Best Spring Break Destinations for Families in the USA

Spring Break is a special time for families. Kids and parents can reconnect as school is out and the world begins to bloom again. It's the perfect time to travel as a family and make memories that will last a lifetime. When it comes to family travel, destinations that strike a balance between fun, relaxation, and opportunities for young people to expand their horizons come in at the top of the list. Pair these picks for the best family Spring Break destinations with the family friendliness of HomeExchange, and you'll be all set for your best spring break as a family yet.

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Mackinac Island, Michigan: An Ideallic Island Spring Break on the Great Lakes

Mackinac Island, Michigan, is a place so sweet you can hardly believe it exists. Its charm takes you back in time with its rich history and the fact that cars here have been mostly replaced by horse-drawn carriages and bicycles. In spring time, a visit to The Grand Hotel will wow you as its gardens are in full bloom and bursting with color against the Victorian Era architecture. Kids will delight in the fudge shops lining Main Street, a sweet treat that has become a local specialty. Outdoor adventures abound on the island, from biking along scenic trails to hiking in the lush forests of Mackinac Island State Park. You can also explore historic sites like Fort Mackinac, a well-preserved military outpost with panoramic views of Lake Huron and learn about local Native American history that has lent its name to the island. For a storybook setting for your family spring break together, we love the idea of cozying up on this idyllic island together.

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Gulf Shores, Alabama: Beach Front Bliss off the Beaten Path

Are you looking for an ideal beach vacation when it comes to spring break ideas for families? If so, we invite you to discover Gulf Shores, Alabama, a hidden gem down south perfect for spring break as a family. There are plenty of white sands beaches here for everyone to share. Take a dip in the sparkling waters, go snorkeling, or join the local dolphin fan club on a fun-filled tour. If you're up for a break from the beach scene, hit the Gulf State Park for nature walks and bike rides, without missing the opportunity to visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Kids will love eating the local shrimp po'boys while parents indulge in oyster platters...or try some local southern delicacies! Some other great things to do with kids on spring break in Gulf Shores include bonding over sessions of mini-golf, go-kart races, or exploring the colorful boutiques and souvenir shops in town.

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Lake Placid, New York: Upstate Serenity for Family Spring Break

Lake Placid is a great upstate destination for families to spend quality time together over spring break. While the city gets its name from the lake, of course, the town itself is charming with a main street brimming with opportunities to shop and enjoy family friendly casual dining together. The tranquil surroundings of the Lake give the area a peaceful vibe and offer tons of activities for families to activities together. We suggest trying some paddling on the tranquil waters of Mirror Lake, and taking a scenic gondola ride up Whiteface Mountain for breathtaking views. The areas Olympic history is interesting as well, and the perfect place to learn about it is the Lake Placid Olympic Museum. If your visit leaves you athletically inspired, you can try some ice skating at the famous Olympic Center. Between the lake, lush forests, and town itself, we think Lake Placid is an ideal spring break family destination with the perfect combination between serenity and enough things to do with kids on spring break.

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Asheville, North Carolina: Full of Things to do With Kids on Spring Break

How about a family spring break in the Blue Ridge Mountains? Asheville is a great place to set up base camp for local exploration. The area is filled with family-friendly activities to get out in the fresh spring air. Together, you can explore the scenic trails of the Blue Ridge Parkway, visit the waterfalls in Pisgah National Forest, raft on the French Broad River, and take scenic drives along the Appalachian Mountains. In Asheville itself, you'll love picnicking together amidst the blooming spring flowers at the regal Biltmore Estate's gardens. Plus, the River Arts District is incredible for kids, where they can witness artists at work, and explore the interactive exhibits at the Asheville Museum of Science. Casual dining in town is abundant, making Asheville another great fit for family dining.

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Ogunquit, Maine: A Nature Filled New England Beach Holiday

Why not spend spring break with your family relaxing on the sandy shores of Ogunquit Beach. This beautiful beach stretches three miles along the coast, offering soft sandy shores perfect for sunbathing, building sandcastles, collecting seashells and enjoying leisurely walks by the sea. Together you can explore the scenic Marginal Way coastal walk, or for a bit of culture visit the Ogunquit Museum of American Art filled with works inspired by the local natural beauty. When you work up an appetite, enjoy fresh Maine lobster and seafood at local restaurants. The town itself is historic and charming, with plenty of shops and site to see. Kids will also love the Ogunquit Trolley to explore the town and surrounding areas. It's a convenient and scenic way for tired little feet to travel between Ogunquit Beach, Perkins Cove, and other points of interest.

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Durango, Colorado: A Magic Mountain Family Retreat

Durango is a delightful destination for families with tons of activities to keep kids and adults entertained. Traverse back in time aboard the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, through the beautiful San Juan Mountains. During the ride, delve into the rich history of the ancestral Pueblo people at Mesa Verde National Park's ancient cliff dwellings. If you're an outdoorsy family, Durango is the spot for your spring break. Hiking and biking is abundant, river rafting along the Animas River is a thrill, and depending on the weather you might still be able to hit the slopes of the Durango mountain resort. The Durango Discovery Museum is great for interactive exhibits, while the charming streets of historic downtown are ideal for dining and shopping and dining delights. For a magic mountain retreat complete with a cozy cabin for your family, look no further than Durango.

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Stowe, Vermont: One of the Best Family Spring Break Destinations on the East Coast

While Stowe is famous for its fall foliage, Spring Break here can be just as spectacular. Delight in the vibrant outdoors as Stowe sheds its winter coat and activities suitable for all ages kick off. From scenic hikes and leisurely bike rides to picnics amidst the backdrop of blooming flowers and budding trees. Stowe has cultural charm as well, with visits to family-friendly attractions like the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum and the Trapp Family Lodge, where children can learn about the town's history. Farm-to-table dining experiences featuring local Vermont specialties make it easy to eat well as a family. We love the idea of families creating cherished memories together amidst the beauty of Vermont's Green Mountains in Spring.

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Bend, Oregon: A Family Paradise in the Pacific Northwest

Bend is one of the best family spring break destinations thanks to its wealth of outdoor activities and educational opportunities for kids. There is hiking and biking along scenic trails suitable for all ages, as well as paddling on the sparkling waters of the Deschutes River. The natural beauty of the region is undeniable, as you'll see when you visit iconic spots like Smith Rock State Park and Tumalo Falls. Here, kids can explore freely and marvel at the stunning landscapes. You may also enjoy family-friendly activities such as picnicking in Drake Park, visiting the High Desert Museum to learn about the area's wildlife and history, and even embarking on a lava cave exploration at Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Bend's restaurants and breweries, offering a taste of the region's culinary talents as well, which is a nice highlight worth noting.

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Homer, Alaska: The Last Frontier for Adventurous Families

Homer is an incredible destination for families seeking adventure on Spring Break. In Spring local landscapes awake from a winter slumber. With the snow melting and nature coming back to life, spring offers fantastic opportunities for outdoor adventures in Homer. Hiking trails in Kachemak Bay State Park and surrounding areas become more accessible, allowing visitors to explore the diverse landscapes, from lush forests to coastal vistas. Kayaking and fishing charters also resume, providing thrilling experiences on the pristine waters of Kachemak Bay. The scenic drives along the Sterling Highway and the Homer Spit offer breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, blooming wildflowers, and the sparkling waters of Kachemak Bay. Visitors can capture the beauty of the changing season and the unique charm of Homer in their family photographs. Even better, summer is peak travel time in Alaska, and boy do prices soar then! Spring however, is a lower season where and more accessible when it comes to pricing.

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Palm Springs, California: So Many Things to Do with Kids on Spring Break

While it may be spring break...it's summer all year round in Palm Springs! You'll love the weather here, where it's hot enough all the time to sit pool side and take a dip. If you're keen to keep your kids busy, there is no shortage of activities here. Start by visiting The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens where kids will get a kick out of feeding giraffes and spotting other wildlife. Embark on a scenic ride up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, soaring 8,500 feet up the rugged cliffs of the Chino Canyon for amazing views of the Coachella Valley. Nearby hiking trails are another great way to enjoy the weather and local wildlife. In town, you'll be spoiled for choice for dining, shopping and so much more. Plus, Palm Springs is a golfer's paradise for parents keen to get in a round on their vacation.

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Experience The Best Family Spring Break Destinations with HomeExchange

Traveling as a family as spring break can come at a heavy price sometimes. On top of the fact that tickets and accommodations for the whole family add up fast, prices surge at this peak time along with demand. That's what makes HomeExchange such an incredible opportunity for families wanting to travel together for spring break. With HomeExchange, $220 unlocks unlimited exchanges for the year and and big savings for your family. Imagine completely removing the cost of lodging for your family during vacation? You could do so much with those savings and offer more opportunity for making amazing memories together as you travel. Plus, you can enjoy the comforts of a real home, and the perks of amazing locals recommendations as you connect with your hosts. Learn more about HomeExchange today before you book accommodations in the best family Spring Break destinations. Signing up is easy and free!