Best Spring Break Destinations and Vacation Spots for Families – Forbes Advisor

Sandy beaches, snowy mountains and vibrant cities all make for unforgettable spring break trips, but which is best for families? To find out which spots are worth the trip, we asked experts to share their favorite spring break destinations for families.

Top Family-Friendly Spring Break Spots To Explore

Spring break is the perfect opportunity for families to reconnect, visit new places and create lasting memories. Whether you’re dreaming of sandy beaches, snowy mountains, bustling cities or cultural adventures, the options are nearly endless. Yet, choosing the right vacation spot is anything but easy. Here are our expert-recommended spring break destinations for families:

• Florida
• San Diego, California
• Steamboat, Snowmass, Winter Park and Copper Mountain in Colorado
• Utah
• Hawaii
• Costa Rica
• Mexico
• National parks

How To Choose the Right Spring Break Destination for Your Family

The best spring break destination strikes a balance between fun and relaxation. “I love destinations that balance fun for kids with a little relaxation for parents. Vacations that mix relaxation and adventure work best,” says Wendy Altmetz, assistant director of marketing at Town and Country Resort, a family-friendly resort in San Diego. Resorts with waterslides and kid-friendly activities allow parents to unwind while children stay entertained.

Cruises are another popular choice since they bundle meals, lodging and activities. “Many families like cruises because you know what you are paying up front, [and] there are activities for all ages,” says Matthew Yemma, writer at Taking the Kids, a column that discusses traveling with kids. Cruises also work well for busy families, as there is not as much planning involved.

Still, no one destination fits every family. “First, traveling with kids won’t be that perfect Instagram moment. It is like raising kids—messy, expensive, aggravating at times and wonderful at times. Also, there is no one perfect vacation for every family,” Yemma says. He recalls mismatched trips, like kids wishing for a Maui resort while their dad planned an eco-adventure in Costa Rica, or family tensions surfacing during a hiking trip in Italy. “Ultimately, the right choice depends on your family’s travel style, budget and comfort level, with the goal of finding a trip that keeps everyone engaged, safe and excited for the adventure ahead,” he says.

Beach vs. City: What Type of Vacation Is Best for Kids?

Beach vacations are a good go-to for families with younger children because you don’t need to do much planning besides getting there. Swimming, sand and endless sunshine provide hours of fun at a slower pace that is good for younger kids. There is no need to rush out the door, and if you stay at a resort or on the beach, you can easily make it back for naptime. Resorts also usually have kid-friendly amenities like pools, playgrounds and onsite dining so you can take a break from the sand without having to go too far.

City vacations (which can be done with younger kids) are great for families with older children who need a bit more entertainment. Your family can do something different every day, like go to a zoo, visit a museum, attend a sporting event or just walk around town to see what you can find. The faster pace keeps older kids engaged but might be a bit much for little ones who need that dedicated downtime.

Read more: Best Family Vacation Spots

Warm Weather Destinations Perfect for Spring Break

For families who live in northern regions, spring break calls for a warm location to get away from the cold. Places like California, Hawaii and Florida are classic destinations for families.

San Diego

For families who live in northern states that see cold winters, spring break might mean sunshine and sand. “San Diego is perfect because families can enjoy the beach, the Zoo, Legoland and SeaWorld without the crowds you find in some spring break party spots,” says Altmetz. Beyond the coast, the city offers a wide range of activities that keep both kids and parents entertained, like Balboa Park, nature reserves and museums.

Hawaii

For an even more tropical experience, Altmetz says Hawaii is hard to beat. The Big Island’s beaches are paradise personified by their warm waters, sandy beaches and plenty of space to relax. Families can snorkel, visit lava fields or simply spend the day soaking in the sun. What makes Hawaii especially memorable is the cultural experience. Your family can attend a traditional luau, learn about Hawaiian traditions or explore local cuisine to add depth to the trip.

Florida

Florida is a classic spring break destination for families. Larger cities like Orlando, Miami and Tampa have plenty of attractions to keep younger kids busy, and smaller beach towns like Sanibel Island and Key West are perfect for relaxing by the water.

Budget-Friendly Spring Break Vacations

Road trips and national parks make for budget-friendly vacations. Driving is a cheap alternative to flying and can still lead to unforgettable memories.

National parks charge between $20 and $35 for a week of exploration, so your only other expenses are travel, food and lodging. To save money, you can camp or stay in an RV. In the spring, southern state parks like the Everglades and Joshua Tree will have good weather for hiking and exploring. If you don’t mind a bit of snow and chillier temperatures, Yellowstone and Olympic National Parks can be just as fun.

Outdoor Adventure Spots for Active Families

For families who love the mountains, Colorado and Utah have some of the best outdoor spring break adventures. They have excellent ski schools, accessible lodging and runs for every ability level. “In Colorado, resorts like Steamboat, Snowmass, Winter Park and Copper Mountain stand out for the way they balance adventure and convenience: parents and kids can each find their own fun during the day, then come together at night to share it,” says Jonah Drescher, veteran freestyle ski coach, former U.S. Ski Team athlete and 30+ year Christy Sports mountain expert.

Water lovers can also find adventure beyond the snow. “For adventurous families, consider a white-water raft trip—like we did through the Grand Canyon,” says Yemma. “You are camping and must work together to load and unload the rafts, but the staff does most of the heavy lifting, and there is no better way to get away from electronics!” While Yemma shares that a Grand Canyon rafting trip is best suited for teens, plenty of other rivers across the U.S. offer family-friendly rafting options that are safe for kids as young as five or six.

Read more: Best Hiking Trails in the US

Educational and Cultural Travel Ideas for Spring Break

You can make any trip an educational and cultural experience if you do your research, and you don’t even need to go far to get that cultural experience. You can travel internationally to visit the local markets of Mexico, take a cooking class in Italy or explore the Paris Catacombs in France. Yet, you can get equally great experiences right in the U.S., like experiencing Cajun culture in Louisiana or visiting Native American heritage sites in the Southwest.

Museums and cultural landmarks make for excellent family-friendly vacation spots. Cities like Washington, D.C., New York and Chicago have world-class museums with interactive exhibits designed for children, from the Smithsonian Museum to the American Museum of Natural History. Historical destinations are another way to combine education with adventure. Boston’s Freedom Trail, Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell or Colonial Williamsburg immerse families in America’s past in a way textbooks simply can’t.

U.S. vs. International Spring Break Trips With Kids

For many families, the decision to stay in the U.S. or go abroad comes down to priorities. If your goal is relaxation, ease and less travel stress, staying stateside may be the best option. But if you are looking for adventure, an international trip could be worth the added effort.

Trips within the U.S. are usually more convenient and predictable. The shorter travel times mean less hassle with time zones and jet lag, something that can be difficult if traveling with younger children. Domestic travel also simplifies logistics around passports, language barriers and healthcare access.

International trips, on the other hand, expose kids to new cultures, languages and worldviews. You can take your family to explore ancient history in Rome, snorkel coral reefs in the Bahamas, or walk the Great Wall of China. While international travel can be more expensive and requires extra preparation, it also comes with deeper cultural immersion and unique experiences.

Planning Tips for a Smooth Spring Break Vacation

The best spring break trips strike a balance between structure and spontaneity. The key is finding the right balance between planned activities and downtime.

• Plan an adaptable itinerary. “Plan ahead, but leave room for flexibility. Kids often need downtime, so build in breaks instead of overscheduling,” says Altmetz.
• Choose family-friendly accommodations. Look for hotels and resorts with kid-focused amenities like pools or activity programs.
• Set a budget. Set your budget and stick to it. You might save some money by dining in, looking for free activities or choosing accommodations that are walkable to major attractions.
• Let everyone contribute to the itinerary. Yemma suggests having older kids plan a day of the trip: “Everyone will get what they want some of the time, but not all of the time. Make sure Mom and Dad get to do some of what they want to do, too!”
• Incorporate your kids’ passions. Whether it’s baseball, dinosaurs, theater or fashion, try to weave interests into the trip. Families can even split up: “In a museum, take the younger kids to the hands-on discovery area while the older kids explore elsewhere,” says Yemma.
• Encourage research before the trip. Kids can look up museum websites or tourism boards for special activities to help plan activities they find interesting.
• Plan meals wisely. Ask locals for family-friendly dining spots and stick to happy hour pricing if you want to save some money.

What To Pack for a Family Spring Break Trip

Your packing list ultimately depends on where you’re headed, but many items are necessary regardless of your destination. If you are traveling to a warmer climate, you’ll need lightweight clothes and sun protection, but if your spring break destination is snowy, you should pack warm clothes and winter gear.

Regardless of your destination, these items should be on your packing list:

• Casual clothes
• Bedtime clothes
• Dress up clothing (if you plan to eat out)
• Toiletries
• Diapers, wipes and baby items
• Medications and first aid kit
• Travel documents (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
• Entertainment (coloring books, tablet, books, stickers, etc.)

Spring Break Travel Safety Tips for Families

Conversations about safety are important anytime you travel, and preparation can make your trip go much more smoothly. Researching your destination is the first step to planning the perfect trip and knowing the area you’re heading to.

• Research your destination ahead of time
• Practice key phrases in the local language, like “Where is [hotel name]?” and “Where is the bathroom?”
• Memorize the address of your hotel or rental
• Pick a rendezvous spot for all family members to meet should anyone get lost (especially if where you’re going doesn’t have great cell service)
• Make sure cellphones are charged before you leave
• Pack a first aid kit with the essentials
• Tell your friends and family where you’re going and how to contact you
• Let your bank know your travel plans (no one wants to get stuck without cash)
• Secure your home before you go (lock doors, set alarms, etc.)

Spring Break Destinations for Families Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)