10 Most Kid-Friendly Cities in the U.S.

Chicago's Millennium Park is kid friendly. Sue Frause photo.

Even if I don’t care about the topic, I can’t resist reading Top Ten lists. ForbesTraveler.com is big on them, and includes plenty on their website. Although they could ramp up the quality of some of the photos they use in their slide shows, for the most part, their picks are pretty good.

One of their most recent lists, 10 Most Kid-Friendly Cities in the U.S., includes the usual suspects plus a few that I’ve never thought of or don’t consider a place to take children. Here are their ten, along with my thoughts. You can check out the full list that includes kid things to do in each city at ForbesTraveler.com.

1. New York City – A natural. Just looking at the sea of yellow taxis will warm up any kids’ heart. Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is fun for all ages.

2. Hershey, Pennsylvania – Only made it to Philiadelphia, but it sounds like a sweet place. Plus, I’ve always wanted to have a chocolate massage.

3. San Diego – More fun with kids in tow.

4. Orlando – I’m old-fashioned and think there should only be one Disney theme park (Disneyland), but there’s tons to do here in central Florida.

5. Chicago – I love Chicago (in spring or autumn) and it has even more child’s play now with Millennium Park.

6. San Francisco – Talk about an all-ages city. Alcatraz is a highlight for kids and when they’re older, Beach Blanket Babylon is truly a hoot!

7. San Antonio – My son and I visited here when he was a teenager. Although the Alamo looked really small, we enjoyed the River Walk, jazz, BBQ and seeing a Spurs’ game.

8. Hampton Roads, Virginia – It’s all about history, and somehow I missed this one.

9. Washington, DC – This is as important a place to visit as Disney World. It’s the real deal.

l0. Las Vegas - What happens in Vegas? No doubt about it, I wouldn’t take my kid here, not ’til age 21!