20 Places to See Before Your Kids Grow Up

Traveling gives us new perspectives, a broader scope of understanding, and a respect for other people and places. Why not share those gifts with our children? As parents, we have a small window of opportunity to shape our children's minds before they're ready to fly on their own. Taking them to new places is a great way to expose them to all the world has to offer. Need some inspiration? Check out our list of can't-miss destinations to see with your kids before they're grown!

If adults find Arizona's Grand Canyon National Park an awe-inspiring view, just imagine how amazing it is for kids. The rugged, natural beauty of the Grand Canyon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience no one should miss, and who better than you to introduce this incredible wonder to your child? The park is open year-round, meaning there's no reason your family can't make the trek to see this UNESCO World Heritage Site and natural world wonder.

Les petits enfants (that's "kids" in French) will benefit from the ever-present culture of Paris, the mesmerizing City of Lights. Even the smallest of children will take in stimulating sights, like the Eiffel Tower, adding to their list of diverse experiences at an early age. Take advantage of tours at attractions like the famous Louvre so that your kids won't just see the incredible masterpieces, but understand them as well. Then, go indulge in Paris's world-famous pastries, because hey, you only live once, oui?

Not just the capital of our country, Washington, D.C., is the mecca of family-friendly activities. Free admission to more than 20 Smithsonian museums, institutions and a really cool zoo are enough to keep your little one's developing mind occupied every day of the trip. Stop at the National Mall to expose your kids to the incredible history and hallmarks of the U.S. through monuments sure to leave a lasting impression for years to come.

Zoos are fun for kids, but the cages and faux habitats aren't the best examples of natural homes of animals. Your family may never want to visit a zoo again after going on a safari at Nairobi National Park in Kenya, which boasts the nickname of "the world's wildlife capital." You're likely to see numerous creatures as they graze for food, including wild African elephants and the endangered black rhino, which may not be around for future generations to witness (so, in other words, hurry up and get to Kenya).

Take the keiki ("kids" in Hawaiian) to Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu, home to one of the most significant events in American history, leading the U.S. into World War II. Waikiki Beach in Honolulu is just a hop, skip and a hula away where families can discover the magic of paradise together while playing in crystal clear waters. Not only does this popular Hawaiian island have unmatched beaches and scenery, but it also carries a rich heritage of the beautiful Polynesian culture.

See giant sequoia trees and epic waterfalls that tower over your toddler's head at Yosemite National Park in California. The park is especially great for families traveling with small children, with stroller-friendly trails and bike trailer rentals to keep the kiddies close at all times. There are even indoor options, including Yosemite Museum, which has a touch-friendly section for kids to do some hands-on learning.

You'll want to get a tour guide to answer the many questions your kids will have once they see the Great Wall of China. The massive structure took more than 2,000 years to complete and will ignite you and your child's curiosity of global history. Only about an hour and a half's drive away is Beijing, where you can continue visiting historical attractions such as the Forbidden City to make the trip worth the long journey. And don't forget to taste some of China's world-famous cuisine while you're there!

If you need help deciding where in Europe to take your budding traveler, Greece is your spot. In Athens, you and the kids can visit the ruins of ancient Acropolis and marvel at the civilization credited with creating democracy. If you've got the time, the island of Santorini is just a 45-minute flight from Athens and is the perfect place for outdoor play with azure blue waters, beautiful, historic cities and amazing food. Greece is also an affordable locale, making it an available exploration for many family budgets.

What's cool about visiting London with younger children is that they can observe a different culture in a language they can understand and easily absorb. Even better, it's easy to find free walking tours of monumental landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. Even older kids will relish the opportunity to learn about the nation that once ruled the world and spawned the colonization of America.

If roaming wild bison and big horn sheep aren't enough to awe your child into submission, Yellowstone National Park hosts multiple natural features that the young of age and heart will appreciate. The rainbow-like colors that seem painted around the Grand Prismatic Spring and illuminate the falls at Artist's Point will stimulate and inspire your children's minds. Plus, bubbling geysers and miles of untouched nature are sure to pique their interest.

Did you know that the Liberty Bell cracked the first time it was used? Teach your kids these fundamental facts on a trip to Philadelphia, where you can glimpse the makings of our nation at Independence Hall and the Benjamin Franklin Museum. It's historically old, but Philly welcomes the young with the interactive exhibits of the Please Touch Museum, Sesame Place Theme Park and storytelling benches where pro storytellers captivate kids for only five minutes at a time.

Only three hours southeast of New Delhi is Agra, home of the Taj Mahal, a historic (and immense) marble tomb built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife, Mumtaz. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this world-famous symbol of eternal love is breathtaking to behold. While in Agra, stop by Akbar's Tomb and Ram Bagh, two other awe-inspiring historic sites that will teach your child about the beauty and culture of India.

If your kid could create their own universe, it's safe to imagine it would look a little something like Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Don't make the mistake of waiting until your child is "old enough to remember" the visit. The younger, the better—as you'll see (and remember) when they meet their favorite Disney characters and experience the magic of Disney up close and personal. Even cooler? Only an hour away, you and the kids can have lunch with an astronaut at the Kennedy Space Center.

There is no matching the energy or intensity of New York, New York. Expose your kids to the excitement of Times Square or the reaches of The Empire State Building and the magnificent history of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Central Park will likely be their favorite part of NYC, housing the diverse animals of the Central Park Zoo, fanciful rides of Victoria Gardens and climbable boulders scattered throughout the huge green space.

There's no better way to teach history to your little learner than to show it to them in Rome, Italy—the birthplace of Western civilization. Kid-friendly tours are plentiful for ruins like the Colosseum, and afterwards you and the family can indulge in the legendary local food culture. The pizza, pasta and gelato in Italy will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters, and leave your faces happy and messy.

Inhabited continuously by Tiwa-speaking Native American tribes for more than 1000 years, Taos Pueblo is living history. Although there are some restrictions in place to respect the local community and its traditions, showing your child our country's most indigenous environment is an enriching experience for you both. In the center of Taos Historic District is Taos Plaza, a gathering place for locals and visitors, where you can have a tasty ice cream, visit the shops and people-watch.

Make your child feel like a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where they can find their favorite celebrity's name memorialized on the sidewalk. Kids of all ages will love the dinosaur dig sites at the nearby La Brea Tar Pits. Still bubbling with natural gases, the sticky tar once trapped long-extinct animals like the mammoths and saber tooth cats. Plus, just 40 miles away is California's major tourist destination: Disneyland. There's no wrong answer here.

It's hard to teach kids about natural wonders like volcanoes without making them sound imaginary. Turn fairy tales into reality with a family trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii, home to the very cool Thurston Lava Tubes (seen here)—an accessible cave made from accumulated lava flow that families can explore. The easy hike is perfect for tiny legs and will give your child a foundation of adventure to build on.

Big Sur is where the Santa Lucia Mountains rise from the dreamy Pacific Ocean to meet the land in an epic display of beauty and natural wonder. Featuring a slew of campgrounds, finding a place to pitch a tent or park the RV is easy. Picking which sites you want to see won't be, however. From McWay Falls to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and the gorgeous bays north and south of Big Sur, your kids will want to see it all (and you will, too)!

When on the ridge of the Golden State, visit the bridge of the Golden Gate. San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge was once the longest bridge ever constructed, making it a feat of modern engineering. Just a short distance away, take a boat ride (sure to fascinate the kids on its own) to the legendary island of Alcatraz, where you'll discover the history of the famous lighthouse and notorious prison that older kids will think is super cool!