MomSkoop
September offers families the perfect sweet spot for traveling with children across America. Summer crowds begin to thin out while weather remains pleasant in most destinations, making it easier to explore with little ones in tow. School schedules might be starting, but long weekends and fall breaks provide excellent opportunities for memorable family adventures. From stunning national parks to charming coastal towns, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences for parents and kids alike.
1. Big Sur, California
Rugged coastlines meet towering redwoods in this breathtaking stretch of California’s Highway 1. September brings mild temperatures and clearer skies, perfect for family road trips along one of America’s most scenic drives.
Kids will be amazed by the dramatic cliffs and crashing waves at McWay Falls, where an 80-foot waterfall drops directly onto the beach. The nearby Monterey Bay Aquarium offers interactive exhibits that captivate young minds.
Pack plenty of snacks and plan frequent stops at scenic overlooks. The winding roads can be challenging, but the memories created here will last a lifetime for your entire family.
2. Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
Trade winds keep temperatures comfortable while tourist crowds from summer begin to disperse across Oahu’s famous beaches. Waikiki Beach provides gentle waves perfect for beginning surfers and boogie boarding adventures.
Pearl Harbor offers educational experiences that older children find fascinating, while the Polynesian Cultural Center provides hands-on activities for all ages. September’s weather remains ideal for snorkeling at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve.
Book accommodations early as September still attracts many visitors seeking perfect beach weather. Consider staying in family-friendly resorts that offer kids’ clubs and organized activities. Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your family and Hawaii’s delicate marine ecosystem.
3. Cape May, New Jersey
Victorian charm meets pristine beaches in America’s oldest seaside resort town. September temperatures remain warm enough for swimming while providing relief from summer’s intense heat and humidity.
Horse-drawn carriage rides through historic districts enchant children while parents admire beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture. The Cape May County Park Zoo offers close encounters with over 550 animals from around the world.
Beach activities continue well into September, with warmer water temperatures than earlier summer months. Dolphin watching cruises provide exciting adventures, and the famous Cape May Lighthouse offers panoramic views. Consider renting bikes to explore the town’s flat, family-friendly streets and numerous parks.
4. North Cascades National Park, Washington
Alpine meadows burst with late-season wildflowers while crisp mountain air provides refreshing relief from summer heat. September offers some of the year’s best hiking conditions before winter weather arrives.
Easy trails like the Trail of the Cedars accommodate families with younger children, while older kids can tackle more challenging hikes to pristine mountain lakes. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound as animals prepare for winter.
Pack layers as mountain weather can change quickly, even in September. The park’s visitor centers offer junior ranger programs that engage children with interactive exhibits and educational activities. Camping reservations fill quickly, so book accommodations well in advance for this spectacular mountain wilderness experience.
5. Colorado Springs, Colorado
Pikes Peak’s majestic summit beckons families seeking high-altitude adventures without extreme difficulty. September’s cooler temperatures make outdoor exploration more comfortable for children of all ages.
The Cog Railway provides an exciting train ride to the mountain’s 14,115-foot summit, while Garden of the Gods offers easy walking paths among stunning red rock formations. Kids love spotting bighorn sheep and other wildlife.
Altitude can affect some visitors, so plan for extra rest and hydration breaks. The Olympic Training Center tours fascinate sports-minded children, and Manitou Springs’ penny arcade provides nostalgic entertainment. Consider staying at family resorts that offer organized activities and easy access to major attractions throughout the Pikes Peak region.
6. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
Glacial landscapes create unforgettable memories as families witness massive ice formations and abundant marine wildlife. September offers the last opportunities for boat tours before harsh winter weather restricts access.
Whale watching reaches peak season as humpbacks, orcas, and other marine mammals feed before migration. Children become mesmerized watching glaciers calve into the sea with thunderous crashes.
Dress warmly in layers as temperatures can be quite cool, even in September. Book glacier tours early as availability becomes limited later in the season. The park’s visitor center in Seward provides excellent educational exhibits about glacial formation and Alaska’s unique ecosystem. Consider combining your visit with the Alaska SeaLife Center for additional marine education.
7. Beaufort, South Carolina
Southern charm radiates from this historic coastal town where antebellum architecture tells stories of America’s past. September brings relief from summer’s oppressive humidity while maintaining warm temperatures perfect for outdoor exploration.
Carriage tours provide comfortable sightseeing for tired little legs, while boat excursions through surrounding marshlands offer dolphin watching opportunities. The town’s walkable historic district makes stroller navigation easy.
Shrimp and grits appeal to adventurous young eaters, while traditional Southern hospitality ensures families feel welcomed everywhere. Consider staying in historic bed-and-breakfasts that cater to families, or choose modern hotels with pools for evening relaxation. The nearby beaches of Hunting Island State Park provide additional recreational opportunities.
8. Zion National Park, Utah
Towering sandstone cliffs create a natural playground where families can explore slot canyons and gentle riverside trails. September’s moderate temperatures make hiking much more enjoyable than scorching summer months.
The Riverside Walk accommodates strollers and provides easy access to the Virgin River, where kids love wading in shallow pools. Older children might tackle the famous Narrows hike with proper preparation.
Book accommodations well in advance as September remains a popular visiting time. The park’s shuttle system makes transportation easy and environmentally friendly. Pack plenty of water and snacks, as desert conditions can be dehydrating. The visitor center offers junior ranger programs that teach children about desert ecosystems and conservation efforts.
9. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
America’s first national park showcases geothermal wonders that captivate visitors of all ages. September brings cooler temperatures and the beginning of elk bugling season, creating magical wildlife viewing opportunities.
Old Faithful’s predictable eruptions provide perfect photo opportunities, while the Grand Prismatic Spring’s rainbow colors amaze children. Bison herds move closer to roads as they prepare for winter migration.
Pack warm clothing as temperatures can drop significantly, especially at night. The park’s junior ranger program engages children with hands-on learning about geothermal features and wildlife conservation. Consider staying in park lodges to maximize your time exploring, though reservations book up months in advance for September visits.
10. The Adirondack Mountains & Lake Placid, New York
Olympic history comes alive in this charming mountain town where fall foliage begins painting the landscape in brilliant colors. September offers perfect weather for outdoor adventures without summer’s black fly populations.
The Olympic Center provides ice skating opportunities year-round, while scenic chairlift rides offer breathtaking views without strenuous hiking. Lake Placid’s clear waters remain warm enough for swimming and boating activities.
Book accommodations early as leaf-peeping season attracts many visitors to the region. Consider staying at family resorts that offer organized activities and easy access to both Olympic sites and natural attractions. The Wild Center in nearby Tupper Lake provides interactive exhibits about Adirondack wildlife and ecosystems.
11. Seattle, Washington
Coffee culture meets family-friendly attractions in this vibrant Pacific Northwest city. September brings some of the year’s best weather, with sunny skies and comfortable temperatures perfect for exploring.
Pike Place Market’s fish-throwing vendors entertain children while parents sample local specialties. The Space Needle provides panoramic city views, and nearby Seattle Center offers multiple family attractions within walking distance.
Public transportation makes getting around easy without rental cars. The Seattle Aquarium and nearby ferry rides to Bainbridge Island provide additional entertainment options. Consider staying downtown to maximize walkability, or choose accommodations near Seattle Center for easy access to major attractions. Don’t miss the Underground Tour for older kids interested in the city’s unique history.
12. Taos, New Mexico
Ancient Pueblo culture blends seamlessly with artistic communities in this high-desert town surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. September’s mild temperatures make outdoor exploration comfortable for families.
Taos Pueblo, continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years, provides fascinating cultural education for children. The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge offers spectacular views that will amaze visitors of all ages.
Hot air balloon rides provide unforgettable family adventures, while local art galleries showcase Native American and Hispanic cultural traditions. The town’s compact size makes walking easy, though the 7,000-foot elevation might affect some visitors initially. Consider staying at family-friendly resorts that offer cultural programming and easy access to both historical sites and outdoor recreation opportunities.
13. New England
Autumn’s grand finale begins transforming forests into brilliant tapestries of red, orange, and gold across six picturesque states. September marks the beginning of New England’s famous fall foliage season.
Historic sites like Plymouth Rock and Old Sturbridge Village provide hands-on American history lessons that bring textbooks to life. Apple orchards offer picking opportunities and fresh cider that kids absolutely love.
Plan scenic drives along designated foliage routes, but book accommodations well in advance as this region becomes extremely popular during leaf-peeping season. Consider staying at family-friendly inns that offer organized activities and easy access to multiple attractions. Don’t forget to pack layers as New England weather can be unpredictable, even in early fall.