Planning Spring Break activities for the whole family can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to make sure everyone has a good time and the kids stay entertained. Whether you’re vacationing or staycationing, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to help you maximize family fun and create lasting memories this spring break.
Enjoy the simple joys and make the most of spring break at home
Staying at home during spring break might sound routine or even dull to some, but it doesn’t have to be! Get ahead of any potential boredom and plan out fun, engaging at-home activities that the whole family can enjoy together.
1. Try out new recipes
Take a look at your saved folders on Instagram or TikTok—you probably have at least a handful of recipes you’ve bookmarked but never tried. Now’s your chance to bring those trending treats to life with the family! Turn it into a fun day: make a shopping list, explore a different grocery store, create some fun family content for social media, and most importantly, make memories that will last.
2. Family movie marathon
Cozy nights in aren’t just for winter or fall—family movie marathons are perfect for those longer spring evenings too. Go all out by picking a genre or movie series that’s packed with variety (think Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, Lord of the Rings, or The Avengers). Kick back, relax, and enjoy that fresh popcorn!
3. Make a family time capsule and bury it
Create a fun, meaningful activity by putting together a family time capsule. Gather mementos like photos, notes, drawings, and small trinkets that represent your family’s current favorite memories, interests, or inside jokes. Once it’s packed, head outside and bury it in the yard or garden. Mark the spot and set a date to dig it up in a few years—it’ll be a blast to rediscover those moments and see how much everyone has grown.
4. Have a paint party
Unleash everyone’s creativity with a paint party! Set up canvases, paints, and brushes, and let each family member create their own masterpiece. Play some upbeat music, snack on treats, and maybe even turn it into a friendly competition with themes or challenges. At the end of the day, you’ll have unique, homemade artwork to display and a new family memory to cherish.
Cool Ideas for Kids at Spring Break
There are so many things to do with kids at Spring Break – from hands-on museums, galleries, and music events – you won’t be able to fit them all in. We’ve listed a few ideas below to get you started.
1. Explore a museum
Spark your kids’ curiosity with a trip to a hands-on museum. Whether it’s science, art, or history, many museums have interactive exhibits designed just for kids. They’ll be learning without even realizing it—and having a blast while they’re at it. Bonus points if you can find a special Spring Break exhibit or workshop to make the visit even more exciting!
2. Visit a food fair
Introduce your kids to new flavors and cultures by heading to a local food fair. Let them pick out fun snacks or dishes to try, and make it a family adventure to learn about the stories behind the cuisines. It’s the perfect way to turn a regular day out into an exploration of global tastes—without leaving town!
3. Outdoor markets
Take advantage of the spring weather by strolling through an outdoor market. Whether it’s a farmers market or a craft fair, kids will love exploring the stalls, tasting fresh produce, and picking out handmade treasures. Give them a small budget and watch as they discover the joy of finding something special all on their own.
4. Catch a sporting event
Turn up the energy with a family outing to a sporting event! Whether it’s a big-league game or a local match, cheering for a team is an experience your kids won’t forget. Grab some jerseys, enjoy stadium snacks, and soak in the excitement of game day together.
Outdoor activities while you’re on holiday with the kids
And, if you do get to go away for some fun, how about trying out these outdoor activities at Spring Break.
1. Visit a Local Amusement Park
Make your Spring Break trip unforgettable with a visit to a nearby amusement park! Check ahead to confirm park hours and any seasonal events happening during your stay. From thrilling roller coasters to kid-friendly rides, it’s the perfect way to add excitement to your holiday. Don’t forget to snap some family photos and indulge in those classic park treats!
2. Explore by Bike
Rent bikes and explore the local area in a fun, active way. Whether it’s a coastal trail, a scenic city route, or a countryside path, biking is a great way to soak in the sights as a family. Stop along the way to take in views or enjoy a packed lunch-it’s an adventure everyone will love.
3. Discover Nature on a Walk
Escape the hustle of tourist spots and immerse yourselves in nature. Look for nearby trails, national parks, or even botanical gardens at your holiday destination. Kids will enjoy spotting wildlife, skipping rocks in streams, or collecting interesting leaves and flowers along the way.
4. Camp Under the Stars
If your Spring Break trip takes you to a spot with great outdoor spaces, consider a camping night! Many destinations have campgrounds perfect for families, complete with fire pits and stargazing opportunities. Bring along some marshmallows for roasting and enjoy a night of stories, laughter, and family bonding.
5. Plan a Destination Scavenger Hunt
Make exploring your holiday destination extra fun with a scavenger hunt! Create a list of local landmarks, unique items, or even foods to find. For example, “spot a palm tree,” “try a local dessert,” or “take a picture with a statue.” This interactive activity is a great way to engage the kids and make sightseeing more exciting.
Activities to Get the Most Out of Your Spring Break Vacation
When traveling with kids of varying ages, choosing your destination, and planning what to do when you get there, is crucial. Below are of some of the best ways to get the most out of spring break travel so that you can fully enjoy your adventure!
Get the Kids Involved in Choosing Your Destination
Let your mini-explorers help choose the destination or kids activities. Involving them in the process will boost their excitement and help create lasting memories. When planning with different age groups, consider a countdown calendar to get younger children raring to go. For Elementary aged children, why not get a little bit techy and use child-friendly websites or apps to help them plan with you? When traveling with teens, treat them like a travel partner, including discussing destinations and budgets to help them gain a sense of independence.
It’s important to consider all types of vacations for spring break and to accommodate your individual family preferences. Some prefer to stroll the beach, while others enjoy a great day out at a theme park! By planning a variety of different activity options, you are guaranteed to please everyone in the family. Why not dedicate one day to the thrill-seekers, one to animal encounters, and another to learning on-the-go with museum trips.
Road Trip Games
Fun activities for kids on the road are essential when you’re driving a long distance to get to your departure airport. Get creative with games of “Would You Rather” or simple sing-alongs, or even a game of Mad Libs which can create a few spontaneous giggles! To help little learners, why not add a trivia-based game with fun facts about your spring break destination?
Airport Adventures
Turn the airport into an adventure! Waiting to board your flight can involve lots of hanging around, so why not incorporate fun games such as “I Spy”, or even have a game of airport Olympics by timing yourself from check-in to security!
Alternatively, create a scavenger hunt, giving the kids a list of pre-flight essentials and helping them hunt them down in different terminal shops. Need some R and R? An airport lounge can be a great option for those needing extra quiet time or somewhere the kids can do some calm activities like reading or coloring away from the hustle and bustle of the busy terminal.
Make Mealtime a Mini-Adventure
Plan the food you’ll eat at the airport. You could choose a restaurant that serves the local cuisine of your spring break destination, add an interactive dining experience, or simply create a ‘guess the secret ingredient’ sensory experience!
Keep Kids Active During Unexpected Delays
Accepting that things might not always go according to your travel plans is important. Being more flexible with your trip and building in time for rest or a spontaneous adventure or two is always a good idea.
Missed a connection on your flight? Adjust your plans by creating extra memories for the kids and explore the area you’re in. Spring break with kids can give you the opportunity to explore places you never thought of, and a sudden street festival might create more excitement than a museum visit!
Need ideas for where to go? Check out the best Spring Break destinations for 2025.
Pre-booking airport parking with AirportParkingReservations can also help you organize your next spring break trip with the kids; get the most out of your trip by adding airport parking to your travel checklist.
And if you’re traveling through this period take a look at our Spring Break parking deals to see if you can save yourself extra cash.
Photos by:
Neon Wang – Unsplash | Annie Spratt – Unsplash | Caroline Hernandez – Unsplash | Lucas Oliveira – Unsplash
