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March 23, 2015


Based on feedback given by 2,000 families from across the country, FamilyFun magazine compiled its third annual Travel Awards for its April issue. Awards span across several categories, including top animal attractions, state parks and science museums that are best-suited for family-friendly vacations. A new “Casual Restaurants” category was also added to include dining options with family dinner service and a kid-friendly menu selection. The full list of destinations can be found in the magazine, along with the “Top 10” that were ranked highest across all categories.

Among this year’s favorites, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium was named the top family-friendly animal attraction for the second year in row, while DC's Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History was voted number one in the science museums category. The cities of Sanibel, Florida; Gatlinburg, Tennessee; and Savannah, Georgia, were the most popular tourist town destinations.

The top five spots for each category are as follows:

Top 5 Animal Attractions

1.    Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (NE)
2.    Saint Louis Zoo (MO)
3.    Monterey Bay Aquarium (CA)
4.    Georgia Aquarium (GA)
5.    San Diego Zoo (CA)

Top 5 Science Museums

1.    Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History (DC)
2.    Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum (DC)
3.    The Children's Museum of Indianapolis (IN)
4.    Cincinnati Museum Center/Museum of Natural History & Science (OH)
5.    Center of Science and Industry (OH)

Top 5 Tourist Towns

1.    Sanibel, FL
2.    Gatlinburg, TN
3.    Savannah, GA
4.    St. Augustine, FL
5.    Wisconsin Dells, WI