Old Faithfuls for Families

The top family tourist attractions in each U.S. region, rated by Family Fun magazine subscribers:

OLD FAITHFUL

The Yellowstone National Park, Wyo., geyser gets thumbs-up for reliability (erupts about every 79 minutes) and spectacle (up to 184 feet high). Tip: Check out two dozen other geysers nearby.

Tel. (307) 545-2750

CABLE CARS; ALCATRAZ ISLAND

San Francisco favorites tied for first. On cable car: “The kids really got a kick out of it,” said a Dallas parent. On former prison: “There’s nothing breakable. And the boat ride over is great fun.”

Tel. (415) 673-6864 (cable cars)

Tel. (415) 773-1188 (Alcatraz)

MOUNT RUSHMORE NATIONAL MEMORIAL

Monumental carvings of four U.S. presidents in Black Hills, S.D., have a high “wow” factor. “Mommy, how did they get it there?” a Missouri toddler marveled.

Tel. (605) 574-2523.

WHITE HOUSE

“We love the visitors’ center and the gift shop,” says a local mom. The annual Easter egg roll on the lawn is also a hit. Tip: You might want to line up at 7:30 a.m. for tour tickets if you have older kids.

Tel. (202) 456-7041.

NIAGARA FALLS

“There’s so much to do and see,” says a Pennsylvania mom. Besides the falls, there are museums, historic sites, Erie Canal cruises and outlet stores in the Niagara Falls, N.Y., region.

Tel. (800) 338-7890