Hi Friends! Happy Tuesday! I’m in the best mood because it was SO sunny here today. It was cold… but sunny! I’ll take it 🙂
If you’ve been with me all week, you’ll know it’s been Spring Break week over here! I know this year is kind of weird for Spring Break travel. Some people are grabbing their masks and heading off to get some sunshine. Others are staying home because they aren’t quite ready to travel. No matter which group you’re in, it’s pretty likely that you’ve got cabin fever… and that you deserve a break.
So, if you’re feeling adventurous, I’ve rounded up a bunch of family friendly Spring Break ideas… that just might be Covid friendly too! (As long as you follow social distancing, wear a mask and stay safe!) Everyone knows that you can escape to the beaches of Florida as soon as Spring hits. But there is an entire world out there that you can escape to! So let’s escape the red solo cups, teeny bikinis and mouse ears. Where should you and your family start your adventure this Spring? (PS… these are all domestic trips that can be planned last minute! So don’t worry… you still have time to book!)
For the Outdoorsy Family: Pick a National Park, any National Park. Whichever you choose is guaranteed to be a wonderful adventure filled with gorgeous views, fun and memories that will last you a life time. Plus… National Parks are the easiest places to social distance. So.Much.Space. But what park should you choose? The Travel Channel claims these are the best National Parks for Families, and I have to agree! (Although, I think The Great Smoky Mountains and The Badlands should have made the list too!) Just be sure to check the weather before you book a trip. Spring in The Tetons might feel more like Christmas Vacation than Spring Break! (Not that this would matter… because The Tetons are legit perfect any time of year!)
Thinking a National Park sounds like the right fit for your family? Check out a few of my National Park guides below before you go!
National Park Hiking Guide: The Great Smoky Mountains
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Things To Do When You Don’t Feel Like Hiking
Smoky Mountain Itineraries Part 1
Smoky Mountain Itineraries Part 2
See Y’all Soon, Smoky Mountains
10 Most Instagram Worthy Spots in The Smoky Mountains
Grand Teton National Park; Bradley, Taggart and Phelps Lakes
Granite Hot Springs and the Jackson Hole Rodeo
That Time Wyoming Stole My Heart…
10 Most Instagram Worthy Spots in Jackson Hole
For the Classic Family: Is there anything more classic than a Road Trip? Pack up the van and take the family on a trip where “getting there” really is half the fun! I did an entire post on why I love road trips, that you can read here! Where should you take your family for an epic Spring Break Road Trip? Think the classics… like The Grand Canyon, Route 66, Niagara Falls or Mt. Rushmore.
I know the idea of a road trip might seem a little bit scary right now, simply because you’d stop in so many places and are exposed to so many different people this way. Remember to wear your masks, grab your hand sanitizer and keep your distance. You’ll be okay!
Thinking a Road Trip is the way to go? Check out my posts on South Dakota and Niagara Falls for some fun ideas before you head on your classic adventure! (PS… my Niagara Falls guides are all for the Canadian side. I’m linking them below so you can see just how great The Falls are, but if you plan to go, make sure you adapt to the American side. You might not be able to get across the border right now.)
10 Reasons Niagara Falls Should Be Your Next Vacation
Everything You Need To Know Before You Book a Trip to Niagara Falls!
Niagara Falls: The Adventure Pass
Niagara Falls: Where To Stay, Eat + Play
Niagara on the Lake: The Most Charming Small Town in Canada
How To Plan A Wine Road Trip + My Favorite Wine Road Trip in Ontario
5 Most Instagram Worthy Spots in Niagara Falls
10 Most Instagram Worthy Spots in Niagara on the Lake
For the History Lovin’ Family: Are your family members a bunch of history buffs like mine? Take them on the trip they’ll never forget to immerse themselves in history and Americana and spend your Spring Break in Washington DC! Right now… the Smithsonian museums and National Zoo are CLOSED to to the public. However, there are still a lot of open air monuments you can see! However, I’m linking ALL my DC posts below in case you want to take a little virtual vacation 🙂
Ready to get your history on? I did an entire series on DC! Check out my posts below.
Guide to The Smithsonian: Tips and Tricks for making the most of your time at these amazing museums!
10 DC Must Sees… That aren’t The Smithsonian
Monuments and Memorials: A Guide to D.C.’s Best
DC Eats that Won’t Break the Bank
How to Navigate the DC Metro Like A Pro.
10 Most Instagram Worthy Spots in DC
For the Sporty Family: Spring Break is usually synonyms with sunshine, warm weather and sand. But it doesn’t have to be! Does your family love to ski? Take them on one last Ski Trip of the season. Late Season Skiing may not be quite as good as fresh powder in January, but you’ll score some seriously great discounts at some of the best resorts in the country. (Think Aspen, Breckenridge, Jackson Hole, Tahoe and Park City.)
For the Beach Loving Family: I suppose I can’t do a Spring Break post without at least one beachy locale! So let’s head to the South y’all. When I think of the best cities in the South, Savannah Georgia comes to mind. It’s beautiful, historic, and filled to the brim with that sweet southern charm. But let’s be honest, if I’m heading South for Spring Break, I want to be able to head to the beach. Enter Tybee Island. Only a short 30 minute drive from Savannah, you’ll find yourself in another world as soon as you cross the bridge to “Savannah’s Beach.” With miles of public beach, piers, deep sea fishing, shopping and restaurants, you will absolutely fall in love with this little beach town. And I can promise you, your entire family will be asking when they can go back.
For the City Slickers: If you’re from the Mid West, chances are, you already know how great the city of Chicago is. And if you’re not, you’re about to find out. From adventures and culture, to culinary excellence and my beloved Lake Michigan, The Windy City is a place you want to visit. Trust me. Take your kids to some seriously stellar museums, take pictures in Millennium Park, catch a game at Wrigley Field, be on top of the world at Sears Willis Tower, go shopping on The Magnificent Mile, check out the Lincoln Park Zoo, and eat a Chicago Dog (or 20). This city will steal a piece of your heart.
Check out my post from a weekend in Chicago this past summer! This is just a Weekend Round Up with a few things we did. Remember, there is SO MUCH MORE to do in Chicago!
Weekend Round Up: Chicago Style
For the Kids Who Just Want to Swim: Pick a water park, any water park. Chances are, you’ve got a great one close to home because the USA is bursting with massive indoor waterparks for your little ones! In Michigan, we’ve got Avalanche Bay and Great Wolf Lodge. If you want to try an outdoor waterpark, try a state like Texas. Where you can visit Texas Hill Country and the Schlitterbahn that is voted one of the world’s best water parks year after year! And while you’re there, you can visit San Antonio for a little bit of culture, a little bit of history and a whole lot of fun!
Check out my favorite things about San Antonio below!
10 Most Instagram Worthy Spots in San Antonio
For the “Dudes”: Have you ever wanted to go to a dude ranch?! That can’t just be me. Ever since I saw How The West Was Fun (one of the greatest MKA movies OF ALL TIME) I’ve thought a week at a dude ranch sounded like so much fun! There are literally THOUSANDS of Dude Ranches across America! And you’re guaranteed to find one that is the perfect fit for you and your family to get back to the Old West. (PS… I’d pick a Dude Ranch in Texas or Arizona where it will be warmer than Colorado or Wyoming in April!)
For the Family Who Has A Kid That Is Obsessed With Trains: LOL but for real. Half of the 5 year olds at my work are obsessed with trains. So why not make their damn life and book a train trip? I know it was the highlight of my year when I got to ride the train from Holland to Chicago one Spring Break when I was younger. I felt SO COOL and literally had the best Spring Break stories to tell when I got back to school. Check out local train stations and see where you can book a ticket to! You might be surprised at how affordable a rail trip could be for you and your family!
So what are you and your family doing this Spring Break? Got room for one more? I’ll gladly snuggle into your suitcases! (With my mask on, of course!)
Have the best rest of your night my loves. I’ll be back tomorrow!
Xx.
Savannah
Savannah Said It 