Travelling with children [1] is, well, different than travelling without them, but that doesn't mean it's worse! While family travel [2] presents plenty of challenges, it also presents lots of fun opportunities for discovery for kids and parents alike [3]. If you have the travel bug [4] and want to take your kids along for the journey, there are so many great options besides Disney World [5] (though Disney World is pretty great, to be honest). These 30 US cities offer plenty of options for families with kids, from sprawling parks to children's museums to free outdoor concert venues. So, what are you waiting for? Hit the road!

San Diego, CA

Known for its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and plentiful outdoor activities, San Diego is fantastic for kids. Check out the San Diego Zoo, Legoland, and Balboa Park.

Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis is known for its plentiful lakes and American-as-apple-pie kind of vibe. Catch a baseball game at Target Field (home of the Minnesota Twins) or check out the Minnesota Children's Museum.

San Francisco, CA

Sure, San Francisco is home to techies and hipsters, but there are also plenty of opportunities for family fun. Spend the day exploring Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market or wander through Golden Gate Park, which is home to more than 1,000 acres of family-friendly space.

Portland, OR

Take the family to Portland to get a taste of the Pacific Northwest. The adults will enjoy Portland's foodie appeal and hip vibe, while the kids will love PlayDate PDX [6], a three-story indoor amusement park.

Atlanta, GA

Head to Atlanta with the family in tow to experience one of the country's most quickly growing cities. Nicknamed "Hotlanta" as of late due to the wide variety of things to do there, Atlanta is home to numerous historic neighbourhoods, museums, and restaurants.

Washington, D.C.

Your kids won't ever forget a trip to Washington, D.C. Full of some of the nation's most well-known memorials and museums, D.C. is a trip every young American should experience at least once.

Denver, CO

A huge range of outdoor activities are accessible from Denver, including the breathtaking Rocky Mountain National Park. If you're a family of adventurers, you don't want to miss the hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities Denver has to offer.

Williamsburg, VA

Williamsburg, and particularly Colonial Williamsburg, is an important historic site that will transport you and the kids back to the olden days. Check out nearby Jamestown for more historic experiences, or hit up Busch Gardens for a day of roller coasters and amusement rides.

Orando, FL

Orlando is a surefire hit for any family with kids, as it's not only home to Universal Studios, but also — of course — Disney World.

Chicago, IL

Chicago is a sprawling city with tons of activities for young families. Your kids will go nuts over the life-size toy train at the Museum of Science and Industry. But if that fails, there's always the beach, Millennium Park, the Field Museum, concert venues, and countless other activities for families with kids.

San Antonio, TX

Take the whole fam to San Antonio and let the kids explore the historic river walk. Meanwhile, the adults in your family are sure to love San Antonio's absolutely drool-worthy Texas cuisine.

Philadelphia, PA

Another great city for a history lesson, Philadelphia is home to the Liberty Bell and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. For a fun family outing, there's also the Reading Terminal Market, a famous farmer's market with something for everyone in the family.

Buffalo, NY

Buffalo is an amazing city in its own right, but it doesn't hurt that it's steps away from one of our country's most breathtaking landscapes: Niagara Falls. And if you're feeling like it, Buffalo is the perfect launch pad for a little family trip to Canada.

New York, NY

There's so much to do in New York, it might make your head spin. Here's where to start: The Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and a Broadway show.

Houston, TX

Bring any aspiring cowboys or cowgirls to Houston, Texas. From the Houston Space Centre to the Children's Museum of Houston, there are tons of kid-friendly activities in Magnolia City.

Destin, FL

Destin is a family-friendly beach town where you and your family can enjoy some time in the sun. From Pirate Cruises [7] (yes, they're a thing) to beach lounging, kids will never get bored in this sunny Florida city.

Anaheim, CA

About an hour outside of Los Angeles by car, Anaheim is home to Disneyland. After you've had your fill of Disney magic, there's an entire other city (read: Los Angeles) to go explore.

Gatlinburg, TN

Gatlinburg is a charming Tennessee town in the heart of the Appalachian mountains. Full of resorts, water parks, shopping, and other activities, Gatlinburg is the kind of place where you can find something fun to do for every member of the family.

Honolulu, HI

Of course, a list of US destinations wouldn't be complete without some mention of our island state, Hawaii. Head to Honolulu for the big-city Hawaii feel, and spend your time lazing (and playing) on Waikiki Beach.

Indianapolis, IN

The Indianapolis Children's Museum is a must-see for any visitors to this city of 865,000 people. Though Indianapolis may be small in population, it makes up for it in affordability and fun: the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is great for kids who love all things car-related, and White River State Park is a fantastic place to play outside.

Wisconsin Dells, WI

Head to Wisconsin Dells if you and your family are water lovers. Known for its abundance of water parks and pools, Wisconsin Dells is also home to tons of camping, hiking, and boating sites.

Grand Rapids, MI

Grand Rapids is home to fairs, events, and festivals throughout the year, making it a fantastic place to visit for families. The Kent County Youth Fair runs in early August, so be sure to check that out as you meander around historic and beautiful downtown Grand Rapids.

Fort Worth, TX

Fort Worth is the place to be if you're into barbecues and rodeos. Visit the Historic Stockyards for a petting zoo, pony rides, and train rides.

Myrtle Beach, SC

Known for its proximity to the beach as well as its amusement rides and great weather, Myrtle Beach has been a family favourite for decades.

Jackson Hole, WY

Jackson Hole is ideal for the outdoorsy, adventurous family. Teach the kids to ski or snowboard on stunning mountains, or spend your time hiking and camping in gorgeous Wyoming.

Boston, MA

Boston is a must-see historic spot full of bustling urban streets and family-friendly fun. The New England Aquarium, Franklin Park Zoo, and Museum of Science are all must-sees.

St. Louis, MO

Small, affordable, and centrally located, St. Louis will show your kids the heart of the United States. Go to the St. Louis Zoo or St. Louis Science Centre on rainy days, and spend sunny days exploring the Lou's many parks and open spaces.

Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh has plenty going for it, and it's a city that's steeped in history. Visit the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, head to a Pirate's game, or check out the Carnegie Science Centre for an extra-special experience.

Salt Lake City, UT

Located in the heart of Utah, Salt Lake City is known for its gorgeous scenery and family-friendly atmosphere. Walk around the downtown area and enjoy the many kid-centric activities in the region, including the Clark Planetarium and the Hogle Zoo.

Bloomington, MN

Last but definitely not least, Bloomington, Minnesota is a great option for families. It's not far from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, making it ripe with things to do. Plus, it's home to a landmark that parents of kids over 6 or 7 will definitely appreciate: The Mall of America.