As the new year approaches, many of us find ourselves wanting to make resolutions.
Included in my resolution list for 2026: Travel more as a family.
Although it can be daunting, expensive, and even exhausting to travel with kids in tow, some of our favorite family memories have been made aboard RVs, in canyon-side cabins, and over meals at hole-in-the-wall cafes in unlikely locales.
If you’re looking for ideas for family-friendly destinations to visit in 2026, here are some of my favorites.
NASHVILLE
For me, to spend a long weekend in Nashville is to find bliss. Ever since my first visit to Nashville several years ago, I’ve been entranced by Music City, from its permeating music scene to its innovative restaurants to its overall creative energy. In many ways, Nashville reminds me of Austin with a country twist, and being there feels like discovering something brand new while simultaneously feeling right at home.
The Bluebird Cafe is a must-visit music venue in Nashville. Kristin Finan photo
In order to adequately take in the city’s music scene as a family, there are certain places you must visit, including the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where you can spy everything from Chris Stapleton’s high school yearbook photos to Taylor Swift’s coat from “All Too Well”; the Ryman Auditorium, a world-renowned concert venue (and former church) that hosts artists of all musical genres; and, of course, The Bluebird Café, which serves as both a springboard for up-and-comers as well as a popular spot for Nashville’s country royalty to stage pop-up shows.
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The food scene in Nashville is also highlight respected a respected highlight. Don’t miss popular spots such as the beloved Biscuit Love, the brunch-centric Ruby Sunshine, the java-loaded McGavock’s Coffee & Provisions, and Puckett’s, which is well known as a Nashville-area institution thanks to its 1950s grocery-store roots, wide menu filled with Southern staples, and well-stocked music line-up.
Joe West croons on stage at Puckett’s in Franklin, Tennessee. Kristin Finan photo
https://www.visitmusiccity.com/
PAGOSA SPRINGS, COLORADO
Wandering the soaking pools at The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs, Colo., which is nestled in the shadow of the majestic San Juan Mountains and overlooks the rushing San Juan River, is like traipsing through a choose-your-own-hot-tub-adventure daydream. Except, unlike hot tubs, these pools contain 13 elements and minerals with scientifically proven therapeutic benefits.
The Mother Spring at The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs, Colo., is the heartbeat of the property. Kristin Finan photo
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If you’re looking for a unique destination to visit with kids, the resort offers a perfect blend of kid-friendly fare, varying-degree soaking pools, and family-friendly programming that is sure to delight all ages. While you’re in town, explore additional activities such as hiking, biking, river rafting, and ample shops, cafes and restaurants, including the fantastic Lantern Dancer boutique and the adorable coffee shop, ROOT HOUSE.
https://visitpagosasprings.com/
FORT WORTH
Fort Worth is always a good idea.
At least, in my experience. Whether I’m visiting to explore the city’s bustling museum district, checking out its big-name attractions or donning my boots to take in its famed Stockyards, there’s always something happening in Cowtown.
First stop? Billy Bob’s Texas. Set in the heart of Fort Worth’s famed Stockyards, a historic district known for its live music, rodeos, nightlife and a free, twice-daily cattle drive, Billy Bob’s draws visitors of all ages from across the world eager to take in the self-proclaimed “world’s largest honky tonk.”
Fort Worth is brimming with family-friendly activities. Contributed photo
Built in 1910 and formerly an open-air barn used to house prize cattle for the Fort Worth Stock Show, Billy Bob’s now spans 100,000 square feet and has a capacity of more than 6,000. Seeing a concert here, as I did with my teenage daughter earlier this year, is an unforgettable experience.
While you’re in town, don’t miss the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, a leader in collecting, showing, and interpreting art from the 1940s to the present. Situated in the heart of the Cultural District, the creative center of the city, the Modern has been housed since 2002 in an elegant concrete, glass, and steel building designed by the renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando .
PORT ARANSAS
Some places just feel like home.
For me, Port Aransas is one. This beach town with a population of fewer than 5,000 people has been calling me ever since I was a little kid and now has become a favorite of my children, too. From long walks on the soft sand at dusk as we pluck shells from the shore to raucous dinners with friends at our favorite waterfront restaurants, to visit Port Aransas is to make unforgettable memories.
Port Aransas is famous for its sandcastles – there’s even an event called Texas SandFest that draws visitors from all over the world every April. But you can actually learn to build one any time of year thanks to Mark Landrum, aka “the Port Aransas Sandcastle Guy.” With the help of buckets, shovels and carving tools, Landrum gave my kids a 45-minute building lesson that incorporated essential skills such as how to stack the sand at the base of your castle and how to carve a staircase.
Port Aransas is a favorite beach destination for Texans. Kristin Finan photo
Another must-do any time of year is taking the boat over to San Jose Island (also called St. Jo by locals), where 21 miles of uninhabited beach awaits. Expect pristine sand, incredible shelling and fishing and only a handful of people. The Jetty Boat passenger ferry runs back and forth numerous times a day; it’s about a 10-minute ride.
If you need a break from the sun or a rainy day plan, we love Fire It Ceramics, where you can hand-paint a personalized souvenir or gift. Be aware that your pieces will need to be fired overnight, so make sure you go early in your visit, if possible, to ensure you have time to pick everything up before heading home.
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
Yellowstone National Park has an allure that’s hard to put into words.
From the fact that it’s home to half of the world’s geysers – including, of course, Old Faithful — to its wildlife ranging from bison and moose to black bears and bighorn sheep, to traverse this park as a family is to uncover a new wonder around every corner.
For example, Yellowstone has the most active, diverse and intact collections of combined geothermal features found anywhere, with more than 10,000 hydrothermal sites and half the world’s active geysers. Among the highlights of our visit last summer were excursions to the Norris Geyser Basin, which is the hottest geyser basin in the park; Grand Prismatic, which is Yellowstone’s largest hot spring and delights with its rainbow of colors; and Old Faithful, which is arguably the most famous geyser in the world.
Yellowstone National Park is home to a variety of wildlife. Kristin Finan photo
And when it comes to wildlife, you can find it all during a visit to Yellowstone, which is home to one of the largest elk herds in North America; the largest free-roaming wild herd of bison in the United States; and one of the few grizzly populations in the contiguous United States. You can even experience rare sightings of wolverine and lynx.
When we visited, we booked a relatively last-minute stay at Grant Village Lodge, which is located directly on the shores of Yellowstone Lake. One thing you should know, particularly if you’re traveling with kids, is that both WiFi and cell service throughout the park are extremely spotty. Even in areas that were supposed to have it, including our lodge, it was unreliable. That, combined with the fact that there was no TV in our room, was jarring to the kids at first.
However, once we surrendered to the fact that we would be unplugging, we were able to fully enjoy the wonders of the park, from a viewing of sunrise over Yellowstone Lake to a picnic lunch and games of Uno after a visit to The Museum of the Yellowstone.
