Best Places to Visit in October USA with Kids

This massive concrete structure sits on the border of Nevada and Arizona. It is an easy day trip from Las Vegas. October brings cooler desert air, making the outdoor walk across the top of the dam comfortable for families. Children can look over the edge to see the Colorado River far below. Older kids will appreciate the indoor generator room tour, which shows how the dam makes electricity. There is not much to keep toddlers entertained here, as the tour involves waiting in lines and listening to guides. The walk from the parking garage across the dam is about half a mile on flat concrete. You will need to keep a close hold on younger children because of the low walls and drops. There is very little shade on the dam, so bring hats and water even in October.

The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long and over a mile deep. October brings crisp, cool weather to the South Rim, which stays open all year. You will avoid the intense summer heat, making outdoor walks much safer for children. Younger kids can walk the flat, paved Rim Trail. The park shuttle stops at many points along this trail, so you can stop walking whenever the kids get tired. Older children might enjoy hiking a short distance down into the canyon on Bright Angel Trail, but remember that hiking back up takes twice as long. This trip is hard on parents with toddlers. The steep drops are dangerous and many sections of the rim do not have guardrails. You must watch active children every second, which can make the trip stressful.

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is a 630 foot tall monument made of stainless steel. It represents the westward expansion of the United States. October weather in Missouri is generally mild, which is perfect for exploring the park grounds. The main attraction for kids is the tram ride to the top. You ride in small, spherical capsules that hold five people. It takes four minutes to go up and three minutes to go down. This can feel tight and scary for anyone who does not like small spaces. Once at the top, children can look out of small windows to see the city and the Mississippi River. The museum at the base is free and has interactive exhibits about pioneers and animals. This is a very easy trip for families with strollers because everything is paved and accessible.

This famous suspension bridge connects San Francisco to Marin County. October is actually one of the warmest and clearest months in San Francisco, with less fog than the summer. This makes it the best time to see the bright orange structure. Walking across the bridge is free. The entire span is over one mile long, which is too far for younger children to walk back and forth. A good option is to walk to the first tower, which is about half a mile from the visitor plaza, and then turn back. The bridge is very loud due to six lanes of traffic right next to the walkway. The wind can also be very strong and cold. Toddlers might find the noise frightening, but older kids usually enjoy the views of the bay and container ships passing underneath.

Yosemite is a large national park in California known for its giant granite cliffs and sequoia trees. October is a quiet month here, meaning you will not face the heavy traffic of summer. The autumn leaves also start to change color. The main drawback in October is that many of the famous waterfalls, like Yosemite Falls, are completely dry or just a trickle. Kids will still enjoy seeing the giant trees in Mariposa Grove or playing by the Merced River. The valley floor has flat, paved loop trails that are perfect for strollers. Walking distances vary. You can do easy short loops or long hikes. If you travel with teenagers, the hike up to Vernal Fall is excellent but has steep, wet stone steps that require good hiking shoes.