6 Spring Break Getaways for Your Family

With cabin fever really beginning to set in, it’s no wonder that many families view spring break as an escape.  While many set their sights on sun and sand, we tend more toward experience and adventure.

6 Fun Family Spring Break Vacations

Grapevine, Texas

Historic Downtown Grapevine is filled with unique boutiques, funky art galleries, local wineries and delectable dining.

Grapevine is a fun suburb of Dallas and has everything a family could want for a great getaway.  Spend a couple nights at the Great Wolf Lodge before heading down the road to more economic dwellings next to Grapevine Mills. 6 Things to Do in Grapevine

1. Visit LegoLand Discovery Center and SeaLife Aquarium at Grapevine Mills
2. Ride the Grapevine Trolley to the historic Downtown.  Watch glass blowers, enjoy authentic French pastries, eat freshly made gelato and wander through the fabulous boutiques and galleries.
3. Ride the Grapevine Vintage Railroad to the Fort Worth Stock Yards.
4. Watch the twice daily shootout on Main Street.
5. Eat great Texas grub at Love and War in Texas
6. Take a few minutes to visit the 9-11 Flight Crew Memorial

Fort Worth, Texas

The kids will love Bronc Riding at the Cowgirl Museum

Fort Worth is a city of both cowboys and culture.   Stay in Downtown Fort Worth at the Fort Worth Hilton, the hotel where JFK spent his final night.   6 Things to Do in Fort Worth

1. Visit the Fort Worth Stockyards and watch a cattle drive.  Don’t forget to buy a cowboy hat or boots!
2. Take in a rodeo.
3. Visit the museums of the Cultural District.  Do not miss the Cowgirl Museum.
4. Eat on the patio at Joe T Garcia’s.  It’s like eating in a castle garden…  that serves authentic Mexican food.
5. Wander around Sundance Square, the business and entertainment district of downtown Fort Worth.
6. Learn to ‘boot scoot’ at Billy Bob’s Texas- the world’s largest honkey tonk.  Yes- you can bring the kids!

Boston, Massachusetts

Meeting Ben Franklin at Faneuil Hall in Boston

Boston holds so much history and the stories that go with it are exciting.  Your kids won’t realize how much they are learning! 6 Things to Do in Boston

1. Rent a seaside cottage.  No, it won’t be warm enough to play on the beach, but the cost will be lower than summer and the views incredible.
2. Walk the Freedom Trail.  Tour “Old Iron Sides”.  Explore the Old North Church.  History lives here…  immerse yourself in it!
3. The New England Aquarium has lots of penguins and an interesting central tank with a spiral walkway from bottom to top.  Or catch a whale watching tour!
4. Take a drive down to Plimoth Plantation.  Step back in time to when the Pilgrims arrived.  And don’t forget to tour the Mayflower II, a replica of the original.
5. Eat fresh seafood!
6. Boston is the Ireland of the US- be sure to visit a pub.  I recommend the Black Rose near Faneuil Hall.

Chicago, Illinois

Downtown Chicago reflected in the Cloud Gate Sculpture

While not a sunny and warm destination, Chicago has lots to offer during spring break! 6 Things to Do in Chicago

1. Visit the Shedd Aquarium or the Field Museum.  (Tip: Get Shedd tickets online to bypass the long lines or consider a Chicago City Pass.)
2. Visit Navy Pier and ride the Ferris Wheel.
3. Eat at Ed Debevic’s; have a little attitude with your lunch.
4. Shop- or just window shop- along the Magnificent Mile.  Kids will love the Disney Store and don’t forget the American Girl flagship store is here.
5. Play at Millennium Park.  Take your photo in ‘the bean’, wander the gardens.
6. If you’re heading in from the Midwest, consider taking the MegaBus.  It’s relaxing, affordable and you won’t have to pay those crazy downtown parking fees!

St. Louis, Missouri

The Magnificent Gateway Arch in St Louis

St. Louis is filled with fun family activities- many of them free! 6 Things to Do in St. Louis

1. You can’t visit St. Louis and miss the Gateway Arch.  Entry to the Arch- and the museums below- is free.  The ride to the top is well worth the cost- the views are amazing.
2. The St. Louis Zoo is free, though it will cost you a bit to park.  Explore Forest Park, which surrounds the zoo, for other fun, free activities.
3. Young kids will love the Magic House, and can easily spend a day there.  You can leave for lunch and return with a hand stamp.
4. Take the kids to the Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour.  It’s kid friendly- and wait til you see the stable for the Clydesdales!
5. Expose your kids to fun art at City Garden.
6. For a fabulous stay within walking distance of many of the downtown attractions, book a room at the Omni Majestic.  To really spoil yourself, get the Ambassador Suite.

Sunny Arizona (Tempe, Mesa and Chandler)

Feeding a Giraffe at the Phoenix Zoo

You’ll be surprised how much fun your family can have near Phoenix! 6 Things to Do in Sunny Arizona

1. Explore a ghost town in Apache Junction.  At the base of the Superstition Mountains is the Goldfield Ghost Town.  From here you can take a trail ride, tour a gold mine or head out on hikes through the mountains where many believe a large vein of gold is waiting to be found.
2. Get tickets to a baseball game.  Many MLB teams have spring training in the area.
3. Stroll through downtown Chandler during the Third Friday Art Walk.  
4. The Arizona Museum of Natural History and the Arizona Museum for Youth are both in Mesa.  Hands on sneaky education!
5. Spend a day at the Phoenix Zoo.  It’s very walkable and you can bring in a cooler with food and drinks.
6. Get inspired for your own spring garden at Agritopia.  Eat at Joe’s Farm Grill where everything on the menu is locally sourced.