Best Family Spring Break Destinations You May Not Have Thought Of

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Best Family Spring Break Destinations You May Not Have Thought Of – Spring Break 2020 Ideas

Written by Enjoy the Outdoor Life

Check out our kid friendly tips & destinations for Spring Break — including last minute ideas. Save money, avoid lines and stay away from the college party crowd! We spent hours upon hours doing the research, so you don't have to.

Spring break is beckoning, and it’s another golden opportunity to imprint a memorable experience in the hearts of your loved ones forever. Days, when this much-needed break was primarily associated with wild partying college students, are long gone. Nowadays, many families are setting out for fun-filled vacations during spring break.

While traveling with family — including the extended family, proper planning is key to get maximum value for time and money. Picking a place to go during spring break requires sifting through a large amount of information to find the most ideal place.

No need to worry!

We have done the heavy lifting and selected top family vacation spots that you will want to visit even after Spring is over.

“Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life.”

- Albert Einstein -

We have compiled a list of some of the best spring break destinations for families that will not only provide you with value for money but also ensure everyone’s needs during the trip are catered for.

Some of the important factors that we have included in our picks include places with great accommodation that offer kid-friendly activities, well-priced spring break packages, travel arrangements, and fun things to do while at these places.

For those of you who are not able to go away on a formal spring break getaway (or waited too long and every thing is booked), we’ve also included some last minute ideas, as well as things you can do at home!

Contents: Fun-Filled Spring Break Ideas for Families with Kids

spring break is the perfec time to start working on garden

How to Build a Raised Garden Bed on a Budget

How to Choose a Kid Friendly Spring Break Destination

spring break destinations for families - enjoy sunset

Spring Break travel brings a unique set of conditions, but ultimately it's about having fun with your kids!

Like any other seasonal or holiday vacation, planning ahead is important to get the best prices for a spring holiday. Not only do the big tourist destinations tend to charge more, but you are competing all the other families who want to go to the same spot as you do — during a short time period.

Depending on where you live, schools typically let out for one or two weeks in March or April. So, unlike winter and summer breaks, there is less flexibility in dates, which means less options for shopping around for deals.

But it’s more than families who you will be competing with for the best places to go.

Spring break destinations bring with them a whole other group of travelers. As a mom's choice, you can take your little munchkins, teenagers, and even young adults — college students. Spring break has become a rite of passage, with groups of young adults eager to enjoy their own break from studies. Many of whom this will be there first time vacationing without adult supervision. Enough said!

Popular college spring break cities and towns in the US that you may want to avoid when vacationing with young children include:

California — Laguna Beach, Los Angeles, and other popular beaches will be crowded, not just with college students. While the water is usually still too cold for most people to go swimming, the air temperatures are warmer than most East Coast beaches.
Colorado — Denver and other ski resort towns often have special events to bring in college crowds.
Florida — Clearwater, Daytona, Ft. Lauderdale, Key West, Miami, Orlando, Panama City Beach. These speak for themselves with all the "Gone Wild" publicity they get.
Hawaii — Honolulu and Waikiki Beach. In general, Hawaii is not a huge college spring break destination because of the flight cost, but many locations put together budget-friendly packages that make Hawaii one of the growing spring break destinations for college students (ranking #8 by Business Insider in 2018).
Louisiana — New Orleans. Even though Mardi Gras is over by the time most school-aged children have their breaks, the heavy duty party atmosphere continues which is a big draw for many college Spring Breakers.
Nevada — Las Vegas. Yes, there are kid friendly things you can do in Vegas, but and there are often quite affordable packages, just be aware that college Spring Breakers will be taking advantage of them too.
New Jersey — East Coast students who can't afford to fly often hit the roads heading to Seaside and Point Pleasant Beach (which is usually a more friendly choice, but during Spring Break, all bets are off!)
South Carolina — Myrtle Beach draws a lot of attention from college students who can't make it all the way down to Florida but want a bit more warmer weather
Tennessee — Nashville, home of the Grand Ole Oprey, also boasts music of all kinds and an exciting nightlife (with many bars open until 3:00 am) which bring in college kids
Texas — South Padre Island is well-known among college students for its party atmosphere and special Spring Break events

Are you seeing a trend?

In addition to being highly popular tourist destinations in general, most of these top Spring Break destinations also have beaches, bars and lots of things to do at night.

Now we aren't saying that these cities would not be a good place to take your family for spring break vacation.

What we are saying is that if you DO choose one of them, you will need to do some special planning, especially if you are heading to the beaches!

Some college spring break destinations are big draws for the partying (and you definitely want to stay away from those if you are traveling with young kids), but for others it’s the beaches, nightlife and activities that bring college students in droves.

For sure, the thought of spring break creates pictures of sandy beaches and idling on the shores of some fancy resort somewhere — getting that first taste of the warm sun after a long cold winter. Which is why many people flock to Florida, the West Coast, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the tropics, where the temperatures are already starting to warm up.

Family Spring Break Ideas with Fewer College Students

The biggest tip we can provide for choosing a great destination to take your kids for Spring Break if you want to avoid swarms of college students is this:

Choose a location that has attractions designed especially for children that is not located smack dab in the middle of where all the college students are heading for Spring Break.

Yes, you will be joined by all the other parents with the same idea, but at least you will be among other families!

Oh, we hear you over there. Duh, Captain Obvious! But you would be surprised how many families head to these places, only to have their family vacation ruined because they didn't take college vacations into account.

Another huge tip — whenever possible, sign up for tours or VIP passes in advance.

Will this cost a little more? Yes. Will it be worth it in terms of avoiding crowds, long lines and more enjoyment overall? Absolutely!

Here are some kid friendly spring break destination ideas to get you started:

Colorado — If you are looking to get one more skiing, snowboarding or sledding vacation in before summer, Breckenridge, Snowmass and Steamboat Springs tend to be more family friendly ski resorts.
East Coast Beaches — The Outer Banks and Hilton Head in the Carolinas or Cape May and Beach Haven in New Jersey are good choices for families in spring. Not only can you walk and play on the beaches, but there are other attractions nearby that kids will love. But do keep in mind that it is HIGHLY likely the water will still be too cold for swimming.
Tennessee — While there are definitely kid friendly activities during the spring in Nashville, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge tend to be more family oriented options this time of year. Not only can you get a taste of history, but there a wide variety of attractions, activities and theme parks kids will love.
Pennsylvania — Philadelphia in particular has many child friendly attractions — with the Please Touch Museum, The Philadelphia Zoo and The Franklin Institute at the top of the list — but you also have Busch Gardens, Hershey and Sesame Place.
Washington, DC — Cherry Blossom season, museums, history and more! Will there still be lots of tourists? Yes. But in general, it’s a much less party-oriented crowd. Sightseeing passes with hop-on hop-off transportation make it super simple to explore the city with children, and many include the price of admission to major attractions.

Money Saving Tip on Lodgings

Instead of a hotel, consider renting an RV for your Spring Break lodgings.

If your destination is a "road trip" away, you can pick one up near your home (or have it delivered). Not only is this a fun way to travel, you can pack up the RV with your stuff and not have to unpack when you get there. Alternatively, you can arrange to pick up an RV rental at your vacation destination.

Another option is to check out home rentals. Not only are they cheaper than most hotels an resorts, you can save on food by cooking some of your meals.

Cruises are also another good option for Spring Break — as long as you don't accidentally sign up for a party themed voyage. Make sure you choose a destination that's family friendly!

Great Family Spring Break Destinations in US

The Fort Worth Zoo is building a new exhibit in partnership with Toyota North America called the Toyota Children’s Ranch and Petting Corral_photo by RODGER MALLISON

Spring is a great time for visiting zoos! This group of children at the Fort Worth Zoo can't get close enough to that elephant. | Photo by Rodger Mallison ([email protected])

Before we get to the 5 kid-friendly spring break destinations we are showcasing, let’s talk about the elephant in the room.

Dumbo that is…

Yes, Disneyland and Disney World, along with nearby theme parks like Universal, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, SeaWorld, Legoland and of course, Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge are HUGELY popular spring break destinations.

But it is for this very reason that we personally recommend saving your visit for another time. While Die Hard Fans of Disney (no pun intended now that Disney owns the John McClane franchise) may not mind the crowds, unless you are a season-ticket holder, get to the parks super early, and/or pay extra for a Max Pass (FastPass is free, but is more of a reservation system) or VIP tour, standing in lines may not be the best way to spend your spring break, especially if you have young children.

But don’t worry lovers of Disney, we have a theme park alternative on our list!

If you are set on going to Disney for Spring Break, or any time of the year for that matter, our recommendation is to work with a reputable group that specializes in putting together packages — and usually include tips for making the most of your Disney Spring Break vacation.

Because they work directly with Disney on a volume basis, and with advanced bookings, you are almost always assured of getting prices that are much better than if you tried to do all the arrangements yourself. This can be just for admissions, admissions and transportation packages, hotel packages, or packages that include airfare.

Here are some trustworthy travel companies we recommend:

NOTE: With the exception of Best of Orlando, these companies offer packages for popular destinations all over the United States, and Apple Vacations (known as America's Favorite Vacation Company) also has top Spring Break destinations outside of the US as well as last minute vacation deals.

For our top family spring break destinations, we chose five locations that you may not have thought of — and that are alternatives to beaches!

Despite the fact that many people head to tropical destinations, we made the decision to stay in the US, for several reasons. First, not everyone can afford the cost of such destinations or have shorter breaks during the Spring. Not to mention the fact that no Visa is required.

Now that we've covered some general ideas for kid-friendly Spring Break getaways, let’s take an in-depth look at 5 specific destinations, shall we?

US National Parks - The Grand Canyon, Arizona

Reason Chosen: America's National Parks make a great option for spring break, especially for outdoor lovers! We've chosen to spotlight the Grand Canyon because it's a trip your kids will remember forever.

Video: Top 3 adventures for kids at Grand Canyon National Park

Take a walk back in time at Grand Canyon National Park | Courtesy of USA Today

What a better time to tick visiting the Grand Canyon off your bucket list than during this spring break?

Let’s first state that this canyon is indeed grand in every way – its ridges and rock formations will take your breathe away. Measuring 277 miles in river length and 18 miles in width, this north Arizona beauty is a wonder to behold. Having been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Grand Canyon boasts of over 6 million visitors each year – it can get quite crowded!

As one of the best spring break destinations in the US, the Grand Canyon Park will offer you with a myriad of activities such as hiking, climbing, and camping that will help you create a great way to bond with your loved ones.

Things to Do at the Grand Canyon

When visiting the Grand Canyon with kids, there are tons of activities and sightseeing to do. From taking nature walks around the park’s idyllic nature trails to helicopter rides over the park, you will be spoilt of choice while at the Grand Canyon.

Here's some kid-friendly activities we recommend:

The Grand Canyon Village — Known as the entry point to the park, the place is notorious for attracting heavy crowds, but standing on Yavapai Point is worth all the jostling. The village is filled with gift shops for souvenir lovers, restaurants and has ample parking. While lodging within the village can be quite expensive, the El Tovar Hotel and Bright Angel Lodge are great places to stay the night.
The Colorado River — For kids above four years, the Colorado River is one place that will leave a mark in their hearts. Spend half a day floating this beautiful river or take up rafting for the freer spirited souls. There’s a reliable shuttle bus service that offers pick and drop intervals to the river.
Bright Angel Trail(by foot or mule) — If your family is a bunch of outdoor lovers, then taking a hike on this well-worn trail is a must while at the Grand Canyon. For an unforgettable experience, consider exploring this trail using a mule. An overnight five and a half-hour ride will set you back about $590 per person – the experience is worth every cent.
Helicopter Ride Over the Canyon — Starting from $259, your family can enjoy an aerial view of the Grand Canyon National Park for 25 or 45 minutes. An opportunity for a bird’s eye view of this marvelous wonder of nature is like nothing you have ever experienced before.

Quick Tips to Make the Most of Your Trip to the Grand Canyon

Start your trip at the visitor center to get your child's Junior Ranger Passport stamped! Even if you are not there long enough to get the badge, the kids will love marking things off the list and will have a keepsake to take home.

Make sure you don't pack too much in for the day. As much as we would love for out kids to be as amazed by hiking the Grand Canyon for days as we are, they will need breaks and variety. Plan time for lazing around the pool too!

Guided tours by Jeep are a good way to provide some rest for those little feet, as well as add the excitement of "4-Wheeling" through the Canyon. When choosing a tour company, make sure you get one that is reputable. One option is Pink Jeep Tours who has been doing it since 1960 and provide necessary car and booster seats (children have to be at least 3 years old for their Grand Canyon tours but in other areas they serve, 18 months is the youngest).

Video: Top Grand Canyon South Rim Activities for Kids

Hiking and Exploring the Grand Canyon with Kids | Courtesy of The Traveling Family

Here's a few more tips to help you make the most of your family Grand Canyon trip...

Ditch the car. While there’s a good road network for driving around the park, maneuvering the huge crowds and finding a spot to park are two constant headaches for drivers. Go for the free shuttle buses provided by the park.
Layer up the clothing. Once the sun sets at this beautiful place, the wind starts blowing, and it can get quite chilly in the evening.
Stay hydrated and pack snacks. Even if you are sticking to the smaller trails, kids are going to burn energy. Go for quality snacks like trail mix, protein bars or beef jerky over sugary sweets. And have plenty of water for those thirsty little hikers.
Make sure you have required permits if camping. For a family that won’t camp at the designated areas, you will require a backcountry permit. Please visit the National Park Service website for all the requirements for the permit.

Video: Top 13 US National Parks

Grand Canyon (28:16) is just one of the National Parks that would make a good Spring Break destination! | Video Courtesy of Amazing Places on Our Planet

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center - San Antonio, TX

Reason Chosen: Hands on fun and learning with everyone's favorite LEGOS®. LEGOLAND® Discovery Centers are a great alternative to the LEGO theme parks that are not only likely to be really crowded during Spring Break, but may actually be "too much" for younger children — and a whole lot more expensive.

We chose to spotlight the San Antonio location because there are many kid friendly attractions nearby, but we also have a list of other LEGOLAND® locations at the end of this section.

Video: Experience the Ultimate Indoor LEGO® Playground!

Families with children aged 3 to 10 can enjoy a world of creativity, color, building fun and more!

Are your kids at that age where exploration and discovery are the order of the day?

How about a visit to LEGOLAND® Discovery Center in San Antonio over spring break. With ten themed zones to offer, LEGOLAND will provide a fantastic place for you to bond with your kids.

While you won't get the huge rides and attractions that the LEGO® theme parks have to offer, you certainly won't be missing out on fun! Plus, you could always head over to Six Flags Fiesta Texas, which is less than 20 miles away.

Some of the fantastic activities your kids will enjoy include:

Watching movies at the 4D cinema that’s complete with wind, water and snow effects.
Daily LEGO creative workshop hosted by the center’s Master Model Builder – this will get their creative juices flowing.
Check out the LEGO Miniland, which is built with over 1.5 million bricks – it will be fun to spot various landmarks and watch the land change from day to night.
For the youngest members of the building family, there's the Duplo Farm (with oversized bricks) and Duplo Village with traditional sized Duplo® bricks perfect for their little fingers (and huge imaginiations).
There's also the Merlin's Apprentice and Kingdom Quest interactive rides, as well the LEGO Virtual Reality Experience.

And if you need a break from all that LEGO stuff, SEA LIFE San Antonio is right next door (same entrance, to be exact) and is scheduled to open in Spring 2020, with discounted combo tickets available.

Family-Friendly Activities in San Antonio

As much as you will be tempted to spend most of your time at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center, it will be great if you sampled other great things to do in San Antonio.

Other things you could do with your kids include:

San Antonio Aquarium — Oh, how your kids will love watching jellyfish float around and glow in the water. Visiting here will bring an ocean-like experience to your family without a pricey trip to the coast. Guests are even allowed to feed the giant octopus a snack!
Sea World San Antonio — Another favorite place for families to visit is Sea World, which is packed with numerous water activities that will make you fill like you are in a real ocean. The thrilling Great White Coaster ride will leave you breathless. Better yet, your family can spend some time at Discovery Point bonding with the dolphins. There’s also the Sesame Street Parade, which includes ten themed floats and mind-blowing performances.
San Antonio Riverwalk — Get to enjoy one of the most popular urban waterways in the world. For just $10, you will get to enjoy the Riverwalk boat ride, which gives you a tour of the city’s unique culture, history, architecture, and timeless wonders. Your family will also get a chance to shop and dine at some nice restaurants.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas — San Antonio's biggest, most popular themed attraction featuring dozens of thrill rides, shows, and activities.
San Antonio Zoo — The 35-acre zoo in San Antonio, Texas, has over 3,500 animals representing 750 species. The zoo’s mission is to inspire both adults and children to love, engage with, act for and protect animals and the places they live.

And don't forget the Alamo!

Or one of the dozens of other attractions, activities and historic sites in San Antonio.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tickets

This kid-friendly fun center has several packages to suit all types of budgets and financial plans. The center encourages visitors to book online, which will guarantee entry into the various zones (and costs less too). An online ticket costs $19 per person (instead of $22), and children under two years get in free. There’s also the extra value ticket going for $24 online that includes a LEGO collectible (a savings of $3 from the gate price).

However, if your family loves their LEGO, then we highly recommend the LEGO Discovery Center Annual Pass that allows you access for a whole year after the first visit, 20% discount at the café, 10% discount when having a birthday party and 10% discounts at the LEGO store. The annual pass ticket goes for $35 per person for three or more people. It is important to note that Annual passes are not transferrable from one Discover Center location to another.

You could also purchase a San Antonio Hop-On Hop-Off Tour that comes with admission to LEGOLAND Discovery Center and provides a full day’s worth of transportation with stops at major San Antonio attractions, stores, restaurants and more. Or go for 3 days transportation for the price of two!

Want to save even more?

If your family is planning to visit one of these premium attractions:

SeaWorld® San Antonio
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Texas Hill Country & LBJ Ranch Tour
iFLY Indoor Skydiving

You can purchase the San Antonio Explorer Pass from Undercover Tourist which includes admission to LEGOLAND plus 20+ other top attractions to choose from — with your choice of 3, 4 or 5 attraction combination packages.

And there is no rush, you have up to 30 days from your first attraction visit!

Other LEGOLAND Discover Center Locations

Heading somewhere other than Texas for Spring Break?

Not to worry, there are Discovery Centers for Lego fans all over the country!

Tip: LEGOLAND Theme Parks and Resorts

If you are planning on heading to one of the actual LEGOLAND® theme parks, make sure you check out the companies we mentioned above to see what kind of package deals you can get. This is HIGHLY likely to save you money compared to the at gate rates, especially if you are visiting more than one attraction and/or staying in a hotel or flying.

Want to make the trip extra special for your little Lego fans?

Consider staying in one of the LEGOLAND hotels! Designed for kids (but loved by adult Lego fans too!) these unique accommodations are themed entirely around the Lego world, extending the fun of the theme park into your stay.

NOTE: The LEGOLAND New York Hotel doesn't open until 2021.

For Disney Lovers - Disney Aulani Resort, Hawaii

Reason Chosen: There are many! Although this resort is NOT near an actual Disney theme park, the resort is Disney themed. Then there are the beaches — gentle enough for even your youngest "swimmers" and free from the college spring break crowds. This family-oriented location and resort is the best of both worlds, with plenty of activities for everyone.

By the way, if you are an American Idol fan, you will recognize this resort as the location for the 2019 and 2020 contestant showcase performances.

Video: What's Included at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa located on the island of O'ahu, is more than a place to stay — it's a Hawaiian paradise with a touch of magic. | Courtesy of Disney Parks

Our list wouldn’t be complete without a spot for a family-oriented hotel in Hawaii —and all you Disney fans!

What better place to visit with your kids than the Disney Aulani Resort? The award-winning resort has loads of fun activities for everyone in the family, such as beautiful pools to splash and swim in all day. The world-class resort was created through a collaboration between Disney and the local artisans to create a fabulous family getaway that showcases the rich culture of Hawaii.

Its perfect position on the beautiful beaches of O’ahu makes it an ideal spot to soak up some sun as you watch the idyllic ocean waves. This tropical paradise has been designed with families in mind and is worth every cent.

From the moment you arrive to the last minute you grudgingly wave the place goodbye, you will be treated to some good ol’ Hawaiian hospitality.

Is Disney Aulani Worth it?

Oh yes, it is. Not only will you get to interact with your favorite Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse, but you will also have access to the exclusive kids club.

The themed activities and mind-blowing family-oriented adventures at this resort are unforgettable and will, for sure, exceed your expectations. There’s also the Aunty’s Beach House, which is an exploration center for kids between 3 and 12 years where they engage in art and music all day.

On top of that, there's daily shows, night time story telling, a water slide and lazy river, and so much more.

Video: Tour of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa

Aulani offers an array of accommodation and dining options so that you can tailor your experience to just what you want with the ones you love. | Courtesy of Expedia

Other Fun Activities in Hawaii

Whether you are visiting Oahu, Maui, Honolulu, or any of the other 137 islands in Hawaii, you are spoilt of choice in terms of family activities. From kid-approved snorkeling to building sandcastles in the pristine white beaches, Hawaii is rightfully one of the top spring break destinations in the United States.

If your kids love surfing, then Waikiki Beach is filled with surfers and trainers to help perfect their skills. The lazy water slides, saltwater lagoons, and having fun will dolphins make Hawaii the perfect place to be for any spring breaker.

How to Get to Hawaii Disney Aulani Resort

The Inouye International Airport (HNL) —formerly known as Honolulu International Airport — in Oahu acts as the main entry point to most of the islands in Hawaii. Air being the commonly used means of transport to get to Hawaii, most airlines have great packages for travelers.

To move around on the islands, there’s shuttle buses, taxis, and Uber. But for convenience and flexibility, if you plan on doing a lot of activities or sightseeing away from the resort, it’s advisable to rent a car from any providers strategically located at the airport (there is an additional parking fee at the resort so weigh out your options for what works for you).

You can also book a package deal that includes transportation from the airport and accommodations. Apple Vacations and TripAdvisor are two great places to get affordable vacation deals.

Choosing Disney Aulani as your vacation spot for this year won’t disappoint and will give your family a bonus of visiting Hawaii. We will say this though — if you have teens, they may not have as much fun as the younger ones (unless you plan some off-resort activities with them in mind), so you may want to consider other Spring Break options in Hawaii.

Of course if you are heading to either Disneyland, California or Disney World, Florida, there are Disney themed hotels and resorts nearby to add even more to the fun!

Any SeaWorld is a Great Choice: Spotlight San Diego

Reason Chosen: We could have chosen any of the SeaWorld locations, but we chose to focus on San Diego not just because of it's in sunny California, but also because it's much more than an aquarium.

There's also rides and shows, not to mention the fact that San Diego location has so many other things to do. For example, if you want to keep with the animal theme, the San Diego Zoo is just a 15 minute drive! And remember all that good stuff we had to say about LEGOLAND? The San Diego Discovery Center is under 30 miles away.

Video: California 101: 5 Amazing Things to Do at SeaWorld San Diego

One of the world’s largest marine life theme parks, SeaWorld San Diego is an aquarium, an amusement park, an animal research facility, and even has trained animal performances. | Courtesy of Visit California

Aquatic life is always mesmerizing to kids — and adults too!

A must-visit this spring break is San Diego’s SeaWorld which is packed with endless fun encounters for families. You will be spoilt of choice during your visit to one of the top amusement parks in the United States. SeaWorld as a company is dedicated to environmental conservation and a visit to this re-known park will help your kids learn about sea life in a fun and interactive way.

Better yet, some of the fees go to animal rescue efforts and fighting ocean pollution.

Now, let’s get to the fun part!

Exciting Things to do at SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld is not just your ordinary aquarium or aquatic zoo. There is so much more to do, for example:

Thrill Rides — The world class, Tidal Coaster at SeaWorld, is in a class of its own with an infinity loop that adds to the fun. Your family will also enjoy the Electric Eel with its high energy twists. Other kid-friendly rides include the Sea Dragon Drop and Elmo’s Flying Fish.
Family Adventure Tour— For about $85 adult fee and $65 for kids (regular price, but there are ways to get discounts below), your family can take a guided walking tour and get to experience aqua life like never before. At the Explorer Reef, you will get to interact with fish and bamboo sharks. You can also access the Aquarium Lab where you will get to touch the jellyfish. The climax of this tour is a dolphin play session that will remain in your kids’ minds forever.
Shark Encounter — Get a chance to view sharks fascinatingly without putting your life in danger. The underwater viewing tunnel allows you to watch sharks of all sizes and colors in a fun way.

And don't forget all the wonderful shows and exhibits!

Dining Options at SeaWorld in California

The aquatic park is filled with countless restaurants and diners with kid-friendly meals.

For $34 for adults and $19 for kids aged 3 to 9, you can go for the all-day dining deal which lets you eat as much as you can when visiting SeaWorld. Some of the participating restaurants include Mama Stella’s Pizza Kitchen and Explorer’s Café. There’s also the Dine with Orcas family dining experience at the poolside patio.

All in all, SeaWorld is a great place to visit with your family for spring break vacation.

You can also visit Balboa Park, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, the San Diego Zoo, the Safari Park or one of the many other popular attractions in the area — if you still have time left in your itinerary that is!

Tickets to SeaWorld, San Diego

SeaWorld is a huge setup and it may take several days to exhaust all the fun things available. There are various packages available for families on their website. One is the single-day ticket going for $73 for ages 3+ that gives unlimited access to the place for a whole day.

You can also select from three annual passes: silver, gold and platinum that come with varying benefits.

If you plan on visiting SeaWorld, the best way to save money is to bundle it in a package — especially if you are planning on visiting more than one attraction.

Here are some savings ideas we found in our research:

Undercover Tourist — Undercover Tourist offers a single day admission that comes with all day dining at a savings of $36 per person, multi-day discounts, as well as San Diego Multi Destination Go Passes that include "skip the line" perks at many of the most popular places. They also offer the ability to get hotels and car rentals right from their site.
City Pass — With City Pass, you can purchase single day passes for only $65, and you can bundle those tickets with other area attractions for additional savings.
Trip Advisor — While we didn't find any special admission discounts on TripAdvisor, the San Diego Tour: Hop-on Hop-off Trolley is a great way to get around the city that will surely bring smiles of joy to your kids. And of course you can get hotel deals on the site as well.

If you are planning on visiting the SeaWorld location in San Antonio or Orlando, these companies offer discounts and packages for those as well!

For Orlando, we also recommend checking out Best of Orlando and Apple Vacations where not only will you find ticket discounts, but also packages that include hotel (and airfare if needed).

Sun, Water & Snow: Mammoth Mountain and Lakes, CA

Reason Chosen: In Mammoth Lakes, "winter just doesn't know when to quit" but it's not just snow activities! Because of the different elevations, you can also enjoy your favorite spring outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, kayaking, biking and more.

Great alternative to crowded beaches or ski resorts that only offer winter sports!

Video: Mammoth Mountain and Lakes, California - So Much To Do!

Mammoth Lakes, California - Vacation Travel Guide | Courtesy of NextStop TV

Instead of heading to Hollywood, Disney or the California beaches for spring break, there’s also the option of spending a high-value experience up in the mountains with your family.

Mammoth Mountain and Lakes in California is an ideal alternative destination this spring break that’s filled with jaw-dropping cold-weather splendors AND the start of your favorite summer sports.

“Winter has joined forces with summer, creating a magical new season called Swinter — the awe-inspiring, superbly snowy, summer hot-spot found only in Mammoth Lakes.

- Mammoth Lakes Announces Swinter Season! -

While Mammoth Mountain offers fantastic vacation options in fall, winter and summer, in spring you get the best of it all. Where else can you spend mornings on the snowy slopes and your afternoons on the trails and lake?

Although the water is probably still to cold for swimming!

Video: Spring Days in Mammoth Mountain

Chris Benchetler, a professional skier, shares some of the many reasons why Mammoth Mountain is amazing in the Spring. | Courtesy of Mammoth Mountain

Mammoth Lakes California is located about 35 miles from Yosemite National Park, which is an added bonus if you want to check out that national treasure.

And what's even better is it is under 10 miles from the Mammoth Yosemite Airport!

Things to Do at Mammoth Mountain and Lakes

Now that you have opted for a different type of spring break adventure allow us to indulge you in some of the activities you can sample while at Mammoth.

Hiking and Backpacking — Pack your hiking gear and get to enjoy family-friendly hikes filled with vibrant colors and beautiful high country contrasts. With dozens of friendly hiking trails and sweeping views of the beautiful scenery, your family will live to remember this vacation.
Fishing — Mammoth is filled with Alpine lakes, reservoir, and creeks that form some of the best touting fishing spots around. Tag your kids along for a memorable fishing experience and get to bond on another level as you do so.
Skiing and Snowboarding — Even before you set out for a day of skiing, the scenic view at the top of Mammoth Mountain is to die for. The mountain provides a perfect landscape for families that are pros at cruising down the mountain or for those learning the ropes of the beautiful sport of skiing. Kids as little as three years can receive lessons on how to ski.

That's not all...

You can enjoy snowshoeing on the snow covered trails. Or go snowmobiling or tubing if that's more your speed.

There's biking along your choice of terrain, be it asphalt or mountain trails, or something in between (they even rent electric mountain bikes if you don't have one of your own and don't want to pedal the whole time).

Love boating? You can paddle a kayak or stand-up paddle board, or take out pontoon boat or small fishing boat on the beautiful lakes.

And of course you can just marvel at the scenic sites — either on your own or by signing up for one of their many sightseeing tours.

Video: Off-Hill Activities at Mammoth Mountain

Activities for all ages – snowmobiling, sledding, cross-country skiing and scenic gondola rides are just a few of the activities you can enjoy around Mammoth Lakes when you're not on the mountain.

Child Care Services at Mammoth Mountain

While Mammoth Mountain is a perfect place for a family spring break getaway, they also have you covered if you want to have some adult time, or if you want to do separate activities with your older kids and teens.

The Mammoth has put serious and thorough structures in place to ensure that every child that visits this idyllic place leaves with nothing but a memorable experience.

They have a lesson plus a childcare package which includes ski lessons and lunch. The kids are grouped into small sizes where they engage and interact with each other in a kid-friendly teaching environment. There are carpet lifts and experienced kid specialists who will let each child learn the skills at their own pace.

Where to Stay When Visiting Mammoth Mountain and Lakes

If you are planning more than a day trip, there are many different lodging options in the area so you can choose which is best for you — from luxury to roughing it.

Choose from hotels, resorts or bed and breakfast inns. Rent a cabin, condo or chalet. Or you can go camping either in your own spot, or at one of the group campgrounds. They also have a designated RV campground on site with lots of amenities including RV hookups and an indoor heated pool (and there also off-site RV campgrounds near by).

Don't have an RV? You can rent one!

Last Minute and Cheap Spring Break Ideas

spring break with kids is about quality family time

Spring Break with your kids is all about quality family time and creating memories — even if the destination is in your own backyard!

So what is a family to do if they have waited too long to book a destination vacation for Spring Break and everything is sold out?

Perhaps you can't take that much time off to travel far from home. Or maybe you simply can't afford to take both a spring vacation and a summer one.

Not to worry! We have some ideas for you too!

First of all, it you do want to get away, but Spring Break is just around the corner, if you can be flexible in where you want to go, taking advantage of last minute deals may be the perfect solution.
Instead of heading to a big tourist destination, consider going camping — even if it is right in your own backyard. Camping can be the "vacation" in and of itself, or you can find a campground near your chosen destination to save on lodging expenses. Check out our Camping with Kids article for inspiration.
Family vacations don't have to be to far off destinations to be special. Planning a getaway that is short drive from home means less time traveling and more time having fun. Check out sites like Undercover Tourist, City Pass, Sightseeing Pass and TripAdvisor to see what attractions are nearby that offer discounts.
Did you love the idea of SeaWorld but can't get to one? Visit a smaller, local aquarium. Spring is also a great time for visiting zoos because the temperatures are not as hot as in the summer which makes it more enjoyable. And the animals are more likely to be active.
We've mentioned this before, but it's such a good tip it belongs here too. If the hotels where you want to visit are booked solid (or too expensive), check renting a private home or an RV sharing service. If circumstances .
If circumstances are such that you have to stay home for Spring Break, now is the perfect time to get a head start on gardening. It may be too cold to start planting things in the ground (but there are bulbs that are planted in spring), but there is still lots you and your family can do. Younger children will love watching seeds they plant indoors grow. You could lay the groundwork for a new flower bed, or get things ready for raised bed gardening.
For more "at home" inspiration, check out our Fun Things to Do With Kids in Winter post. While many of the ideas require snow, lots of them would be great for Spring Break vacation too — just switch up the themes!

Looking for something different?

Try a scavenger hunt either in a town near you, or at one of the popular tourist destinations! With Let's Roam's #1 app-led city scavenger hunt, you and your family will explore like never before. Within the scavenger hunt there is a "Youngster" character designed specifically for kids to have a great time.

Video: How a Let’s Roam City Scavenger Hunt Works

With 400+ hunt locations, you should be able to find one near you! | Video Courtesy of Let's Roam

Useful Spring Break Travel Tips for Families

family spring break vacation can be as simple as walk in the park

A family spring break activity can be as simple as walk in the park.

“The family is one of nature's masterpieces.”

- George Santayana -

All said and done; there’s no reason to stay home for that one-week spring break. Remember, for a hassle-free vacation, the secret is always to book early and look out for special deals offered by resorts and airlines.

Here are some additional tips to make sure you have a great time:

Find an Ideal Destination — Look for a place with kid friendly activities such as the resorts that we have highlighted above. Make sure to inquire about any special rates or vacation packages for families.
Stick to a Semblance of a Routine — This tip is crucial for those with infants and toddlers; ensure that nap times and meal times are almost similar to what you have back home. Even for the older ones, staying up too late can make for cranky kids during the day and a harder adjustment back to school bed time schedules when the trip is over.
Prepare the Kids for the Journey — Ensure that you have enough snacks and distractions to keep the kids occupied before you reach your destination. And get them involved in the pre-trip planning as much as possible.
Remember Sun Safety — For trips to sunny destinations (this includes the slopes), make sure you pack sunscreen with SPF 15 upwards. Most hotels provide shaded resting places but pack an umbrella, especially if you have a small baby.
Don’t Forget Safety Gear — You can never be too safe with kids. Therefore, ensure you pack necessary safety items such as child car restraints or a lightweight convertible seat for kids. If you will be engaging in various sports during your vacation, ensure that the child always has proper safety gear. Check in advance with your location to see if child safety seats and equipment are provided or are available for rent.

There’s no reason not to go out and create memorable experiences with your kids!

There’s so much to do over spring break, and all the destinations we have covered above are designed to cater to every member of your family, including toddlers.

Quick Note: While in some places spring break may start as early as mid-February, most of the places fill up over March and early April, which is considered the peak of spring break. So the time to start booking is now!

So pack your bags and see what spring break has in store for you and your family!

Best Family Spring Break Destinations You May Not Have Thought Of – Spring Break 2020 Ideas