8 Underrated Spring Break Destinations for Families in 2023
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8 Underrated Spring Break Destinations for Families in 2023
Oh, the places you’ll go! From popular destinations you never knew were so kid-friendly to pretty beaches that aren’t packed (with partiers), check out these 8 awesome Spring Break spots for families to escape to.
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Lake of the Ozarks, MO
Lake life at its best. If you’re a fan of the hit Netflix tv show Ozark (who isn’t?), you’ll want to book a room at The Alhonna Resort, which has its very own The Blue Cat Lodge—serving up chocolate chip pancakes, chicken strips, mac & cheese and all the kid-friendly classics (plus yummy stuff for parents too). Rent a boat and take the family tubing and water skiing. You can swim, kayak, paddle board—or hit up one of the many outdoor and indoor water parks, arcades or mini golf courses around the lake. The options are really endless. Plus, after all the water activity, bedtime will be a breeze.
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Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonvile, GA
Nature, but make it luxurious. If camping isn’t your thing, take the family glamping at this gorgeous outdoor wonderland—located at the southernmost point of the Appalachian Trail and home to Georgia’s tallest waterfall. The Timberline Glamping Co. campgrounds have an onsite playground to get the wiggles out, along with wood fire pits (hello, smores), hammocks to relax in, hiking and zip-lining for the big kids. You can even add on ring toss, cornhole, giant jenga and lil' glamper boxes (think games, scavenger hunt, binoculars and a magnifying glass) to your experience. Did we mention the fully-furnished tents have a ton of space and even bunk beds?
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Hilton Head Island, SC
If you’re into golf and clean beaches that aren’t overrun with college kids, head down south to Hilton Head for an idyllic and relaxing family Spring Break. Besides all the obvious ocean activities, there’s so much to do and explore beyond the beach. Head to the Coastal Discovery and Sandbox Children’s Museum, Adventure Cove for mini golf and arcade games or take a pirate cruise to search for treasure. You can rent a beach house big enough to fit the entire extended family. Or stay at the Beach House Hilton Head Island and enjoy tropical cocktails at the on-site beach bar (Tiki Hut!) while the kids play in the sand or lagoon-style pool.
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Santa Rosa, CA
For a non-beachy outdoor adventure, head to Santa Rosa in Sonoma County, where the kids can see Snoopy, Charlie Brown and all his friends at the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center—or strap on some ice skates next door at the Redwood Empire Ice Arena (AKA Snoopy’s Home Ice). You’ll also want to plan on checking out Safari West Wildlife Preserve, where kids can see their favorite exotic animals (giraffes, rhinos and hundreds more) in real life. For a little adrenaline rush and an epic view of the Redwoods, families with older children will love the Sonoma Zipline Adventures.
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Newport beach, CA
Soak up the SoCal sun in this beautiful coastal destination, that’s perfect for beach lovers looking to avoid the crowds of LA and San Diego. When you’re done catching waves (Corona del Mar State Beach has great tide pools for the little ones) and building sandcastles, take the whole family dolphin or whale watching. The Balboa Fun Zone is another great option, with its waterfront ferris wheel, arcade games and yummy treats. And to get all that energy out, try Marina Park: a nautical-themed playground right on the harbor. The whole family will also enjoy a visit to the Environmental Nature Center. Stay at The Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, where there are free bike rentals and a pool waterslide for the kids. Psst, did we mention Knott’s Berry Farm is just a short drive away?
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Melbourne, FL
Want to do Disney but stay away from all the Spring Break crowds and high-cost hotels? Melbourne, Florida on the “Space Coast” is the place to go, according to travel expert Dr. Terika Haynes, founder of Dynamite Travel. She recommends Hotel Melby for a great downtown Melbourne stay option. “Attractions in the area include NASA Space Center, a dinosaur museum, and the Brevard Zoo just to name a few,” she says. “Additionally, the area has the beautiful Indian River for boat tours, as well as numerous nearby beaches to choose from.”
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Las Vegas, NV
We know, we know! But believe it or not, Vegas is actually super kid-friendly if you do it right. According to Priceline, it’s one of the top 5 most-affordable destinations for Spring Break travel in 2023 too. Catch a family-friendly show—like Mystere by Cirque du Soleil—with the kids or take the older ones on the Thrill Rides at The STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod. There’s the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay and Discovery Children’s Museum downtown for the little ones. You’ll also want to venture off the strip to enjoy all the amazing outdoor activities. You can horseback ride through the majestic red rock canyons, ride ATVs with the teenagers, and kayak or paddleboard at the Willow Beach Marina. Stay at the super kid-friendly Mandalay Bay Beach, which has epic pools (including a wave pool!) and a lazy river. Um, sold.
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Key Biscayne, FL
Skip the crazy Miami Spring Break scene and enjoy your own little slice of paradise just across the scenic Rickenbacker Causeway on the tiny island of Key Biscayne. Relax—as much as you can with kids—on the pristine, palm tree-fringed beaches. Go kiteboarding, windsurfing, fishing, boating or bicycling. And, of course, enjoy a five-star stay at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne because you deserve a little luxury too. There’s two pools (overlooking the Atlantic) and a new splash pad for the kids. Oh, and a Caribbean-inspired resort spa for you to unwind at!
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