When it comes to vacationing with the family, there are some classic spots that families return to again and again. These top family vacation spots are tops for a reason: they provide a lot of fun for the whole family and memories everyone will cherish.

While some trendy travel sites will tell you the kids want to go to Hawaii or France (and maybe they do, I haven’t asked my kids if they want to travel Europe or spend some time in the islands), I know that the top family vacation spots are a lot closer to home. Here’s my top five list of the top family vacation spots, along with some other ideas for destinations to try.

1. Disney

. Whether Disneyland or Disney World (or, heck, even Euro Disney), these theme parks are perennial favorites with kids and adults alike. They offer all sorts of opportunities for learning about different cultures, trying different foods and of course, riding lots of rides. While the parks aren’t cheap, your kids will love it, no matter their ages (just make sure you go when all the kids are old enough to remember their travels—my two-year-old Rachel wants to go now but I don’t think it would do her any good). Other theme parks are wonderful choices for vacations as well, and might not cost you as much money.

2. Grand Canyon. It’s a cliché of summer travel: load up the kids, the husband, and the wife in the station wagon and head west. My husband Kevin’s family did this more than once, and they are some of his best memories. There’s a reason so many people flock to the Grand Canyon with their kids. It’s big and beautiful and one of the most amazing natural wonders this country has to offer. If you’re planning a vacation in the heart of summer, though, it will be very crowded and even all that scenery won’t be very lovely. You could always choose another state or national park for a vacation that’s high on beauty without all the traffic.

3. Anywhere with a beach. There’s just something about kids and the ocean. Cassidy, who is 12, can’t be pulled away from the beach as soon as we get there. I’ve never seen a child who was unhappy at the beach, unless they were sunburned or it was time to go home. Going on a beach vacation brings out the kid in everyone. Slather on some sunscreen, get an ice cream cone, and spend a couple of days reading trashy romance novels. People tend to think of the beaches in Florida and California and along the Gulf Coast as the top family vacation destinations, but I’d like to suggest you consider North Carolina, Massachusetts, or even Oregon for your next beach vacation. Or skip the ocean entirely and go to the “beach” at one of the Great Lakes.

4. Washington, D.C. For a vacation that’s also educational, consider a trip to our nation’s capital. There are tons of things to do in D.C., from visiting historic sites and monuments to trekking through one or several of the Smithsonian museums. Don’t forget the National Zoo and a visit to the mall to gaze on the reflecting pool. The city is full of wonders for all ages. If you can’t make a trip to the nation’s capital, why not try a visit to your state capital first?

5. Las Vegas. I know Vegas is trending back away from its family-friendly reputation, but there’s still a lot of fun to be had for kids of all ages. What’s not to love about a place with rides everywhere, magic shows, and buffet dinners (a great choice with older kids like my son Matthew, who is 18 and could probably eat a whole buffet if he put his mind to it). If Vegas is too wild for you, try Branson, Missouri. Near beautiful Table Rock Lake, this little town has lots of country and old-time music shows, shopping and other activities.

I hope this brief guide has given you some ideas of the most popular places to travel with kids, as well as some new spins on old favorites. Happy travels!