If you think you have to leave the country to have an awesome spring break, think again! Here are ten family friendly destinations that are perfect for a spring break getaway.
Image Credit: Go Hawaii
Maui, Hawaii
Lush landscape and white sandy beaches — I can’t think of a more ideal family vacation and obviously others agree. Maui is a super family-friendly destination with tons of activities; from snorkeling to an underwater submarine tour, from surfing to hiking to simply hanging out on the beach. LOVE!
Tip: Check out Maui Family Magazine for up-to-date events and happenings.
Image Source Hotel Del Coronado
Coronado, California
Want that island feel without the long plane ride? Then Coronado may be the place for you. Just over the bridge from San Diego is the quaint town of Coronado. Even though it’s technically a peninsula, it has that “island feel.” You can walk or ride a bike just about anywhere. Golf, shopping, restaurants, beach and proximity to San Diego amenities make this place a top pick!
Tip: Take a stroll through the historic Hotel Del Coronado, rated one of the top 10 hotels in the world!
Image Credit: Rick D’Elia
Phoenix, Arizona
Want an off-the-beaten-path spring break experience? Check out The Arizona Renaissance Festival in Phoenix (through March 30.) You won’t tire of this nonstop, day-long family adventure with a medieval amusement park, a 13-stage theater, a 30-acre circus, an arts and crafts fair, a jousting tournament and a feast. Open Saturdays and Sundays February 8 – March 30, 2014.
Tip: Rent a stroller at the event to prolong your experience with little ones.
Image Source: Go Heber Valley
Heber Valley, Utah
Wouldn’t it be super-awesome to ski and go scuba diving in the same day during spring break? Yeah, I think so too. That’s why Heber Valley, Utah is my next pick. Situated between Deer Valley Ski Resort and Robert Redford’s Sundance Resort is The Homestead Crater, a geothermal spring over 10,000 years in the making. Spend your morning skiing world-class resorts and the evening scuba diving this amazing warm water crater.
Tip: Check out The Zermatt Resort Ski Package: Stay Free, Ski Free, Soak Free
Image Source: Snow Mountain Ranch
Snow Mountain Ranch (YMCA of the Rockies), Colorado
Remember all the fun times you had at sleepaway camp when you were a kid? Relive the fun at Snow Mountain Ranch outside of Granby, Colorado. Activities abound, such as tubing, ice skating, roller skating, rock climbing, archery, dog sledding, sleigh riding, Nordic skiing … and that’s just a few! Each month brings new fun geared to delight kids and adults alike. With 5,000 acres of awesomeness in the Rocky Mountains, how could it NOT be fun, right?
Tip: If your spring break is not during “peak time,” there is a Stay 2 nights, Get 1 Free Lodging deal in cabins and lodges through May 31st. (Black out dates are Friday, March 7th through Monday, March 23rd.)
New Orleans, Louisiana
If you think New Orleans is only for Mardi Gras, Bourbon Street and JazzFest, you’re missing out on an awesome family vacation destination. Spring break is the perfect time (not too hot!) to visit attractions such as the Audubon Zoo and Global Wildlife Center, plus the whole family can enjoy a ferry ride, eat beignets at the World Famous Café Du Monde and watch street performers. New Orleans is the greatest city on the planet! (Hyperbolic? Maybe.)
Tip: Skip the Quarter and head to Magazine Street with an abundance of antique shops, impromptu jazz ensembles and mouth-watering po-boys, you’ll never look at New Orleans the same way again (you’re welcome.)
Image Source: Yoloboard.com
Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, Florida
One of my most favorite family vacations of all time was at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort a few years ago. With turquoise water lapping onto soft white sand, not-too-big waves for little ones and a wide array of activities, this is an ideal getaway. We fell in love with The Village of Baytown Wharf in Sandestin, a kid-centric, fun-zone destination. We enjoyed zip-lining, ropes courses, and hitting golf balls onto greens in the bay. Add on old-fashioned ice cream shops, a gazillion restaurants and an open container law (i.e, you can walk around with your fruity cocktail while Jr. runs the ropes), and you’ve made this spot a must-visit.
Tip: Try YOLO Boarding, a stand-up paddleboard sport popular among locals.
That’s me!
Washington DC
Celebrating spring at our nations Capital is a one-of-a-kind experience, especially during the National Cherry Blossom Festival between March 20 and April 13, 2014. Not only do you get to enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms, there is a host of family-friendly activities happening daily on the National Mall. Enjoy free admission to just about everything you can think of (museums, the zoo, performances) during the day, and then hit up world-famous restaurants in the evenings.
Tip: Connect with your inner dork on a Segway Tour of the city. It. Is. Super. Fun (seriously!)
Image Source: GreatWolf.com
Great Wolf Lodge Poconos
Going to a Great Wolf Lodge is on my bucket list of things to do. Why? Because my kids are obsessed with water parks and what better way to enjoy one then to stay at one, too? Sounds awesome to me! The Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos is only an hour and a half away from New York City and a whole world away from everything else. Bingo, story time, breakfast with characters – and let’s not forget the 79,000 square feet of water packed excitement — are sure to keep the kids talking about this one for many months to come.
Tip: The hotel can get noisy with all those over enthused kids running around, consider getting a room on the 4th floor for a quieter downtime.
Image Source: Wikipedia
St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
That’s right, this Caribbean island chain (St. John, St. Croix and St. Thomas) does not require a passport. Rich in culture, a vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands offers much more than a traditional beach vacation. Visitors can immerse themselves in historical tours, artisan fairs, parades and so much more. While you’re soaking up all that culture, you can also snorkel, scuba dive and visit a botanical garden.
Tip: Check out VisitUSVI.com for package deals.
Comments
These look amazing! We were lucky enough to go to Maui last year (with our 8 month old) and everyone had the best time. Great ideas, now I need to book a vacay!
These look amazing! We were lucky enough to go to Maui last year (with our 8 month old) and everyone had a wonderful time. Now I need to book a vacay!
Sounds awesome, Carolyn. I have not yet been to Maui, but it sounds like the perfect place to me!
Hi Susan! thanks for your tips on the great places we can go to without getting out of the country. I agree there’s a lot of nice spots we have yet to see and experience in this good, old U.S.A. I particularly like Coronado in California. We live in San Francisco and never even know the place exists. We’ll probably try this as our “spring-break” getaway.
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