32 spring break ideas for families that are ready to get away

Kait Hanson
·5 min read

Wondering if it's too late to take a vacation with the whole family during spring break? You aren't alone. Spring break travel is one of the most popular times for families to get away, according to travel agents.

Of course, the ideal way to guarantee options is to plan in advance. "The best time to plan a spring break trip is to do it right after spring break," says Carli Fernandez, founder of The Concierge Travel Group. "Rates should be available for at least 11 months ahead, and planning in advance will give you the best price and availability."

But don't stress! Fernandez tells TODAY.com that she has plenty of clients still booking trips for spring break 2024, and many of those clients are finding the most success booking travel that's "outside the box."

"Spring break is trending toward shorter European flights," Fernandez tells TODAY.com, mentioning Ireland, Scotland, England, Portugal and Italy as popular destinations.

Before planning a spring break trip, decide what is important for your family.

"I think it is important (for families) to decide if they want to stay domestic or go international," says Nicole Gerber, a SmartFlyer travel advisor.

She also recommended parents ask themselves:

  • How much do we want to spend?

  • Are our passports up to date?

  • What type of trip are we looking for — sightseeing, history and culture? Adventure? Or relaxing beach and pool time?

“The best defense for a seamless trip is a well-organized itinerary,” says Amy Annis, a Ciao Bambino family travel advisor.

32 Spring Break Ideas For Families

Spring Break Ideas For Families In The U.S.

National Parks

While some families may seek a seaside destination for spring break, others are opting for national parks like the Grand Tetons or Yellowstone in Wyoming, Glacier National Park in Montana or Zion in Utah.

Florida

Disney World is an obvious Florida destination for families, but parents seeking a vacation to the Sunshine State without Mickey Mouse might consider Hawks Cay Resort, which features an on-site dolphin facility, or a home rental along Rosemary Beach on Florida's panhandle.

Hawaii

Home to some of the world's most beautiful beaches, the Hawaiian Islands has plenty to offer families from the southernmost point in the U.S. on Hawaii Island to Disney's Aulani Resort on Oahu.

California

Whether you're road-tripping along the Pacific Coast Highway, hiking through Yosemite or set on staying at one of many resorts along California's coast, there is something for everyone in the Golden State.

Destination Resorts

Annis recommends destination resorts, like Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa in Tennessee or Big Cedar Lodge in Missouri.

"Somewhere where the family has a multitude of activities to choose from onsite," she says.

Big City Trips

Ciao Bambino family travel advisor Kiki Humes recommends New York City, Boston, New Orleans, Washington D.C. or Charleston for spring vacations for families.

Arizona

Destinations like Sedona and the Grand Canyon may be ideal for travelers looking for adventure, while resorts like the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offer family travelers multiple swimming pools and a dedicated kid's club for those seeking respite in the sun.

Late-Season Ski Trip

"Depending on when the break falls, it could be right at the tail end of ski season as well," Gerber says.

Family-friendly ski resorts include Smuggler's Notch Resort in Vermont and Steamboat Grand in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Fernandez fields many requests for Deer Valley in Utah, too.

Other areas to explore:

  • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • New Jersey Shore

  • An indoor water park resort, like the Great Wolf Lodge

Spring Break Ideas For Families Outside The U.S.

Caribbean

"Somewhere with a nice, swimmable beach like Turks & Caicos or The Bahamas," Annis suggests.

Costa Rica or Belize

"(Both) would be a trip combining activity in the jungle with time on the coast at leisure," Humes says.

Europe

"In Italy, Rome, Florence and Venice or in Spain — Madrid, Andalusia and Barcelona," Annis says.

Big City Trips

All agents agreed that big city combination trips are a popular choice. Top cities include London, Paris and Lisbon. Combinations include: London and Paris, Amsterdam and Copenhagen, Prague and Vienna

Mexico

Mexico is a top destinations for families looking for fun in the sun at resort destinations like Bahia Principe Grand Coba, which features more than 1,000 guest rooms and a water park for children.

Other areas to explore:

  • The Swiss Alps

  • Finland

  • The Greek Islands

Spring Break Ideas For Families Looking for a Big Adventure

Dubai

From visiting the world's highest building to riding a camel in the desert, Dubai has a ton of different (and spectacular!) activities for families to enjoy together.

Africa

Animal-loving families will adore the opportunity to go on a safari and see wild creatures in their natural habitat. You might want to double check the age requirements on this one to make sure the whole family can participate.

The Maldives

If you want gorgeous scenery and a relaxing beach vacation, the Maldives might be perfect for your family. Many islands have activity schedules for kids with outdoor adventures.

Iceland

The dramatic landscapes of Iceland make for an adventurous family trip for those seeking outdoor fun. Make sure to visit iconic destinations like Diamond Bech and Skógafoss waterfall.

Other areas to explore:

  • New Zealand

  • Cook Islands

  • Banff National Park, Canada

Cheapest Spring Break Ideas for Families on a Budget

Nashville, Tennessee

Free or low-cost museums and music halls make Nashville a popular domestic destination for families. Kids (and parents) will love the availability of fried chicken and mac and cheese.

Boston, Massachusetts

If you stay outside the city center, Boston can be very affordable, especially since the Freedom Trail provides 2.5 miles of free adventure. And if you happen to have a late April break, tickets for the iconic Swan Boats in Boston Public Garden are only $4.50.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

Especially if you are within driving distance, the Outer Banks is a terrific low-cost trip filled with beaches, fishing and mini-golf. Large parties can often find well-priced vacation rentals.

Other areas to explore:

  • South Padre Island, Texas

  • Key West, Florida

  • Baltimore, Maryland

This article was originally published on TODAY.com