The 10 Best Spring Break Destinations for Families
Spring break season is right around the corner, so it’s time to start planning your family vacation. But with so many destinations, it can take time to decide where to go.
To help you plan a memorable vacation, we’ve compiled a list of the best spring break destinations for families. From sunny beaches to theme parks and everything in between, there’s sure to be a perfect spot for your crew.
Please keep reading for our top 9 picks for family-friendly spring break destinations in and out of the country! So pack the bags for the entire family and get ready for fun in the sun (or snow)!
1. Outer Banks, South Carolina
Outer Banks, South Carolina, or OBX, is the perfect destination for families to spend their spring break vacation. From educational attractions to child-friendly spots, it offers many options for an enjoyable holiday.
Since it is far from the spring break party scene, Outer Banks is ideal for families looking for relaxing activities. Also, its spring weather is comfortable, averaging 65 degrees during the day and 50 degrees at night. So, visitors can enjoy the usual summer attractions without worrying about the heat.
But, those hoping to do outdoor activities at the beach can still find time to enjoy these, as there are relatively warm days during spring. With temperatures reaching 80 degrees in March and April, families can explore kite-surfing, skimboarding, ghost crabbing, beachcombing, and stargazing!
There are fun family events during spring in Outer Banks that will be memorable. Foodies can sample some of the finest seafood on the beach at the OBX Taste of the Beach event, held on the last weekend in March.
Children will also have fun in April since it’s the start of the Butterfly Festival at The Elizabethan Gardens, the Easter Eggstravaganza at Kitty Hawk Kites, and the Fly Into Spring Kite Festival at Jockey’s Ridge State Park.
OBX also offers plenty of engaging learning opportunities for families with young children. After all, it is the birthplace of aviation! Visit the lofty monument of the Wright Brothers Memorial in Kill Devil Hills to pay homage to this historic event.
Families can also enjoy visiting other historical sites and educational spots. Some of these are the Wash Woods Station and the British Cemeteries on Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands. Also, staying at the beautifully restored The Boat House is a great and immersive experience for small families.
Be sure to drop by Roanoke Island to visit the NC Aquarium to learn more about the local flora and fauna. Then, drop by the Roanoke Island Festival Park and the Graveyard of Atlantic Museum for extra family fun. Finally, cap the day watching The Lost Colony, the premiere and longest-running symphonic drama in the US.
2. Florida Keys, Florida
With plenty of child-friendly activities, it’s no wonder the Florida Keys has been a consistent option for spring breakers. Those looking forward to enjoying the sun’s warmth can head to one of the beautiful beaches in the Florida Keys.
Sombrero Beach is one of the best beaches for families in this area. Since it has plenty of sandy beaches, kids can build sandcastles and run around, while the entire family can go beach camping.
Water sports like kayaking, diving, and snorkeling are popular for families with older kids and teens. The Christ of Abyss at Key Largo, the Thunderbolt wreck site at Marathon Key, and the USS Wilkes-Barre in Key West will surely give everyone an unforgettable underwater adventure!
Those who cannot go diving can try snorkeling at Hens & Chicken Reef off Islamorada, where beautiful corals abound. Also, visiting the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first undersea park in the US, is another memorable family activity!
Other attractions worth checking out are the Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters, Coral Reef Park Co, and Dry Tortugas. These sites are perfect for kids who love looking at corals!
The Florida Keys also offers interactive experiences for people who love sea animals. Kids can swim with the dolphins at the Theatre of the Sea, Hawk’s Cays, and Dolphin Plus Bayside.
3. Maui, Hawaii
Maui is one of Hawaii’s most beautiful islands and a popular destination for families in the springtime. It offers a variety of activities for families to enjoy, like hiking, biking, and swimming.
Wailea Beach is one of the best beaches in Maui, and for a good reason! The sand here feels like powder, which is excellent for toddlers and little kids who want to play in the sand. Also, adults can enjoy the various nearby, where tropical fish abound near the shore.
Aside from several great beaches where people can relax and soak up the sun, Maui offers plenty of family-friendly activities. These include zip-lining, boat trips, submarine rides, and whale-watching excursions.
Families with younger kids who love sea creatures will enjoy the Maui Ocean Center aquarium exhibits. Some crowd favorites include the tide pools, shark tanks, and the interactive Sea Jellies exhibit.
For those looking for hiking activities, Haleakala National Park is home to kid-friendly trails. In addition, families can enjoy the majestic Mount Haleakala by having a picnic at the park and taking a sunset tour for the best views.
History and culture buffs also have plenty of options in Maui! At Lahaina Town, visitors can tour this former Hawaiian capital to learn more about its history. While there, enjoy the dozens of family-friendly restaurants, live music, and shopping experiences.
4. San Diego, California
San Diego is another great destination for families enjoying fun in the sun this spring. The city offers several beaches and attractions, such as the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld.
The San Diego Zoo is a top attraction for visiting families. Also, the spring season makes it comfortable enough to enjoy its over 4,000 animals on display. From pandas and elephants to lions and tigers, creatures worldwide can be viewed here.
Young kids will also enjoy visiting SeaWorld due to the rides and shoes like Pets Ahoy and Shamu Rocks. But older kids and adults will still enjoy this place! SeaWorld offers thrilling rides, like Manta and Journey to Atlantis. There are also dolphins and whales here, which everyone will find memorable.
This city is also home to many museums and galleries, perfect for rainy days. The Fleet Science Center, The New Children’s Museum, and San Diego Natural History Museum all have child-friendly exhibits worth visiting.
LEGOLAND California also offers tons of indoor fun for all ages, with rides kids will enjoy. It also has awe-inspiring LEGO models, a waterpark, and a Playroom where kids can build stuff.
For days with fine weather, the 1,200-acre Balboa Park is a must-visit destination for families. It has 17 museums, lovely gardens, and plenty of shopping and dining options, which everyone will enjoy!
5. Tampa, Florida
Located in the southwestern part of Florida, Tampa offers many leisure activities for families. Its offerings will spark excitement amongst kids and parents alike!
Tampa has theme parks, like the Busch Gardens and ZooTampa, which offer shared family fun! Busch Gardens has thrilling world-class roller coasters, which older family members will enjoy.
In contrast, younger kids can enjoy attractions like the Sesame Street Safari of Fun. It also has animal encounters and kid-friendly rides and shows.
ZooTampa has over 1,300 animals in its facilities. Usually considered the top family-friendly zoo in the US, it’s famous for having one of the best tropical zoological settings in the world.
Other highlights for a spring family getaway in Tampa include the Museum of Science & Industry, the Florida Aquarium, Glazer Children’s Museum, and Adventure Island.
Additionally, families can enjoy outdoor recreation at some of Tampa’s many parks or relax on one of its stunning beaches. With plenty to see, do, and explore for kids and adults alike, there’s no better time than spring break to bring the family to Tampa!
6. Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu is considered by many families a top option for a spring break destination. With its sunny beaches and walking trails, Honolulu offers plenty of activities for kids of all ages.
Waikiki Beach is stunning, with its turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and a majestic Diamond Head backdrop. So it’s not surprising that it is one of the most famous beaches in the world! It’s also the home of modern surfing, so it’s the perfect place to learn the sport!
Aside from the usual beach activities, kids can learn about history and culture while on vacation in the beautiful Hawaiian city. Taking the kids to visit the USS Arizona Memorial can help them learn about the Pearl Harbor attack and honor the lives lost.
Families should also take advantage of Honolulu’s numerous children’s museums. With interactive exhibits and special events for kids of all ages, the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Waikiki Aquarium, and the Bishop Museum can give young travelers memories that will last a lifetime.
7. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, is always preferred by many when planning a spring family vacation. As a kid-friendly city, Charleston has many attractions for families to enjoy during spring.
For kids and adults alike, there’s the South Carolina Aquarium and Fort Sumter National Monument to explore together. Children also enjoy camping and exploring nature at Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site or Angel Oak Tree Park.
From sightseeing tours to beach outings, Charleston has endless family-friendly activities. These include taking boat tours and visiting the South Carolina Aquarium. Also, seeing the Charleston Museum is some of the most memorable experiences children will enjoy!
Those who love shopping should take the chance to explore King Street and Charleston City Market. Meanwhile, food lovers can enjoy fresh seafood and hearty Southern cuisine.
Enjoy the spring weather by strolling along the beach or taking a carriage ride around the historic neighborhoods. Then, cap the day with some quality family time by stargazing at Shepherd’s Beach.
Springtime in Charleston is magical, blending history, culture, and outdoor splendor. Families will create lasting memories in this vibrant Southern city that caters perfectly to everyone!
8. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah usually has warm and sunny weather during spring break. This makes it the perfect place for kid-friendly attractions! From exploring lush parks such as Forsyth Park to embarking on ghost tours or riverboat cruises, kids can enjoy diverse activities throughout the city.
The Savannah Zoo is a popular spot for kids to discover animals like lions, tigers, and bears. It also has plenty of wide spaces where kids can run around and explore. Since the zoo has a park-like setting, families enjoy picnic lunches while taking a break from sightseeing activities.
Families who want to enjoy coastal activities can visit the Tybee Island Lighthouse. This particular destination is famous for its splendid ocean and coastline views.
Scheduled tours are available in the lighthouse, so it’s an excellent option for an educational excursion. Moreover, there are shops and dining options here, so families can enjoy an evening out to immerse themselves in the local scene.
The historic downtown district also serves as an educational backdrop. It’s known for its stunning architecture and monuments celebrating the rich history of Savannah. In addition, families can enjoy a carriage ride to appreciate the fantastic scenery.
Steeped in Southern charm and coastal beauty, Savannah is the perfect spring break for families searching for a laidback vacation spot.
9. Las Vegas, Nevada
Spring break is an excellent opportunity for kids and parents to travel together and explore, and Las Vegas is an ideal destination for this!
Las Vegas is a unique and entertaining spring vacation option for families. Although it’s a popular gambling destination, it offers many child-friendly activities. From thrilling rides at the AdventureDome theme park to the exciting high dives at Wet ‘N’ Wild waterpark, kids will never be bored in Las Vegas!
A family outing to the world-famous Las Vegas Strip is also a good idea. It provides plenty of sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment opportunities. For instance, attractions like the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens at Bellagio and The Grand Canal Shoppes have unique art installations and special events that the entire family will enjoy.
Also, visiting long-time favorites like Circus Circus is a nostalgic experience. Parents can bond with their kids by playing mini golf, big arcade games, and carnival rides.
Exploring Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a top option for people looking for outdoor activities. It is a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery and fresh air during spring in Las Vegas.
With so many family-friendly attractions, it’s no wonder Las Vegas is a top choice for spring break travelers year after year.
10. New York City
No matter what season, New York City is always a good idea. NYC is an excellent spot for families looking to get away and take advantage of the kids’ spring break.
The Big Apple offers many kid-friendly activities, so narrowing down the best destinations in NYC for children is difficult. But the Central Park Zoo, Roosevelt Island Tramway, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and The Natural History Museum are some top options to visit.
Learning opportunities are plenty in NYC, even during spring break. Parents and children can bond while learning at the National Museum of Mathematics, the NY Hall of Science, and the Tenement Museum.
Families will also have fun exploring neighborhoods and museums through scavenger hunts. Watson Adventures holds these fun activities for people of all ages!
Those with older kids will enjoy walking food tours. Everyone can learn about the areas and their histories while sampling food from top bakeries and restaurants.
Visiting iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge should not be missed as well!
Spring is a beautiful time in New York as the flowers are starting to bloom. Although it still snows sometimes, it’s getting generally warmer and sunnier. This temperature makes spring an ideal time to explore NYC with kids.
But springtime in NYC can get pretty expensive. So for families on a budget, there are many free or low-cost museums, exhibits, festivals, and events in March and April.
New York City always has something to offer each family member! So, do not stick to Times Square and midtown. Instead, see as much as possible to maximize this NYC family getaway!
How to Determine the Perfect Spring Break Destination for Your Family
To determine the ideal destination for your spring family getaway, here are some things to consider:
- List ideas of destinations in or near your state.
- Think of the places you have visited before and note them down. Doing this lets you revisit the best ones and craft a plan to have new experiences.
- If your children are old enough to weigh in, sit down as a family to discuss spring break ideas, so everyone can enjoy the trip.
- Ask family and friends for ideas on their previous spring vacations.
5 Tips for a Convenient Spring Break Vacation with the Family
Here are some things to consider before embarking on your family vacation this spring break:
Plan ahead.
Planning well ahead of the trip lets you set things in place. Having everything written or typed will also allow you to adjust your plans and make early reservations.
Determine your budget.
Traveling with kids can get expensive! Setting a budget will allow you to have a memorable vacation without worrying about overspending.
Plan activities together.
Planning activities with your kids will ensure everyone has a good time. Gather everyone for a meeting and ask them about their preferences to determine which activities they will enjoy.
Book a professional car service with car seats.
Booking a car service with pre-installed car seats, like Kidmoto, will give you travel convenience. This way, you can ditch the car seats at home, head on to your trip with less on your hands, and not worry about child safety on the road.
Pack efficiently.
Packing can get complicated, especially if you’re flying with a baby or several children. To efficiently pack your things, list everything you need for your trip. You can then estimate the stuff you need to choose the ideal suitcase for your family. Fold and roll items for maximum space and use packing cubes to organize things well. Remember to pack your medicines!
Book Kidmoto Now!
Book a Kidmoto ride to ensure travel convenience on your spring break trip! When flying with a baby or several kids, it’s best to ditch the bulky car seats for an easier time.
You need not worry about lugging a car seat around the busy airport or where to park. Instead, book a Kidmoto ride to ensure safety on the road, with its top-notch car seats installed by professional drivers.
Download the app now to quickly book a car service with car seats so you can focus on making new memories with your family on your spring break vacation!
