1. London -- Featured in "Mary Poppins"
Disney's timeless classic won the Academy Award's Best Picture in this film about a governess who unites a family with a little bit of magic. Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke took us on an adventure around London, and your family can do the same. Watch the Changing of the Guards ceremony at Buckingham Palace, take a spin on the London Eye, witness one of the world's largest, and most beautiful draw bridges in action from the conservatory of the Tower Bridge, feed the birds in front of the National Gallery, and ride the carousel in Hyde Park.
2. New York -- Featured in "Big," "Home Alone II: Lost In New York" and "Night at the Museum"
When Tom Hanks makes a wish to be "Big," every kid can relate. And when he moves to New York City and gets to furnish his apartment with video games, bunk beds and toys galore, we all wish we could wish upon a Zoltar machine. This movie made FAO Schwartz one of the most famous toy stores in the world with just one floor-piano scene. Take the kids to the Big Apple and let them discover the giant toy store for themselves, and then follow in the footsteps of Kevin McAllister (Home Alone II) and see the sights: the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and Central Park. Then visit the American Museum of Natural History (Night at the Museum) in hopes of watching exhibits come to life.
3. Salzburg -- Featured in "The Sound of Music"
Not only did this Julie Andrews' picture take home another Best Picture award, it brought throes of tourists to the beautiful Austrian city of Salzburg. Follow in governess Maria's footsteps and traverse the city's fortress, Mirabell Gardens and Palace and Residenz Square and Fountain. The cemetery where the family hides, St. Peter's Cemetery, is located within the fortress, and although Leopoldskron Palace filmed as the Von Trapp home is privately owned, a drive through the Austrian countryside at the foothills of the Alps is just as magnificent as seen in the film.
4. Paris -- Featured in "Ratatouille"
It's not often an animated film can prominently feature a city, not to mention receive a nod as the Academy Award's Best Animated Feature, but this PIXAR movie did both. The movie centers around a would-be chef and a rat that loves to cook coming together in the City of Lights to create culinary masterpieces. For families, children of all ages marvel at the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. Older kids, even those who hate museums, cannot help but be in awe at the Louvre standing beneath the Winged Victory and seeing both the Venus de Milo and Mona Lisa. And who doesn't love patisseries serving up chocolate crepes and croissant au chocolate?
5. New Orleans -- Featured in "The Princess and the Frog"
Disney's latest animated adventure brings kids on a swamp adventure through the Bayous of Louisiana, as well as into the hopping Jazz-infested city of New Orleans. Think New Orleans is just for adults? Consider the French Quarters' Aquarium of the Americas, a ride upon the old-fashion Natchez Riverboat, and powdered sugar-coated beignets at Cafe du Monde (never mind the sugarcoated floor, it cannot be helped!). Music fills the streets and kids are encouraged to dance, while street performers are always on hand with balloon animals, caricature portraits and amusing kid-friendly antics.
6. England -- Featured in the "Harry Potter" films
Author J.K. Rowling's requested each film be filmed in England, and filmmakers did just that, often in Oxford and Gloucester. Platform 9 3/4 awaits at London's Kings Cross tube station, where you can jump a train to Oxford. The University of Oxford's dining room serves as the Hogwart's dining room and its staircase and library both make reoccurring appearances. The Cathedral of Gloucester is featured in the "Chamber of Secrets" and the "Sorcerer's Stone," and some classroom scenes occurred in its Lacock Abbey. Private tour groups offer Harry Potter tours, but Oxford is an easy train ride from London and a great walking city, if you want to do it yourself.
7. The Bahamas -- Featured in "Pirates of the Caribbean"
OK, so it's not a city but considering the Pirates hopped around a multitude of Bahamian islands during its filming we're recommending a visit to any one of the Bahamas' islands. In Freeport and Nassau, the country's two largest cities, kids -- and their parents -- can swim with dolphins, windsurf, kite surf, splash in oversized pools, and basically have a rollicking good time in the Caribbean and Atlantic's warm blue waters. Arg!
8. Chicago -- Featured in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"
Whether mom and dad saw the original 80s release of the Matthew Broderick film or the kids have caught it on numerous TV repeats, Ferris Bueller remains a classic as the ultimate perfect "skip day." As Ferris and his friends cut school, they have fun in Chicago, taking in a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, visiting the Chicago Museum of Art and catching a parade down Michigan Avenue, aka the "Miracle Mile." Your family can follow in Ferris' footsteps, or add a few touches along the way, such as a ride on the Navy Pier's Ferris Wheel and a visit to the flagship American Girls store.
9. Grand Canyon -- Featured in "National Lampoon's Vacation"
Clark W. Griswold and family embark on that rite of passage: the family vacation by car. Leaving their home in the Chicago suburbs behind, they head west to California's "Wally World," which was actually based on Six Flags Magic Mountain in Los Angeles. Among the many sites they discover en route, the drive through the Arizona desert and "pit stop" at the Grand Canyon (Clark wanted to get back on the road for Wally World!) may be some of the more memorable scenes. You can enjoy the same trip, minus the wet sandwiches, money-grubbing relatives, car crashes, swimming pool fiascos and deceased aunts, by making your own pilgrimage to the Grand Canyon.
10. Disney World or Disneyland -- Associated with "Snow White," "Peter Pan," "Cinderella," and More
Some of the best family films are Disney classic animated features, and although their destinations may not exist anywhere but in our dreams, a visit to Disney World or Disney Land lets kids discover these magical worlds in person. Cinderella's Castle looms supreme, and kids can meet the princess at special lunches and dinners (reserved well in advance). Kids can also fly with Tinkerbell and Peter Pan, help the dwarves rescue Snow White, climb the Swiss Family Robinson's treehouse, battle aliens in space with Buzz Lightyear and follow Captain Jack Sparrow in his adventures in the Caribbean.
For more fun family travel ideas, check out:
