It’s never too early to start planning your family’s next spring getaway. With so many exciting options, it can be hard to narrow down the best spring break destinations for families. To help you make the right choice, here are our top picks!
Aruba – Home to One of the World’s Most Family-Friendly Beaches
Aruba is a popular destination for families looking for a tropical escape. With some of the world’s calmest beaches, crystal-clear waters, and balmiest temperatures, Aruba is arguably the world’s most family-friendly beach destination, and beaches such as Eagle Beach are consistently ranked among the world’s top beaches. From snorkeling and sailing to beach volleyball and shopping, there’s something for everyone on “One Happy Island.” Plus, with several top-notch hotels overlooking stunning beaches, you can enjoy stress-free vacationing with all the amenities you need for a memorable getaway.
Where to stay in Aruba
Get up close and personal with pink flamingos at Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort. Other great hotel options include the Ritz-Carlton Aruba, the 330-room Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort, and the all-inclusive Riu Palace Aruba.
San Diego – Home to 70 Miles of Shoreline
With year-round warm temperatures, San Diego is a great spring break destination for families. Whether you’re hitting the beach, exploring Balboa Park, or visiting the world-famous San Diego Zoo, which is also home to a wonderful safari park, there’s plenty to do in “America’s Finest City.” Kids can also enjoy a variety of water activities, from kayaking and surfing lessons to boat tours and whale watching. The city also has numerous galleries, gardens, playgrounds, and museums, including the San Diego Air & Space Museum.
Where to stay in San Diego
Two of the city’s best oceanside hotels are Hotel del Coronado and the Manchester Grand Hyatt. For a more secluded option, book a stay at Fairmont Grand Del Mar or Carmel Valley Ranch, which offers beautiful rooms and a variety of onsite activities ranging from sports to scavenger hunts. Kids will also love staying at either of the two LEGOLAND properties in nearby Carlsbad, CA.
Lisbon, Portugal – Still Western Europe’s Best-Kept Secret
The Portuguese capital is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and a great destination for a spring getaway. From its stunning architecture and vibrant nightlife to its incredible food and wine scene, Lisbon has much to offer at a fraction of the cost of other European cities. Explore the cobblestone streets of the Alfama District or take a ride on the city’s famous trams. Enjoy some of the best seafood in Europe at one of the city’s many restaurants like Nunes Real Marisqueira and Cervejaria Ramiro. You can also take a day trip to Sintra to visit the fairytale Pena Palace.
Read: Top Things to Do in Lisbon in 2 Days
Where to stay in Lisbon
Martinhal Lisbon is one of several five-star chain resorts located throughout Portugal that caters to families. The hotel features a range of amenities, including an outdoor pool, a spa and wellness center, a restaurant, a bar, and a fitness center, and is located close to many attractions, such as the Lisbon Zoo, the Oceanarium, and the National Museum of Ancient Art. Another great place to stay is Ex Libris Almaria, one of several large apart-hotels around the city providing daily breakfast and concierge services.
Riviera Maya, Mexico – One of the Most Popular Spring Break Destinations for Families
Riviera Maya, Mexico, is one of the best spring break destinations for families due to its relative proximity to the US, affordable cost, and endless things to do, from stunning beaches to food, culture, and water activities.
For an exciting blend of nature, culture, and adventure, visit Xcaret Eco-Archaeological Park., which has more than 50 attractions in which you can explore ancient Mayan ruins, swim in underground rivers, and snorkel with sea turtles.
Take a boat tour around the Nichupte Lagoon, home to mangroves, seagrass beds, and an abundance of wildlife. Kids will love spotting dolphins, turtles, and tropical birds as they cruise around the lagoon.
For a bit of culture, kids will love exploring the Mayan ruins of Tulum, where they can learn about Mayan civilization. Tulum is also home to several cenotes, which are underground caves with permanent water, and there are also day trips to snorkel and visit Tulum’s cenotes from Cancun. You can also visit cenotes and take a tour of four cenotes in Playa del Carmen.
There’s no shortage of beautiful beaches such as Isla Mujeres and Playa del Carmen, so you can spend many days simply enjoying the white sands of the Mexican Riviera.
Related: Best Luxury Resorts in Riviera Maya
New York City – One of the Most Underrated Spring Break Destinations for Families
While it may not be the first place you’d think to visit, this bustling city that never sleeps offers iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building, world-class museums like the Guggenheim, and top-notch dining and shopping. Notable places to shop include Herald Square, home to Macy’s flagship store, Greenwich Village, and Canal Street. Be sure to stroll the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, and Central Park, too. Whether you’re exploring the Museum of Modern Art, taking a helicopter flight over the city, or watching a Broadway show, your family is sure to have a blast in the “Big Apple.”
Where to stay in New York
Located a few blocks south of Central Park, Hilton Club West 57th Street, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club property, is a great option for families and offers large studio rooms and one-bedroom suites. The hotel is within walking distance to Carnegie Hall, the MOMA, Lincoln Center, and Times Square. Other family-friendly properties offering relatively spacious rooms in the city are the Homewood Suites in Times Square, The Gregorian in Herald Square, and The Langham on Fifth Avenue.
The Bahamas – Where “It’s Better”
With a slogan, “It’s better in The Bahamas,” it’s not hard to see why the island nation is one of the best spring break destinations for families in the US.
Beautiful beaches, abundant water activities, and family-friendly luxury resorts dot the islands, one of the most recognizable resorts being Atlantis Paradise Island. This family-friendly resort offers a variety of activities, including water slides, a lazy river, and a marine habitat. Kids will love exploring the aquarium and getting up close with sea creatures.
The island of Exuma should not be missed, either, and you can take a day trip from Nassau or fly to the island for a few nights. Exuma is where you can visit Pig Beach to swim with dozens of friendly pigs who love to play in the water.
Where to stay in The Bahamas
Another large complex in Nassau that is popular with families is Baha Mar, which has the Grand Hyatt, SLS, and Rosewood, as well as the Baha Bay beachfront water park. On the island of Exuma, Grand Isle Resort & Residences is great for families looking for larger accommodations in a more relaxed setting. The resort offers one- to four-bedroom units as well as a swimming pool, fitness center, and private beach.
Dubai – A Middle Eastern Desert Oasis
One of the most surprisingly good spring break destinations for families is Dubai. It’s home to engineering marvels like the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and exciting activities like desert safaris and the Dubai Miracle Garden. The city is a wonderful beach destination, too.
Head to Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping mall, to explore the aquarium, go ice skating, and browse designer stores and boutiques. Shop in the souks in the old city, and if you’re feeling adventurous, go sky diving with companies like Skydive Dubai. Other perks for visiting Dubai are its low crime rate, cleanliness, and relative affordability. Your biggest expense will likely be your flights.
Related: Top Things to Do in Dubai With Kids
Where to stay in Dubai
Perhaps no city has a better collection of upscale hotels than Dubai. The city’s most iconic hotel is the ultra-luxury Burj al Arab, dubbed the world’s only seven-star hotel. Among the fabulous luxury beachfront resorts in the city that families will enjoy are the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, which is situated on its own private beach and adjacent to the Wild Wadi Waterpark, Atlantis Dubai, which has the Aquaventure Waterpark, and Ritz-Carlton Dubai, which offers spacious family suites, and Hotel Fairmont the Palm, which has four pools (including a family pool), a private beach, and a Fairmont Falcons Kids’ Club.
Tuscany, Italy – For Exceptional Food Experiences and History
From rolling hills and picturesque villages to delicious food and wine, Tuscany offers a great escape for families looking for a non-traditional trip. Visit Florence, the capital of Tuscany, with its cobblestone streets and famous sights, such as the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery. Don’t forget to take a walk through the Boboli Gardens and climb the iconic Campanile di Giotto.
You can also visit the seaside town of Livorno to enjoy a day at the beach or take a boat ride to one of the nearby islands. For a unique experience, take a hot air balloon ride over the Tuscan countryside for an aerial view of the region’s rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval towns.
Where to stay in Tuscany
When it’s time to relax, there are several beautiful hotels and villas to choose from in Tuscany, including Villa Le Fontanelle, Relais Santa Croce, and Four Seasons Hotel Firenze.
Orlando, FL – No Explanation Needed
Of course, no list of the best spring destinations for families would be complete without the happiest place on earth! Home to four amazing theme parks, two water parks, and plenty of other attractions to keep your family entertained, Orlando is a place every family should visit at least once.
The most iconic attraction is clearly Disney World, but there are other exciting places to visit, including Universal Studios Orlando, which offers fun attractions that older kids and adults will equally enjoy, and Downtown Disney, which has wonderful dining and entertainment options.
Where to stay in Orlando
If you’re visiting Disney World, you can choose from a wide selection of Disney-affiliated hotels, such as Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, which is situated next to the Magic Kingdom along the monorail route. Encore Resort is a great option for families and large groups wishing to stay in luxury accommodations that truly feel like home. Home sizes range from 4 bedrooms to 13 bedrooms, and the complex also has a private water park, sports facilities, and customized spa services. For a truly luxurious experience, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is a wonderful choice, offering spacious suites and an array of amenities such as an on-site spa, pool, and restaurant.
No matter where you decide to go, spring break is a great opportunity to get away and make some special memories with your family. So, if you’re looking for the perfect destination for your family’s next vacation, consider one of these amazing spring break destinations.
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