6 Family-Friendly Summer Events Across the U.S. that Spell FUN!

Planning on traveling in the U.S. over the summer? Are you on the lookout for fantastic family-friendly summer events? Well, if you’re vacationing in New York, Texas, Florida, Illinois, or California, we've handpicked six super-fun and exciting activities happening in their major cities for you. So if you’re ever visiting New York City, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Miami, or San Francisco with your kids, make sure to check out these summer events:

1. New York City, NY: Immersive Encanto Experience

Photo courtesy of CAMP

New York City brings magic to life with the Immersive Encanto Experience! Step into Disney's Encanto world and immerse yourselves in the enchanting adventure of young Mirabel. Explore the Madrigal family's casita, Antonio's rainforest, Isabela's flower-filled room, and the living quarters of Luisa and Pepa. With hit songs and your favorite characters, it's a dream come true for Disney fans of all ages. Get ready to sing, dance, and make unforgettable memories!

Located at 110th 5th Ave (at 16th St), New York, NY 10011.

Tickets range from $37 - $44 for all ages.

Click here for more information and for ticket booking.

2. Los Angeles, CA: Kidspace Children’s Museum

Photo courtesy of Kidspace Children's Museum

Unleash your child's creativity at the Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena, Los Angeles! This popular interactive children's museum is now throwing a new summer event called Kidspace Campout, where kids and parents can experience the best of iconic American summer activities. From singing silly songs around a pretty “campfire” to “fishing” in the Winding Willow Lake, everyone of all ages can make unforgettable summer memories. Don’t forget to check out the museum’s other exhibits, like the Arroyo Stream and the Physics Forest as well!

Located at 480 N Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103.

Tickets range from $0 - $15.50 depending on age.

Kidspace Campout is free with Kidspace admission from June 9th to September 4th, 2023.

Click here for more information about Kidspace Campout.

Click here for ticket booking.

3. Houston, TX: Downtown Aquarium

Photo courtesy of Downtown Aquarium

Explore the depths of the ocean from the comfort of land! The Downtown Aquarium in Houston is home to a 500,000-gallon underwater adventure exhibit that offers a beautiful display of colorful sea creatures. Kids can also explore different ecosystems, such as the rainforest, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Louisiana Swamp. From touching and feeding stingrays at the Stingray Reef to amusement rides and carnival-style games at the Aquarium Adventure Exhibit, there is never a dull moment at Downtown Aquarium!

Located at 410 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002. Check out their website here for further directions on how to get there.

Tickets for the Aquarium Adventure Exhibit and the Stingray Reef are separate from the aquarium, but all-day passes for all three exhibits are available for purchase from $23.99 for children and $25.99 for adults. To book tickets ahead, click here.

4. Chicago, IL: Harry Potter™: Magic at Play

Photo courtesy of Harry Potter™: Magic at Play

Calling all young wizards and witches to Chicago for Harry Potter™: Magic at Play! Join Harry on a magical journey from Privet Drive to Platform 9 ¾™. Discover and represent your Hogwarts™ house, practice your wand skills, take classes at Hogwarts™, and play Quidditch™! Every Thursday in July at 11:00 am, children can enjoy a reading from Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone in the Magic at Play Party Room, followed by full access to the experience. With spells, excitement, and enchantment, this event will have everyone under its spell!

Located at Water Tower Place at 835 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611.

Tickets range from $14 - $61 depending on age and ticket type.

Click here for more information and for ticket booking.

5. Miami, FL: Zoo Miami

Photo courtesy of Zoo Miami

If you're in Miami this summer, the Zoo Miami is a must for all families! From the Amazonian jaguars to Asian tigers and adorable koalas from Australia, visitors can embark on a global animal adventure all in one place. Spread across nearly 750 acres, it is home to an incredible diversity of animals representing nearly 400 different species. Explore the animal kingdom in Miami with their $15 Mondays happening from June 12th to September 25th, 2023!

If you want to check out other amazing animals, the Summer Savings Pass 2023 lets you explore Zoo Miami, Lion Country Safari, Everglades Alligator Farm, and Cox Science Center and Aquarium all summer long. Explore wild animals, have fun at the mini-golf exhibit, and dive into the wonders of the ocean – all in one pass!

Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177.

Tickets are $18.95 for children and $22.95 for adults and can be booked here.

For more information on $15 Mondays, click here.

The Summer Savings Pass 2023 is $55.99 for children and $65.99 for adults. It is valid from May 15, 2023 to August 31, 2023. For more information on the Summer Savings Pass 2023, click here.

6. San Francisco, CA: Children's Creativity Museum

Photo courtesy of Children's Creativity Museum

If you find your family in Golden Gate City this summer, be sure to check out the Children's Creativity Museum! This high-tech wonderland in San Francisco is designed to inspire young minds through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. From creating stop-motion movies in the Animation Lab to programming robots in the Tech Lab, kids will embark on a journey of creativity and innovation. Let them shine on the Music Studio stage, star in their music videos, and explore the wonders of art and technology. Be sure to take a ride on LeRoy King Carousel, the hand-carved merry-go-round from 1906, and minigolf at Fwip’s Fairways as well! With endless possibilities for exploration and play, the Children's Creativity Museum is an unforgettable experience for little artists, inventors, and dreamers!

Located at 221 Fourth Street, San Francisco, CA 94103.

Tickets are $20 for all ages, and EBT or Medi-Cal cardholders get free entry!

Click here for more information and for ticket booking.

So pack your sunscreen, put on your adventure hats, and embark on a summer journey filled with laughter and wonder! These 6 kid-friendly events in New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Miami, and San Francisco guarantee a summer vacation you and your kids will cherish forever!