If your household is feeling the effects of the winter doldrums, this is an ideal time to start planning a family spring break trip for 2026. Few vacations are as rewarding as traveling together during the latter part of the school year and the range of options for the coming year is extensive.
Spring break travel can take many forms, from tropical beach escapes and snowsports-focused mountain retreats to theme park vacations, historical destinations or nature-centered adventures. With so many appealing possibilities, narrowing down the right destination and itinerary can feel challenging. Below, we detail and break down seven family spring break travel ideas for 2026 to best help you plan an amazing trip.
1. Orlando, Florida
Orlando's unlikely to be omitted from a list such as this anytime soon, as the "City Beautiful" is the most-visited tourist destination in the United States and the "Theme Park Capital of the World." Walt Disney World Resort (including EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom) and Universal Orlando (including Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Epic Universe, Universal Volcano Bay and Universal CityWalk) are among the most all-around legendary theme parks in the world. They appeal to young and old alike and the same can be said for Legoland Florida and SeaWorld Orlando.
Beyond its theme parks, Orlando offers a wide range of family-friendly experiences that make it especially appealing for a spring break visit. The season typically brings warm but manageable weather, ideal for outdoor attractions such as water parks, resort pools and nature outings in nearby state parks and wetlands. Families will also find a strong selection of hotels designed with kids in mind along with dining and entertainment options that cater to a variety of ages and interests. Together, these factors make Orlando a well-rounded destination that balances excitement with comfort and convenience for families.
2. Mallorca, Spain
As the largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca is a standout destination in the Mediterranean Sea and an excellent choice for a family spring break trip. Spring brings pleasant weather before the intense heat of summer arrives, creating ideal conditions for exploring the island’s many beaches, dozens of which carry Blue Flag status for their quality. From relaxing days of sunbathing to sailing, paddleboarding, wakeboarding and other water activities, these beautiful shorelines appeal to visitors of all ages.
Mallorca is also home to a strong selection of water parks and theme parks, including Aqualand El Arenal, Hidropark, Jungle Parc and Dinosaurland. The island is well known for cycling, with many professional riders training and competing here, and it offers abundant hiking opportunities ranging from coastal bluff trails to the dramatic landscapes of the Serra de Tramuntana. A spring break visit would not be complete without time devoted to local food and wine, as Mallorca’s culinary scene, supported by a long-standing winemaking tradition, is widely regarded as exceptional.
3. San Diego, California
Bathed in Southern California sunshine and blessed with comfortable temperatures moderated by the nearby Pacific Ocean, San Diego proudly calls itself “America’s Finest City.” It stands out as a premier family travel destination thanks to its impressive range of attractions and experiences. Balboa Park alone can easily fill several days of a trip, featuring the world-renowned San Diego Zoo along with an exceptional collection of museums such as the San Diego Air & Space Museum, the San Diego Natural History Museum, the Fleet Science Center, the Comic-Con Museum and many others. The park’s beautifully landscaped grounds are also home to the Old Globe Theatre.
Additional family-friendly highlights include the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in nearby Escondido, the USS Midway Museum aboard a historic aircraft carrier and SeaWorld San Diego. Families can enjoy scenic oceanfront viewpoints for spotting gray whales during their seasonal migration, take a bike ride to Coronado Island or explore the trails of Mission Trails Regional Park and Torrey Pines State Reserve. With its outstanding Pacific beaches and surf spots along with the sea lions and harbor seals of La Jolla Cove, San Diego offers an abundance of memorable experiences and truly lives up to its celebrated reputation.
4. Vancouver, British Columbia
British Columbia’s largest city is set in a remarkable location at the mouth of the Fraser River along the shores of the Salish Sea’s Strait of Georgia and at the base of the Pacific Ranges of the Coast Mountains. Few cities worldwide blend striking natural scenery with a vibrant urban atmosphere as seamlessly as Vancouver does, making it an appealing destination for family travel. Families can enjoy a leisurely walk through expansive Stanley Park, widely regarded as one of the world’s finest urban parks, where shaded temperate rainforest trails lead to waterfront views of Burrard Inlet and English Bay. Along the way, visitors may spot harbor seals and other marine life and possibly even an orca. The park is also home to the highly regarded Vancouver Aquarium, one of several standout family attractions that include Science World and the World of Kidtropolis.
The surrounding mountains offer easy access to winter recreation at ski resorts such as Grouse Mountain and Cypress Mountain, the latter of which hosted events during the 2010 Winter Olympics. Families may also consider extending their trip with a short excursion to nearby Whistler Blackcomb, the largest ski resort in North America. Additional highlights include the Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver, the sandy shoreline of Kitsilano Beach and the shops, markets and playgrounds of Granville Island.
5. Colorado Springs, Colorado
As the largest city in the United States located above 6,000 feet, Colorado Springs is an appealing option for family travel during spring break in 2026. Situated along the Front Range Urban Corridor, the city serves as a convenient base for trips to Southern Rocky Mountain ski resorts such as Monarch Mountain, Ski Cooper and Breckenridge, all of which offer enjoyable spring conditions. Even closer to the city is Pikes Peak, one of Colorado’s most famous fourteeners, known for expansive views that extend from the Southern Rockies across the Great Plains. Access to the summit is available year round, weather permitting, via the scenic highway or the Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the highest elevation cog railroad in the world.
Families can explore the striking rock formations of Garden of the Gods, visit Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument or plan a short overnight trip south to the Cañon City area to experience the Royal Gorge of the Arkansas River. This area is home to one of the world’s tallest suspension bridges along with excellent hiking and mountain biking opportunities. Additional family friendly attractions in and around Colorado Springs include the Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center in Divide, the Ghost Town Museum, the Space Foundation Discovery Center and the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade.
6. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
For families with older children and a strong interest in adventure and ecotourism, the Galápagos Islands offer an exceptional option for a spring break getaway. Located roughly 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, this remote volcanic archipelago is widely known for its remarkable concentration of endemic wildlife made possible by its isolation in the Pacific Ocean. Whether visiting as part of a cruise-style itinerary or through a land-based stay, families can experience a destination rich in natural beauty and ecological significance that often leaves a lasting impression.
Visitors have the opportunity to snorkel alongside marine iguanas, Galápagos sea lions and sea turtles, observe giant tortoises and Galápagos land iguanas and witness the extraordinary diversity of birdlife found across the islands. Highlights include the charming endemic penguins, soaring Frigatebirds and the many species of Galápagos finches famously associated with Charles Darwin. Beyond its wildlife, the Galápagos also features unspoiled beaches that are appealing in their own right and frequently offer close encounters with native animals along the shoreline.
7. Washington, D.C.
The capital of the United States offers an enriching spring break destination for families and spring is widely regarded as one of the city’s most appealing seasons. The National Cherry Blossom Festival highlights Washington, D.C. at its most beautiful, with vibrant blooms lining the Tidal Basin and framing landmarks such as the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial. These sites are part of the impressive National Mall, which also features the Lincoln Memorial and Constitution Gardens, home to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Even children who are not typically drawn to history often find these national symbols memorable, along with guided visits to the White House and the U.S. Capitol. Families can also enjoy free admission to the Smithsonian Institution’s renowned museums, including the National Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of the American Indian, among many others. The National Zoo is another popular stop and once again features the widely admired giant pandas. For a change of pace, families may also consider a short trip to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains, located just over an hour away and known for its outstanding spring wildflower displays.
Plan Your Family Spring Break Trip in 2026 with AAA
Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your family getaway to spring break destinations today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.