Family Travel Bucket List: 44 Adventures Across North America (and the Caribbean)

We’ve compiled a list of over 40 family-friendly bucket-list-worthy travel adventures around North America, from the amazing National Parks of the United States to the Cooper Canyon and the delicious food of Mexico, including highlights of Canada and the Caribbean.

Organized by region, we hope this family bucket list will inspire you to plan your next adventure, whether you are looking for nature, history, or just delicious food. We’ve indicated age ranges when applicable, though, of course, this may vary by family.

Some of these adventures were part of our Family Year Out (what is a family year out?), and others we’re still hoping to see and do!

This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. All our recommendations are independent and are in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative.

Talking with your family about bucket list ideas? At the bottom of this post, download free Mobile Wallpaper images to satisfy your wanderlust!

Know where you want to head? Use the Table of Contents to skip around!

North America Family Travel Bucket List

North America spans a vast area with diverse experiences, from major cities and attractions to national parks and wildlife experiences. We’ve tried to highlight some of the best things you may have on your bucket list, and a few you may not have thought of yet!

Don’t forget to check out our other bucket lists for family travel around Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and of course, all over Europe. The world is a big place, and it’s always got one more surprise to discover!

Don’t miss our list of adventures in Central and South America as well!

United States Bucket List:

We love road-tripping around the United States, enjoying wacky attractions like Meow Wolf in Santa Fe, or Trees of Mystery in the California Redwoods. Our kids still talk about visiting the Jelly Belly Experience (CA) and the Crayola Factory (PA).

We’ve also visited a lot of National Parks- from smaller parks like the Wright Brothers Memorial, Mammoth Cave, Great Sand Dunes (don’t miss tips for sand sledding), and Craters of the Moon, to the larger, more famous parks of Glacier, Yellowstone, and Yosemite.

1. Road Trip Across the USA

Whether it’s Route 66 with all its kitsch photo opportunities or circling the National Parks, the American Road Trip is a classic family adventure. Pack the cooler, get ready to sing songs, and eat motel breakfasts!

We took on an Epic 60+ day cross-country family road trip from Connecticut across to Los Angeles, and up to Santa Rosa, CA. We saw friends, hiked in National Parks, and explored big and small towns along the way.

In the fall, we embarked on a second road trip through the American Northwest, followed by one across the Mexican border into Baja Norte.

We have lots of family road trip tips to help you make the most of your road trip, from the best road trip snacks to road trip activities, to a complete list of road trip essentials.

2. Ride Horses on a Dude Ranch

I’d love to take my girls for a week at a dude ranch! Most of them assign you a horse for the week, which you help to take care of, as well as ride. There are campfires, s’mores, and games for the kids, and time for the adults to relax.

3. Visit the Famous National Parks of Utah

Utah has some incredible National Parks, including Bryce Canyon, Zion, Arches, and Canyonlands. On our summer road trip, we stayed in Bryce Canyon, and then hiked in Arches and Canyonlands from a base in Moab.

If you’ll be visiting three or more National Parks, be sure to get an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass. The Annual Pass costs $80 for U.S. residents, $250 for non-U.S. residents, and grants you admission to all National Parks, Monuments, and Preserves.The pass covers up to 4 adults, and lets you easily enter and leave the park.

*As of January 2026, REI is not offering the National Parks Pass; we hope that they will again in the future.

Buy Now: Annual National Parks Pass*

4. Climb the Statue of Liberty

Lady Liberty is a New York City icon. Take the ferry out to see her and climb all the way to her crown! The same ferry will also take you to Ellis Island.

The crown of the statue has reopened, but with limited tickets, so it is best to book several months in advance, especially in the summer.

Check the official website for updates. You can find more details about visiting the Statue of Liberty in our guide to New York City

5. Spend Autumn Leaf Peeping in New England

I grew up in New England, so the seasonal color changes are easy to take for granted. If you haven’t visited to see the fall colors, you really must!

Peak viewing is usually late September in Northern Maine and about mid-October in Connecticut. Use this Fall foliage map to see color predictions by state.

Leaf peeping can be combined with other fall activities such as Fall festivals, apple picking (and eating apple cider donuts), corn mazes, and hayrides.

6. Explore the National Mall in Washington, DC

The National Mall in Washington, DC, is full of monuments, memorials, and museums, all free to the public. From seeing the original signed Declaration of Independence to Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz, there’s always more to see and do. Visiting Washington, DC, with kids is always a great idea!

When you’re in the area, don’t forget to visit Mt. Vernon, George Washington’s family estate.

7. Visit New Orleans and Eat Beignets

New Orleans is known for its Mardi Gras parties (and those are lots of fun!), but there’s plenty for families to do as well. Wander the French Quarter and visit Jackson Square to hear musicians and see fortune-tellers.

Visit the Presbytère Museum to learn about Hurricane Katrina, then see some Mardi Gras costumes and learn about the history of the celebration.

Make sure to stop for beignets (little square pastries covered in powdered sugar that resemble fried dough) at either Café du Monde or Café Beignet. 

Listen to live jazz and try some Creole dishes like po’boys or gumbo. Ride a streetcar, take a steamboat cruise up the Mississippi, or an airboat swamp tour to look for alligators.

Consider visiting the Whitney Plantation, which focuses on the lives of the enslaved people on the plantation. It’s about an hour’s drive from New Orleans.

8. Watch a Rocket Launch at Kennedy Space Center

Watch a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral! Check the calendar, launches include unmanned rockets and SpaceX capsules headed to the International Space Station. Watch from the visitor center viewing area next to the Space Shuttle Atlantis.

The Kennedy Space Center has so much to offer! Visit their rocket garden to see real rockets, see the Astronaut Hall of Fame, and learn about the Apollo missions.

Step inside an astronaut training simulator to learn to pilot a space shuttle. Kids 10+ can opt for the full Astronaut Training Experience, a 4-5 hour program that includes simulated Mars terrain.

9. Swim with Manatees in Florida

Crystal River, Florida, is the only place in the world where you can legally swim with manatees. You can visit any time of year, as the water is always warm. But you will find the highest concentration of manatees in winter. These endangered mammals each weigh around 1,000 pounds and are slow, gentle, and primarily herbivorous.

You can take a tour from Crystal River or a day trip from Orlando (about 90 minutes away) that includes manatees, lunch, an airboat ride, and a trip to Homosassa State Wildlife Park. Ages 3+.

Book Now: Manatee Tour from Orlando

10. Visit the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is considered a must-see. Plan to spend a few days exploring. We stayed inside the park, so we could get up to see the sunrise over the canyon and take a few hikes. We also took a helicopter ride over the canyon!

Update: We didn’t love it. In fact, we might skip the Grand Canyon on our next road trip!

11. Raft the Colorado River

An adventurous way to see another side of the Grand Canyon is to raft the Colorado River through it. Plan for at least 3-4 days of rafting, and camping on the river’s edge at night. Ages 10+.

12. Visit Yellowstone Park

Old Faithful should be on every family’s outdoor travel bucket list! We wrote a 3-day guide to Yellowstone with kids. Though there are over 500 geysers in Yellowstone, Old Faithful is the largest and most famous, and erupts around 20 times per day.

Visit Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the United States. You can view the spring from above from a viewing platform on the Fairy Falls trail.

Explore Yellowstone Canyon- take in the view from Artist’s Point, then head out on Uncle Tom’s Trail.

Don’t miss the Lamar Valley drive, where you may see wild bison, deer, or bears. This drive can be combined with a visit to Mammoth Hot Springs.

13. Explore Native American History

There are lots of places to explore Native American cultures across the United States. These experiences can help to balance some of the European-biased histories we were taught in school.

On our cross-country road trip, we visited several places that largely focus on the colonial and settler experience- from stops at Colonial Williamsburg to the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead in Kansas. While both include the native experience to some extent, it is not their focus. We also learned about the Oregon Trail by visiting some of its famous stops along the route.

To balance this with some native experience, we started with the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC (which we don’t recommend for families). We then visited the Oconaluftee Indian Village in Cherokee, NC, which focuses on the Cherokee people, and we highly recommend it! The Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah, OK, also has a living history village (focused on 1710) and an exhibit on the Trail of Tears.

Explore Mesa Verde National Park (check out our tips for the best of Mesa Verde) to learn about the Pueblo people, and Taos Pueblo to learn more about how the Taos people are combining modern life with ancient traditions.

14. Visit Disney

A Disney theme park visit should definitely be on every family’s travel bucket list! While I’m not one to visit Disney again and again (and we generally don’t include theme parks in our plans), Disney magic is pretty special. It was wonderful to see the kids’ faces light up when we saw some of their favorite characters!

We visited Disneyland in December as a holiday gift for our girls. We had Park Hopper tickets and spent the first day in Disneyland, and started in California Adventure for the second day, but then went back to Disneyland. At ages 4 and 7, our kids were the perfect age to soak up the wonder and loved seeing the characters, the parade, and the fireworks show.

Recommended Hotel: Hotel Lulu. This hotel is an easy 10-minute walk from the parks, with a shuttle stop right out front. The rooms were cute and comfortable.

15. Take an Alaskan Cruise

I’m not a cruise person generally, but an Alaskan cruise would be the exception! I’d love to take a cruise on a smaller boat and take a kayak out to see the wildlife and spectacular scenery.

Our kids loved watching PBS’s Molly of Denali, so we’re all excited to learn more about Alaska and its native traditions.

16. Swim with Manta Rays

Head to Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii to swim with manta rays. You’ll see the sunset from your boat, then snorkel alongside these magnificent creatures. You can also scuba dive with the rays.

You’ll have a float with a light shining down- the light attracts plankton, and the manta rays come to eat the plankton. These reef manta rays can grow up to 18 feet in length, with a wingspan of 10 to 12 feet.

Book Now: Swim with Manta Rays in Kona, Hawaii

Swimming with Manta rays is also available in the Maldives, the Galapagos, and the Great Barrier Reef. Often at those locations, you’ll see manta rays where they go to clean their skin, rather than where they feed.

17. Drive the Road to Hana

The Road to Hana in Maui starts in Kahului and winds along 64 miles to the town of Hana. You’ll explore the rainforest and see waterfalls, roadside stands, and other attractions, including the Seven Sacred Pools and a red-sand beach.

The drive is stunning. When I drove it, we listened to audio commentary via cassette while we went- now you can download Gypsy Guide to your phone before you leave. Take your time, stop along the way, and don’t rush! The journey is the destination in this case.

18. Snorkel with Sea Turtles

Watching a large sea turtle gently swim by is an amazing experience! I swam with them in Hanauma Bay, on Oahu. Hanauma Bay is within a volcanic cone and is a marine life conservation area. The bay now limits visitors and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays to give the wildlife a break.

You can also take a snorkeling tour to Turtle Canyons on Oahu or Turtle Town on Maui to snorkel with Green Sea Turtles in the open ocean.

Book Now: Maui Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkel Tour

You are most likely to see the turtles between 11 am and 2 pm. There are many beaches you can visit in Maui where you have a high chance of seeing sea turtles- including Slaughterhouse Beach, Black Rock Beach, and Maluaka Beach (Turtle Town). On Oahu, try Laniakea Beach, Kahe Point, and Kaupo Bay.

19. See Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is often associated with the Great American Road Trip. You can visit either the American or Canadian side. From the American side, don’t miss the Cave of the Winds, and take the Maid of the Mist out to Bridal Falls. Ponchos are required, of course.

From the Canadian side, take the Hornblower cruise out to the falls, ride the SkyWheel, or take a helicopter ride above the falls.

Caribbean Bucket List:

20. Visit Cuba

I’d love to take a family trip to Cuba! It’s so close to the United States, yet we have been restricted from visiting for so long. The rich culture, colorful buildings, and beautiful beaches all sound enchanting.

I’d love to visit during the Havana Jazz Festival in December. Plan to explore Havana, stay in Casa Particulares (local homes), take a salsa class in Vinales, and relax on the beach in Trinidad.

Cuba is currently difficult for Americans to travel to; hopefully, these restrictions will loosen over the next few years. You’ll need a government permit to visit and a travel visa.

The easiest way to do this is through a tour company that can provide a Support the Cuban People travel license, though this can get expensive. Options include private tours with Global Family Travels and group or private tours through Cuba Explorer.

Once you arrive, your debit and credit cards won’t work, and you will probably need a local SIM for your phone. Internet access may be limited. The best time to visit is from December to May.

21. Relax on a Pink Sand Beach

Bermuda’s pink-sand beaches are as beautiful as they sound! You’ll find these beaches mostly on the South side of the island. Horseshoe Bay Beach is one of the most famous, with soft pink sand created from crushed coral. Visit between May and October for the warmest water.

22. Climb the Pitons

The Pitons in St Lucia are a registered UNESCO World Heritage site. These twin volcanic peaks rise dramatically from the Caribbean Sea. Gros Piton is the easier of the two to climb, and the views are incredible. Families with teens will enjoy the challenge and the feeling of accomplishment at the summit!

Not feeling like a strenuous hike? Book this half-day small-group tour, which takes you from Castries to Soufriere. You’ll visit Marigot Bay, have great views of the pitons, drive through the volcano, and stop at a botanical garden.

Book Now: Half-Day Tour to Soufriere and the Pitons

23. Kayak or Swim in a Bioluminescent Bay

We kayaked to a bioluminescent lagoon in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, and it was amazing! There are beaches around the world that sometimes have bioluminescent plankton, but they can be unpredictable.

A Nomad’s Passport did a great post pulling together options around the world. All of these experiences take place after dark, so many are for ages 8+.

We were able to snorkel with bioluminescent plankton in Colombia, on the Rosario Islands.

24. Explore the Crystal Caves of Bermuda

Head underground into the shimmering Crystal and Fantasy Caves, discovered by two boys in 1907. Walk along floating pathways above turquoise pools while stalactites glisten overhead. The caves are a great break from the sun and perfect for curious kids!

25. Swim with Stingrays in Grand Cayman

Head to Stingray City, where dozens of gentle southern stingrays gather in shallow sandbars. You can wade right into the water to touch and feed these amazing creatures. This experience is best for confident swimmers ages 5+.

Book Now: Swim with Stingrays and Snorkel Trip

Canada Travel Bucket List

Canada is a big country with so much to offer, including abundant natural landscapes and wildlife experiences.

26. Practice your French in Montreal

Dust off your French language skills for a visit to charming Montreal! Stroll along the cobblestone streets of Vieux-Montreal while eating poutine.

Visit Mount Royal and take a paddleboat out onto Beaver Lake. Check out the botanical garden, the planetarium, or Voiles en Voiles- a pirate ship that houses ropes courses, rappelling, and aerial activities.

Have Barbie fans in your house? Don’t miss the free 5,000-square-foot Barbie Expo exhibit.

27. Explore Sunny Vancouver

Less than an hour from the US border on the west coast, Vancouver is known for its sunny days and easy access to snow-capped mountains. Explore Stanley Park, where you’ll find playgrounds and totems carved by native peoples.

Take a water taxi over to Granville Island for a great public market and a sprinkler park. Take the gondola up Grouse Mountain, or visit Victoria Island to have high tea at the Fairmont Hotel.

28. Marvel at the Calgary Stampede

Known as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” the Calgary Stampede is a must-see summer event. Watch rodeos, chuckwagon races, and concerts while enjoying classic fair food. The kids’ midway is full of rides and games, you’ll want to spend at least a full day!

29. Eat Gooey Poutine

No trip to Canada is complete without trying poutine—crispy fries topped with cheese curds and hot gravy. You’ll find it everywhere, from food trucks to fancy bistros, but some of the best versions are in Quebec. It sounds intense- and it is, but only in the best way!

30. Visit the CN Tower in Toronto

Toronto’s CN Tower is one of Canada’s most iconic landmarks and a must for any family visiting the city. Ride the glass elevator up to the observation deck for incredible 360-degree views of Lake Ontario and the city skyline below. Don’t miss standing on the glass floor, you can look straight down 1,122 feet!

For families with older kids or teens, take it up a notch with the EdgeWalk, where you’ll walk hands-free around the outside of the tower’s main pod, securely harnessed in. It’s the world’s highest full-circle, hands-free walk.

31. Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame

If you have hockey fans in your family, the Hockey Hall of Fame in downtown Toronto is a blast to explore. You’ll find interactive exhibits where kids can test their slap shot, call a play-by-play from a famous game, or go one-on-one with a virtual goalie.

See the Stanley Cup up close, view pucks from famous tournaments, and explore a reproduction of the Montreal Canadiens locker room. It’s an easy stop to combine with a visit to nearby St. Lawrence Market or a stroll along the waterfront.

32. Relax at Lake Louise

Lake Louise in Banff National Park is stunning with its bright turquoise water and mountain backdrop. Rent a canoe or hike the lakeside trail for incredible views. In winter, the lake freezes over, becoming a natural skating rink.

33. See Polar Bears in Churchill

Head to Churchill, Manitoba, to see polar bears in the wild. In October and November, the bears gather in groups, waiting for the “big freeze” so they can head out onto the ice to hunt seals.

Take a tour to see the bears in an all-terrain tundra vehicle, watch for arctic foxes, and see the Northern lights. Ages 8+.

Mexico Bucket List:

We spent six weeks crossing Mexico as a family and found so much to explore. We have road-tripped from California down to Ensenada and bused and flown across the country, exploring towns from coastal Puerto Vallarta to trendy San Miguel de Allende, then through Oaxaca (one of our favorite cities in Mexico), and on to the Yucatan.

Don’t miss our tips for driving in Mexico!

34. See Solstice at Chichén Itzá

Chichén Itzá is a Mayan ruin on the Yucatán Peninsula. Just a few hours’ drive from Cancun, it’s most famous for its main temple, which acts as a calendar. On the yearly equinoxes, as the light hits the temple, it appears as though a serpent is slowly descending its stairs. There is a light show each evening that recreates this phenomenon, but I’d love to see it in actuality!

Chichén Itzá is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Go early in the day, as the heat can get intense, and shade is limited. The best time to visit is from November to April.

35. Eat Street Tacos

Mexican street tacos are reason enough to visit! Whether it’s carne asada, al pastor, or fish tacos, you’ll find each region has its own style. So many options to try!

36. Celebrate the Day of the Dead

Día de los Muertos is one of Mexico’s most meaningful traditions. Visit Oaxaca or Pátzcuaro in late October to see colorful parades, marigold-filled altars, and families honoring loved ones who have passed. It’s festive, not scary, and truly unforgettable to witness.

37. Release Baby Sea Turtles

Along Mexico’s Pacific coast, from Puerto Escondido to Mazatlán, several organizations protect sea turtle nests and offer visitors the chance to release hatchlings safely into the ocean. It’s a magical, once-in-a-lifetime moment for kids of all ages.

We did this in Huatulco, and it was amazing. The baby turtles are so small and constantly moving to try to find the ocean. Many in the wild get eaten by seagulls, so you release them and then watch that they make it successfully into the water.

38. Taste 7 Different Mole Sauces

Oaxaca is known as the “land of seven moles.” Try a sampling of these rich sauces made from chiles, nuts, and chocolate. Traditional Mexican cuisine, including Oaxaca’s regional moles, is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. As if we needed an excuse to eat more authentic Mexican food!

In this cooking class, learn how to make these unique sauces. You’ll also make tortillas by hand, and use a wood-fired oven to bake empanadas, arroz con leche, and more.

Book Now: Traditional Oaxaca Cooking Class

39. Explore Mexico City

Mexico City is vibrant, historic, and full of surprises for families. Spend a morning at the Frida Kahlo Museum, located in the bright blue house where she was born and lived. You’ll see the mirror over her bed that she used to paint self-portraits, the kitchen she hand-decorated and more. Then wander the nearby Coyoacán’s streets for ice cream and souvenirs.

In the heart of the city, don’t miss Chapultepec Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world. It’s home to a zoo, the historic Chapultepec Castle, and plenty of green space for picnics.

For something a little different, float through the colorful canals of Xochimilco aboard a traditional trajinera boat. It’s like a Mexican-style gondola ride complete with mariachi bands.

40. Climb the Pyramids of Teotihuacan

About an hour outside Mexico City, the ancient city of Teotihuacan is one of Mexico’s most impressive archaeological sites. Walk the Avenue of the Dead, explore temples, and see the famous Pyramids of the Sun and Moon.

In the past, you were able to climb to the top of the Pyramid of the Sun; however, it was closed during COVID, and the decision was made to keep it permanently closed to protect the monument.

Arrive early to beat the heat and crowds, and bring plenty of water, as there’s very little shade.

You can book a day tour from Mexico City to learn more about the ruins, and provide transport there and back. We took this tour, and it made the day easy and stress-free. There’s not a lot known about the ruins themselves, but the guide can give you an overview and answer your questions.

You can also book a hot air balloon ride over the ruins for a breathtaking family memory.

Book Now: Teotihuacan Hot Air Balloon Experience

41. Go Swimming with Whale Sharks

Whale sharks are among the most elusive animals in the world, and scientists still don’t know where they give birth. It was only recently that the first photo of a baby whale shark was taken! Whale sharks are the largest fish in the sea, and feed mostly on plankton.

These gentle giants can live for over 100 years. Despite their size and calm nature, whale sharks are endangered due to threats like fishing, boat strikes, and pollution.

Some of the best-regulated places to swim with whale sharks include Mexico, Western Australia, Tanzania, and Mozambique. In Mexico, the area around La Paz has some of the world’s strictest rules. You will also find similar adventures in the Cancun and Isla Mujeres areas.

Tours typically run between October and April, and most allow children ages 6 and up to join.

Book Now: La Paz Swim with Whale Sharks and Snorkeling Tour

42. Bite into Fresh Elote

Elote is grilled corn on the cob, slathered in mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and chili powder. You’ll find it on street corners all over Mexico. The word comes from the Nahuatl word “elotitutl” which means “tender cob.”

There are regional variations, from the classic lime and chili powder in central states, crunchy flakes in the north, to sour cream and queso fresco in the south. All of them are hot, messy, and delicious!
 

43. Marvel at the Copper Canyon

The Copper Canyon, officially called Barranca del Cobre, in northern Mexico, is actually larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon. Ride the famous El Chepe train through dramatic scenery, or hike down into the canyon to explore small mountain towns.

44. Swim in a Cenote

Cenotes are natural freshwater sinkholes scattered throughout the Yucatán Peninsula. They have an open-air entrance, and then many are cave-like and filled with crystal-clear blue water.

Smaller cenotes are large holes in the ground. You often jump in and then climb a ladder to get out. Larger cenotes have stairs leading to large underground rooms where you can jump in the water. The light filtering through the water makes for peaceful, beautiful spaces.

I’ve scuba dived in a cenote in the Tulum area, and took the whole family to a series of larger cenotes near Merida. These larger parks have an entrance fee and include life jackets with your ticket.

Book Now: Valladolid and Two Cenote Tour from Merida

There You Have It

This North American travel bucket list is full of adventures for families from the United States to Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean. From the Statue of Liberty to Lake Louise and ancient temples, there’s a variety of activities for every family.

Did we miss any travel adventures on your family bucket list? We’re always willing to add new ideas or destinations!

Need advice about traveling with kids? Check out our best family travel tips and tips to stay safe when traveling.

Ready for more? Check out more bucket list adventures in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia!