Best spring break for families
Best Spring Break For Families –Finding the perfect place to take your family during spring break can be a challenge. You want a place that will entertain all age groups and have lots to do. The weather is also a factor when choosing a destination, and various resorts cater to different price points. My husband and I took our kids on spring break last year and hope you find this information helpful when planning your own trip.
In my latest blog post, I’ve tried to make it easier for you to choose the best spring break for the whole family. In the article, I’ve talked about the best destinations in terms of weather, accessibility, activities and most importantly fun for kids and parents. What makes it even better is that today you can travel to any of these places on a budget and still have a great spring break this year.
When planning a family trip, it is helpful to use family friendly sites to make your decisions on. They have lots of ideas on what would be fun for the whole family, and they help you decide on making reservations and looking at prices. With some good planning a spring break can be a fun time for families of all sizes.
Traveling with family can be a total nightmare. It’s hard to keep kids entertained and parents happy. However, I’m about to let you in on one of the best-kept secrets for a stress-free family Spring Break. The destination: Orlando, Florida!
Spring break is a great time to get out and see the world. If you’re looking for a spring break with your family, here are some of the best places to go!
The top 5 spring breaks for families include:
1) Orlando, Florida
2) New Orleans, Louisiana
3) San Francisco, California
4) Jacksonville, Florida
When it comes to spring break, there are a lot of options. You might want to take your kids to a beach vacation, or maybe you’re looking for something more adventurous like a trip to the mountains. If you’re planning on going somewhere with your kids, you’ll have a lot of decisions to make—so we’ve compiled a list of our favorite places to visit with your family.
- New York City
New York City is one of the most iconic cities in the world, and it’s also one of the best places for families with young children. You’ll find activities for every age group, from museums and parks to Broadway shows and sporting events. Plus, there are plenty of great restaurants where everyone can get something they love!
- Boston
Boston is another great option for families looking for something new and exciting. There are tons of historical landmarks that kids will love exploring; plus there are plenty of museums and parks as well as lots of great restaurants where everyone can get exactly what they want!
- Orlando/Disney World Florida or California/Universal Studios Hollywood California
Orlando is famous for its theme parks—and these two parks are some of the most popular in America! They both have rides
If you’re looking for a spring break for your family that’s fun, educational, and engaging, we recommend [popular destination].
[destination] is home to a wide variety of activities and attractions that will keep your kids entertained and interested while they learn new things. From sightseeing to ziplining and climbing, there’s something for everyone in the family!
You’ll also have plenty of time to relax together as a family at our hotels. Our on-site restaurants serve up delicious meals that everyone in your family will love—and we have plenty of activities available after dinner so you can spend quality time together without having to leave the hotel.
1. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is a perfect West Coast spring break destination in the United States to visit for families who love to spend time in the outdoors and hone in on their sense of adventure.
In the spring months, Yosemite begins to come alive.
Spring flowers, wildlife, and people start bursting to life inside the park after the winter months.
Families come from all over the world to see the tall granite walls in Yosemite Valley and hike some of the best hiking trails in Yosemite.
You could spend an entire week in Yosemite National Park and still only barely scratch the surface of everything it has to offer.
Don’t miss these Yosemite day hikes & activities to beat the crowds.
Many people stick close to Yosemite Valley and hike its more popular trails like the Mist Trail, or the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail.
But others wander further outside the valley, to hike some of Yosemite’s other gems like Clouds Rest, or to further explore the beauty of Tuolumne Meadows. There’s camping, wildflower sighting, and wildlife tours.
When you come to Yosemite in the spring you will get to see the valley come to life in a beautiful and exciting way and you will leave wishing you had more time to explore this beautiful alpine wonderland.
Allison Boyle – She Dreams of Alpine
2. Yucatan, Mexico
Mexico is a charming destination perfect for a spring break vacation for families.
Whether it be the beautiful beaches or ample greenery, this welcoming country has lots to offer.
After spending 10 days in Yucatan, Mexico, I quickly fell in love with this splendid peninsula that sits between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
If you want to keep it simple, opt for an all-inclusive resort in Cancun. Otherwise, spend a few days in Merida, a charming old town with colorful architecture and cobble-stone roads.
Make sure to save some time for Chichen Itza, the famous Mayan ruin.
Afterward, head to Bacalar, where the blue lagoon and laid-back vibes will surely capture your heart. If you’ve some extra time, make a stop in Tulum and visit the many restaurants that line the streets.
There are also plenty of sinkholes and parks that should not be missed when in the Yucatan region, which is perfect for an exciting Spring Break with kids!
Daisy Li – beyondmyborder.com
3. Florida Keys, USA
Florida Keys, an archipelago of islands off South coast of Florida are a perfect Spring break destination for families and one of the best places to visit in the US.
The sunshine state won’t let you down with beautiful tropical weather throughout the year.
There are lots of things to do in Florida Keys with kids!
The drive through the Florida Keys on Overseas Highway is a must with the ocean giving you company all through and some breathtaking views.
There is so much to do from white beaches, Coral reef, water sports, parasailing, snorkeling, history that you will be amazed.
Start your journey from the first island, Key Largo, the largest among all. The island is home to the first underwater Park in the US, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park which is best to explore the magical aquatic world.
Choose from Glass bottom boat tour, snorkeling or scuba diving, you will be spell bound seeing the fishes and the coral under the water.
With water all around you, how can you miss the adventure of water sports. Zoom around in a jet ski or soar the skies with parasailing, you will love it.
My 7-year old son enjoyed the bird’s eye views from his parasail along with his dad and was the highlight of his trip.
Drive all the way to the last island, Key West, the most populous and popular island.
There is so much history and culture associated that is prevalent from its mansions and architecture of the Old Town.
Sit down at the Mallory Square in the evening to let the magic unfurl during the sunset. Or take a sunset cruise to enjoy spectacular views while sipping the wine.
Don’t forget to visit the southernmost point of US Buoy in Key west.
Neha – Travel Melodies
And if you’re visiting the Florida Keys, make sure to check out the Ultimate Marathon Florida Guide for the best trip ever!
4. Grand Canyon
With its Junior Ranger Program, white-water rafting and hikes for visitors at all skill levels, the Grand Canyon National Park is a kid-friendly getaway that the whole family will enjoy.
And Spring Break is the perfect time to make this iconic road trip and avoid the notorious Arizona heat.
The South Rim has free shuttle busses, a grocery store, bank and post office that makes a longer stay hassle-free.
Besides the spectacular nature that’s easily accessible from an array of scenic overlooks, there are also trails great for bicycle rides, camping, stargazing and white-water rafting for older children.
There are plenty of picnic areas and fields to take a break or have a game of frisbee.
There are also hotels that offer spectacular views – and options ranging from fine dining to cozy spots for hot chocolate by a campfire.
With Route 66, Sedona and Las Vegas all just a day trip away, the Grand Canyon National Park is also a perfect starting point for an epic family road trip.
Dee – Vanilla Papers
Read next: 6 Unique things to do in Spring in New York City
5. Fort Worth, Texas
Fort Worth is one of the great Spring break ideas for families.
The temperatures are usually milder and there are plenty of things to do indoors even if it is a little chilly. Plus, you can visit Dallas which is only 30 miles away.
Fort Worth is famous for its BBQ, Stockyards and Rodeo but it also has an amazing culture scene!
You can visit world-class museums like The Modern Art Museum, Kimbell Art Museum, and experience culture at the Fort Worth Opera and Casa Manana.
The Sundance square area in downtown Fort Worth has charming shops and restaurants.
If you have kids that are sports fans you might want to visit the Cowboys stadium in Arlington or catch a Rangers baseball game at the Globe Life Park.
Don’t miss visiting the Fort Worth Stock Yards for a truly Western Experience.
You can see real Texas cowhands drive a herd of Texas longhorns down East Exchange twice a day. Cowtown Coliseum in the Fort Worth Stockyards has a Rodeo show every Friday and Saturday.
Fort Worth also has a wonderful zoo but my favorite place to visit is the Japanese Gardens inside the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens.
It is such a hidden gem, usually, in March the cherry blossoms start to bloom and it is a great place to stop for an afternoon.
Besides, if you’re you on the hunt for a sunny, sandy spring break location, head down to one of the many islands in Texas for a spring break that will trump most others.
Fort Worth by Priya Vin from Outside Suburbia
6. Akumal, Riviera Maya, Mexico
Akumal, on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, is a fabulous choice for a family Spring Break.
With accommodation for all tastes, ranging from independent boutiques to all-inclusives, Akumal works both as a vacation destination in its own right and as a base to explore the area’s highlights.
Whilst in Akumal check out the ruins of Tulum, the eco water park of Xel-Ha and the wider Yucatan peninsula.
Akumal’s key attraction, though, is snorkeling with turtles in the turquoise waters of the stunning tropical bay. They feed on the sea grass just off shore so you don’t need to hire a boat or swim out particularly far to see them.
This makes snorkeling here a breeze, even for those who are not strong swimmers or who are new to snorkeling.
Rent lifejackets and snorkel gear on the beach or even hire a snorkel guide to show you the best spots.
With younger children, the snorkel guide will pull a life-ring along for them to hold onto. In an hour’s trip you can easily see a dozen turtles plus rays and tropical fish.
When you’ve had your fill of marine life, the beach here is picture postcard perfect and the Lol-Ha Restaurant is right on the sands.
For sun, sea and an underwater adventure, Akumal is the perfect family Spring Break destination.
Josie Peden – Where Jo Goes
7. Naples, Florida
If you are looking for the ultimate beach Spring vacation idea for families then head to Naples, Florida.
There are so many great things to do in Naples, Florida for the entire family!
Naples has wonderful beaches where you can enjoy water sports, beach activities, beach walks or simply relax and take in all that Florida sunshine.
There are so many great day trips from Naples, Florida. If you enjoy being on the water then head out on a Naples Bay boat tour.
It is a great way to see Naples from the water. You can even head out on your own private boat fishing trip. You can also paddleboard through the mangroves.
If you are a little more adventurous then head down alligator alley and join an airboat tour through the Everglades where you get to see the alligators. Naples is only 1.5 hours from Miami making it a great day trip.
If you love shopping, then head to Miromar Outlet Mall where you will find some great deals on your favorite fashion brands.
If you are a foodie, then you are going to love all the restaurant options in Old Naples on 5th Avenue.
Most of these restaurants offer great happy hour deals and generous portions making it great for families to dine out.
Diana of Diana’s Healthy Living
If you’re traveling to Florida with your family, check out the top things to do in Destin with kids.
8. Washington DC
Washington DC is a perfect Spring Break destination for families, full of free and interesting places to visit and kid-friendly activities.
Early April timing usually coincides with DC’s famous cherry blossoms and the city is full of colorful blooms.
Spring weather is not too hot or cold, so it’s ideal for outdoor walks through DC’s many memorials and gardens.
The Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Capitol Building are all great family photo spots, but it is a long walk between buildings so don’t try to cover them all in one day.
If the weather turns rainy, head inside to any of the free Smithsonian Museums that line the National Mall.
The Air and Space is a favorite for aviation-lovers, but we think the Museum of Natural History is best for younger kids. With exhibits from giant dinosaurs to tiny ants, there is something to wow every age.
Natural History has one of the best restaurants near the mall, so time your visit near mealtime. The American Indian Museum also has an excellent restaurant but it’s more expensive.
When your group finishes the highlights on the mall, head across the Potomac River for a visit to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, which has lots of kid-friendly exhibits.
If you have a car, take a day trip to see the stunning waterfalls at nearby Great Falls Park or the beautiful mountain views in Shenandoah National Park.
With so many things to do and see, it’s no surprise that Washington DC is one of the best spring break trips for families.
Julie McCool – FuninFairfaxVA.com
9. Maui, Hawaii
Whether you’re looking for an active or relaxing family vacation, there’s no better family spring break destination than Maui.
The island’s palm-fringed golden beaches are renowned but there’s actually much more to discover on the Valley Isle.
Little explorers will love watching the sunrise from the top of the Haleakala volcano, an experience which takes place at a comfortable time in February and March.
The waterfalls are at their best and the coast’s early-spring surf is perfect for a boogie-boarding session or first surf lesson.
The warm waters even attract a special kind of visitors during spring break: humpback whales.
These friendly giants choose Maui’s protected ocean waters to breed and birth from December to April, with the peak months being February and March.
A whale-watching cruise could just be the highlight of your family vacation in Hawaii.
Apart from these seasonal experiences, there are plenty of year-round family activities to keep your little adventurers busy: exploring the underwater world on a snorkeling trip, discovering the island’s sweetest fruits on a plantation visit or attending a luau at your Maui resort.
Collecting memories is what a family spring break trip to Maui is all about.
Sarah Vanheel – Cosmopoliclan
10. Mobile, Alabama
Mobile, Alabama is all too often bypassed in favor of nearby New Orleans, but in many ways, it offers many of the same things as its more famous neighbor, only in a more family-friendly package.
While Mobile is now part of Alabama, it was originally the capital of French Louisiana. Thus, with its wrought-iron balconies and other French-inspired architecture, Mobile is kind of a miniature version of New Orleans.
The city even has its own Mardi Gras celebrations, which are much less raucous than the booze-fueled parties in New Orleans.
Another local festival, which often coincides with spring break, is the Azalea Trail Festival. In mid-March, the azalea bushes all over the city bloom with pink and white flowers.
But the color doesn’t stop there! Girls from local high schools are chosen to represent the city as Azalea Trail Maids. They dress up as southern Belles in hoop skirt dresses in pastel blue, pink, purple and yellow.
Spring is the perfect time to visit Mobile, as the weather is not yet hot and muggy like it is in summer. And beautiful white-sand beaches like Gulf Shores and Dauphin Island are just a short drive away.
Whether you prefer participating in Mardi Gras celebrations or Azalea Trail Festival, Mobile will not disappoint as one of the family spring break ideas.
Wendy Werneth – The Nomadic Vegan
11. Madrid, Spain
Brimming with enormous parks and a large variety of museums, Madrid is a perfect spring destination for families.
Spread over 125 hectares, the Retiro Park is one of the largest parks in Europe with large green spaces, live performances, several beautiful monuments and an artificial lake inside.
This, besides the historic West park and other green spaces in Madrid are in their best self during the spring blossom season.
The weather is perfect for picnics and the monuments are not crowded like during the summer holidays.
The Spanish capital is also one of the most wheelchair-accessible city, which makes it suitable to take elderly parents with you as well.
Marvel at the grandeur of the largest palace in the world, visit the incredible art museums, the Alcala gate and feel the serene spirituality at the catholic churches.
In the evening you can enjoy a family dine-out with flamenco show. If you have more than 2 days in your Madrid itinerary, you can also take day trips to historic cities of Toledo and Segovia.
Sinjana Ghosh – Backpack & Explore
And if you’re visiting Madrid, make sure to check out the Ultimate Guide to Visiting Madrid on a Budget.
12. Gambia, West Africa
Spring is a fabulous time to visit The Gambia, known as the Smiling Coast of Africa, with temperature highs around 30 °C and no rain virtually guaranteed.
Tourists in the know flock here to enjoy the colorful culture, fascinating wildlife and never-ending tranquil sandy beaches.
English is the official language in The Gambia, so you’ll have no problem communicating, and the locals couldn’t be more friendly.
Must-see wildlife includes the crocs at Kachikally Crocodile Pool, the monkeys at Bijlo Forest and the myriad birds that can be spotted on a boat ride along the tributaries of the River Gambia.
Practice your haggling skills in a local craft market or take to the water in a kayak at Tanji Creek. The nearby fishing village is also a must to watch the colorful boats being unloaded. And be sure not to miss a traditional drum and dance display.
One of the biggest draws, however, is the sweeping palm-fringed sandy beaches which are never overcrowded. Older children can join in a game of beach volleyball or try body surfing, while the little ones build sandcastles.
The sunsets are spectacular – the perfect time for a family walk along the water’s edge, perhaps stopping for a refreshing drink at a beach bar before dining out under an African night sky.
Though often overlooked by many, The Gambia is truly one of the best family spring break destinations.
Kathryn Burrington – TravelWithKat.com
13. Mexico City
Spring is the perfect time to visit Mexico City.
Although Mexico’s capital is blessed with good weather almost year-round, spring is when the city really does put on its best show.
Expect blue skies, bright sunshine and jacaranda trees in full bloom. Mexico City is one of the biggest cities in the world so knowing how to tackle it can be overwhelming.
The hop-on-hop-off Turibus through the heart of the city is a great introduction and a good way to get your bearings.
Do get off at El Zócalo, in the Historic Centre (El Centro Historico). This vast square has been the heart of Mexico City since Aztec times. Nearby is El Templo Mayor (the Great Temple), which has a fascinating museum.
Make sure you head to the top of the Torre LatinoAmerica for views over the city followed by a trip to El Moro, for the best churros and hot chocolate in town.
Other Mexico City highlights include the artsy neighbourhoods of Condesa and Roma Norte, home to some of the city’s best restaurants.
Nearby is Chapultepec Park, an enormous green space often referred to as Mexico City’s “lungs”. You’ll find the zoo, the excellent children’s museum, and the city’s very own castle located here.
And don’t forget the southern neighborhood of Coyoacan, where La Casa Azul is located. This is Frida Kahlo’s childhood home and the most visited museum in the city.