Find places with good kid friendly areas. Lots of zoos and children's museums have toddler friendly play areas. I loved have a stroller and big diaper bag it let me carry extra of everything and a kid could nap while the other played which extended our time out.

Lots of cities and towns in the southern US have drop off daycare where you can leave a kid or two for a few hours while parents get a meal or some time together. Many hotels also have a list of babysitters plus there are online sites that pre screen sitters.