Good Housekeeping’s 2025 Best Family Vacation Cities

2025 Family Travel Awards: The Best Cities for an Unforgettable Family Vacation

Every year, Good Housekeeping’s Family Travel Awards name the very best destinations for families to explore, ranking cities across North America for their value, cultural offerings, attractions, safety, and ease of travel. For 2025, dozens of cities were researched, tested, and reviewed by the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute along with real families, resulting in a guide trusted by parents searching for that perfect getaway.

Overview of the Good Housekeeping Family Travel Awards

The Family Travel Awards, now in their third year, are designed to help families of all kinds find outstanding travel experiences that cater to all ages and interests. Every winner is selected with the needs of families in mind, from toddlers and teens to parents and grandparents. The 2025 awards go beyond just destinations—they evaluate everything from gear and services to hotels, experiences, and entire cities.

How the Awards Were Determined

The selection process for the Family Travel Awards is rigorous and comprehensive:

• Hundreds of Submissions Reviewed: The judges consider cities, gear, travel services, attractions, and accommodations from around North America.
• Scientific and Real-World Testing: Experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a panel of over 85 testers (including families) score each city for value, ease, safety, cleanliness, cultural offerings, dining, transportation, and fun.
• In-Person Assessments: Families visit the destinations, exploring local attractions, hotels, restaurants, and public transportation to evaluate the experience through a family lens.
• Comprehensive Criteria: Testers use checklists judging everything from playgrounds and walkability to the friendliness of service staff, WiFi quality, and the overall family vibe.

This hands-on approach ensures winners stand up to real-world travel challenges—making the awards the gold standard for parents planning unforgettable vacations.

2025’s Best Cities for Family Vacations

This year’s Family Travel Awards spotlight cities that deliver exceptional value, memorable adventures, and plenty for both kids and adults. The top choices for 2025 reflect a combination of classic destinations and off-the-beaten-path gems, carefully selected to represent a diverse range of experiences across North America.

• Salt Lake City, Utah
• Victoria, British Columbia
• San Antonio, Texas
• Orlando, Florida
• Quebec (Montreal & Quebec City), Canada

Read on for details and unique highlights of each winning city, plus must-see attractions, restaurants, and insider family tips.

Details and Highlights of Each City

Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City ranks high for family vacations thanks to its combination of scenic beauty, easy access to outdoor activities, and a surprisingly robust collection of museums and kid-friendly cultural sites. The city’s public transportation makes getting around simple while neighborhoods remain safe, clean, and welcoming for visitors with children of all ages.

• Natural Wonders: Close to national parks and the Great Salt Lake for hiking, biking, and water fun.
• Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum: Interactive science, art, and play exhibits designed for hands-on learning.
• Family-Friendly Dining: Wide array of global cuisines, local farm-to-table favorites, and kid-approved spots downtown.
• Easy Day Trips: Quick drives to fantastic snow sports in winter or hiking destinations in summer.

Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria is beloved for its old-world British charm and the walkable layout of its beautiful harbor, parks, and gardens. The compact city center allows families to stroll to major sites, participate in ocean adventures, and indulge in British tearooms or local seafood restaurants.

• Royal BC Museum: Immersive exhibits on history and nature appeal to kids and adults alike.
• Butchart Gardens: Jaw-dropping flower displays and child-friendly pathways.
• Harbor Ferries: Fun, short boat rides get you across the city by water.
• Wildlife Cruises: Whale watching for orcas, dolphins, and seals—always a hit with families.

San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio stands out for its vibrant cultural heritage and walkability. The city buzzes with music, color, and flavors, especially along the famous River Walk which is lined with restaurants and street performers that delight kids. It also offers rich history and outdoor spaces ideal for families to relax and play.

• Alamo and Mission Trail: Learn about Texas history and snap photos at iconic landmarks.
• San Antonio Zoo: World-class animal exhibits in a large, shady park.
• Kids’ Museums & Playgrounds: The DoSeum offers hands-on science and creativity for kids.
• Cultural Festivals: Year-round events celebrating food, music, and diversity.

Orlando, Florida

Orlando is synonymous with theme park magic, offering something for every child (and parent!) at every age. But beyond the big attractions, the city also features affordable alternatives—parks, lakes, outdoor concerts, and unique museums—helping families balance the budget while enjoying sunny weather almost any time of year.

• Walt Disney World & Universal Orlando: Iconic experiences for all ages with new rides and family amenities each year.
• Science Center & Nature Parks: Escape the crowds at kid-focused, interactive learning spaces or paddle on quiet lakes nearby.
• International Dining: From old-school diners to international cuisine in family-friendly venues.
• Festivals for Families: Regular cultural celebrations, art shows, and food events throughout the city.

Quebec: Montreal & Quebec City

While Quebec is a province, it’s home to two standout cities for families: Montreal and Quebec City. Both offer cobblestoned old towns, world-class museums, and immersive exposure to French-Canadian culture. These cities combine the elegance of Europe with Canadian hospitality, no passport needed for U.S. travelers.

• Old Montreal & Old Quebec: Horse-drawn carriages, crepe stands, and beautifully preserved historic districts.
• Museums Galore: Interactive exhibits, science centers, and planetariums built for curious kids.
• Outdoor Festivals: From winter carnivals with ice slides to jazz parades and public art shows.
• Family Foods: Sample poutine, French pastries, and sugar shack treats.

Planning Tips for City-Based Family Travel

Making the most of your vacation requires preparation and the right mindset. Here are some family-tested tips to smooth the journey:

• Book Lodging Early: Family suites and in-room kitchens get snapped up during school breaks.
• Mix Indoor and Outdoor Activities: Museums and gardens help balance screen time and energy use for all ages.
• Plan for Down Time: Schedule free afternoons for naps, pool time, or simply exploring local parks to avoid burnout.
• Embrace Local Culture: Try new foods together, learn a few words in the local language, and attend festivals for lasting memories.
• Transportation: Use public transit where possible; many award cities excel at safe, clean subways, ferries, and buses for families.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How were the Family Travel Award cities selected for 2025?

A: Each city was evaluated by experts and real families using a standardized checklist that included value, safety, activities, transportation, cleanliness, food diversity, and overall family-friendliness. Extensive real-world testing ensured selections feel right for both kids and adults.

Q: What makes a city particularly good for families?

A: Walkability, reliable public transit, outdoor parks, clean accommodations, accessible attractions, and diverse dining options all contribute to the family-friendly factor. Awarded cities deliver memorable experiences and convenience for every age group.

Q: Are there more affordable alternatives to typical tourist attractions in these cities?

A: Yes! All honored cities offer free/discounted festivals, public gardens, interactive museums, and plenty of parks. Off-peak travel times and family passes can make the experience budget-friendly.

Q: How do these awards differ from other travel guides or lists?

A: The Family Travel Awards are tested by both experts and families through hands-on experiences, ensuring a practical, real-world perspective—not just theoretical rankings. Recommendations go beyond tourist traps to include hidden gems, cultural events, and local flavor.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Family Travel Award-winning cities prove you don’t have to sacrifice adventure, education, or budget to create lifelong memories. Whether your family loves theme parks or quiet cobblestone streets, these destinations have been vetted for safety, fun, and ease—helping you plan the most rewarding trip yet. Start packing for one (or more) of these top cities and explore together!