Top Spring Break Destinations for Families

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Three kids run along the beach at sunset.

No matter your interests, you can enjoy spring break as a family. Photo courtesy of Erin Brant and Stocksy.

Top spring break trips for families

Kristyn LuFebruary 11, 2025

Spring break trips are often a ritual among families with kids. After 3 months of last-minute play dates, days at the trampoline park and colds galore, spring break is the unofficial “We made it!” Winter is coming to a close, school is out and kids are antsy for a break (parents, too).

But spring break can also be a busy and pricey time to travel, so picking the perfect destination can be tough. To help, here are our top choices for a fun trip with kids of any age.

Toddlers & preschoolers

San Diego, CA

The sun sets into the ocean as flowers bloom and palm trees tower over the water.
San Diego has 30 beaches and over 70 miles of coastline. Photo courtesy of Eric Rubens.

In a poll of well-traveled parents, San Diego easily snagged the top spot as the best trip for young children. The city is full of kid-friendly activities, from the San Diego Zoo and Sea World to Legoland. And, of course, there’s the beach, my personal favorite stop on a vacation with small children. There, kids can run wild while you sit back and actually relax. Plus, you get to set your own schedule and stay on track with naps and bedtime.

Dublin, Ireland

An aerial view of a lush green garden in the middle of Dublin.
St Stephen’s Green is also known as “A garden for the blind” with fragrant plants you’re allowed to touch and Braille placards spaced throughout. Photo courtesy of Stocksy.

Hopping across the pond with young kids requires a bit more finesse (and brave parents), but those who have done it can attest that Dublin is a magical trip. The city is easily walkable, so strollers or wagons are no problem. Travelers and locals love the Dublin Zoo and the Little Museum of Dublin. St. Stephen’s Green, a public park in the city center with a large playground, is perfect for the kids. Or, stop at the castle-themed playground at Malahide Castle & Gardens and walk the Fairy Trail, a path a little over one hour long that has tons of fun surprises along the way.

Elementary schoolers

Breckenridge, CO

Breckenridge from a distance with mountains in the background.
Breckenridge Ski Resort has 187 trails across 5 peaks. Photo courtesy of Stocksy.

Ski season is still in full swing during spring break, and it’s a scientific fact that kids love snow way more than their parents do. A ski vacation offers plenty of kid- and adult-friendly activities. Most resorts and ski clubs have children’s lessons, sometimes starting at age 3, giving parents time to hit the slopes kid-free. And don’t forget other snow sports like snowshoeing, sledding and ice skating. Ride the BreckConnect gondola for aerial views of the town, or get a taste of its history on a mining tour.

Los Cabos, Mexico

A resort and private beach in Los Cabos, Mexico.
The average temperature in Los Cabos is 78 degrees year around, with 340 days of sunshine. Photo courtesy of Stocksy.

Whether your family prefers outdoor adventures or hanging on the beach, Los Cabos offers the perfect blend of relaxation and fun — as well as special activities for your kids (and a little downtime for you). During a recent all-inclusive trip without our kids, my husband and I noticed that the families there appeared to actually be…relaxing? With their children? We were impressed. Most resort kids’ clubs, which often start at age 5, offer organized sports, games, crafts, nature activities and more. The all-inclusive aspect makes mealtimes a lot easier and planning less stressful. Whatever your family desires, the resort likely has. So, while you lounge by the pool, your kids are free to swim and play on the beach all day.

Middle schoolers

New York City

A cast iron clock stands in the foreground with the Flatiron Building in the background.
The Fifth Avenue Building Street Clock was originally installed in 1909 and is a Historic Landmark. Photo courtesy of Eric Rubens.

My first trip to New York was during my high school senior spring break, but I wish I’d gone sooner. Spring in New York is especially perfect for Broadway nerds. With the Tony Awards in June, many shows open during the spring, featuring original casts all gunning for nominations. With packed houses and mid-show standing ovations, this is when you’ll get your most magical live theater experiences.

Fairbanks, AK

Green lights streak across a dark sky.
The best time of year to see the northern lights in Fairbanks is between August and April. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Ever dreamed of witnessing the northern lights streak across the night sky? Well, in Alaska, during spring break, you can. But that’s far from the only reason to take kids on this memorable trip. By middle school, they’re old enough to appreciate some of North America’s most striking natural sights. From eco-tours and hot springs to dog sledding and fishing excursions, a trip to Alaska will become a core memory for nature- and adventure-loving kids.

High schoolers

Savannah, GA

Cobblestone River Street lined with shops and restaurants.
Savannah’s Historic District, including River Street, is the largest National Historic Landmark District in the country. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

I loved Savannah as a young adult. For teenagers, this Southern city makes a unique warm-weather adventure — its rich history is packaged with interesting architecture, cobblestone streets, quaint shops and, depending on who you ask, a ghost or two. River and walking tours are popular, and there are many to choose from. A day trip to Tybee Island offers lighthouse views, beach picnics and fishing. If your kids are becoming foodies, restaurants like The Olde Pink House have perfected the South’s most iconic dishes.

Kauai, HI

The mountains of Kauai surrounded by clouds.
Kauai is the oldest Hawaiian island, formed by volcanic activity over 5 million years ago. Photo courtesy of Eric Rubens.

High schoolers usually have the strength and stamina for hikes, bikes and other adventures, making Kauai an incredible trip for the whole family. Some famous sights include the 10-mile Waimea Canyon, the mountainous shoreline of the Napali Coast and Poipu Beach Park, where you can snorkel, surf and fish. Kauai has the only navigable rivers in Hawaii, and each of its rivers and waterways offers different tours, activities and sights. Kayak on the Wailua River for a glimpse of Kauai’s Secret Falls. For a slower pace, try a mountain tubing trip through waterways near Waialeale Crater.

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