30 great. spring break ideas for families — Pacaso

Searching for the best place to take your family during the spring break holiday? Good news: Some of the best spring break ideas for families may be closer than you think. From coast to coast, we’ve found the best family spring break destinations in 2024 — plus, we share a list of the top packing tips perfect for busy families on the go. If you find yourself on one of the best spring break family vacations and end up falling in love with the location, there’s always the option of buying a vacation home there so you can visit year-round.

An image shares the top 30 spring break ideas for families around the U.S.

Before you book your next trip, check out these top family spring break destinations.

1. Oahu, Hawai’i

Great for nature encounters

Oahu, Hawai’i, one of the top spring break destinations.

When choosing the right Hawaiian island for your vacation, you could spend your entire week at any beach on O’ahu and not regret a moment of it. The North Shore and Waikiki Beach are enough to make the plane trip worth it, but this island has plenty more spring break ideas to keep your family busy. Head to Sea Life Park for interactive experiences with dolphins, sea lions and reef fish. Enjoy a historic ride on the Hawaiian Railway Society’s train for stunning coastline views. Hike up Diamond Head, a volcanic crater, for a 360-degree view of the island. Take time to pay your respects at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial before heading to the aviation museum.

2. Palm Springs, California

Great for resorts

Desert trees line the path in the mountains around Palm Springs, one of the best spring break ideas for families.

Palm Springs is full of must-see desert destinations and has been a popular oasis for travelers for decades, so it’s well prepared to deliver on your family’s spring break expectations. There are many resorts in Palm Springs, so whether you want to lounge poolside or splash with the kids at a waterpark, there are options for all.

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Palm Springs has an aerial tram that will carry you 2.5 miles along Chino Canyon until you reach Mount San Jacinto. Once there, you can take incredible pictures at the observation deck. Don’t miss the Hi-Desert Nature Museum or take a short drive to Joshua Tree National Park, allowing you to hike and climb among its unique rock formations.

Fun fact: Palm Springs was once the home of Frank Sinatra and his Rat Pack friends. Tours are still held around their old homes.

3. Anaheim, California

Great for Disney fans

Palm trees line the street in front of a building in anaheim, one of the best spring break ideas for families.

Disneyland has more than enough entertainment to keep your family busy for the week, so you’ll never be short of spring break ideas. The Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Avengers Campus attractions give you and your kids experiences well beyond what you’ve seen on the big screen. Branch out from Disney and catch a Ducks hockey game or swing by Angel Stadium for some baseball. For a more affordable alternative to Disneyland, head to Knott’s Berry Farm for rides, shows or spending the day at the waterpark.

4. San Diego, California

Great for parks and museums

Ducks swim in a reservoir as families walk the path beside them at sunset, one of the best spring break ideas for families.

San Diego has one of the most temperate climates you can find and some of the best family beaches in SoCal, which means plenty of spring break options for families. Expect the weather to be in the mid-60s, great for hanging at the beach, strolling through the city and enjoying some of San Diego’s unique and free activities.San Diego Zoo and Safari Park provide the chance to see exotic animals, while SeaWorld gives visitors up-close encounters with aquatic animals. Legoland and Belmont Park should quench your thirst for theme parks, but Disneyland is within driving distance, just in case. The city also has no shortage of museums, with 16 located in Balboa Park alone.

5. San Luis Obispo, California

Great for ocean activities

Waves crash against the cliffs at San Luis Obispo, one of the best spring break ideas for families.

Situated between Los Angeles and San Francisco, this coastal city is full of spring break family vacation ideas. Head to Morro Bay for bird watching and kayaking around oyster farms. Stop by Mitchell Park for an afternoon picnic. Spend your day at the beach or rent a surfboard to test your skills on the waves. The Vista Lago Adventure Park has ropes courses and zip lines for land-based thrills. The Avila Valley Barn features a petting zoo and fresh produce to sustain you through all your activities.

6. Napa Valley, California

Great for hot air balloon rides

Napa Valley, one of the top spring break destinations.

We know what you’re thinking: Napa Valley is typically known for its outstanding wineries, outdoor tastings and upscale excursions for adults. However, Napa is also home to some of the best places to go for spring break for adults and kids of all ages.Although you can still relax with your family in the lush vineyards, there are plenty of non-wine-related activities to enjoy with the kiddos as well. This includes taking a train ride, hiking and even exploring the valley from above via hot air balloon rides.

7. Yosemite, California

Great for camping

A boardwalk crosses a meadow with El Capitan rising in the distance, one of the best spring break ideas for families.

Yosemite is another destination that makes this list of spring break vacation ideas, in part due to how the seasonal weather improves the experience. With mountain snow melting, Yosemite’s waterfalls are in top form. The park also doesn’t see peak crowds until summer, so you’ll have more seclusion to get the perfect pictures. Yosemite has bike rentals and miles of paved paths for touring the area. Experienced climbers can take their shots at renowned routes on El Capitan and Half Dome, while everyone in the family can enjoy stargazing.

8. Park City, Utah

Great for outdoor sports

The sunset lights up a mountain meadow in Park City, one of the best spring break ideas for families.

Park City is another spring break destination where snow is on every visitor’s mind. However, the area has lots more to offer in the spring, so no matter the time of year, your days will be packed with plenty of activities. Utah Olympic Park, built for the 2002 games, offers a canyon ropes course, inner tubing down the nordic ski jump and a ride down the bobsled, skeleton and luge track.

Fun fact: Park City was at risk of becoming a ghost town. The miners of the area had the idea to turn it into a resort town and it eventually became one of the top ski destinations in the country.

9. Virginia City, Nevada

Great for Old West history

An abandoned carriage sits outside an Old West storefront in Virginia City, one of the best spring break ideas for families.

Best for Old West history

Virginia City is a preserved slice of the Old West. It began as a mining town in the 19th century and now is a thriving destination for spring break. The original mines are still open to the public, with tours lasting roughly 30 minutes.There are multiple museums that offer an added taste of what life was like back then. The Fourth Ward School Museum has authentically preserved classrooms, with exhibits and archived resources. The Way It Was Museum provides the opportunity to step back in time and experience the Old West through historical artifacts.

10. Grand Canyon, Arizona

Great for views and hiking

Clouds provide shade over the Grand Canyon, one of the best spring break ideas for families.

Being one of the most beautiful places to visit in Arizona, the Grand Canyon is a national treasure for good reason, and with that status comes big crowds. However, if you choose to take your family here for spring break, the number of visitors will be far fewer than at peak times in the summer. If you plan on hiking, daytime temperatures hover around 60 degrees — much more tolerable than the summer heat. If hiking isn’t of interest, helicopter tours can take you to the bottom of the canyon. Kids also have the option to participate in the Junior Ranger program.

11. Lake Powell, Arizona

Great for boating

Lake Powell sits largely unoccupied under the setting sun, one of the best spring break ideas for families.

If you want to be on the water but prefer to avoid the raucous crowds of Lake Havasu, Lake Powell is a great alternative spring break destination for families. When it comes to renting an Airbnb or hotel, consider skipping both. You can sleep in a rented houseboat and cruise around the lake for the week. Nearby attractions include Rainbow Bridge National Monument, one of the largest natural bridges in the world, and Antelope and Secret Canyons. Lake Powell is connected to the Colorado River, providing mile upon mile of shoreline to explore.

12. Aspen, Colorado

Great for skiing

Snowy mountains stand in stark contrast to green meadows in Aspen, one of the best spring break ideas for families.

Theme parks and oceans aren’t always the priority for spring breaks. Some families want to stretch out winter for as long as possible, getting in a few more runs at one of the best ski towns in the country. If that sounds like your family, Aspen has what you need. In addition to skiing, the Rocky Mountains have trails accessible for all skill levels, with learning programs that cater to children. You can hop on a dog sled for a rustic tour of the backcountry or swap your skis for ice skates at the free Snowmass Ice Rink.

13. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Great for water parks

A man stands atop a rock in a crevasse in the Wisconsin Dells, one of the best spring break ideas for families.

Families from around the world travel to the Dells to experience the greatest concentration of water parks they could ever hope to find. Weather in Wisconsin is notably unpredictable during spring breaks, but don’t worry about your plans being left to chance — the area has plenty of indoor fun, too.If the sun refuses to come out, you can head to indoor water parks like the Chula Vista Resort. Spring break ideas don’t solely revolve around water, though. Families can rent ATVs and go on guided tours, complete high ropes courses or zip line above the Wisconsin woodlands.

Fun fact: Wisconsin Dells is home to America’s largest outdoor water park, Noah’s Ark, which spans 70 acres and has three miles of waterslides.

14. Virginia Beach, Virginia

Great for kite flying

Beachgoers rest in the sand of the hotel-lined shore in Virginia Beach, one of the best spring break ideas for families.

Voted one of the most relaxing places to visit in the United States, Virginia Beach has a beautiful coastline, perfect for beachcombing, swimming or flying a kite in the gusting winds. Multiple festivals are held in the spring as well, focusing on food, art and even Monster Trucks. If your family values farm-to-table food, you’ll want to check out Virginia Beach. The city is the largest producer of strawberries in the state and, beginning in April, offers the opportunity to pick them for yourself.

15. Jamestown, Virginia

Great for Colonial reenactments

A cannon guards the entrance to a wood-framed hut in Jamestown, one of the best spring break ideas for families.

Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in the New World, and residents continue to preserve its important role in American history. Visitors can experience live reenactments of life in the 1600s, with accurate re-creations of forts, ships and villages. Your visit to Jamestown doesn’t have to be all educational. The James River is great for kayaking on your own or with a guided tour.

16. Lake Placid, New York

Great for water sports

Mountains can be seen in the distance from Lake Placid’s calm waters, one of the best spring break ideas for families.

Lake Placid is well known for being a great summer destination for families, but this mountain getaway also has plenty to offer in the spring. The surrounding Adirondacks have miles of trails for hiking and biking. Spring is also the perfect time to view the blooming wildflowers before the summer heat takes over. Melting snow adds to the rushing rivers, providing a thrilling experience for adventurous travelers who want to try whitewater rafting. While the weather is warming up at this time of year, Whiteface Mountain is still operating, allowing your family to ski the slopes that hosted the 1980 Winter Olympics.

17. Boston, Massachusetts

Great for urban tours

Townhomes line the streets of Boston with blooming trees along the sidewalk, one of the best spring break ideas for families.

Families that prefer urban beats should set their sights on Boston. The city is brimming with history, and there’s no better way to experience it than by walking the Boston Freedom Trail. You’ll see attractions like the Paul Revere House, the Massachusetts State House, King’s Chapel and more. Boston is also home to the USS Constitution, the country’s oldest warship still afloat. Tours of the boat are offered Wednesday through Sunday, with the museum open daily.

18. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Great for botanical gardens

The city of Pittsburgh is framed by the rivers, one of the best spring break ideas for families.

City sights might be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Pittsburgh, but a healthy mix of greenery — indoors and outside — makes it a great choice for family spring break. From mid-March to early April, the Phipps Conservatory puts on the Spring Flower Show, showcasing a unique theme each year.Take advantage of the mild weather with bike rides along the river or through the woods on hundreds of miles of trails. Or you can take the family on a multi-day ride on the Great Allegheny Passage, stopping at bed and breakfasts along the way.

19. Washington, D.C.

Great for blossoms and history

The Washington Monument rises from behind a line of cherry trees in Washington D.C., one of the best spring break ideas for families.

The nation’s capital is one of the best spring break destinations for families. It offers plenty of entertainment year-round, but seeing springtime cherry blossoms makes it extra special. From late March to mid-April, the National Cherry Blossom Festival offers performances, cultural events around the district and the blooming trees surrounding the Tidal Basin. Parents can take their kids to a parade, watch fireworks and sprinkle in visits to national monuments and museums. The kids will be having so much fun they might not even realize they’re learning at the same time. The area also makes an exciting place for a quick workcation.

20. Beech Mountain, North Carolina

Great for mountain biking

kids ski down the slopes of Beech Mountain, one of the best spring break ideas for families.

Beat the summer crowds to Beech Mountain and take your pick of its many springtime activities. The town, tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains near the Tennessee border, has a number of affordable resorts with late-season skiing, snowboarding and tubing.As winter recedes, nearby Buckeye Lake is a hotspot for fishing and canoeing. The area is also becoming well-known for its bicycling routes. Whether you prefer to ride on the road or along rocky trails, Beech Mountain has you covered.

21. North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Great for beaches

People play in the water in front of a large Ferris wheel in North Myrtle Beach, one of the best spring break ideas for families.

If you’re coming up short brainstorming spring break ideas for families, why not fall back on a trusted favorite? North Myrtle Beach has activities for all ages and a perfect climate for fun under the sun. It has a slightly more laid-back feel than Myrtle Beach and has smaller crowds as a result, making it a great place to consider buying a beach house.North Myrtle Beach is in a convenient position for visitors to benefit from everything the area offers. Families can fish from the Cherry Grove Pier, kayak in the ocean or enjoy a swashbuckling dinner and a show at Pirates Voyage.

22. Charleston, South Carolina

Great for history lessons

Charleston, South Carolina, one of the top spring break destinations.

Charleston is home to several unique local historic landmarks that make your spring break trip as educational as it is adventurous. With over 400 years of history, Charleston provides your family with plenty of things to see, do and learn about.From pirate tours to tea gardens and museums to aquariums, this historic city lets children of all ages have a blast stepping into the past.

23. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Great for wildlife tours

A boardwalk leads to an overlook on Hilton Head Island, one of the best spring break ideas for families.

Hilton Head Island is brimming with local things to do for families. Over 50 miles of trails make exploring the island convenient on foot or by bicycle. The area is relatively flat, making access easier for family members of all ages. The weather is warm come springtime, so public beaches are a big attraction, as are tours to see the island’s alligators and dolphins. If your family can see this becoming a recurring trip, consider buying a vacation home in the area.

24. Nashville, Tennessee

Great for country music

City skyscrapers sit across the river in Nashville, one of the best spring break ideas for families.

Going to Nashville on spring break with kids is a great way to mix your interests with theirs. Take the family to the Country Music Hall of Fame to learn all about the genre’s greatest musicians, then catch a live show at the Grand Ole Opry. Animal lovers will feel right at home at the Nashville Zoo. There are parks galore in Nashville where your kids can run themselves tired. Of particular note is Centennial Park, home to a full-scale re-creation of the Parthenon.

Fun fact: Nashville is homebase for The Seeing Eye, the first organization to bring service dogs to the United States.

25. Savannah, Georgia

Great for festivals

A fountain sits surrounded by Spanish moss covered trees in Savannah, one of the best spring break ideas for families.

There’s no better time to visit Savannah than in the spring, beating the summer heat and enjoying all the outdoor attractions. No wonder it’s one of the best places for a second home.Riverboat cruises serve dinner complemented with live music for a luxurious yet relaxed experience.Or stick to land with a series of spring festivals. St. Patrick’s Day is the most popular, but other festivals showcase art and music. Those with a penchant for the supernatural can take one of the city’s famous ghost tours conducted via trolley, foot and even hearse.

26. St. Petersburg, Florida

Great for beaches and gardens

A boardwalk leads to the white sand beach of St. Petersburg, one of the best spring break ideas for families.

Florida is a top destination for spring breakers, and there’s no reason why families should be left out of the mix. St. Petersburg is a great spring break option for families that want to bypass the wild side of places like Daytona Beach. St. Petersburg is home to the Sunken Gardens, a haven for over 50,000 tropical plants, along with waterfalls and exotic birds. The celebrated Busch Gardens in nearby Tampa gives family members of all ages a chance to hop on amusement park rides, hand-feed animals and shop for souvenirs.

27. Orlando, Florida

Great for theme parks

The city of Orlando is visible behind a line of palm trees, one of the best spring break ideas for families.

Not only is it a snowbird destination, but If you’re looking for spring break destinations for families, you can’t go wrong with Orlando. The city has a high concentration of world-class theme parks of all sorts. Walt Disney World needs no introduction — classic attractions like Cinderella’s Castle and the Animal Kingdom draw visitors worldwide. If you’re looking for something new, Universal Studios has immersive attractions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Legoland features kid-friendly rides and SeaWorld has the Seven Seas Food Festival through early May.

28. Key West, Florida

Great for a Caribbean vibe

A photo of Key West, a top spring break destination!

Key West is one of the top spring break destinations for families who love to be in the water. Although the area is gorgeous year-round, one of the best times to visit the Florida Keys is in the spring. From delicious seafood to abundant water activities, Key West offers the perfect blend of adventures and relaxation for families who need a break from it all. With so many islands in the Florida Keys, Key West stands out as one of the best spring break family vacations.

29. New Orleans, Louisiana

Great for culture and cuisine

New Orleans, Louisiana, one of the best spring break destinations.

When it comes to spring break destinations, Louisiana has it all: delicious food, lively energy and dozens of local attractions to choose from. Head to the Audubon Zoo or Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium to enjoy nature and learn about local wildlife. Water lovers can set sail on a classic steamboat cruise along the Mississippi River while learning about the history and culture of NOLA. If the cruise whets your appetite for adventure, consider taking your family on a swamp tour to see creatures in their natural habitat.

30. Austin, Texas

Great for live music

Austin, Texas, one of the best spring break destinations.

If music, tacos and art get your family excited to explore the city, then Austin is the spring break spot for you. Known as the live music capital of the world, this city has dozens of indoor and outdoor music venues to check out for families who love to groove. Your furry family members will also love this pet-friendly destination.Everything is bigger in Texas, including parks and pools. Head to Zilker Park for hours of fun at the botanical garden and playground. You can also enjoy a paddleboat ride along Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed pool within the park.

Spring break planning tips

Getting the most out of your spring break requires more than simply picking a spot with the most attractions.

An image shares 4 tips on how to make the most of these spring break ideas for families.

Let these tips guide your brainstorming of spring break vacation ideas:

Set a budget: The average vacation cost for just one person is $1,919 per week. That includes lodging, food, transportation and entertainment. Depending on where you travel and what you want to do, your price could greatly exceed that. Setting a budget early on will help with the rest of your planning by narrowing options, ultimately leading to less stress.
Pick a destination: Find out what everyone in your family wants to do and look for a destination that can deliver on the greatest number of desires. The destination should also work within your budget. For instance, if everyone wants to hang out at the beach, a week at North Myrtle Beach will be more affordable than a week in Oahu.
Research the area: The internet is filled with travel blogs covering nearly every destination on the planet. Use them to spark ideas and gain valuable insights into what’s worth your time and money. Always be sure to verify the claims — some blogs could be outdated and not accurately reflect prices or which businesses are still in operation.
Pack efficiently: Think about essentials, not what you might need for every possibility. Getting from point A to point B is a lot less stressful when each person has only one suitcase. For added benefits, look into how to properly pack bags to get the most out of the space.

Co-owning a second home

Did any of our spring break ideas for families appeal to your household? If so, you can skip the short-term rentals and opt for a turnkey second home that satisfies all of your vacation needs.

Luxury co-owned vacation homes