Want to spend an amazing and wonderful vacation time with your children during 2025? The destination of choice varies with everyone; some have this fascination of staying closer to theme park attractions. Perhaps anniversary celebrations for particular parks. These and so many other are to create some really unique family fun destinations for this trip.
Here is the countdown:
1.Orlando, Florida
Orlando is one of the most visited family vacation spots in the United States. However, in 2025, the city has some new surprises up its sleeve. The first Universal Epic Universe is scheduled to open on May 22, 2025, marking the launch of Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth theme park. The park will have attractions based on the Super Nintendo universe, classic movie monsters, How to Train Your Dragon’s Isle of Berk, and the Harry Potter universe’s Ministry of Magic.
Apart from these exciting new attractions under Universal, Magic Kingdom in the Walt Disney World Resort has also scheduled for its very first nighttime parade within almost a decade of the original in summer 2025. Meanwhile, at SeaWorld Orlando, its interactive Arctic Flying Experience is said to launch its journey through some frozen wonders this spring in the year 2025.
Where to Stay: Orlando has a few family-friendly accommodation options, new hotels at Universal Epic Universe include Universal Stella Nova Resort (January 21, 2025) and Universal Helios Grand Hotel (May 22, 2025).
2.San Diego, California
San Diego, as usual, remains a family-favourite destination. It promises visitors a variety of new and exciting experiences in 2025. SeaWorld San Diego will launch the Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience in spring 2025. Visitors can delve into the mystique of jellyfish through interactive exhibits.
The San Diego Zoo is home to two new giant pandas, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, who made their debut in August 2024. Guests can now visit the pandas with complimentary timed tickets or by joining the standby line.
San Diego also celebrates Belmont Park’s centennial, and families can enjoy the park’s refreshed Giant Dipper roller coaster. The Botanical Building in Balboa Park, recently renovated, is another wonderful family-friendly stop.
Where to Stay: Hotel del Coronado, a stunning, historic resort, completes its $550-million restoration in 2025, offering families the opportunity to stay at this iconic property.
3.Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis continues to be a family destination, and 2025 brings even more exciting opportunities. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis will celebrate its 100th anniversary with special exhibits, including a giant Centennial Ferris wheel standing 110 feet tall, open from March 15 to November 2, 2025.
Additionally, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum will reopen in spring 2025 after a $89-million renovation. The museum will include a “pit stop competition” and racing simulators where visitors can feel the rush of IndyCar racing.
In 2025, the city will also expand its Indianapolis Cultural Trail, open a new chimpanzee complex at the Indianapolis Zoo, and introduce the Riverside Adventure Park.
Where to Stay: Families can check into the new InterContinental Indianapolis for a luxurious stay or opt for the JW Marriott Indianapolis, which is perfectly located for exploring the city.
4.Tucson, Arizona
Tucson in 2025 is full of exciting milestones for the whole family. The city celebrates its 250th anniversary with a special celebration at Presidio San Agustin Del Tucson on August 25, 2025, featuring multicultural performances and family-friendly crafts.
The Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a new exhibit, Universe of Science, while the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum will showcase its Dinos in the Desert exhibit through April 2025.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Saguaro National Park offers family-friendly hikes, and the Children’s Museum Tucson is perfect for hands-on learning.
Where to Stay: Families will love the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, which boasts multiple pools, waterslides, and plenty of activities for kids.
5.Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Pigeon Forge, nestled in the Smoky Mountains, is a popular spot for family vacations, and 2025 will see even more exciting additions. Dollywood will celebrate its 40th anniversary with new events, a special opening ceremony every morning, and a drone and fireworks show during the summer.
For thrill-seekers, Country Cascades Waterpark Resort recently opened Braxton Beaver’s Shipwreck Bay indoor water park, while the Wild Side adventure park will offer mountain biking trails and guided UTV rides.
New rides include the Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster, opening in spring 2025, and the Rafter’s Rage waterslide at Soaky Mountain Waterpark.
Where to Stay: The area boasts new family-friendly hotels like the Cambria Hotel Pigeon Forge and Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Pigeon Forge.
6.Space Coast, Florida
For a truly out-of-this-world experience, head to Florida’s Space Coast in 2025. The Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex will debut the Gantry at LC-39 attraction in the first quarter of 2025. The new interactive exhibit will provide immersive displays and stunning views of the spaceport.
Families can check if there are any rocket launches during their visit and even watch the liftoff from various spots around the area. New hotels, such as Hyatt Place Cape Canaveral and Hilton Garden Inn Cape Canaveral, will make it easier to stay in the heart of the action.
Where to Stay: Book a room at Best Western Cocoa Beach Hotel & Suites for easy beach access or Hampton Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral Cruise Port for a convenient stay.
7.Portland, Oregon
Portland offers a blend of nature and culture and more outdoor adventure-2025: a few new attractions for the whole family. According to the major new expansions, by 2025, the second phase of opening is to see Portland’s first James Beard Public Market, besides opening the Portland Art Museum.
Other top destinations include the Oregon Zoo and Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Families may want to take advantage of Oaks Park, which happens to be one of the oldest amusement parks in the United States.
Where to Stay: The Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland offers an added amenity with a game room and provides bicycles at no extra cost.
8.Raleigh, North Carolina
The capital city of Raleigh in North Carolina makes a great vacation destination for family holidays in the year 2025. Early Spring 2025 will usher in a brand-new entrance at Dorothea Dix Park, the biggest green space, Gipson Play Plaza Adventure Playground. Here are some alternatives: playgrounds in Pullen Park, a merry-go-round carousel, pedal boats and train rides.
The Dueling Dinosaurs exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is a must-see, featuring the world’s only complete Tyrannosaurus skeleton and an open-air paleontology lab.
Where to Stay: The Hyatt House Raleigh Downtown offers spacious suites with full kitchens, making it perfect for family getaways.
9.Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island is a historic, car-free destination providing full family fun. In 2025, the island will mark its 150th anniversary as a national park, and specific programs and events will be organized. Guests can see Grand Hotel, the oldest operating hotel in the U.S., or bike over to view Arch Rock.
Festivals and Events: The Lilac Festival and Fudge Festival are popular annual events that families enjoy.
Where to Stay:The Inn at Stonecliffe offers scenic views and is a perfect getaway for families.
10.Hershey, Pennsylvania
Known as the sweetest place on earth, Hershey, Pennsylvania will get even sweeter in 2025 with new attractions. The Twizzlers Twisted Gravity ride at Hersheypark will be the world’s tallest “Screamin’ Swing” pendulum ride. The town also offers activities like Hershey Trolley Works and a visit to the Zoo America Wildlife Park.
Where to Stay: Families will enjoy the elegance of the rooms at the historic Hotel Hershey, where there is also Hershey’s Water Works indoor pool complex.
Top 10 family destinations in 2025 offer something to everyone’s interests, from heart-pounding theme parks to outdoor explorations and attractions of culture. Whether you want to explore Space Coast, or just relax at Pigeon Forge, discover the wonders at Rishikesh, here are the best places that assure unforgettable memories to families with their kids. Make 2025 the year you plan with Outdoorkeeda for the ultimate family vacation yet!
