With the belt tightening on household finances, many are looking to turn a business trip into a family vacation. Fortunately for planners, some of the most popular convention sites are also family-friendly destinations, offering free or affordable attractions, fun dining experiences, and plenty of outdoor activities.
“Washington, D.C., offers a unique blend of work and play for business travelers bringing their families along,” says Elliott L. Ferguson II, president and CEO of Destination DC. “Our city is filled with family-friendly attractions that make D.C. a great destination for all ages, especially with so many free options, like the Smithsonian museums, the National Zoo, and our iconic monuments.”
There is also no shortage of family fun in Branson, Mo. “We offer world-class entertainment and attractions that appeal to all ages, all set to the backdrop of the beautiful Ozarks,” says Annie Epler, media communications manager for the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), and Taney County Partnership. “We pride ourselves on Ozark Mountain hospitality and aim to make every guest feel like family, no matter the reason or length of their stay.” When planning a business convention in Savannah, Ga., the city’s Historic Landmark District, with its brick and cobblestone streets, 18th-century architecture, and iconic riverfront, comes to mind. Still, there is more to the appeal of this coastal city. Coastal areas are always desirable destinations for family vacations. The Grand Strand area of Myrtle Beach, S.C., is one of America’s most popular. With 60 miles of coastline, Myrtle Beach offers meeting attendees and their families a warm welcome. It is also an easily accessible location, as almost 50 percent of the U.S. population is within a day’s drive.
“Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, culinary delights, world-class live music, or a balanced combination of it all, there are plenty of options to pack your stay with endless amounts of fun,” says Bob Harris, executive vice president of group sales for Visit Myrtle BeachPanama City Beach, Fla., another premier small meetings destination, is ideal for board meetings, retreats, and conferences. “What truly sets us apart is our blend of business and leisure,” says Sydney Clifton, communications and social media manager for Visit Panama City Beach. “Meeting attendees often bring their families along when traveling to Panama City Beach due to our family-friendly attractions and naturally beautiful beaches.”
Courtesy Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB
Attractions and activities
One of the most popular museums in Washington, D.C., is Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, which was recently renovated. The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is a kid favorite, with large exhibits like the blue whale suspended from the ceiling and Henry, the African bush elephant. Another favorite attraction for families is Smithsonian National Zoological Park (the National Zoo), where visitors can view Bao Li and Qing Bao, two new giant toddler pandas. The zoo is home to more than 2,200 animals.
Washington, D.C., offers hands-on, educational experiences at the International Spy Museum, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) programs and exhibits at National Children’s Museum, and kid-friendly walking tours of historic neighborhoods. Outdoor activities are also available on the Potomac and Anacostia rivers and in Rock Creek Park, a 1,700-acre park with miles of trails, a free planetarium, a nature center, and picnic areas. In fact, the District of Columbia boasts more than 30 national parks. Several ice-skating rinks operate in winter, including in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden on the National Mall.
Visitors to Branson will find many free and budget-friendly activities. Branson Landing offers plenty of shopping and a center fountain with a fountain show featuring 120-foot geysers and blasting fire cannons every hour, beginning at noon daily. Attendees can also enjoy tours of Historic Downtown Branson and other landmarks on the Free Downtown Trolley. Branson offers abundant nature, including Table Rock Lake State Park or one of its beautiful conservation areas.
“There are numerous scenic overlooks along Highway 160 and 165 where you can park and take in the picturesque views of the Ozark Mountains,” Epler says. Branson is also home to several must-see museums and historical sites, such as the Titanic Museum Attraction and Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum.
A short drive from Branson Convention Center brings visitors to 76 Country Blvd., the hub for entertainment and family-friendly attractions in Branson. The convention center is less than 20 minutes from the award-winning 1880s-themed amusement park Silver Dollar City.
“Many of these attractions are centrally located on 76 Country Blvd., giving visitors the opportunity to easily explore everything Branson has to offer,” Epler says. “We offer world-class golf, the No.1 theme park in America, the natural beauty and nature of the Ozarks, amazing live shows, and much more.”
Myrtle Beach is home to myriad entertainment and family attractions, such as Broadway at the Beach, Ripley’s Aquarium, and more than 30 mini-golf courses.
“Myrtle Beach has long been renowned for its multitude of attractions and activities for every type of traveler, particularly families,” Harris says. “It is no wonder families of all sizes and ages —including multigenerational groups—choose ‘The Beach.’”
During the peak meeting season from September to November, visitors can enjoy warmer water temperatures compared to other coastal destinations. Entertainment attractions include the Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade, Broadway at the Beach, and Barefoot Landing. The 200-foot SkyWheel at the Boardwalk is one of the most iconic sites and experiences. Several restaurants offer family fun, including The Hangout at Broadway at the Beach, with live music, a sand pit, and bubble machines. Character meet-and-greets and a fireworks show two nights a week are among the free attractions at Broadway at the Beach. Barefoot Landing also offers diverse restaurants, including LuLu’s, with live music, games, and intracoastal waterfront views. Away from the beach, visitors can hike in the woods or along the salt marsh boardwalk at Vereen Memorial Gardens in nearby Little River.
Savannah has plenty of outdoor recreation, including biking through its Historic District, nearby Tybee Island, and Savannah’s Botanical Gardens, a free attraction in midtown with nature trails, a two-acre pond, and an archaeological exhibit. One of the most popular sites in Savannah is the fountain at Forsyth Park, a favorite spot where families can picnic. Savannah Children’s Museum provides a hands-on experience for families, including an exploration maze, an art maker space, a puppet theater, story time, STEAM programs, a sensory garden, a nature kitchen, and more. Another museum geared toward children is Telfair Children’s Art Museum at the Jepson Center. The museum includes an engaging Tunnel Gallery, hands-on activities in the open play spaces of the Family Lounge and the Toddler Area, and a state-of-the-art, interactive Landscape Gallery. As for dining, Savannah has plenty of popular spots like The Pirates’ House, which opened in 1753 and continues to offer a rousing atmosphere with casual dress, a lunch buffet, and “pirates” on staff. Leopold’s Ice Cream is another favorite stop.
Myrtle Beach, S.C. Courtesy Visit Myrtle Beach
After the meetings conclude in Panama City Beach, families can take advantage of various water activities. In addition to enjoying its world-class beaches, visitors can take a catamaran cruise, during which dolphins are often spotted, gather around a beach bonfire following a Gulf sunset, shop at Pier Park, and dine at any of the many family-friendly restaurants.
Accommodations and meeting space
Where attendees stay is paramount when juggling family activities with business meetings. Washington, D.C., has an array of family-friendly hotels that double as meeting and event venues or are near convention centers.
The Washington Marriott at Metro Center has a 24-hour fitness room and an indoor pool, is within steps of the Metro, and is five blocks from the convention center. The hotel can host up to 650 guests for receptions and 350 in classroom setup; it also includes a theater. Located across from the Library of Congress, The Capitol Hill Hotel offers suites with kitchenettes, a complimentary breakfast, and more than 2,000 square feet of meeting and event spaces. The Fairmont Washington in Georgetown offers a “family connecting room” with a second connecting suite for older kids. This special includes a complimentary in-room movie with popcorn and sodas, and breakfast for two adults and two children. The venue also has 29,000 square feet of meeting space, including two ballrooms.
Located in historic downtown, Branson Convention Center has more than 220,000 square feet of space, including a 48,000-square-foot exhibit hall attached to a 22,703-square-foot ballroom. Meeting space includes 14 flexible breakout rooms near the ballroom and exhibit hall. Connecting to the convention center is Hilton Branson Convention Center, with 292 guest rooms and 3,462 square feet of event space in five meeting rooms. The convention center is across the street from Branson Landing, which includes Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and offers more than 100 shops and restaurants along a half-mile strip. In 2026, the “Silver Dollar City” will open a new resort with 262 rooms and 17,000 square feet of meeting space.
In Myrtle Beach, families can find the perfect home base, with a wide selection of hotels and resorts offering special packages and discounts on dining and activities. Many feature multi-bedroom suite-style units with full or partial kitchens and shared spaces perfect for family gatherings.
“Additionally, take advantage of free amenities, such as beach access, pools, complimentary breakfast, and onsite restaurants to save on daily expenses,” Harris says.
Hotels include Ellie Beach Resort Myrtle Beach Tapestry by Hilton and DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront, which opened in July 2024 as a 452-room, dual-flag waterfront property. The resort has 38,000 square feet of meeting space, six pools, three waterslides, beach and pier access, a mini-golf course, sports courts, and a 24-hour fitness center. Other venues include the 400-room Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel, a AAA Three Diamond hotel connecting directly to Myrtle Beach Convention Center, and Embassy Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach, with 70,000 square feet of event space and 745 guest rooms/suites. Onsite amenities include oceanfront dining, bars, pools, and waterparks.
In Savannah, the convention center hosts a multitude of meetings. The newly expanded Savannah Convention Center features a new 200,000-square-foot exhibit hall, bringing the total venue space to 643,445 square feet. Other venues include the Enmarket Arena, Savannah Civic Center, and several hotels. All of those venues and meeting spaces feature the technology needed to host events, including Wi-Fi and audiovisual capabilities.
The free Savannah Belles Ferry Boat Service, which runs every 20 minutes, makes navigating the city easy for visitors, taking large groups across the river from the convention center to the Historic District. In addition, the Express Shuttle Bus Fleet runs every 15 minutes between the two destinations. The pet-friendly Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa offers a waterfront heated pool, tennis courts, a golf course, and an onsite restaurant. The facility has 286,600 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, with a capacity of 10,116 people.
Panama City Beach has several family-friendly resorts and hotels catering to meeting attendees and their families. Notable options include Embassy Suites, Hyatt Place, and SpringHill Suites, all of which feature meeting spaces and family-oriented amenities. Additionally, the Panama City Beach Event Center at Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort offers a stand-alone conference venue close to accommodations and activities. With so many family-friendly destinations, planners can find the perfect home for their next event while creating a fun getaway for families.
Expert Help for Family Outings
Convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) and tourism organizations are great resources for event attendees and their families, often offering discounts on attractions, excursions, and dining.
“Planning an event in Myrtle Beach, S.C., could be as easy as the ocean breeze,” says Bob Harris, executive vice president of sales for Visit Myrtle Beach.
Visit Myrtle Beach’s convention services team provides information on convention facilities, hotels, site visits, promotional material, spousal programs, speaker selection, entertainment, and dining options. The team also provides an official Myrtle Beach Area Visitors Guide with a map and coupons, a VIP Group Discount Card, and a poly bag for groups.
In Washington, D.C., planners can rely on Destination DC to help map out unique experiences for families, including a breakfast and shopping excursion at Eastern Market on weekends, a round of miniature golf at a recently restored East Potomac course (considered the oldest mini-golf course in the country), and tours to the top of the Washington Monument.
Visit Savannah (Ga.) offers a Show Us Your Badge program with discounts for meeting attendees, including a free scoop of custard at Culver’s and discounts at more than two dozen restaurants. The badge can save 20 percent off the Coastal Heritage Society’s museums (including the Children’s Museum), $5 off an Old Savannah Trolley Tour, BOGO for a Hauntings Tour, and 10 percent off bike rentals and tours. Visit Savannah can also arrange group transportation on trolleys and shuttle buses.
Branson, Mo., has a robust destination services team to assist meeting planners in arranging offsite activities for attendees and their families. With various activities and attractions appealing to visitors, meeting planners are encouraged to promote offsite options for attendees’ spouses and families, says Annie Epler, media communications manager for the local CVB.
Visit Panama City Beach provides complimentary resources, including vacation guides, area maps, and coupon books, which can be included in welcome bags or shared at the event. Visitors are also encouraged to stop by the Panama City Beach Visitors Center for additional area information. These resources highlight discounts for local attractions, dining, excursions, and shopping, ensuring a value-packed experience for all attendees and their families.
