Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

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BobStrauss
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Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by BobStrauss »

Looking for different ideas on Spring Break travel for my family - wife, 2 kids (ages 4 and 6), and elderly parents (78 and 82). Hoping for someplace with a variety of activities to suit all generations, but my kids are really pretty flexible and not in need of a Disney type experience or anything. Warm weather (65+ daytime temps) are strongly preferred.

Any suggestions? A lot of Florida still seems a bit cold for a beach vacation, but maybe Miami would be warm and offer variety? Or on the other side of the country, divide some time between places like Vegas (heard it can be surprisingly interesting for kids), Palm Springs (BnB pool plus Joshua Tree nearby), and San Diego? Or just pay a little extra and try to find a decent spot somewhere in Mexico?

I always get great advice here, so please let me know if you have any ideas we should look into.
runner3081
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by runner3081 »

Vegas is miserable these days. Would not advise anyone going, especially kids. Was a rough experience for our child last year, out, walking around.

We like Carlsbad and Newport Beach for Cali beach spots. Sand is much better in Newport, but Carlsbad is less glitzy.
bobn60014
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by bobn60014 »

San Diego. Weather consistent, great restaurants and plenty to do for all ages. The zoo, Coronado, Sea World, Old Town, Seaport Village, Mission Beach, La Jolla, etc are easily accessible...plus day trips if you get bored. :)
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Watty
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by Watty »

What part of the country are you in?

With the ages of your kids and parents I would suggest looking at destinations that you can get a relatively quick direct flight to because with flight connection you could burn up a full day of traveling each way and every connection gives Murphy's Law a chance to cause more problems.

I am not really a "cruise person" but a cruise would be an option. Be warned though I have heard of several people coming back from cruises with COVID which was fortunately mild.

With that many people travel insurance would be worth considering. I have used them and they are often mentioned here so you could check out the trip insurance store but call their 800 number and ask about your needs to see what they suggest.

https://tripinsurancestore.com/

I would choose Costa Rica over Mexico especially if you could get a direct flight there. With any international trip make sure that everyone physically checks the expiration dates of their passports and applies for new one now if they need to. I do not know about these countries but some countries require that you passport not expire within six months of your expected return date.
Last edited by Watty on Sun Oct 06, 2024 9:10 am, edited 1 time in total.
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BobStrauss
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by BobStrauss »

I’m in San Antonio, with parents who’ll be flying from Kansas City. FWIW, they can still do quite a bit at their ages, but are both on aftermarket hips and fairly limited when it comes to long walks.

A cruise makes sense, but we’re planning to do our first one with the other half of the family next summer, so that’s not an option we’re looking at for spring break.

The San Diego suggestion is growing on me. Seems like there’s a lot going on within driving distance.
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Watty
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by Watty »

BobStrauss wrote: Sun Oct 06, 2024 9:09 am I’m in San Antonio, with parents who’ll be flying from Kansas City.
I just edited my post to add Costa Rica as an option when you were posting this.
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Kagord
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by Kagord »

Along with San Diego, Santa Barbara is another option, IMHO, more relaxed, more scenic (drive up the coast, I'll throw, though touristy, Solvang in there), and not as busy, but may cost more. 50 years ago, I'd say, hands down, San Diego.
SuperSaver
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by SuperSaver »

We did Phoenix/Sedona/GC last spring break

Scottsdale is great for families.
Stay at a desert resort (Westin Kierland Commons).

We did putt shack with kids. Easy hiking in Sedona, and quick trip to Grand canyon.

Weather is great. Amazing shopping and restaurants
BUBear29
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by BUBear29 »

Disney cruise. Kids love it. You can drop them at kids club one night for a date night or quiet dinner. The shows are great. The food is actually quite good. Activities are all ages. Takes you to warm destinations. We did one last November out of Ft Lauderdale and loved it. Doing one for spring break out of Galveston (not as exciting) since we are in Texas. Actively planning another in Europe. We have three kids 6,4,2 and its one of the most fun vacations we have been on.

We aren’t Disney fanatics but they know how to do cruises and provide a relaxing, fun, entertaining time for all ages.
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Random Musings
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by Random Musings »

The Bahamas, San Diego and Sedona/Grand Canyon South Rim come to mind. The question is how active are your parents?

RM
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lthenderson
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by lthenderson »

BobStrauss wrote: Sun Oct 06, 2024 8:33 am Looking for different ideas on Spring Break travel for my family - wife, 2 kids (ages 4 and 6), and elderly parents (78 and 82).
When we had a wide variety of ages like that, we did a lot of vacations that consisted of a VRBO rental on the beach somewhere, usually along the gulf coast. We did a lot of cooking, playing games, reading, watching sunsets and for those that could, walking along the beach. It was mostly just being a family in a home that wasn't our home. My kids remember nothing of vacations when they were six and younger and likely your parents have seen all there is to see already so my advice would be to just pick a spot that interest you instead of trying to find a place that interests the entire family equally.
Valuethinker
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by Valuethinker »

runner3081 wrote: Sun Oct 06, 2024 8:42 am Vegas is miserable these days. Would not advise anyone going, especially kids. Was a rough experience for our child last year, out, walking around.
In what sense was it "miserable"? Just too crowded? The sort of behaviour of other, allegedly adult, tourists?
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BrooklynInvest
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by BrooklynInvest »

Just took our boy (nearly 5) to Dollywood for a long weekend. Weather was great and typically is in the spring.

Haven't been to Disney since college and have no plans to go back. Tons for the little ones to do at D-Wood, her hotel is great - shallow pool for the kids. The rides are tiered well - quite a few for the little ones, more once they hit 39 and 40 inches. A few fun coasters for the grown ups. Spent a full day at the park and a day tooling around the area. Flew in and out of Knoxville which is a great, small airport.

Addendum - For the older folks they have tons of electric scooters and tons of places to sit and relax. It's a little hilly but we've found the scale of the park to be good, even for the little ones.
runner3081
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by runner3081 »

Valuethinker wrote: Mon Oct 07, 2024 8:55 am
runner3081 wrote: Sun Oct 06, 2024 8:42 am Vegas is miserable these days. Would not advise anyone going, especially kids. Was a rough experience for our child last year, out, walking around.
In what sense was it "miserable"? Just too crowded? The sort of behaviour of other, allegedly adult, tourists?
Homeless population, crowding, overall, just filthy - parking garages had trash everywhere, smelled like urine.
GT99
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by GT99 »

[response to deleted post removed]

I personally don't think Disney cruises are worth the extreme premium price. I've been on 2 Disney and 2 Norwegian cruises in recent years. Disney is a bit better, but not much, and it usually costs about double for a comparable cruise.
Last edited by Alex Frakt on Tue Oct 29, 2024 1:00 am, edited 1 time in total.
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GT99
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by GT99 »

Lots of good suggestions - one other to mention is the stretch of Florida's gulf coast from Tampa down to Marco Island/Naples (basically the stretch about to get hammered by Hurricane Milton). Weather will definitely be warm, and lots of nice places (Siesta Key, Longboat Key, etc). They have a good bit of damage already from Helene and are about to get more, but their economy is so dependent on tourism I suspect they'll be in pretty good shape by Spring.
123
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by 123 »

bobn60014 wrote: Sun Oct 06, 2024 8:47 am San Diego. Weather consistent, great restaurants and plenty to do for all ages. The zoo, Coronado, Sea World, Old Town, Seaport Village, Mission Beach, La Jolla, etc are easily accessible...plus day trips if you get bored. :)
+1 Your kids, age 4 and 6, are at the ideal age to visit Legoland in Carlsbad https://www.legoland.com/california/ In my book Legoland is far superior to Disneyland for young kids. Legoland is a great option near San Diego.
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stan1
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by stan1 »

123 wrote: Mon Oct 07, 2024 12:43 pm
bobn60014 wrote: Sun Oct 06, 2024 8:47 am San Diego. Weather consistent, great restaurants and plenty to do for all ages. The zoo, Coronado, Sea World, Old Town, Seaport Village, Mission Beach, La Jolla, etc are easily accessible...plus day trips if you get bored. :)
+1 Your kids, age 4 and 6, are at the ideal age to visit Legoland in Carlsbad https://www.legoland.com/california/ In my book Legoland is far superior to Disneyland for young kids. Legoland is a great option near San Diego.
Yes, age 4 to 6 is perfect age for Legoland and I'd go ahead and stay on-site for 1-2 nights. Convenient for entry and re-entry if a nap is needed. The kids should enjoy the separate bunk room in the suite filled with Lego bricks. Plus you get early access. Yes its more expensive, but worth it.

Safari Park east of Escondido would be my next suggestion, but if they want to see pandas they are at the Balboa Park zoo.
JPM
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by JPM »

For 4-8 year old children and aged grandparents, small lazy-river type indoor waterparks can be had even in the midwest in winter. When our grandkids were little, we took them and their parents to nearby indoor water parks in chilly Wisconsin at the Lake Geneva "Grand Geneva" resort or the Wisconsin Dells. Accommodations at Lake Geneva were nice, the Dells accommodations can vary some with price. Kids love it, it's very safe and genteel, grandparents loved it for the opportunity to hang with the grandkids and parents. Not very ethnically diverse in Wisconsin, but Wisconsin is not very diverse compared to urban America. Little nightlife otherwise to speak of. Wherever you are in the US there are probably similar nearby resorts.

We took some expensive plane-trip Disney vacations with our boys at 6&7 and they don't remember much if any of it. It was more fun when they were teenagers. Not recommended for small children. For fun mommy-daddy vacations, we got a sitter.
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by mw1739 »

We've been to most of the places mentioned. When our kids were around that age a couple places we preferred were the Pink Shell in Fort Myers and the JW Marriott Marco Island. We recently went to the 30A area in Florida and I think that would be a great choice for younger kids as well. Scottsdale is a great choice for warm weather, but I feel like the activities are geared towards kids a few years older.

Mexico or another all-inclusive location is a very easy option also depending on travel preferences.
Dmanse02
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by Dmanse02 »

I would add:

gatlinburg/pigeon forge if you would like the mountains. This is Dollywood area as previously mentioned. fun to just hang out in a cabin and tons of things to do for kids that grandparents could also do physically.

A trip to a space center may be suitable as well. Our parents actually went with us when we took the kids to kennedy space center, and they raved about it.

any national/state parks with a junior ranger program. typically budget friendly. kids can learn and grandparents tend to appreciate it more.
HereToLearn
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by HereToLearn »

123 wrote: Mon Oct 07, 2024 12:43 pm
bobn60014 wrote: Sun Oct 06, 2024 8:47 am San Diego. Weather consistent, great restaurants and plenty to do for all ages. The zoo, Coronado, Sea World, Old Town, Seaport Village, Mission Beach, La Jolla, etc are easily accessible...plus day trips if you get bored. :)
+1 Your kids, age 4 and 6, are at the ideal age to visit Legoland in Carlsbad https://www.legoland.com/california/ In my book Legoland is far superior to Disneyland for young kids. Legoland is a great option near San Diego.
Another vote for Legoland. Much more manageable than Disney for those ages, although Disney is wonderful also at those ages. Sea World is great also, but I think I would skip the rides for four & six year old and just visit the animal exhibits.

When we visited Legoland, we stayed at a Four Seasons in Aviara, but I believe it is now a Hyatt. Lovely setting plus a nice pool for the down days in between or after park days.
DesertGator
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by DesertGator »

The Vatican?

The Scavi tours are excellent.
nfs
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by nfs »

My 4 year old LOVED Vegas when we were there in January but it was a lot of walking for my mom who is in her late 70s. Things she enjoyed: blue man group, mermaids, riding in a gondola, walking though the various hotels. She also was very impressed with some of the fancy drinks she saw there.

Legoland for 4 year old was ok but there were a lot of rides she couldn't go on so we probably won't do that again until she's bigger.

Sea World in San Diego was a big hit - she could do a lot of rides and loved the animals. We are planning another trip to do this again. There is plenty to do with kids in San Diego.

Personally, I'm hoping to plan a Disney cruise - my daughter likes to experience the independence of something like the kids club (she enjoys the "parent survival nights" at our local gymnastics studio) and I think would enjoy the activities. Would also be really good for my mom.

We spend a lot of time in Sunriver in central Oregon... daughter loves the indoor lazy river that the Sunriver Lodge has, plus there are other outdoor activities available... they typically have specific programs going on in town for spring break and throughout summer and fall.

We've also do Chicago where we REALLY enjoy the children's museum/navy pier and thr many museums, but there's either a lot of walking, ubering, or public transit... public transit being the easiest with little kiddos since you don't necessarily have to bring the car seats.
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by Alex Frakt »

I've had to remove several posts from this thread. Please just report problem posts (no matter how insulting and asinine), rather than responding in kind.
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by MBB_Boy »

BobStrauss wrote: Sun Oct 06, 2024 9:09 am I’m in San Antonio, with parents who’ll be flying from Kansas City. FWIW, they can still do quite a bit at their ages, but are both on aftermarket hips and fairly limited when it comes to long walks.

A cruise makes sense, but we’re planning to do our first one with the other half of the family next summer, so that’s not an option we’re looking at for spring break.

The San Diego suggestion is growing on me. Seems like there’s a lot going on within driving distance.
Why not just head to North Padre?
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Beensabu
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by Beensabu »

The answer is clearly Hawaii.
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by Alex Frakt »

Given the ages of the travellers, I'd say whatever family-friendly Caribbean or Mexican all inclusive you can get to with a nonstop flight and easy ground transfer.
Flashes1
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by Flashes1 »

We enjoyed Naples Grande Beach Resort:

* Great pool for the kids with a water slide,
* Nice pool side food/beverage at the pool.
* Kids love the golf cart rides down to the beach which has a small restaurant that's good for lunch.
* Close enough to the Everglades which the kids loved the boat tours to see all the wildlife.
* We liked the location (relatively close to downtown and RSW airport).
* Naples is warm enough for us that time of year.

https://www.naplesgrande.com
nexesn
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by nexesn »

Watty wrote: Sun Oct 06, 2024 9:15 am
BobStrauss wrote: Sun Oct 06, 2024 9:09 am I’m in San Antonio, with parents who’ll be flying from Kansas City.
I just edited my post to add Costa Rica as an option when you were posting this.
I also think Costa Rica is a great option (they are well setup for tourists of all ages. And, there is a lot to do.

I also like the all inclusive option. Another great route! Especially with little and old ones. You can all meet when you want to meet, and you can also all do whatever you want to do.

As Alex wrote, any All-Inclusive-Resort in the Caribbean, Mexico, etc, are great (just look at the views :). Jamaica is also nice (I know, it's in the Caribbean).
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by cbs2002 »

Caveat - we are beach people and like to spend a week doing nothing but eating, drinking, swimming, walking, reading and hiking in natural areas. I realize that's not for everyone.

We did Anna Maria Island last year. It's about an hour south of St. Pete and was plenty warm for us both in water and air at the end of March. The north end of the island where we stayed is quiet, family oriented and easy to get around. It gets more bar and grill-y further south. I don't know what the deal will be in spring 2025 given Helene and Milton, but file it away for future consideration. I'd go back in a heartbeat.

We also love Cape San Blas which may be too cold for you at that time of year. It's isolated, so if someone wants to play golf or see a show they are out of luck. But family friendly, quiet and there's even snorkeling in the bay.

Visited Sedona recently as well - gorgeous, fantastic hiking and highly accessible. Lots of rental homes with pools and views. I heard Feb and March are very busy - we were there at the end of May and it was not bad. I'm not a fan of being around lots of people on vacation.
Emorla
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by Emorla »

I’d definitely recommend San Diego for your Spring Break! It’s such a great spot for families, and the weather is usually perfect this time of year. You can spend a day at the famous zoo, which my kids loved when we went, and Balboa Park has so many activities that everyone can enjoy. The beaches are beautiful, and exploring the tide pools in La Jolla was a highlight for us. If you're up for a little adventure, you could even take a day trip to Joshua Tree.
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Re: Family-friendly Spring Break recommendations?

Post by Normchad »

We posed this question to our daughter many years ago. She found a dude ranch in Arizona. It was fantastic!

People had individual cabins, with AC. And there was a large communal meeting/eating space where everybody had their meals together.

If you wanted to ride horses, you could. But didn’t have to. They had a fishing pond with fishing instructors…..

It was just very nice and very relaxing.
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