Spring break is the perfect opportunity for families to escape daily routines, soak in some sunshine, and create lasting memories. From the stunning coasts of California to the vibrant cities in the heart of the nation, there’s a destination for every family’s spring break dreams. Finding a destination for spring break sometimes can be challenging. How does your family decide on a spring break destination? For our family, everyone usually picks a city and researches the various things to do in that city. We then come together as a family and have each one of us do a presentation on their city of choice. We then make a vote based on the presentations. Ofcourse my husband and I have to also look at the flight and hotel deals.
Here are our favorite spring break destinations that are budget friendly.
1. San Diego, California: Nestled along the Pacific, San Diego is a family paradise with its sun-soaked beaches, world-famous zoo, and vibrant Balboa Park. Spend your days building sandcastles on Coronado Beach, exploring the interactive exhibits at the New Children’s Museum, and marveling at marine life in SeaWorld. If your family is looking for a warmer weather vacation, you cannot go wrong with San Diego. Because the weather is generally nice around this time, choosing family activities is convinient. A tip for the attractions, use the Go City Pass. You save some money on the various attractions.
2. San Francisco, California: San Francisco is one of our family’s favorite cities. It is one of the cities that always has something new to discover each time we make a visit. The weather during this time of the year was not too bad, it was in the 50s and some days the 60s. Being from Chicago, this is considered beautiful weather and we definitely took advantage of it. The City by the Bay, San Francisco, offers a perfect blend of culture and outdoor escapades. Bike across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, take a ferry to Alcatraz, and explore the fascinating exhibits at the California Academy of Sciences. Don’t forget to ride the historic cable cars for a memorable family experience.
3. Arizona: My home away from home. Our family will always have a soft spot for Arizona because my husband and I met in Arizona and I lived there during my college years. Every time I visit Arizona, I am reminded by the beauty of the desert. Spring break is a great time to go as the weather in the summer could be over a hundred degrees! Surprisingly, our family enjoys visiting during that time of the year because the flight hotel deals are at the peak due to the heat.
Dive into the southwestern wonders of Arizona, where the Grand Canyon, Sedona’s red rocks, and the Sonoran Desert await. Take a family hike in Camelback Mountain, marvel at the beauty of Antelope Canyon, and embark on a scenic train ride through Verde Canyon.
4. San Antonio, Texas: What a beautiful city! Our family could not get over the beauty of this gem. San Antonio has so much to do for the family. Just like San Diego, the Go City Pass is worth using here. There is just so much beautiful history in San Antonio. San Antonio enchants families with its historic charm along the River Walk and the iconic Alamo. Enjoy a boat cruise along the San Antonio River, discover marine life at the San Antonio Aquarium, and thrill the kids with roller coasters and water slides at Six Flags Fiesta Texas.One of our favorite things to do was visit the National Park Missions.
5. Palm Springs, California: Head to Palm Springs for a relaxing desert retreat with your family. Soak up the sun by the pool at family-friendly resorts, ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for breathtaking views, and explore the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens for a close encounter with wildlife. This is a perfect family getaway for families seeking some relaxation time. Be sure to stay at he Hyatt Regency Indian Wells. Their facility has everything that your family needs. Depending on how your flight deals are looking, I like there one can flight into several surrounding airports and drive to this oasis.
6. Orlando, Florida: Orlando, the ultimate family playground, beckons with its world-renowned theme parks. Immerse yourselves in the magic of Walt Disney World, experience the wizardry of Universal Studios, and encounter marine life at SeaWorld Orlando. Orlando’s diverse attractions cater to families of all ages. There is truly no wrong time to go to Disney World. Our family enjoys Disney any chance we get, and usually makes it hard for us to choose between Disney and other destinations. Disney provides the convinience of traveling as there is something for everyone in our family to enjoy.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is also a great escape in Orland. The resort has several cave pools and slides for the kids. They have wonderful on resort amneties like kayaking, canoeing, and other daily onsite activities.
7. Naples/Marco Island, Florida: If you have not visited this side of Florida, do yourself a favor and consider booking your spring break here. There is nothing more beautiful that the gulf area. This is where you will find that clear blue ocean water with white sand beaches. You can thank me later. The Gulf Coast beckons with Naples and Marco Island, offering a serene yet exciting spring break. Relax on pristine beaches, explore the Naples Children’s Museum, and venture into the Everglades on a family-friendly airboat tour. With its diverse activities, the region is perfect for families seeking both tranquility and adventure. When I thinking about a relaxing vacation, this part of Florida is where I am thinking about. You can venture out to Ana Maria Island and Sannibel from these areas for a short drive away.
8. Chicago, Illinois: There is indeed no place like home. Chicago is one of the best cities to visit anytime of the year. Hear me out, without my bias of being from Chicago, it just offers the package deal. Yes, the weather might be against us at times, but there is so much culture and beauty in not only the city itself but also the vibrant surrounding neighborhoods. Not to mention the food scene of Chicago being one of the best. There is not a type of food option that you would not find. Whatever food you crave, Chicago has it!
Let’s get to the attraction. Embrace the energy of the Windy City during spring break. Explore the Navy Pier, take a boat tour along the Chicago River, and visit the Shedd Aquarium for an aquatic adventure. The city’s parks, museums, and diverse neighborhoods provide a rich tapestry of experiences for families. Spring break would actually be budget friendly for this windy city as the weather is unpredictable during that time of the year. Take advantage and come explore this one of a kind city.
9. Washington DC: Whenever people ask about planning an affordable and memorable family vacation, I usually recomment Washington DC. There is nothing like having to visit various museums and attractions for free. There is so much to do in Washington DC that one can plan a full week and still not be able to visit half of the attractions. It is a very kid friendly city and I like the fact that almost all the attractions are wallkable especially if you are staying in the downtown area.
The nation’s capital, Washington DC, invites families to immerse themselves in history and culture. Stroll along the National Mall, visit the Smithsonian museums, and explore the National Children’s Museum for interactive exhibits. DC’s iconic landmarks, including the White House and Capitol, provide a backdrop for a memorable family vacation.
10. St. Louis, Missouri: Do not under estimate the travel to this city. Our family has had it’s shares of visiting several museums and children’s museums across the country. We have not found any museum that is as spectacular and as fun as the City Museum. For this museum alone, your spring break trip is worth it. You will thank me forever for this one. A very family friendly city with so much to do. It also makes the list of being budget friendly as the zoo and science museums have free admissions.
For a heartland adventure, St. Louis provides a perfect blend of family-friendly attractions. Explore the iconic Gateway Arch, stroll through the enchanting Missouri Botanical Garden, and engage in interactive exhibits at the City Museum. St. Louis offers a welcoming and diverse array of experiences for families. Don’t miss out their “little Italy” on the Hill. You cannot go wrong with any of the restaurants there.
Spring break offers families a chance to reconnect, explore new horizons, and create cherished memories together. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of theme parks, the tranquility of beaches, or the cultural richness of historical cities, these family-friendly destinations ensure a spring break filled with laughter, joy, and unforgettable experiences. Plan your getaway to one of these fantastic destinations and embrace the magic of spring break with your loved ones.