Well, if you go for the point strategy, then any IHG card that gives you points to buy IHG points would be great to have.

I don't live in the US so we don't get any credit cards with perks like that. Therefore, everything is out of our own pocket - but we still managed to bring our kids flying TATL on average least twice a year from they are small until they were 16. I would open every card possible in the US to milk the benefits - plus the United card (sorry I only know United well as I have star alliance status). I'd sign up and get the bonus and then cancel the card.

We don't do theme parks in the US because: 1) my kids don't have the patient to queue; 2) they love to run around so our primarily destination is US NPs; 3)I also used the chance to teach them by e.g. doing the junior ranger programme and bringing them on my own to DC for a week (we went there 2 times) - and I took them to enjoy the museums and visited chips factory up in PA; 4) the cost - it's insane for what you get, plus you learn very little compared to going to a NP.

Children love to learn and read if you encourage them.