5 Best Family Adventure Vacations in USA

Some vacations are about taking it easy. But that doesn’t mean your dream vacation should be. Some of the most memorable getaways are action-packed and filled with fun for the whole family. So, if you and your loved ones are looking for a little excitement, you’ve come to the right place. From the East Coast to the West, so many adventure vacations are perfect for families in the United States. Let’s help you find them! We’ve put together a list of the best family adventure vacations in USA so you can have an unforgettable trip.

Best Family Adventure Vacations for Wild West Fantasies

Nothing says adventure quite like living like a cowboy! Unfortunately, the age of the Wild West is over. Or is it? Believe it or not, there are still places filled with family adventures that embody the spirit of the Wild West. Places where you can put on a ten-gallon hat and some riding boots and fit right in. Here are some family vacations you can take for a Wild West adventure in the USA.

Westgate River Ranch – River Ranch, Florida

Florida might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of the Wild West (especially since it’s on the East Coast), but it’s actually home to one of the best family adventure vacation spots for anyone looking for that cowboy experience: Westgate River Ranch. In fact, there’s a full Cowboy Adventure Park that’s filled with activities for some family fun. You can ride a mechanical bull, go goldpanning, or explore a corn maze. While these activities are sure to be a hit with young kids, there’s plenty to do for the older members of the family, too. See if you’re a real deadeye at the skeet shooting, trap shooting, or air rifle range. You can also try your hand at archery! The Wild West fun doesn’t end there, though.

You can also engage in classic Western pastimes like tossing horseshoes and going pony and horseback riding. The horseback rides are great for older family members and feature a 45-minute ride along beautiful trails led by expert guides. Meanwhile, the pony rides are perfect for younger guests and are located inside the petting farm. Last but not least, you can end your Saturday nights with a good old-fashioned rodeo. Plus, there’s a street party right after the rodeo right in front of the Western-style saloon. Speaking of the saloon, you and your family can enjoy live music on the weekends and line dancing lessons on Friday evenings. Then, you can rest and unwind in spacious teepees, wagons, cabins, and more! With everything to do and see, you’ll have all the fixings of a Wild West family adventure at Westgate River Ranch.

Camp Comfort – Comfort, Texas

Now for something a little more expected: Our next family adventure vacation destination in the United States takes us to Texas. After all, what’s more Wild West than the Lone Star State? Here, you’ll find Camp Comfort, a small outdoor hotel located in the heart of Comfort, Texas. This historic property was first built as an athletics club and bowling alley in the early 1860s before being transformed into the cozy hideaway it is today. But don’t let its tranquil exterior fool you. Camp Comfort is the perfect home base for any family looking for the best adventure vacation ideas. You’ll be surrounded on all sides by the beauty of Texas’ nature, and with it, there will be plenty of fun activities.

Of course, nothing says Wild West quite like a horseback ride, and you’ll have no shortage of those near Camp Comfort. In particular, be sure to check out Cross G Ranch Trail Rides. This private, secluded ranch allows riders to explore different scenic trails depending on their experience level. Never been horseback riding before? No problem! Cross G Ranch has a professional riding instructor to show you the ropes. There’s also plenty of other opportunities for horseback riding to be found in the nearby Canyon Lake, as well as Wimberley, Texas. Of course, after all the excitement of one of the best family adventure vacations, you can retreat to unique accommodations like cabins, a Spartan Manor, and even an Airstream Bambi. If you and your family want to ride through the countryside on trusty steeds, you can’t go wrong with Camp Comfort.

Best Family Adventure Vacations to Brave the Mountains

Are you the type of traveler who likes to aim high when planning a getaway? How about top-of-a-mountain high? Many of the best family adventure vacations in the USA are at dizzying altitudes, high above the world. So, if you want to touch the clouds with your loved ones, these following destinations are for you!

Tapoco Lodge – Robbinsville, North Carolina

When it comes to scaling mountains, few can stack up to the Great Smoky Mountains, and you’ll have easy access to them from Tapoco Lodge. Nestled on the banks of the Cheoah River, this lodge has been a mainstay of North Carolina travel since 1930. With so many things to do around the lodge, it’s easy to see why! As we mentioned earlier, you can visit the Smoky Mountains National Park while you’re here, which already makes it great for family adventure vacations. After all, it’s one of the most popular national parks in the country and boasts endless hiking trails and waterfalls. One spot you and your family won’t want to miss is Abrams Falls, a hiking trail area that features a 20-foot waterfall.

Of course, the Smoky Mountains aren’t the only peaks near Tapoco Lodge. You can also visit the Blue Ridge Mountains, which get their name from the blue haze around them. Take mountain bikes up its many trails or go hiking around Blue Ridge. Want a scenic drive up and around the mountains? Then you’ll love the Cherohala Skyway. This 43-mile-long National Scenic Byway features plenty of scenic views that the whole family is sure to enjoy. There are even plenty of state parks nearby like Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Whenever you’re ready to unwind, plenty of creature comforts at Tapoco Lodge will be waiting for you, like a hammock cove, an on-site restaurant, and even a spa. Then, end each night in a cozy room, luxurious suite, or striking cabin.

The Virginian Lodge – Jackson Hole, Wyoming

The East Coast doesn’t have all the fun when it comes to mountain trips. In fact, you can find some of the most exciting summits near the Virginian Lodge. This lodge is packed with everything you’ll need for some of the best family adventure vacations in the USA. There’s a vibrant saloon, fire pits to eat s’mores by, and a swimming pool to dive into. The lodge is even dog-friendly! While Jackson Hole is great at any time of year, it really comes alive during the winter. These months see the mountains of Jackson Hole blanketed with snow, which can only mean one thing: It’s time for skiing! Jackson is home to not one but two of the best ski destinations in the country.

Of these two ski spots, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is best suited for veteran skiers, with the majority of its slopes being geared towards intermediate and experienced skiers. Of course, this means that this mountain isn’t the best for younger members of the family, but it is sure to be a hit with families that have teenagers. Meanwhile, Snow King is an excellent option for less experienced skiers, with a spectacular beginner zone. Naturally, this means families with younger children are bound to have a great time. With that said, skiers looking for a challenge will still find plenty to enjoy across its 41 named runs. You can also stop by the National Elk Refuge to see one of the largest elk herds on Earth. Of course, you’ll have a comfortable suite waiting for you back at the Virginian Lodge whenever you’re ready to call it a night.

Best Family Adventure Vacation to Experience Glamping

Sometimes, the most fun family adventure vacations in the United States are about simplicity. No need for a fancy hotel, just a comfy tent and the beauty of nature. If that’s the kind of getaway you and your family are after, you’re sure to love this!

Terramor Outdoor Resort – Bar Harbor, Massachusetts

When it comes to vacations that are off the beaten path, it doesn’t get better than Terramor Outdoor Resort. Located in Bar Harbor, Massachusetts, this property gives you everything you need for a great glamping experience. All of its tents come with plenty of space to stretch your legs, along with cozy beds. Not to mention, there are plenty of hiking trails nearby. Whenever you want a taste of civilization, you can head over to Terramor’s on-site restaurant for a meal sourced with local ingredients. While everything around Terramor makes it great for glamping already, the location itself is nothing to scoff at.

Because you’ll be right in the heart of Bar Harbor, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do when you’re ready to venture out from your tent. Bar Harbor is home to some of the best deep-sea fishing in the country, which means you’ll be able to have plenty of outdoor adventures right on the water. You can also visit Acadia National Park, the crown jewel of the North Atlantic Coast. Acadia is home to plenty of stellar spots for stargazing, especially at Cadillac Summit and Jordan Pond. The park is also great for bird watching, with over 308 birds you can encounter around the park. With so much to see and do nearby, it’s no surprise that Terramor offers some of the best glamping for family adventure vacations in the United States.

Find More Family Adventure Vacations with Nook

Want more inspiration for the best family adventure vacations in the USA? We’ve got you covered! Here at Nook Outdoors, we’re always on the lookout for one-of-a-kind getaways. That’s why we’ve put together a carefully curated list of vacation properties that is constantly being updated. So, no matter what kind of trip you and your family want to take, you’re bound to find it with Nook Outdoors.