North America Bucket List Travel Destinations for Families

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Bucket List Travel Places in North America: Unforgettable Adventures Await!

If you’re anything like us, your family bucket list is always growing—and for good reason. North America is absolutely bursting with once-in-a-lifetime experiences for families. From jaw-dropping national parks and storybook towns to epic resorts and magical cities, there’s something to excite every kind of traveler—big and small. And I also have some bucket list travel places for each season–like visiting Salem, Massachusetts in the fall.

So grab your calendar, start a new note in your phone, and get ready to plan your next unforgettable family getaway. Here are some of the most incredible bucket list destinations in North America that your family will be talking about for years to come.

🏞 Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

If you’re a family who loves outdoor adventures, Banff National Park has to be one of your bucket list travel destinations. Imagine waking up to turquoise lakes, towering mountains, and wildlife right outside your window. Banff is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and it’s surprisingly family-friendly. Take the kids canoeing on Lake Louise, go hiking among wildflowers, or ride the Banff Gondola for breathtaking views. Winter? Even better—snowy adventures like tubing, skiing, and hot chocolate await.

🐭 Walt Disney World, Florida– One of the more obvious bucket list travel places for families

Yes, it’s a classic—but for good reason. There’s nothing quite like the magic of Disney when seen through your child’s eyes. From hugging Mickey to flying through space on a rollercoaster, Disney World delivers pure joy. And even if you aren’t a “Disney family”, there’s something so magical about a Disney World vacation.

Pro tip: Stay at a Disney resort for early park access and an immersive experience (hello, themed rooms and poolside movies!). Or check out this list for even more amazing family hotels in Orlando.

🏖 Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa – Oahu, Hawaii – Another bucket list travel place for Disney lovers

This is Disney magic with a Hawaiian twist. Nestled on a beautiful lagoon in Ko Olina, Aulani offers cultural activities, amazing pools and waterslides, a lazy river, and even a kids’ club that’s actually fun. It’s a perfect balance of relaxation for adults and non-stop fun for kids. If your kids are Disney fans, it’s extra magical, but regardless, this is one of the best family hotels on Oahu.

🐻 Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks – Wyoming

Geothermal wonders, roaming bison, and jaw-dropping landscapes—Yellowstone feels like another planet. Pair it with the majestic peaks of the Tetons and you’ve got a family road trip for the books. Base yourselves at a nearby lodge or a family-friendly ranch for the full experience, including horseback rides, whitewater rafting and s’mores by the campfire.

🎡 San Diego, California

Sunshine, sandy beaches, and a zoo that’s world-famous? Yes, please. San Diego is a dream for families and should definitely be one of your family bucket list places to visit. In fact, it makes my list for best U.S. beach vacation destinations for families as well.

Spend a day at Balboa Park exploring museums and gardens, take the ferry to Coronado Island, and don’t miss the tide pools at La Jolla Cove. It’s coastal charm at its best. And it’s truly beautiful all year long–trust me, I live here. Winter in San Diego is great. That’s why we pay the sunshine tax 😉 Here’s a great San Diego itinerary for you when you’re ready to visit.

🏔 Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – Alberta, Canada

It looks like a castle—and feels like a dream. Set on the edge of a glacier-fed lake, this iconic hotel offers family-friendly amenities with one of the best views on the continent. In winter, you can ice skate across the lake with snow-covered peaks all around you. In summer, go hiking or canoeing. It’s a storybook setting that’s perfect for memory-making.

🏕 Mount Rushmore & The Black Hills – South Dakota

History meets adventure in South Dakota. Mount Rushmore is awe-inspiring, but don’t stop there—explore the wildlife in Custer State Park, go spelunking in Wind Cave, or take a scenic drive through the Needles Highway. Stay at a family resort or pitch a tent under the stars. This is one my list of best mid-west travel destinations as well.

🏙 New York City, New York

Believe it or not, NYC is an amazing city to explore with kids. Take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty, ride the carousel in Central Park, and marvel at the dinosaurs at the American Museum of Natural History. Grab a slice of New York pizza and end the day with a Broadway show geared toward families.

If you go during the winter, you can enjoy ice skating in central park or at Rockefeller Center, plus all of the magical Christmas festivities in the city. Or if you go in the summer, you can head to Coney Island and check out the 4th of July celebrations. It’s a big city with even bigger memories.

Check out this New York City travel itinerary that’s perfect no matter what time of year you visit.

🎢 Silver Dollar City & Branson, Missouri – One of the bucket list travel places in the Midwest

This Ozark gem surprises everyone. Silver Dollar City is one of the most beloved theme parks in the U.S.—think old-time charm mixed with top-notch rides and shows. Add in Branson’s family-friendly entertainment, beautiful lakes, and amazing waterpark resorts, and you’ve got a destination that’s both affordable and unforgettable. This is a destination I’d probably try to visit in the warmer months to fully maximize the fun.

For even more great hotel options in the Ozark, check out these cozy resorts.

🌊 Atlantis Paradise Island – Bahamas (Okay, not the mainland—but close!)

This is one of those bucket list travel places that’s a splurge, but wow—it’s worth it. Atlantis is a full-blown adventure island with waterslides that shoot through shark tanks, an underwater aquarium, a lazy river, and a kids’ camp that rivals most theme parks. It’s like a Caribbean cruise without leaving land. And there’s plenty for adults to enjoy as well–beautiful beaches, a casino, a spa and plenty of pina coladas.

🍁 Quebec City, Canada

Step into a European fairytale without crossing the Atlantic. Cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and the stunning Château Frontenac make Quebec City a dream to explore. In winter, it turns into a snow-globe-worthy scene with ice slides, snow sculptures, and maple taffy. Bonus: many locals speak both French and English, so it’s a fun way to expose kids to a new language.

🌌 Fairbanks, Alaska – For the Northern Lights

Seeing the aurora borealis (or Northern Lights) is a popular bucket list item. And you can do just that when you add Fairbanks, Alaska, to your bucket list of travel places. When you visit Fairbanks in the winter, you can stay in cozy lodges or glass-roof igloos, mush with huskies, and soak in hot springs under the stars. It’s the kind of experience that turns into a “remember when” story for life.

✨ Final Thoughts on These Family Bucket List Travel Places

Whether your family craves adventure, culture, nature, or just good old-fashioned fun, there’s plenty of bucket list-worth travel places in North America. Some spots are big-name icons, others are hidden gems—but all of them promise laughter, connection, and unforgettable memories.

So what destinations are on your family’s travel bucket list? Add more in the comments! I’m constantly looking for more places to explore. If you are too, be sure to check out these other top travel destinations for families.

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