1. Cape Cod National Seashore (Established 1961) – Massachusetts
Cape Cod National Seashore is a family-friendly gem with 40 miles of sandy Atlantic beaches perfect for kids to build sandcastles and splash in gentle waves at Coast Guard Beach. The Nauset Light and Three Sisters Lighthouses offer short, educational visits, and the Junior Ranger program engages kids with activities about seals and whales. Easy trails like the 1.5-mile Fort Hill Trail provide scenic marsh views, and nearby Provincetown has kid-friendly dining and lodging. Summer events, including ranger-led campfire talks, make it a vibrant destination for young explorers.
Website – https://www.nps.gov/caco/index.htm
2. Gulf Islands National Seashore (Established 1971) – Florida, Mississippi
Gulf Islands National Seashore spans white-sand beaches across barrier islands, offering kids ample space for beachcombing and shallow-water play. In Florida, Fort Pickens fascinates with its historic cannons, while Mississippi’s Davis Bayou has short trails like the 0.5-mile Nature’s Way Loop, ideal for young hikers. The Junior Ranger program teaches about sea turtles and pelicans, and calm Gulf waters are safe for swimming. With campgrounds and nearby Pensacola’s family amenities, it’s a relaxed spot for multi-day adventures.
Website – https://www.nps.gov/guis/index.htm
3. Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Established 1953) – North Carolina
Cape Hatteras National Seashore, America’s first, stretches 70 miles along the Outer Banks, with wide beaches perfect for kite-flying and sandcastle-building. Kids love climbing the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and the Junior Ranger program explores shipwrecks and sea turtles. The 1-mile Buxton Woods Trail is manageable for children, offering shade and wildlife sightings. Nearby towns like Nags Head provide family-friendly lodging and dining, making it a top pick for coastal adventures.
Website – https://www.nps.gov/caha/index.htm
4. Assateague Island National Seashore (Established 1965) – Maryland, Virginia
Assateague Island captivates kids with its famous wild ponies roaming the beaches. The 0.25-mile Life of the Dunes Trail is short and educational, teaching about coastal ecosystems, while ranger-led canoe trips explore marshes safely. The Junior Ranger program focuses on horses and shorebirds, and shallow bayside waters are ideal for young swimmers. Campgrounds and nearby Ocean City’s amusements make it a hit for families seeking both nature and fun.
Website – https://www.nps.gov/asis/index.htm
5. Point Reyes National Seashore (Established 1962) – California
Point Reyes National Seashore offers kids a Pacific playground with beaches like Drakes Beach for sand play and tidepooling. The 0.6-mile Earthquake Trail teaches about the San Andreas Fault with interactive displays, and the Junior Ranger program covers tule elk and seals. The historic Point Reyes Lighthouse is a short walk, thrilling young visitors. Nearby campgrounds and Marin County’s family-friendly towns ensure a comfortable base for exploration.
Website – https://www.nps.gov/pore/index.htm
6. Padre Island National Seashore (Established 1962) – Texas
Padre Island National Seashore boasts 70 miles of Gulf beaches where kids can hunt for shells and watch Kemp’s ridley sea turtle releases (seasonal). The 0.4-mile Grasslands Nature Trail is flat and easy, showcasing coastal prairies, and the Junior Ranger program dives into birdlife like crested caracaras. Malaquite Beach’s calm waters are safe for swimming, and campgrounds allow beachside stays. Corpus Christi’s nearby attractions add urban fun for families.
Website – https://www.nps.gov/pais/index.htm
7. Cumberland Island National Seashore (Established 1972) – Georgia
Cumberland Island, accessible by ferry, feels like a kid’s adventure island with 17 miles of undeveloped beaches for exploration. The 0.5-mile Dungeness Ruins Trail introduces Carnegie family history, and the Junior Ranger program covers armadillos and alligators. Kids can bike flat trails or play in shallow surf. Camping adds a wilderness thrill, though nearby St. Marys offers cozy lodging for less rugged families.
Website – https://www.nps.gov/cuis/index.htm
8. Cape Lookout National Seashore (Established 1966) – North Carolina
Cape Lookout National Seashore’s remote barrier islands, reached by ferry, offer kids pristine beaches for shelling and kite-flying. The 0.5-mile Soundside Trail near the lighthouse is easy, and the Junior Ranger program teaches about wild horses and dolphins. The iconic black-and-white diamond-patterned lighthouse is a fun climb for older kids. Rustic cabins or camping suit adventurous families, with nearby Harkers Island providing basic amenities.
Website – https://www.nps.gov/calo/index.htm
9. Fire Island National Seashore (Established 1964) – New York
Fire Island National Seashore, a ferry ride from Long Island, offers kids car-free beaches for carefree play at Sailors Haven. The 0.75-mile Sunken Forest Trail, a boardwalk through a rare maritime forest, is stroller-friendly, and the Junior Ranger program explores crabs and seals. Ranger-led talks at the Fire Island Lighthouse engage young minds. Nearby Patchogue’s hotels and restaurants make day trips easy for families.
Website – https://www.nps.gov/fiis/index.htm
10. Canaveral National Seashore (Established 1975) – Florida
Canaveral National Seashore’s 24 miles of beaches are a kid’s paradise for building sandcastles and spotting dolphins. The 0.2-mile Turtle Mound Trail introduces Timucua Native American history, and the Junior Ranger program covers manatees and sea turtles. Kayaking in Mosquito Lagoon is safe for families, and nearby Titusville offers budget-friendly lodging. Its proximity to Kennedy Space Center adds a unique side trip for space-loving kids.
Website – https://www.nps.gov/cana/index.htm
National Lakeshores
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (Established 1970) – Wisconsin: Features 21 islands with sea caves and lighthouses, ideal for family kayaking and camping.
Website – https://www.nps.gov/apis/index.htm
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Established 1966) – Michigan: Offers colorful cliffs and waterfalls, with kid-friendly boat tours and short trails.
Website – https://www.nps.gov/piro/index.htm
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (Established 1970) – Michigan: Known for dune climbs and beaches, with easy trails and Junior Ranger activities.
Website – https://www.nps.gov/slbe/index.htm