Spring break is approaching quickly, and some families have already made arrangements to visit highly sought-after destinations during this time. Meanwhile, others are searching for less crowded places to spend a family-friendly spring break. According to travel agents, spring break travel is incredibly popular among families, regardless of their choice of destination. There are many destinations across the U.S. that offer something for all ages, making it easy to find the perfect spring break trip whether you want to stay close to home or travel far away.
Families looking for an adventure can take a trip to many destinations around the U.S. to see one of the world’s natural marvels, go whale shark swimming, discover underwater caverns, or zip line through the rainforest. Those who would prefer to kick back and relax can find plenty of family-friendly resorts, or, if you’re more of an explorer type, you can choose a walkable city with museums and places to see. Read on to learn about some of the best family-friendly spring break destinations in the U.S.
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is a popular destination for families, especially during the spring season. Those planning to spend their spring break in the Theme Park Capital of the World will enjoy various food festivals and experience thrilling rides and attractions. Disneyland’s Food & Wine Festival is an excellent option for families as it offers numerous family-friendly activities, including a cooking experience with Disney chefs.
In addition to theme parks, Orlando has a lot of outdoor adventures to offer, such as paddling and boat tours in Winter Park, kayaking at Kings Landing, and other natural springs in the Orlando area. Water parks are also a popular attraction in the region. The best ones include Universal Volcano Bay, Aquatica Orlando, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, and LEGOLAND Water Park.
Phoenix, Arizona
The Greater Phoenix area, including Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, and Chandler, is perfect for outdoor activities during spring break with temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s.
The spring season in Phoenix is the perfect time to explore the Sonoran Desert with the whole family, whether it be through hiking, biking, kayaking, canyoneering, or paddle boarding. It is also pool season, so you and the little ones can dip in one of the many resort swimming pools, lazy rivers, and water slides. Additionally, this season is ideal for visiting the Grand Canyon on a day trip from Phoenix, as well as checking out other great day trip spots like Sedona and Flagstaff.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
If you are looking for a family-friendly vacation spot that will not break the bank on your spring break, look no further than Tulsa. The second-largest city in Oklahoma, Tulsa, is where Southern comfort and cosmopolitan style converge—featuring world-class cultural attractions and many family-friendly places to visit.
Make your family’s day by visiting the Oklahoma City Zoo and discovering the exciting Children’s Zoo area, where kids can interact with adorable animals and have a blast playing in a beautiful waterfall. Make sure to add a day at the Philbrook Museum to your itinerary. They offer weekly programming and daily activities designed to engage children. Other family-friendly museums in the area include the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium and Leonardo’s Children’s Museum. For a day filled with outdoor adventures, head to Gathering Place along the Arkansas River. There is something for every family member to enjoy.
Zion National Park, Utah
The Zion National Park in Utah is an excellent choice for a spring break vacation. It boasts majestic sandstone cliffs and hanging gardens and offers plenty of kid-friendly hikes that are short and easy to navigate, such as the Pa’rus Trail and the Canyon Overlook Trail. You and your family can also experience luxurious glamping accommodation in Under Canvas, Zion, with lavish tents for kids that can be set up alongside the main one.
Stowe, Vermont
During spring, Stowe transforms from a snowy white landscape to a vibrant green one. Despite this, plenty of soft snow is left on the ground for skiing, but it is also an ideal time to switch to other family-friendly activities such as hiking, fat bike riding, and kayaking. This lovely town is an excellent destination for families who love outdoor activities and want to enjoy hiking during the spring season. You can climb at Sunset Park and enjoy breathtaking views of Main Street and the Green Mountains or opt for one of the more popular waterfall hikes, such as Bingham Falls. In addition, Stowe Mountain Resort hosts fun events in the spring, including the Mount Mansfield Ski Club’s Sugar Slalom. Spring is also a great time to get discounts on skiing and riding equipment from the shops around town.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is located in the heart of South Carolina’s 60-mile Grand Strand along the Atlantic Coast. It is a year-round destination that caters to every season, taste, and budget. Families searching for a beach destination with plenty of activities on and off the shore will find Myrtle Beach ideal. This stunning place in South Carolina offers sandy beaches, premium golf courses, and attractions that the whole family can enjoy, such as the SkyWheel Ferris wheel, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, and the Promenade. You can also reserve water activities such as a guided kayak tour to experience the unique environments and wildlife or a cruise to see dolphins swimming alongside the boat. Everything in this place is perfect for all ages, making Myrtle Beach an outstanding destination for a family trip.
Galveston, Texas
Galveston is an excellent destination for a family-friendly beach vacation and a perfect choice for a memorable spring break. Located just an hour from Houston, this place offers a variety of attractions that the whole family can enjoy, including Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Pleasure Pier, and the Galveston Naval Museum. The area boasts some beautiful beaches, such as the famous East Beach or the Galveston Island State Park. Moreover, you can take a ghost tour to learn more about the area’s history. You might even encounter some paranormal activity, such as seeing shadows or capturing some ghost orbs on camera (what are orbs?). This will add a thrilling sensation to your experience.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
Those looking for a relaxing family vacation spot can choose the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach communities. Here you and your loved ones may partake in classic water sports including fishing, dolphin viewing, paddleboarding, and foilboarding. You can go to Gulf State Park, The Track Family Fun Park, or the Coastal Arts Center to get away from the beach for a while. You will also have a lot of eating and shopping choices, no matter what kind of food or activities you like. This means that there is something here for everyone.
