Let’s be honest — life gets busy. Between school schedules, after-school activities, and the constant juggle of work and home, quality family time can be hard to come by. If you’ve been dreaming of a change of scenery, there’s no better moment to pack up the crew and make some new memories together before the holidays kick into full swing.
Whether your family’s idea of fun involves museum-hopping, hiking trails, or chasing the best ice cream in town, a getaway offers the perfect chance to reconnect and explore something new. We’ve rounded up five of our favorite family-friendly destinations where adventure, relaxation, and discovery are all on the itinerary.
Crisp air, cozy sweaters, and smiles all around — these are fall family trips done right. (Photo Credit: @heidi.stephens)
So go ahead — start planning that trip you’ve been talking about. The hardest part will be choosing which spot to visit first.
Seattle, Washington
It’s no secret that the Pacific Northwest shines in the fall — and Seattle is no exception. With golden leaves framing the skyline and those blissful, lingering summer temperatures, it’s the perfect season to explore the Emerald City.
To start, families can wander through the historic Pike Place Market, a Seattle staple since 1907, sampling local produce and browsing handmade treasures. Make a day of it with a trip up the iconic Space Needle, followed by a stroll through the kaleidoscopic Chihuly Garden and Glass next door — a feast for the eyes of all ages. Down on the waterfront, the Great Wheel at Pier 57 offers a bird’s-eye view of the city and Puget Sound beyond.
Little travelers, big discoveries — explore Seattle’s most unique corners. (Photo Credit: @palladianhotel)
After a perfect fall day wandering Pike Place Market, head back to your Kimpton home base to unwind in comfort and style. (Photo Credit: @thegingersnap)
For an even more postcard-worthy perspective, hop a ferry to the charming streets of Bainbridge Island or take a scenic drive to one of Washington’s three stunning national parks, where autumn puts on its own dazzling show.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle, Kimpton Hotel Vintage Seattle, or Kimpton Palladian Hotel
Palm Springs, California
Looking for a family fall escape filled with sunshine, hikes, animal encounters, and stargazing? Palm Springs checks all the boxes — and then some. Start your day early with a desert hike before the sun climbs too high, then head back for a refreshing afternoon by the pool (or a well-earned soak in the hot tub).
About an hour away, Joshua Tree National Park offers a true otherworldly adventure — kids will love scrambling across the boulders along the Hidden Valley Trail and spotting the park’s famous spiky namesake trees. For an equally memorable experience, visit the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, where giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and gazelles roam against a backdrop of desert blooms.
Sunshine, stargazing, and rose-colored sunsets — Palm Springs, you’ve got it all. (Photo Credit: @neauxlachic)
Looking for a lounge-by-the-pool kind of day? No problem. (Photo Credit: @lunaehamilton)
When hunger strikes, head to Las Casuelas — think chips and guac for the kids and a well-deserved margarita for Mom and Dad. In Palm Springs, family fun and relaxation go hand in hand under the endless desert sky.
Where to stay: Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs
Denver, Colorado
Walkable, sunny, and effortlessly laid-back, Denver makes for a fantastic family getaway. Start your adventure at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, where curious minds can marvel at towering dinosaur skeletons and interactive exhibits. Little ones will be in heaven at the Denver Children’s Museum, complete with hands-on play zones and an epic 500-foot outdoor climbing structure.
When it’s time to refuel, Denver’s family-friendly dining scene delivers. Swing by Union Station for a perfect combo — ice cream cones for the kids and local craft beers for the grownups — then make your way to Safta for a Mediterranean-inspired feast of falafel, cauliflower hummus, and saffron rice (and don’t miss the kid-approved Sheba smashed potatoes).
Fall foliage is at its finest in Denver. (Photo Credit: @kimptonclaret)
After a few days of urban exploration, hit the road for a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, where winding mountain passes and the highest paved road in the US await — along with plenty of photo ops and fresh alpine air.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver or Kimpton Claret Hotel
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Give the kids a history lesson they’ll actually enjoy with a fall trip to Philadelphia. Cooler temps (no humidity!) and lighter crowds make this the perfect season to explore the city’s iconic landmarks — from the 2,080-pound Liberty Bell to the Ben Franklin Museum and Betsy Ross House. Don’t miss the Museum of the American Revolution, where the captivating exhibits truly come to life on the 60-minute Core Collection guided tour.
Kids will love all of the history lessons that Philadelphia has to offer. (Photo Credit: @hendrixonthego)
History class, but make it fun. (Photo Credit: Dan Mall)
When it’s time for a treat, head to Shane’s Confectionery, a whimsical old-fashioned candy shop complete with pastel blue cabinetry, vintage cash registers, and some of the richest hot chocolate in town. Then, take a leisurely stroll through Rittenhouse Square, where tree-lined paths, outdoor sculptures, and a picturesque central fountain make for the perfect afternoon unwind.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia or Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia
Asheville, North Carolina
As the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville is a dream come true in the fall — where golden leaves blanket the hillsides and crisp mountain air sets the tone for adventure. With fewer crowds this time of year, it’s the perfect moment to explore the city’s family-friendly attractions.
At the Western North Carolina Nature Center, kids can get up close with more than 60 native species — from black bears and red wolves to gray foxes and striped skunks — all of whom call the Southern Appalachian Mountains home.
Leaf-peeping and zip-lining through Asheville’s colorful treetops is autumn adventure at its best. (Photo Credit: Airam Dato)
Families with older kids can take the thrill level up a notch with a whitewater rafting trip along the French Broad River Gorge, while younger adventurers will love soaring through the trees at Kid Zip, a specially designed zipline course for ages 4 to 10 at Asheville Treetops Adventure Park. Whether your crew prefers wildlife encounters or adrenaline-fueled fun, Asheville delivers fall memories worth framing.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Arras
