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Stumped on where to take your family for spring break vacation next year? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered. In this list of amazing spring break ideas for families in 2023, I’m sharing with you the best of the best. So, whether you’re looking for the ultimate outdoor adventure or a relaxing trip to the beach, there’s something for everyone. By the time you’ve finished reading, you’ll be ready to pack your bags, grab the kiddos, and embark on your next family adventure.
Contents
What is spring break?
In case you’re wondering, spring break is a week-long vacation for students and teachers in the United States and Canada. The break gives students a break from schoolwork and it also serves as a great opportunity to travel, rest and decompress. Many families use this school break to travel together.
When does spring break start?
Many wonder when spring break starts? But the answer depends largely on your child’s school district or institution. But generally speaking, spring break 2023 will be between the months of March and April. It’s very important to check your child’s school schedule to determine the exact spring break dates.
Best US Spring Break Ideas for Families in 2023
Denver, Colorado
Denver, Colorado
If your family likes the outdoors, the Mile High City is the perfect place to vacation. Colorado’s state capital is bustling with restaurants, live music, and museums galore. It’s also located just 30 minutes from a wide array of stunning hiking trails and the world-famous Red Rocks Amphitheater.
Best family activities in Denver:
- Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park in Platte River
- Museum of Nature & Science
- Take a tour of the U.S. Mint to see how money is made.
- Denver Children’s Museum
- Denver Aquarium
Kid-friendly hotels in Denver: La Quinta by Wyndham Denver Southwest Lakewood, Holiday Inn Denver Lakewood, Courtyard by Marriott Denver Southwest/Littleton
Related article – Things to do in Estes Park, Colorado
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville might be the home of country music, but it is also so much more! There are tons of outdoor parks, museums, restaurants, and theaters that offer fun activities for the whole family. Whether you’re bringing your kids by the Taylor Swift Education Center inside the Country Music Hall of Fame or to the Lane Motor Museum to see one-of-a-kind cars, everyone is guaranteed to have a blast.
Top fun things to do in Nashville with kids:
- Take a walk down Honky Tonk Row
- Dance your way through the National Museum of African American Music
- Take a backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry
- Check out the Street Murals
- Visit the Adventure Science Center
Family-friendly hotels in Nashville: Embassy Suites Nashville – Airport, Tru by Hilton Smyrna Nashville, Omni Nashville Hotel. For more family lodging options in Nashville, check out 10 Best Hotels in Nashville for Families for more hotel options.
Washington D.C.
Washington, DC
Our nation’s capital is the perfect, family-friendly spring break destination. Home to tons of national monuments and Smithsonian museums, Washington, D.C. is filled with free, family-friendly attractions. Before you leave, be sure to swing by the Cherry Blossom Festival for an unforgettable photo opportunity.
Best Thing to do in Washington, DC with Kids:
- Watch the pandas play at the National Zoo
- Natural History Museum
- Walk along the National Mall
- Air & Space Museum
- International Spy Museum
Where to Stay in DC with Kids: Renaissance Washington DC Downtown Hotel, Hyatt Place Washington DC/White House, The Fairmont Washington, DC. For a more complete list, check out Best Hotels in DC for Families.
Related Article: Spring Break Washington, DC: Top 10 Things to do Besides Museums
Atlanta, Georgia
World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta served as the epicenter of the Civil Rights Movement, serving as an organizational hub and haven for many organizations. In addition to its place in US history, Atlanta has become a diverse and thriving city that attracts millions of visitors each year to experience great food, culture, sports, and art.
Fun things to do with kids in Atlanta:
- World of Coca-Cola/Coca-Cola Factory
- Georgia Aquarium
- National Center for Civil and Human Rights
- Visit the Atlanta Botanical Gardens
- Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Best Atlanta Hotels for Families: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta N, DoubleTree by Hilton Atlanta Northeast/Northlake, Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Vinings/Galleria
Related Article – 10 Best US Cities to Learn About Black History
Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon
Whether your kids are interested in science, animals, video games, or the outdoors, Portland will not disappoint. Stop by The Oregon Zoo’s “Penguinarium” to see a polar bear exhibit, or head over to the Oaks Amusement Park for a fun-filled day for everyone.
Family-Friendly Things to do in Portland:
- Children’s Museum Portland
- Portland Aerial Tram
- Powell’s City of Books
- Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
- Washington Park
Where to Stay in Portland with Kids: Hilton Portland Downtown, DoubleTree by Hilton Portland, Homewood Suites by Hilton Portland Airport
Hurricane, Utah
Hurricane, Utah
Hurricane belongs to the greater Zion area of Utah, which you might recognize by their iconic red arches. Aside from hiking and canyoneering all the beautiful nature trails, be sure to check out Zion National Park, Sand Hollow State Park or Warner Valley Dinosaur Track Site if you really want to impress the kids.
Things to do as a Family in Hurricane, Utah:
- Go hiking or canyoneering
- Pah Tempe Hot Springs
- Hurricane Pioneer Heritage Museum
- Red Cliffs Recreation Area
- Hurricane Cliffs Trail System
Where to Stay in Hurricane, Utah: Comfort Inn & Suites Zion Park Area, Quality Inn Zion, Hurricane Wingate at Zion
Related Article – 10 Fun Things to do in Kanab, Utah for Families
Pompano Beach, Florida
Pompano Beach, Florida
As a native of Miami, I visit South Florida quite often. Each time I return home my family and I stay in Pompano Beach. This quiet beach town perfectly situated between Miami and Palm Beach. From snorkeling and fishing to visiting a butterfly park this small city has a lot to offer.
Things to do in Pompano Beach, Florida
- Enjoy a day at the beach
- Butterfly World
- Ely Educational Museum
- Take the Pompano Beach Water Taxi and explore the city by water
- Go fishing on the Pompano Beach Pier
Where to Stay with Kids in Pompano Beach, Florida: Residence Inn Fort Lauderdale Pompano Beach/Oceanfront, Club Wyndham Royal Vista, Extended Stay America Premier Suites
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis, Tennessee
As a city that was once at the epicenter of a movement and the birthplace of Rock n’ Roll, Memphis is the perfect spring break destination for any family. Spend a day learning about American history at the National Civil Rights Museum, dancing your way through the Stax Studios Museum, or singing your favorite Elvis tunes while exploring Graceland. After you’re done head over to Beale Street to try authentic Memphis-style bar-be-que.
Things to do as a Family in Memphis, Tennessee
- Listen to live music while walking down Beale Street
- National Civil Rights Museum
- Slave Haven Museum
- Tour Graceland
- Check out the Mississippi River
Family-friendly hotels in Memphis, Tennessee: Peabody Memphis, DoubleTree by Hilton Memphis, Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown. For a list of more hotel options, check out Best Hotels in Memphis for Families.
Related Article – Touring Graceland
Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria, Virginia
Located just outside Washington D.C. along the Potomac River, Alexandria is a historic city that is bustling with family-friendly attractions. Enjoy a historic walking tour as you learn about the city. Old Town is filled with cute shops, restaurants, and outdoor play areas for the kids. For a more educational adventure, bring the family over to Mount Vernon for a tour of George Washington’s home.
Things to do with Kids in Alexandria, Virginia:
- Walk the Mount Vernon Trail
- Take the King Street Trolley
- Alexandria’s Black History Museum
- Apothecary Museum
- Jones Point Lighthouse
Great Hotels in Alexandria, Virginia for Families: Club Wyndham Old Town Alexandria, Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria, Courtyard by Marriott Alexandria Pentagon South
Macon, Georgia
Courtesy of VisitMacon.org
Macon is a historic city located in the middle of Georgia. This city is known as the home of music legends like Little Richard, Otis Redding, and the Allman Brothers. Music is only one of the city’s hallmarks, it also has its very own cherry blossom festival, several cool museums, and beautiful parks to explore.
Things to do as a Family in Macon, Georgia:
- Cherry Blossom Festival
- Tubman Museum
- Ocmulgee Heritage Trail
- Otis Redding Foundation
- Hay House
Hotels for Kids in Macon, Georgia: Hotel Forty Five, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Macon, Hampton Inn & Suites Macon 1-75 North
Related Article – Things to do in Macon, Georgia
Miami, Florida
Miami, Florida
Miami is absolutely beautiful in the spring, making for a fantastic US spring break destination. There are plenty of kid-friendly attractions — like the Zoo Miami, Monkey Jungle, and Seaquarium — scattered throughout the city. So, whether your family likes to be at the beach, by the pool, or in a museum, you will be able to find something fun to do.
Kid-friendly Things to do in Miami:
- Visit the beach
- Take an airboat ride in Everglades National Park
- Miami Children’s Museum
- Swim in the Venetian Pool
- Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Best Hotels in Miami for Families: The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Embassy Suites by Hilton Miami International Airport, Kimpton EPIC Hotel. For a more hotel options, read Best 5 Hotels in Miami for Families.
Related Article – Kid-Friendly Things to do in Miami, Miami’s Historic Hampton House Motel Tour Review
The Berkshires, Massachusetts
The Berkshires, Massachusetts
Just a short drive from Boston and Cape Cod, The Berkshires is a great spot to bring your family for spring break. You can spend endless days exploring the Zoo in Forest Park, East Coast beaches, and all the nearby hiking trails that are guaranteed to make for a beautiful vacation. If you have an art lover in the family, head over to the Norman Rockwell Museum to see some of the best art depicting life in America. If there’s a history wonk in your crew, go on a walking history tour of the W.E.B. DuBois’s hometown.
Things for Families to do in the Berkshires, Massachusetts:
- Berkshire Botanical Garden
- Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory Garden
- Zoo in Forest Park
- Norman Rockwell Museum
- Take the W.E.B. DuBois walking tour
Family-friendly Hotels in the Berkshires, Massachusetts: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Great Barrington Lenox/Berkshires, Courtyard by Marriott Lenox Berkshires, Vacation Village in the Berkshires
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville, North Carolina
Home to an assortment of impressive urban attractions and natural wonders, Asheville is one of North Carolina’s best-kept secrets. With so many beautiful outdoor areas — including an epic zipline and a 60-foot natural water slide — Asheville has tons of quirky and unique attractions that you can surprise your family with over spring break.
Things to do in Asheville, North Carolina:
- Tour the Biltmore Estate
- Western North Carolina Nature Center
- Have a picnic at the North Carolina Arboretum
- Play at the Asheville Pinball Museum
- Slide down a rock in Pisgah National Forest
Hotels for Families in Asheville, North Carolina: Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville, Hampton Inn Asheville-Tunnel Road, Holiday Inn Asheville – Biltmore West
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
This beautiful mountain town is home to tons of family-friendly attractions, like Dollywood and the Titanic Museum Attraction. It also has mini-golf, go-karts, as well as endless options for dining, shopping, and lodging. So, if you’re looking for some unique, mountain-inspired fun, this town is the perfect family-friendly US spring break getaway.
Things to do as a family in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee:
- Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Dollywood theme park
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
- Titanic Museum
- The Island at Pigeon Forge
Family Hotels in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: Club Wyndham Smoky Mountains, Lodge at Five Oaks Pigeon Forge – Sevierville, and Holiday Inn Express Pigeon Forge – Sevierville
Outer Banks, North Carolina
Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks are so much more than just a hit TV show! Made up of several small barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, the Outer Banks is one of the best family-friendly destinations in the United States. Including the towns of Corolla, Duck, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, and more, there are so many places to explore. If you pay a visit during spring break, you will get to enjoy all the fun without the massive summer crowds.
Things to do in the Outer Banks, North Carolina:
- Check out the Wild Horses of Corolla
- Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial
- Visit a lighthouse
- Go fishing along Jennette’s Pier
- Enjoy a day at the beach
- North Carolina Aquarium
Outer Banks, North Carolina Hotels for Families: Beachwoods Resort, Holiday Inn Express Nags Head Oceanfront, and Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk
Wilmington, Delaware
Wilmington and Brandywine Valley, Delaware
Wilmington, Delaware is a straight shot up I-95 and is even accessible by Amtrak. With much to do and see, this charming city is perfect for adults and children alike. You can spend the day exploring the extensive Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library, or Delaware Museum of History, then grab lunch at the Riverfront Market. Afterward, rent a canoe and explore the amazing water attractions and Brandywine Creek State Park.
Things to do with Kids in Wilmington, Delaware:
- Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library
- Nemours Mansion and Garden
- Delaware Children’s Museum
- Wilmington and Western Railroad
- Kalmar Nyckel, Tall Ship of Delaware
Family-friendly hotels in Wilmington, Delaware: Hotel Du Pont, Residence Inn by Marriott Wilmington Downtown, and DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown Wilmington
Related article — Things to do in Wilmington, Delaware
Page, Arizona
Page, Airzona
If you’re looking for a photo-worthy spring break vacation without too many crowds, then Page is your place. It’s home to the world-famous Horseshoe Bend, and Antelope Canyon which is known for its stunning natural beauty and scenic hiking trails. It’s also where you can find Lake Powell, which offers a multitude of outdoor adventures. A family trip to Page is perfect for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers!
Things to do for families in Page, Arizona:
- Visit Antelope Canyon
- Horseshoe Bend Overlook
- Glen Canyon Dam
- Hike to Hanging Gardens (across from the Glen Canyon Dam)
- Rainbow Bridge National Monument
Hotels for families in Page, Arizona: Holiday Inn Express Hotels Page, Home2 Suites by Hilton Page Lake Powell, and Courtyard Page at Lake Powell
Related article – Best U.S. National Parks for Families
San Francisco, California
San Francisco, California
With so many incredible attractions, it’s hard to determine the best things to do in San Francisco. However, if your kiddos are interested in science and exploration, try checking out the Aquarium of the Bay or the Exploratorium. You could also board a real submarine by visiting the USS Pampanito, which is docked at Pier 45 at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Fun family-friendly things to do in San Francisco, California:
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Fisherman’s Wharf
- Ride a Cable Car
- Watch Sea Lions on Pier 39
- Marine Mammal Center
San Francisco, California hotels with kids: Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA, The St. Regis San Francisco, and The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square
Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe is home to some of the most beautiful views in California. If your family loves the outdoors, consider Lake Tahoe to be an outdoor playground of absolutely epic proportions. There are plenty of family-friendly lodging spots, ranging from lakeside vacation rentals to exquisite log cabins. In the springtime, the weather is perfect for both skiing and sunbathing, depending on your preferences. You can, quite literally, do it all.
Things to do with Kids in Lake Tahoe, California:
- Take a scenic lake cruise
- Hang out at Sand Harbor State Park
- Take the Heavenly Gondola
- Go sledding
- Go skiing in the winter or enjoy water sports on the lake
Family-friendly hotels in Lake Tahoe, California: Marriott Grand Residence Club, Hilton Vacation Club Lake Tahoe Resort, and Hampton Inn & Suites South Lake Tahoe
St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
St. Thomas, USVI
If you’re looking for a spring jaunt to paradise without needing a US passport, head down to St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. This island paradise is home to gorgeous views of the Caribbean Ocean and white sandy beaches dotted with coconut palm trees.
Things to do in St. Thomas, USVI with kids:
- Take the St. Thomas Skyride up to the town of Charlotte Amalie
- Virgin Islands Children’s Museum
- Blackbeard’s Castle
- Hit the beach
- Coral World Ocean Park
Family hotels in St. Thomas, USVI: Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove, The West St. John Resort and Villas, and The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort
Best International Spring Break Ideas for Families:
If your family wants to spend spring break further afield, the following international destinations are close enough to the US, so traveling there will be a cinch.
Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and is located at the southern end of Vancouver Island. I recently visited Victoria for the first time and was blown away by its beauty and the long list of fun things to do.
Things to do in Victoria, British Columbia with kids:
- Victoria Bug Zoo
- Play at Beacon Hill Park
- Take a walking tour with the Songhees (First Nations People)
- Take a ferry around the Victoria Harbour
- Grab a bite to eat at the Fisherman’s Wharf
Where to stay with kids in Victoria, British Columbia: The Inn at Laurel Point, Fairmont Empress Hotel, and Four Points by Sheraton Victoria Gateway
The Bahamas
Pig Beach in Exuma, Bahamas
With more than 700 islands to choose from and thousands of white and pink sand beaches, the Bahamas is a great spring break destination for families. It’s a great place to lay out on the ocean and just relax and enjoy.
Things to do with Kids in the Bahamas:
- Hang out at the beach
- Aquaventure Water Park (Paradise Island)
- Swim with pigs (Pig Beach, Exuma)
- Go fishing
- Blue Lagoon Island
Family hotels in the Bahamas: The Reef at Atlantis, Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, and The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort
Related Article – Best Caribbean Islands for Families
Riviera Maya, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Even though college students have been flocking to Cancun, Mexico, for spring break for decades, the area has loads of options for families. Located 90 minutes from Cancun International Airport is Riviera Maya in the Yucatan Peninsula. I recently enjoyed a momcation at TRS Yucatan, an adults-only all-inclusive resort, but I was happy to discover they have a family section.
Things to do as a family in Riviera Maya:
- Visit the Mayan ruins
- Enjoy a day at the beach
- Xcaret Water Park
- Find and swim in a cenote
- Akumal Monkey Sanctuary & Rescued Animals
Family-Friendly hotels in Riviera Maya, Mexico: Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya (all-inclusive), Grand Palladium White Sand Resort & Spa (all-inclusive), and Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya (all-inclusive)
Well, there you have it. Those are my picks for amazing spring break ideas for families in 2023. The hard part is deciding where to go, so hopefully, this guide helped you pick the perfect family-friendly spring break destination. Whether you opt for a sunny beach getaway or a historic adventure, I can’t wait to hear all about it.
If you found this list of Spring Break Ideas for Families in 2023 helpful and you’re ready to start planning, here are some articles to help you start planning.
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