Spring break is that much-needed breather for everyone – kids, parents, and teachers alike, arriving just in time after the long haul of winter. Whether your family envisions a tropical escape filled with endless swimsuit days or a culturally enriching adventure exploring museums and blooming cherry blossoms, spring break offers the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories. To help you plan an unforgettable getaway, we’ve curated a list of top destinations perfect for families, spanning from the snowy peaks of Colorado to the sun-kissed shores of Turks and Caicos, and beyond.
- Top Family Destination: Orlando, Florida
- Best Beach Escapes: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
- Premier Skiing Experience: Keystone, Colorado
- Ideal Multigenerational Vacation: Oahu, Hawaii
- Ultimate All-Inclusive Experience: Family Cruises
Dive into our expanded guide featuring 13 exceptional spring break ideas, packed with activities guaranteed to delight every member of your family, regardless of age.
Orlando, Florida
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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
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Turks and Caicos, particularly Providenciales, beckons families with its breathtaking turquoise waters and pristine white-sand beaches, perfect for a relaxing beach-focused spring break trip. Its convenient location, less than a four-hour flight from many East Coast cities, makes it ideal for a shorter family getaway. Providenciales boasts some of the archipelago’s most stunning beaches and a collection of family-friendly resorts designed for ultimate relaxation.
For luxurious family accommodations, consider The Shore Club Turks & Caicos, situated on the tranquil shores of Long Bay Beach. Offering spacious villas with up to six bedrooms, it’s perfect for larger families or multigenerational groups. The resort features four swimming pools, a rejuvenating spa, and diverse dining options. While resort life is tempting, venture out to explore the natural wonders of Turks and Caicos. Family-friendly activities include snorkeling adventures near Iguana Island, discovering vibrant marine life, and unique paddling experiences through mangrove forests in clear-bottom kayaks with Clear Bottom Adventures. These excursions provide unforgettable experiences and connect your family with the stunning Caribbean environment during your spring break trips for families.
Keystone, Colorado
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For families who prefer a snowy spring break adventure, Keystone Resort in Colorado stands out as a top kid-friendly ski destination. Spanning over 3,000 acres across three majestic peaks and five expansive bowls in the Rocky Mountains, Keystone offers diverse terrain suitable for all skiing abilities. First-time skiers in the family can benefit from the excellent Ski and Ride School, ensuring a positive and safe learning environment.
Beyond skiing, Keystone provides a variety of winter activities perfect for families. Enjoy ice skating at two picturesque venues: Lakeside Village and Dercum Square in River Run Village. A highlight for children is the impressive snow fort, a magical winter wonderland for exploration and play. For an exhilarating experience, families can enjoy snow tubing down Dercum Mountain, offering thrills for those aged four and up. Keystone Resort delivers a comprehensive winter spring break experience, blending outdoor adventure with family-friendly amenities, making it a fantastic choice for spring break trips for families seeking snow and mountain fun.
Oahu, Hawaii
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Oahu, Hawaii, with its rich culture, dramatic landscapes, and diverse activities, is an exceptional destination for multigenerational spring break trips. From world-class surfing to breathtaking waterfall hikes, Oahu offers something for every family member. As the main travel hub of Hawaii, Honolulu on Oahu serves as the perfect base to begin or spend your entire Hawaiian vacation.
For families seeking a more boutique hotel experience away from the large resorts of Honolulu, The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club provides a stylish and family-friendly option. Featuring design-forward two- and three-bedroom suites, it’s ideal for families wanting more space and comfort. Located about half a mile from the famous Waikiki Beach, it provides easy access to dining and attractions while offering a unique, midcentury modern-inspired ambiance. Don’t miss dining at the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant, Mahina and Sun’s, which features delicious farm-to-table cuisine, including kid-friendly options. Beyond Waikiki, Oahu is brimming with things to do, from learning to surf on iconic waves to exploring the ancient Paepae o Heʻeia fishpond and discovering traditional Hawaiian aquaculture. Oahu blends relaxation with cultural and outdoor adventures, making it a top pick for spring break trips for families wanting a diverse and enriching Hawaiian experience.
Family Cruise Vacation
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For a hassle-free and all-inclusive spring break trip, consider a family cruise. Cruises are the ultimate solution for busy parents, taking care of all the planning logistics from dining to transportation between destinations. Onboard, you’ll find a plethora of activities and amenities designed for all ages. Most cruise ships offer dedicated kids’ and teen programs, ensuring that younger travelers are entertained and engaged with age-appropriate activities and excursions.
Beyond the popular Caribbean cruises, the best cruise lines for families offer diverse itineraries worldwide. Explore European river cruises, discovering charming villages along the Seine, or embark on expeditions to remote and exotic locales like the Galapagos Islands, renowned for their unique biodiversity. Family cruises provide a convenient and exciting way to see the world, offering a range of destinations and experiences that cater to every family’s interests, making them ideal spring break trips for families seeking adventure and ease.
Washington, D.C.
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Washington, D.C., bursts into vibrant color every spring, drawing approximately 1.5 million visitors to witness the spectacular bloom of 3,800 cherry trees around the Tidal Basin. The annual National Cherry Blossom Festival, held from late March to mid-April, features a variety of cultural events, including kite-flying workshops, art exhibitions, and captivating performances. For the best viewing experience, monitor the cherry blossom forecast to plan your visit during peak bloom.
Beyond the blossoms, Washington, D.C., is rich in free museums and gardens, making it a budget-friendly destination for family trips. From the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History to the serene U.S. Botanic Garden and the beloved National Zoo, there’s an abundance of attractions that appeal to both children and adults. For a ticketed experience, the International Spy Museum offers an engaging and interactive experience for kids to learn about espionage and test their spy skills. Washington, D.C., combines cultural enrichment with natural beauty, providing an educational and visually stunning spring break for families.
Los Cabos, Mexico
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Los Cabos, Mexico, situated on the Baja California Peninsula, offers a delightful blend of sun, beaches, and exciting whale-watching opportunities, perfect for family spring break trips. While historically known for its lively party scene, Los Cabos has evolved into a sophisticated destination with luxury hotels, family-friendly resorts featuring kids’ clubs, gourmet dining, and a range of desert and ocean adventures.
Luxury resorts like Zadún, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve enhance family experiences with programs like Ambassadors of the Environment, offering bird-watching, desert hikes, and snorkeling excursions. Montage Los Cabos engages younger guests through its Paintbox program for children ages 5 to 12, offering arts and crafts, games, and themed activities. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the numerous snorkeling spots, from the tranquil coves of Chileno Bay to the expansive Cabo Pulmo National Park, a protected marine area teeming with life. Between December and April, families can also witness the awe-inspiring humpback whale migration. Los Cabos provides a mix of relaxation, luxury, and nature-based activities, making it a versatile choice for spring break trips for families seeking a Mexican escape.
Wisconsin Dells
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Despite the cooler temperatures of the Midwest in March and April, Wisconsin Dells, known as the “Water Park Capital of the World,” offers year-round aquatic fun with its indoor water parks. If keeping your kids entertained all day is a priority, Wisconsin Dells is an ideal spring break destination. Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is a standout, featuring water coasters, thrilling waterslides, raft rides, wave simulators, a relaxing lazy river, and even swim-up bars and cabanas for adults. Beyond water activities, Kalahari offers arcades, mini golf, laser tag, and dry rides, ensuring entertainment for everyone.
Wilderness Resort, another family favorite, boasts four indoor water parks. Klondike Kavern features raft rides, body slides, and a lazy river, while the Wild Waterdome includes the largest indoor wave pool in the U.S., and Wild West offers tube and mat races. After a day of water park adventures, catch a captivating illusion show at the Rick Wilcox Magic Theater. Wisconsin Dells provides a high-energy, activity-packed spring break experience, particularly appealing for families focused on non-stop fun and indoor entertainment.
Zion National Park, Utah
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While the Grand Canyon is a popular spring break choice, Zion National Park in Utah offers stunning landscapes with potentially smaller crowds. With its majestic sandstone cliffs and lush hanging gardens, Zion is perfect for families seeking outdoor adventures and natural beauty. The park offers numerous kid-friendly hiking trails that are relatively short and easy to navigate, including the scenic Pa’rus Trail and the Canyon Overlook Trail.
Beyond hiking, southern Utah’s dramatic sandstone valleys provide even more opportunities for family exploration. For adrenaline-seeking families, the Above Zion Via Ferrata offers guided vertical rock climbing experiences. For unique accommodations, consider luxury glamping options at Open Sky or Under Canvas, providing comfortable lodging immersed in nature. Zion National Park combines outdoor adventure with breathtaking scenery, making it an unforgettable spring break destination for active families and nature lovers.
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
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Costa Rica, named Travel + Leisure’s 2024 Destination of the Year, is a nature paradise perfect for adventurous spring break trips for families. This Central American gem offers diverse landscapes, from spectacular beaches and pristine waterfalls to rejuvenating hot springs, volcanoes, and incredibly biodiverse rainforests.
The Guanacaste province caters to various travel styles with its wide array of resorts. For a wellness-focused family getaway in a relaxed surf town, consider Nosara. Here, boutique hotels embody Costa Rica’s “pura vida” spirit. Silvestre Nosara Hotel & Residences, steps from a renowned surf break, offers sleek apartment-style accommodations with full kitchens, a rooftop pool, wellness classes, and surfboards for guests. Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo is another excellent family choice, featuring spacious multi-bedroom villas with stunning bay views. Explore the rainforest canopy and spot monkeys on the Palmares Aerial Adventure course, or discover waterfalls and hot springs near the volcanoes in Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Guanacaste provides a rich blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for families seeking an eco-conscious and enriching spring break.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
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Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, recognized as one of the best islands in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure readers, is a haven for families who love the outdoors. Begin your family spring break by renting bikes and exploring Hilton Head’s extensive network of bike trails. Enhance the adventure with a thrilling zip line experience through South Carolina’s Lowcountry, followed by an entertaining pirate-themed cruise. The Coastal Discovery Museum, set on 68 acres, offers insights into local history and nature with historic buildings, gardens, and boardwalk trails through salt marshes. Coligny Beach Park and Folly Field Beach Park are perfect for beach time and sunset views. Animal lovers can enjoy horseback riding at Sea Pines Resort or wildlife spotting at Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, home to deer, birds, and alligators. Hilton Head Island combines outdoor activities with natural beauty and family-friendly attractions, making it a fantastic choice for active spring break trips for families.
The Florida Keys
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If your family is fascinated by wildlife, the Florida Keys will surely captivate you. Start at the Eco-Discovery Center to learn about the diverse marine ecosystem, then visit the Key West Aquarium where kids can interact with starfish, sea cucumbers, and conches. The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory showcases over 50 butterfly species, along with turtles and flamingos, providing an enchanting experience.
Beyond marine life, the Florida Keys offer historical and adventurous activities. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park allows you to explore Civil War history within a circa-1860s fort. The Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum displays treasures recovered from sunken ships, offering a glimpse into maritime history. For adventure, consider a glass-bottom boat tour or kayaking in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, snorkeling at Sombrero Reef, or parasailing in Key Largo. The Florida Keys blend wildlife encounters with historical exploration and water-based adventures, making it a diverse and engaging destination for spring break trips for families.
San Diego, California
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San Diego, “America’s Finest City,” is a treasure trove of parks, beautiful beaches, engaging museums, scenic hiking trails, and numerous kid-friendly activities, making it a fantastic destination for spring break trips for families. A visit to the world-renowned San Diego Zoo is a must, followed by exploring other attractions in Balboa Park, such as the San Diego Natural History Museum and the interactive Fleet Science Center. A day trip to nearby Legoland California offers over 60 rides, shows, and activities, including a water park, perfect for younger children.
San Diego’s stunning beaches are not to be missed. Rent bikes and explore the Bayshore Bikeway, stopping at the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge before reaching Imperial Beach. Coronado Beach, a top-rated family beach, offers paddleboarding, boogie boarding, and fascinating tide pools. La Jolla Shores is ideal for biking and observing seals and sea lions basking in the sun. Consider a whale-watching cruise to witness the tail end of the migration season while you’re by the ocean. San Diego combines urban attractions with natural beauty and coastal adventures, providing a well-rounded and exciting spring break experience for families.
Conclusion
Spring break trips for families offer invaluable opportunities to reconnect, explore new places, and create cherished memories. Whether you choose a thrilling theme park adventure, a relaxing beach vacation, a snowy mountain escape, or a culturally rich city exploration, the destinations highlighted here provide a starting point for planning your perfect family getaway. Embrace the opportunity to step away from the everyday and embark on a memorable spring break journey that caters to every family member’s interests and desires. Start planning your spring break trip for families today and look forward to an unforgettable vacation experience.
