Many families struggle with finding free time for one another, which can be hard for parents or kids with quality time as their love language. Luckily, there are a few pockets where opportunities to bond and travel come up in the year. A family spring break in March is an excellent time to shake off the winter blues, especially if you’re lucky enough to get the two whole weeks off.
It’s best to plan early so you know where you’ll head and how long you will be there. If you’re unsure of what destinations to go for, here are 15 spring break destinations for families to add to their lists.
15 of the Best Spring Break Destinations for Families
Party and Get Outside in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is home to the infamous Vegas Strip, where families can see fun attractions like the Fountains of Bellagio or take thrilling rides at the Adventuredome. as a matter of fact we have a guide filled with 40 fun things to do in Las Vegas with kids.
But if you want to soak in the spring breeze, take a trip to Springs Preserve to start the trip off right. Springs Preserve has acres of beautiful botanical gardens offering different kid-friendly gardening activities and tours throughout March and April. These classes help parents and children connect with nature. Take a reset with a quick lunch at Springs Cafe, or walk and take in the scenery if you still have the energy.
Continue to get outside with a hike at Red Rocks National Conservation Area which is just 30 minutes from The Strip. There are several spots to pull off and hike on the park’s 13-mile, one-way scenic drive. We especially love the Willow Springs and Lost Creek area which is quite lush and has a small waterfall, rocks to climb, and pictographs carved into the rocks by Native Americans.
Here are even more spots to get outside in Las Vegas.
Stay here: There are so many great resorts in Las Vegas but the pool area at Mandalay Bay Resort is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. Splash in the wave pool, float in the lazy river, and maybe mom and dad can even grab a pina colada while they soak up the sun poolside.
Get Wowed by the Views at the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring place to visit any time of year but during the spring, the weather is typically wonderful for being outside. Grand Canyon National Park is located about three hours north of Phoenix and four hours from Las Vegas.
You will need to visit the South Rim of the national park during the spring because the North Rim is only open in the summer due to its higher elevation and likelhood of being snowed in. But the good news is that the South Rim is the most popular and filled with awesome things to do. Trekaroo has a very comperhensive guide to visiting the Grand Canyon South Rim with kids.
Another option is to visit the Grand Canyon West Rim which is operated by the Hualapai Tribe. It is home to the Skywalk, one of the largest cantilever glass bridges in the world, which juts out over the Grand Canyon. This portion of the Grand Canyon is only two hours from Vegas, meanin gyou could make it a daytrip from your Las Vegas Spring break vacation.
Stay here: El Tovar sits near the edge of the South Rim and is the most famous Grand Canyon hotel. It is the also most upscale and known for hosting a variety of famous figures such as Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, and Paul McCartney. There are standard, deluxe, and suite-style rooms.
Get Wild in San Diego
San Diego is one of the best spring break destinations for families. It has plenty of activities since you can ride a yacht or rent jet skis by one of the many beaches available. There’s also Balboa Park — San Diego’s cultural oasis that’s 50% larger than New York Central Park. You can check out different museums and gardens during spring time.
That said, your first stop has to be at SeaWorld’s zoo and aquarium. Rides like the Journey to Atlantis and Tentacle Twirl are thrills for younger kids. They have several marine animals like dolphins, orcas, sharks, and sea lions. Plus their behind-the-scenes animal experiences are first rate.
Then head to the world famous San Diego Zoo, our pick for the best zoo in the USA. This zoo is also an impressive botanical garden. with hundreds of exotic plants shading the pathways and adding to the overall scenery. The baboons are always hilarious to watch. Other highlights include the new children’s zoo area, the impressive Elephant Odyssey exhibit, and big cats like critically endangered snow leopards.
Read our comprehensive article featuring dozens of things to do in San Diego with kids.
Stay here: We love staying at the Embassy Suites in downtown San Diego which is just steps from the waterfront and other attractions like whale watching, the USS Midway, and the ferry to Coronado Island.
Explore our country with these free US travel guides.
Explore Missouri’s Incredible State Parks
Missouri has some of the best state parks in the country that let you in on springtime’s beauty. Elephant Rocks State Park in Belleview has a variety of boulders the kids will love to observe and climb. You can also opt for Ha Ha Tonka State Park to feel like an explorer within its castle ruins and dark caves.
If you want to spot one of the largest lakes in the state, visit Lake of the Ozarks State Park. Stroll through the open woodlands before taking in the picturesque waters. The park is also home to Ozark Caverns which are open for guided tours.
Stay here: Lake of the Ozarks has some cool yurts and outpost cabins which you can reserve.
Play and Stay at LEGOLAND
Goshen, New York, may seem like an unlikely spot for a family spring break, but the newest LEGOLAND theme parkin the country opens up for the seaosn on March 27, 2024. Season passes and packages are already available at discounted rates, so getting a good deal for an all-in vacation spot is simple. And if you’re craving some classic New York-style pizza, dine at Brickolini’s Pizza and Pasta.
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If your Spring Break trip is earlier in the seaosn, LEGOLAND theme parks in Florida and California are open year round. Each park location already has an on-site hotel, so you don’t have to stray far for a room. Plus, it keeps the Lego theme up throughout the rooms and play areas, and the rides are pretty fun, too.
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Stay here: You will definitely want to stay at LEGOLAND hotels in California, Florida, and New York. There are LEGO-themed rooms, separate sleeping areas for the kiddos, and nightly entertainment.
Have a Theme Park Vacation in Orlando
Thanks to theme park complexes like DIsney World and Universal Orlando, Orlando boasts its fair share of tourists. Spring is a lovely time to visit the city (much better than the brutal heat and thunderstorms in the summer), and there are plenty of special events happening this time of year.
Check out special spring events like the Mardi Gras Carnival at Universal Studios. The EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival is simply beautiful and they have a special butterfly exhibit this time of year.
Plus, guests will now have more flexibility when visiting multiple parks as the new Park Hopper enhancements in 2024 roll in. Families can do less waiting and more exploring between Disney World parks.
Trekaroo has great guides filled with things to do in Orlando, as well as the best rides at Walt Disney Owrld and the best rides at Universal Orlando. We also partner with Getaway Today to offer incredible park ticket and hotel stay packages at Disney World and Universal Orlando our readers. Be sure to use promo code: TREKAROO.
Stay here: We have two great guides filled with hotel suggestions for Orlando. Check out the best resorts in Orlando for families and the best hotel pools in Orlando for families.
Explore Vancouver
Canada can be a lovely break from the U.S., especially during March where it’s more chilly than freezing. Get a picnic ready, adding local dishes like poutine and candied salmon to the ensemble. Once the basket is full, the whole family can go visit Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver.
Queen Elizabeth Park will hold the National Cherry Blossom Festival from March 29 to April 25, 2024. It will feel like you’re transported to Japan, surrounded by pink flower trees. They’re quite the sight during the afternoon, but the Blossoms After Dark show at David Lam Park will showcase illuminated cherry blossoms at night. Check out the food vendors and activities, too.
Beyond the cherry blossums you will want to experience Stanley Park and the Vancouver Aquarium. Also make time for Vancouver’s Chinatown, second only to San Francisco in size on the West Coast. The Capillano Suspension Bridge is a fun way to experience Vancouver’s temperate rainforest and if you want to hit the slopes, Grouse Mountain is just down the road.
Stay here: The Hilton Vanocuver Downtown is conveniently located in downtown Vancouver has upscale, comfortable, and family-friendly accommodations. Kids will love the on-site swimming pool and adults will love the friendly staff, on-site dining, and well-equipped workout facilities.
Shop Til You Drop in Toronto
Do your teens prefer checking out spring fashion and shopping? The Eaton Centre has one of the biggest shopping mall complexes to explore in Toronto. Set a budget and visit artisan brands or well-known retailers. When your feet get tired, rest by checking out the vintage cinemas. Imagine Cinemas by Carlton Street showcases various indie films.
If you have kids who love to thrift, check out Kensington Market, a diverse and funky neighborhood filled with interest stores and lots of thrift shops. Chinatown borders this neighborhood so head there when you get hungry or simply check out one of the many cafes in Kensington.
Since it’s spring and you’re already in Toronto, visit some park conservatories. Cloud Gardens Conservatory is closed until 2026 for restoration, but you can still check out the Allan Gardens Conservatory and the Centennial Park Conservatory. Different greenhouses will showcase a variety of plants, from orchids to hibiscus to bromeliads.
If the weather is nice, you can also take the quick ferry ride to Centre Island where you can bike, kayak, enjoy the beach, or picnic in the park.
Stay here: The Westin Harbour Castle overlooks Lake Ontario. It has an indoor pools and rooftop tennis courts to keep your kids entertained.
Hike in Zion
Zion National Park is one of our favorite sping break destinations for families because the weather is usually ideal for hiking and the scenery is absolutely gorgeous. It is within a day’s drive of several metropolitan areas- Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City and there is plenty of lodgingin the charming town of Springdale.
Take the shuttle in town to the park visitor center, and then hop on the Zion shuttle to venture deep in to Zion Canyon and explore the park’s amazing trails. Some of our favorite trails include the route to the Low and Upper Emerald Pools, and the paved Riverside Walk which leads to the beginning of the famed Zion Narrows.
Read our full guide filled with things to do in Zion with kids.
If you have a family that loves adventure, Zion is a great place to try canyoneering. Zion Outfitter has a special Family Adventure program designed for groups with kids younger than 12 or you can opt for the traditional full or half day Canyon Adventure with older kids.
Stay here: Cable Mountain Lodge rooms feature full kitchens, large living areas, and plenty of space for large families in their suites. Its pool area features magical views red rock canyon walls, making it an irresistable place to spend the afternoon after a morning on the trails.
Explore Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs, Arkansas is a scenic mountain town known for its namesake springs which has been attracting visitors for generations. Many believe these waters can help heal a wide variety of ailments, and doctors used to prescribe soaks as part of treatment. These springs and the historic bathouses which use thir waters are now protected as part of Hot Springs National Park.
Today, you can experience the traditional treament experience (a la 1920s style) at the Buckstaff Bathouse or head to the Quapaw for a more modern experience. Then head to the Superior Bathhouse which has been transformed into the only brewery inside a national park. They use the spring water to craft a wide variety of beers as well as hard seltzer and rootbeer.
Hot Springs has a colorful history filled with illegal gambling, gangsters, and old Hollywood. Learn all about it at the Gangster Museum of America. It was also the original home of Major League Baseball’s Spring Training and there is a Baseball Trail you can follow to walk in the footsteps of greats like Babe Ruth.
One experience you won’t want to miss while in the area is cystal mining at one of the area’s many quartz mines. Avant Mining is a great place to spend the day digging for crystal treasures. They also have an impressive gift shop and crystal museum filled with treasures, including the largest piece of turquoise in North America.
Read our full guide filled with things to do in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Stay here: In the Trees is a gorgeous new resort is made up of luxury treehouses and cabins spread out over 500 acres in the Ouachita Mountains, just a couple minutes from the heart of downtown.
Have Educational Fun in Washington DC
Want to fill spring break with many learning opportunities? Parents will enjoy walking to free museums and attractions in Washington, DC. There’s a long list of Smithsonian museums, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Air and Space Museum, American History Museum, Natural History Museum, and the National Zoo.
There are also several memorial sites which are free to visit he National World War II Memorial (which is especially beautiful lit up at night), Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial which is located along the Tidal Basin which is especially beautiful this time of year with the cherry trees in bloom.
Also make time to tour some of our government buildings such as the White House, US Capitol, and the National Archives, but be sure to book these tours in advance.
Stay here: The Grand Hyatt Washington is a favorite location of Trekaroo families because both the White House and Smithsonian Museums are within a 10-minute walk of the hotel lobby. The lobby is connected to Metro Center so you can easily catch the Metro to Arlington, Capitol Hill, and the National Zoo.
Enjoy Spring Skiing at Keystone
Keystone has a glowing reputation for snowy landscapes, most of which stay intact during spring. The Keystone Ski Resort still has mountain peaks available during this time of year that are perfect for family spring break skiing and snowboarding.
But don’t let the high terrain intimidate your kids, as the resort has beginner-friendly slopes. The enthusiastic instructors at Keystone’s Children’s Ski and Ride School will help your kids perfect their pizza wedges in no time.
If you aren’t into skiing, there is still plenty to enjoy at Keystone. Families can enjoy snow tubing, sleigh rides, dog sledding, and ice skating- Keystone Lake is the largest Zamboni-maintained outdoor skating venue in North America!
Stay here: The Dakota Lodge in River Run Village has spacious condos and is within walking distance to the gondola, ski school, dining, and lots of entertainment.
Spend Time at the Shores of Myrtle Beach
Bask in a bit of sunshine and enjoy the sound of the crashing waves at Myrtle Beach. The city boasts miles of pristine coastline with soft sand and warm waters. Spend your days soaking up the sun at Cherry Grove Beach, building sandcastles North Myrtle Beach, or playing beach volleyball or sand frisbee.
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade is lined with shops, restaurants, arcades, and amusement rides. Also make time for Ripley’s Aquarium with its 330-foot moving path beneath the Dangerous Reef filled with sealife, You also have the chance touch sharks, stingrays, and tide pool critters.
Myrtle Beach is known as the “Golf Capital of the World” with over 100 golf courses in the area. Pick a few to conquer or just take it easy and have fun at Top Golf.
Stay here: Marriott’s OceanWatch at Grand Dunes is an oceanfront resort with spacious two-bedroom suites complete wiht livign aareas and kitchens. There is a large pool as well as a children’s pool and playground for the little ones.
Bike and Relax in Hilton Head
Hilton Head is an island town in South Caorlina known for its scenic beauty and pristine beaches. Head to the island’s nature preserves, such as Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge or Sea Pines Forest Preserve, to hike or bike through maritime forests, marshes, and wetlands teeming with wildlife.
The island is also a great place to get out on the water. It is full of docks where you can check out different boats and go island hopping. You can also enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, parasailing, and fishing excursions.
The Coastal Discovery Museum offers free admission to its boardwalks and waterways, surrounded by lush greenery. Their interpretive trail winds through salt marshes, maritime forests, and lagoons. the museum’s indoor galleries have interactive exhibits highlighting the history and cultural heritage of the Lowcountry region.
Stay here: Disney’s Hilton Head Resort is part of Disney Vacation Club but non-members can still stay at this filled with villas and activities that have all the same Disney standards for quality that families expect.
Enjoy an Instagram-friendly Vacation in Chicago
You can find almost anything in Chicago, from lakes to beaches to skyscrapers, and they all are begging for teens and tweens to photograph, create Reels, or do a TikTok dance in front of.
One of the most well-known and fun to photograph spots in all of Chicago is in front of The Bean (aka Cloudgate) in Millennium Park downtown. You will also want to take a picture of the city skyline and Lake Michigan from above and our favorite spot to do that is 103 floors up at Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower.
Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the few remaining U.S. zoos that offer free entry, which is a great deal for families on a budget. In addition to learning about wildlife and conservation, your kids can get selfies with all sorts of adorable animals like polar bears, primates, and penguins.
Find more fun things to do in Chicago with kids.
If you get hungry after your trip to the zoo check out RJ Grunts, a burger and sandwich haven, or Chicago Pizza And Oven Grinder which is a nice spot for the cheesy pizza pot pie. You will also want to have a Chicago dog from Portillos and the Chicago mix popcorn (cheese and caramel) at Garrett’s Popcorn.
Stay here: Located right by the Magnificent Mile, the Omni Chicago Hotel strives to make every guest feel welcome, especially their youngest visitors. Their “Sensational Kids” backpacks are filled with all sorts of fun goodies to make them feel extra special.
- 15 Fun Spring Break Destinations for Families - March 4, 2024