Spring break with kids is basically a heist movie: you need a plan, a getaway vehicle, snacks that count as “protein,” and at least one adult who can locate a missing shoe using only vibes.
The good news? The U.S. is packed with family-friendly spring break destinations that work for toddlers, tweens, teens, and parents who would like to sit down for more than 11 seconds.
Below are 10 tried-and-true picks for spring break destinations for families in 2023a mix of sunshine, cities, beaches, theme parks, and “wow” nature that feels like
a screensaver in real life. For each spot, you’ll get a quick why-it-works breakdown, kid-approved highlights, and a mini game plan you can actually use.
What makes a spring break trip “family-friendly” (and not “family feral”)
- Variety: Options for different ages and energy levels (because your 6-year-old and your 16-year-old are living in different universes).
- Easy wins: Attractions that don’t require a PhD in logisticsthink walkable areas, shuttle systems, or simple day trips.
- Weather that forgives: Spring can swing from “perfect picnic” to “why is it hailing.” These destinations still work when plans pivot.
- Value: Free or low-cost activities mixed with a couple of big-ticket splurges, so the trip feels special without feeling scary.
1) Orlando, Florida (Theme-Park Capital of “Are We There Yet?”)
Orlando is spring break’s greatest hits album: big thrills, character magic, and resorts designed to keep families happy (and hydrated).
It’s ideal if you want a trip where the entertainment is built inand the backup plan for a rainy hour is usually “another ride.”
Do it for
- Theme-park lovers, multi-generational trips, and kids who consider “pool day” a legitimate religion.
Quick game plan
- Day 1: Pick one flagship park and stay put (park-hopping looks fun until you’re sprinting with a stroller).
- Day 2: Water park or resort day + evening entertainment to avoid burnout.
- Day 3: A second park OR a slower day around dining/shopping districts.
Sanity tip: Build in “quiet wins” (a long lunch, a playground break, a mid-day swim). The best vacations are paced, not conquered.
2) San Diego, California (Beach + Zoo + “Wow, This Is Actually Relaxing”)
If your dream spring break includes beaches, sunshine, and attractions that don’t feel like they require a reservation made in 2019, San Diego delivers.
You can mix classic SoCal beach time with world-famous animals and easy outdoor exploring.
Don’t-miss kid stuff
- Spend a big day at the zoo, then balance it with beach time or a park playground day.
- Pick one “anchor” neighborhood per day to reduce car time.
Best for: Families who want a flexible itinerary with outdoor time baked in.
3) Washington, DC (Big History, Big Museums, Surprisingly Big Fun)
Washington, DC is a spring break cheat code for families: tons of iconic sights, lots of free museum options, and enough variety to keep everyone engaged.
It’s especially great if you want a trip that feels meaningful and entertaining.
Do it for
- School-age kids, teens, and parents who love “field trip energy,” but with better snacks.
Quick game plan
- Day 1: Monuments on the National Mall + one museum.
- Day 2: Two museums (morning/afternoon) with a long break in between.
- Day 3: Neighborhood day (food, parks, bookstores, or a daytime show).
Budget win: Build your itinerary around free attractions so you can splurge on a great meal or a special tour.
4) Phoenix, Arizona (Desert Adventure Without the “It’s 112 Degrees” Part)
Spring is prime time in the desert: warm, bright days that make outdoor activities feel easynot punishing.
Phoenix is a strong pick if your family likes nature, animals, gardens, and day trips that feel dramatic without being overly complicated.
Family highlights
- A zoo day with lots of walking and built-in “wow” moments.
- Desert gardens that make kids say, “Wait… plants can look like that?”
Best for: Families who want sunshine, space, and simple day-trip options.
5) Fort Myers, Florida (Gulf Coast Beaches + Easy Outdoor Days)
Fort Myers is a classic family beach destination with a calmer vibe than some spring-break hotspots.
Think beach days, island hopping, nature time, and seafoodplus the kind of schedule where nobody has to “hurry up” every 12 minutes.
Quick game plan
- Day 1: Beach + sunset dinner.
- Day 2: Nature day (parks, wildlife, or a boat tour).
- Day 3: Easy attractions + souvenir stop.
Sanity tip: Pack for windier daysGulf breezes can make a “warm” forecast feel cooler at the water.
6) Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (Classic Boardwalk Fun and 60 Miles of Sand)
Myrtle Beach is made for families who want beach time plus “stuff to do” nearbyamusements, aquariums, live shows, mini golf, and plenty of food options.
It’s an easy win if you’re traveling with mixed ages and want entertainment that doesn’t require a complicated plan.
Do it for
- Budget-friendly spring break, first beach trips, and families who love a lively vacation atmosphere.
Quick tip: Split the day: beach in the morning, attractions in the afternoon, and a boardwalk stroll after dinner.
7) Great Smoky Mountains + Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg (Mountains + Theme Park Energy)
Want a spring break that feels outdoorsy but still has plenty of “kid entertainment” on standby? Pair the Smokies with nearby Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg.
You get scenic drives, short hikes, and mountain-town charmplus big attractions when your family needs a high-energy day.
Family highlights
- Easy hikes and scenic overlooks that feel epic without requiring expert skills.
- A theme park day in the foothills for rides, shows, and comfort food.
Know before you go: The park has a parking tag requirement for longer stops, so plan ahead.
8) Grand Canyon (South Rim) + Sedona, Arizona (Nature That Resets Your Brain)
The Grand Canyon is one of those places that makes everyonekids includedgo quiet for a minute. For families, the South Rim is a strong base:
it’s accessible, scenic, and gives you plenty of viewpoints and short walks along the rim.
Quick game plan
- Day 1: Rim viewpoints + visitor center to get oriented.
- Day 2: Short hike (choose conservatively) + picnic.
- Day 3: Day trip to Sedona for red-rock scenery and a different pace.
Weather reality: Spring can still feel wintery at the rimpack layers and aim for earlier start times.
9) Lake Placid, New York (Late-Season Snow + Cozy Town Vibes)
If your family likes the idea of “spring break” but not the idea of being sweaty in a crowded beach town, Lake Placid is a fun wildcard.
You can chase late-season snow, warm up with hot chocolate, and still feel like you did something memorable.
Family highlights
- Ski or ride at a nearby mountain, then spend the evening in a walkable town.
- Build in one indoor activity for “weather roulette” days.
Best for: Families with older kids or teens who want an active trip with a cozy payoff.
10) Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi (The “Garden Island” for Outdoorsy Families)
Kauaʻi is a strong spring break destination when your family wants beaches and nature with a calmer pace.
You can do easy hikes, lookout points, and low-key beach timewithout feeling like you need to sprint from attraction to attraction.
Quick game plan
- Day 1: Beach + short scenic drive.
- Day 2: Choose one signature adventure (boat tour, hike, or waterfall lookout).
- Day 3: A “slow day” with a picnic and early night to recover.
Travel note: Plan flights and transportation earlyKauaʻi travel logistics can be simple, but availability matters.
How to pick the right destination for your family (a quick matchmaker)
- Best for theme parks: Orlando
- Best for beach + attractions mix: San Diego, Myrtle Beach, Fort Myers
- Best for learning + free activities: Washington, DC
- Best for nature “wow”: Grand Canyon, Smoky Mountains, Kauaʻi
- Best for late-season winter fun: Lake Placid
- Best sunshine without Florida humidity: Phoenix
Extra family spring break experiences (about )
The funny thing about “the best spring break destinations for families” is that your kids won’t always remember the museum name, the hotel brand,
or the carefully optimized route you planned like a tiny travel wizard. They’ll remember the moments that felt like their story.
Here are the experiences families talk about long after the suitcases are unpackedplus easy ways to create them in any of the destinations above.
1) The first “wow view”
Whether it’s the Grand Canyon rim, a Smoky Mountain overlook, or a surprise ocean vista in San Diego, that first big view tends to reset everyone’s mood.
Pro move: say nothing for ten seconds. Let the kids narrate it. You’ll get a quote you’ll repeat for years.
2) The “we found it!” food mission
Give each kid a mini mission: the best taco, the best ice cream, the best weird snack, the best breakfast. Suddenly dinner isn’t a debateit’s a quest.
In Orlando, it might be a themed treat. In DC, it’s a food-truck victory. On the beach, it’s “the fries that tasted better because we were sandy.”
3) One ride, one rule: repeat if it’s perfect
Families often over-schedule theme parks, trying to do everything once. Flip it: if something hitsrepeat it. Kids love a “we’re doing it again!”
moment, and it cuts down on decision fatigue. It also makes the trip feel like play, not a checklist.
4) The “slow hour” that saves the day
Nearly every great trip includes a quiet hour: a shaded bench on the National Mall, a hotel balcony snack break, a pool float session, a nap in the car
while someone else drives. It feels small, but it prevents meltdowns and turns “vacation” back into something restorative.
5) Junior photographer time
Hand your kid a phone (or a cheap camera) and ask for five photos: “something funny,” “something beautiful,” “something that looks like a pattern,”
“something you’d show a friend,” and “one mystery photo.” You’ll get a new view of the tripand often the best pictures you didn’t know you needed.
6) The weather pivot that becomes the highlight
Rainy hour in San Diego? Indoor exhibits and hot chocolate. Windy beach day in Fort Myers? Shell hunting and a board game tournament.
Chilly morning at the Grand Canyon? Sunrise layers, then a warm breakfast. The pivot is where kids learn: plans can change, and it can still be fun.
7) The “let’s learn one thing” moment
In DC, it’s easy. But you can do it anywhere: one animal fact at the zoo, one constellation after dinner, one story about a local landmark.
Keep it tinyjust one thing. It makes the trip feel richer without turning it into homework.
8) A souvenir that isn’t a souvenir
Try a practical keepsake: a patch, a postcard you mail to yourself, a park map, a pressed penny, a shell in a tiny jar, or a small local snack.
These cost less than the giant plush toy and somehow get treasured more.
9) The “family vote” tradition
Each night, do a 60-second vote: best moment, funniest moment, and what we’d do again. You’ll hear what mattered to everyoneand it helps you plan the next day.
It’s also the easiest way to turn a trip into a shared story instead of just a blur of photos.
10) The last-day ritual
Pick a ritualpancakes, a beach walk, a final ride, one last overlook photo, or a “top three moments” list in the airport.
Kids love closure. Adults love not ending the trip in a frantic sprint. Everybody wins.
Conclusion
The best spring break family vacations aren’t about doing the most thingsthey’re about doing the right things for your crew.
Choose a destination that matches your kids’ ages, your budget, and your family’s energy level, then leave room for the unexpected.
That’s where the memories hide.
