The Best US Cities for a Family Vacation

TripAdvisor's family-dedicated website, Family Vacation Critic has unveiled its list of the top cities for families in 2017.

The top 10 features some perennial tourist hot spots as well as some under-the-radar destinations. 

"Cities are often overlooked destinations for family vacations, but can actually be incredibly convenient and budget-friendly," said Family Vacation Critic's features editor, Amanda Norcross, in a statement.

"With so many attractions and restaurants packed into one destination—plus convenient transportation options and lower costs on the weekend when hotels look to fill rooms vacated by business travelers—cities can be a perfect place for a quick getaway, especially during the school year."

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Washington, D.C.

The nation's capital checks in at No. 1 on Family Vacation Critic's list for 2017 primarily thanks to its expansive Smithsonian museum complex.

Family Vacation Critic recommends the National Zoo and Natural Museum of Natural History for younger travelers and Monuments by Moonlight and Newseum for bigger kids and teenagers.

Boston

A city rich in history, Boston is a worthy runner-up to Washington, D.C. After all, Beantown is home to a variety of different family-friendly attractions ranging from the New England Aquarium to Fenway Park.

Seattle

Seattle stands out as the premier family destination in the Pacific Northwest.

Youngsters can literally Ride the Ducks of Seattle and take a Theo Chocolate Factory Tour while their older siblings check out the Museum of Pop Culture.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is synonymous with fun so it's no surprise Sin City makes the list for 2017.

Take the little ones to the Discovery Children's Museum and let the older travelers explore Adventuredome or the Stratosphere.

San Antonio

San Antonio is much more than just The Alamo and River Walk. The DoSeum is perfect for infants and toddlers and the Pearl Brewery District is a versatile spot to entertain older children.

Tallahassee, Florida

By far the most surprising destination to crack Family Vacation Critic's top 10, Tallahassee is sure to win over families with its interactive museums, impressive food scene and accessibility, which means groups can do it all in a short amount of time.

San Diego

Like Tallahassee, San Diego is another fantastic city for outdoor activities. The San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park are no-brainers for families if you're looking to soak up the sun.

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Family Vacation Critic also pinpoints La Jolla Cove and the California Surf Museum as worthy stops for families with toddlers or teens, respectively. 

New York

New York City is always a draw. For families not sure where to begin their Big Apple vacation, Family Vacation Critic recommends the Central Park Zoo, Coney Island's Luna Park and the American Museum of Natural History.

Travelers visiting with older children can't go wrong with a New York television and movie tour.

Nashville, Tennessee

The Music City is an ideal family getaway destination because its budget-friendly as well. 

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Nashville is also home to an emerging foodie scene and bucket-list attractions like the Grand Ole Opry and Historic RCA Studio B.

Chicago

Family Vacation Critic singles out Chicago for its cultural diverseness and seemingly endless list of sights, attractions and things to do. 

Must-visit stops here include Navy Pier, Skydeck Chicago and the Lincoln Park Zoo. 

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