It always feels like January drags on, February goes by in a flash, and then suddenly it’s spring break. Usually I have our spring break all planned out in advance. But this is the first year in a long while that we aren’t going somewhere. After a busy last few months of getting our new home ready to move into, no one feels like traveling. So instead, I’m sharing my favorite spring break destinations for families with you!
Anyone who has gone on spring break with kids knows that it’s not a true vacation. But I still think it’s worth it! Also the more you do it, the easier it gets. And it can feel less challenging the older they get, too.
I have done a ton of traveling with my kids over the years and planned many spring getaways. In this post you’ll find some of the best spring break destinations for families along with all of the traveling essentials I recommend. I’ve also included some ways you can save on spring break travel with your family.
Spring Break Destinations for Families
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Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando is known as one of the best spring break destinations in the US — and for good reason! It was at the top of our list for a while, and I’m so glad we finally made it here last year.
This is a well-run park that brings popular movie franchises, characters, and stories to life through immersive lands. And of course there are tons of rides to go on, iconic spots to check out, and yummy food to eat.
While Universal is considered family-friendly, most of the rides are intense and have a 40-48” height requirement. So this destination may not work as well for those of you planning spring break getaways with younger kids. That being said, my daughters and I are not big roller coaster people and we still had a blast — especially because we’re huge Harry Potter fans. Yes, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is worth it and lives up to the hype! And there were even a few rides we enjoyed.
Since Orlando is a popular destination, you’ll want to give yourself lots of time to plan this trip (at least 6 months out, if not more). And make sure to read all of my Universal Orlando tips before you go!
Ali’s Pro Tip: I highly recommend making time to go to south Florida so you can get the beach experience as well. This is a great way to wind down and relax a bit after a busy vacation. My grandparents live just north of Naples and the beaches are first class there. The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point is hands down our favorite spot for families. It has multiple pools and water slides, tennis courts, five on-site dining options, and access to their own beach via a fun boat ride.
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30A
Another popular spot in Florida, but much more luxurious and laidback! This stretch along highway 30A has some of the most stunning beaches in the US. Spring break with kids isn’t usually a relaxing experience, but the dreamy white sand, crystal-clear water, and picture-perfect sunsets will get you pretty close.
Along with its beautiful beaches, 30A is known for its small, charming beach towns — filled with high-end boutiques, a variety of restaurants influenced by southern cuisine, and fun community events. In Houston, Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach are the most frequently visited spots. But you can’t go wrong with any of them! Also, if you love movies like I do, make sure to visit Seaside where The Truman Show was filmed.
While they all share gorgeous views of the coast, each town has its own architectural style and unique vibe, making them all feel very distinct from one another. Beyond the beaches, you’ll find more natural attractions, like coastal dune lakes and state parks.
I will say that 30A was once a hidden gem and has become a lot more touristy in recent years. But it is still considered one of the more serene, slow-paced spring break destinations for families. While pricey, 30A is magical and no other place has the same vibe. Just remember to budget for it ahead of time and book your trip early!
Ali’s Pro Tip: Not far from 30A in Alabama is Gulf Shores, a popular destination when we lived in New Orleans. The beaches are spectacular and cheaper than 30A, so it’s worth looking around, especially if you want a more budget-friendly alternative.
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Costa Rica
Now let’s talk about spring break with kids outside of the US. We’ve been to Costa Rica three times now, so clearly we’re big fans. My husband and I actually honeymooned there first. Once the kids were old enough to take part in all the adventures, we couldn’t wait to bring them back.
We’ve stayed in two different regions so far: Arenal and Guanacaste. They each offer a totally different (but equally amazing) experience.
Some of our favorite activities in Arenal were horseback riding, tubing, zip lining, and rock climbing. If you and your kids love outdoor adventures, then this place is one of the best spring break destinations for families. There are also plenty of low-key activities, too, like visiting the sloth sanctuary, enjoying the hot springs, and going on a farm tour.
Ali’s Pro Tip: We stayed at The Springs Resort, and the hot springs alone were worth the trip. My kids could have spent all day bouncing from pool to pool. Also, don’t miss The Monkey Slide!
Unlike the lush rainforest of Arenal, Guanacaste is much drier and hotter. This area is known for its beautiful beaches, protected marine areas, and abundance of family-friendly all-inclusive resorts.
A few of our favorite activities included zip-lining (the longest in Central America is here), ATV tours, boat rides (we saw dolphins!), snorkeling, and waterfall hikes. If you want a more relaxed, resort-style trip while still having plenty of excursions to choose from, I highly recommend going to Guanacaste.
Ali’s Pro Tip: We stayed at JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa, and it was fantastic for families. The massive pool, beach access, several restaurants, and on-site activities made it easy to balance adventure days with total chill days. If you’re considering Guanacaste, look for resorts that offer kids' activities, multiple pools, and easy excursion booking on-site.
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Mexico
Mexico is such a great spring break destination for families because it truly offers something for everyone… beautiful beaches, rich culture, amazing food, and endless kid-friendly activities. It is also a very easy flight from Texas!
We’ve experienced a few very different sides of Mexico and loved them all.
One of our favorite trips was to Mexico’s Pacific coast in the Nayarit region. This area feels more relaxed and less crowded than some of the bigger resort destinations, but still has plenty to do with kids.
We spent our days horseback riding, going on guided hikes through the jungle, taking cooking classes, and squeezing in as much beach time as possible.
We also stopped in Cozumel on a cruise and absolutely loved it. It’s a great option if you want to experience beautiful Caribbean water and fun family excursions — without the nonstop party vibe.
One of the highlights for us was swimming with dolphins, which my kids still talk about. Cozumel is also known for snorkeling and reef tours, beach clubs with pools and kid-friendly amenities, and easy day trips and excursions.
My husband has also been to Cabo for work and hasn’t stopped talking about it since. So now it is on our list of ideas for a spring break family vacation!
One of the biggest highlights from his trip was whale watching, which is a total bucket list item for the rest of us. Cabo is also known for its beautiful beaches, family-friendly resorts, snorkeling and boat tours, and desert-meets-ocean scenery.
If your family loves the idea of beach days mixed with unforgettable experiences, Cabo is a great option to consider.
Ali’s Pro Tip: Look for resorts or vacation rentals that offer on-site activities and excursions. It makes planning easier and keeps everything in one place.
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San Antonio & Texas Hill Country
We moved to Texas in 2012, and coming from New England, I had never even heard of the Texas Hill Country. Fast forward to now… and it’s one of our favorite spring break ideas for families.
This area is packed with outdoor adventures, charming towns, and plenty of things to do with kids, making it perfect for a spring break road trip or long weekend.
You can start your trip in San Antonio and visit The Alamo, The River Walk, The San Antonio Zoo, SeaWorld, or Six Flags.
Or head to Austin and visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, hike to the top of Enchanted Rock, or take a tour of the University of Texas campus.
Springtime in Hill Country also means wildflowers and bluebonnets everywhere, which makes it especially beautiful this time of year. You’ll find the largest wildflower farm in Fredericksburg — along with tons of wineries, restaurants, and boutiques.
North of San Antonio is New Braunfels, where you can take a guided tour of Natural Bridge Caverns, the largest commercial caverns in Texas. Above ground, there’s a large adventure park with zip lines, ropes courses, and climbing areas. New Braunfels is also home to one of the best waterparks in the country.
Another Hill Country gem we’ve stayed in and loved is Wimberley. It’s a small, artsy town with a laid-back feel and tons of outdoor beauty, making it a great spot if you want a quieter spring break with kids.
The swimming holes here are also a huge draw. Both the Blue Hole Regional Park and Jacob’s Well Natural Area are perfect for warm spring days with kids.
Ali’s Pro Tip: Look for a cabin or vacation rental with outdoor space. Many properties have fire pits, creek access, and room for kids to roam, which makes evenings just as fun as daytime exploring. Bonus if they have a pool.
Spring Break Traveling Essentials for Every Family
Traveling with children can feel daunting at first. Over time, I’ve found ways to make it feel easier and more fun. Whether you have little kids or big kids, there are always a lot more things to consider when planning a family trip compared to when you’re going somewhere solo or with another adult.
Here are some posts that can help you figure out what to pack for a family vacation — and make sure your travel experience goes a lot more smoothly!
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The Best Travel Strollers: Taking your stroller along for the ride (or flight) can bring up a whole new set of challenges you don’t normally deal with on a daily basis. Can you fold your stroller with one hand? Does it fit in the overhead bin? This post covers all the questions you need to consider when traveling with newborns, infants, or tired toddlers who just can’t walk anymore.
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Travel Gear for Kids: Wondering what to pack when traveling? From car seats, carriers, and travel beds to night lights, headphones, and white noise machines, I’ve got you covered with a list of personal recommendations and top suggestions from other parents. You’ll also get tips for keeping it all organized.
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Kids Travel Activities: Travel days can feel long and exhausting. So keeping kids entertained and engaged is a must! If you don’t want to resort to the tablet right away, check out this post for screen-free travel activities my family loves. Whether you need to keep little hands busy or big kids from getting bored, you’ll find plenty of ideas for all ages.
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Our Favorite Travel Games: As a mom of three, I always pack a few travel games for long car trips or flights. From travel-friendly versions of classic games to waterproof cards and magnetic sets, all of these games are easy to pack and quick to play. You’ll also find free travel game ideas and some travel game tips for parents!
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Beach Gear for the Entire Family: If any of your spring break destinations involve the beach, make sure to check out this post! Packing the right beach gear and beach toys can make a huge difference in how much fun everyone is having. From beach bags and snack containers to sun care and swimsuits, you’ll find links to all of the essentials.
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DIY Travel First Aid Kit: I never leave home without my first aid kit. After realizing that pre-made kits were either too big or didn’t have everything we needed, I decided to make my own kit. This post will help you be more prepared to deal with the unexpected so you don’t have to stress if they get hurt or feel sick.
Tips to Save Money on Spring Break Travel
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Check online for deals. There are tons of websites that can compare the price of flights, hotels, transportation, and more to help you find the best travel deals. Personally I use Kayak to track flights.
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Use a travel assistant. If you don’t want to spend a ton of time researching, a travel agent can help you find the best deals and extra perks. They can also deal with any last-minute issues, and they may be able to offer travel advice for your specific destination. I always use Kate Johnson Travel for big trips like spring break.
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Book flights early and be flexible. We usually book by September since flight prices start to dramatically increase soon after. Being flexible with your dates (even by one or two days) can also lower your overall costs on flights and hotels.
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Use rewards. You can save money on flights, hotels, and more with credit card points and other loyalty programs.
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Look into all-inclusive resorts. While some resorts can be pricey, they can also help you stick to your vacation budget and have fewer unexpected expenses.
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Consider vacation packages. Bundling your flight, hotel, and rental car into one package may be cheaper than paying for everything individually.
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Ask locals for suggestions. Finding non-touristy spots can help you save money on food and other goods — plus they’re usually more authentic!
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Pack snacks and breakfast items. My kids are perpetually hungry and having extra snacks on hand helps save some money. It can also prevent meltdowns if you can’t get to food right away!
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Look for free or low-cost activities. Beaches, hiking trails, playgrounds, hotel activities, and nature preserves can fill entire days. Plus kids will find them just as fun — and maybe even appreciate them more — than more costly activities.
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Follow spring break destinations on social media. Cities, parks, and tourism boards often share discounts, free events, and seasonal deals.
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Travel with another family. Splitting vacation rentals, groceries, and transportation can lower costs for everyone.
Q&A: Spring Break Destinations
What are some tips for planning a spring break family vacation?
Start as early as possible, especially when it comes to popular spring break destinations. This means booking flights, places to stay, and activities. Also, consider your family’s needs — are you seeking adventure or relaxation? Make sure that everyone has an activity they’re excited about, but also remember to plan for some downtime, too.
What are good spring break destinations for families who don’t want crowds?
Look for laid-back beach towns, smaller cities, or regions with multiple towns to explore (like 30A, Texas Hill Country, or parts of Costa Rica).
Are all-inclusive resorts good for families?
Yes! They are very convenient for families since they provide a lot for you, like food, drinks, pool access, entertainment, and activities. Keep in mind that some popular resorts can get crowded and be loud, so you may want to look for a quieter or more family-friendly spot. I always ask for a quiet room when booking and checking in. I also avoid ground-floor rooms, anything too close to the elevator, and prefer not to overlook the pool or main activities area.
Do you involve your family when planning a spring break trip?
Yes! Asking everyone what they want to do is an easy way to get them excited and prepared for the trip. You can show your kids a list of activities, restaurants, and ideas, and ask them to pick 1-2 things they want to do. Just remember to avoid over-scheduling.
What are budget-friendly spring break ideas for families?
Road trips, destinations within driving distance, and domestic destinations with vacation rentals instead of resorts.
More Traveling Ideas
Need more family traveling tips? You can find all of my travel posts here. And if you have any favorite spring getaways you’ve gone on, I’d love to hear more! Just comment below and share your favorite family vacations — or where you hope to go next.
