School’s out for the week across the country, and spring break is a wonderful time for family bonding. Whether you’re looking for water or mountains, adventure or learning, here are The Family Backpack’s top 10 amazing destinations and experiences for an unforgettable family spring break.
1. Experience A dolphin encounter in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Check off a bucket list item with your family by interacting and observing dolphins in their natural habitat. Plus, you may be able to slip in and swim with them too. Nonetheless, learning about these magical creatures will be an experience your family will never forget.
2. Live like a Pirate in Charleston, South Carolina
Arg, if you’re kids love pirates head south to Charleston Pirate Tour in Battery Park, Charleston South Carolina. Christen your real life pirate adventure with a sacred pirate pledge, draw your sword in a fight fit for the seven seas and embark on a treasure hunt the whole family will love.
3. Learn to speak Spanish as a family in the Republic of Panama
Take the whole family on an incredible trip with the added bonus of learning a new language together. Consider attending school at Habla Ya, a well-established network with three locations in Panama.
4. Experience a fashion or Atelier House and add in some culture with a Louvre Treasure Hunt in Paris, France
Paris, France is incredibly kid-friendly with its various parks, museums, sites, and food! For your fashionistas in the family, how about an Atelier House tour in Paris to learn the fashion business and see another side of the city of love. For the younger crowd, try an artistic treasure hunt through the Louvre!
5. Encounter animals and swim in the waves in Costa Rica
Costa Rice is an awesome family spot full of lush rainforests, lovely beaches, tons of animal encounters and volcanoes too! Here’s an itinerary in Costa Rica that covers the top picks for the perfect family spring break escape.
6. Give back on your Spring Break Vacation in Barbados
Volunteer vacations offer the best of both worlds where you and your family can enjoy a stunning getaway while devoting some hours to help the local community. ShoreTrips Gives program in Barbados* provides just the right combination of beach atmosphere and volunteerism.
*ShoreTrips offers other locations in the Caribbean as well.
7. Ski the slopes with your kids in Colorado
Even though kids are out of school for the break, they won’t mind being enrolled in the ski programs at Beaver Creek in Colorado. This spot is a great place to take the whole family for winter adventures. The ski school is wonderful, the slopes are pristine and there are lots of other things to do in the area if you’re taking a break from the ski slopes including ice skating, shows, and fireworks at night!
8. Explore our U.S. National Parks in an RV
Spend the week renting an RV and touring the National parks in the western U.S. The American West is filled with stark, wide-open beauty and the majority of American National Parks are out there, including some of our largest and most popular parks. Sooner or later, your family really just needs to experience these gorgeous parks and visiting in an RV Rental steps up the family adventure experience!
9. Learn to Scuba Dive in Bermuda
For kids, a bit older (minimum age is 10), take the whole family to Bermuda to learn to SCUBA Dive! Learn this incredible life hobby and enjoy the magical world “under the sea.”
10. See a U.S. Castle in Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville North Carolina is a charming town in the mountains of North Carolina with tons of kid-friendly activities. And be sure to visit a U.S. Castle, George Vanderbilt’s 250-room home, The Biltmore Estate, which is royally amazing. There are several different tours available including a Kids’ Audio Guide to Biltmore House which is a fun 90-minute tour narrated by Cedric, the Vanderbilts’ Saint Bernard. If you or your kids aren’t up for a tour the gardens and grounds are fun to explore.
Need more Spring Break Inspiration? Check out our Spring Break Family Travel Guide and read our Tips on Planning a Family Vacation.