Best US cities for family travelers in 2017 named

Family Vacation Critic has named the Best Cities for Families in 2017 – ranking the best cities in the U.S. for family travel. Along with the announcement, Family Vacation Critic shares age-based activity recommendations and weekend guides specifically designed for families.

“Cities are often overlooked destinations for family vacations, but can actually be incredibly convenient and budget-friendly,” explains Amanda Norcross, Features Editor of Family Vacation Critic. “With so many attractions and restaurants packed into one destination – plus convenient transportation options and lower costs on the weekend when hotels look to fill rooms vacated by business travelers – cities can be a perfect place for a quick getaway, especially during the school year. This list highlights the best cities that cater to family members of all ages – so parents can feel confident they’ll be able to entertain every member of the family.”

To help families make the most of quick weekend getaways, the experts at Family Vacation Critic have put together weekend guides, outlining where to eat, play and stay in each of the top cities, with options for a variety of budgets.

The list of the best cities for families in 2017 include:

1. Washington, D.C.

Best for Infants and Toddlers: National Zoo
Best for Little Kids: National Museum of Natural History
Best for Big Kids: Monuments by Moonlight
Best for Tweens and Teens: Newseum

2. Boston, MA

Best for Infants and Toddlers: Boston Public Garden
Best for Little Kids: New England Aquarium
Best for Big Kids: Freedom Trail
Best for Tweens and Teens: Fenway Park

3. Seattle, WA

Best for Infants and Toddlers: Pacific Science Center
Best for Little Kids: Ride the Ducks of Seattle
Best for Big Kids: Theo Chocolate Factory Tours
Best for Tweens and Teens: Museum of Pop Culture

4. Las Vegas, NV

Best for Infants and Toddlers: Fountains of Bellagio
Best for Little Kids: Discovery Children’s Museum
Best for Big Kids: Adventuredome Theme Park
Best for Tweens and Teens: Stratosphere

5. San Antonio, TX

Best for Infants & Toddlers: The DoSeum
Best for Little Kids: Natural Bridge Caverns
Best for Big Kids: Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Best for Tweens and Teens: Pearl Brewery District

6. Tallahassee, FL

Best for Infants and Toddlers: Cascades Park
Best for Little Kids: Tallahassee Museum
Best for Big Kids: Mission San Luis de Apalachee
Best for Tweens and Teens: Harry Smith Outdoors Kayak Tours

7. San Diego, CA

Best for Infants and Toddlers: La Jolla Cove
Best for Little Kids: San Diego Zoo
Best for Big Kids: Balboa Park
Best for Tweens and Teens: California Surf Museum

8. New York City, NY

Best for Infants & Toddlers: Central Park Zoo
Best for Little Kids: American Museum of Natural History
Best for Big Kids: Luna Park at Coney Island
Best for Tweens and Teens: New York TV and Movie Tour

9. Nashville, TN

Best for Infants and Toddlers: Adventure Science Center
Best for Little Kids: General Jackson Showboat
Best for Big Kids: Grand Ole Opry
Best for Tweens and Teens: Historic RCA Studio B

10. Chicago, IL

Best for Infants and Toddlers: Lincoln Park Zoo
Best for Little Kids: Navy Pier
Best for Big Kids: Skydeck Chicago
Best for Tweens and Teens: Second City