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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.