Views

A highland park above Waimea Canyon with over 45 miles of trails through native forest, mountain meadows, and dramatic cliff-top viewpoints. The Kalalau Lookout at 4000 feet provides a view down into the Na Pali Coast valley that is one of the most photographed scenes in Hawaii. The Nature Trail near the museum is a flat 0.1-mile loop perfect for little ones. The Pihea Trail and Alaka i Swamp Trail offer more ambitious hikes through a primordial cloud forest. The Kokee Museum has exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the area.

A staircase of 1048 old railway ties straight up the side of Koko Crater to the rim at 1208 feet. This is essentially a giant outdoor stairmaster and kids who are up for the challenge love the sense of accomplishment at the top. The views from the rim are panoramic covering Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, and the east side of Oahu. The climb is relentless with no shade so start early and bring lots of water. There is a gap in the ties about two-thirds up where a bridge once stood that requires some scrambling.

A short but steep 1.8-mile round trip hike to WWII military pillboxes (bunkers) on a ridge above Lanikai Beach with some of the most stunning views on Oahu. The turquoise water below with the Mokulua Islands in the foreground is postcard-perfect. Kids love exploring the old concrete bunkers covered in colorful graffiti art. The trail is steep and rocky in spots so good shoes are important. Sunrise from the first pillbox is legendary but the views are incredible at any time of day.

A paved 2-mile round trip trail along dramatic sea cliffs to a historic lighthouse with whale watching opportunities in winter. The trail is wide and paved making it one of the most accessible coastal hikes on Oahu. Kids love the clifftop views of the crashing waves below and spotting humpback whales from November through April. The lighthouse itself is photogenic and two lookout platforms provide different angles of the coastline. Strollers can handle the paved path though it is steep in a few spots.

A family-friendly zipline course through the tropical upcountry of Maui with lines designed specifically for kids as young as 5. Multiple zipline operators offer courses ranging from short beginner lines to longer, faster lines for teens. The views of the ocean and mountains from the zipline platforms are incredible. The guides are encouraging and patient with nervous first-timers. Kids who are initially scared always want to go again by the end. This is a great adrenaline activity that works for a wide age range.

Over 8000 acres of protected Shawangunk Ridge land with 70 miles of trails, world-class rock climbing, and stunning white cliff-top views. The carriage roads are perfect for families with younger kids who need a smooth, wide path. Older kids will love scrambling on the rocky trails near the Trapps cliffs where rock climbers scale the walls. The views from the cliff-top paths across the Wallkill Valley are spectacular. This is the premier destination for families who want to introduce kids to rock climbing in a natural setting.

A short but rewarding 2.6-mile round trip hike right behind the Adirondack Loj that delivers a High Peaks view typically reserved for much longer climbs. The trail offers two routes to the summit: a short steep scramble and a longer gradual path, so families can choose based on their kids abilities. The top looks out over Heart Lake with the High Peaks rising behind it. This is one of the best bang-for-your-buck hikes in the Adirondacks for families and a perfect introduction to mountain hiking.

A 4.6-mile round trip hike up an old road to a fire tower with views over the Hudson Valley, the Catskills, and on clear days all the way to the Berkshires. Along the way, kids pass the ruins of the Overlook Mountain House hotel, a crumbling stone building that feels like discovering a castle in the woods. The fire tower at the summit is restored and climbable. The trail is wide and straightforward but climbs steadily. This hike combines history, mystery, and mountain views in a way kids love.

A 2.4-mile round trip hike to a restored fire tower on the summit of Poke-O-Moonshine Mountain with views east to Lake Champlain and west to the High Peaks. The trail is short but gains about 1280 feet with some steep rocky sections. Kids who enjoy scrambling over rocks will have a blast on the upper section. The fire tower at the top adds extra elevation and the views are exceptional. The cliff face of the mountain is also a famous rock climbing destination visible from I-87.

A dramatic descent from a cliff-top lookout down into a remote valley with a black sand beach on the Kohala Coast. The lookout alone offers one of the most stunning views on the Big Island with rugged green cliffs plunging into the ocean. The trail down to the beach is about a half mile but steep and muddy. At the bottom, the wild black sand beach is backed by dense forest and ironwood trees. The swimming is dangerous due to currents but the beach and valley scenery are incredible. The hike back up is a good workout.

Drive or hike to the 2030-foot summit for jaw-dropping panoramic views of Lake George, the Adirondacks, and the Green Mountains of Vermont. The scenic toll road gets you most of the way up and a short shuttle ride or 0.6-mile walk reaches the top. Kids love running around the summit area and picking out landmarks below. The hiking trail from the base is 3.2 miles and a solid workout for older kids. Either way, the views from the top are absolutely worth it.

A unique landscape of dwarf pine barrens, ice caves, and dramatic cliff-top views on the highest point of the Shawangunk Ridge. Kids are fascinated by the ice caves, narrow rock passages where ice persists into summer. The loop trail to the caves is about 3 miles and the Verkeerderkill Falls overlook adds a spectacular waterfall view. The dwarf pine barrens at the top are globally rare and feel like another planet. This is one of the most unique hiking experiences in downstate New York.

A moderately challenging 7-mile round trip hike that rewards with one of the best views in the Lake George region from open rock ledges at the summit. The trail passes through quiet forest and the summit clearing feels like your own private lookout. Kids who are strong hikers will love the accomplishment of reaching the top. The last stretch is steeper but not technical. Bring a picnic and enjoy lunch with a panoramic view of Lake George spread out below.

The tallest mountain in the southern Adirondacks at 3899 feet with a fire tower on the summit and expansive views. The 7.4-mile round trip trail gains about 2100 feet through dense forest and is a serious hike for families with experienced young hikers. The fire tower adds elevation and the 360-degree view from the top encompasses Indian Lake, Blue Mountain, and dozens of peaks stretching to the horizon. This is often cited as one of the most rewarding hikes in the Adirondacks. A real achievement for any kid who makes it to the top.

A rugged Hudson Highlands park with challenging trails and some of the most dramatic views of the Hudson River anywhere. The Stillman Trail to the Butter Hill summit is a moderately strenuous loop with panoramic views over the river, West Point, and the surrounding mountains. The trails involve rocky scrambles and steep sections so this is best for families with older kids who are comfortable on rough terrain. The payoff views are worth every step. On a clear day you can see the skyline of New York City.

A dramatic escarpment park with cliff-top views stretching 40 miles across the Hudson and Mohawk Valleys. The Indian Ladder Trail is the signature hike, descending along the cliff face on stairs and walkways behind a waterfall. Kids love walking behind the waterfall and the geology exposed in the cliff face spans millions of years. The park has over 25 miles of trails, a swimming pool, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The Helderberg Escarpment is one of the richest fossil-bearing rock formations in the world.

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.

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 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.