Last Updated on October 7, 2026 by Adrienne
Looking for inspiration for your family’s next spring break trip? I’ve put together this list of more than 25 destinations that my own family has loved for spring break or that I frequently recommend to my clients as a travel advisor. I’ve also asked some of my fellow travel bloggers to contribute their favorite family spring break spots. This collection of spring break trip ideas has everything from tropical getaways, ski destinations, national parks and big cities, so there’s something to suit every travel style and budget, and all of these destinations can be seen well with one week off from work and school (8-9 days total travel) coming from the US.
Top Spring Break Destinations in the US and Canada
New York City
New York is one of my favorite cities to visit with school-age kids. There are nearly infinite ways to fill your time, from wandering Central Park and checking out the city’s many great museums and monuments to watching Broadway shows and discovering NYC’s incredible food scene.
The best thing about New York is that it has something for everyone, and no two trips will look the same. If you have theatre kids, visit the Museum of Broadway to see costumes and props from famous shows and have a pre-theatre brunch at Ellen’s Stardust Diner, where talented waiters sing showtunes. If you’re foodies, organize a dessert crawl or take a food tour through foodie neighborhoods like Little Italy and Chinatown. If your kids’ favorite subject is history, show them the city’s past at Ellis Island, the 9/11 Memorial and the Tenement Museum. And if you’re outdoorsy types who believe a city is best seen on foot, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge or along the High Line for great views and people-watching.
Spring break season, particularly mid-late April, is a beautiful time of year to visit, with Central Park and the city’s botanical gardens in full bloom.
Where to stay: There’s much more to New York than midtown Manhattan, but it makes a good home base for first-time visitors. The Park Hyatt New York has an incredible location on Central Park South and – a rarity for a city hotel – an indoor swimming pool. The Homewood Suites by Hilton Midtown Times Square has spacious suites with kitchens and is a good choice for bigger families or those on a budget.
Washington D.C.
Washington DC is one of the best family destinations for spring break, especially with cherry blossom season transforming the city into a living postcard. Visiting in March or April means catching the blossoms just starting to bloom around the Tidal Basin, along with weather that’s finally warming up, perfect for a lot of walking from monument to monument.
One of the best parts about DC with kids is how much you can do without spending a dime. The Smithsonian museums and zoo are all free, and families can easily spend hours in the Air and Space Museum and the Natural History Museum without anyone getting bored. The Metro makes getting around simple, even with kids in tow, and skips the hassle of parking downtown entirely.
A few must-dos for a family trip: catch the Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery, it’s moving even for younger kids. Walk the National Mall at your own pace and let the kids run around. And if you have an extra day, Annapolis is a short drive away and makes a great change of pace with the waterfront and the Naval Academy.
Four days in DC is enough time to hit the monuments, museums, and everything in between, and DC proves that a capital city trip can still feel like a real family vacation.
Where to stay: The Riggs Washington DC is a great pick. It’s a historic building right in Penn Quarter, close to the Mall, with family suites that make it easy to spread out after a long day of sightseeing.
Recommended by Mary Ann from My Tasteful Threads
Florida’s Emerald Coast
If you’re craving a beach vacation, but don’t want to leave the continental US, Florida’s Emerald Coast is a great choice. This stretch of the Gulf coast, which runs from Pensacola to Panama City Beach and includes charming towns like Destin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach and Seaside, is named for its brilliant turquoise water and has white sandy beaches that rival the best in the Caribbean, with the convenience of staying in the lower 48.
For younger kids, the beach and pool are likely to provide more than enough entertainment, but there are plenty of other ways to fill your time, such as a visit to St. Andrews State Park to spot wildlife like alligators and devil rays and a dolphin-watching cruise from Destin. If your family likes to stay active, try water sports like paddle-boarding and kayaking or go hiking on the coastal dune trails at Henderson Beach State Park.
Where to stay: WaterColor Inn & Resort is a popular choice with families for its kids club and private beach access. We’ve also had good luck with house rentals on VRBO in this area. (I’m normally a hotel over house rental person, but for a beach vacation there’s a certain convenience to renting a house that comes with a full kitchen, a supply of beach toys and in-unit laundry.)
Breckenridge, Colorado
While many travelers flock to the beach for spring break, Breckenridge offers a completely different kind of getaway. Nestled high in the Colorado Rockies, this historic mining town combines late-season skiing with sunny bluebird days. This is one of the best spring break destinations in the US for active families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Spring is one of the best times to visit Breckenridge. The days are longer and often warmer than midwinter, creating ideal conditions for skiing, tubing, and enjoying the town after you’ve left the slopes. There are plenty of ways to enjoy a vacation in Breckenridge even if not everyone skis.
Take a scenic ride on the free BreckConnect Gondola, explore miles of snowshoe and cross-country ski trails, or rent a fat bike to ride on the snowy bike paths. Spend an afternoon ice skating, tubing, or sledding before warming up with hot chocolate along Main Street. If you’re looking for something more relaxing, stroll through Breckenridge’s vibrant Arts District, browse locally owned boutiques, visit a spa, or unwind in one of the town’s many cafés and restaurants.
Breckenridge also hosts several memorable spring events, including the Spring Finale celebrations, featuring live music, après-ski events, and the entertaining pond skimming competition.
Plan to stay in Breckenridge, but leave time to explore nearby Frisco, Silverthorne, and the Dillon Reservoir. Here you’ll find tubing, nordic skiing, and walks along the shores of Dillon Reservoir. Top this off with a scenic drive over Hoosier Pass. With its combination of mountain adventure, lively atmosphere, and easy day trips, Breckenridge is a spring break destination that offers far more than just great skiing.
Where to stay: One Ski Hill Place, a luxury ski-in, ski-out resort right at the base of Peak 8.
Recommended by Sonia of Carey On Travels
Phoenix-Scottsdale, Arizona
Phoenix-Scottsdale is an underrated family vacation spot. Our trip there was one of our favorite US-based family trips, and spring brings pleasant weather that is warm enough for a dip in the hotel pool but not yet oppressively hot.
The Desert Botanical Garden and Papago Park highlight the dramatic landscapes that are unique to this region of the country. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park and the Arizona Science Center are other fun family attractions in the area.
Sedona and its iconic red rocks and Tucson, best known for Sonoran cuisine and Saguaro National Park, are easy day trips from Phoenix. The Grand Canyon is also doable as a long day trip, or you can split your time between there and Phoenix for a more nature-focused trip.
Where to stay: Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas in Scottsdale has roomy casitas and several heated pools.
Las Vegas
It may not be a stereotypical family destination, but Las Vegas has plenty to do with kids, and spring is a great time to visit for mild weather. After checking out all the Strip hotels and free attractions like the Bellagio fountains and botanical gardens, the flamingo habitat at the Flamingo Hotel and the grand canal in the Venetian, you can take in a show (there are plenty of family-friendly options like Penn & Teller and Blue Man Group) and visit attractions like the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay and the Pinball Hall of Fame. Away from the Strip, the Discovery Children’s Museum is likely to be a hit with the younger set.
Vegas also makes a good base for exploring the incredible nature of the desert Southwest. The stunning Valley of Fire State Park, Red Rock Canyon and Death Valley National Park make for easy day trips, and if you’re traveling for a full week you can visit the Grand Canyon or Zion National Park after spending a few days in Vegas.
Where to stay: The Waldorf Astoria and the Vdara are popular Vegas hotels for families, because they don’t have casinos and are a smoke-free environment. If you’re ok being in a casino hotel, the MGM Grand has an epic lazy river.
San Diego and Disneyland
With marquee attractions like the San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum and Coronado Island, San Diego is one of the top cities in the US to visit with school-age kids. Balboa Park also offers visitors a lot of family fun, with several different museums, botanical gardens and a carousel.
While Southern California isn’t a beach destination in the same way Florida is (especially at this time of year), its many miles of coastline provide a lot of family-friendly entertainment. Younger kids will enjoy exploring tidepools and visiting the sea lions in La Jolla and older kids can kayak or even take a surfing lesson.
If your kids are itching for Disney but you don’t feel like doing a full-blown Florida theme park vacation, combining a day or two at Disneyland with a few days in San Diego is very doable. If you’re looking for a smaller scale theme park add-on, Legoland California is just 35 miles north of San Diego and easily doable as a day trip (we loved the Florida location).
Where to stay: Hotel del Coronado offers resort vibes just outside the city of San Diego on Coronado Island, and has nice family amenities, including a kids’ club and beach bonfires with s’mores. At Disneyland, prioritize proximity to the park and stay at one of the official hotels or one of the many hotels lining S Harbor Blvd.
Whistler, Canada
Whistler in spring is incredible. In fact, April is one of the best months here, as the snow has mostly melted in the village and the mountains are starting to bloom with colorful wildflowers. The famed slopes (Whistler Blackcomb is one of the best ski resorts in North America, if not the world) are often still open, with Whistler typically closing around April 20th, and Blackcomb closing in mid-May.
Spring is classed as ‘off-season’ in Whistler, so you will find fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices and many of the restaurants here run special deals at this time of year.
There’s so much to do in Whistler in the spring, from whitewater rafting to an epic off-road buggy adventure to searching for bears in the wild! In fact, spring is the best time to spot bears here as they start to emerge from their winter hibernation. Callaghan Valley is one of the best areas for bear sightings.
Riding the famed Peak 2 Peak Gondola is one of the most family-friendly things to do in Whistler in the spring – the views are jaw-dropping and in late spring you may be lucky enough to see the giant snow walls at the top.
Where to stay: The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, located in the Upper Village. It boasts 500+ rooms, has an amazing outdoor pool, several restaurants and a bar, but still maintains all the ambiance and personality of a small hotel.
Recommended by Aimee of Snap Happy Travel
Girdwood, Alaska
Alaska might not top most spring break lists, but Girdwood is still deep in winter mode, offering plenty of fun for all ages at its ski areas. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, non-skiers can find plenty of activities in Girdwood, including snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and fat biking, to round out the winter fun.
For a different kind of adventure, dog sledding tours run just outside Anchorage, about an hour from Girdwood. Many outfitters offer glacier dog sledding by helicopter, landing right on a remote glacier for a true Iditarod-style ride. Others run kennel tours and shorter sled rides on nearby trails, a great option for families or those on a budget.
Nearby, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center gives families an easy wildlife viewing stop. Reindeer, moose, muskox, bison, and smaller critters are all fun to see up close. Located about 20 minutes south of Alyeska, this sanctuary rescues orphaned and injured animals and, whenever possible, returns them to the wild.
Spring also brings a livelier, more relaxed energy to the area. Girdwood’s beloved pond skimming event, where skiers attempt to glide across a pool of icy water, typically caps off the season with equal parts chaos and cheer.
Where to stay: Alyeska Resort Hotel, Girdwood’s crown jewel, makes the perfect home base. Set next to the Nordic Spa, it offers spacious rooms, in-house restaurants, and an indoor pool. Warmer spring days soften the snow into that classic snow texture skiers love. Clear nights bring a shot at catching the Aurora Borealis overhead.
Recommended by Karen of Alaska Trippers
Top Spring Break Destinations in the Caribbean, Central and South American
Caribbean cruise
A Caribbean cruise is one of the easiest and most relaxing family vacations out there, and is a perfect trip to take with school-age kids. Bigger kids will love having more freedom on the boat than they could safely have on land, while parents appreciate the comprehensive nature of the included kids’ programming (many cruise lines have complimentary clubs for every age between 3 and 17, while resort kids’ clubs often don’t start until age 4 or 5 and end before the teen years) and the whole family can enjoy the ease of included dining, entertainment and transportation between destinations.
My family loves Disney cruises, but there are lots of other family-friendly cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. Most cruise lines have 5- to 7-day itineraries that are perfect for a spring break trip. For maximum relaxation, look for itineraries that include private islands – no shore excursions necessary, just get off the boat and hit the beach, water slide and buffet.
Cancun, Mexico
All-inclusive resorts are another classic option for families looking for an easy and relaxing spring break. While you don’t get to destination-hop like you do on a cruise, the trade-off is permanent beach access, much better pools and the opportunity to explore a destination in greater depth than you can on a cruise.
Along with cruises, all-inclusive resorts are one of my top recommendations for families whose spring break trip will include grandparents, aunt/uncles or cousins, since the flexibility and convenience of having separate sleeping areas but the ability to easily come together for meals and activities works well for extended family groups.
Where to stay: Cancun and the surrounding Riviera Maya area of Mexico is an all-inclusive mecca with hundreds of resorts across all price points for many different types of travelers. Some of the resorts I book most often for families are Finest Playa Mujeres (best for kids 10 & under), Hyatt Ziva Cancun (unique setting on a peninsula with two very different beaches on either side) and Grand Velas Riviera Maya (great for foodies).
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is the easiest Caribbean island for Americans to visit, with no passport required and daily flights to San Juan from many major US cities, and spending a full week here allows you to see the island in depth.
Devote a couple of days to capital city San Juan, with its charming old city and historic fort (El Morro). Spend the next couple of days exploring the Fajardo area, including a visit to El Yunque rainforest where you may see coqui frogs and tropical birds, beach time at Loquillo Beach and (with bigger kids) an evening kayak tour at the incredible bioluminscent bay. Finally, head to Rincon to get a taste of Puerto Rico’s beautiful west coast. Make sure to try the local cuisine including specialties like mofongo (garlicky fried green plantains mashed with pork) and tripileta (a three meat sandwich).
If your family is more into off-the-beaten-path adventures, considering adding a stop on Vieques or Culebra, smaller islands off of Puerto Rico’s eastern coast that are overlooked by many visitors and offer a more low key, local experience than the main island.
Where to stay: The Caribe Hilton, which is on a nice beach and has daily kids’ activities, is a great choice for families visiting Puerto Rico.
St. Martin
My personal favorite Caribbean island, St. Martin has beautiful beaches, incredible food and a lot of non-beach stuff to do. Unlike many Caribbean islands, they drive on the right in St. Martin/Sint Maarten, which makes it easy (coming from North America) to rent a car and explore this unique dual-country island on your own.
Some of our favorite beaches on St. Martin include Maho Beach where you can get dramatic views of planes landing at the nearby airport (come in the afternoon to see the jumbo jets) and Grand Case Beach, which is sheltered and good for younger kids. A day trip to Tintamarre to snorkel with sea turtles is a must-do as well.
Beyond the beach, make time for Parrotville, a tropical bird sanctuary that kids will love, and a hike to Pic Paradis for panoramic island views.
Glitzier islands like Anguilla and St. Bart’s are easily accessible by boat for a day trip or overnight stay, but with kids I’d recommend spending the bulk of your time on St. Martin itself.
Where to stay: Grand Case Beach Club, one of my favorite properties for families across the entire Caribbean, has rooms with gorgeous oceanfront views and is walking distance from many great restaurants in the village of Grand Case. My detailed review is here.
Costa Rica‘s Caribbean coast
Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast is a fantastic destination for families during spring break, combining beautiful beaches, tropical rainforest and plenty of opportunities to see wildlife without the need for complicated or strenuous adventures.Â
One of the highlights of Costa Rica for kids is how easy it can be to spot animals in the wild. In national parks like Cahuita, sloths and lively white-faced capuchin monkeys are often surprisingly easy to see, making wildlife encounters feel exciting and accessible even for younger children. Many of the area’s trails are well marked, with solid, underfoot paths that make walking more straightforward for families than some of the rougher rainforest terrain found elsewhere.
The Caribbean coast is also ideal for time on the beach. The water is generally warm and, in many popular swimming areas around Puerto Viejo, pleasantly shallow, making it easier for children to enjoy the sea with confidence – with many of the beaches having lifeguard supervision.
For families with teenagers, the coast offers another attraction: surfing. The area has a strong surf culture, and the warm water and variety of beaches make it a good place for beginners to learn with well priced lessons.
Where to stay: Hotel Aguas Claras is a great choice for families, with private beach access and various villa type accomotions with numerous rooms.Â
Recommended by Alex of A Life Well Traveled
Caye Caulker, Belize
Belize is the perfect spring break destination if you’re looking for a tropical getaway. Caye Caulker is one of many small islands off the coast of Belize that offers a variety of daily excursions and activities suitable for the entire family. March and April are great times to visit Caye Caulker as these are known as the driest months of the year so you can generally expect sunny days.
Unlike other popular spring break destinations known for partying and crowded beaches, Caye Caulker has a more laid-back atmosphere.
One of the best things to do in Caye Caulker is a snorkeling tour of the nearby Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Tours will take you to the reserve where you’ll get the chance to swim alongside nurse sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, moray eels, and all kinds of colorful reef fish. It’s an experience your family will never forget.
The Belize Barrier Reef helps keep the waters relatively calm so swimming is manageable for kids of all ages. Life vests are on board and optional for tour participants, but they are recommended for younger children.
Since the island is so small, it is easily explored by bike. Once you ride a little bit outside the main strip in town, kids will have more freedom to ride around without having to worry about golf carts or other bikes speeding past.Â
Where to stay: Weezie’s Ocean Front Hotel offers spacious rooms, patios or decks overlooking the barrier reef, and an outdoor pool. Cottages are with kitchenettes are also available if you’re looking for more of a private and homey space.
Recommended by Anna of Soul Summit Travel
Antigua and Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Guatemala is a wonderful country to visit for spring break, given its compact size and plentiful adventures. If you have nine or so days to explore, you can hit most of the country’s main highlights.
Start your trip in the colonial city of Antigua, whose cobblestone streets are lined with colorful buildings.
Antigua is an incredible basecamp for adventures in the surrounding area, like the Acatenango hike, where you can climb to the top of a dormant volcano to watch the neighboring Fuego Volcano erupt and spew lava every 15 or so minutes. The Acatenango trek is quite challenging and better suited for kids about 12 or older. If you’re instead traveling with smaller children, the Pacaya hike is a great alternative, where you can climb to the world’s only pizzeria located on top of a steaming volcano!
Be sure to carve out one night in Antigua to stay at Hobbitenango, a Lord of the Rings themed park that overlooks the city. You can try out the largest tree swing in Central America, dabble in axe-throwing, and even spend the night in a hobbit hole!
After Antigua, take a shuttle over to Lake Atitlan, one of the largest lakes in Guatemala that’s ringed by 11 small Mayan towns. There are tons of things to do around the lake, depending on your interests, from watching traditional Mayan weaving demonstrations and attending Spanish classes to stand-up paddleboarding and touring local chocolate farms.
Depending on how long you have to explore and how jam-packed an itinerary you like, you could consider adding on other destinations in Guatemala, like Semuc Champey, a series of beautiful turquoise pools tucked inside the jungle, or Tikal, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that protects one of the best preserved Mayan ruins on the planet. It’s incredibly easy to zip around the country via shuttles, which you can arrange through your hotel or any of the tour agencies that line the streets in any of the more popular towns with visitors.
Where to stay: Porta Hotel del Lago, located in the bustling town of Panajachel, is an excellent and family-friendly home base during your stay in Lake Atitlan, with a sprawling pool and private terrace in each of the rooms.
Recommended by Jess of Uprooted Traveler
Popayan and Medellin, Colombia
Colombia is great any time of year, but in the spring during Semana Santa (the week of Easter), one of the most interesting places to visit for some real Colombian culture is the city of Popayan.
During this week, you can attend some of the country’s best displays, festivals, and parades to celebrate Easter, on top of visiting the already historic and beautiful white walled town. Other points of interest near Popayan include Tierradentro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its underground tombs, as well as Coconuco Hot Springs and Puracé National Natural Park, which has an active stratovolcano.
While Popayan is one of the less-traveled destinations in Colombia for foreigners, Medellin is one of the most popular cities to visit and another top place to visit on a spring break trip to Colombia.
Although Medellin can be a party destination with its active nightlife, it’s also an excellent family destination, with history, museums and unique natural areas nearby, particularly Guatape, a lakeside town known for its brightly-colored houses.
Some of the top things to do in Medellin with kids include visiting the Pueblito Paisa (a lifesize replica of a traditional Antioquian town) in the middle the city, catching a soccer game from one of the country’s most popular teams, Atletico Nacional, and riding the Metrocable to Parque Arvi for great views of the city.
Where to stay: The Hotel Camino Real in Popayan is conveniently located near the city center and is a good option for families. In Medellin, the best and safest areas to stay in are the El Poblado and Laureles neighborhoods, with El Poblado having some great hotel choices like The Hotel Dann Carlton.
Recommended by Haley from Adventures Evermore
Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls and Patagonia, Argentina
If you’re looking for an action-packed trip, Argentina is one of the most stunning countries to explore in March or April. It’s actually the second largest country in South America, so you certainly won’t be able to see it all, but you can definitely squeeze in a lot of the highlights in a 10 day Argentina itinerary!
Start your adventure in Buenos Aires, which is frequently called the Paris of South America, thanks to its 19th-century architecture and beautiful plazas. There’s a wide array of things to do here, like visiting the beautiful La Recoleta Cemetery or seeing a tango show, plus tons of options for families traveling with smaller children, like the incredible Robot Playground (right near the La Recoleta Cemetery) and the Museo de los Niños.
After a few days of exploring Buenos Aires, take a flight to Puerto Iguazu, home to Iguazu Falls. This waterfall, the largest waterfall system in the world, straddles the border between Brazil and Argentina. The Argentinian side is more kid-friendly, with a train ride around the park, plentiful monkeys along the Lower Circuit trail, and a fun observation platform over the Devil’s Throat, one of the tallest and most impressive sections of the falls. However, it’s definitely worth spending at least two days here, so you can visit both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides of this Natural Wonder of the World.
End your trip by flying to El Calafate in Patagonia, the southernmost part of the country. Here, you can visit the jaw-dropping Perito Moreno glacier, one of the largest glaciers on the planet and one of the only ones that is actually still advancing. There’s a range of activities to do at the glacier, from hiking around the metal catwalks that flank its lagoon to trekking on the glacier itself, around its spires and caves, carved from ancient ice. From El Calafate, take a bus to the nearby town of El Chaltén to tackle some of the best hikes in the stunning Los Glaciares National Park, like Laguna de los Tres or Laguna Torre.
Where to stay: The Gran Meliá Iguazu, located inside Iguazu National Park—there’s a lovely infinity pool that overlooks a portion of the falls, plus monkeys and tropical birds frequently visit right outside your balcony.
Recommended by Jess of Uprooted Traveler
The Best European and North African Spring Break Destinations
London
London is always one of my top recommendations for anyone looking to take their kids to Europe for the first time. The slightly shorter flight, familiar language and food and the fact that there are a ton of family-friendly things to do make this city a great way to ease kids into European travel.
As with other large cities like New York, there’s a London itinerary to suit every possible interest. Some of our family’s favorite activities were a West End show, afternoon tea, the Churchill War Rooms, a tour of the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the Harry Potter studio tour, Hyde Park and riding London’s iconic public transportation – the Tube, double-decker buses and Uber boats are destinations unto themselves.
You can spend a week or more in London easily, but if you enjoy mixing up different types of destinations, 4-5 days in London allows for a good overview of the city and combines nicely with a more nature-centric location like the Cotswolds or the Lake District.
Where to stay: The Landmark in Marylebone is a top choice for families, with spacious rooms that can accommodate bigger families, an indoor swimming pool and an interactive hotel treasure hunt for kids. Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair is another top spot for families, and has lots of touches kids will love like milk and cookies at turndown and a stuffed monkey to take home.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of the most quintessential spring destinations in Europe, thanks to nearby Keukenhof’s famous tulip bloom, which is open from mid-March to mid-May with peak bloom typically in mid-late April.
Tweens and teens who’ve enjoyed John Green’s novel The Fault in Our Stars (or its movie adaption), in which Hazel and Augustus travel to the Dutch capital during spring break, can follow a similar itinerary with Amsterdam’s most famous attractions, including the canals, Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark and the Anne Frank House.
Kids will also enjoy the Amsterdam Cat Museum. Even if you’re not a cat person, the 1667 building is absolutely stunning, with lovely canal views.
In addition to everything in the city itself, Amsterdam makes a great base for exploring other European cities. Antwerp is just over 1 hour away by train, and Paris a little over 3 hours.
The only downside to visiting Amsterdam in the spring is that the weather can be unpredictable at this time of year. You might get sunny days, but rain is just as possible. However, temperatures are generally mild and enjoyable enough for exploring.
Where to stay: Hotel Mosaic in Oud-West, a lively neighborhood just west of the city center and only a short walk from Vondelpark, Leidseplein, and the Museum Quarter.
Recommended by Vanessa of Traveling Cats
Seville, Spain and Portugal’s Algarve Coast
The combination of Seville and the Algarve Coast of Portugal made for one of our family’s favorite spring break trips ever. Seville is one of the warmest cities in continental Europe and is pleasantly warm in March and April. Spring is also a nice time of year for the Algarve – actually closer to Seville than it is to Lisbon – which makes a great second stop after a few days in Seville.
Can’t-miss highlights in Seville include the beautiful Plaza Espana (kids can burn off some energy running around here and at nearby Maria Luisa Park), the Cathedral and its Giralda (bell tower) and the stunning Royal Alcazar, a historic palace that began its life as a 10th century Muslim fortress. In terms of local food, make sure to try salmorejo, a rich and creamy tomato soup, and of course no trip to Spain is complete without churros and chocolate.
Getting from Seville to the Algarve coast by car is straightforward and takes about 2 hours. While spring (especially March) isn’t typically “stay in the water all day” weather, we did splash around in the ocean, and there’s lots to do in this beautiful region of Portugal besides the beach. Highlights of the Algarve include the jaw-dropping coastal views at Praia de Marinha, a boat tour to Benagil Cave and the charming coastal towns, especially Faro.
Where to stay: The boutique Hotel Amadeus in Seville has a good location, spacious rooms and a rooftop plunge pool (my detailed review is here). Hotel PortoBay Falesia in the Algarve is a great choice for families, with proper suites, an excellent included breakfast and kids play areas (my detailed review here.)
Florence and Tuscany, Italy
Florence was another favorite European spring break for our family. It’s one of the most charming cities in Europe but tourist crowds can overwhelm the small city in summer, so shoulder season like March and April is the best time to visit.
Florence’s compact size makes it easy to explore with kids. Classic tourist attractions like the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia (home to the David) aren’t the most stereotypically kid-friendly, but a guided tour or DIY scavenger hunt can help make the art more accessible. Younger kids will love the carousel in Piazza della Repubblica and older ones will enjoy a vist to the Galileo museum. Also make sure not to miss the Duomo climb and Piazza Michealangelo for panoramic views of the city.
Reserve a day to visit an agriturismo (farm stay) in the Tuscan countryside. Many of them offer activities like cooking classes, far-to-table lunches, wine and olive oil tasting and truffle-hunting. I always enjoy doing cooking classes with kids on vacation, but nowhere more so than in Italy. Pasta, pizza and gelato-making classes are widely available both in Florence and at nearby agriturismos and are very fun for kids.
Other popular day trips from Florence include San Gimignano, an incredible walled city dating back to the Middle Ages, charming small towns like Lucca and Siena and the famous leaning tower of Pisa. With a week or more, you could also split your time between Florence and Rome, which is only an hour and a half away by train.
Where to stay: The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is a 15th century Renaissance palace that gets rave reviews from families for its location that feels out of the way yet still walkable to attractions, large garden space and special treats for kids. Adults will also enjoy the on-site Michelin-starred restaurant and spa.
Split, Croatia
Split is a coastal city that keeps families busy without ever feeling overwhelming, and March/April is a lovely time to go. The Old Town is quiet, the weather is mild for exploring, and the summer crowds are still months away. The sea is too cold for swimming this early, so spring suits sightseeing and days out better than beach time.
The centre of everything is Diocletian’s Palace, a Roman complex from the 4th century that you walk straight through on the way to squares, markets and cafes. Kids who know Game of Thrones will recognise a few filming spots along the way. Younger children love the easy stroll along the Riva, the palm-lined harbour promenade, while older kids can climb Marjan Hill for sweeping views over the red roofs and islands, with a little cafe waiting at the top.
Split also makes a great base for family day trips. A boat tour of the nearby islands is manageable with children, and the waterfalls at Krka and Plitvice Lakes are close enough for a day in nature.
Where to stay: The Raddison Blu Resort & Spa works well for families, with direct beach access and several pools that kids will love.
Recommended by Yulia of Miss Tourist
Ksamil, Albania
If you’re looking for a family-friendly destination that feels a little different from the usual Mediterranean holiday, put Ksamil, Albania on your list: you’ll be struck by this city on the southern Albania riviera and its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and small islands.
March and April are particularly appealing for families because you can explore the area before the peak summer crowds arrive. The weather is generally pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities, although the sea can still be too chilly for a traditional beach holiday.
While Ksamil is famous for its beaches, there’s much more to do than spend the day on a sun lounger. A family trip could include a boat or kayak trip to the Ksamil Islands, exploring the ancient ruins of Butrint National Archeological Park, or taking a day trip to the Blue Eye crystal-clear spring or the UNESCO town of Gjirokastër, Albania’s “City of Stone” which is known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture.
Ksamil is Albania’s most popular beach destination, and it’s getting busier every year. If you prefer somewhere quieter, consider Himare further north. It has beautiful beaches and a more laid-back feel, making it an excellent alternative to busy Ksamil.
Where to stay: ARAMERAS Resort has family-friendly rooms, a seasonal outdoor pool, a restaurant, an outdoor play area, and last but not least, a beach VIP area including a shuttle service. While the ARAMERAS Resort is a bit removed from the town of Ksamil itself, this is actually an advantage for families looking for a quieter base.
Recommended by Carina of Bucketlist 2 Life
Paphos, Cyprus
If you’re looking for a family-friendly destination for a spring getaway, Cyprus is a great choice. Spring weather is pleasant, nature is green and blooming, and temperatures are much more comfortable for sightseeing than during the hot summer months.
Another advantage of visiting in March or April is the price. It is still outside the island’s peak season, so hotel prices can be significantly lower than in the summer, including at higher-end properties. Car rentals are also generally more affordable, and having a car is the easiest way to explore Cyprus with kids.
Paphos, a resort city in southwest Cyprus, is an excellent home base for your visit, and offers plenty to do with kids. You can take a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon and go snorkeling, visit the Tombs of the Kings and explore Paphos Zoo. There are indoor playgrounds and bowling centers if the weather isn’t ideal.
Where to stay: Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort, a luxurious five-star property which features a kids’ club for children aged three and up, several restaurants, pools, a spa and sports facilities. The outdoor pools are heated until the end of April, making them perfect for a spring vacation.
Recommended by Nofar Ronen at Traveling outside the box
Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech is a feast for the senses and surprisingly rewarding with kids, especially in spring. March and April bring warm, sunny days before the summer heat sets in, which is exactly the weather you want for wandering the Medina.
The old walled Medina is the heart of the city. In the evening, Jemaa el-Fnaa square fills with food and market stalls, and the Bahia Palace, with its maze of courtyards, is easy and fun for children to explore. Le Jardin Secret and the Majorelle Gardens are worth the time too, though book Majorelle tickets a few days ahead because they sell out.
One practical tip for families: many Medina streets have no car access, so a taxi may drop you a few minutes’ walk from your accommodation. With a stroller and a sleeping child in tow, it helps to ask your riad about the nearest drop-off before booking.
For a day trip, the Ourika Valley in the Atlas foothills is an easy hour from the city, with a river, small waterfalls and cooler air that feels like a relief after the Medina. If the kids want a taste of the desert without a long drive, the Agafay Desert is close by and offers short camel rides and family-friendly tours.
Where to stay: A riad, a traditional house built around a courtyard, works well with kids. The shaded courtyard and small pool become a calm base in the middle of a busy day. Les Jardins de la Médina offers a garden and pool a short walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa.
Recommended by Yulia from Miss Tourist
Looking for more personalized spring break planning advice? In addition to being a travel blogger, I’m also a no-fee travel advisor and I’d love to help your family craft your dream spring break trip. Reach out to me today at adrienne.miller@fora.travel for more info or to start planning a trip!
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