7 Under-the-Radar Spring Break Trips for Your Family
Introduction
If you're thinking about planning a spring break vacation with your family, the first destinations that come to mind may be the most crowded. Both Disney locations, Universal Orlando Resort, Miami Beach, Virginia Beach, Cancun, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite will likely be mobbed. Here are a few alternative destinations that will keep everyone happy while avoiding long lines and overcrowded hotels.
1. Visit a Relative or Friend
Think about whether you have any relatives or close friends living in places that are not tourist traps, are scenic, or have enough fun activities to keep the kids entertained. If your great aunt or college roommate lives near terrific horseback riding, a lake with paddle boat rentals, farms, amusement parks, zoos, aquariums, or other fun attractions, this could be an opportunity for the family to get a change of scenery and for you to catch up with someone you’ve been meaning to visit for years.
Image Description: Infographic showing benefits of visiting relatives or friends in scenic, less touristy areas.
2. Try an Island Off Florida Instead of Disney
Amelia Island, just off the coast of northeast Florida, has 13 miles of beach which can be explored on horseback with abundant native wildlife, pristine waters, and restaurants boasting fresh locally caught seafood. Sanibel and Captiva islands off the Gulf Coast boast much of the same along with a variety of eco cruises.
Image Description: Illustration showing the natural beauty and activities available on islands off the coast of Florida.
3. Visit the Florida Keys but Not Key West
While Key West is the most well-known Key, it’s also the one most likely to be packed. Your best bet is to stop at one of the Keys farther north. Marathon, for example, offers beaches, fishing, and boating as well as educational tours at The Turtle Hospital where you can see turtles being nursed back to health (you’ll need a reservation). You can also check out the Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key where you can gently grab a fin and get the ride of your life.
Image Description: Infographic showing activities and wildlife in the Florida Keys, excluding Key West.
4. San Diego
San Diego is home to a world-famous zoo and its affiliated safari park in nearby Escondido. In addition to scenic beaches, it also boasts Balboa Park with gardens, museums, theaters, shopping, and restaurants.
Image Description: Illustration showing the attractions and activities available in San Diego, including the zoo and Balboa Park.
5. Great Wolf Lodge
This giant indoor water park has 16 locations throughout the U.S. and one at Niagara Falls in Canada. The best part about a vacation at any of them is they’re not weather dependent. The lodges have pajama parties, character appearances, arts and crafts, a bowling alley for kids, a ropes course, games, and a firepit for roasting s’mores.
Image Description: Infographic showing the various family-friendly activities available at Great Wolf Lodge locations.
6. South Carolina
The Charleston Museum has family programs for toddlers and a Kidstory exhibit focusing on Charleston history, including a kid-sized replica of a historic Charleston home. Charleston and Myrtle Beach have aquariums, while Myrtle Beach also has a boardwalk, rides, games, and a zoo.
Image Description: Infographic showing the family-friendly attractions in Charleston and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
7. Arizona
In Tucson, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum offers hiking through desert trails full of local flora and fauna, a zoo, an aquarium, and a raptor show. Other Tucson attractions include The Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium and Reid Park with its zoo, pool, park, and playgrounds. Phoenix has a plethora of food and art festivals planned for spring as well as Major League Baseball spring training in March and a pride festival and film festival scheduled for April. Scottsdale offers a number of high-end resorts with various children’s activities.
Image Description: Infographic showing the various family-friendly attractions and activities in Tucson, Phoenix, and Scottsdale, Arizona.