My Kids’ Top 5 U S Spots We Keep Return

Описание: I’ve Taken 100+ Trips With My Kids—These Are the 5 U.S. Places They Beg To Return To

Here's why my well-traveled kids keep wanting to go back to these same family-friendly destinations.
By Kris Ann Valdez
Published on December 6, 2025
In This Article

Telluride, Colorado
Stowe, Vermont
Port Angeles, Washington
Maui, Hawaii
Washington D.C.

Easy Weeknight Meal Idea for Busy Moms: Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies
Family travel
Photo:

GettyImages/LaylaBird

As a travel-loving parent, I’ve taken my children to more than 100 destinations. We’ve stood atop the ancient Teotihuacan pyramids in Mexico, watched geysers shoot in Yellowstone, and hiked a part of the Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon.

But despite all our far-flung adventures, my children, ages 2, 8, and 13, still ask to return to the same five places. No matter how many new destinations I add to our bucket list, they keep wanting to revisit their favorites for their family-friendly appeal, unique feel, and the memories we’ve made.

These are the destinations my kids can’t get enough of, and why they’re so special for families.
Telluride, Colorado

Whenever I start planning another trip, my children immediately ask to return to this endearing mountain town.

Their favorite activity is riding the free gondola between Telluride and Mountain Village, with a hop off at Station St. Sophia to explore the San Sophia Nature Center, and learn about local geology, history, edible plants, and wildlife.

The walkable downtown is great for souvenir shopping, restaurants, dog-watching (Coloradans love their dogs), and free trolley rides.

Hiking is another favorite pastime. Bear Creek Falls offers an Aspen-lined trail that glows in the fall. For a gentler option, stroll along the San Miguel River, easily accessible downtown.

Kid-approved restaurants include Brown Dog Pizza, famous for its Detroit-style pies, and breakfast at the historic The New Sheridan Hotel.

For lodging, The Hotel Telluride is our favorite for cozy rooms, friendly staff, and a hot chocolate/tea bar in the lobby that my youngsters raid daily. The hotel's free shuttle makes exploring easier.

If you have time, take a day trip to Ouray, known as the “Switzerland of America,” for its sweeping views of the San Juan Mountains.
Stowe, Vermont

We recently visited Stowe, Vermont, with my parents, and on the flight back, my kids already wanted to know when we’d return. The Hallmark-postcard charm is real.

Main Street has a bookshop with a large children’s section, a toy store, and a general store to poke around in, while Smugglers’ Notch offers seriously cool climbable rock formations and unbeatable fall foliage.

We toured the original Ben and Jerry’s factory (reservations required), sampled ice cream, and wandered the quirky “flavor graveyard.” At Nebraska Knoll Sugar Farm, we were fascinated by how maple syrup is tapped.

As for food, my kids still talk about the clam chowder at The Tipsy Trout. Parents can sip a beer at The Alchemist Brewery while the children play on the lawn. And no visit is complete without a trip to Cold Hollow Cider Mill for the famous maple creemees and apple cider donuts.

We stayed at Hyatt’s The Lodge at Spruce Peak, a warm, family-friendly resort with stunning views of Mount Mansfield. Our three-bedroom penthouse slept seven comfortably, and the hotel’s family-travel specialist helped plan our multigenerational itinerary—a lifesaver since rideshares were tricky and we weren’t sure which trails were toddler-friendly.

On the resort grounds, my kids spent a long time on the ropes course playground and we all enjoyed the creekside access.
Port Angeles, Washington