Spring Break is a critical juncture in the calendar for families. It marks the halfway point between Christmas break and summer holidays, delivering desperately needed respites for families grinding it out each day at school and work.
A Spring Break getaway is exactly what you need to recharge, refresh, and survive the gauntlet to those lazy days of summer. For most parents, the perfect Spring Break destination is going to be family-friendly and full of activities to keep the kids entertained. No parent wants to drop big dollars on an expensive holiday only to have bored kids complain relentlessly about missing home.
If the winter doldrums have you thinking about your potential vacation plans, we’ve got some great family-friendly Spring Break destination ideas that you and your kids are going to love.
Factors to consider when choosing a destination
Top of mind is going to be budget when thinking about your Spring Break destination. How is your savings looking – are you prepared to dig your self a deep credit hole to fund this holiday? Those are important questions to discuss with your partner.
One way to decide whether you want luxury versus affordable is whether you want a rustic holiday or something more urban. Big city visits will cost more in lodging and admission ticket to attractions, while outdoorsy destinations will be lighter on your wallet.
You also want to be cognizant of travel distance. This will also factor into your budget decisions. Spring Break destinations requiring air travel will be exponentially more expensive than a good old fashioned road trip. However, if being stuck in a car for hours with bored kids doesn’t sound too relaxing, a short haul flight going anywhere will be well worth your financial outlay.
Lastly, think about what kind of activities you want to fill your days with while on Spring Break. Do you want to lounge on the beach all day, or visit museums and come away with some educational experiences? Maybe an outdoor adventure for all ages like horseback riding, hiking trails, and kayaks is more the speed you’re looking for.
Top family-friendly spring break destinations
Beach escapes
Relax and recharge with sun-soaked beaches, world-class water parks, and tropical adventures for the whole family.
1. Orlando, Florida
Orlando welcomes over 70 million tourists a year thanks in large part to its anchor destination – Disney World. Other family-friendly theme parks in Orlando include Universal Studios, Epcot, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and more.
Disney WorldThe much-loved inland Floridian city isn’t exactly a beach destination (unless you want to drive an hour or so to the coast), but it does boast multiple world-class water parks, including Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach Park. There is a near endless supply of hotel and campground options. Your big decisions will be navigating the kind of passes (Day Pass, Park Hopper, Lightning Lane, Water Parks, etc.) you need for Disney World.
2. Maui, Hawaii
The jaw-dropping beauty of Hawaii’s second largest island is undeniable. Stretching 48 miles, Maui boasts golden beaches, volcanic landscapes, and lush green mountains reminiscent of the film Jurassic Park.
Maui SunsetIf you can’t handle the lengthy air travel to get there, you and your family will love the clear-water snorkeling, fiery Lu’aus, and whale-watching tours perfect for kids and parents. Maui isn’t particularly big, so your lodging options will likely be limited to Airbnb and some of the major hotel chains (Westin, Hyatt, Sheraton, etc.). This might tip the scale on your budget decision making.
3. Cancún, Mexico
Cancún is one of Mexico's most popular destinations, drawing millions of tourists each year with its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant nightlife. Located on the Yucatán Peninsula along the Caribbean coast, Cancún offers an ideal mix of relaxation and adventure for families.
Palapas on a Beach in MauiThe city's Hotel Zone is packed with family-friendly all-inclusive resorts that make vacation planning a breeze. For those interested in history and culture, nearby archaeological sites like Chichén Itzá, Tulum, and Cobá offer fascinating glimpses into the ancient Mayan world. Cancún is also a gateway to the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world, making it a prime spot for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Families can also explore the natural beauty of eco-adventure parks such as Xcaret and Xel-Há. Whether you're seeking sandy beaches or educational excursions, Cancún offers something for every member of the family.
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Outdoor adventures
Dive into nature’s playground with hiking, wildlife, and unforgettable landscapes to explore.
4. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone is one of the most famous national parks in the United States. Millions visit there each year to take in the breathtaking natural beauty and see the famous erupting geysers, roaming wildlife, and colorful thermophiles. It offers lots to keep the family busy, including easy hiking trails and horseback riding, plus opportunities to learn about local indigenous culture.
Geysers in YellowstoneWhile vehicle reservations are not required, you will need to purchase park entry passes. Once inside, your choice of accommodations ranges from rustic-themed lodges and cabins to campgrounds and even backcountry if you and your family are especially adventurous. Yellowstone offers 11 campgrounds with over 2,000 sites.
5. Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
With about 3,400 kilometres of coastline, Vancouver Island is a jewel among Canada’s many natural splendors. Located just off the coast of British Columbia in the beautifully green Pacific Northwest, Vancouver Island has everything to keep a family entertained. For Americans, it also presents a financial benefit of a strong US dollar against a weaker Canadian currency.
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Vancouver IslandVancouver Island presents many provincial campgrounds across the island, with some of the most popular being along the West Coast. Tofino and Ucluelet offer spectacular beach experiences within the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. If you want something quaint, the province’s capital Victoria offers a charming, colonial small-city experience with whale watching, botanical gardens, and daily ferries offering services to nearby islands and even Seattle.
6. Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is definitely a bucket list destination for anyone who appreciates natural beauty on a massive scale. It’s also an opportunity to travel back in time and experience a taste of the frontier era. For example, take a mule ride along the canyon rim and you can even stay overnight at the bottom of the canyon in the “Phantom Ranch.”
The Grand CanyonThere are also guided raft trips along the Colorado River, bike tours, and plenty of activities for kids like the Junior Rangers program. You should be able to find a wide selection of affordable lodgings along the Canyon rim that will no doubt deliver spectacular views from the bedroom.
Urban escapes with kid appeal
Discover vibrant cities packed with museums, parks, and activities that spark curiosity and fun.
7. Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital could be a tough sell to your kids who might think of Washington as a dull destination of government guided tours. However, D.C. is a lot more than statues of Abe Lincoln and the like. There are the Smithsonian museums, the National Zoo, and a plethora of historical landmarks that will ignite the imagination.
The White HouseOne of the biggest attractions in Washington, D.C., during the spring is the famous cherry blossom trees. The best place to see these colorful beauties is at the Tidal Basin, which happens to include memorials for Jefferson, Roosevelt, and MLK. It’s a very walkable area. For example, only 30 minutes by foot is Pennsylvania Ave and the White House.
8. New York City, New York
What can you say about New York that hasn’t been said? It’s unlike any other city in the world, and the moment you step on the streets you will feel a big city buzz that is truly unique. Visiting New York with the family would make memories of a lifetime, with visits to the Museum of Natural History, MoMA, and Central Park just for starters.
New York CityExperience Broadway with a wide selection of family-friendly productions, or take a walk through Time Square and be dazzled by its neon lights. This is a city best experienced by foot and subway. Be sure your kids bring their walking shows!
9. Chicago, Illinois
As the architectural jewel of the Midwest, the City of Chicago offers some of the most astounding downtown structures of any American city (New York included). The best way to experience Chicago’s marvelous downtown is by boat cruising along the Chicago River.
The BeanOther family-friendly attractions in Chicago include the Navy Pier, an enormous waterfront complex of entertainment attractions that includes a ferris wheel, a children’s museum, mini golf, and more. There is also a world-class aquarium (Shedd) at the waterfront, as well as Millenium Park. And don’t forget to try Chicago’s delicious deep-dish pizza.
Unique experiences
Embrace one-of-a-kind destinations filled with charm, culture, and unforgettable family memories.
10. Asheville, North Carolina
If big crowds and massive tourist destinations are not your thing, there are plenty of options for a more low-key authentic Spring Break experience. Asheville, North Carolina offers a vibrant downtown and breathtaking views of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, where you can take easy hikes with your family.
Biltmore EstateAsheville is also a well-known culinary destination for “Foodtopians” who savor the farm-to-table experience. You and the kids can try Appalachian cuisine which is influenced by Cherokee, European, and African American traditions. The jewel of Asheville is the Biltmore Estate, a historic house museum that once belonged to the vaunted Vanderbilt family.
11. Branson, Missouri
When it comes to unique American destinations, Branson, Missouri might take the cake. Where is else can you find a life size replica of the Titanic (in the Titanic Museum naturally) and a Dolly Parton dinner theatre, all in one city? In fact, Branson’s live entertainment scene is so strong, it boasts 57,00 theatre seats! That’s more than Broadway in New York.
The Titanic MuseumOne of the biggest family friendly draws in Branson is a theme park called the Silver Dollar City. Call it the “Disney World of the Ozarks,” Silver Dollar features plenty of 1880s-themed rides, cave adventures, live shows, and a waterpark. It also offers campgrounds for tents, cabins, and RV sites with full amenities.
12. San Antonio, Texas
Texas is so big it can feel like its own country inside a country. From the big city attractions of Dallas and Houston to the state-capital charm of Austin, there’s a lot to choose from. However, if you’re looking for a great combination of heritage, culture, and beauty, head on down to San Antonio!
The AlamoLocated in south-central Texas, this bucolic city still holds the majestic atmosphere of its Spanish mission roots. Among its many family-friendly attractions is the miles-long River Walk, a landmark pedestrian promenade, and the Alamo – where Texas successfully battled for independence from Mexico. There are also well-known kid-friendly tourist spots like LEGOLAND, and a nearby waterpark/aquarium called Aquatica San Antonio.
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