Planning family excursions is about more than finding something labeled “kid-friendly.” From tours and classes to ticketed attractions, learn the green flags and red flags we look for when choosing experiences where kids are genuinely welcomed, included and engaged—and where the details make family travel easier.

Rainy day in the Outer Banks? Don’t let the forecast derail your family vacation. From the museums and historic sites of Corolla to the North Carolina Aquarium in Manteo, there are plenty of ways to explore, learn, eat and have fun when the beach isn’t an option. Here’s our family-friendly guide to making the most of a rainy OBX day.

The drive to the Outer Banks doesn't have to be something you simply endure. Discover why Richmond, Virginia is the perfect midway stop for families traveling from Maryland and DC, with three kid-approved attractions—the Science Museum of Virginia, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, and the Children's Museum of Richmond—that help everyone recharge before the final stretch to the beach.