By: Ashlea Halpern | From: Conde Nast Traveler
When I documented the 88-day, 14-country trip around the world that I took with my 2.5-year-old son for Traveler’s limited-edition family travel newsletter, I was asked two things on an endless loop. The first was some variation of “Are you nuts?!” The second, from justifiably intimidated parents, was usually, “Is there anywhere closer to home you recommend for toddlers?”
Jury’s still out on that first question but on the second I say, “Yes! So many.” I couldn’t have pulled off such an ambitious global trip if not for having plenty of practice in the US first. Though Julian’s first big vacation—San Diego at 10.5 months old—was mildly disastrous, I kept pushing us. If I’ve learned anything from traveling extensively with a tiny, irrational human, it’s to try, try again. Nothing with kids lasts forever.
What follows are seven of my favorite U.S. getaways for toddlers. They offer vastly different experiences (Giraffes! Submarines! Fry Bread!) but have one thing in common: These destinations are as much fun for us parents as the kids we’re so desperate to entertain.
San Antonio, Texas
Years before our son was born, my husband and I made a 16-month, 40-state, 229-city road trip across the US to uncover our next hometown. We kept a spreadsheet ranking our top picks and ultimately settled on Minneapolis. Coming in second was San Antonio, so naturally I was stoked to experience it anew with my toddler last summer. Merciless heat aside, it was every bit as vibrant as I had remembered and still boasts the tastiest food and friendliest locals.
What to eat, see, and do
The San Antonio Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the country, housing more than 750 species, but it has newer attractions as well. Of special note is Kronkosky’s Tiny Tot Nature Spot, a 1.5-acre space designed for the 5-and-under set that includes a butterfly rainforest and interactive play area with faux fishing ponds and a mud kitchen. Spring for a giraffe feeding or kangaroo meet-and-greet, or join the drive-through safari at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, a sprawling park with upward of 500 animals (zebras, bongos, and ostriches—oh my!) on the outskirts of town. Creature features aside, we had a blast exploring the sensory-friendly rides and attractions at Morgan’s Wonderland, the world’s first “ultra-accessible” theme park; romping through a colorfully lit, artist-designed ball pit and more than a dozen other installations at immersive art gallery Hopscotch; and sipping micheladas from Künstler Tap Haus while Julian explored the toddler play area and splash pad at Hemisfair, the redeveloped site of the 1968 World’s Fair. From the succulent Flinstonian beef rib at Pinkerton’s Barbecue to the mushroom shawarma at Ladino, eating our faces off was another favorite pastime. The fluffy conchas at La Panadería and breakfast tacos at Con Huevos Tacos are both essential eating.
Where to stay
Omni La Mansión Del Rio is located on the strollable River Walk, making it accessible to the Alamo and other landmarks. Hacienda-style balconies overlook a courtyard swimming pool, but it’s the little things (Guatemalan worry dolls on our pillow at turndown; a high-five and megawatt smile from the valet guy) that made our family feel so welcomed.
Don’t miss
The Family Adventure Garden at the San Antonio Botanical Garden, which has fun water features, sand pits, and dirt play zones. BYO towels and a change of clothing.