Family Friendly Spring Break Destinations

Jennifer Miner, The Vacation Gals

Spring Break is one of the most popular time of the year for family vacations, and, naturally, some destinations are more appropriate for young children than are others. Disney's theme parks are perennial favorites, but then, who doesn't know that? So many people take their kids to a Disney theme park for Spring Break; the lines are longer than ever. Here are two recommended cities, near Disney theme parks but able to stand on their own as alternatives for family Spring Break vacations.

Daytona Beach, Florida

Daytona suffered a bad rap when the Spring Break college students took over for a few years, but the drunken masses have by and large moved on. Daytona Beach is a very child-friendly place for a family Spring Break vacation. The Atlantic Ocean is not as warm as it is in later months of spring and summer, naturally, but active families can still enjoy surfing, snorkeling, and swimming regardless.
Besides the beach, families can go to the Daytona 500 Experience at the Daytona International Speedway: For the past 10 years, this "hands on" experience has been an appropriate for racecar-loving kids (and there are plenty of them!) to learn about the history of the racetrack and all racing history. A NASCAR 3D movie is part of the visit too.
Another Daytona recommendation is Marineland. This wonderful "oceanarium" is a Dolphin Conservation Center, and children can both swim with dolphins and become a "trainer for a day," all while learning about these friendly bottlenose dolphins. Marineland also has kayak tours in association with Ripple Effect Ecotours. To gently paddle around the boundary of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve is a special way to experience a family vacation.

San Diego, California

The San Diego Zoo, of course, is an internationally famous attraction. It's one of the largest zoos in the world, and on a sprawling property, so families with young children should consider taking the double-decker bus tour. There is a play structure here, and the "Discovery Outpost" is a favorite: This is where the Children's Zoo is, along with the Reptile House and Giant Tortoise Exhibit.
SeaWorld San Diego, right on Mission Bay, has terrific shows. Currently running is "Believe," with Shamu (or the latest incarnation thereof). The Soak Zone is a great place to sit on very hot days! Yes, the dolphins and orcas will get everyone there drenched! There are also special "encounter" passes that are expensive but, to many, worth it.
Wild Animal Park is around a 40 minutes' drive from downtown San Diego. If your family hasn't overdosed on animals after the San Diego Zoo and Sea World, then this is another great large-mammal activity. Otherwise, it may be too much. Wild Animal Park is huge, with a lot of walking, and people can't control if the animals are out and about or sleeping. Journey Into Africa, a "safari ride," takes visitors through the collection of large African animals; my kids liked this part the most.
For families less inclined to spending the majority of their Spring Break ogling at rare or unusual animals, Legoland (in Carlsbad) is a perfect pit stop for small children. Usually by age 7 or 8 they've grown out of LegoLand, but it's a very impressive attraction for the younger set. Fun Town, Imagination Zone, many rides and shows add up to a memorable experience.
Right in San Diego itself, a favorite hang-out for families is Balboa Park. There are always a few street entertainers - a favorite is a man with a couple beautiful parrots - and the Reuben H Fleet Science Center has an IMAX theater and interactive exhibits. Balboa Park even has free outdoor concerts every Sunday, at the Spreckels Organ Pavillion.

Walt Disney World and Disneyland, in Orlando and Anaheim, will always be incredible draws for families. However, spending time enjoying each others' company is, to many, a superior way to spend Spring Break than is crankily standing on line. Wherever Hybrid Moms choose to go for their Spring Break vacations, it's most important to have enriching, fun travel experiences together.

Bio: The Vacation Gals are three professional travel writers and friends who love to share their experiences with other moms. Providing family travel tips, romantic destination ideas and girlfriend getaway suggestions, The Vacation Gals believe that vacations are necessary for busy moms to recharge, rejuvenate and return home ready to tackle the carpool schedule again. It doesn't matter if it's a luxury spa vacation, rugged hiking adventure or quick family escape to the hotel (with pool!) one town over, The Vacation Gals embrace all sort of trips. Comprised of Beth Blair, Jennifer Miner and Kara Williams, The Vacation Gals are Your Go-To Gals for Vacation Information.