USA 15 day once in a lifetime family trip Aug25 from UK

Question

Hello you love people!

We would really use some advice for the above trip:

We are a family with 3 kids (boy 16yrs, girls 14 and 9 yrs), we like fun and scenery and are used to spending lazy summers in warm european villa holidays, but decided to do something more exciting on a one off action packed trip to the USA. As well as fun and scenery we would like to take in the american atmosphere (if that makes sense!). Our kids have never visited USA and my wife and I have only been for brief visits years ago.

The only fixed element of the trip so far is the arrival in JFK on Tuesday 5th Aug at 3:30pm and flight out of LA at 11pm on Wed 20th Aug.

I was thinking of itinerary that looks like this:

Arrive in New York 4pm on Tues 5th stay to midday Friday 8th (In NY we would be looking to visit: one skyscraper, 911 memorial, Time sq, view of Statue of Liberty, stroll one part of Central Park)

Fly Fri 8th PM to Toronto to visit Niagra stay until Sun eve 10th

Sun night 10th fly to Vegas just as a transit to drive Mon 11th to Grand Canyon and stay over Mon night.

Tuesday 12th afternoon drive back to Vegas and fly to LA

Tuesday night 12th stay in LA or nearby until Sun 17th

Sunday night 17th drive to Anaheim and stay until 20th Aug when we return on night flight.

Mon/Tues 18th/19th Disneyland in Anaheim.

I propose to rent a car in Vegas for Grand Canyon and in LA, we would be staying in self catering throughout.

I know that each element of the above will need careful planning and I would love to receive advice on that, but for now I am super keen to hear thoughts on the high level itinerary and any suggestions/criticism/alternatives are all welcome.....

I recognise that this is a California forum so will also post in Nevada and NY forums, for full coverage.

Thank you so much in advance for helping a stranger!

Best Regards,

Moishe

Answer

Hello Moishe,

Your high-level itinerary for a 15-day family trip to the USA looks exciting and ambitious, offering a mix of big city experiences, natural wonders, and iconic attractions. Overall, it’s workable, but there are a few considerations and suggestions to maximize enjoyment and reduce travel fatigue, especially with three kids.

1. New York City (Aug 5–8)

Your plan to arrive late afternoon and stay until midday Friday is reasonable, giving you nearly three full days. For your kids, focus on highlights without overpacking each day:

One skyscraper: Top of the Rock or Empire State Building—Top of the Rock offers great views including Central Park.
9/11 Memorial & Museum—good for older kids; the museum can be emotional, so maybe focus on the outdoor memorial pools.
Times Square—walk through, see the lights; perhaps evening for full effect.
Statue of Liberty—consider the ferry to Liberty Island or a harbor cruise for views without stepping on the island if time is tight.
Central Park—walk or rent bikes for a short stretch; maybe visit the zoo if your youngest will enjoy it.

Tip: NYC mornings are cooler and less crowded; afternoons can be very busy. Consider reserving tickets in advance for popular sites.

2. Niagara Falls/Toronto (Aug 8–10)

Flying into Toronto and staying near Niagara Falls works fine, but remember that travel from Toronto airport to Niagara is about 1.5–2 hours. Since you are flying in the evening, plan a relaxed arrival and consider skipping Toronto city unless you want a night there. Focus on the falls:

Maid of the Mist or Hornblower boat ride to get close to the falls.
Niagara SkyWheel or observation points for spectacular views.
Clifton Hill has entertainment for kids and is walking distance to the falls.

3. Vegas → Grand Canyon → Vegas → LA (Aug 10–12)

Driving from Vegas to the Grand Canyon South Rim is around 4–4.5 hours one-way. Your plan to stay one night at the Grand Canyon is feasible but tight:

Consider leaving early Monday morning to maximize time at the canyon.
Sunset at Hopi Point or Yavapai Point is spectacular—plan to be there before dusk.
Drive back to Vegas Tuesday afternoon as planned, but be aware it’s another 4–4.5 hours. An overnight in Grand Canyon Village is recommended to avoid rushing.

4. Los Angeles (Aug 12–17)

Five nights in LA is a good base for exploring:

Consider renting a car in LA for convenience, especially with three kids.
Disneyland planning: your plan to stay in Anaheim from Aug 17–20 is perfect for two full days at the parks without rushing.
Other LA options: Santa Monica Pier, Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Venice Beach, and The Getty. Pick 2–3 highlights to avoid over-scheduling.

5. Car Rentals and Self-Catering

Renting in Vegas for the Grand Canyon drive is fine. Ensure the rental is ready to pick up upon arrival if your flight arrives late.
Self-catering in LA and Anaheim is convenient for breakfast and snacks. Consider proximity to grocery stores.

6. General Suggestions

Be realistic about travel fatigue—three flights in the first week and multiple long drives will be tiring, especially for your youngest.
Prioritize must-see attractions over trying to “do everything.”
Pre-book as many tickets and activities as possible—NYC, Niagara, Grand Canyon, Disneyland—to avoid long lines.
Consider travel insurance given multiple flights and car rentals.

Alternative Considerations

Instead of Toronto, some families choose to fly directly from NYC to Vegas to reduce flight transitions, then consider a helicopter or guided tour to the Grand Canyon.
Consider splitting the LA portion: a few days in central LA for city attractions and a few days in Anaheim for Disneyland. This can minimize daily driving.

Overall, your itinerary provides a good balance of city, nature, and theme parks. The key will be pacing and pre-booking tickets for major attractions. With three kids, keeping some downtime each day will help everyone enjoy the trip more fully.

Have an amazing once-in-a-lifetime trip!