The best spring break destinations have a little something for everyone to enjoy! Whether your family craves adventure, luxury resorts, fun in the sun, or a little bit of it all. Read on for our list of spring break ideas for your next family vacation!
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18 Best Family Spring Break Destinations
Whether you live in New England or out west, there are tons of spring break trips you can take with the family. We’ve got a little bit of everything included in this list of spring break ideas for families, from warm-weather adventures to small ski town fun.
Now, let’s get started. Listed below are some of the best destinations to visit with your family this season!
1. Anaheim, California
Anaheim, California, is home to some of the most famous theme parks in the country. The Heart of Orange County is where you’ll find Disneyland Park, Knotts Berry Farm, and Universal Studios Hollywood.
Of course, Great Wolf Lodge in Garden Grove isn’t too far away and makes for one of the best spring break destinations in Southern California. With 80,000 square feet of indoor water park and hours of on-land entertainment, this is one stop you don’t want to miss!
Make a splash in one of the resort’s four pools. There are also 14 different water slides to experience. Looking to relax and unwind? Float down the lazy river before heading over any one of the seven delicious restaurants onsite.
Don’t forget to spend some time exploring the on-land attractions. From indoor glow-in-the-dark mini golf, laser maze, bowling, a Build-A-Bear workshop to Great Wolf’s exclusive interactive adventure game, MagiQuest – the whole family is sure to have a great time.
When you stay at Great Wolf Lodge, don’t stress about park passes – water park passes are included for each registered guest. They provide you and your family with hours of entertainment, with access to the water park the minute you arrive through the day of your departure. The rate also includes parking and access to all events.
2. Langhorne, Pennsylvania
Just outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is Langhorne Borough, a 300-year old historic town, complete with quaint alleys and tree-lined streets. It also happens to be home to Sesame World, the very first theme park in the world designated as a certified autism center.
The park provides hours of entertainment, from kid-friend rides, parades, and even themed dining events. Spend spring break with your childhood favorites like Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Big Bird. You can also say hello to your children’s favorite characters, including Abby Cadabby and Julia!
You can even plan a day trip to visit the birthplace of the nation. Philadelphia has tons of things for families to explore, including Please Touch Children’s Museum, the Liberty Bell, and Franklin Square.
3. Sanibel Island, Florida
If beautiful beaches and year-round sunny weather are what you’re craving, then Sanibel Island is a great spring break trip destination. Fifteen miles long and five miles at its widest, the island is known for its shell beaches and wildlife rescues. You can get adventurous on a Segway tour or simply lounge around the beach.
4. Granby, Colorado
Granby, Colorado, is perhaps best known for the C Lazy U Ranch, an all-inclusive, luxury Dude Ranch. Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the resort intends to transport visitors right back into the wild west – with a few luxurious tweaks, of course.
Trusted adult counselors cater to children and teens, keeping them busy from sun up to sun down with age-appropriate activities. Families are also invited to create their own itineraries.
Spend your days getting pampered at the ranch spa, on horseback riding adventures, or fly-fishing in the spectacular Colorado River. The family can gather around the campfire each night to discuss all they accomplished in the day.
If you want to venture off the ranch, you can also find areas for cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and playing golf. With as much diversity as Granby offers, there is no wonder why it’s considered the best spring break destinations for families.
5. Chicago, Illinois
Wherever the wind blows you in Chicago, Illinois, you and your family are sure to have an unforgettable time! This spring break, spend your days exploring hands-on exhibits at interactive museums, boating through the scenic waters of Lake Michigan, exploring a sprawling play space in the heart of downtown, and so much more.
A visit to Chicago can also be a relatively cheap spring break trip compared to other destinations. Save money with the budget-friendly GOChicago pass, save up to 55% on Chicago’s greatest attractions.
Be sure to spend an afternoon with Máximo, the largest dinosaur ever discovered at Chicago’s Field Museum. Then hop-on and hop-off Big Bus Chicago at LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Remember, both destinations accept the GOCHicago pass, meaning you can save on an entire afternoon’s worth of activities.
Wrap up the day by taking in the view of the stunning Chicago Skyline and beyond aboard the Navy Pier Centennial Wheel, or shoot for the stars at Adler Planetarium. This budget-friendly city is sure to have an activity for every member of your family!
6. Oahu, Hawaii
The Hawaiian Islands are a great place to visit any time of year, with sunny skies, sandy beaches, fine dining, and a range of all-inclusive resorts. Oahu, also known as “The Gathering Place,” remains the most visited island, with upwards of 200,000 tourists visiting each year.
The island is also home to Aulani Disney Resort, a popular spring break resort among families with small kids. You can expect fewer crowds and more affordable plane fare for a cheaper spring break stay during the low spring season.
7. Yosemite National Park, California
Disconnect this spring break and reconnect with nature at Yosemite National Park. Spring is the perfect season for chasing waterfalls, hiking trails, and enjoying outdoor fun.
As one of the most famous national parks in the world, Yosemite is perhaps best known for its towering granite monoliths, waterfalls, deep valleys, and ancient giant sequoias.
8. Port Saint Lucie, Florida
You don’t have to leave the U.S. for a luxury beach vacation. Just head down to Florida instead! Port Saint Lucie is home to the famous Club Med. The all-inclusive resort provides two-bedroom villas, amazing food, and tons of fun activities like jet skiing, sailing, and surfing.
Get active with sports for the whole family, or enjoy some R & R while the kiddos do everything from Little Yoga to cooking classes in the Kid’s Club! Of course, parents will also appreciate the swim-up bar stationed over at the adults-only infinity pool.
9. Park City, Utah
Park City is a great family getaway for those who want to hit the slopes this spring. The area is known for its soothing alpine sunshine and world-class ski areas. Whether you choose to enjoy the mountain on skis, snowshoes, or snowmobiles, we promise you won’t be hearing “I’m bored” out of the kids any time soon.
With numerous beginner and intermediate runs plus top-notch classes, the whole family can enjoy the mountain at their own pace. Cozy up at the lodge fire with hot cocoa, or keep the fun going with the mountain coaster, alpine slide, or snow tubing!
Park City resorts are also known for kid-friendly activities.
10. Sandusky, Ohio
If 240-foot drops at 60 miles per hour seem like a fun way to spend your spring break, then head over to Sandusky! This city is home to Cedar Point, one of the most popular amusement parks in Ohio.
With 18 world-class roller coasters, three family-friendly ride areas, and an 18-acre on-site water park, Cedar Point is sure to provide tons of fun for all ages.
11. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, has been voted America’s #1 small city and remains an excellent place for families to visit with small kids. It’s also a great spring break destination for parents who want to keep their kids learning while out of school. The city contains so much history that it’s often referred to as a “living museum.”
Beyond that, the city is full of amazing restaurants, boutique shops, and unique accommodations. With over 60 miles of beaches, there are tons of scenic places to stay. Some of the most popular areas include Kiawah Island, Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, and Seabrook Island.
12. Palm Springs, California
If your family enjoys hiking, you can attempt the Cactus to the Clouds hike. The trek features one of the most pronounced elevation shifts in the country, ascending over 10,000 feet from the base to the San Jacinto peak.
And if you really want to get out in nature without all the legwork, take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. You’ll be carried over two and a half miles of pristine wilderness.
Once you reach the Mountain Station, which is elevated 8,516 feet above sea level, you’ll have two restaurants, observation decks, a natural history museum, two documentary theaters, a gift shop, and over 50 miles of hiking trails to explore.
13. The Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina
Though Georgia is well known for the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the range also covers most of western North Carolina. If you happen to be visiting the Tar Heel State this spring break, be sure to take the family on a ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Visitors can expect to find a number of natural treasures on America’s Favorite Drive, including Mount Mitchell, the highest mountain peak in the eastern United States, New River, the oldest river in North America, and Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall east of the Rockies.
The Parkway also covers some exceptionally rare and diverse climates, vegetation, wildlife, and geological features.
14. San Diego, California
San Diego is known for year-round sunny weather and waterfront attractions. With 70 miles of beaches to explore, the city is a popular destination for surfers and water enthusiasts alike. Of course, there are also plenty of on-land activities to enjoy.
Balboa Park is a great place to kick off your spring break. The park, which is located in the city center, spans 1,200 acres of natural greenery. It’s also home to the most populous koala colony outside of Australia, 17 separate museums, and the Spreckels Organ. With 5,019 pipes comprising 80 ranks, the organ remains the largest outdoor instrument in the world.
Of course, there’s also the San Diego Zoo to check out. Once you’re done there, you can wrap up your day at the park at the Botanical Building or with a bite to eat!
15. Salt Lake City, Utah
Not all spring break destinations need to be by the beach! Salt Lake City is the perfect spring break destination for families craving sunshine and even a little snowfall. The city is nestled at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains and experiences regular snowfall all the way until April.
With that, it’s no surprise to hear that there are tons of ski and snowy activities to enjoy around town. Some world-class ski resorts are located just outside the city, including the Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley.
Salt Lake City is just a short drive from some of the most impressive hot springs in the country, like the Saratoga or Fifth Water hot springs. Of course, the spring weather also provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy the city itself. The city center contains cultural outlets such as the Natural History Museum of Utah, Utah’s Hogle Zoo, and the famous Temple Square.
16. Joshua Tree National Park, California
If your family loves the outdoors, then Joshua Tree National Park is a great option for your next spring break getaway. The park, which was officially recognized as a national monument back in 1936, stretches back over 5,000 years.
Joshua Tree is home to healthy herds of desert bighorn, six species of rattlesnakes, and more! It also spans over 800,000 acres of land, and includes portions of the famous Colorado Desert, Mojave Deserts.
17. Barrier Islands, Georgia
Just as the name implies, Georgia’s Barrier islands offer miles of uninterrupted coastline. There are 14 of them to choose from, though the most popular remain St. Simons Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and Jekyll Island.
Though each location offers its own unique flair, each features tons of water activities, top-rated restaurants, hotels, and more. Each island also boasts an impressive amount of history, with buildings dating back to the 1700s.
18. Phoenix, Arizona
If you’re craving warm weather, Phoenix, Arizona, is a great place to spend spring break with the family. The city features some of the nation’s most top-rated resorts and over 170 golf courses. Beyond that, there are six major lakes within a 75-minute drive to help you cool off from the hot Arizona sun.
If you need a break from the desert landscape, head over to any one of the major museums in Phoenix for some indoor fun. Learn more about American Indian history at the Heard Museum or head over to the Phoenix Art Museum, the largest art museum in the Southwest. There’s also the Arizona Science Center, the Hall of Flame, and the Musical Instrument Museum to check out.
When you’re ready to get back outside, head over to Papago Park. Located just minutes from downtown, the park offers tons of great trails for hiking, biking, or jogging. With smooth footing and a low elevation gain, it’s a great place to take groups of different ages and abilities.
You’ll also find two of Phoenix’s most popular attractions, the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden (which features the world’s largest collection of desert plants), located within the park.
More From Great Wolf Lodge
We hope you enjoyed our list of spring break destinations for families! Remember, we have lodges located across the United States. If you haven’t yet booked your stay, you can always rely on us for a home base.
Water park passes, kids’ activities, and unlimited WiFi are included in every stay. We also offer package deals so that you can save while enjoying the best of the lodge. In addition to our amazing rides, slides, and water attractions, we offer a host of on-land activities, including arcade games, bowling, build-a-bear, and more. Activities will vary based on location.
If you aren’t planning to travel this upcoming spring break, be sure to check out our blog. There, you’ll find tons of things to do at home with the whole family. We have crafts, recipes, games, and so much more!
