Where to Take the Family For Spring Break

Do you remember spring break as a kid? That week felt as if it went on forever—a small glimpse of the fun and freedom of summer vacation that was just a few short months away. Spring break can mean different things for every family. Maybe your kids use it to get ahead on schoolwork or write up some extra credit book reports. Maybe you take a day or two to do some spring cleaning? But spring break also means vacation! Taking your kids on a trip is a no brainer, but it’s important to find a destination where they’ll learn, have fun and can bond with family.

Studies have shown that family vacations make children happier and smarter because they are in a rich learning environment with new experiences in social, physical and sensory interaction.

Live Like a Tourist

If you have a big family, or lots of littles in tow, it can be easy to plan a staycation that’s close to home. Living in Southern California means there are a plethora of things to do that will get the kids out of their daily routine and make them feel like they’re on their own custom-made vacay, even if their only minutes from the house. Spend a day playing in the surf at the beach, or sneak in a little education at the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum.

San Diego’s Balboa Park sees an estimated 28.4 million total visits per year from locals and tourists alike.

Enjoy a Staycation in a Different Neighborhood

Plan to get away from home, even if it’s for a few nights. The Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine is the best home away from home, with kid-friendly amenities like poolside movies, jumbo-sized games and lots of fun little treats like rubber duckies for bath time and s’mores by the fire. Plus mom and dad can get some much-needed rest and relaxation with poolside cabanas (with full service!) and on-site restaurants that keep the kids entertained with table-top games so parents can enjoy a mini date night.

The Rubbery Ducky first appeared in the late 1800s and was intended as a chew toy for teething children. It didn’t even float.

Say “Hello” to Mickey Mouse

SoCal also means theme parks! Do you remember the first time you met Mickey Mouse? Give your kids some memorable moments (and something to brag to their friends about when they go back to school at the end of the week). Spending a few days at SeaWorld or a weekend at Disneyland will seem like a dream day for them, and make it easy for you to spend some quality time with your Pixar-loving kids.

Everyone’s favorite Disneyland ride? Indiana Jones Adventure. The ride took two years and $125 million for 400 Imagineers to build.

Try Something Unexpected

Looking to venture a little further from home? Try getting your family out of their natural element and head to the mountains! Living in California, it’s easy to get used to the sun and the surf, but there’s something to be said for booking a lodge in the Rockies and surrounding yourself with the simplicity of nature. Leave the Switch and iPad at home—here you and your family will discover rafting, fishing and explore the great outdoors.

Mount Elbert near Leadville, Colorado, rises to a staggering 14,433 feet, making it the tallest peak in the Colorado Rockies.

Go For the Gold

Of course, spring break also means dropping everything and getting away as a family. Ditch work, school and the pantry that you keep swearing you’ll organize, and head to Disney’s Aulani. Tucked away on the island of Hawaii, this resort was made for families of all ages, sizes and budgets. Think all the magic of Disney with all the relaxation of Hawaii. Kids can immerse themselves in another world with family-friendly luaus, authentic Hawaiian “tattoos,” and snorkeling in the resort’s on-property saltwater lagoon. And parents need a little spring break too. With an interactive fun club (read: child care), mom and dad can spend the afternoon at Laniwai Spa or just lying in the sun. Totally up to you. It’s your vacation too.