15 Amazing Spring Break Destinations for Families

If your family doesn’t know where to go on spring break, fear not, we have some vacation ideas. Whether you want a city getaway or a beach vacation with kids, we are sharing the best spring break destinations for families.

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Best Spring Break Ideas with Family

Spring Break Destinations in the City

1. Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix is my hometown, so it’s always going to be a favorite destination. The spring months are the best time to visit because the weather is just about perfect. 

Families can explore at the Phoenix Zoo, take in a professional baseball game at one of the numerous spring training venues, hit the golf course, or hike through the desert at one of the many parks and trails.

Of course, there’s shopping and tons of delicious food too! These are some of our favorite things to do in Phoenix with kids if you want to plan a trip to the area. Believe me, they will love the weather and never be bored.

And if you want to take a road trip from Phoenix, don’t miss our AZ bucket list and things to do in Northern Arizona with teens!

2. Nashville, Tennessee

We love visiting Nashville with kids and can’t wait to visit again. Nashville’s landscape is constantly changing, and the kids loved visiting the gardens at Cheekwood Estate and the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

We also had fun taking photos of the murals around the city, especially the ones in the Gulch and 12 South neighborhoods. 

It wouldn’t be a visit to Nashville without a stroll down Lower Broadway, listening to the live music from the various restaurants and bars, a stop at the GooGoo Cluster store, or taking in a show at the Grand Ole Opry. 

Of course, there is plenty of shopping and delicious Southern food too, the hard part will be deciding where to begin!

3. New York City, New York

Not everyone thinks of New York for spring break, but they should! The city has a wealth of museums if it’s cold, plus plenty of outdoor adventures. 

Start by taking a tour of the city with either a hop-on hop-off bus tour or something unique like a helicopter ride over the Big Apple. We promise this is one experience they won’t soon forget!

Consider investing in a CityPASS which gives you a major discount at attractions like The Empire State Building, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, The Met, and more. 

Be sure to catch a Broadway show, wander through Central Park, and eat all the food (don’t miss these New York restaurants for families). There is plenty to do in New York with kids of all ages and don’t miss our favorite activities for teens in NYC.

4. Washington, DC

Washington D.C. stands out as a fabulous choice for a family spring break trip. The weather can be mild, there are endless attractions, and the cherry blossoms are in season. If you plan a trip during this time frame, be sure to book early since the cherry blossoms are a huge attraction.

Beyond the city’s natural beauty, Washington D.C. offers a wealth of attractions that are both fun and educational for families. Spend some time exploring the National Mall which has iconic landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol offering lessons in American history and government.

The Smithsonian Institution adds another layer of exploration, with free access to 17 museums and the National Zoo. The hard part will be knowing which ones to choose.

Family-Friendly Spring Break Ideas at the Beach

5. San Diego, California

We lived in San Diego for seven years and every time I tell someone this tidbit of information, I’m asked, “Why did you move?”

Well, that’s a good question, and I can tell you we didn’t move to Chicago for the weather. We miss so many things about “America’s Finest City”. There’s the sunshine, 70 miles of beautiful beaches, hiking, a world-famous zoo, and fabulous year-round weather, I could go on and on. 

There are many choices for families visiting San Diego. Take a short drive over the bridge to Coronado Island, stroll through Balboa Park and visit its museums, head to Legoland, or go hiking at Torrey Pines State Beach. If your kids like adventure, San Diego offers some of the best spots to SUP in California.

Some of our other favorites include: Sea World, taking surfing lessons for the day, exploring the USS Midway aircraft carrier, or visiting the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in North County. 

Fun shopping and dining areas include La Jolla, the Gaslamp Quarter, and Little Italy. When you’re done walking everywhere take a boat cruise in the bay, maybe you’ll be lucky enough to see some migrating whales or dolphins. Trust me, a visit to Southern California in spring will surely entertain the entire family.

6. Orange Beach, Alabama

When everyone else is heading to Florida, why not head to Alabama? Orange Beach is a prime destination for a family spring break trip, thanks to its mild and pleasant weather in March and April. The area’s white-sand beaches and clear, turquoise waters provide a perfect backdrop for a beach vacation.

The city has numerous family-friendly attractions to entertain all ages, including The Wharf, Adventure Island, Fort Morgan, and the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.

Families can also enjoy outdoor activities like dolphin cruises, fishing charters, and hiking the nature trails at Gulf State Park. Compared to more popular spring break destinations, this is a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

7. Los Cabos, Mexico

One of the things that makes Los Cabos a top spring break destination is the fact it’s always warm and sunny (well, it has over 300 days of sunshine a year, so the odds are good).

Weather in the winter can be chilly, but springtime might be the best time to visit Cabo San Lucas. Our family enjoyed snorkeling, a sunset cruise to the Cabo Arch, exploring the art community of San José, and taking surfing lessons. 

There are also camel rides, cooking classes, ATV off-roading, and whale watching for those looking for entertainment outside of the resorts.

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive resort in Mexico, Los Cabos regularly has new hotels opening and each one is better than the last. The variety of activities and resorts make a Cabo spring break the perfect choice for families.

8. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of our all-time favorite destinations. The warm weather is always perfect for exploring its volcanoes, taking a surfing lesson, whitewater rafting, and visiting the rainforests and cloud forests. 

There are many different options for a Costa Rica family vacation from guided tours to planning it on your own. We have several ideas for how to plan the perfect trip.

In Costa Rica, the weather is near perfect year-round, and the beaches, mountains, and endless outdoor activities make it the quintessential destination for adventure-loving families.

If you’re heading there, don’t miss our favorite all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica that families are sure to love!

9. Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is an easy destination for Americans as it is a US territory and you don’t need a passport to visit. March and April are the perfect time to visit because the spring weather is more manageable than what you’ll find in the summer.

Spend time exploring Old San Juan, the white-sand beaches at Luquillo Beach, or zip lining through the forest. Plan a tour to take a day trip to El Yunque rainforest and a night trip to explore the bioluminescent bay.

There are plenty of things to do in Puerto Rico with kids and we are sure you will have a great time!

Spring Break Vacation Ideas in Europe

10. Rome, Italy

It’s hard to know where to begin when telling people what I love the most about Rome. There is so much to explore with your kids.

They can learn about the history of the world, eat fantastic food, meet locals, and learn about the traditions of another culture. What more could you want from a destination?

We visited Rome on Easter break and while it was amazing, it was crazy busy. Italians take Easter seriously, and Rome is THE place to be for Easter Mass.

If your spring break doesn’t fall over the Easter holiday, then check out the city because you can see the Colosseum, the Vatican, and the Sistine Chapel, and eat all the gelato and pasta you want. Doesn’t that sound like a fabulous spring vacation in Europe?

11. Croatia

If you’re looking for a vacation with fabulous weather, I highly recommend heading to Croatia. Not only does it have some of the best beaches, but there are also marvelously preserved historic cities like Dubrovnik and Split, the stunning scenery of Plitvice Lakes National Park, and the northwestern region of Istria on the Adriatic. 

Families will love the charm of the cities, the local cuisine, the beaches, and the adventure activities (cave exploring, sport fishing, and kayaking to name a few). If you can travel to Croatia, you’re in for quite a treat.

12. Portugal

It can be difficult to travel to Europe on a spring break family vacation from the United States, but if you have the time, it’s worth it. Portugal is easy to access with direct flights from the US on TAP Airlines. It’s only 6.5 hours from the east coast.

Spend time exploring Lisbon and learning about its history. Don’t miss Sao Jorge Castle, the Jerónimos Monastery, and take a ride on the Santa Justa lift for amazing views of the city. Consider taking a scenic drive to Sintra, Alentejo, or Óbidos to see a different side of Portugal.

Best Places to Ski for Spring Break

13. Steamboat Springs, Colorado

As I said before, every year my husband wants to go skiing for spring break and every year I look at him like he is crazy. However, I do have friends who swear by Steamboat Springs, Colorado for their family spring break trips. 

Billed as Ski Town USA®, visitors will find skiing and snowboarding, as well as other winter sports such as snowshoeing, snow biking, and snow tubing. Those who don’t want to ski might enjoy a hot air balloon ride, snowmobile tours, or riding up the mountain in a gondola.

There’s also a downtown area filled with shopping and fabulous restaurants, to keep you busy when you’re not spending time at the slopes. If heading to the ski resorts sounds like the perfect spring break destination, Steamboat Springs might be the place for you.

14. National Parks for Spring Break

There are many National Parks that make for a great spring break destination. If you want to avoid the snow, consider heading to parks in the southern US, like White Sands, Death Valley, and Dry Tortugas off the Florida Keys. If you want a city/national park trip, consider starting in San Diego, taking a road trip to Joshua Tree, and ending up in Las Vegas.

We went to Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, and Zion National Park this past spring break, and two of the three destinations had snow while we were there. It was unexpected, but we didn’t let it ruin our spring break vacation. Here’s a sample Las Vegas to Zion road trip itinerary.

If it’s snow you’re chasing, consider Rocky Mountain National Park outside Estes Park, Colorado, or Yosemite National Park in California. Both offer stunning scenery, and easy hikes and are amazing for nature lovers. If you visit national parks with teens, you’re in for an unforgettable vacation!

Family-Friendly Spring Break Destination for Everyone

15. Orlando, Florida

If amusement parks are your thing, then you want to take the whole family to Orlando for spring break. Of course, there’s Walt Disney World, but there’s also Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Volcano Bay, SeaWorld, Aquatica, and LEGOland to keep the kids busy for hours on end. 

Our favorite parks are Epcot and Animal Kingdom, but we also enjoy taking a break from the parks and lounging by the hotel pool or exploring attractions in the nearby communities of Celebration and Kissimmee.

There may be crowds in Orlando when you go, but if you love theme parks, you won’t want to miss a chance to enjoy the Florida sunshine.

Looking for the perfect place to stay? Don’t miss these Orlando resorts for families!

Looking for spring break ideas for families? Other recommendations include Chattanooga, the Hawaiian Islands (Maui or the Big Island), Las Vegas, and Pigeon Forge.

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