After being stuck inside all winter, it’s finally springtime! If longer days and warmer weather have you looking for spring break ideas for families that your crew will actually enjoy, we’ve got beach options, ski resorts, and road trips that the whole family will love. If you’re just looking for family-friendly activities to do at home, we’ve got you covered there, too. In this guide, we’ll list out all the best spring break ideas to make sure your brood stays busy all week long!
Take a break with Adventures From Scratch.
Check out our scratch-off adventure book, Adventures From Scratch: Family Edition for 50+ spring break ideas for families. AFS is chalked full of fun things to fill your free days. We’ve got road trip ideas, at-home crafts, and unique challenges that will keep your crew entertained! Use it at home, or take it with you on your family getaway!
Awesome Spring Break Ideas for Families
Don’t let your family be bored during spring break and waste your precious time off. Snag one or two of these spring break ideas and make them your own! Your activities don’t have to be extravagant. We’ve gathered some ideas, but each one can be adapted to your closest location, budget, or time schedule. Get creative!
The Best Beach Vacations for Families
Sometimes, you just need to wind down by the ocean, build some sand castles, and hunt for seashells. Here are a few awesome beach trip options that your crew will love! (Remember, the whole family might not love the sand as much as you do, so try to choose a destination with horseback riding, ziplining, or a great children’s museum to add a little variety).
1. Captiva and Sanibel Islands: Florida
Captiva and Sanibel, picturesque barrier islands of the Gulf Coast, provide an ideal family-friendly option for spring break. These islands offer a relaxed atmosphere with breathtaking views, and beaches loaded with vibrant seashells. Visitors can enjoy biking through J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, embarking on a thrilling high-speed catamaran cruise, or venturing out to explore Lovers Key State Park.
2. St. Pete Beach: Florida
St. Pete is a popular destination for families, offering a wide range of activities. A short distance away, Fort De Soto Park boasts unspoiled white sand beaches and thrilling outdoor activities like swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Art enthusiasts can explore the Dali Museum’s surreal art collection, while nature lovers can revel in the Florida Botanical Gardens’ lush greenery. At Clearwater Marine Aquarium, visitors can encounter interesting marine creatures, while a stroll through the serene Sunken Gardens is a must for those seeking beautiful landscapes. For a peaceful retreat, Weedon Island Preserve offers a tranquil hiking experience away from the crowds.
3. Myrtle Beach: South Carolina
Visiting South Carolina for spring break is a fantastic idea. With its warm weather, beautiful beaches, charming towns, and Southern hospitality, there is something for everyone. Myrtle Beach, aka the “Grand Strand,” stretches 60 miles along the Atlantic Ocean. Along with the iconic boardwalks, visitors can enjoy live music, theater shows, and a diverse culinary scene with hundreds of restaurants. Myrtle Beach also offers amusement parks, a remarkable aquarium, over 90 picturesque golf courses, fishing, and a wide range of water sports.
4. Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa: Hawaii
Visiting Hawaii for spring break is a dream come true! The tropical paradise offers stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and exciting outdoor activities such as surfing, snorkeling, and insane hiking. Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa is a truly stunning hotel that provides exceptional service. Guests can indulge in fantastic pools, water slides, a beautiful beach, delightful character breakfasts, a magnificent luau, and incredible restaurants. In addition, Aulani offers numerous complimentary activities such as a free kids camp at Aunty’s Beach House, the Menehune Adventure Trail, hula lessons with characters, fireside storytelling, vibrant shows, movies under the stars, specialized teen areas, and much more.
5. Moon Palace Cancun: Mexico
Mexico has many family-friendly beach resorts that could provide a memorable spring break trip. We like Moon Palace Cancun, a vast, all-inclusive resort just a short drive from Cancun International Airport. With an array of accommodation options, the resort provides everything from high-end suites to budget-friendly options, making it a great option for a range of families.
It is an excellent choice for families with young children, boasting water slides, a FlowRider wave machine, mini-golf, cycling, snorkeling in the Caribbean, and more. Parents can also take advantage of the kids’ club, where attentive staff can supervise children while they enjoy a romantic dinner or play a round of golf on the 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course.
The Best Ski Trips for Families
If lounging on the beach doesn’t suit your style, why not try a more action-packed vacation like skiing? With the wind in your face and the snowy slopes beneath your feet, skiing is a great way to get your adrenaline pumping, and spring break is the perfect time for it!
6. Solitude Ski Resort: Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah
The Wasatch Mountains of Utah boast approximately 14 ski resorts, ten of which are renowned worldwide for their exceptional quality. For families seeking a European-style ski village experience, Solitude Ski Resort is an ideal choice. The resort offers accommodations at the Inn at Solitude or in a rented condo, both of which provide breathtaking views of the slopes.
Children under six can ski for free at Solitude! The resort also provides a snow sports school for both skiers and snowboarders. Additionally, everything at Solitude Ski Resort, including lodging, restaurants, and slopes, is within walking distance, so you’ll never need to leave the resort.
7. Breckenridge Ski Resort: Colorado
Skiing in Colorado is a must-do experience for any ski enthusiast. Colorado boasts some of the best resorts in North America, with world-renowned destinations like Vail, Aspen, and Keystone. Skiing in Breckenridge is a fantastic experience for both beginners and experts. With over 2,900 acres of terrain, across five peaks, Breckenridge is one of the largest resorts in the state. It boasts groomers, moguls, designated terrain parks, and bowls. In addition, Breckenridge has an excellent ski school, with expert instructors, who can teach anyone!
The village is also charming, with historic buildings and a bustling downtown filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. Visitors can enjoy après-ski activities such as ice skating, snowmobiling, or taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride. With its stunning mountain scenery, excellent skiing, and lively town, Breckenridge is a must-visit destination for any ski enthusiast.
The Best European Spring Break Trip for Families
A family vacation to Europe is a bucket list activity that offers a mix of adventure, culture, history, and relaxation. One great way to experience Europe as a family is to embark on a multi-city tour!
8. Tour of Italy
For a memorable family vacation in Europe, choose a four-stop tour of Italy, visiting Naples, Rome, Florence, and Venice. With two nights in each city, it fits into your spring break timeline if you leave a day early. You’ll explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, cruise the Blue Grotto of Capri, marvel at the Colosseum and the Duomo, peruse the best Renaissance art on earth, and experience a gondola ride through the canals of Venice. Not to mention, you’ll gorge yourself on handmade pizza, pasta, and gelato, and miss the summer crowds. It doesn’t get much better than that!
Take some cues from “Travel Europe for Cheap? Enjoy These Budget Tips” to keep your trip from breaking the bank.
National Parks
With some of the most intoxicating landscapes in the world, the United States National Parks are the perfect vacation idea for families. First of all, the America the Beautiful Pass which allows your whole family into all National Parks for a year, for just one fee of $80. Secondly, your kiddos will love the Junior Rangers Program provided by the park system, Thirdly, parents get to relax in some of the most stunning scenery imaginable. It’s a win all around. Here are a few of the best National Parks to visit this spring break.
9. Yosemite National Park: California
Yosemite is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers breathtaking views of towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and serene meadows, as well as iconic hikes like Half Dome. This is a very popular park and requires a reservation!
10. National Parks of Utah
Utah is home to five national parks, known as the Mighty 5, talk about bang for your buck. Arches National Park is famous for its stunning rock formations, including over 2,000 natural sandstone arches. Bryce Canyon National Park features otherworldly hoodoos. Canyonlands National Park is a vast desert landscape with deep canyons, towering mesas, and the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers. Capitol Reef National Park has a diverse range of geological features, including cliffs, canyons, domes, and arches. Zion National Park is renowned for its insane beauty and popular Narrows and Angel’s Landing hiking trails. Each park offers a unique experience and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. It’s the perfect spring break trip for an adventurous crew!
11. Grand Canyon National Park: Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous national parks and is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Arizona. Visitors can hike, bike, or take a scenic drive along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to take in its breathtaking views.
City Breaks
12. Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. is a great destination for a spring break vacation for families. Tours of iconic monuments and museums, such as the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of American History, and the National Gallery of Art are fun for kids of all ages. The cherry blossoms in the city bloom in late March too, so spring-breakers get to visit the city at its most beautiful!
13. New York City
New York City during spring break offers the iconic Empire State Building, the bright lights of Times Square, and a stroll through Central Park. You can catch a Broadway show, or explore world-class museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art. For more NYC ideas, check out “How to Explore New York on a Budget.”
An excellent way to explore is to try one of our 17 scavenger hunts and tours of New York City.
14. Orlando
Orlando Florida offers endless opportunities for entertainment and fun. It’s known as the theme park capital of the world. Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando are just a few of the world-famous theme parks. In addition to the theme parks, Orlando also has plenty of other attractions, such as the Kennedy Space Center, LEGOLAND Florida, and the Orlando Eye. Plus, you are only a few minutes from Daytona Beach!
Road Trips
America is laced with iconic road trips, and they make excellent spring break adventures. Take a cruise up historic Route 66, be wowed by Pacific Hwy 1, or choose a journey from “Family Road Trip Ideas for Your Next Vacation.” Remember to bring along your copy of Adventures From Scratch: Family Edition for tons of entertainment on the road!
The Best Family Fun Activities for Spring Break
Unfortunately, not all parents can get away for a family spring break trip… gross adulting! That doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun in or around your home though. Here are a few great ideas to make your spring break a blast without leaving town.
15. A City Scavenger Hunt
Spring brings plenty of rain in many regions. However, even if you’re stuck indoors, you can still have a blast with a fun-filled scavenger hunt! Our indoor family hunts are not only creative and educational but also highly entertaining. With a range of themes suitable for kids of all ages, our hunts are an easy rainy-day solution for most families. You won’t need any special supplies or planning to enjoy our hunts. Simply download our app, choose your scavenger hunt, and start exploring!
If you’re looking for more ideas to keep your family entertained during the spring season, check out “45 Riveting Rainy Day Activities for Your Bored Brood.” This resource will provide you with a variety of options to choose from.
16. Local Art Walk
Let’s Roam is passionate about street art and strives to promote the incredible creations of our talented street. Our urban art walks offer an enjoyable, educational, and straightforward way to explore these masterpieces. You can browse our list of cities to find an art walk that’s conveniently located for you.
17. Volunteering
Spring commonly prompts individuals and communities to engage in cleaning activities. Participating in trash collection or planting new flowers in public areas are some ways in which families can contribute. Check your city’s public website, or join a group from a local church or community group. “The Best Community Service Projects for Kids” offers tons of great ideas for spring volunteering.
18. Museum Visit
A museum visit provides a unique opportunity to learn about history, art, culture, and science. You may or may not have a popular museum in your area, but it is very likely that you have some smaller, regional ones that are loaded with amusing artifacts!
19. Small-Town Exploration
Exploring a small town can be a fun and rewarding experience. The small towns of the U.S. are a wealth of funny roadside attractions, weird histories, and fantastic mom-and-pop eateries. So step out of the box and explore an area you would normally overlook.
Check out “The Best Small Towns to Visit in Every State” to find an interesting town near you!
20. Science Experiment
Doing an at-home science experiment is a great way to spend a spring break day at home. Build a volcano from cooking ingredients, make some slime, or do an engineering challenge with toothpicks!
21. Gardening Project
Starting a garden teaches your kids skills that they can use for the rest of their lives. Teaching what to plant in season, how to till and fertilize the soil, and weeding is an afront for instilling the principles of healthy eating, hard work, and patience.
22. Stargazing Night
Stargazing with kids can ignite their curiosity about the universe, teach them about constellations, and foster a love for science and nature. Throw out a blanket in the yard, and download the app from Stellarium Labs which will alert you to falling stars, help you find the space station, and much more!
23. Block Party
A block party with your kids is a great way to strengthen community bonds, socialize, and have fun together. Let your kids deliver the invites, make the menu, and create the decorations. It will keep them busy all week!
24. Culture Day
Learn about cultures from around the world, including what they eat, how they dress, and the language they speak. For added learning, look into different spring holidays and festivals they celebrate and end your week with a massive traditional meal. Invite your friends and family!
25. Farmer’s Market
Going to a farmers’ market is a delightful experience for anyone who loves fresh produce and supporting local farmers. With an array of colorful fruits and vegetables, artisanal bread, homemade jams, petting zoos, games, and more, it’s an opportunity the whole family will love!
26. Fishing Expedition
Going on a fishing expedition with your kids can be a great bonding experience. It can also teach them patience, appreciation for nature, and new skills.
27. Trampoline Park
Need to burn a little energy, head for the local trampoline park! It’s a fun way to get exercise and can also improve coordination and balance skills.
28. Dance Party
An impromptu dance party can instantly lift the mood and bring joy to everyone involved. It’s an entertaining way to burn some energy and make memories together.
29. Backyard Camping
Backyard camping is a convenient and accessible way to enjoy the outdoors with your family without the hassle of packing up the car. Plus, it allows for quick access to the comforts of home if needed. Set up a tent in the yard, or just build a sheet fort over a pallet in the family room. Either way, your kids will love it!
30. Redecorating a Room
Redecorating a room with kids releases their creativity. It allows them to express themselves and have a sense of ownership over their space. It will make a mess, but it’s worth it!
31. Book Writing
Writing a book encourages creativity, strengthens bonds, and promotes literacy skills. Start with a simple one-sentence prompt, and let your imagination run wild!
32. Horseback Riding
Horseback riding can be a great way to build confidence, develop balance and coordination, and foster a love for animals and the outdoors.
33. Obstacle Course
Set up an obstacle course in the living room or the backyard. Create a balance beam from a log, a jumping trek with hula hoops, and a maze of dining chairs. Whatever you have lying around the house can act as an obstacle. Get creative!
34. Homemade Ice Cream
Making homemade ice cream is a nostalgic activity with delicious results. Set up an ice cream bar with sprinkles, syrups, and marshmallows for some extra fun!
35. Water Park
What kid doesn’t love the waterpark? You’ll get joy out of watching them splash and giggle, too. Not to mention that water fun in the sun usually leads to good naps!
Spring into action!
Spring is a perfect time to explore new activities and create cherished memories with your children. Whether you are heading out on a big family vacation or hanging around the house, make this spring break a blast with a few items from this list of spring break ideas for families. Did any of these spark your interest? Share it in the comments!
For additional suggestions on how to connect with your children this season, have a look at “The Ultimate List of Spring Break Ideas for Kids.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Some great family activities for spring break include going to the beach, taking a ski trip, visiting a small town near your home, going on a city scavenger hunt, or having a museum day.
The best spring break destinations either allow you to escape the cold or totally embrace it in a wintery wonderland. Think trekking through the Grand Canyon, skiing in Utah, or a visit to Italy!
Disney World, Universal Studios, and LEGOland will keep your kids busy, or check out the stunning islands of Captiva and Sanibel for a more relaxed week collecting seashells!
Some of the most popular spring break activities include family vacations to the beach, hitting the ski slopes in Utah or Colorado, or visiting one of the American National Parks.
Day trips to national or state parks are an excellent way to keep kids busy without going far from home. Alternatively, enjoy a spontaneous excursion from Adventures From Scratch: Family Edition.