Celebrating America's 250th Birthday: Exploring Iconic Landmarks for S – J.L. Childress

Celebrating America's 250th Birthday: The Ultimate Family Travel Guide

Explore America's Most Iconic Landmarks with Kids

As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday in 2026, there's never been a better time for families to explore the landmarks, parks, and attractions that tell the story of our nation. From coast to coast, these destinations offer unforgettable opportunities to combine history, adventure, and family fun.

As a proud American-owned and operated company, J.L. Childress has spent more than 40 years helping families travel confidently with children. Whether you're planning an epic road trip through national parks or flying across the country to visit iconic landmarks, America's birthday celebration is the perfect reason to explore and create lasting family memories.

Let's explore some of the best American landmarks to visit with kids during this once-in-a-generation celebration.

Family Travel Tips for America's 250th Birthday Adventures

Hitting the Road with Kids

Road trips remain one of the best ways to experience America's incredible landmarks. Before you go:

Plan frequent stops for stretching, snacks, and sightseeing.
Keep activities, drinks, and travel essentials organized and within reach.
Download maps and entertainment ahead of time.
Build extra time into your schedule for unexpected discoveries.

Pro Tip: The Backseat Butler Car Organizer keeps books, snacks, toys, and travel necessities organized and accessible so everyone can enjoy the ride.

Flying with Kids

Many of America's most iconic destinations are just a flight away. Make air travel easier by:

Arriving early for stress-free check-in.
Using gate check bags to protect your stroller and car seat.
Packing an extra outfit in your carry-on.
Bring snacks and refillable water bottles.

Pro Tip: Checking in your stroller? Use the Universal Stroller Travel Bag is available in five sizes to cater to your gear and designed to make airports easier to navigate. Check out our size chart below to find your perfect fit.

National Park Treasures

The U.S. has 63 officially designated national parks. Which will you be visiting with your family this summer? Check out our top picks of the most historic and family-friendly state parks throughout the country.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

America's first national park remains one of the country's greatest family adventures. Yellowstone offers spectacular geysers, abundant wildlife, scenic drives, and opportunities for children to connect with nature in unforgettable ways.

Families will appreciate stroller-friendly pathways, picnic areas, visitor centers, and plenty of opportunities to spot bison, elk, and other wildlife. Camp under the stars or park your RV and stay for two to three days to fully experience the park's highlights, including the famous Old Faithful Geyser.

Kids can participate in Yellowstone's Junior Ranger Program, earning a badge while learning about conservation and park history.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee & North Carolina

As America's #1 most-visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains offers family-friendly hiking trails, scenic drives, and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.

The popular Cades Cove Loop offers car-free Wednesday’s during summer months giving you a safer experience as you explore the grounds with children spotting adorable wildlife in their native habitats. For the adventure-seeking family, visit River Tubing on the North Carolina side of the park and experience mild tubing downstream.

Families seeking a comfortable stay can stay in nearby cabins while enjoying all the beauty of the Smokies. Kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge at this national location too!

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota

Few landmarks capture the spirit of America and Patriotism quite like Mount Rushmore.

The Presidential Trail provides close-up views of the monument and is suitable for most families. After exploring, cool down for Thomas Jefferson Ice Cream at Carvers Café that uses the first ever written U.S. ice cream recipe still to this day!

Each night during summer, the Evening Lighting Ceremony illuminates the monument and preforms a heartfelt flag ceremony and salute to veterans which is a powerful way to reflect on America's history during its 250th birthday celebration.

Complete your stay by collecting yet another Junior Ranger Badge to add to your kids book!

West Coast Adventures

The iconic Pacific Coast Highway spans nearly the entire state of California with breathtaking coastal views and incredible landmarks along the way. We’re taking you on a journey from Northern California to Southern California with family-friendly activities in The Golden State.

Golden Gate Bridge & Exploratorium, San Francisco, CA

A symbol of American innovation and engineering, the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.

Families can walk portions of the bridge, bike across it or simply enjoy spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay. With many designated photo pitstops along the way make sure to capture your family's journey.

Nearly, the Exploratorium offers more than 700 interactive exhibits that make science, technology and art fun for children of all ages.

Mission San Juan Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA

Founded in 1776—the same year America declared independence—Spanish Mission San Juan Capistrano celebrates its own 250th anniversary in 2026.

Known as the "Jewel of the Missions," this historic destination offers beautiful gardens, engaging exhibits, and opportunities for children to learn about California's early history.

Within walking distance is the quaint downtown of Old Town San Juan Capistrano a hosting charming petting zoo, playgrounds and amazing shopping, eating and drinking experiences from world-class chefs.

Surf City USA®, Huntington Beach, CA

Known as Surf City USA, Huntington Beach offers classic Southern California fun in the sun for families.

Take a beginner surf lesson, stroll along the iconic pier, watch for dolphins offshore or spend the day building sandcastles on wide sandy beaches. Shopping and dining off Main Street and the International Surfing Museum showcase surf culture and the laid-back lifestyle residents enjoy year-round.

Pro Tip: If the road is your family's calling this summer, consider purchasing a California State Park Pass that gives you access to 134 state parks and beaches throughout CA for the whole year!

Extra Pro Tip: The 4th Grade Adventure Pass allows families with a fourther grader from California attending public school and up to three adults plus other kids to visit 54 parks during their fourth-grade year for FREE!

East Coast Excursions

The East Coast boasts most American history with the development of our great nation taking shape in these states. One symbol is the truest of American culture and visiting Lady Liberty is a landmark each family should experience.

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, New York, NY

No American landmark symbolizes freedom quite like the Statue of Liberty.

The ferry ride alone is an adventure for children and rumor has it sitting on the right most side of the boat when boarding from Manhattan gives the best views of Lady Liberty. While on Ellis Island experience an engaging look at America's immigration history and the stories of millions who came seeking opportunity and the American Dream.

Families traveling with younger children should note that strollers are allowed on the ferry and Liberty Island grounds but not inside the monument itself so be sure to pack a baby carrier to make exploring much easier.

Pack snacks and water to enjoy during breaks while taking in spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline.

This historical site is also included in the Junior Ranger program!

Museums Kids Will Love

America houses the world's largest children's museum (7.5 acres of adventure) and a whole museum dedicated to ice cream... these are two no brainer places to take your kids to explore!

Museum of Ice Cream, New York City, NY

Pools of rainbow sprinkles, interactive exhibits, colorful play spaces, and endless sweet treats make this destination an instant family favorite.

Recently reimagined, the Museum of Ice Cream features new attractions catering to kids of all ages (and adults) so embrace your inner child alongside your little ones with art, play and all the treats.

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indiana

As the world's largest children's museum, this incredible destination offers hands-on experiences ranging from dinosaur fossils and archaeology exhibits to space exploration and sports activities sometimes led by professional athletes!

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis offers educational seminars designed for babies, toddlers, school-aged children and teens, families can easily spend an entire day exploring so check out their monthly calendar to enroll in activities while in town.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Merritt Island, FL

For aspiring astronauts, few destinations are more inspiring than Kennedy Space Center.

Families can experience real spacecraft, see space heroes and astronaut legends and explore interactive exhibits designed for kids of all ages. Kids two and under are FREE and outside food and beverages are permitted.

The Planet Play area provides space-themed fun for ages 2-12 with a relaxing parents lounge to supervise. Nursing and Quiet Rooms are available making caring for infants private and convenient.

Celebrate America's 250th Birthday Together

Whether you're standing beneath the Statue of Liberty, staring up at our Founding Fathers or catching waves in Huntington Beach, these iconic American destinations offer meaningful experiences your family will remember for years to come.

Here's to celebrating 250 years of America—and creating family memories that will last a lifetime.