Looking for some of the top spring break destinations families love? If you are scratching your head for some of the best spring break ideas for this year, you’ve come to the right place.

Spring break is the perfect time to take a break from your regular routine and do something different. And while spring break is associated with college coeds, it’s also the perfect time to take a family vacation to reconnect and even sneak in some learning.

From California to Hilton Head, South Carolina to Key West to the Bahamas, these are some family spring break destinations you don’t want to miss!

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The Best Family Spring Break Destinations

Our kids get a two-week spring break in March, so it’s an ideal time to travel with kids and explore new destinations. But for many school-kids in New England, often spring break is actually split up into February and April, rather than March.

No matter when you travel for “spring break,” either in March or even February or April, it’s a great time to go somewhere. There are many places to take a family vacation and another chance to see the world. We prefer to take advantage of this time as a family rather than having the kids sit at home over break.

The weather this time of year is great in many places across the country, and the world, making it a good time for outdoor activities depending on where you want to go. You can even enjoy spring break destinations outside the United States. And, while many people look for spring break destinations for families because they are ready for fun in the sun, don’t overlook non-beach spring breaks as well.

Often, this is a great time to hit the slopes, with both great conditions and good weather. Or, consider a road trip to a National Park like Yosemite National Park for alternate spring break family destinations. Another of my favorite spring break ideas for families is a city break. Places like London, Boston, Seattle, or Paris are great spring break destinations for families.

There are so many options, you can’t go wrong. Here are some of my top recommendations for great spring break destinations for families.

San Diego, California

We love taking a family spring break trip to San Diego because the weather is amazing. It’s amazing most times of the year but during the March/April time frame, it is particularly spectacular and one of my favorite spring break family destinations. Plus, there are so many fun things to do in San Diego with kids, such as:

• San Diego Zoo -A visit to the San Diego Zoo is a must, as you’ll learn about nature conservation and see hundreds of animals like Polar Bears, a Pygmy Hippo, and more.
• Old Town San Diego – Here, you can learn about the history of San Diego going back 9,000 years.
• Torrey Pines Natural Reserve – This reserve is home to the Pinus torreyana that only grows here and on Santa Rosa Island.

The history alone makes San Diego an amazing place to visit, but the many kid-friendly activities make it the perfect spring break destination.

Orlando, Florida

The city of Orlando, Florida, is one of the best family spring break destinations because the weather is amazing there this time of year. It’s starting to get warm but not too hot like Orlando summers can be.

Orlando is known for theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Sea World, and more. If you plan on hitting the theme parks with younger kids, check out this post on expert tips for visiting Disney World with a toddler.

But there are plenty of other fun things to do in Orlando with kids outside of the amusement park such as:

• A visit to the Sealife Orlando Aquarium
• Experiencing the Medieval Times Dinner Theater
• A visit to the Brevard County Zoo
• Tour the Orlando Science Center
• Spend the day in Ocala National Forest
• Universal Orlando

And so much more. My whole family loves Orlando, Florida, and we find something new to do all the time.

Oahu, Hawaii

Another one of the best spring break destinations is Oahu, Hawaii. Oahu is our favorite Hawaii spring break vacation, and we try to visit often.

Discover the Polynesian culture the island proudly showcases and enjoy things you can only do in Hawaii. Try fun evening luaus, experience the unique marine life, and sample local foods like shaved ice or Passion Orange Guava juice.

With so many awesome things to do in Oahu, you won’t get bored. Be sure to catch some of these attractions:

• Any of the gorgeous Oahu beaches
• Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay
• The USS Arizona Memorial Program
• The Polynesian Cultural Center

Also, the Island of Hawaii has some amazing things to do with your family, like Volcano National Park hikes for kids. And here are some of the best resorts for families in Oahu.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon should be on any family vacation bucket list, as the views of the natural scenery are stunning. There are also plenty of national parks and monuments to visit in the area like:

• Grand Canyon National Park
• Arches National Park (about four hours drive)
• Canyonlands National Park (about 4 hours drive)
• Monument Valley (about 2.5 hours drive)

And more. U.S. News labeled the Grand Canyon as the third-best spring break vacation for families because of the breathtaking scenery, kid-friendly atmosphere, and entertainment options.

I recommend you sign up for a rafting adventure if you have older kids.

Disneyland, California

Just as magical as Walt Disney World, Disneyland in California is a must-see attraction for Disney fans. Did you know that Disneyland is the original Disney theme park?

Families love the Disney experience as there is no vacation like it, so this is why it makes a great family spring break destination. The 60 rides with no height restrictions make it the best place to take young children and babies.

There are two parks here, Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure Park, with hotels right on the property for convenience.

If you have younger kids, this post on visiting Disney land with babies and toddlers has some great tips to make the most of this family getaway.

Bahamas

If you’re looking for one of the best traditional family spring break ideas, you’ll love visiting the Bahamas.

We like to take cruises there, but we have friends who love staying at the Bahamas’ Baha Mar Resort. You’ll find plenty of activities on the resort alone on this spring break getaway, like:

• Multiple pools
• Baha Bay Waterpark, the on-site waterpark
• The Baha Mar Explorers Kids Club
• The Sanctuary, Aviary, and Flamingos
• Cable Beach

Plus many more activities, but you can also immerse yourself in the local culture, and I recommend you do!

Plus, the amenities at this resort are amazing, and there are plenty of luxury touches that make it perfect if you’re looking for a luxurious place to stay.

Hilton Head, South Carolina

Hilton Head is another one of the most popular spring break destinations for families. Myrtle Beach is the hottest spring break vacation for college kids, so if you want some quality family time without as many college students. Hilton Head makes the perfect family spring break vacation.

If you’re looking for a chill vacation with peace and quiet, this is the destination to choose. But don’t worry, you won’t get bored as there are plenty of fun activities the whole family will love.

You’ll find many family-friendly resorts and hotels, and if you’re a member of the Disney Vacation Club, the Hilton Head location is one of my favorites.

Washington, DC

As our nation’s capital, Washington, DC, is named number six in the US new’s list of the best spring break destinations because of all the amazing museums and historical locations. To me, this is one of the must-visit places with kids, which is why it is on my list for one of the best spring break ideas for families. If you’ve never been there, you’re missing out!

Our favorite activities include:

• Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
• Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
• The Lincoln Memorial
• Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
• The National Zoo
• The Vietnam Veterans Memorial
• Martin Luther Kinds Jr. Memorial
• The White House

And there are many other monuments and memorials to see. The kids will love riding the metro to visit the famous sites and attractions that make DC one of the best spring break destinations for families.

Plus, if you time it right, you can see the stunning cherry blossoms and visit the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

And there are fun travel and multicultural things for students at home too.

Turks and Caicos

We love visiting Turks and Caicos, and one reason is Beaches Sesame Street, aka Beaches Resort. Other than Disney, it’s one of the best spring break ideas that indulge families of all ages including pools, an on-site water park, and it’s an all-inclusive resort. This is why it is one of my top spring break ideas for families.

Turks and Caicos make this list of the best spring break destinations for families for its gorgeous scenery and family-friendly things to do. The turquoise blue water laps against the white sandy beaches that make this location so unique.

Just a few of the activities include:

• Secluded beautiful beaches
• Charter boat tours
• Snorkeling
• E-foil surfing
• Parasailing
• Scuba diving
• Kayaking
• Hobie cat sailing
• Sea scooters
• Flyboarding
• Subwinging

If you decide to stay in a home rental or Air BnB or VRBO in Turks and Caicos, the island’s downtown area does have a local grocery store. You can stay on the island in one of the condos but there are many hotels and resorts, which how we prefer to visit Turks and Caicos Islands.

Maui, Hawaii

Maui is another one of our favorite spring break destinations for families because despite being a prime location for honeymooners, there are also a lot of things to do in Maui with kids. It is also full of family-friendly hotels on the island, though our favorite place to stay is the Marriott Ocean Club in Kaanapaali.

While the spirit of Aloha and Hawaiian culture are present on all the Hawaiian Islands, it’s especially present here. The saying, “Maui Nō Ka ʻOi,” (Maui is the best) really is true.

Some family-friendly activities include:

• Snorkeling at Kapalua Bay Beach
• Relaxing on the beautiful beaches
• A snorkel trip to Molokini Crater
• Horseback riding in the West Maui Mountains
• Epic golf courses
• A visit to the Honolulu Cookie Company

And so much more.

Seattle, Washington

Many people don’t think of Seattle, Washington, when they’re trying to decide on the best spring break destinations, but this is one of the reasons you should go there. This Pacific Northwest city is located right on the Washington coast for some gorgeous views and fun Seattle activities for families on a spring break trip.

While it’s known for rainy spring weather and moderate temperatures, it’s also known for its great outdoor adventures, art, food, and culture. Our family lived in Seattle for a few months so it’s why it made my list as one of the top spring break ideas for families.

No spring break trip to Seattle would be complete without these activities:

• A visit to Pike Place Market (where they throw the fish!)
• The Underground Tour of Seattle
• Hike up the Space Needle
• A visit to the Woodland Park Zoo
• A trip to the Seattle Aquarium
• A visit to the Seattle Children’s Museum

Just to name a few activities! Do check out one of the fun, family friendly hotels in the city, as there are quite a few.

The Florida Keys

The Florida Keys aren’t just great spring break destinations; they are the perfect place to visit all year long. These quirky islands have many fun things to do for active families in close walking distance, along with great beaches.

You could also couple a trip to the Florida Keys with a few days in Miami. We did this a couple of years ago and took day trips down to some of the northern Florida Keys islands.

Young kids will love a visit to the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary or a trip to the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, where children can visit sea turtles in rehabilitation.

Key West and the other islands are great places to watch local fishermen, grab a cocktail, and relax on the beach in the warm weather. And the Key West Trolley tour is a favorite for many families.

A Disney Cruise

If the whole family loves Disney, then a Disney Cruise is one of the best spring break family destinations. It’s a destination the whole family can enjoy! We’ve loved every cruise we’ve ever been on because they provide a premium family vacation different from a trip to Walt Disney World.

No other cruise is more family-oriented, and there are MANY cruise destinations and five dreamy cruise ships. The staterooms are comfortable, and there are many great amenities that make a cruise one of the most convenient spring break ideas.

With multiple swimming pools, Disney activities, character meet and greets, and fun shore excursions, a Disney cruise is one of the most awesome spring break vacations. You can learn more about cruise destinations here.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Wyoming is home to many stunning destinations, and Yellowstone National Park is just one of the of the most beautiful places the entire family can enjoy. The park is overrun with tourists during the summer, so it makes the perfect spring break destination for families.

If you visit Yellowstone National Park in spring, you can visit Mammoth Springs and Lamar Valley mostly. Some roads are closed, so be sure to plan your trip in late spring if you go in this direction. But spring is when you may get the chance to see more bears on your trip to the animal rich areas of Lamar Valley.

Yellowstone was the first national park in the world, and soon, many national parks in America followed. A trip to Yellowstone is one of those spring break family destinations geared toward outdoor adventures.

It’s perfect for animal and bird watching, with tons of activities for family fun. Kids love to join the junior ranger program. Visit famous geysers like Old Faithful and camp in the great outdoors if camping is one of your family’s interests. If not, there are plenty of family-friendly hotels.

London, England

One of my favorite cities and a great place for spring break for families is jolly old London, England. Spring is a great time of year for London and while it is a bit cool still, you can easily get around the city and see so much of what is has to offer. An extremely family-friendly city, there are so many things to do with kids in London. These include:

• Tower of London
• Hampton Court Palace
• Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio Tours
• London Transport Museum
• Globe Theatre
• West End, Picadilly Circus, Covent Garden

There are so many things to do in London with kids, and you can easily make it a great spring break trip. Having lived in London, I can verify spring is one of my favorite times to visit for families.

Other Spring Break Ideas For Families

Here are some other family spring break ideas you may want to check out:

• Vero Beach, Florida
• Anna Maria Island, Florida
• Costa Rica
• Spring Skiing in Colorado or Park City, Utah
• Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
• Yosemite National Park – Yosemite Valley, California
• Panama City Beach, Florida
• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
• Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
• Joshua Tree National Park
• United States Virgin Islands
• Paris, France
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Chicago, Illinois
• Jekyll Island, Georgia
• Great Smokey Mountains National Park, Tennessee
• Graceland – Memphis, Tennessee
• Memphis, Tennessee
• Miami, Florida

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do most kids go for spring break?

If you are looking for where most college kids go for spring break, those may be more tropical and beach destinations. Places like Mexico, Florida, and Puerto Rico might be busy with young adults.

But for families, this varies significantly though Walt Disney World Resort and Orlando would likely be the most popular destinations in the United States. This is often when you may see school bands, cheer and dance competitions, sports competitions, and families on spring break, so it will be busy. But, even when it is busy, there are still many opportunities to have a really fun time in these destinations.

What is the cheapest place to go on spring break?

Some of the top places that are listed as “cheapest place” to go on spring break include Key West, Panama City Beach, Outer Banks, New Orleans, and San Diego. For cities, Pittsburgh would top the list of one of the less expensive places to visit if you are looking for a city break. Though the weather is variable that time of year and it may not be the best time to visit. However, there are many indoor activities you can plan to visit many of like the natural history museum and children’s museum there.

Which trip is best for family?

This depends on what you are looking for. But any of these destinations are full of great options to make a wonderful trip for families.

Where is best for spring break in America

There are many places on this list that make some of the best spring break ideas in America. But I would also add:

• Moab, Utah to visit Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park
• St. Augustine, Florida
• St. Pete Beach and St. Petersburg, Florida
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Charleston, South Carolina
• Savannah, Georgia
• Vail, Colorado and Steamboat, Springs, Colorado
• New Orleans, Louisiana

Final Thoughts on the Best Spring Break Destinations With Family

The key to choosing the right spring break destination the entire family will enjoy is to pick a good location with family-friendly attractions. You also want to choose a location with amazing scenery, good food, and family-friendly hotels and resorts.

The spring break destinations families love aren’t always warm. Sometimes families love city breaks, Europe trips, or even ski vacations!

We try to choose at least one new place to visit each year, and often spring break is the perfect time to do this. Now you have a variety of spring break ideas to choose from with this list of spring break destinations families love.

Whether it’s visiting Washington, DC to view the cherry blossoms, taking a Disney Cruise, or another great spring getaway on this list, you’ll have an amazing spring break family trip. Happy traveling!

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