Take a Break from the Typical
Looking for a perfect place to take the family for spring break this year? Someplace different, interesting and maybe even enlightening? The team at WallyPark has found a half dozen terrific destinations that allow your family to skip the typical theme parks and tourist traps. Best of all, you won’t need a passport to visit any of them, so there’s still time to book your flights and accommodations.
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
You’ve seen it in pictures and on TV, but there’s nothing like really being here – and stunning landscapes are just the beginning. For a truly unforgettable experience, try a mule ride along the South Rim, rent e-bikes to explore the Hermit Road Greenway Trail or step back in time with a Grand Canyon Railway train ride. You can also visit the South Rim Village to grab a Junior Rangers activity book or join a ranger-led hike or astronomy program. But plan ahead. The North Rim is closed until mid-May, so the South Rim can get a little busy. Average Daily High Temp in March: 52
San Diego, CA
Known as “America’s Finest City” for its mild year-round climate, San Diego is a playground of parks, beaches, museums, hiking trails and other outdoor adventures. Explore the world-famous San Diego Zoo or spend the day at Legoland California. Seeking a more relaxing retreat? Head to La Jolla’s pristine beaches, where you can also watch seals and explore tide pools. March and April mark the peak of the gray whale watching season, but you’ll also find plenty of amazing indoor experiences like the Natural History Museum and Fleet Science Center. Average Daily High Temp in March: 73
New York, NY
The Big Apple may not be the first place you think of when it comes to spring break, but it offers a big experience for any family. Visit historic landmarks like Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square and the Empire State Building. Catch a show on Broadway, at Radio City Music Hall or watch a taping at Rockefeller Center. Then there’s the Metropolitan Museum of Art or American Museum of Natural History (where they filmed “Night at the Museum.”) Spring also means milder weather, making it a great time to explore Central Park and famous neighborhoods like Little Italy and Chinatown. Average Daily High Temp in March: 50
Hilton Head Island, SC
Does your family love outdoor recreation? Hilton Head Island has something for everyone – from biking and kayaking to golf and horseback riding. If that doesn’t sound adventurous enough, you can try a pirate-themed cruise, a zip line ride or visit the gators of the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. Then chill at the Coastal Discovery Museum, featuring nearly 70 acres of gardens, wildlife and boardwalk trails through a salt marsh. Best of all, most of Hilton Head’s family-friendly resorts offer spring rates that are cheaper than those in summer. Average Daily High Temp in March: 69
Keystone, CO
Spanning over 3,000 acres across three peaks and five bowls of the Rocky Mountains, Keystone is one of the best, kid-friendly ski resorts in America – with trails for all skill levels. If you or your kids are new to skiing or snowboarding, you can start with lessons at the Ski and Ride School. Don’t feel like skiing every day? Take a ride down Dercum Mountain in a snow tube or explore the incredible snow fort. Afterward, you can enjoy plenty of great dining, shopping or gliding around two ice skating rinks at Lakeside Village and Dercum Square in River Run Village. Average Daily High Temp in March: 34
Key West, FL
If your kids like aquatic wildlife, they’re going to love the Florida Keys. Start at the Eco-Discovery Center to learn about the local marine environment, then visit the Key West Aquarium to interact with starfish, sea cucumbers and conches. Then there’s the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, home to butterflies, turtles and flamingos. But “The Keys” offer more than just wildlife. Try a glass-bottom boat tour or kayaking at Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, snorkeling at Sombrero Reef or parasailing in Key Largo. Average Daily High Temp in March: 78
These are just a half dozen places our team has found for families looking for something different. If you do a little exploring online, we bet you’ll find several more. The trick is to ask yourself “what kind of experiences would our family really enjoy” instead of just “what are the most popular destinations.”
Of course, a truly great spring break begins before you even leave home. Remember to pack comfortable clothes, charge your mobile phones and reserve your airport parking space at WallyPark to simplify your trip.
Availability is limited and you’re not the only spring breakers, so book now.
