorgeous mountain views, along with well-equipped kitchens and a lot more. 

 

6. Houston, Texas – Space, Science, and Summer Fun

Houston is also one of the best summer holiday destinations, offering several attractions like the Space Center and the Theatre District with its Houston Grand Opera and the Historic District. You’ll love the warm weather in summer, which is ideal for spending relaxed days in the pool and also the children’s museum, historic architecture, and fabulous restaurants. 

Houston Attractions for Families 

The Space Center is one of the biggest attractions for families in Houston, offering fabulous exhibits on the Apollo program, the Space Shuttle, and the amazing International Space Station. You can also pay a trip to the fascinating Houston Zoo, which has a massive collection of birds and other species, while the Children’s Museum offers amazing exhibits and activities for kids between 0-12 years of age. 

In the mood for some fun? Enjoy the watersports activities, kayaking in the lake, and various events at the 12-acre Discovery Green Park in Houston. You’ll thank us later! 

Where to Stay in Houston

Houston has several serviced apartments for you to consider, with proximity to multiple attractions, museums, and more. 

 

7. Montreal, Canada – Culture and Festivals for All Ages

Another Canadian gem to visit in summer, Montreal offers a fabulous experience in summer, with iconic festivals like the Montreal International Jazz Festival (close to 1,000 concerts), Francos de Montreal, and the St-Ambroise Fringe Festival. Your kids will also love the Eureka! A festival with its focus on science. 
You can explore the lovely parks, including the Mount Royal Park with its lovely city views and the Ronde Amusement Park with its multiple rides for the little ones to savour! When it comes to other attractions, there’s the Ecomuseum Zoo,the  Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Montreal Science Center, and a lot more to explore. 

Things to Do in Montreal with Kids

You can check out the amazing La Ronde amusement park with its fabulous rides and attractions for everyone, and also the Biodom,e which offers fascinating glimpses into various ecosystems like polar, rainforest, and many more. Your kids will love ziplining in the Old Port (slightly older children and teenagers), while Mount Royal Park welcomes visitors with its hiking trails and other outdoor activities. 

Where to Stay in Montreal 

If you’re looking for the best accommodation in Montreal, there are several serviced apartments available in prime locations, with kitchens and other family-friendly amenities. There is also easy connectivity to the metro and several parks from these apartments. 

 

8. New York City- Big Apple Adventures for Families 

New York City is highly revered in the list of the best summer holiday destinations, offering everything from the amazing Central Park and thrilling Broadway shows for children to globally-acclaimed museums, and sites like the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center. The city’s got this bustling energy that will add a new dimension to your summer holiday for sure! 

Top NYC Family Attractions 

Get down to the Central Park Zoo, which offers diverse adventures with animals and a wide lineup of activities. The American Museum of Natural History is known for its interesting dinosaur exhibits and huge blue whale along with other displays. Coney Island’s a hotspot for families, with the historic amusement park offering everything from beachside fun and rides to food stalls and more. And of course, there are the classic NYC ferries that will help you glimpse the city’s skyline up close and explore various boroughs, including Queens, Staten Island, and Brooklyn. 

Where to Stay in New York 

New York’s home to tons of incredible serviced apartments in prime areas that offer easy access to subway stations, tourist landmarks, and a lot more. 

 

9. Seattle, Washington – Coastal Charm & Tech Fun

Imagine a heady combination of a tech-savvy city with plenty of start-ups and conglomerates and lovely coastal charm with fabulous attractions for you to enjoy. It makes for the perfect recipe for the best summer holiday with your family indeed! 

You’ll find several interactive and thought-provoking science exhibits here at the Pacific Science Center along with thrilling ferry rides, beautiful natural landscapes and ocean views, and perfect summer weather. And of course, there are tons of parks to check out, including the Olympic Sculpture Park and Myrtle Edwards Park, among others. 

Family Activities in Seattle 

From the Space Needle to coastline marvels, there’s plenty to do with your family in Seattle. For starters, there’s the awe-inspiring Museum of Pop Culture or MoPOP, with its Indie Game Revolution, Sound Lab, and plenty more for your little ones to marvel at! The Seattle Aquarium is another marvel where your children can get up close with diverse marine species, and of course, the bustling Pike Place Market with its games, food stalls, and Ride the Champion at Shug’s, which is a hit with the kids. 

When you’re in the mood for an offbeat experience, head down to the Woodland Park Zoo, which offers exhibits like the Molbak’s Butterfly Garden and the Peru Penguin exhibit, to name a few.

Where to Stay in Seattle

When it comes to putting up in Seattle, the best choice is undoubtedly serviced apartments near the waterfront and the downtown area. These are ideal for families with their own space and amenities. 

 

10. Toronto, Canada- City Fun and Island Escapes

Toronto offers a whole bunch of family-friendly and fun activities, including the amazing CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, along with the Ontario Science Centre, Toronto Islands, and several museums and amusement parks. Stroll along the waterfront and embrace the cultural diversity and cosmopolitan vibe that shows itself in the city’s dining and recreational circuit. 

Things to Do in Toronto with Kids

One of the top things to do in Toronto with your children is to explore the CN Tower, a majestic landmark that offers panoramic views of the city skyline from its SkyPod and observation decks. The EdgeWalk is a thrilling experience here, while you can dine together at the 360 Restaurant, which also rotates! Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is another marvel, offering glimpses into diverse marine life like sharks, jellyfish, and stingrays, and also a fabulous underwater viewing tunnel! 

Then there’s the Ontario Science Centre which offers 500+ interactive exhibits and live science demonstrations along with an actual rainforest and the mind-boggling Space Hall. And if you’re looking for a unique experience out in the open, take the ferry ride to the Toronto Islands and explore the parks, beaches, and biking trails here. 

Where to Stay in Toronto

There are several family-friendly serviced apartments near Downtown Toronto or the Harbourfront that you can consider for your stay here. 

 

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there’s no dearth of the best summer holiday destinations in the US and even in Canada for you to explore in 2025. Of course, it’s important to plan ahead and book your flights and accommodation in advance to avoid the last-minute rush. When it comes to comfortable, flexible, and affordable accommodation, serviced apartments make for the best choice indeed. They give you more freedom and space than regular hotels, along with great amenities. So lets now get ready for that summer holiday!