Are you thinking about where to go for a spring break vacation destination? Check out these best spring break destinations for families.
Whether you are planning a spring break family vacation to escape the cold, like we often do living in Rochester, New York, or you want to travel with your family and your kids have time off from school, there is a spring break vacation for everyone’s needs.
Some of the best places for spring break are located in the United States. The criteria for our list is that it is a great option for the whole family and has something the entire family can enjoy.
We love to travel, and planning a family spring break trip is a great way to get away and have some quality family time.
The most important thing you should do to have a successful family spring break vacation is to choose a destination that everyone will love.
Whether you are looking for fun in the sun at beautiful beaches, getting outdoors at a National Park, visiting an amusement park or a winter getaway, you can find something that will fit your family.
Spring Break Vacation Tips
- Choose a destination that is a good choice for your family. If you don’t like road trips plan a trip that is a short drive away.
- Expect crowds and higher prices during Spring Break. It is the best time for most people with kids to travel so you should anticipate everyone is doing the same thing.
- Get the family involved in the planning. If this is a family spring break trip include the kids in the planning. Older kids especially can help research spring break destinations. Younger kids can check-out the local library to research destinations.
- If you are on a budget plan a day trip with your family to make the best of the break. Don’t fall into what everyone else is doing and do what works best for your family.
Spring Break Ideas for Families
- Winter Resort: Lots of outdoor activities like skiing, snow shoeing, sledding, as well as indoor fun like Great Wolf Lodge Resort. Smuggler’s Notch Resort in Vermont is a great winter weather destination.
- Theme Park Vacation: Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Disneyland, and Hersheypark are very popular destinations this time of year.
- Warm Weather Destination: The Caribbean, a Disney Cruise or cruise vacation, and even parts of the Southwest USA can be a great escape from the cold for spring break. The Florida Keys and the southern East Coast have beautiful beaches and warm weather.
Spring Break Destinations for Families
Three of the main places for spring break destinations for families are warm weather spring break destinations, theme park destinations, and winter resorts.
Our favorites places to visit are theme parks and warm weather destinations but that is because we are surrounded by winter at home and are usually looking for something different for our vacations.
Warm Weather Spring Break Destinations for Families
Tucson, Arizona
We recently discovered Tucson, Arizona during our Southwest road trip in 2019 and I can’t wait to go back. Spring is a perfect time to visit. The weather is amazing during this time of year and there is so much to do for families.
We only had a short time to visit Tucson but loved exploring Old Tucson Studios and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
Read more about Planning a Visit to Tucson, Arizona.
Cruise Vacation
A cruise vacation can be an amazing spring break idea. Most cruises are all inclusive so you pay upfront and gives you a lot of time to relax.
As a family we have really enjoyed the Disney Cruise line. They are made for families!
The Disney Dream makes a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, making it feel like a Caribbean vacation and cruise vacation in one. Read 7 Castaway Cay Tips + What We Wish We Did Differently to learn more about the island.
Most cruises have a kids club and many family activities included with your sailing. It can be a great value for those looking for an all inclusive resorts feel.
Southern California
Southern California weather is typically amazing during spring break. Mostly sunny days and highs in the upper 60s. It may not be beach weather but it still can be a great escape from the winter. It can also be into the 80s if you are later in the season.
We spent spring break a few years ago in Carlsbad, California at the West Inn and Suites hotel. Out of all the hotel experiences we have ever had this was one of our favorites. The hotel is so welcoming and a great location.
One of the best things about the location is its proximity to LEGOLAND California. Legoland California is definitely worth a visit if you have kids.
The best part about a Southern California vacation is there is so many activities for families but you can also plan slow and relaxing days by the pool. It really is the perfect vacation.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a great spot to visit for a spring break trip. It offers a perfect central point for day trips as well as has entertainment for familyies.
Read our full itinerary: Zion National Park to Las Vegas Road Trip | Las Vegas 4 Day Itinerary
Zion National Park
Zion National Park was a last minute add-on to our Las Vegas trip and I was so happy we decided to include it. To be honest I wasn’t sure if Zion National Park would be great for us.
We are not big outdoors people but we found easy hikes and discovered that Zion National Park is worth it. Read the details: 1 Day in Zion National Park with Kids.
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is a great destination for family fun. It is a kids playground with mini-golf, dinner shows, go-karts, and more family friendly fun.
Two of my favorite activities were visiting Anakeesta and hiking Clingman’s Dome. They were both outdoor activities that really balanced out everything.
Clingman’s Dome is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the drive through it is amazing. If you enjoying hiking be sure to include time to enjoy this park.
Pigeon Forge has so much to do with kids and you could spend an entire week visiting. We packed so much into our time there and really enjoyed it. Read More: Things to Do in Pigeon Forge with Kids (4 Day Pigeon Forge Itinerary)
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is a good option for spring break. With its mix of family friendly attractions, beautiful beaches, and vacation homes you can’t go wrong. Check out Myrtle Beach Family Vacation: 21 Things to Do in Myrtle Beach for Families to see if it is a good choice for you.
Theme Park Spring Break Destinations for Families
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Hershey is a great place to visit year round because there are a lot of family fun things to do in Hershey that don’t require visiting Hersheypark.
We like visiting Hershey Chocolate World and The Hershey Story Museum. You can also visit the many family friendly destinations in Harrisburg.
I suggest staying at the Hershey Lodge to enjoy the indoor waterpark. If you are visiting during the spring you may have an opportunity to visit Hersheypark for their Spring Time in the Park event that happens on the weekends.
Learn more about visiting Hershey, PA on this post.
Driving Distance from Rochester: 277 miles
Disneyland in California
We love theme parks and being able to visit Disneyland in Anaheim, California was a dream come true. Disneyland is a classic theme park that Disney fans will love.
Disneyland is home to the Disneyland Resort and California Adventure park. We love visiting. Check out our preferred hotel for when we visit Disneyland: Best Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel | Courtyard Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance
Read More: 32 Best Things to do in Disneyland California
Orlando, Florida
We find ourselves visiting Orlando multiple times a year to enjoy the amazing theme parks. Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World are our favorite parks and they have become part of our family tradition.
A theme park vacation is a perfect mix of busy and relaxing if you stay at a resort with a pool. We love to enjoy a day at the parks followed by pool time at our resort.
If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando or Disney World be sure to read my guides to help you plan.
Winter Resort Spring Break Destinations
Toronto, Canada
Toronto is one of those cities that I forget is so close! At around 3 hours it is a perfect city getaway for families in Rochester.
It is home to the Toronto Zoo which is impressive, as well as the Hockey Hall of Fame and the MLB team the Toronto Blue Jays.
As a kid I grew up visiting Toronto. It holds special family memories in my heart and I love sharing that with my kids. We haven’t visited in a few years but are taking a trip there this spring. We can’t wait!
Check out our 10 Favorite Things to Do in Toronto for Families post.
Driving Distance from Rochester: 166 miles
Great Wolf Lodge (Multiple Locations)
There are three Great Wolf Lodge locations within 6 hours of Rochester. We visited the Fitchburg, MA location which is the furthest from Rochester.
Great Wolf Lodge is a perfect spring break destination for families because it has an all inclusive feel. Once you are checked-in you don’t have to leave the resort.
It is not all inclusive but there are on-site restaurants, the water park, and dry activities daily for families to enjoy. My kids really liked the ropes course during our visit.
Read Our Tips for an Awesome Visit to Great Wolf Lodge
Driving Distance from Rochester:
- Niagara Falls 95 miles
- Poconos 249 miles
- Massachusettes 375 miles
Cooperstown, New York
Cooperstown NY is perfect for the baseball fan in your life but everyone will appreciate this charming town. It is great for a weekend getaway and offers a place to spend quality family time without a lot of distractions.
When you visit arrive early at Fly Creek Mill to sample all the delicious goods. Fly Creek is a cider mill that is also a unique gift shop. We had a great time exploring it and trying all the samples.
Learn About How to Plan Your Cooperstown, NY Family Weekend
Driving Distance from Rochester: 173 miles
Buffalo, New York
If you have been a reader of my blog you know Buffalo has a special place in my heart. It is where I grew up, and my family still lives there. The food is the best ever and I just love all the family friendly attractions.
Plan Your Buffalo Weekend Getaway with this post.
Driving Directions from Rochester: 74 miles
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is another city that I hold near to my heart because we lived there for a few years when we first started our family.
The family friendly attractions in Pittsburgh could fill more than a weekend and we always find interesting things to do when we visit the city.
Plan Your Pittsburgh visit with 15 Things You Should Do in Pittsburgh
Driving Distance from Rochester: 284 miles
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is another city that is close to visit for the day and offers a lot for families. You can spend the day exploring the Destiny mall that has many restaurants and indoor family activities.
Check out our Weekend in Syracuse and plan your getaway.
Driving Distance from Rochester: 87 miles
New York City, New York
New York City can be a perfect place to visit during spring break. It is not too hot or too cold making it easy to walk around and explore.
We spent some time in New York City during our February break last year and really enjoyed exploring everything about the city. Learn more: New York in 2 Days: Tips for First Time Visiting NYC with Kids
Driving Distance from Rochester: 333 miles
Ski Resorts for Families
We have not done a ski vacation just yet but there are many places that are great for families. Smugglers’ Notch in Vermont is great for families year round. Check out this list of Best Ski Resorts in Utah too!
Tips for Saving Money on Spring Break Family Vacations
If you have to fly during a school break I suggest looking at surrounding airports to fly out of. We are traveling during our schools February break, but not everyone has this break so I searched other airports.
We ended up booking a flight out of Pittsburgh, which is about a 5 hour drive, but saved over $1500.00 on our flight. This might not work for you but if you want to save money it is worth looking into.
Try to book your trip during non-break times. If you can take your kids out of school try to book flights and trips when less people are traveling. This will save you money on the flight as well as accommodations.
Consider driving to your destination. Flying can be a huge expense during a spring break trip and if you have the time to drive it may be worth it. Road trips end up being some of our favorite trips.
A few we have loved are our Southwest Road Trip, Road trip to Myrtle Beach, Road Trip to Tennessee, and NY to Florida Road Trip.
There are so many options when planning a spring break vacation with your family. Where will you go this year?
