My family's USA bucket list, counted down — the 10 places in America I most want to take my kids.
Map
The skyline, the Bean, the deep-dish debate — this is the big-city trip I want my kids arguing about in the car on the way home.
Chicago
History-class field trip energy, but make it a family vacation — and the museums are free, which speaks directly to this mom of 6.
Washington, DC
Beignets for breakfast, jazz on the corner, and powdered sugar on absolutely everything I packed — worth it.
New Orleans
Cable cars, sourdough, and a bridge I've only ever seen in movies — this one's high on the family bucket list.
San Francisco
Yes, it's grown-up playground energy — but the shows, the buffets, and those hotels are a spectacle every family should see once.
Las Vegas
Sunrise above the clouds, then a waterfall drive with 620 turns — I'd let Jeff drive that one while I hold the snacks and the camera.
Maui
The trip every family should take once — geysers going off like clockwork and bison just wandering past the car like they own the place. They do.
Yellowstone National Park
No photo has ever done it justice, which is exactly why I need to stand on that rim with my whole crew and go quiet for once.
Grand Canyon National Park
Our own Florida backyard bucket list — drive the whole Overseas Highway with ocean on both sides, then watch the sunset where America runs out of road.
Key West
The big one. I want my kids to stand in Times Square with their mouths open at least once — and yes, I'm getting the pizza AND the bagel.
