As part of Spring Break Month I asked some blogging friends to tell me about their favorite spring break destinations for families. Since I love National Parks and think spring break is a wonderful time to visit, I thought I’d ask about these types of trips – specifically for ones in the U.S. and Canada. Take a look at awesome U.S. and Canadian National Park Spring Break Destinations for Families.
Family Spring Break at Canada National Parks
A few years ago Canada celebrated its 150 year anniversary. That year entrance was free to all national parks. We made our way up to both Montreal and Quebec City and, unfortunately, only made it to one National Historic Site – Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site in Quebec City. Like the U.S. National Park System, they have an activity for kids to learn more about the park and earn a prize at the end. This one was a dog tag – the kids even got to pick the color. It was awesome.
If your spring break travels are taking you to Canada this year, be sure to see what National Parks or Historic Sites are in your vicinity. It’ll be worth it. Meanwhile, it seems Banff National Park is definitely one worth visiting. It made two bloggers’ favorite spot. Here’s what they say:
Family Spring Break at Banff National Park
Banff National Park holds some of the most beautiful views in the world. During the spring, there are plenty of opportunities for families to go hiking along the ice-capped peaks, catch a glimpse of turquoise glacier lakes, and catch sightings of wildlife.
– Beyond My Border
While the weather can be a bit unpredictable during spring in Banff National Park, it’s one of the best times to visit. The tour buses of visitors haven’t arrived yet, leaving the low-level hiking trails and attractions uncrowded. Plus in the springtime, you have the option of skiing in the morning and hiking in the afternoon.
– Diane Alkier
Related: 150 Children’s Books set in Canada
Family Spring Break at U.S. National Parks
Philadelphia is a great city all year, but in the springtime, it’s a perfect getaway. Philly is a walkable city and the warm spring weather makes it perfect for a walking tour of Old City. Families love to explore the historical buildings like Independence Hall, The Liberty Bell, and the former Presidential Mansion site. Another great spring tradition is the opening of Spruce Street Harbor Park, a family-friendly urban pop-up venue that includes street food, a beer garden, music and a game area on the Delaware River waterfront.
– Robe Trotting
Spring break is the perfect time to visit Washington DC. The National Mall is one of the most visited national parks in the United States and gives kids the chance to earn many special junior rangers badges. Visit the cherry blossoms along the tidal basin, numerous museums, and historical sites inside this national park. It’s a trip they’ll never forget!
– Meghan the Traveling Teacher
Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the perfect spring break destination in the southeast, especially if you are camping! You can beat the heat of summer and enjoy the lush spring scenery and wildflowers. Looking for some family fun outside the park? Nearby Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have tons of family-friendly attractions and accommodations.
– Embracing the Wind
Big Bend National Park is one of the most amazing places to visit in the US. The park, located in remote west Texas, is one of the biggest and contains three distinct ecosystems. A family can spend 3-7 days there exploring hikes of varying difficulty, the amazing fossil discovery exhibit, working through the in-depth Junior Ranger program and even lounging in hot springs.
– The Family Voyage
Bandelier National Monument near Albuquerque, New Mexico was a fantastic spring break experience with warm days and cool nights for short hikes! My kids loved climbing up the ladders into the alcoves and spotting petroglyphs along the trails; the weather was perfect and there are lots of things to do in the big city nearby.
– Explore More, Clean Less!
Spring is a perfect time to visit Arches National Park. The weather is mild and the park is quieter than in the high season. The warm sunny days are great for hiking and exploring the park. Plus, you can combine Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park and Moab in your spring break adventure.
– Family Travel Fever
Southern Utah is a unique area that boasts many natural wonders. One of the best places to visit in southern Utah is Zion National Park. With red rock canyons and the Virgin River cutting through, it is a beautiful area, unlike many others. Zion is perfect for the adventurer, hiker, camper, rock climber, and outdoorsman. If you’ve never seen it, you’re missing out!
– Social Family Fun
The Grand Canyon National Park is perfect for Spring Break if you want to see the desert in bloom and avoid Arizona’s notorious heat. With its convenient shuttles, an array of lodging inside the park, and a junior ranger program, it’s also a stress-free destination for families.
– Vanilla Papers
Our Grand Canyon trip with our kiddo was awesome! Even though it’s starting to get pretty crowded come springtime, there are still opportunities to have quiet family hikes that are super kid-friendly. My top recommendation would be the trail to Shoshone Point. It’s wide and flat, perfect for hikers of all abilities — it can even accommodate a stroller! And since it’s not marked from the road, it’s much less crowded than most trails.
– MB Sees
Yellowstone National Park is a classic American destination full of wildlife, geothermal activity, and history. With so much to see and do it is the perfect Spring getaway for any family. Check out our complete two-day itinerary here.
– While we were Wandering
Yosemite National Park, located in the Sierra Nevada, comes to life during spring. This is the perfect season to chase waterfalls. The bottom of Bridalveil and Yosemite Falls can be reached easily the trailheads. Nevada and Vernal Falls can be accessed from the famous Mist Trail. In addition, families can enjoy activities such as biking (there are many flat trails the Yosemite Valley), fishing, horseback riding, camping, picking or taking a deep at one of the park’s streams.
– Tanama Tales
Redwood National Park in California. It not only has massive, ancient redwoods that will awe the kids, and plenty of trails on which to run around and explore, but also rivers for rafting and kayaking, coastlines and beaches. Spring is the perfect time to go, after the winter rains and before the summer crowds. And spring is also when you can watch the whales migrate from the high bluffs along the Redwood Parks coastline!
– Bella Bird Journeys
Joshua Tree National Park makes for the perfect spring break destination because of pleasant daytime temperatures. You can do short or long hikes or drive through the park, stopping at key viewpoints. The wildflowers are amazing too!
– Not About the Miles
Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park is a perfect spring break destination for families with kids as it includes fun activities like camping, kayaking as well as educational walking/hiking tours about the endemic flora and fauna. It is a great place for kids to spend some time away from technology and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Santa Cruz Island.
– A Charming Escape
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the most exciting Spring Break locations because where else can you explore lava tubes, touch lava rock, and get the most epic Instagram photos? The park rangers also offer specialty programs highlighting Hawaiian culture with demonstrations and hands-on activities. Plus, you might see real lava!
– Hawaii Travel with Kids
Bonus: Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. Our family visited this park during a spring break trip to Kentucky to see the Corvette Museum. It was such a beautiful place that I had to include it here.
– Kids’ Travel Books
Related: Children’s books set in U.S. National Parks
A HUGE thanks to the contributors for making this post happen. Please be sure to check out the blog for more travel inspiration. If you need more spring break ideas check out my posts about Florida for Spring Break, Caribbean Islands for Spring Break, and Europe for Spring Break (coming next week). Additionally, stay tuned as I have upcoming posts about some of these National Parks and the children’s books available to help you plan your trip.
