Spring break is a time for relaxation and recuperation after the cold winter. You finally get the chance to go on adventures with the family and can do so at your own speed.
Spring break is coming up, and you’ll need to start planning your family trip. The problem is, there is so much to figure out (costs, schedule, etc.) that something too ambitious can be overwhelming.
Fortunately, even if you have to hop on a plane to warmer climes, there are ways to entertain the kids that don’t require a lot of forethought. When you’re out of ideas (or energy!), choose one of these options to embark on a simple yet memorable adventure.
1. Amusement parks
Nothing gets the children excited like the prospect of going to an amusement park for the day. The wild rides, the colorful games, and the carnival food are enough to excite anyone. If you live down South or in sunny California, you can usually go whenever you want, making such venues a viable spur-of-the-moment option. But even if you have to engage in the ahead-planning a Disneyworld visit requires, the memories will be well worth it.
Be aware that younger children are prone to wander off in these distraction-strewn places. Luckily, a smartwatch for kids can help you keep track of your excited offspring. Some modern amusement parks provide tech- or card-based tracking systems for the same purpose.
2. Days of sun and sand
Maybe you dream of getting oceanside over spring break. A trip to the beach is another great option for a family with children. Swimming and body surfing are activities where kids can easily lose track of time and expel a lot of youthful energy. For those with less of the latter, the beach is perfect for a day of suntanning, reading, and relaxation. You’ll find it even more relaxing at a beach with lifeguard supervision, since you aren’t the only ones keeping an eye on the kids.
You can make your trip even more fun by engaging in organized programs like whale watching, snorkeling, and parasailing. These provide more direction for the day and introduce you to new experiences you’ll look back on fondly. These activities range from relaxing to exhilarating, and you can choose those that are most to your liking.
3. Nature treks
Nature trips in the spring bring you into the blooming forest and help to refresh your mind and body. They allow the freedom to explore and amble through a calm, quiet place at your own pace. A woodsy trek with the kids also offers plenty of opportunities for learning about the environment and bonding with each other. Hiking can be quite tiring, so you know the kids — and you — will sleep soundly afterward!
So don some comfortable hiking boots and head to a national, state, or local park. Whether you want to leave civilization for a few hours or several days, the fresh air and wonders of nature will do you good.
4. Road trips
Many of us have memories of our childhood days traveling on the road toward some unseen destination. There’s something special about eating in a diner in the middle of nowhere or exploring an eclectic countryside gift shop. These little memories link up to build lasting experiences of travel, whether the destination is the main event or not. The road trip experience is an amazing time for family bonding and encouraging exploration of the world around you.
Stumbling upon unconventional roadside attractions and beautiful landmarks is an integral part of this experience. It truly proves that the meaning of an experience is often in the journey and not necessarily the destination. Plus, you’ll get to see parts of the country you never have before.
5. Family gatherings
The ultimate goal of a spring break vacation with the kids is to bond as a family. Wherever you are and wherever you go, family is the constant foundation of the moment. So why not include even more members?
Extended family gatherings are a great spring break option because they’re less about activities and more about surrounding yourself with loved ones. Whether you’re barbecuing, watching sports, playing games, or just sitting around, you’ll have a great time catching up.
Siblings and cousins can go off and play together, while the adults get the chance to reconnect. Home-cooked meals and lengthy, passionate discussions bring warmth to the soul unlike anything else. Plan to divvy up cooking and cleanup duties so everyone gets the chance to relax.
6. Zoo and aquarium visits
Age doesn’t matter when you spend the day with animals; it’s a reliably exciting experience for old and young. Exotic creatures from far-away climates, otherworldly fish from the depths of the sea, and fascinating insects draw everybody in. It’s hard not to find something interesting in the presence of such diverse organisms, and children can never get enough. If they’re lucky, they may even get to pet one!
Zoos and aquariums have the feeling of transporting you to another part of the world. They almost never disappoint — particularly those run with care and ethically focused on conservation and protection of endangered species. Knowing the facility is doing its part to preserve nature’s magnificent creatures will add even more enjoyment to the experience.
Spring break is a time for relaxation and recuperation after the cold winter. You finally get the chance to go on adventures with the family and can do so at your own speed. No matter where your interests lie, one of these spring break adventures is bound to create happy family memories.
