Family

Natural lava rock tide pools on the coast below the Makapu u Lighthouse Trail that fill with ocean water and create natural swimming holes. The pools range from shallow wading depth to deeper plunge pools. Kids love exploring the marine life in the shallows and swimming in the protected pools. Access requires a scramble over rocky lava terrain so this is best for sure-footed older kids. Waves can wash over the rocks so always check conditions and keep an eye on the ocean. When conditions are right, these pools are magical.

One of the most beautiful snorkeling beaches on Kauai with a reef that forms underwater tunnels and archways teeming with tropical fish. The backdrop of Makana Peak (Bali Hai from South Pacific) rising dramatically behind the beach makes the scenery postcard-perfect. In calm summer conditions the reef is shallow and accessible for confident young snorkelers. Winter brings dangerous surf so this is strictly a summer snorkeling destination. Sea turtles are regular visitors. The sand is golden and the setting is drop-dead gorgeous.

The first major stop on the Road to Hana and one of the most accessible waterfall hikes on Maui. A short trail through a lush farm property leads to twin waterfalls with a swimmable pool at the base. The trail is about 2 miles round trip and passes through tropical fruit trees and vegetation. A farm stand at the trailhead sells fresh fruit and smoothies. Kids love the combination of jungle hiking and swimming under a waterfall. The water is refreshing and the setting is beautiful.

A small, sheltered crescent beach in Wailea that offers some of the easiest and best snorkeling on Maui south shore. The reef starts just offshore and the water is clear and calm most of the year. Sea turtles are frequently spotted grazing on the rocks to the right side of the beach. The beach has restrooms, showers, and a grassy area for picnics. It is less crowded than nearby Wailea Beach and the snorkeling is better. The sandy entry makes it comfortable for kids. A perfect morning snorkeling spot before exploring the rest of the Wailea Beach Path.

A gentle 3.6-mile round trip hike through a beautiful hemlock forest to a wide, picturesque waterfall that cascades into a swimming pool. The trail is mostly flat and follows along a creek, making it one of the most family-friendly hikes in the Catskills. Kids love wading in the pool below the falls on warm days. The forest is shady and cool even in summer. This is a perfect hike for families who want a waterfall payoff without a steep climb.

A family park on the eastern shore of Oneida Lake with a 1000-foot sandy beach, campground, and nature trails. The beach is excellent for families with a gentle slope into the water and lifeguards during summer. The lake is warm and shallow near shore. The 45-site campground is set back in the woods. Trails wind through a variety of habitats including wetlands that are great for birding. The park connects to the Erie Canalway Trail for biking. Oneida Lake sunsets from the beach are gorgeous.

A flat-topped mesa rising dramatically above the Schoharie Valley with a short but rewarding 1.5-mile loop trail to cliff-top views. The summit is a wide open meadow on top of the cliffs with views that stretch across the valley farmland and surrounding hills. Kids enjoy the scramble up and the wide-open feeling at the top. The hike is short enough for younger kids but the ascent is steep in spots. Spring wildflowers on the summit meadow are beautiful and fall foliage views from the cliff edge are incredible.

A dramatic black sand beach surrounded by sea caves, lava tubes, and blowholes on the Road to Hana. The jet-black sand contrasts with turquoise water and green jungle creating otherworldly scenery. Kids are fascinated by exploring the lava tubes and sea caves along the coast. A short coastal trail leads to blowholes and natural rock arches. The beach itself has strong waves so swimming requires caution but wading at the edges is fine. The park also has cabins and camping for overnight stays.

The most famous beach in Hawaii and still one of the best for families. The water is calm and warm, the sandy bottom slopes gently, and beginner surf lessons are available all along the shore. Kids can build sand castles, take a catamaran cruise, or try stand-up paddleboarding. The beach is backed by hotels and shops so everything you need is within walking distance. Lifeguards are on duty and the Duke Kahanamoku statue makes a great photo spot. Yes it is touristy but kids do not care about that.

A paved 1.5-mile coastal path connecting five beautiful beaches on Maui sunny south shore. The path passes through resort properties along dramatic lava rock coastline with excellent whale watching in winter. Kids can hop between beaches, explore rocky tide pools between them, and spot sea turtles resting on the sand. The path is flat, paved, and stroller-friendly making it one of the most accessible coastal walks in Hawaii. Each beach has a slightly different character and the views of Molokini and Kahoolawe offshore add to the scenery.

A dramatic 173-foot double waterfall visible from a roadside overlook that requires zero hiking. You may recognize it from the opening credits of Fantasy Island. The twin falls plunge into a deep pool surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and the view from the overlook is spectacular. After heavy rain the falls can merge into one massive cascade. This is the easiest big waterfall experience on Kauai and perfect for families with young children or limited mobility. The whole visit takes 10 to 15 minutes from car to car.

Kayak up the Wailua River, the only navigable river in Hawaii, through a lush jungle setting to a short trail that leads to the beautiful Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls). The river paddle is about 2 miles each way and is calm and easy even for beginners. The waterfall at the end drops 120 feet into a pool where swimming is a refreshing reward. Guided tours and self-guided kayak rentals are both available. The combination of paddling through jungle scenery and swimming under a waterfall is a quintessential Kauai experience.

A long stretch of soft white sand on the windward coast that regularly tops best beach lists but never feels crowded. The water is turquoise and the Koolau Mountain backdrop is dramatic. The beach is wide with plenty of room for kids to run and the sand is powdery soft. The surf is usually gentle making it good for bodyboarding and swimming. Ironwood trees along the shore provide natural shade. This is where many local families spend their weekends because it combines beauty with a relaxed uncrowded vibe.

Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, this 14-mile long canyon drops over 3600 feet and is striped with layers of red, brown, and green. Multiple lookout points along the canyon rim road offer stunning views without any hiking. For families who want to explore on foot, the Iliau Nature Loop is a flat 0.3-mile trail along the rim and the Canyon Trail descends to a beautiful waterfall viewpoint. The scale and color of the canyon genuinely rivals the mainland Grand Canyon. This is a must-see on Kauai.

A paved trail through a lush botanical garden leading to a beautiful 45-foot waterfall with a swimming pool at the base. The 1.5-mile walk passes through gardens with over 5000 tropical plant species and ancient Hawaiian archaeological sites. Kids love swimming in the waterfall pool which is staffed with lifeguards and has life jackets available. The paved path is stroller-friendly making this one of the most accessible waterfall experiences in Hawaii. Cultural demonstrations and guided walks are offered throughout the day.

A lookout point at the top of a dramatic 1000-foot cliff overlooking the Valley of the Kings, one of the most sacred and beautiful valleys in Hawaii. The view from the top is breathtaking with black sand beach, waterfalls, taro fields, and sheer green cliffs. The valley was once the political and religious center of ancient Hawaii. Driving down into the valley requires a 4WD vehicle on an extremely steep road, but the lookout itself is a simple walk from the parking lot. The scenery alone makes it one of the Big Island must-see stops.

The longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world, a converted railroad bridge 212 feet above the Hudson River. The 1.28-mile walk across offers incredible views up and down the river and of the surrounding mountains. Kids love the experience of being that high above the water and the bridge is wide, flat, and fenced, making it safe for all ages. An elevator on the Poughkeepsie side makes it accessible. On the Highland side, the Walkway connects to a rail trail for extended biking and walking.

One of the most spectacular state parks in the entire country with a gorge trail that passes behind and under 19 waterfalls in just 2 miles. The stone pathway winds through 200-foot-deep gorge walls with water cascading all around you. Kids are wide-eyed the entire time. The trail is paved with stone steps and has railings making it accessible for careful young walkers. The centerpiece Rainbow Falls is unforgettable. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds and have the gorge to yourselves.

A state park on an island in the St. Lawrence River in the heart of the Thousand Islands with a nature center, sandy beach, campground, and hiking trails. The Minna Anthony Common Nature Center has over 600 acres with 8 miles of trails through diverse habitats. Kids love the nature museum with live animal displays and the beach on the river is clean and has a gradual entry. The campground has 430 sites. Watching huge freighters pass through the St. Lawrence Seaway from the shore is mesmerizing for kids.

Drive almost to the top of the fifth highest peak in New York State on this scenic toll road. At the top, a tunnel and elevator carved through the rock bring you to the actual summit at 4867 feet. On clear days you can see all the way to Montreal. Kids are amazed by the tunnel and the views from the summit are unlike anything else in the Adirondacks. The road itself has several pull-offs with outstanding views. A small castle-like building at the summit houses exhibits about the mountain.