30 spring break ideas for families around the U.S. in 2024
Searching for the best place to take your family during the spring break holiday? Good news: Some of the best spring break ideas for families may be closer than you think. From coast to coast, we’ve found the best family spring break destinations in 2024 — plus, we share a list of the top packing tips perfect for busy families on the go. If you find yourself on one of the best spring break family vacations and end up falling in love with the location, there’s always the option of Before you book your next trip, check out these top family spring break destinations. 1. Oahu, Hawai’i When Head to 2. Palm Springs, California Palm Springs is full of Palm Springs has an
3. Anaheim, California Disneyland has more than enough entertainment to keep your family busy for the week, so you’ll never be short of spring break ideas. The Branch out from Disney and catch a Ducks hockey game or swing by Angel Stadium for some baseball. For a more affordable alternative to Disneyland, head to 4. San Diego, California San Diego has one of the most temperate climates you can find and some of the 5. San Luis Obispo, California Situated between Los Angeles and San Francisco, this coastal city is full of spring break family vacation ideas. Head to Morro Bay for bird watching and kayaking around oyster farms. Stop by Mitchell Park for an afternoon picnic. Spend your day at the beach or rent a surfboard to test your skills on the waves. The 6. Napa Valley, California We know what you’re thinking: Napa Valley is typically known for its Although you can still relax with your family in the lush vineyards, there are plenty of 7. Yosemite, California Yosemite is another destination that makes this list of spring break vacation ideas, in part due to how the seasonal weather improves the experience. With mountain snow melting, Yosemite’s waterfalls are in top form. The park also doesn’t see peak crowds until summer, so you’ll have more seclusion to get the perfect pictures. Yosemite has bike rentals and miles of paved paths for touring the area. Experienced climbers can take their shots at renowned routes on 8. Park City, Utah 9. Virginia City, Nevada Best for Old West history Virginia City is a preserved slice of the Old West. It began as a mining town in the 19th century and now is a thriving destination for spring break. The original mines are still open to the public, with tours lasting roughly 30 minutes. Multiple museums offer an added taste of what life was like back then. The 10. Grand Canyon, Arizona Being one of the If you plan on hiking, daytime temperatures hover around 60 degrees — much more tolerable than the summer heat. If hiking isn’t of interest, helicopter tours can take you to the bottom of the canyon. Kids also have the option to participate in the Junior Ranger program. 11. Lake Powell, Arizona If you want to be on the water but prefer to avoid the raucous crowds of Lake Havasu, Lake Powell is a great alternative spring break destination for families. When it comes to renting an Nearby attractions include 12. Aspen, Colorado Theme parks and oceans aren’t always the priority for spring breaks. Some families want to stretch out winter for as long as possible, getting in a few more runs at one of the In addition to skiing, the Rocky Mountains have trails accessible for all skill levels, with learning programs that cater to children. You can hop on a dog sled for a rustic tour of the backcountry or swap your skis for ice skates at the free 13. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin Families from around the world travel to the Dells to experience the greatest concentration of water parks they could ever hope to find. Weather in Wisconsin is notably unpredictable during spring breaks, but don’t worry about your plans being left to chance — the area has plenty of indoor fun, too. If the sun refuses to come out, you can head to indoor water parks like the 14. Virginia Beach, Virginia Voted one of the If your family values farm-to-table food, you’ll want to check out Virginia Beach. The city is the largest producer of strawberries in the state and, beginning in April, offers the opportunity to 15. Jamestown, Virginia Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in the New World, and residents continue to preserve its important role in American history. Visitors can experience live reenactments of life in the 1600s, with accurate re-creations of forts, ships and villages. Your visit to Jamestown doesn’t have to be all educational. The James River is great for kayaking on your own or with a guided tour. 16. Lake Placid, New York Lake Placid is well known for being a great summer destination for families, but this Melting snow adds to the rushing rivers, providing a thrilling experience for adventurous travelers who want to try whitewater rafting. While the weather is warming up at this time of year, Whiteface Mountain is still operating, allowing your family to ski the slopes that hosted the 1980 Winter Olympics. 17. Boston, Massachusetts Families that prefer urban beats should set their sights on Boston. The city is brimming with history, and there’s no better way to experience it than by walking the Boston is also home to the USS Constitution, the country’s oldest warship still afloat. 18. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania City sights might be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Pittsburgh, but a healthy mix of greenery — indoors and outside — makes it a great choice for family spring break. From mid-March to early April, the Take advantage of the mild weather with bike rides along the river or through the woods on hundreds of miles of trails. Or you can take the family on a multi-day ride on the 19. Washington, D.C. The nation’s capital is one of the best spring break destinations for families. It offers plenty of entertainment year-round, but seeing springtime cherry blossoms makes it extra special. From late March to mid-April, the Parents can take their kids to a parade, watch fireworks and sprinkle in visits to national monuments and museums. The kids will be having so much fun they might not even realize they’re learning at the same time. The area also makes an exciting place for a quick 20. Beech Mountain, North Carolina Beat the summer crowds to Beech Mountain and take your pick of its many springtime activities. The town, tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains near the Tennessee border, has a number of affordable resorts with late-season skiing, snowboarding and tubing. As winter recedes, nearby Buckeye Lake is a hotspot for fishing and canoeing. The area is also becoming well-known for its 21. North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina If you’re coming up short brainstorming spring break ideas for families, why not fall back on a trusted favorite? North Myrtle Beach has activities for all ages and a perfect climate for fun under the sun. It has a slightly more laid-back feel than Myrtle Beach and has smaller crowds as a result, making it a great place to consider North Myrtle Beach is in a convenient position for visitors to benefit from everything the area offers. Families can fish from the Cherry Grove Pier, kayak in the ocean or enjoy a swashbuckling dinner and a show at 22. Charleston, South Carolina Charleston is home to several unique From pirate tours to tea gardens and museums to aquariums, this historic city lets children of all ages have a blast stepping into the past. 23. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Hilton Head Island is brimming with The weather is warm come springtime, so public beaches are a big attraction, as are tours to see the island’s alligators and dolphins. If your family can see this becoming a recurring trip, consider 24. Nashville, Tennessee Going to Nashville on spring break with kids is a great way to mix your interests with theirs. Take the family to the Animal lovers will feel right at home at the 25. Savannah, Georgia There’s no better time to visit Savannah than in the spring, beating the summer heat and enjoying all the outdoor attractions. No wonder it’s one of the Riverboat cruises serve dinner complemented with live music for a luxurious yet relaxed experience. Or stick to land with a series of 26. St. Petersburg, Florida Florida is a top destination for spring breakers, and there’s no reason why families should be left out of the mix. St. Petersburg is a great spring break option for families that want to bypass the wild side of places like Daytona Beach. St. Petersburg is home to the 27. Orlando, Florida Not only is it a Walt Disney World needs no introduction — classic attractions like Cinderella’s Castle and the Animal Kingdom draw visitors worldwide. If you’re looking for something new, Universal Studios has immersive attractions like 28. Key West, Florida Key West is one of the top spring break destinations for families who love to be in the water. Although the area is gorgeous year-round, one of the From delicious seafood to abundant water activities, Key West offers the perfect blend of adventures and relaxation for families who need a break from it all. With so many 29. New Orleans, Louisiana When it comes to spring break destinations, Louisiana has it all: delicious food, lively energy and dozens of local attractions to choose from. Head to the Water lovers can set sail on a classic steamboat cruise along the Mississippi River while learning about the history and culture of NOLA. If the cruise whets your appetite for adventure, consider taking your family on a swamp tour to see creatures in their natural habitat. 30. Austin, Texas If music, tacos and art get your family excited to explore the city, then Austin is the spring break spot for you. Known as the live music capital of the world, this city has dozens of indoor and outdoor music venues to check out for families who love to groove. Your furry family members will also love this Everything is bigger in Texas, including parks and pools. Head to Zilker Park for hours of fun at the botanical garden and playground. You can also enjoy a paddleboat ride along Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed pool within the park. Spring break planning tips Getting the most out of your spring break requires more than simply picking a spot with the most attractions. Let these tips guide your brainstorming of spring break vacation ideas: Co-owning a second home Did any of our spring break ideas for families appeal to your household? If so, you can skip the short-term rentals and opt for a turnkey second home that satisfies all of your vacation needs. When you
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