Top U.S. spots for kids | CNN (2025)

Exploratorium, San Francisco —

The Exploratorium in San Francisco is the United States' top attraction for kids, according to travel site Gogobot's users. In 2013, the hands-on science museum opened in a much larger space at Pier 15 on the waterfront.

Winter Park Resort, Colorado —

An alpine slide, a climbing wall and skiing and snow tubing help make Winter Park Resort in Colorado a top kid-friendly spot. It's ranked No. 2 among Gogobot Travelers' Favorites award winners for best kids attractions in the U.S.

City Museum, St. Louis —

St. Louis' imaginative City Museum includes the spectacular MonstroCity, a sculpture-playground hybrid that incorporates slides, wrought-iron Slinkies and more. The museum lands at No. 3 on the list.

Dollywood Splash Country, Tennessee —

Dollywood Splash Country in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, ranks fourth on the list. The park features nearly two dozen water slides and rides.

Congress Avenue Bridge bats,Texas —

The Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin, Texas, draws locals and tourists to see the largest urban bat colony in North America. Nearly 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats take up residence underneath the bridge in the spring and summer. Kids love a good, somewhat creepy, air show.

Sea turtles, South Padre Island, Texas —

Allison, a rescued green sea turtle who has only one flipper, swims with the aid of a fin attached with neoprene at Sea Turtle Inc. in South Padre Island, Texas. The rescue operation provides lessons in conservation to younger travelers and rates at No. 6 on Gogobot's list.

American Museum of Natural History, New York —

In the American Museum of Natural History's Hall of Ocean Life, a 94-foot fiberglass replica of a blue whale hangs above the marine exhibits. The New York museum, ranked No. 7 among kids' attractions, was founded in 1869.

Legoland, California —

Legoland in Carlsbad, California, ranks eighth on the list. More than 60 rides, attractions and shows keep kids entertained.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Orlando —

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort has been a crowd-pleaser since it opened in 2010. The Florida park is No. 9 on the list.

Museum of the Rockies, Montana —

Bozeman, Montana's, Museum of the Rockies has a vast collection of dinosaur fossils, including Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops.

Ocean City Boardwalk, Maryland —

The boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland, dates to 1902. Arcades, a roller coaster and a Ferris wheel are among its draws for kids.

Boston Children's Museum —

Boston Children's Museum was founded in 1913 with exhibits that encourage hands-on learning. The museum is No. 12 of Gogobot's top attractions for kids.

San Antonio Zoo —

A hungry hippo indeed. A hippopotamus roars for a treat in front of a boy at the San Antonio Zoo in Texas. The zoo is No. 13 on the list.

Twirl Toy Store and Playspace, New Mexico —

Twirl Toy Store and Playspace is located in an adobe building in historical Taos, New Mexico. There are two courtyards outside for energetic shoppers.

Dole Plantation, Hawaii —

Pineapple Express train rides are available at the Dole Plantation in Wahiawa, on Oahu.