Five Incredible Non-Beach Travel Destinations for Families

With direct flights from more than 90 airports, Salt Lake City stands out as an easy-to-reach getaway at the base of a mountain playground. Kid-friendly attractions abound, ranging from must-see-for-dino-fans Natural History Museum of Utah to This Is the Place Heritage Park, an interactive pioneer village that teaches kids about the history of the area in a fun hands-on way (gold panning! a petting zoo! train rides!). All year long, nearby mountain spots like Snowbird provide outdoor adventures that will enthrall active families. The food and shopping scenes are first-rate — particularly the Maven district, which is dedicated to woman-owned businesses.

TESTER NOTES: “The vibe was outdoorsy and family-friendly. It didn’t really feel touristy even at the ‘tourist’ spots,” reported our tester, who visited in the summer with her 9-year-old. They stayed at Evo Hotel Salt Lake City, which had rooms in many family-friendly configurations, including bunk beds for kids. Much to the delight of our tester’s son, the property also offers skateboarding and complimentary boulder climbing in the hotel building.

If you long to take the kids to Europe but are struggling with budget, flight length and time zone changes, say “Bonjour!” to the Canadian province of Québec. The region, which includes Montreal, Québec City and charming towns and villages like Mont-Tremblant in the Laurentian Mountains, immerses families in Old World splendor and the French language while offering exceptional value thanks to the favorable exchange rate. Cobblestone streets, historical architecture (particularly the Notre Dame basilica in Old Montreal), independent cafes and bakeries galore offer Paris vibes without the hefty price.

TESTER NOTES: “It truly felt as if I were on another continent, since French was the dominant language,” said our tester, an accessibility travel blogger. “It’s a beautiful and vibrant region with fascinating history and lots of family-friendly activities, and though accessibility can be challenging in some areas, it’s doable for people with disabilities.” She stayed at the Fairmont Tremblant, calling it “fantastic.”

Families will not run out of activities in the British Columbia capital of Victoria, a three-hour ferry ride from Seattle. No matter what your kid’s interest is, this highly walkable, sustainability-minded mecca offers something for them. Kids fascinated with insects will dig the Victoria Bug Zoo, while Craigdarroch Castle tours will appeal to fairy tale fans. Whale-and wildlife-watching cruises in the picturesque Inner Harbour seem to be all-around family faves, as is the Fisherman’s Wharf district with its floating homes, food kiosk and cool little shops. For playgrounds and beautiful gardens — Victoria is in fact known as the City of Gardens — head to Beacon Hill Park, a short walk from downtown.

TESTER NOTES: “The Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA, on the stunning shores of Victoria’s Inner Harbour, offers a perfect location for families with easy access to renowned landmarks and dining experiences along with a swim-in/swim-out heated pool,” said our tester. She also took advantage of the free resort shuttle to explore local attractions.

Your family will undoubtedly remember the Alamo and the host of other kid-friendly attractions in the historic, culturally vibrant city of San Antonio. It’s free for all to enter the 18th century Spanish mission and its gardens, movie stations and living-history encampment (which is surprisingly a hit with the littles). The Whitte Museum, home to interactive exhibits featuring the dinosaurs that once roamed the state, will have kids roaring with excitement. Located just 10 minutes from downtown, the airport welcomes direct flights from 30 U.S. cities and distributes Loteria game cards to help kids pass the time while they’re waiting for their flights home.

TESTER NOTES: “There is a wide variety of activities for all tastes and ages,” said our tester, who visited with her teen son. A wheelchair user, our reviewer was most impressed by Morgan’s Wonderland, an attraction designed so guests of all abilities can enjoy the rides and activities side by side. She also noted, “My son loved the zip line. It’s truly an incredible and inclusive place.”

There’s always something new in Orlando, the theme park hotspot that is gaining accolades for its cultural and dining scene. The recent openings of a penguin-themed coaster at SeaWorld and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World along with the upcoming opening of Universal’s highly anticipated Epic Universe in May 2025, further cement the city’s reputation as the ride capital of the world. At the same time, a growing number of experiences, such as family-forward shows at the impressive downtown Phillips Center for the Arts and Michelin-starred restaurants with kids’ menus such as the Spanish steakhouse Capa at the Four Seasons Orlando, lure out-of-towners to venture beyond the theme park gates.

TESTER NOTES: On a recent visit, our tester chose to forgo a second theme park day to explore Winter Park, a vibrant neighborhood with one-of-a-kind shops including the flagship location of Rifle Paper, scenic boat tours, frequent festivals and the unforgettable AVA MediterrAegean restaurant. Said our tester, “My perfect vacation in Orlando is alternating low-key days like this with ones where we rope-drop at the parks.”