When my kids were little, they wanted to know everything: “What’s this? How does that work? Are we there yet?” Their endless curiosity made planning our family vacations both fun and challenging. I wanted to give them experiences that would entertain and educate, but even curious kids don’t always want to sit still long enough to learn.

For my family, the trick was filling our days with adventures while staying somewhere comfortable where we could unwind at the end (or even the middle) of a busy day. Hands-on experiences were key, too. We liked days that could flow from swimming or hiking in the morning to meeting farm animals, uncovering history, or learning a new skill after lunch.

If that sounds like your kind of family trip, here are some of my favorite vacation destinations where learning and fun go hand in hand.

1. Living history in Boston and Cambridge

I’ve lived near Boston all my life, but exploring its colonial history never gets old. Even better, it’s incredibly easy to make it kid-friendly. Start with the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile path linking key Revolutionary sites. But rather than tackle every stop, take a choose-your-own-adventure approach and pick a few stops that match your family’s interests (and stamina). Some of my favorites include Faneuil Hall, where colonists once rallied against British rule; the Paul Revere House, which offers a peek into everyday life in the 1700s; and “Old Ironsides,” the world’s oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat. The neighboring museum is especially great, with hands-on exhibits that make shipbuilding, naval battles, and life at sea easy to grasp.

Boston’s Museum of Science is another hit, with plenty to touch and try, while the MIT Museum in Cambridge gives older kids a fascinating look at robotics, AI, architecture, and modern invention. The Harvard Museum of Natural History, a personal favorite, wows with dinosaur fossils, gemstones, and wildlife specimens. And for younger children, the Boston Children’s Museum focuses on learning through play, with hands-on exhibits that encourage curiosity and creativity.

Stay: The Kendall in Cambridge is just steps from public transit and kid-friendly attractions, and the hotel’s free full American breakfast helps get mornings off to an easy start. Kids will love being just a short walk from the Charles River, playgrounds, and science destinations, while parents will appreciate quick access to the MBTA (the “T”) for exploring Boston’s museums, historic sites, and dining.

2. Surfing and the spirit of aloha in Hawaii

Oahu’s Waikiki Beach isn’t just the birthplace of modern surfing. It’s also one of the most beginner-friendly spots in the world to learn to surf. Here, kids and teens (and parents!) can pick up ocean safety, balance, and a feel for wave science without it ever feeling like a lesson. Numerous surf shops and schools nearby give you plenty of options to choose from.

When you’re ready to mix in some learning off the beach, Honolulu makes it easy. Start with the Bishop Museum’s interactive exhibits on Hawaiian history, volcanoes, and long-ago daily life. Don’t miss the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center in Honolulu for more hands-on exploration of Hawaiian culture, science, and creativity.

Back in Waikiki, kids can dive into learning about the Hawaiian islands’ unique environment and history at the Waikiki Aquarium, getting up close to colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and coral displays. Educational programs teach about conservation and ocean ecosystems.

Stay: Steps from the beach, Wayfinder Waikiki drops you right into the rhythm of Waikiki life. Its central location makes it easy to go back-and-forth between the beach, pool, and local parks. Parents can ease into the day by the water before heading out on foot to Waikiki’s most recognizable sights. Complimentary on-site beach gear (chairs, towels, boogie boards) make planning your beach trip refreshingly low-effort.

3. Play all day in Oklahoma City

You won’t ever feel like you’re dragging kids from museum to museum in Oklahoma City, which makes it easy for families to mix learning with fun. Begin with Science Museum Oklahoma, a standout hands-on space packed with hundreds of interactive exhibits. My kids have always loved visiting planetariums, and the demonstrations at the museum’s Love Planetarium are truly cutting edge. For younger kids, the enormous CurioCity space is 20,000 square feet of pure interactive fun where they can explore, build, and learn through play.

For a deeper dive into culture and history of the area, the First Americans Museum is a must-visit, with engaging exhibits that introduce kids to the stories, cultures, and living traditions of Oklahoma’s 39 Native Nations. The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum adds a playful layer to Western history through art and storytelling.

Stay: With its 100,000-square-foot indoor water park, OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark is both a playground and a place to stay. Kids can spend hours in the wave pool, lazy river, slides, and splash areas designed for all ages. When the weather’s nice, the outdoor lagoon (open Memorial Day through Labor Day) brings sandy beaches and water obstacles for even more fun. Roomy suites with bunk beds and multi-room options give everyone space to recharge in-between pool time. And on-site dining makes finding something everyone can agree on a breeze.

4. Embrace nature in California’s San Bernardino Mountains

It’s easy to blend education with outdoor adventure in California’s Lake Arrowhead and the surrounding San Bernardino Mountains. If you’re traveling with younger kids, kick things off at Heaps Peak Arboretum (open daily, dawn to dusk), a family-friendly nature center with easy, well-marked trails and interpretive signs that teach kids about the local forest ecosystem, native plants, and mountain ecology.

For sky- and star-focused learning, the Mountain Skies Astronomical Society hosts astronomy nights and educational stargazing events. This observatory near Lake Arrowhead is an engaging way for kids to learn about celestial phenomena, especially because the mountain air and low light pollution make for excellent star viewing.

Wildlife education gets a boost at Wildhaven Ranch, a wildlife sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating native animals. Guided tours give kids the chance to learn about animal habitats, conservation, and species native to the San Bernardino Mountains, including birds of prey and forest mammals. Advance registration is required. The programs are a fun way to connect kids with real science and ecology, and (bonus!) the animals are pretty cute, too.

Stay: Located right on the water, Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa makes it easy to fill your days with swimming, kayaking, and lakeside play. Spacious rooms and suites give everyone room to relax after the day’s adventure, and the laidback vibe makes the evenings feel effortless, even with kids. With on‑site dining and plenty of nearby trails, parks, and local spots to discover, Lake Arrowhead Resort offers a memorable mix of outdoor fun and easy living.

Explore more family friendly travel destinations across the Benchmark Resorts & Hotels portfolio, a collection of distinct, independent properties by Pyramid Global Hospitality. Located in diverse destinations across the globe, Benchmark’s resorts and hotels reimagine immersive travel, inspiring guests to create memories born from meaningful exploration, authentic moments, and innovative experiences – no matter the occasion. Benchmark guests can earn complimentary gift cards, on-property perks, and destination experiences through the collection’s signature Mosaic Rewards program.