USA 15 day once in a lifetime family trip Aug25 from UK

Question

Hello you love people!

We would really use some advice for the above trip:

We are a family with 3 kids (boy 16yrs, girls 14 and 9 yrs), we like fun and scenery and are used to spending lazy summers in warm european villa holidays, but decided to do something more exciting on a one off action packed trip to the USA. As well as fun and scenery we would like to take in the american atmosphere (if that makes sense!). Our kids have never visited USA and my wife and I have only been for brief visits years ago.

The only fixed element of the trip so far is the arrival in JFK on Tuesday 5th Aug at 3:30pm and flight out of LA at 11pm on Wed 20th Aug.

I was thinking of itinerary that looks like this:

Arrive in New York 4pm on Tues 5th stay to midday Friday 8th (In NY we would be looking to visit: one skyscraper, 911 memorial, Time sq, view of Statue of Liberty, stroll one part of Central Park)

Fly Fri 8th PM to Toronto to visit Niagra stay until Sun eve 10th

Sun night 10th fly to Vegas just as a transit to drive Mon 11th to Grand Canyon and stay over Mon night.

Tuesday 12th afternoon drive back to Vegas and fly to LA

Tuesday night 12th stay in LA or nearby until Sun 17th

Sunday night 17th drive to Anaheim and stay until 20th Aug when we return on night flight.

Mon/Tues 18th/19th Disneyland in Anaheim.

I propose to rent a car in Vegas for Grand Canyon and in LA, we would be staying in self catering throughout.

I know that each element of the above will need careful planning and I would love to receive advice on that, but for now I am super keen to hear thoughts on the high level itinerary and any suggestions/criticism/alternatives are all welcome.....

I recognise that this is a California forum so will also post in Nevada and NY forums, for full coverage.

Thank you so much in advance for helping a stranger!

Best Regards,

Moishe

Answer

Hello Moishe,

Your high-level itinerary looks exciting and action-packed, and it will give your family a real mix of urban experiences, natural wonders, and classic American fun. Here’s a detailed look at each segment with suggestions to help optimize your trip and reduce stress while keeping it memorable for the kids and yourselves.

New York City (Aug 5-8)

Your plan to stay from late Tuesday afternoon until midday Friday is reasonable for a first-time family visit. The itinerary you outlined covers iconic highlights:

Visit one skyscraper: Empire State Building or Top of the Rock are both great, but Top of the Rock gives better views of Central Park and the Empire State itself.
911 Memorial: Make sure to book timed tickets for the museum if you want to go inside; otherwise, the outdoor memorial is free and poignant.
Time Square: Good for evening lights and atmosphere; only a short visit is needed.
Statue of Liberty: Consider the ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island; tickets with pedestal access or crown access sell out, so book in advance.
Central Park stroll: Kids will enjoy areas like Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, or even a carousel ride.

High-level tips:

Purchase a MetroCard for subway travel; it’s faster than taxis or Uber in traffic.
Consider a hop-on hop-off bus for an overview of the city—it can save walking fatigue with kids.
Plan one special dinner or food experience, such as a pizza tour, bagel tasting, or visit to Eataly.

Niagara Falls / Toronto (Aug 8-10)

Flying to Toronto in the evening of the 8th allows you to rest before exploring the falls the next day. Key points:

Niagara Falls: Maid of the Mist (boat tour) or Journey Behind the Falls are highly recommended for kids.
Toronto: If time allows, consider a quick visit to CN Tower or Ripley's Aquarium; otherwise, focus on the falls for a full day.
Plan for customs when crossing the border—US to Canada and back can take time; ensure passports and ESTA/visa requirements are in order.

Grand Canyon via Las Vegas (Aug 10-12)

Flying to Vegas late Sunday, renting a car, and driving to the Grand Canyon Monday is feasible. Suggestions:

Stay overnight near the South Rim (Tusayan or Grand Canyon Village) for easier sunrise/sunset access.
Allow 4-5 hours driving from Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim. Start early to avoid traffic and maximize daylight.
On Tuesday, return to Vegas in the afternoon. If kids want a short break, Hoover Dam stop can work along the way.

Los Angeles (Aug 12-17)

Staying self-catered is convenient with three kids. Key recommendations:

Divide days into neighborhoods to minimize driving: Hollywood, Santa Monica/Venice, Griffith Observatory, Getty Center, Downtown LA.
Consider some flexibility for Universal Studios or Warner Bros Studio tour if your kids are interested.
Self-driving gives flexibility, but parking and traffic in LA can be tricky—plan morning departures to avoid peak traffic.

Anaheim / Disneyland (Aug 17-20)

Sunday evening drive to Anaheim is fine; avoid the late morning/evening traffic.
Two full days at Disneyland is adequate; use Genie+ or Lightning Lane passes to maximize rides and minimize queue times.
Staying nearby allows easy return to your self-catering accommodation and relaxation breaks.

General tips for your action-packed trip:

Pack light but consider carry-on for the short flights within the USA to save time on luggage.
Keep a daily rhythm for meals and rest for kids—especially important with the travel between NYC, Niagara, Vegas, and LA.
Book major attractions and flights in advance (NYC observatories, Niagara tours, Disneyland passes).
Plan for downtime—parks, beaches, or casual strolls to balance busy sightseeing days.

Overall, your plan gives a fantastic mix of urban exploration, natural wonders, and theme park fun. The sequence of NYC → Toronto/Niagara → Grand Canyon → LA → Disneyland is logistically sound, though flights and border crossing times should be monitored. With careful planning for transfers and early starts for driving days, this trip can be a smooth, once-in-a-lifetime family adventure.

Have an amazing trip!

USA 15 day once in a lifetime family trip Aug25 from UK

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