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 Nevada forum so will also post in California and NY forums, for full coverage.

Thank you so much in advance for helping a stranger!

Best Regards,

Moishe

Answer

Hi Moishe, your proposed itinerary sounds like an exciting adventure! I can tell that you're aiming for a balance between iconic landmarks, fun activities, and some relaxation, which is perfect for a family trip. However, there are a few tweaks and tips that might help make your trip smoother and more enjoyable, given the distances you'll be covering and the type of experience you're after. Let’s break it down:

New York City (Aug 5–8): You have a great starting point with New York City, and I think the landmarks you’re considering are perfect for a first-time visit. Keep in mind that New York City can be overwhelming, especially in summer, so make sure you allow enough time for downtime. Here’s what I’d suggest:

Empire State Building or One World Observatory: Either of these skyscrapers offers amazing views, but One World Observatory has the added benefit of being part of the 9/11 Memorial experience, so it could work well if you're already visiting that area.
Central Park: Absolutely worth a stroll, but consider renting bikes for a fun family activity.
Statue of Liberty: Rather than a view, you may want to consider a ferry trip to Liberty Island if time allows. You can also combine it with a visit to Ellis Island, especially for some historical insights.
Broadway Shows: Depending on your kids' interests, a Broadway show can be a fun way to experience the NYC atmosphere. Shows like The Lion King or Aladdin are family-friendly options.

Toronto & Niagara Falls (Aug 8–10): Your visit to Niagara Falls will definitely be a highlight. It’s a great mix of natural beauty and fun activities for all ages. Some tips:

Niagara Falls: Don’t miss the Hornblower Cruise (formerly Maid of the Mist), which takes you up close to the falls. Also, the Journey Behind the Falls offers a unique perspective from below the waterfall.
Niagara-on-the-Lake: If you have time, take a scenic drive to this charming town. It’s perfect for a family stroll and has plenty of quaint shops.
Toronto: If you're in the city, the CN Tower has great views, or if your kids are into science, the Ontario Science Centre or Royal Ontario Museum is worth a visit.

Vegas & Grand Canyon (Aug 10–12): The Grand Canyon is stunning, but I think the trip to the Grand Canyon might feel a bit rushed. Driving from Vegas to the Canyon (about 4-5 hours one way) will take up a large part of the day. Consider staying two nights at the Canyon if possible to avoid the long drive back and forth in one day. That said, here are a few tips:

Grand Canyon: The South Rim offers the best views and most family-friendly activities. You can explore the rim, take a short hike down part of the trail, or even try a family-friendly helicopter tour over the canyon for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Vegas: If you're only using Vegas as a transit stop, make sure to visit the Strip for a quick taste of the atmosphere. You can also check out a family-friendly show like Cirque du Soleil's “O” at Bellagio or "Blue Man Group".

Los Angeles (Aug 12–17): LA is another city with a lot to offer, especially for families. The time here feels a bit tight, so consider limiting the number of activities you want to do to avoid feeling rushed. Here are some options:

Hollywood: Visit the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and the Hollywood Sign. You can also do a fun studio tour, such as at Universal Studios or Warner Bros.
Beaches: Venice Beach or Santa Monica can be a nice break, offering fun activities and a laid-back vibe.
Museums: The Natural History Museum, Science Center, or the Getty Center are great for kids and offer both fun and educational experiences.

Anaheim & Disneyland (Aug 17–20): Disneyland is a great place to finish your trip, but keep in mind that it's also very busy, especially in mid-August. Here are a few tips to make the most of it:

Maximize your park time: Disneyland can be overwhelming, so use the Genie+ system to avoid long lines and make the most of your time in the park.
Rest Days: Since you’re spending two days at Disneyland, consider taking a mid-trip rest day if needed to recover from the busy sightseeing schedule before heading to the parks.
Other options: If you have time, you can also visit California Adventure Park, which has rides and shows for all ages.

General Tips:

Car Rentals: You’re on the right track with renting cars for Vegas and LA. Make sure to reserve your vehicles well in advance, especially for your Grand Canyon trip.
Packing: The weather will vary depending on where you are. Pack for hot days, but also cooler evenings in some places like the Grand Canyon.
Rest and Relaxation: Since it’s a long trip with lots of driving and sightseeing, try to balance the busy days with more relaxed ones, especially when traveling with kids.

Your trip sounds like a dream, and while the itinerary is packed, it’s doable with careful planning. You’ll get to see a good mix of iconic US landmarks, natural beauty, and of course, all the fun and excitement that the family will love. Safe travels, and enjoy your once-in-a-lifetime experience!

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

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