13 Best Spring Break Ideas for Families – Travel + Leisure

The kids are getting restless and so are you. Maybe the idea of braving the wind and cold just one more day makes it difficult to climb out of bed in the morning. Or maybe your 10-year-old is at the point where it seems like the homework will never end.

With schools across the country ramping up for a well-deserved week off, there’s a reason why the spring break holiday is one of the best and most convenient times to plan a family vacation to a dreamy destination — whatever that means to you and your crew. Here are 13 of our favorite spring break ideas for families, from the classic theme parks and tropical islands to out-of-the-box adventures.

Orlando, Florida

Walt Disney World might be the most obvious choice, but if you’ve yet to see what the hype is all about, you’re in for a real treat. And even if you’ve been to Orlando dozens of times, the parks are always opening tons of new attractions to get excited about.

Families can explore enchanting floral displays and sculptures of Disney characters at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, which runs from February 28 to May 27, 2024, learn about different species at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and splash around in two water parks. There are also plenty of things to do at Disney World without park tickets, so you don’t necessarily need passes for every day of your vacation.

Washington, D.C.

Every spring, the nation’s capital bursts with color, attracting an average of 1.5 million tourists to see over 3,000 pink trees decorate the Tidal Basin. This year, the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival starts March 20 and ends April 14, and includes fun events, such as kite-flying workshops, art exhibits, and performances. To plan your trip during peak bloom, follow the cherry blossom forecast for the latest updates.

In addition to the springtime blossoms, Washington, D.C. is chock-full of free museums and gardens, so you can bring the whole family without overspending on things to do. From the National Museum of Natural History to the U.S. Botanic Garden, and National Zoo, kids and adults alike will find a never-ending supply of attractions.

Families visiting the city can also visit the International Spy Museum, which offers a whole range of activities. Kids can learn about real-life spies and put their skills to the test through interactive exhibitions and installations.

Los Cabos, Mexico

If you’re looking for sun, sand, and a side of whale-watching, consider a family vacation in Los Cabos. While the destination on Mexico’s Baja California peninsula has long been associated with partying college students, it’s evolved to include luxury hotels with kids’ clubs, upscale dining, and ocean and desert adventures.

Zadún, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve engages youngsters with its Ambassadors of the Environment program featuring experiences such as bird-watching, desert hikes, and snorkeling. At Montage Los Cabos, children ages five to 12 can get creative at the resort’s Paintbox Center, which offers arts and crafts, games, and themed days.

Nature lovers of all ages will appreciate the area’s array of snorkeling spots, from the calm coves of Chileno Bay to the 17,571-acre Cabo Pulmo reef system. As you cruise around, keep an eye out for humpback whales, which can be spotted between December and April.

Wisconsin Dells

Although it’s chilly on this side of the Midwest in March and April, Wisconsin Dells (known as the “water park capital of the world”) offers year-round fun at its indoor aquatic playgrounds.

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions has everything you could ever dream of: water coasters, waterslides, raft rides, wave simulators, a lazy river, and, for the grown-ups, a swim-up bar and cabana. If you need to regain your land legs, the resort also has an indoor adventure park, complete with an arcade, mini golf course, laser tag, and rides.

With four indoor water parks, the Wilderness Resort is another fan favorite among families. Klondike Kavern serves up a whole range of attractions, including raft rides, body slides, a lazy river, and Slideboarding. Wild Waterdome Waterpark, on the other hand, proclaims the largest indoor wave pool in the U.S., and Wild West Waterpark has bumper boats and even more thrill rides.

When you’ve had your fill of swim and play, consider checking out an illusion show at the Rick Wilcox Magic Theater or spending a day at Knuckleheads Trampoline and Indoor Amusement Park, where you’ll find cosmic bowling lanes and the Dells’ only trampoline park.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

With its turquoise waters and powdery white-sand beaches, Turks and Caicos is perfect for families seeking a laid-back beach vacation. It’s less than a four-hour flight from many major East Coast cities, making it a great option for a quick getaway. While the archipelago has no shortage of beautiful places to stay, Providenciales is home to some of the best beaches and family-friendly resorts.

Set along the calm shores of Long Bay Beach, The Shore Club Turks & Caicos has spacious villas with up to six bedrooms, making it an ideal choice for families. Guests can access four pools, a 12,000-square-foot spa, and multiple dining venues. While you might be tempted to spend your entire vacation on the property, don’t miss out on the archipelago’s other highlights, including snorkeling near Iguana Island or paddling through the mangroves in a see-through kayak with Clear Bottom Adventures.

Zion National Park, Utah

While the Grand Canyon is a go-to destination for families on spring break, you’re likely to find smaller crowds at Zion National Park in Utah. With its soaring sandstone cliffs and hanging gardens, the park offers plenty of kid-friendly hikes that are short and easy to navigate, including the Pa’rus Trail and the Canyon Overlook Trail.

Outside the park, southern Utah’s sandstone valleys have plenty more to offer families on the hunt for beautiful views. Adrenaline-seekers can try out the Above Zion Via Ferrata, a guided climb in which you’ll explore the rock face while clipped onto a pre-installed metal route — appropriate for ages eight to 80!

This Utah spring break idea can also be an opportunity to book unforgettable accommodations like Open Sky, a glamping resort with luxury tents that feature all the comforts of home and plenty of windows for stargazing. Under Canvas Zion, another luxury camping resort, even offers kids’ tents that can be set up alongside the main tent.

Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Crowned Travel + Leisure’s destination of the year for 2024, Costa Rica is a nature lover’s playground. The Central American nation has something for everyone: spectacular sandy beaches; pristine waterfalls and hot springs; volcanos; and some of the most biodiverse rain forests in the world. 

The province of Guanacaste offers an array of resorts that cater to different travel styles. Looking for a wellness-focused getaway in an idyllic surf town? Plan a family vacation to Nosara, where you’ll find boutique hotels that capture the nation’s pura vida (pure life) spirit. Steps away from the town’s world-famous surf break, Silvestre Nosara Hotel & Residences offers sleek apartment-style accommodations with full kitchens. The property has a rooftop pool, wellness classes, and surfboards for family members looking to catch some waves.

Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo is another standout option for families thanks to its spacious multi-bedroom villas with breathtaking bay views. Traverse the treetops while spotting monkeys at the nearby Palmares Aerial Adventure, or find waterfalls and hot springs around the volcanos in Rincón de la Vieja National Park.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Named one of the best islands in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure readers, Hilton Head just so happens to be a haven for outdoorsy children. Start your trip by renting bikes and exploring the island through Hilton Head’s many bike trails. Continue the adventure with a zipline ride through South Carolina’s Lowcountry, followed by a pirate-themed cruise. While you’re there, carve out time to explore the Coastal Discovery Museum, which is set in 68 acres featuring historic buildings, gardens, beautiful live oak trees, and boardwalk trails through a salt marsh. If you’re particularly fond of animals, you can also go horseback riding at the Sea Pines Resort, and spot deer, birds, and alligators at Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge.

To take advantage of the island’s 12 miles of beaches, leave some time to play in the waves. Whether you visit Coligny Beach Park or Folly Field Beach Park, you’ll find pristine sands and stunning sunsets.

Oahu, Hawaii

Hawaii’s rich culture, dramatic coastlines, and endless adventures — from surfing to waterfall hikes — make it an excellent destination for multi-generational groups. Since you’ll likely land in Honolulu, Hawaii’s main travel hub, it’s worth starting your trip (or spending the entirety of it) exploring the island of Oahu.

Families looking for an alternative to the state capital’s big resorts will appreciate the design-forward Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club, which offers two- and three-bedroom suites. The midcentury modern-inspired property is steps away from Waikiki Beach, so you won’t be far from great restaurants, but don’t miss the hotel’s on-site dining venue, Mahina and Sun’s, which offers superb farm-to-table fare (including some kid-friendly options). 

Beyond relaxing on the beach, there are plenty of things to do on Oahu, from surf lessons to learning about traditional Hawaiian aquaculture practices at the ancient Paepae o Heʻeia fishpond.

Keystone, Colorado

If your family prefers snow to sand, Keystone Resort is one of the best kid-friendly ski destinations in the country. With over 3,000 acres of terrain across three peaks and five bowls in the Rocky Mountains, skiers of all skill levels can find a trail to meet their fancy. And if your child is a first-time skier, you can sign them up for lessons at the resort’s Ski and Ride School.

When you’re ready to take off the skis, you can twirl your way around two ice skating venues: Lakeside Village and Dercum Square in River Run Village. Kids will also love climbing through the impressive snow forts that bring winter fantasies to life. Finish your trek to the top of Dercum Mountain by zooming down eight snow tubing lanes open to thrill-seekers over the age of four.

Florida Keys

If your kids can’t get enough of wildlife, the Florida Keys will likely impress them. Go to the Eco-Discovery Center for an introduction to the local marine ecosystem, and then head to the Key West Aquarium, where kids can hold starfish, sea cucumbers, and conches. Later, stop at the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory to see more than 50 butterfly species, plus turtles and birds like flamingos.

But there is more to the Keys than marine animals. At Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, you can dive into Civil War history at the circa-1866 fort. Continue your explorations at the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum, where kids can touch treasures salvaged from a sunken ship. If you’re craving adventure, consider taking a glass-bottom boat or kayak through John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, snorkeling at Sombrero Reef, and parasailing in Key Largo.

San Diego, California

“America’s Finest City” is a wonderland of kid-friendly parks, beaches, museums, and hiking trails. After a trip to the San Diego Zoo, be sure to see some of Balboa Park’s other attractions, like the San Diego Natural History Museum and the Fleet Science Center. And if you have a car, you and the kids may want to take a day trip to nearby Legoland California, which has over 60 rides, shows, activities, and a water park.

The city’s stunning beaches are not to be missed, either. Grab some bikes and ride the Bayshore Bikeway, making a pit stop at the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge on your way to Imperial Beach. As one of the top family-friendly beaches in the U.S., Coronado Beach — with its paddleboarding, boogie boarding, and tidepools — should also be on your radar. La Jolla Shores is a prime place to ride bikes and see sunbathing seals and sea lions. While you’re oceanside, book a whale-watching cruise to see if you can catch the aquatic mammals during peak migration season.

A Family Cruise

For moms and dads who are too busy to plan the logistics of a family vacation, cruises are the golden solution. There’s no need to worry about where you’re going to eat or how you’re going to get from one attraction to the next: everything is taken care of for you. Most cruise ships have kid and teen programs that offer plenty of activities and excursions to keep your children busy.

Consider that there are many different types of cruises beyond the classic Caribbean romps. Some of the best cruise lines for families offer European river routes and expeditions to hard-to-reach corners of the globe, from the charming French villages of the River Seine to the biodiversity of Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands.

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