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2025’s best spring vacation spots for families

Linsay Evans
·9 min read

When the temperatures rise, the flowers bloom, and the birds begin to sing, it can only mean one thing: Spring break is just around the corner. For families, the best (and often the cheapest) spring destinations are ones where you can shake off the winter blues while avoiding the college spring break party crowds. The good news is that many of the best family vacation spots in the U.S. go all-in on spring activities and attractions for kids. Here are this year's trendiest spring break spots for families.

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1. San Diego, California

The beaches in San Diego may not be quite hot enough in spring to draw the college crowd (temps usually hover in the 60s through May), but you'll still enjoy that famous Southern California sun. This SoCal city is always a great place to take kids, thanks to attractions like SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego Zoo, the 17 museums and cultural institutions in Balboa Park, and—just a few miles up the freeway—one of the best amusement parks for kids on the West Coast, LEGOLAND California Resort in Carlsbad. Spring is also the perfect time to hop on a whale-watching tour and spot some migrating gray whales.

▶ Where to stay: Find spacious rooms and amenities like a rooftop pool at the recently renovated The Westin San Diego Bayview or stay by the beach at Bahia Resort Hotel, where amenities include a pool, playground, beach games, and tropical gardens complete with resident ducks.

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2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

The Smoky Mountains come alive with color in the spring as wildflowers fill the valleys and meadows with stunning hues. For outdoorsy families, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most accessible spring vacation spots because of its miles of walking, hiking, and biking trails for all abilities, not to mention wildlife viewing opportunities, historic buildings to tour, and family campgrounds to help your family get back to nature. Thrill the kids by adding on a visit to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025.

▶ Where to stay: The only non-camping lodging inside the park is LeConte Lodge, which can only be reached via a strenuous hike. It's an unusual spring break destination that's perfect for active families with older kids and teens. For a real treat, stay at Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa, which offers indoor and outdoor pools, kids activities, and free trolley service to Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country water park.

3. Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon may be one of the most visited tourist attractions in the U.S., but it’s also one of the best national parks to visit in spring precisely because the notoriously crowded South Rim doesn’t get quite as many visitors in the shoulder season (with the exception of a few busy school vacation weeks). Visiting the Grand Canyon in the springtime means avoiding that dangerous desert heat, too—temperatures don't usually hit 90 degrees until late May. The more secluded North Rim doesn’t open until mid-May and only welcomes visitors until October, but it’s a far less-crowded alternative if you can plan your family’s spring break vacation for the second half of May.

▶ Where to stay: If you can plan your family spring break trip well in advance, reserve a campsite or lodge room at Grand Canyon National Park. And there are all kinds of great lodging options just outside the park, like Holiday Inn Resort The Squire at Grand Canyon and Under Canvas Grand Canyon.

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4. Honolulu, Hawaii

Pleasant weather and fewer crowds make spring an especially nice time to visit the island of Oahu. In Honolulu, you can spend your days lounging on the beach at Waikiki, or exploring family-friendly attractions like the Honolulu Zoo, Kapi'olani Regional Park, and the Waikiki Aquarium. For the little ones, head to the tame Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon or the hands-on Hawaii Children's Discovery Center. If you're traveling with older kids and teens, plan a visit to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

▶ Where to stay: Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk is a budget-friendly pick close to the beach that offers suites with separate bedrooms and mini kitchens and complimentary breakfast. Or splurge for a stay at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, a beachfront resort with four swimming pools (including one designated for families), a complimentary kids club, and babysitting services.

5. Park City, Utah

If you didn’t get quite enough skiing in during your winter family vacation, you’re in luck in Park City, one of the best spring break destinations in the U.S. for families who love spring skiing. Many Utah ski resorts don't close until April or later, and there's nothing quite like gliding down a slope in the spring sun. Several family ski resorts in Park City offer steeply discounted or even free passes for kids this time of year too. When you need a break from the slopes, head to the Alf Engen Ski Museum at Utah Olympic Park or take the kids to Park City Mountain Village for ziplining if you're visiting during the late spring.

▶ Where to stay: Grand Summit Hotel offers a ski-in, ski-out stay with amenities like a huge heated pool, ski school, and on-site child care. Or go all out with a stay at The St. Regis Deer Valley, located slope-side on the runs of Deer Valley Resort and offering amenities like ski butlers, s'mores roasting, and the only funicular at a North American ski resort.

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6. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone’s most popular areas are overwhelmed by tourists in the summer, and while it’s one of the best national parks to visit in winter when the wildlife and geyser-viewing opportunities are unencumbered by crowds, the real sweet spot for many families is late spring. This "just right" time to visit finds the park less crowded than in summer but noticeably warmer than in winter. Some roads and accommodations inside the park are closed until mid-April and some features don’t open until May, so plan your family spring break to Yellowstone for the late spring. (The northern entrance in Gardiner, Montana, is open year-round.)

▶ Where to stay: Time your spring getaway for early May and you can also stay at Old Faithful Inn, a shining example of the log-style "parkitecture" found at the most beautiful national park lodges in the country. Old Faithful Inn is typically open from early May to early October each year, weather permitting.

7. Chicago, Illinois

The city of Chicago is a popular Midwest family vacation destination year-round, but it’s one of the best spring break destinations for families, because visiting in spring allows you to avoid the city’s summer humidity. Visitors to the Windy City won't want to miss the Field Museum, home to 4.6 billion years of history (including perfectly preserved T-Rexes and Titanosaurs); the Shedd Aquarium and its more than 35,000 aquatic creatures; the Museum of Science and Industry (the largest museum in North America); and the breathtaking skyline views from Skydeck Chicago at the top of Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower).

▶ Where to stay: Situate yourself in the heart of the action at the LondonHouse Chicago, which is within walking distance of Millennium Park. Swissôtel Chicago offers a Kids Suite option stocked with toys and games and is steps from the Magnificent Mile.

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8. Athens, Georgia

As the song goes, there's nothing like the Southland in the springtime, and friendly little Athens, Georgia, is a perfect example of why the South is a great spring break destination for families. You can learn about native Georgia wildlife and see the wildlife rescue facility at Bear Hollow Zoo or tour a 19th-century log cabin and explore more than 225 acres of wild woodland at Sandy Creek Nature Center. The whole family will enjoy a stroll through downtown, where you'll find restaurants, shopping, and plenty of University of Georgia gear to take home. And speaking of UGA, sports fans won't want to miss the university's Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall.

▶ Where to stay: Centrally located Hyatt Place Athens Downtown offers family-friendly amenities like free breakfast and a swimming pool. Hotel Abacus is done up in fun Southern style and has an on-site coffee shop teenagers will love.

9. Cocoa Beach, Florida

Spring break in Florida isn’t just for college kids. The welcoming surf town of Cocoa Beach is just close enough to the Orlando theme parks that you can easily enjoy the magic and then retreat to a laidback Florida beach for a low-key Florida family vacation. Hitch a ride on the Cocoa Beach Trolley (kids under five ride free), take a deep sea fishing charter, or stroll along the 800-foot Cocoa Beach boardwalk and pier for relaxing spring break entertainment. Don't miss the Florida Surf Museum, either—older kids may even want to take a lesson.

▶ Where to stay: Book a room at the beachfront Inn at Cocoa Beach and enjoy the freshly baked muffins each morning along with views of the Atlantic and an outdoor swimming pool. Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort has two-bedroom suites plus a lazy river and splash pad.

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10. Washington, D.C.

The nation's capital is at its prettiest in the spring, especially when the cherry trees are blooming and the National Cherry Blossom Festival is underway. It's a fun family spring break destination that can also inspire young travelers to discover a love for history. The monuments along the National Mall and the Smithsonian museums, such as the National Museum of Natural History and National Museum of African American History and Culture, are among the must-dos, and the International Spy Museum is usually a hit with the younger set. A daytime or "moonlight" trolley tour can be a good way to take everything in.

▶ Where to stay: The Hay-Adams offers an upscale experience with views of Lafayette Park and the White House. Kimpton George Hotel is a playful spot on Capitol Hill offering fun perks and amenities for families.

2025’s best spring vacation spots for families originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com.

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Beth Luberecki also contributed to this story. The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Best spring vacation spots for families

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