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Are you struggling to come up with spring break destinations for your family? I do every year! We try to avoid the crowds at popular spring break destinations such as Orlando (also, we live there.) When you have only a week to get away, and everyone else is getting away that same week, you want to get out of town, avoid crowds, but also not have it take forever to get there.
These spring break destinations for families are all in the United States, making it easy for you to fly or drive. These spring break ideas are all family-friendly, mostly avoid the crowds, and are a mix of warmth, adventure, or skiing.
Ocala, Florida
If you’re not yet familiar with Ocala, Florida, make it a part of your vacation next time you’re on your way to Walt Disney World. Even if you opt for a Disney vacation with the family for spring break, take a few days and get away from the crowds in Ocala. We had the fortune to visit here last summer, and I do wish it was cooler when we visited. Spring break makes it a great time of year. Read about our Ocala Vacation here.
One thing I love about Ocala is the horse trails. It is the horse capital of the world after all. We were able to take a horseback ride through Ocala at the Canyon Zip Line Adventure Park. This landscape is so different than the rest of Florida. You will be surprised by the steep cliffs, salty ravines, and tall trees. I felt as if we were horseback riding through Tennessee only with palm trees. Other great highlights in Ocala include Rainbow Springs where you’ll find crystal clear waters, waterfalls, and authentic Florida nature. Also, make time to take a glass-bottom boat in Silver Springs.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah Georgia is one of my favorite places to visit. It has that all Southern Charm, amazing food, interesting history, and museums, and it’s easy to get around. This is one of those vacations I would recommend for families with teenagers. You can easily let the teens loose wandering the downtown area. Plus in Savannah, the weather is warm. And you’re not too far away from the beaches if you want to visit Tybee Island.
I do think Savannah has something for everyone, but may not be as enjoyable for families with young kids. Save this destination when your children are older. They will enjoy the food, they will enjoy the history, and they will enjoy the kooky things such as a ghost tour.
Favorites in Savannah include The Pirates House, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, and the Prohibition Museum.
Pensacola Beach, Florida
I like the Pensacola Beach area as one of the spring break destinations for families because it’s relatively accessible without having to drive so far into Florida. Located on the Gulf in the panhandle, Pensacola has incredible beaches and emerald green waters.
In addition to the white sand beaches, Pensacola has some incredible aviation history. In fact, you may even catch a Blue Angels practice while in Pensacola. Favorite places include the Naval Aviation Museum, the Pensacola Lighthouse, which you can climb, and exploring the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Park City, Utah
If you’re looking to still get in some last bits of skiing for spring break, Park City has you covered.
Utah is high on my bucket list and definitely an exciting vacation for families for spring break. There is still plenty of time to go skiing during spring break. However, even if you are not a skier, you can still enjoy winter activities in Park City. Because this was an Olympic Destination there are family activities such as the bobsled experience (age 16 and up) at Olympic Park. If your kids are too young to take a bobsled then perhaps a family sleigh ride, dog sledding. or even snowshoeing in Park City should be on your agenda. Of course, there’s ice-skating and winter tubing as well. Don’t just think of winter for skiing only.
Washington, DC
Washington DC is one of my favorite places for the entire family. So why not take the kids there for spring break? The collection of Smithsonian museums along the National Mall truly has something for everyone. Young kids will love the National Air and Space Museum and older kids will enjoy the National Museum of Natural History as well as the National Museum of American History. Pick up this book before you go to give kids things to look for in those three museums
In addition to walking the National Mall, which is quite large by the way, other things to do in Washington DC include the International Spy Museum, the National Harbor, as well as visits to Presidential homes.
South Dakota
If South Dakota is not on your bucket list now is the time to add it. This incredible state is full of history and natural wonder, in addition to Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
And while most people only think of mount Rushmore in South Dakota here you can visit what they call the Great Eight. That includes Custer State Park where are you will find bison wandering along with elk, mountain goats, and more. Also, head over to historic Deadwood and walk the Wild, Wild West and learn about the 1870s gold rush town. That’s just some of the things you can experience through South Dakota.
For a family spring break in South Dakota, I’d recommend driving or renting a car to cover as much ground as you can. Better yet rent an RV and stay near the Missouri River or badlands national park.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is a popular year-round destination thanks to the Smoky Mountains National Park. And while it’s popular, spring break is not as crowded as summer or even fall when the leaves turn colors.
I love this park because it’s free. There are plenty of great hiking trails. But even if hiking isn’t your thing, the Smoky Mountain National park guides will tell you all about scenic drives. Spring Break should just start seeing the leaves peep. You’ll also find lots of wildflowers and animals this time of year.
The surrounding area in Gatlinburg can be a bit touristy, but that just means you’ll find some great prices on hotels and vacation rentals.
Ripley’s Aquarium is an excellent attraction. We also love eating at one of the various pancake houses in Gatlinburg.
Just looking for some cool places to stay during Spring Break? Check out. these epic Spring Break Vacation Rentals here.
Do you have favorite spring break destinations for your family? I’d love to hear about them. Leave me a comment to be included in a future article.
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