10 Epic Spring Break Destination Ideas for Families
If you’re sitting down with your calendar right now trying to come up with some spring break ideas, I know the exact mental tug-of-war you’re wrestling with. You want somewhere warm enough to shake off the last lingering weeks of winter, active enough to burn off all that endless energy kids seem to have, but relaxed enough that you actually feel like you got a break, too.
As a mom of three, I’ve learned that the secret to a great family spring break isn’t packing every single hour with back-to-back activities. It’s choosing a destination that offers a balance: outdoor adventures, interactive stops where kids can explore, straightforward driving or flight logistics, and a pace that doesn’t leave everyone having a breakdown by day three.
Whether you’re looking to hop on a quick flight for some desert adventures, load up the family vehicle for a classic Midwest road trip, or chase warm coastal breezes with your toes it the sand, here are 10 fantastic family spring break destinations for 2027 that deliver incredible memories with minimal hassle.
1. Phoenix & Sedona, Arizona
If your family is itching for guaranteed sunshine, red rock desert landscapes, and easy outdoor trails, Arizona is hard to beat for a spring break getaway.
Whether your family is into relaxing by the pool at one of the amazing resorts, hiking in National Parks, or exploring some of the cute downtowns, Arizona really is a one-stop shop for maximum spring break adventure and relaxation.
Why Its a Great Option for Families
With direct flights into Phoenix from almost anywhere in the United States, this is such an easy, low-effort spring break option for families.
You can easily fly into Phoenix, spend a few days exploring this amazing city, and then road trip to one of the nearby national parks or smaller desert communities, like Tucson or Sedona.
Top Things to Do with Kids
- Explore Phoenix: The Hole-in-the-Rock trail at Papago Park is short, easy, and gives kids a fun “scramble” with a huge payoff view of the city. At the Desert Botanical Garden, wide, flat paths gives you an up-close view of the massive saguaro cacti. The Science Museum of Arizona is also sure to be a hit for kids of all ages.
- Hike Epic Trails in Sedona: There are endless outdoor options in Sedona, and you could easily base yourself here for multiple nights of exploring. Bell Rock trail, Faye Canyon Trail, Airport loop trail, and the Yavapai Vista Trail were all favorites of ours – kid friendly and not too long. You can even add on a day trip to the Grand Canyon if you want.
- Take a Pink Jeep Tour: Probably one of the most unique things to do in Arizona is to take a pink-jeep tour through the red rocks. The views are epic and it’s truly a one-of-a-kind adventure. [Book Your Sedona Pink Jeep Tour Tickets Here]
- Explore Tucson & Saguaro National Park: An easy day trip from Phoenix, this is such an underrated National Park that is perfect for kids of all ages. Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum while you’re here.
Logistics
- Best Ages for this Spring Break destination: Truly any! There is so much to do here for kids of all ages, from easy toddler friendly trails and museums, to epic Grand Canyon hikes for bigger kids and teens.
- Where to Stay: There are some amazing resort options in Scottsdale or Phoenix for families. Choose one like Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass that has a water slides and tons of free onsite activities to use as your base camp, then take a day trip or overnight up to Sedona or south to Tucson. There are also some really epic Airbnb properties that offer pools, full kitchens and lots of space for the whole family to spread out.
2. Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama
If your ideal spring break involves sugar-white sand, gentle Gulf waves, and relaxed beach-town energy without the rowdy college party scene, the Alabama coast is a true hidden gem for families.
Whether you pack your days full of adventures or spend them relaxing in the sunshine, Alabama’s Beaches has so much to offer for families of all ages.
Read next: Complete Guide to Visiting Alabama’s Beaches
Why Its a Great Option for Families
Gulf Shores offers beautiful, clean beaches with shallow water entry, taking away some of the stress for parents watching little swimmers. It also so many great restaurants, ice cream shops, and fun kid-friendly activities like mini-golf, waterparks and a zoo.
Top Things to Do with Kids
- Gulf State Park: Rent e-bikes and explore the miles of paved trails through coastal marshes and forests, or paddle out in kayaks to explore from the water.
- Historic Fort Morgan: Located at the tip of the peninsula, your kids will love this hands on history lesson.
- The Track Family Fun Center: Go-karts, bumper boats, and arcade games for when you need a break from sandy toes.
- Spend the day on the beautiful beaches: Alabama’s beaches are truly magical and filled with soft white sand and crystal clear water. Take a sand-castle building class with Sand Castle University or go hunting for shells.
Logistics
- Best Ages: Toddlers through teens.
- Where to Stay: Book one of these amazing beachfront condos with a full kitchen and washer/dryer for an easy, stress free week.
- Mom Tip: Stock up on all the beach day essentials before your trip!
3. St. Louis, Missouri
Probably one of the most underrated cities in the entire United States, St. Louis packs a punch on a budget and has so many fun places for families to explore.
Why Its a Great Option for Families
St. Louis is home to Forest Park, which houses several world-class family attractions that are completely free to enter. Not to mention the City Museum, Gateway Arch National Park and incredible Missouri Botanical Gardens.
Read next: Guide to What to do in St. Louis with Kids
Top Things to Do with Kids
- City Museum: There is truly nothing else like this place. It’s a 600,000-square-foot playground built from repurposed industrial materials, complete with multi-story slides, climbing tunnels, and an outdoor Ferris wheel on the roof.
- Saint Louis Zoo: Located in Forest Park, this is consistently ranked as one of the best zoos in the nation—and general admission is 100% free.
- The Gateway Arch: Take the tram ride up to the top for panoramic views of the Mississippi River, and explore the interactive museum under the arch.
Logistics
- Best Ages: 3 to 12 (City Museum is best for ages 5+, but is totally do-able for toddlers).
- Where to Stay: Look for hotels in the downtown St. Louis or near Forest Park for quick access to the best attractions, such as the Drury Inn at Union Station, Hampton Inn St. Louis at the Arch or the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch.
- Mom Tip: If visiting the City Museum, put your kids in long pants, athletic shoes, and consider knee pads!
4. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
If you want a Texas-sized getaway easily accessible from anywhere in the US, incredible walkable culture hubs, and zero chance of kids getting bored, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is a powerhouse spring break destination.
Why It‘s a Great Option for Families
Dallas offers world-class hands-on science, art and kids museums right in the heart of downtown, while neighboring Fort Worth brings authentic cowboy heritage, stockyards, and Western charm.
The two cities sit just 35 minutes apart, allowing you to give your family two completely different vacation vibes in one trip. Not to mention the mild spring weather and easy access via direct flights from all over the country.
Top Things to Do with Kids
- Perot Museum of Nature and Science: Five floors of interactive discovery where kids can race a virtual T-Rex, experience a simulated earthquake, and build giant structures in the engineering hall.
- Fort Worth Stockyards: Watch the world’s only twice-daily live cattle drive down the brick streets, navigate the Cowtown Cattlepen Maze, and watch real cowboys in action.
- Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden: Home to an 8-acre outdoor science lab with interactive water play, elevated canopy walkways, and plant life labs.
- Kidzania: A one-of-a-kind museum where kids run the world. Kids will spend the day role-playing dozens of jobs to earn money that they can spend on prizes.
Read Next: 15 Kid Friendly Things to do in Dallas, Texas
Logistics
- Best Ages: Elementary through teens.
- Where to Stay: Stay in Downtown Dallas near Klyde Warren Park for easy museum walkability, or grab a family suite at the Hotel Drover in the Fort Worth Stockyards for a rustic-luxury Western experience.
- Mom Tip: Purchase a Dallas CityPASS to save up to 50% on admission to some of the most popular attractions in the city.
5. Hot Springs, Arkansas
Tucked into the Zigzag Mountains of the Ouachita range, Hot Springs is a highly underrated national park town that offers a unique mix of nature, history, and quirky family fun.
Why It’s a Great Option for Families
Unlike massive western national parks that require hours of driving between trailheads or lengthy hikes, Hot Springs National Park is integrated right into the historic downtown. You can hike a scenic mountain trail in the morning and be sitting in a historic bakery or ice cream shop 20 minutes later. It makes for the perfect mix of outdoors, small town vibes and history, all in one.
Also Read: My 3 Day Guide to Hot Springs, Arkansas
Top Things to Do with Kids
- Bathhouse Row: Walk past the historic 19th-century bathhouses, drink from the thermal spring water at designated fountains, and grab a beer brewed using the thermal hot spring water. (Read my full Hot Springs National Park Travel Guide here)
- Garvan Woodland Gardens: A stunning 210-acre botanical garden featuring the Anthony Chapel and an incredible children’s garden with a massive treehouse and cave structure.
- Mid-America Science Museum: An award-winning hands-on science center set in the woods, featuring an outdoor skywalk and Tesla coil shows. Plus it’s part of the ASTC program!
Logistics
- Best Ages: Toddler to teen
- Where to Stay: Rent a lakeside cabin on Lake Hamilton for extra space, or stay at a historic downtown hotel to walk straight to Bathhouse Row.
- Mom Tip: Bring reusable water bottles! You can fill them up with the mineral-rich for free at the thermal water jug fountains throughout town.
6. New Mexico Road Trip
For adventurous families who love dramatic landscapes, delicious food, rich Southwestern history, and room to explore without huge park crowds, a New Mexico road trip is pure magic in the spring.
Why It‘s a Great Option for Families
Starting in Santa Fe and making your way through Albuquerque, Las Cruces and down to White Sands National Park and Carlsbad Cavern National Park gives you the perfect mix of nature and city.
There are truly so many epic places to explore in New Mexico, and there will be no shortage of fun, adventure and even a little bit of learning on this family spring break trip.
Also read: My 7 day New Mexico Road Trip Itinerary
Top Things to Do with Kids
- White Sands National Park: Rent plastic sleds at the visitor center or bring your own to go sledding down giant white gypsum dunes.
- Bandelier National Monument (Near Santa Fe): Take the Main Loop Trail where kids can climb wooden ladders straight into ancient Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings carved into the volcanic tuff rock.
- Meow Wolf (Santa Fe): An immersive, mind-bending art installation built inside a former bowling alley. Kids can crawl through washing machines, walk through secret refrigerators, and explore glowing, interdimensional treehouses.
- Relax and explore at Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort: Stay at this unique resort that offers multiple pools, horseback riding, yard games, hiking trails, a full service spa and incredible golf course. Book your stay here
Logistics
- Best Ages: Infant to teen
- Where to Stay: Stay at a historic adobe-style hotel near the Santa Fe Plaza, or rent an Airbnb with a pool in Las Cruces to use as your base camp for White Sands.
- If you want more information on where we stayed, read my 7 day New Mexico Road Trip Itinerary.
- Mom Tip: Make sure to book tickets to tour Carlsbad Cavern ahead of time – it’s popular and does sell out!
7. Los Angeles & Coastal California
If your kids are dreaming of some Hollywood magic, Pacific ocean breezes, and time at the most magical place on Earth, Los Angeles is a sunny spring break classic that delivers tons of variety for the whole family.
Los Angeles offers a great mix of theme parks, nearby National Parks, amazing museums and plenty of options for beach days, all in one spot.
Why It’s a Great Option for Families
While LA is a massive metropolis, there are so many options for families here. From exploring some of the top rated museums in the world, to incredible theme parks, and even some really epic outdoor adventures and nearby National Parks, there is something here for everybody.
Top Things to Do with Kids
- See the sights of Los Angeles: Take a sightseeing tour of the city, see the Hollywood sign, walk the Santa Monica pier, spot stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or visit the Griffith Observatory.
- Disneyland or Universal: So many theme parks packed into one city! Spend your days at Disneyland + California Adventure, or head over to Universal Studios if you have older kids.
- Channel Island National Park: Only about an hour outside of Los Angeles, this is the perfect day trip and offers some incredible adventures and scenery for any national park lover.
- Tide Pooling at Leo Carillo State Park: One the best spots to tide pool on the entire coast, you will find tons of sea life here.
Logistics
- Best Ages: Toddler to teens
- Where to Stay: Use the Hyatt Place Anaheim as your home base – it’s walking distance to the parking lot for the Disney shuttles and easy to get on the highway for other adventures.
- Mom Tip: Make sure to get Lightening Lanes with your Disneyland tickets!
Read next: Guide to Los Angeles with Kids ; 10 Disneyland Tips & Tricks
8. Tennessee Road Trip
If your dreaming of the perfect mix of mountain hikes, roaring waterfalls, and family-friendly entertainment that the whole family will love, this scenic Tennessee road trip loop combines the best of nature and city fun.
Why It’s a Great Option for Families
Starting in Nashville and heading south to chase a few waterfalls before spending several days in Chattanooga. Then take the scenic mountain drive toward Townsend, Gatlinburg, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You get the peaceful beauty of mountain streams paired with top-tier family attractions and city fun.
Read my full Tennessee road trip itinerary here
Top Things to Do with Kids
- Explore Chattanooga: From Rock City Gardens to Ruby Falls, Lookout Mountain and even the Creative Discovery Center and Tennessee Aquarium – there are tons of spots to explore here.
- The Lost Sea Adventure: Take a walk through this cave to reach an underground lake, where you can take a boat across and feed the fish.
- Great Smoky Mountain National Park: So many amazing hikes of all difficulty levels, beautiful waterfalls and tons of wildlife.
- Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge: If you have kids who love a good theme park, you will love these towns. From mountain coasters to mini-golf, these towns are sure to be a crowd pleaser among kids of all ages. We spent a day at Anakeesta and had so much fun!
Real-Mom Logistics
- Best Ages: Elementary aged to teens
- Where to Stay: Stay in a vintage train car in Chattanooga or a cozy cabin in Townsend just outside of Smoky Mountain National Park.
- Mom Tip: Enter Great Smoky Mountains National Park through the Townsend entrance rather than the main Gatlinburg Parkway entrance. You’ll bypass heavy traffic and reach popular spots like Cades Cove in less than half the time.
9. Maui, Hawaii
If your family is dreaming of a tropical island getaway centered around beautiful beaches, lush tropical forests and easy, kid-friendly adventures without the fast-paced energy of high-rise cities, Maui is an absolute paradise for a family spring break trip.
Why It’s a Great Option for Families
Maui balances some of the most stunningly beautiful places in the world with exceptionally easy, family-focused resort options. The island’s South Shore (Kihei and Wailea) and West Coast (Ka’anapali and Kapalua) offer some of the calmest, shallowest ocean bays in Hawaii, protected by outer reefs and neighboring islands.
There are endless outdoor adventures, and you can be as active as you want. Or, there are plenty of beautiful calm beaches where you can spend your day relaxing and soaking up the sunshine.
Top Things to Do with Kids
- Explore the beautiful beaches and snorkeling: For younger kids, head to Baby Beach in Lahaina, where an offshore reef barrier keeps the water shallow, warm, and virtually wave-free. For older kids ready to see sea turtles and tropical fish, Kapalua Bay offers calm, protected waters where the reef sits just steps from the sand.
- Whale Watching Sail (December–April): If visiting during winter or spring break, book a family-friendly catamaran excursion. Thousands of humpback whales migrate to Maui’s warm, shallow channels, giving kids front-row seats to mother-and-calf pairs breaching and tail-slapping. This experience is truly one you will never forget!
- Explore the Maui Ocean Center: Located at Ma’alaea Harbor, this world-class aquarium features a massive open-ocean tunnel where sharks and eagle rays swim overhead, touch pools, and a 3D immersive humpback whale sphere experience that kids of all ages will love.
- Drive the Road to Hāna: You don’t have to tackle the entire 64-mile winding road – there are plenty of epic spots along the way. Focus on the early, high-reward stops, like Twin Falls for an easy waterfall walk, fresh banana bread at Aunty Sandy’s on the Ke’anae Peninsula, and make advance reservations to explore the black sand beach and sea caves at Waiʻānapanapa State Park. Then turn around and head back.
- Visit Haleakalā National Park: Stand above the cloud line and experience a surreal landscape that feels like you’re on Mars at this one of a kind National Park.
Real-Mom Logistics
- Best Ages: All ages!
- Where to Stay: There are so many amazing resorts all over the island to pick from! We adored our stay at the Hyatt Regency Maui and found it to be the perfect mix of activities and relaxation.
- Mom Tip: Renting a car at Kahului Airport (OGG) is non-negotiable on Maui. To avoid motion sickness on winding roads or boat rides, pack motion-sickness bands or kids’ Dramamine in your daypack, drive slowly, and plan frequent stops to stretch legs!
10. Branson & The Ozarks, Missouri
Branson is a Midwest family powerhouse that balances incredible landscapes and outdoor adventures with high-energy family entertainment.
Why It’s a Good Option for Families
Branson offers a ton of variety, making it great for families who have a hard time agreeing on the afternoon activity. From pristine lakes to world-class theme parks, Branson is set up specifically to make family travel smooth and effortless.
Top Things to Do with Kids
- Silver Dollar City: An award-winning 1880s-themed amusement park set in the Ozark hills, featuring world-class roller coasters, artisan craft demonstrations, and underground cave tours.
- Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Show: Truly a one-of-a-kind experience, you will enjoy a 4 course meal while watching live performers atop 32 horses galloping around the arena in this epic dinner show. Grab your tickets here.
- Table Rock Lake & State Park: Rent a pontoon boat, explore paved lakefront walking trails, or pack a picnic at the marina.
- Branson Landing: Stroll along the lakefront boardwalk, watch the fountain and fire show, and grab dinner at kid-friendly spots.
Logistics
- Best Ages: Toddlers through teens.
- Where to Stay: Rent a condo at The Lodges at Timber Ridge for rustic luxury with plenty of space, or book a family cabin near Table Rock Lake. Our family especially loves staying at The Ozarker Lodge when we visit Branson (use code MIDWESTTRAVELMAMA for a discount on your stay).
- Mom Tip: Spring Break season at Silver Dollar City usually kicks off in mid-March. Check their operating calendar ahead of time, as the park is often closed on Mondays and Tuesdays early in the season!
Practical Tips for Planning a Stress-Free Family Spring Break
- Book Timed-Entry Tickets Early: Popular family spots like Ruby Falls, the City Museum, and Pink Jeep Tours sell out weeks in advance for peak March and April dates. Lock in your anchor activities first.
- Pack Shoulder-Season Layers: Spring weather across North America is notoriously unpredictable. Pack lightweight rain jackets, fleece layers, and comfortable walking shoes or boots so weather snaps don’t ruin your plans.
- Don’t Over-Schedule: Limit your daily itinerary to one main morning activity and one flexible afternoon stop. Leaving time for hotel pool swims, park stops, and some afternoon downtime keeps everyone in a good mood.
Ready to Plan Your Family Getaway?
No matter what kind of adventure you choose, your family will have the opportunity to make some priceless memories together. Whether you pick to spend spring break on the beach, hiking in the mountains, or riding roller coasters at a theme park, enjoy your time together and get out there and find an adventure!
