Let us kickoff this piece about the Top 10 Spring Break Destinations for Families with a perception-shattering declaration. Repeat after me: I will not vacation for my kids!
Say it again if you have to, and then say it again. Say it until you can make it all the way to the end without choking on your tongue like our former President on a Rold Gold. Now say it one more time, just for good measure.
Why, you ask? Why do I subject you to such emotional duress? I do it, because you need to get your mind straight about family vacations. Point, family vacations are just that, family vacations, not kid vacations. A common mistake that parents make is stuffing their itineraries so full of youngling-geared guacamole that they either forget to or simply can’t have a good time themselves. Rubbish, I say!
Plan ahead and you can enjoy a vacation with them, not for them. We’ve found ten suggestions that make it easy to do just that. Please enjoy our Top 10 Spring Break Destinations for Families.
#10 – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (Recommended Ages: 7 & Up)
Myrtle Beach is a perennial sleeper. A cozy collection of beach communities along the Atlantic coast, Myrtle Beach doesn’t get a lot of press, you don’t see many advertisements, and it doesn’t often make these lists, but that hasn’t stopped nearly 15 million people from rolling in with their shades and their sun block all year long, many of them families who know how to have a good time. Along with the beach, of course, great family attractions include Family Kingdom Amusement Park (free admission), Ripley’s Aquarium, as well as the Ripley’s Attractions at Pavilion Park.
Note: This is an especially good beach destination for the over-protective parent, because thanks to an unusual law, “thong” bathing suites are illegal to wear on the beach. Go on, save that loss of innocence for the internet. That’s why it’s there.
#9 – Galveston, Texas (Recommended Ages: 7 & Up)
Being a Texan, I had to give my home state some love, and Galveston is the perfect choice. Like our own secret San Diego, Galveston is a dynamic destination of family entertainment throughout the year. The top Spring Break attraction in Galveston is Moody Gardens, a vast, wholly original complex blending animal exhibits, a science museum, a botanical garden and more. Visit one of the largest aquariums in the country, explore a tropical rainforest, “swim” with the dolphins and take a paddle boat cruise all in the same day. Also consider Schlitterbahn Indoor-Outdoor Waterpark.
#8 – Palm Springs, California (Recommended Ages: 12 & Up)
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous for Spring Break 2009, consider the outdoorsy action of Palm Springs, California. Although it’s known for springtime golf, especially among the college set, the scenic desert community in central California has a lot more to offer than a round on the course. Like many resort destinations, excursion-style entertainment is big business in Palm Springs. Popular excursions for the family include the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the San Andreas Fault Twilight Adventure (through March), and the Indian Canyons. Palm Spring, California can fill up fast come Spring Break, so reservations well in advance are recommended.
#7 – New York City, New York (Recommended Ages: 12 & Up)
The appeal of New York City is how every family can have a wildly different Spring Break vacation, even in the space of just a few blocks. There’s plenty for the younger set, but this is one destination we’d actually recommend for those with older children, ages 12 and up. With so many options, you’ll definitely want to plan ahead. Decide the things that you would like to do, then run them by your kids for final approval. You’ll find the trip especially rewarding if traveling with teenagers who are able to appreciate some of New York’s most significant options like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Ground Zero, and the many history tours. Other obvious favorites include the Empire State Building, Natural History Museum, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, Radio City Music Hall, and Broadway (try “Shrek the Musical“).
#6 – Los Angeles, California (Recommended Ages: 10 & Up)
Though far removed from New York City on the map, the two share one spirit when it comes to fun Spring Break family getaways. Like New York City, Los Angeles offers limitless fun for families of any size and age, though many of its sightseeing attractions skew older. Once again, this is a great choice for teenagers. If it’s your first time, go for the obvious: Hollywood, the Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills, Griffith Park (Hollywood Sign), Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (cement hand prints), Universal Studios, Paramount Studios, and, with caution, Disneyland. That’s a lot to see, so if you need a break, head to the beach for an afternoon of rest. If possible, avoid the local Spring Break week, as it will turn all of these attractions into a feeding frenzy of perpetual madness.
#5 – Big Bear Lake, California (Recommended Ages: 7 & Up)
It just wouldn’t be a Top Spring Break Destinations article without a top-quality ski resort for all you snow-fanatics out there, and if you’ve been with USA Travel Guide long, you probably already know that our favorite is Big Bear Lake in Southern California. Between the two major resorts, Bear Mountain and Snow Summit, families of any skill level can have a rewarding day on the slopes, and as the season begins to dwindle, so will the prices. If you have younger children, go for Snow Summit. You’ll find more novice-level courses as well as more beginners’ facilities. You might also consider Alpine Slide.
#4 – Cocoa Beach, Florida (Recommended Ages: 7 & Up)
Escaping to the beaches of Florida isn’t just for the college kids, provided you know where to look. A little further up the coast from Miami, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale and the Palm Beaches you’ll find Cocoa Beach, a smooth, jazzy kind of beachfront getaway that is remarkably well-suited to children. The beach itself is a central attraction, but lifeguards can be sporadic so choose your spot carefully. On land, check out the Kennedy Space Center (always a kid favorite), Ron Jon’s Surf Shop, Cocoa Beach Pier, and with a short drive, Jungle Adventures Nature Park & Zoo.
If you’re willing to make a longer drive, it’s only 60 miles to Orlando, home of Disney World, SeaWorld, Universal Studios and much more.
#3 – Washington, DC (Recommended Ages: 12 & Up)
Like New York City, we recommend older kids for Washington, DC not because the younger would not enjoy it, but because kids ages twelve and older are likely to enjoy it that much more. Washington, DC is a fascinating destination at any time of year, but with the slower crowds of the early part of the year, Spring Break is actually the best time to visit. Vacations in Washington, DC are all about two things: sightseeing and museums. Start with an area tour, just to get a feel for things, then head back to investigate whatever piqued your interest. If at all possible, leave yourself two days just for museums. The rich, immersive Smithsonian museums are impressive at any speed, but are far better when not rushed.
#2 – Orlando, Florida (Recommended Ages: All)
If you were expecting an underdog to slip into the top of the list, check your expectations right now. Our top two spots have been reserved for reigning heavyweights in family getaway entertainment. In the first corner: Orlando, FL.
Orlando hardly needs description. An abundant metropolitan area in Central Florida, Orlando is most famous as the epicenter of an incredible assortment of major amusement parks and attractions, including Walt Disney World (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios), SeaWorld , Universal Studios Orlando, Wet n’ Wild, Islands of Adventure, Wonderworks and GatorLand. Along with the parks, many of the hotels are resort attractions in themselves. Also popular are the major shopping and dining districts including CityWalk and International Drive. Simplify and save with a multi-day, multi-park pass for each member of the family.
#1 – San Diego, California (Recommended Ages: All)
In the other corner: San Diego, California.
What Orlando has in flash, San Diego has in style and, well, more flash. While also rivaling its Floridian rival in entertainment and attractions, what strikes us as special about San Diego is how it manages to stay “real” despite the staggering tourism numbers. Whether you’re looking for something simple and fun, or educational and experiential, San Diego is likely to have just the thing. Top attractions include the magnificent San Diego Zoo, Belmont Park, SeaWorld San Diego, the Fleet Science Center and Mission Beach. Learn more about all of these items in our Spring Break San Diego article.
Something missing? With hundreds of fantastic options all over the country, we couldn’t possibly get them all. Let us know in the comments below about your favorite Spring Break destinations for families and we might feature them in a future post. For even more great Spring Break 2009 suggestions, head over to our Spring Break Ideas Center.
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- Spring Break Vacations with USA Travel Guide
- Spring Break Family Getaways – San Diego, California
- Spring Break Family Vacations – San Antonio, TX
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15 Comments
Orlando = Fun in the sun! Cant wait to be there!
You got to add Costa Rica to your list. It’s the best place in the world.
You could be right, Glenn. Unfortunately, it’s out of our jurisdiction.
What a nice list! I like Galveston, it’s within short (only for us here in Texas) drive from Dallas. The beach can’t be compared to the Carribean, however dining and family-friendly attractions like Moody Gardens make up for the fun in the Caribbean sun
Thanks for writing in, Sam.
As good Dallas boys and girls ourselves, sneaking Texas favorites into our lists is a kind of guilty pleasure over here, and Galveston really deserves it. Not many non-Texans think about it, but we’re hoping to change that in time. It’s just a great place to be!
Thanks again.
is there any good spots near michigan
Hi Chris, thanks for the question.
Depends on what you like (and where you are around Michigan). One of our favorite Michigan activities, especially in the late-winter/early-spring is the skiing up north. In fact, the timing for Spring Break is often just about perfect.
Consider the Shanty Creek Resorts. It’s a massive ski resort, but it’s plenty family-friendly. In fact, they’ve got several packages built around families with things like free skiing for the kids or free food for the kids, and because it’s a resort, those complimentary items are actually worth a fair amount. There are two mountains and several on-site restaurants to choose.
Hope this helps. If skiing just isn’t your thing, let me know and I’ll get the team on it.
This article also has a couple good suggestions.
Thanks again.
Spring break is coming…Just my husband and I and our 6 year old boy. I tend to disagree about not making the vacation more for your child. There is nothing worse than an unhappy whiney child. Basically, if thier happy, your happy. I have no doubt that there are MANY parents who agree.Us being grown-ups can bend a little easier than a child. So with that said, we are torn between palm desert (for swimming, etc) and big bear (for snow play) for spring break. Is there actually any snow on the ground , in the village, etc… at that time in big bear? And whats the average temp in palm desert at that time?
Gotta be hot for all day poolside fun deal…
Many Thanks…Anna
Hi Anna, thanks for your questions and comments.
(Actually, it was the many parents on staff here at USA Travel Guide who inspired the angle, I guess there are opinions on all sides).
Hard to get a read on the weather in Palm Springs. Their Web site has three different weather feeds on it, each of them making a different guess. Averaging the three, you can expect highs between 75-90, lows from 55-65. Remember that this is the desert, so while 85 degrees is nothing to scoff at, it’s not near as bad as 85 degrees in, say, Texas, where I am. (Weather)
In Big Bear Lake, it’s still dropping below freezing at night, however slightly, so there is a chance for snow, but I wouldn’t be hoping for a quaint snow-capped village. It’s just a little too late in the season for that. By this time, Bear Mountain and Snow Summit are relying more heavily on their snow-making equipment to bulk up the slopes through the end of the season. The skiing is still top-notch, but I wouldn’t claim it to be a winter wonderland anymore. Good timing is good timing though, you could get lucky. (Weather)
Hope this helps at all. Have a great trip!
If you plan on taking a vacation out in San Diego I recommend checking out Zonder for some great prices on San Diego vacation rentals http://www.zonder.com/Listings.aspx?loc=San+Diego,+CA
Thanks, Andy.
We rarely highlight altenative lodging here at USA Travel Guide, but it’s true that if you think outside the hotel/resort box, you can find some great accommodations just bursting with personality (and at a good price, too).
Thanks again.
The snow’s still great on the slopes, but it’s definitely “skiing in a t-shirt and shorts” weather up here right now! http://www.bigbearteam.com
Thanks for the update, Joe.
Im going to fort lauderdale over spring break, but i dont know any activites that i can do up there
There was an earlier question about Michigan. Northern Michigan is as beautiful in the summer as in the winter during ski season. Charlevoix is by far one of the most beautiful places I’ve been and we are avid travelers. The downtown is amazing with a beautiful park, trout pond, childrens’ water fountain park, and bandshell with great performances all summer. The view of the harbor is unbeatable (and we’ve been to Portofino, Italy). There are great shops and restaurants, opportunities to rent a boat, and hospitality is abundant among the locals. You should truly see this place!
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