21 fantastic US spring break destinations for families you and your kids will love

palm trees and coastline in Maui, Hawaii

A handpicked selection of fantastic US spring break destinations for families: family friendly places for a spring family getaway in the US with kids all ages will love.

Spring is one of our favorite times for a family getaway in the US.

As schools pause for a well deserved rest, we love to give the children (and ourselves) a break from their usual routine and spring weather is particularly suited to the type of adventure we love: city trips and outdoor pursuits!

Our favorite way to get away from our daily routine and have quality family time is by going somewhere completely different from what we experience daily and the US has such a variety of landscapes and experiences, we never run out of options!

The desert down in Utah, the beaches of Hawaii, the enchanting forests of Northern California – all these are fantastic destinations for a spring family getaway and populate our family vacation dreams.

Depending on our mood, we have enjoyed breaks in nature, cities, national parks and beaches.

Today, we’ll share some of the most incredible spring break destinations for families in the US that are so varied and awesome, we are sure you and the kids will love!

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How we chose these spring break family destinations in the US

When picking the best destinations for families in spring, we focusses on a few criteria.

Our family on our US vacation
This is us on the pier in California!


Weather – one of the great things about spring is that you can visit destinations outside of summer scorching temperatures.

Especially with young kids, extreme weather conditions can get annoying if not plain dangerous.

For an ideal spring break with kids, we like places that you may not be able to visit at different times of the year but are perfect for children in terms of experience, learning and fun.

Water safety – if your kids are like ours, they probably adore the beach so we chose nice beach locations that are safe for them.

Since we have young kids who are not strong swimmers yet, we prefer places withs hallow, safe waters and we avoid strong currents. (Always check local conditions, you can never be too careful with open waters!)

Family friendly vibe – we love places that make children feel welcome.

This could come in the form of child friendly facilities or on the lack of potential disturbances like loud nightlife.

Must-see cities – the US has some of the best cities to visit with kids, with outstanding museums, a diverse population, and cultural stimulations. 

Spring is often a great time for city adventure, so we included some favorites! 

21 incredible US Spring Break Destinations for Families with kids

San Francisco with kids – perfect spring break city break for families (California)

San Francisco is a very special place for our family and spring is one of the best time to visit!

We first visited the city during a brilliant home change we did with a wonderful local family and we fell in love with the city so hard, we haven’t been able to stay away since!

San Fransisco is beautiful and there are endless things to do for kids, both in the city itself and in nature.

My husband and two kids in San Francisco with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background

In spring, in San Francisco with kids you can:

  • Visit the city’s most famous attractions like Pier 39, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge and of course ride the famous SanFran cable cars
  • Make the most of mild spring weather for an excursion to wonderful Muir Woods
  • Bring the kids to Alcatraz
  • Escape the inevitably changeable San Francisco weather in the many kid friendly museums of San Francisco such as the Exploratorium
  • Enjoy the incredible multicultural atmosphere of San Francis and its varied neighborhood

The abundance of things to do, the beauty of the San Francisco Bay and how easy it is to mix city exploration with time in nature here makes San Francisco the top of the best spring break destinations for families in the US!

Where to stay with kids: during out last trip to San Francisco we stayed in a great hotel in Berkeley, the Hilton DoubleTree Berkeley Marina. while not immediately in San Francisco, this is a lovely family hotel in a great location and a great place to make the most of sunny days as it is immediately on water.

Yosemite with kids in spring

Yosemite is the fires national park out kids ever visited and it is so beautiful and family friendly, it immediately became and stayed as a firm family favorite!

Covering a mountainous area in Norther California, Yosemite in sprin starts returning to life after the snowy winter.

At this time, the views are clear and blossoms appear on Yosemite Valley.

While you may not be able to do all the hikes, this time of the year, Yosemite with kids in spring is lovely for a break form the city and to treat them to some of the country’s most spectacular outdoors areas the kids can dream of.

Make sure you make the most of the excellent ranger programmes: their kid-centred workshops are fantastic (even us grown ups learned a lot about trees!).

You can read here >>> our guide to visiting Yosemite with kids

my kids playing in Yosemite

Redwood National Park, California – perfect spring getaway for families who love nature

We live in a busy city so our list of the best places to visit with kids during spring break starts with a place that is guaranteed to offer a break from all that running and rushing around: Redwood National Park!

Redwood National Park is one of the best spring family getaways in the US, if you re after unparalleled nature and solitude.

Home to cirques of centuries-old redwoods, which are the tallest trees in the world, a visit to this incredible national park is all about driving and hiking amid towering canopies.

Our kids absolutely love sequoias and seeing them (and us) being so small close to these gentle giants is always a great kick!

treetops of redwood trees

With over 130,000 acres of forest to cover, there is plenty of sequoias here, but there is also plenty to do so that there is no risk of boredom.

A must-do is driving the Avenue of Giants, a historic route lined by titan trees through the park with lots of fun stops along the way, including forest hamlets, picnic areas, waterways, and several trailheads if you’re feeling up for a hike.

A few recommended hiking trails for kids include:

  • the Fern Canyon Trail, where you’ll get to walk amidst a canyon and feel as though you’re in a Jurassic Park setting;
  • the Trillium Falls Trail will have you strolling under an ancient redwood grove before arriving at a 10-foot waterfall cascading down over moss-blanketed walls.

While some kid-centered activities tend to take place in summer, spring is a fantastic time to visit this stunning corner of the country; kids won’t forget getting up close and personal to these friendly giants!

See also: the best West Coast National Parks to visit with kids

Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado

If, like us, you have a kid who loves dinosaurs, Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado is one of the most exciting destinations to visit to please the paleonthologist in the family!

Dinosaurs once roamed northwestern Colorado, and they left plenty of traces behind.

During your visit to this exciting location, you’ll get to see real-life dinosaur fossils encapsulated in the rocks at Dinosaur Quarry Exhibit Hall.

Moreover, you can also book a ranger-led hike in order to see dinosaur remains on the monument’s rocks, all while getting a pretty deep insight into the titans that once called Colorado their home!

We regularly take ranger led activities in National Parks and we all learn so much!

The rangers have a special ability to talk to all ages and the whole family always leaves inspired and full of new knowledge about nature and its wonders,

As if that weren’t enough, this spot is also an excellent place for your kids to learn about Native American history.

Aside from all things dinosaurs, you’ll also find plenty of 1000-year-old petroglyphs and pictographs left behind by the Fremont people guaranteed to get your kids asking questions and wanting to learn more about part of history we, as European, are shockingly ignorant about.

Bryce and Zion National Park, Utah

Utah is one of the most breathtaking places we have ever visited and one of our all time favorite family destinations in the US.

It is a state we first visited while on the way to California but it captured our heart to such an extent, we couldn’t possibly leave it as a one off, passing by type of place and so we quickly went back!

Find all our Utah family travel guides here.

Out of the many places we adored in Utah, we loved:

Zion National Park with kids: no need for introduction to one of the most famous and beautiful parks in the US! Home to incredible scenery, we adored the many kid-friendly hikes in Zion and the plethora of accommodation solutions for all budgets

Bryce Canyon: another very famous park and one we adored! Bryce is much smaller than Zion and easy to combine with it’s big neighbor – even the drive between the two is spectacular!

If you want to treat your kids to a scenic spring break, you cannot beat the Zion + Bryce Combination! Find here >>> our guide to visiting Bryce with Kids

girl in Bryce Canyon looking at the view

Top tip! If the crowds get too much, you can easily escape them by visiting Kodachrome Basin. The Basin is close to Bryce, beautiful and there is an eerie silence that is simply wonderful when in need of a break in nature!

Dead Horse Point, Utah

While you may want to wait until the kids grow up to explore the more popular Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point is a beautiful alternative for those visiting as a family.

Home to expansive canyons, dramatic desert vistas, and fabulous hiking trails, this glorious state park is ideal for experiencing Moab’s desert allure, especially during the springtime, when temperatures are perfect for exploring.

A fun way to bring the kids to this park is by joining a tour from Moab such as this one, which lets you see stunning scenery from the river.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore a cave or two or opt to spend a night in a yurt.

Dead Horse Point is considered one of the best places in the USA for stargazing, so you’ll be in for a real treat the family won’t ever forget!

Top tip! If your kids love space, make sure you pack a portable telescope for children: they are perfect for travel and make stargazing nights even more jaw-droppingly awesome!

Grand Canyon South Rim

I know this may sound strange but I didn’t want to see the Grand Canyon.

before we went, I was worried the Grand Canyon would be a beutiful yet overhyped attractions and I just couldn’t not muster the will to go.

What a mistake!

Thankfully, I didn’t follow my ill advised ideas and we went to the Grand Canyon to discover it is all they say it is, and a lot more!

The Canyon, the viewpoints, the ranger talks, the hikes: everything here is worth the trip and makes the Canyon one of the very best spring break destinations in the US for the whole family.

Find here >> our guide to visiting the Grand Canyon with kids

The grand Canyon for kids: my son gard at work to complete his junior ranger booklet with the backdrop of the Canyon South Rim
My kids love the Junion ranger programme and the booklet from the Grand Canyon is one of their favourite

Sanibel Island, Florida

Florida has some of the best family beaches on the East Coast and a fantastic destination for a family spring break.

Sanibel Island may be small, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for with fun activities that make it one of the best spring family getaways in the US.

Florida Fort Myers Pier beach US

With nearby Fort Mayers, it is one of the best places in Florida for families with kids!

Home to beautiful beaches, a national wildlife refuge, and tons of family-friendly activities, Sanibel is a perfect spot to get a mix of underwater adventures and experiences out in nature.

For a family friendly stay, you can consider Sanibel Inn or Castaway Cottages, both lovely choices for a family spring break on the beach.

A few of the must-dos during your visit include dolphin spotting, joining a workshop at Sanibel Sea School to learn about marine conservation, kayaking through mangrove swamps and checking out the Shell Museum,

Also, take a ferry to Cayo Costa State Park for a snorkeling experience like no other!

Another super fun activity to do while in Sanibel is to go treasure hunting for seashells.

Because the island runs perpendicularly to Florida’s coastline, its beaches are covered in seashells galore. Joining a “Sanibel Stoop”, as locals like to call the act of shelling, is a must while visiting!

Need to know! Shells are part of the marine ecosystem and taking anything can be disruptive to the delicate balance of nature in the area.

While it is generally considered ok to collect dead shells in Sanibel, we recommend you start your vacation with activities that allow you to learn about marine conservation.

As well as fun and informative, they will ensure you do not make damage during your visit! Remember, when in doubt: ‘take only memories, leave only footprints’.

Family spring getaway in Monterey, California

If you follow this blog, you may already know that we are in love with California. We simply love everything about the places, especially that wild costal scenery that seem too beautiful to be true!

Find all our family guides to California here.

With kids, one of the easiest and best places for a spring getaway is Monterey.

Beach in Big Sur

Not only is Monterey one of the best warm spring break destinations for families in the US, but it’s also a wonderful place to combine fun on the beach with lots of educational opportunities for the little ones.

Home to glorious beaches, beautiful parks, excellent museums, and tons of wildlife centers, Monterey is a charming coastal city in California that is renowned for its laid-back vibes and its wealth of marine life.

During your visit, you and the kids will be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing what to do. Whatever you do, make sure the Monterey Bay Aquarium is at the top of your bucket list.

Not only is this one of the most family-friendly attractions in the city, but it’s also a fantastic way for the kids to discover and learn about marine life and the importance of conservation while also getting the chance to meet some of the animals up close.


The Aquarium is stunning and perfect for kids of all ages: just make sure you bring a change of clothes as some of the hands on activities will make little ones wet!

Stay at the elegant Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa Resort, or find family-friendly hotels in Monterey here.

If you have more time, you can also weaver a stop in Monterey in a longer road trip along Highway 1 with the kids.

We took it more than once and it truly is one of the most beautiful drives in the world!

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia


Fresh mountain air, blooming flowers, miles of beautiful mountains, and cascading waterfalls are the staples of a visit to Shenandoah National Park during spring break.

scenic road in Shendandoa national park

Extending along the Blue Ridge Mountains in the state of Virginia, this glorious national park isn’t short of incredible activities for the little ones, including scenic driving, getting to become a ranger for a day, chasing a few waterfalls, and even summiting a mountain!

The best way to get acquainted with the park is by driving Skyline Drive, which runs the length of Shenandoah and will give you access to several of its landscapes, including wetlands, waterfalls, and mountains.

Use this self driving audio guide to make the most of your drive.

If you want to dive deeper into the park, hiking is another excellent choice, with lots of family-friendly trails for everyone to enjoy such as the Rose River Falls, a 3.9-mile loop that will take you to a 67-foot waterfall and a dreamy swimming hole.

If your kids are the adventurous type, they can also get the chance to summit Hawksbill Summit, the highest point in the park – despite what you may be thinking, this hike is very manageable with kids, so don’t be afraid to give it a go!

Shenandoah is stunning and one of our favorite family friendly National Parks on the East Coast.

Sedona, Arizona – the perfect family spring getaway in the US Southwest


If you’re looking for warm spring break destinations for families in the US, look no further than Sedona.

We first visited Sedona in summer, on the way back from visiting Monument Valley with the kids, and we immediately understood why people are in love with Sedona. there truly is something special here!

Downtown Sedona

Way back in time, geological forces created rifts into the Colorado Plateau, which formed the other-worldly looking landscape this fascinating region of Arizona is today.

Think desert spires piercing the sky, massive river canyons, and mazes of bright red rock formations to get an idea of what the scenery here is all about.

In order to explore Sedona’s desert magic, make sure you visit Red Rock State Park, where you can hike Eagle’s Nest View with the kids and get to see Cathedral Rock, one of the most famous landmarks in Arizona.

Another fun way to explore is by taking a Pink Jeep Tour, where you can relax on a (bright pink) jeep while taking in the landscape of red rocks or by getting on to this fun open air Sedona bus sightseeing tour, a fun and relaxing way to take in this wonderful town and its landscapes.

Finally, make sure you also check out the Sedona Heritage Museum, where the kids can learn all about the city’s history, ranging from its cowboy scene to its Native American heritage.

You can find here >>> our favorite things to do on a first trip to Sedona

Jekyll Island, Georgia


A bit of a hidden gem, this tiny island off the coast of Georgia is perfect if a quiet spring break with the family is what you’re after.

Boasting miles of untouched beaches, verdant forests, and plenty of activities to enjoy the scenery, getting bored at Jekyll Island is a pretty hard thing to do despite its small size.

The first child friendly place that comes to mind on Jakyll Island is Driftwood Beach: as the name suggests, the beach is covered with driftwood and small kids will adore it as a natural playground while older teens will adore the photo ops of this scenic spot!

This is, however, just the beginning.

Activities for kids include enjoying the beach, going on a dolphin-spotting tour, visiting the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, and exploring the historic district of the island’s downtown area.

All this, makes Jekyll Island one of the best US vacation destinations for families in spring.

The Holiday Inn Resort is a good base to enjoy the area.

Hermosa Beach (with a day at Disneyland!)

I know this list is kind of biased towards California but it is very hard to make a list of the best spring break destinations in the US for families without at leats a mention of Disneyland Anaheim!

Disneyland needs no introduction and you already know the kids are going to love it so much, you won’t need to do much else than to get a hotel there to enjoy a perfect vacation.

However, Disneyland can get incredibly busy for spring break so we like to comb one it with a stay in a calmer place: Hermosa beach!

Hermosa beach is part of LA but it is a wonderful place for families, striking a perfect balance between the excitement of the big city and the comfort of a small town.

Here, you find the beach, many restaurants, shops, parks, promenade, a wonderful playground and yes, you are close enough to Disneyland that you can go for the day!

Find here >>> our guide to Hermosa Bech and Our guide to spending one day in Disneyland

My daughter and I at Disneyland

Olympic National Park, Washington – one of the best US spring break destinations for families who love uncontaminated nature

As one of the most diverse national parks in the country, Olympic National Park is a beautiful place to get the entire family’s explorer heart on.

Olympic National Park

Within its borders, you’ll find the Pacific Coast, alpine terrain dotted by beautiful lakes, and some of the largest temperate rainforests in the country.

While exploring Olympic, make sure you head to Hoh Rainforest and take the family-friendly trail through the Hall of Mosses, where you’ll get to walk amid mosses and old-growth trees inside the rainforest.

Other fun activities include taking a dip at Sol Duc Hot Springs, looking for seastars at Kalaloch Beach, or getting your kids to become “Ocean Stewards” or “Junior Rangers” by completing a booklet they can grab at any visitor center in the park.

If you are vacationing in Seattle without a car, you experience Olympic with this organized tour that picks you up from your hotel.

Maui, Hawaii

Does your fantasy bring you to Hawaii, when you dream of the ultimate family spring getaway? Mine sure does!

palm trees and coastline in Maui, Hawaii

Palm-fringed beaches, roaring volcanoes, gushing waterfalls, and Jurassic Park-like landscapes make Maui more than just a perfect spring break destination, but also a wonderland where the kiddos will get to feel as though they’re true explorers.

When it comes to activities, you’ll have a pretty hard time choosing what to see and do.

From snorkeling in search of colorful coral to hiking on the lookout for waterfalls and the best volcano views, there are plenty of unique experiences on Maui’s menu.

Spring also brings in warm waters, which call for Humpback whale season!

These marine giants choose Maui’s coast to breed and birth from December through April, so be sure to book a whale-watching tour in order to witness these wonderful animals in their habitat.

Top tip: if your kids are new to snorkeling, you may find this guide to the best snorkel sets for kids useful.

Some activities you and your family may enjoy are:

Joshua Tree National park, California

Joshua Tree National Park is one of our family’s favorite places in the whole world and a fantastic destination for a family vacation in the US with kids in spring.

entrance to Joshua Tree national park california USA

The park is in a breathtaking position where two desert systems meet and it is a treasure trove of animals and landscapes kids and adults will adore.

In spring, you can spend hours outdoors (something almost impossible in summer due to the high temperatures) and you can then relax in the evening in one of the many family friendly accommodation options in Palm Springs.

Even in the hot season, it is possible to enjoy the park by driving through its magical scenery. The best way to do so is by getting this self-driving audio guide that will help you make the most of your drive.

If you want to tap into the magic of Joshua Tree, read here >>> our guide to Joshua Tree with kids. We are sure you will love it as much as we did!

Charleston, South Carolina

South Carolina’s quaintest city is one of the best spring break destinations for families in the US.

Not only is the weather in Charleston pretty mild during the spring season, but it’s also a fantastic city to explore no matter your family’s interests.

Charleston, South Carolina, USA historic downtown cityscape.

For one, it’s an awesome place for all things history, with plenty of historical buildings and museums dotting its downtown as well as tons of beaches lining its shores.

If you’re visiting with kids, we recommend taking a historic carriage tour through the city, visiting the SC Aquarium, checking out the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, and visiting The Angel Oak.

A great place to stay in Charleston with kids is the Homewood Suites by Hilton: located in historic downtown Charleston, if has nice family suites and a pool, perfect for treating your kids to water playtime after a day sightseeing!

New York City, New York

Our family adores New York City so we simply could not make a list of the best US spring break destinations for families without mentioning it and giving it a glowing report!

We love it so much, we even enjoy it in summer, when the heat makes is seriously hard to take so you can imagine we are simply head over heels in love with New York City in spring!

If you want to see how we got on last time, read or post about how we made the absolute most of a day in NYC with kids!

At this time, the city is simply perfect for kids and full of magical adventures.

With the mild spring temperatures, you can make the most of kid-friendly Central Park and take a stroll or rent bikes; you can admire the incredible city skyline from the water or the top of the Empire State building (our favorite viewpoint! Make sure you get skip the line tickets!).

You can also leisurely walk to the High Line or find refuge in the city’s fabulous museums, perfect for children ad well as adults thanks to their varies and always interesting collections.

Our favorite location for a NYC stay with kids is central Manhattan.

Last time, we stayed in the perfectly positioned Redbury Hotel: super close to the Empire State Building and with an Italian restaurant (Marta Manhattan) that catered perfectly to our pizza loving kids!

New York City is the type of place you spend a lifetime without running out of things to do but you can also mix time here with less urban destinations in New York state.

This area is fantastic for children and so varies, you are sure to find something you’re family will love!

Find here >>> inspiration for planning a trip to New York State with kids

Washington DC, fantastic family city break for spring

The name of our sites probably gave it away: we love educational trips and what can be more educational than visiting the nation’s capital?

Washington DC is simply packed with things to do for kids and children of primary school age and up are sure to get inspired by such an important and inspirational city.

Also, spring brings to Washington DC those stunning cherry blossoms you see in all the best photos of the city!

washington DC vityscape with cherry blossoms and water

A family visit to DC must include the city’s many museums, famous for their wonderful collections and, in many cases, for their generous free admission policy.

The SmithsonianNational Mall and of course tours of the White House and the Capitol are a must-do while in DC with kids and will be interesting for both children and adults.

More fun activities to do with the kids in Washington DC are fat tire tours, fantastic at any age, the International Spy Museum, the Newseum (if you have a broadcaster in the making, this is not to be missed!).

With so many things to do in several parts of the city, you may want to consider a hop-on hop-off bus tour like this one: a fantastic way to cover a lot of ground without stress and always fun for kids of all ages!

Family Hotels in Washington DC you may love are:

Courtyard by Marriott, with great family rooms: perfect also if you are tagging along a business trip!

Willard InterContinental Washington, an IHG Hotel, a great family hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue, with family rooms, babysitting services (extra charge) and kids board games/dvd.

Chicago, IL

Chicago is a stunning and fun city for kids but summer and winter temperature are too extreme for family fun. Spring is, however, perfect for city sightseeing!

There is so much to see and do and we have so many friends from the city, tempting us with amazing lists of things to do in Chicago with kids, we believe this is the perfect family city break in spring.

Among the many kid-friendly attractions in Chicago for a fun-filled family getaway, there are:

river cruise: a must-do in Chicago for all ages!

Millennium Park: a fantastic area with splash pools in summer and ice skating in winter and the home of iconic Cloud Gate 

Navy Pier, home to a Ferris wheel and Chicago’s Children Museum

Shedd Aquarium, which has several exciting activities for kids including penguin encounters and stingray feedings 

The Kimpton Gray Hotel is a good family-friendly hotel to visit Chicago.

Monument Valley, AZ

I am going to close this list of the best US spring break destinations for families with a place that seems to attracts more foreigners than Americans.

However, it is so wonderful, it simply has to enter this selection: Monument Valley!

Monument Valley is a remote area on the border between Utah and Arizona and one of the most beautiful and evocative places we have ever seen.

It is the perfect place to switch off and enjoy nature, learn about the culture native to the area and it is also great place for kids to have fun.

WE adored out stay at the Gouldings Lodge and our sunrise tour of the valley is one of the best memories we have have from all our travels.

You can read here >>> our guide to Monument Valley

Child watching sunrise in Monument Valley
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I hope you enjoyed this handpicked selection of fantastic US spring break destinations for families and it helped you plan your next family getaway. Safe travel planning!

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Three photos of of Maui, Charleston and Olympic National Park with text: 15 incredible spring destinations. in the US for families

This post was first published in 2022 and has now been fully updated.