From Florida to NY – 7 great places to travel with extended family

As spring is here and summer travel planning season is upon us, more than 50% of parents said they plan to travel with their children and grandchildren, according to the most recent Family Travel Association Survey. Traveling with multiple generations allows family members to bond, share each other’s interests, and create core memories for the younger children.

Read: More on travel after 50

And, let’s face it, most parents will jump at the opportunity to let the grandparents watch their kids while they sneak out for date night in an exciting new city. Whether you’re a GenX parent with kids making the bulk of the arrangements or a grandparent or great-grandparent enjoying someone else making the travel plans (finally), multigenerational travel is a rewarding experience. Believe it or not, you can make everyone happy – maybe not all the time, but at least for the bulk of a trip.

The key? Let everyone have a say in planning and choosing an activity or two they would enjoy. Also, don’t be afraid to “divide and conquer,” so to speak. Plan enough activities to keep the kids busy while offering the older adults (including yourself) options for downtime.

As for meals, accept that kids may be more willing to try new local cuisine if you also plan a few lunches or dinners at familiar chains or themed spots like Rainforest Café or Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. While dinner is a great time to gather the whole family together, you don’t have to eat every meal together, either.

It’s true that a vacation is what you make of it; you can have fun wherever you go. These top 7 US destinations for multigenerational travel make it easier than usual to find something for everyone. We didn’t include Disney on this list but you can find our expert tips on how to enjoy a multigenerational trip to Disney World Resort here.

Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg, TN

From a quiet cabin in the woods to luxury resorts, Pigeon Forge has many choices. TripAdvisor voted Riverstone Resort & Spa #2 in Best Value for hotels near Dollywood, which just happens to be one of the area’s best main attractions. The luxury condo complex features units with up to four bedrooms, while amenities include a lazy river, indoor pool, spa, and playground.

Dollywood offers plenty of exciting roller coasters for the kids, shaded areas for adults, and food that is a touch above your average theme park fare. Plus, the Dolly Parton vibe is strong and will evoke memories for fans while offering teaching moments for younger generations. Historians in your group will also enjoy the Titanic Museum, showcasing original artifacts.

Step into nature at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, widely hailed as the country’s most-visited national park. Hike the Appalachian Trail and appreciate the breathtaking views across the 500,000-acre expanse. You won’t be disappointed by a riverside dinner at Chesapeake’s Seafood and Raw Bar in Gatlinburg, while Pigeon Forge has a variety of chains to please younger palates.

2. San Antonio, TX

The sprawling southwest city of San Antonio boasts thrills and excitement, history, shopping, and some of the best cuisine you’ll find anywhere in the US. The whole family will love the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa’s new villas, with more than 2,300 square feet of living space and four bedrooms (each with its own bath), plus a lazy river and two pools on the property.

Tweens, teens and thrill-seeking parents will love the world-class roller coasters at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, arguably one of the best of 26 parks in the Six Flags Entertainment family. Sea World offers coasters for the kids, plus shows, entertainment and experiences for the whole family, with a focus on sea life conservation.

Morgan’s Wonderland, the only ultra-inclusive amusement park in the US, offers free passes for guests with special needs. Plus, every attraction is easily accessible by wheelchair, often without a need to transfer. That includes the playground and waterpark, giving grandparents an opportunity to join in the fun with younger kids.

You can spend several days on the famous San Antonio River Walk and still not see all the attractions. But don’t miss the Alamo. Although the grounds are still under renovation, many of the exhibits are open. Hear Phil Collins narrate the Battle of the Alamo and browse items from his private collection.

For after-hours fun, slip into San Antonio’s Pearl District for dinner at Best Quality Daughter, a restaurant that combines Tex-Mex flavors with Asian fusion, and date night drinks at The Emma hotel.

3. Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia is a walkable, historic city with lots to do within city limits and even more just outside its borders. US history buffs of all ages will love seeing the Liberty Bell and touring Independence Hall, where the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Plan to spend several hours at the Franklin Science Museum. While you’re in town, grab brunch at the Red Owl Tavern at the historic Kimpton Hotel and a cheesesteak from virtually anywhere.

Philly is a short drive from other attractions for the whole family, including Sesame Place and Core Creek Park in Langhorne, plus the walkable downtown area of New Hope on the Delaware River. Looking to stay outside of Philly? New Hope’s Ghost Light Inn has suites and interconnecting rooms so you can enjoy the perfect blend of togetherness and privacy. Enjoy dinner on-site at the modern American restaurant Stella of New Hope, with both indoor and outdoor riverfront dining.

4. St. Augustine, FL

What better way to kick off a multigenerational vacation than visiting the Fountain of Youth in America’s oldest city? That should be one of your first stops as a family in the northeastern Florida beach city of St. Augustine. Then, take a trolley tour to decide your next steps. Popular all-ages stops include Potter’s Wax Museum and the St. Augustine Alligator Farm. Ready for a break, along with some less structured activities for the kids? Relax on the beach or enjoy the waves.

The Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront is located close to major attractions like Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, a must-see while you’re in the area. The Lightner Museum sits in the former Hotel Alcazar building and blends art and history of the region.

5. Clearwater, FL

Clearwater, Florida, is another ideal destination for families with kids and grandparents seeking a leisurely beach vacation. Like St. Augustine, Clearwater has some of Florida’s best beaches. Consider the beachfront Hilton Resort & Spa for five-star amenities, including yoga, bike rentals, non-motorized water sports, and games and crafts for the kids.

Clearwater is home to Clearwater Marine Aquarium, the organization that rescued Winter and still houses Hope from the book and movie A Dolphin’s Tale.

For rides, head roughly 40 minutes west to Busch Gardens, Tampa. The kids will love riding Cheetah Hunt, Kumba, Iron Gwazi and more.

6. Monticello, NY

Resort vacations in New York’s Catskill Mountains were part of mid-to-late 20^th-century life, as well as 1980s pop culture. Of course, we’re talking about Dirty Dancing. Although the movie was filmed in Virginia and North Carolina, it was set in a fictional resort in New York and patterned after popular vacation spots of the time. More than 40 years later, Catskills resorts still make for great family vacations.

The Kartrite Resort & Waterpark in Monticello offers a traditional resort vacation with a twist: New York’s largest indoor water park. The park combines heart-racing slides and water activities, a not-so-lazy river that’s still relaxing enough for the older generations, and cabanas for an added level of comfort. When they’re not in the water, kids will love the video games and indoor ropes course. At night, the whole family can enjoy s’mores by the fire pits.

Kartrite has so many activities for all ages that you don’t need to leave the resort, which makes it convenient. But adults may want to try their hand at Resorts World, Monticello, a casino with live music and several restaurants just minutes away. Those who are into shopping will find bargains and luxury brands, alike, at the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, less than an hour southeast. A stop at the famous Roscoe Diner is another tradition for many vacationing families.

7. Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, Arizona, provides sunshine without the humidity, which family members who are 50+ will appreciate. Like the other cities on this list, Phoenix offers a blend of relaxation, shopping, theme parks for the kids, and a variety of cuisines to sample. An Arizona Diamondbacks baseball game is always family fun; the park is conveniently located right downtown.

The Phoenix Zoo is regularly hailed as one of the area’s top attractions. The Desert Botanical Garden is a uniquely regional attraction unlike any other botanical park in the country. Be prepared for lots of walking, but you can take it at a slow pace. Another must-see is the Musical Instrument Museum, a hands-on experience where children and adults can share a common interest.

Like other major cities, Phoenix offers a variety of places to stay for every budget. The Hyatt Regency in downtown offers a central location just 4 miles from the airport and close to major attractions. Step out for date night dinner and cocktails and eclectic decor at Wren & Wolf, a chef-driven concept restaurant in the heart of downtown.