Finding the perfect spring break location can be tricky for families as college craziness takes over some of our favorite destinations. However, this year is a whole new challenge. That is why I have put together a list of 20 Spring Break Ideas for Families. Whether you are looking to spend spring break with the fam on the slopes, on a beach or in a saddle… I’ve got an awesome recommendation for you + tips on how to SAVE money when you book below.
Why should you take a Spring Break Vacation in 2021
2020 has been obviously a very tough year to travel. However, after visiting several hotels this summer, we have learned that resorts have figured out how to host their guest safely.
We only get 18 summers with our kids. We have to make each school vacation count. So, here are my 20 FAVORITE spring break ideas for families. I have made sure to include plenty of options to appeal to every member of the family + tips on how to SAVE BIG this spring break on each of them.
When you are looking for the best spring break destinations for families you need to think first about the type of trip you want to have!
Beach Spring Break Vacation Ideas
Tropical getaways are a favorite among spring breakers. Here are a few spring break ideas for families looking to thaw out. Grab your swimsuit because it’s time for some serious sun.
Hawaii – Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa – One of the Best Spring Break Destinations
Hawaii is an incredible vacation and will be ready to welcome visitors in 2021.
One of our ALL-TIME FAVORITE RESORTS is Disney’s Aulani, the resort is incredible, it is a beautiful hotel with an amazing Disney service. You might find yourself spending the whole day at the hotel.
There is so much to do at this resort from amazing pools, incredible water slides, a beautiful beach, character breakfasts, an amazing luau, and incredible restaurants. Read my ULTIMATE Guide to Disney’s Aulani to see ALL my tips & tricks for making this luxurious stay more affordable.
- We LOVE the numerous Complimentary Activities at Aulani including:
- Free kids camp at Aunty’s Beach House
- Menehune Adventure trail
- Hula Lessons with characters
- Gorgeous Beaches
- Fireside Storytelling
- Shows
- Character meet-ups
- Movies under the stars
- Teen areas & more
- You can save up to 50% off Rooms by Booking a Disney Vacation Club Villa through David’s Vacation Club Rentals – (You can read all about renting Vacation Club rooms here)
- Book a spring break trip right now & SAVE up to 30% off room rates!
If you need help planning and booking your magical Aulani vacation, contact our friends at Tink’s Magical Vacations. They are truly Disney Experts, and not only are their services FREE, but they will save you both time and money. So all the prices listed above, they can usually match it or beat it, plus provide incredible service.
Terranea, Ranchos Palos Verdes, Los Angeles
If you are looking for a place to get away from it all, then there is a place near Los Angeles( yes, Los Angeles), where you can. Just 20 minutes away from LAX, you’ll feel like you are away from it all at Terranea, one of my favorite resorts on the planet.
The resort is stunning with over 100 acres of land to hike and explore. While at the resort, you’ll find four large pools, 2 with beautiful ocean views and one of which has a waterslide.
Smores outside your Casita 
Take an excuriosn Horseback Riding 
Loved the Roomy Cabanas 
Beautiful Ocean Views View from the Pool Amazing Rooms – We loved the Casitas
There are a ton of fun activities to do on the property including nine holes of golf, archery, falconry, horseback riding, and more. It is an incredible resort for the whole family.
On our last visit, we stayed in one of Terranea’s Casitas. This 3-room casita is perfect for any family looking for a place to get away from it all. You have a living room and kitchen, and an outdoor fireplace for smores, and an indoor one as well. Then, you step out onto your deck for an incredible view of the ocean.
Margaritaville – Hollywood Fl.
I recently got to visit Margaritaville in Hollywood Florida and all I have to say is WOW! This is a perfect destination for families with kids of all ages. First off, there is a FREE Kid’s Club for kids ages 3-12, so mom and dad can sit back and relax by the pool and check out the incredible beach while the kids are having a blast in the kid’s club.
The resort is also right on the boardwalk so you and the family can hop on one of their free bike rentals and cruise the boardwalk.
In addition to those amenities, there is a FlowRider to practice your surfing or boogie boarding skills, amazing beachside and poolside cabanas. And for all those foodies out there, this was some of the best food I have had in a hotel. Plus of course, you have to have the world’s biggest flip flop and some pretty great tunes playing throughout the resort.
Margaritaville truly is an amazing resort they have properties all over the U.S., the Caribbean and Costa Rica. Check Current Prices Here! Or check out our 7 Reasons Why Families Will Love Margaritaville Hollywood Beach here.
Coronado, California
One of my favorite places on the planet is Coronado California. It has some of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California with its soft white sand beaches. There are so many things to do in Coronado for families, our favorites include S’mores on the beach, jet-skiing along the coast, and
Where to Stay in Coronado – Loews Coronado Bay Resort
- Located on Coronado Island in San Diego California this hotel offers SO MUCH for local SoCal families to do.
- Excellent pools
- Beach service (they actually take you and your fam over to a gorgeous beach in a golf cart and help set up chairs etc… for you)
- Kids Club (seasonal)
- Gifts for the kids (when available)
- + they are Pet-Friendly too!
- Check out Prices for Loews Coronado Beach Resort Here!
Cheap Spring Break Trips for Families at the beach – San Diego!
It’s hard to imagine that California is on the list for a cheap spring break trip but you definitely can enjoy this beautiful city without breaking the bank. It truly is one of the best Spring break destinations for families is San Diego. There is an endless amount of things to do in San Diego for kids (and many of them are free)
When you are in San Diego you can easily visit the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park Museums, Petco Park Baseball Games, Hiking, San Diego Tide Pools and kayak La Jolla Caves & More!
Where to Stay – Kona Kai Resort
We recently stayed at the recently renovated Kona Kai Resort & Spa last year and absolutely fell in love. You can’t beat the amazing location on San Diego’s historic Shelter Island (just 10 minutes from the San Diego airport). It is the perfect place for families because you are close to all of the popular San Diego attractions too!
Plus, the property boasts a great kid-friendly pool (and the NEW Paloma Adults-Only Pool too!), private beach,7,020-square-foot state-of-the-art spa, an incredible restaurant on property, complimentary beach cruisers, and nightly bonfires. Plus, the views of the marina are just gorgeous and oh, so peaceful too!
Check prices for this gorgeous family-friendly resort here.
If you have a large family, check out the best Airbnb’s in San Diego, you will be in shock by the beauty of these Airbnb’s
Best Spring Break Adventures to Enjoy the Great Outdoors
If you are looking to get away from it all there is nothing quite like hitting the great outdoors, but that doesn’t mean you need to rough it. There are so many amazing nature resorts, whether you are up in Montana or at one of our great national parks. Here are a couple choices to help give you some more spring break ideas.
Montana – Paws Up Resort
Paws Up Resort is the most luxurious glamping resort in the United States. The ranch is situated in some of the most gorgeous land located on 37,000 acres in Greenough, Montana. With 10 miles of the Blackfoot River flowing on their property, they are known for some of the best fly fishing in the United States.
The location is absolutely stunning and there are plenty of activities to enjoy, including fly fishing, hiking, and more. In addition, they have over 100 miles of trails on property for horseback riding, biking, hiking, running, and walking.
Paws Up has a special Spring Break Package that is pretty much All Inclusive –
- Three nights of accommodations (Book 3 nights and receive a 10% discount off lodging rates. Book 4+ nights and receive a 20% discount off lodging rates.)
- A $500 prepaid Resort credit per person per stay (included in package pricing) to use as you wish on activities and excursions or spa treatments
- All daily meals, nonalcoholic beverages and a selection of beer, red and white wine and well liquors
- Access to a plethora of on-property activities including Wilderness Workshops, cooking demonstrations and your choice of activities in the Montana wilderness
Yosemite – Tenaya Lodge
We have visited Yosemite several times and while I used to rough it with my family as a child. I absolutely love the luxury of staying at Tenaya Lodge. They now have new family cabins which give you the feel of staying in the great outdoors without the whole roughing it aspect.
There are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in the riches of the park, including hiking some of the many great trails, mountain bike riding, rock climbing, archery, and more! Yosemite is absolutely breathtaking and Tenaya Lodge offers one of the best ways to enjoy it. (You can check out my complete guide Tenaya here)
All-Inclusive Resorts – One of the Best Spring Break Ideas
All-inclusive vacations are one of my favorite Spring break ideas. There is nothing better than having your vacation prepaid so once you arrive, all you have to worry about is having a good time.
Finest Playa Mujeres – Our Favorite All-Inclusive!
This was probably our favorite trip last year. Finest resorts sets all-inclusive to a new level. There are incredible activities for everyone in the family. The kids club was my daughters favorite our of every resort we have been to (it even has it’s own water park).
The food is top-notch and the rooms, well they are beyond amazing. With swim up suites available (pictured above) your family will be in heaven at this resort. (You can check out my full review soon!)
The price of rooms is from $450 and up for a family of four and that includes pretty much everything, all your dining, activities, cocktails, room service, entertainment and more! Check out more details here!
Hard Rock Hotel in Cancun – One of our Most Surprising Spring Break Ideas for Families
- Mexico is one of my favorite warm-weather escapes. The beaches are some of the most gorgeous in the world. There are plenty of affordable luxury resorts that are also kid-friendly and Hard Rock Cancun happens to be one that we could keep going back to OVER & OVER.
- This resort is actually incredibly family-friendly (YES REALLY) they have amazing food, a beautiful beach, and excellent cocktails. Plus a ton of included activities for the kids.
- Included Kid-Friendly Activities at the Hard Rock Cancun:
- Barney, Thomas the Train, Angelina Ballerina and Bob the Builder characters + LIVE Shows
- Awesome Kids Club
- Teen areas with unique experiences like “Learn to DJ”, make a rock band music video.
- Amazing Pools + Beaches
- Poolside crafts, ice cream, water balloon fights & more
- See why Hard Rock Cancun ROCKED our Family Vacation here
- Included Kid-Friendly Activities at the Hard Rock Cancun:
Ski Spring Break Destinations for Families
Northstar Resort, Tahoe
- This resort is incredibly family-friendly and they have received an EPIC amount of snow this year making it one AMAZING ski destination. Check out all the amazing activities you can do with the kids BOTH on & off the slopes here.
- Tahoe is located near three major airports, you can drive in, or take the train so there are plenty of ways to get there. Southwest flys in which is a great option that is also budget-friendly.
- Plus they are often running deals for spring break. You can find lodging as low as $159 a night.
- If you want to go Super Luxe check out the Ritz Carlton at Northstar! It is Amazing. Check Prices Here!
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
- Another super family-friendly ski destination with TONS to do with the kids. Our family enjoyed dog-sledding, bumper cars on ice and snowboarding. Read my ULTIMATE Guide to Steamboat Springs with Kids here.
- Steamboat has some great spring break deals going on including 50% off your second night and 25% off rates and rental packages. See their deals page for details.
Park City & Deer Valley, Utah
- We have now taken three ski trips to Park City and we are excited to go again this year for spring break in 2019. Main St. is absolutely adorable.
- If you have 5th & 6th Graders Park City has an amazing pass which is only $45 and your 5th or 6th grader can ski at 13 amazing resorts. Check it out here!
- If you want to go luxe but still have it affordable, check out the Silver Baron Lodge in Deer Valley
- If you want to go Ultra-Luxe, check out the Stein Eriksen Lodge. It is unbelievable!
- Each room comes with its own hot tub, and the rooms are massive. Our room slept over 16 people.
- Check out my full Deer Valley review here!
Solitude Mountain, Utah – Most Affordable Ski Trip
- Just down the road from Park City is Solitude Mountain Resort. The thing I love about Solitude Mountain is that it is not as crowded as some of the park city resorts.
- We found ourselves skiing down the mountain more because we were waiting in much smaller lines.
- There are also some delicious bites to eat in Solitude, check out the Honeycomb Restaurant it is worth a visit.
- Also, getting some Ski Lessons, ask for Helen, she is 81 years old (yes 81) and the best ski instructor you’ll ever have.
Banff, Canada
- If you are looking for the most scenic spring break idea, you can’t find a more beautiful place than Banff, Canada. This is probably my favorite place I have visited in years.
- There is so much more to do than skiing (you can check out my things to do in Banff review here)
- Looking for a luxurious place to stay for your family. Check out the Moose Lodge & Suites, the rooms can sleep up to 10 people and the rooftop pool and spa are definitely worth a visit.
City Escapes
Washington DC – One of our favorite places to go for Spring Break
Washington D.C. in the springtime is definitely the best time to visit. The weather is not hot and swampy like in the summer and not freezing cold like the winter, plus you have the benefit of seeing the Cherry Blossoms in bloom + fewer crowds
DC has a ton of FREE museums to explore, parks perfect for picnics and you get the added benefit of squeezing in a few awesome history lessons too! Some of our favorite things to do in Washington DC was the spy museum, riding bikes through the Washington Mall, and of course the amazing monuments. You can check out everything to do in D.C. for Kids
Check current rates on Family-Friendly Washington DC Hotels here.
Portland, Oregon
We could not figure out where to categorize Portland Oregon on our Spring Break Destination, it is both a city destination and also a quite unusual destination. Portland loves its quirkiness, in fact they embrace it.
The city is filled with fun things to do for families. There are amazing places to eat, (we ate a lot of donuts and Ice cream) incredible shows and plenty of active things to do.
We absolutely loved being able to bike around the city. We also took a trip around Portland to see many of their amazing waterfalls. Plus, there are broadway-style shows and some fun sporting events to check out. There honestly is an endless amount of things you can do in Portland, Oregon. Check it out here
Let’s talks some of the unusal things you can do in Portland, there are restaurants that are inside a school bus, you can visit the world’s smallest park, you can go on a mural hunt (there are some interesting ones), and of course, there is a museum of horrors.
Where to Stay in Portland
We are a family of seven, so finding a hotel that gives us enough room is always a challenge. We were so thrilled when we found out about the Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel. The hotel is located on the Willamette River and was so close to pretty much everything in downtown Portland.
Our room had a full kitchen, two bedrooms, a living room and a teepee (yes a teepee) for our 5-year-old to sleep in. The kids loved just hanging out in the living room and watching movies from their extensive library that is strictly for kids and it’s free. Of course, my husband insisted we watch The Goonies since it was filmed in Oregon.
Unique Spring Break Destinations for Families
Tanque Verde Ranch – Dude Ranch
If you are looking to do something new that is both an amazing experience and also an incredible lesson in bravery and independence I CANNOT recommend Tanque Verde Ranch enough. It’s WONDERFUL!!!
I wasn’t sure that my family would like a dude ranch experience. My boys (and husband) had ZERO riding experience. But, it ended up being our favorite vacation in 2015. Read all about our experience here.
This AMAZING resort is also ALL-INCLUSIVE so meals, lodging, riding lessons, trail rides, kids club and more are included and during Spring Break they are running some fantastic promotions.
Knoxville & Chattanooga Tennessee
Tennessee might night be on the top of your spring break ideas list, but let me tell you, it’s an absolute blast. We visited both Knoxville and Chattanooga and both cities could not be more beautiful and more kid-friendly.
Knoxville
In Knoxville, check out the Ijams Nature Center. This is not your typical ziplining, there is an amazing ropes course and you are set back amongst thousands of trees. For little ones, the zoo is absolutely adorable and the Muse children’s museum is a ton of fun. When you are hungry, head over to Market square, it’s a great place to grab a bite to eat and just hang out. Check out our full list of things to do in Knoxville.
Where to Stay:
I recommend staying at THE TENNESSEAN, the rooms are beautiful and they have super spacious double king rooms with two showers for families.
Chattanooga
Over in Chattanooga, there is a ton of activities to do and so many are withing walking distance. The highlight of our trip was high-point climbing. It is one of the biggest rock climbing gyms. It is perfect for families as it has different areas for small kids and older kids as well. If you are daring head outside and climb their outdoor climbing wall.
You should also check out the Tennessee Aquarium, Children’s Museum, Rocky Point and Ruby Falls. Check out our best things to do in Chattanooga for families.
Where to Stay:
I recommend staying at The Read House. It is a throwback to the days of the Great Gatsby. The hotel has corner double rooms so if you have a large family you can turn the two rooms into a giant suite. There is a great indoor pool, and honestly, you can’t beat the service.
Spring Break Ideas for Families on a Budget
Costa Rica
Our first ever adventure type travel trip was to Costa Rica and it was INCREDIBLE! Yes, getting to Costa Rica can be costly but once you get there it is very affordable.
There is so much to do in Costa Rica from whitewater rafting to horseback riding, flying on ziplines, to hanging out with sloths. We enjoyed amazing mud baths from hot springs and maybe the fastest natural water slide on earth.
- Book an Airbnb Rental to save on accommodations, food and activities are already offered at incredible values once you are there 🙂
- Check out some of our Costa Rica experiences here
Arizona
Arizona is such a fun place to go for spring break. You can enjoy all the baseball games during spring training. It is so fun to check out the games in these small intimate ballparks.
They also have a ton of other things to do including hikes, shopping in luxurious Scottsdale, or dining at some true Farm to table restaurants. It is a blast.
- There are 3 Family-Friendly Resorts we recommend when visiting AZ with kids in tow.
- 1) The Arizona Grand
- We love their on-site water park and super fun family restaurant, where kids get to enter the restaurant by wearing a bull horn hat and sliding down a slide.
- Check out Why we LOVE this resort in further detail by reading this post here.
- Find current rates for the Arizona Grand here.
- 2) Loews Ventana Hotel
- This hotel has a gorgeous location, a beautiful pool, tons of hiking trails right from the resort, and it also has very spacious rooms.
- See our review for the Loews Ventana Hotel here
- Check Prices Here!
- 3) Hilton El Conquistador
- Another awesome choice for families is the Hilton El Conquistador Hotel
- This resort is located in Tucson and it has a beautiful pool with a waterslide & the BEST churro waffles!
- Check out our resort review for this hotel here.
- Check Prices Here!
Amusement Park Vacation – The Iconic Disney World Vacation
Disney World is the iconic spring break vacation for families and it can both be quite luxurious and very affordable too. We love staying at Disney’s Beach Club, but there are a ton of more affordable options and some incredible Disney World themed Airbnbs.
Disney World has 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, plus an incredible shopping and dining area at Disney Springs. So, whether you are into adrenaline producing rides, parades, fine dining, or just relaxing at the hotel and spa, Disney World has something for everyone.
How to Save Money at Disney World
Disney has 9 Deluxe Properties on their property, our personal favorites are Beach Club and Animal Kingdom. When you book a room through a DVC Member you can save close to 50% on your room. We highly recommend people use David’s Vacation Rentals to book their rooms and save 50% off as they have the largest inventory of DVC Rooms.
You can also score discounted tickets to the parks of Disney World to help you with the cost. You can check out all my Disney World tips here!
If you have any questions about any of these Spring Break Destinations? Let us know in the comments or send us a DM on Instagram?
Pin for Later – 21 Incredible Spring Break Ideas for Families in 2021 [Luxury & Affordable]
These are so awesome trip suggestions. My kids want to go to the beach of course.
Costa Rica and Puerto Rico are on my travel wishlist, they are the perfect places for endless summer days!
Gennifer Rose | http://www.GenniferRose.com
Wow! Such fab options for family getaways. Love the resorts and beach trips. The key is to enjoy sweet time together while not spending a fortune. Love your post! So helpful.
Great ideas and information. Puerto Rico looks great.
Wow, what a comprehensive post! You’ve covered some great spring break destinations that we love, particularly Costa Rica, Mexico and some great cruises. There are so many choices for families, it’s wonderful. We’re set to enjoy a city break this year – NYC!
I like the idea of a ski trip since that would be a new activity for our family. My top pick is usually a cruise. This year, we’re staying on land and heading to the beach.
A beach is always a great option!! Have fun!!
I am very confused by this post – it is for trips in 2020. I just fell in love with the Puerto Rico option and read through all your stuff – it sounds amazing. However it has been closed since hurricane Maria hit 2017. Do you know if there are plans to reopen? If not – you should remove that as an option!!
Hi Nicol,
We were in contact with the Waldorf Astoria in Puerto Rico and they anticipated reopening at the end of this year but it looks like it is sadly now on an indefinite hold. We have removed it from our list.
Great Tips, Thank you for these suggestions. I just booked the Lowes in Coronado.
Okay, first of all damn youve been to so many places. Secondly costa rica sounds like a dream.