5 Great Spring Break Ideas For Families

It may only be February, but it is considered "last minute" for planning spring break! If you’ve got a crew you’re looking to entertain that week and still haven't booked, check out these five unique ideas for all kinds of families!

For the active family who wants to stay in the US

Wow. The American West has SO much to offer these days. I have a partner I work with to organize exclusive experiences – so you’re visiting a slot canyon nearly on your own or sitting down for dinner with one the last living Navajo Code Talkers. Talk about making your kids’ history lessons come alive. You can also land a helicopter on Tower Butte for a sundowner and picnic in Grand Teton.

Another great option for kids and adults is to spend time at a dude ranch. At The Resort at Paws Up in Montana, you can stay in spacious vacation homes right on the property or in a luxury tent camp! The resort offers spring break packages and fun activities like a kids cooking class and cook-off, whiskey and wine tasting for parents, wilderness workshops, equestrian activities, dog sledding if there’s still snow, cattle driving, and much, much more.

For the family who wants to flop down on a spectacular beach

If you know me, you know I am very opinionated when it comes to different Caribbean islands. The region is quite vast and varied and there is something for everyone… but when it comes to spectacular beaches, my hands-down favorite is Turks & Caicos. I really can’t tell you enough how excited I still am about this jewel even after many visits.

If you’re traveling with kids, grandparents, or extended family – renting a house is on of the top spring break ideas for families. There are so many different options on different parts of the island that have different vibes. If you’re a smaller group there are great hotels along Grace Bay beach which has often been lauded as one of the top 5 beaches in the world.

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive experience though, Turks & Caicos might not be a great fit. For that check out the next idea!

For the family who wants luxury AND all-inclusive

you’re like me and have bad childhood memories of terrible food at Mexico all-inclusive hotels, you might want to learn about some of the new options available! One of my favorites to send families to is Grand Velas. They have locations in Riviera Maya, Riviera Nayarit (near Puerto Vallarta) and Cabo (brand new, but no ocean swimming).

Grand Velas offers truly a 5-star, yet all-inclusive experience. You can stay in a “wellness suite” that has workout equipment IN the room, enjoy award-winning restaurants, enjoy a private plunge pool, drop the kiddos at the kids club (ages 4-12) or teens club (ages 13-18), and even make use of the baby concierge if you’ve got a little one.

For the family who wants a grand adventure + learning

One of my favorite spring break ideas for families is a National Geographic/Linblad cruise to the Galapagos. There are 10 different Galapagos sailings in March and each of them is crewed with a team of naturalist guides including a National Geographic certified photo instructor. You’ll get up and close with finches, sea lions, giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies and more. The family will be able to snorkel, walk, hike, kayak, and paddleboard nearly every day.

My favorite part of National Geographic cruises is the new Global Explorers Program for kids. Kids and teens are able to choose their own activities from learning to drive a zodiac, to collecting plankton samples, to recording wildlife sightings in their field notebook. Kids can choose to do these activities or join their parents on the adult activities!

For the family who simultaneously loves and dreads Disney

Want the Disney experience for your kids without the schlepping and hassle, and also something for the grownups? Another great spring break idea for families is to seriously consider a Disney Cruise – even people who “hate” cruises come back pretty happy after these sailings. This March there are over 20 itineraries ranging from 3 days to 7 days!

There are kids clubs with tons of activities, night clubs and adult-only dining areas, pools and aqua play areas, and of course LOTS of Disney entertainment. There are even themed sailings for kids and adults who are superfans – for example, there’s one cruise where an entire day is dedicated to Marvel – marvel actors, shows, and activities. There’s another for Star Wars.

If cruising still isn’t for you, Disney CAN still be done in a way that pampers adults too. The Four Seasons Orlando is a spectacular choice and Bell & Bly can make sure you get VIP status and great amenities when staying there. Last, if your kids REALLY love Disney, why not consider making this a surprise trip?

Send me a note if you’re interested in any of these options or looking for more spring break ideas for families. I’m here to help make your trip a success. Whether you’re working with me or planning on your own, make sure to get things locked down soon as Spring Break availability fills up fast!

Bell & Bly Travel Design is a boutique, entrepreneur owned, travel consultancy. We have built deep connections across the industry and are affiliated with Brownell Travel (the oldest travel agency in the United States) and Virtuoso. These connections and partnerships mean VIP status and extra perks and upgrades for you, our client. If you would like to learn more, get started today!