Budget-friendly Spring Break destinations you haven’t thought of

Planning a Spring Break vacation? With only a week or so off school, it can be hard to find a vacation that’s both easy to plan and easy on the wallet. Below, we have over a dozen ideas throughout the US, Caribbean, and Mexico for budget-friendly Spring Break destinations.

Desert destinations:

An easy way to enjoy a warm-weather vacation while saving money is to head to the desert instead of to the beach. Bonus points if you can easily drive to any of these California and Southwest locations:

 Borrego Springs:

glamping

Never heard of it? I’m not surprised! This oasis in Southern California is generally off the radar, but a great fit for active families.  Head to the Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort, a boutique clamping resort where families can stay in vintage Airstreams and hike trails location less than two miles from the resort. February, March, and April is the time to come to see wildflowers, and always, the night sky displays brilliant views.

Death Valley National Park:

mosaic-canyon-death-valley

Located an easy drive from Las Vegas, NV, Death Valley is our top pick for outdoorsy families looking for a warm-weather destination. Camp in the park to save money, or stay at Furnace Creek Resort. Our kids love the wide open grassy spaces, the tennis and basketball courts, and the spring-fed pool. In the park, multiple hikes await: go in the mornings and evenings and spend the middle of the day swimming!

Scottsdale, Arizona:

scottsdale-az

Family travel website Global Munchkins recommends Scottsdale for spring break…even if you’re not a baseball fan. For a splurge, stay at the Westin Kierland Resort and get a full water park for the price of your stay. Be sure to take kids to the fun shops and dining options in downtown Scottsdale, and visit Phoenix, and sure, spring training, while you’re in the area!

Tip: Pick up youth baseball equipment to ‘get in the game’ before a trip to watch spring training!

On the way to… destinations:

Let’s get real: sometimes, you’re spring break trip is really just a stopover en route to Grandma’s house, a sporting event, or a longer vacation. We’ve compiled the best ‘on the way to…’ locations from top bloggers.

Bowling Green KY:

mammoth-cave

Often a stopover on the way to Florida or other southern locales, Bowling Green, Kentucky is right on I-65 and is home to an astounding 21 cave tours in the immediate area. Road Trips for Families highlights the best, along with dining and lodging recommendations in the city.  If nothing else, be sure to see Mammoth Cave National Park, and perhaps stop at an area museum. You can even at at a dairy and see a car museum on the same day!

West Georgia:

Already vacationing (or living) in Atlanta or St. Simon’s Island? Field Trips with Sue has a full itinerary of West Georgia for an affordable spring break getaway. Highlights include Providence Canyon, Gaines (complete with frontier fort) and the Warm Springs pools. This type of tour offers kids a lesson in history and ecology without them realizing they’re learning…away from school.

French Lick Springs:

For those in the middle of the country, AdventureMom suggests taking a chance on scenic French Lick Springs Resort, Indiana. This resort is known for its stunning architecture, but it also offers activities year round (not just in the summer months). Families can have kids join the kids club, play foot golf, learn about the history of the hotel, and swim in the pools year round. Oh, and parents can get a spa treatment.

Beach destinations:

Want to be warm and feel sand between your toes? You can still book a beach vacation at spring break affordably! Here’s where to go:

St. John, USVI:

st-john

Going to the Caribbean for spring break may not seem like a new idea, but St. John is an unique location you may not have considered. Trekaroo recommends spending your Virgin Islands vacation on St. John because of its low-key, quiet atmosphere, and the many outdoor activities afforded. Virgin Islands National Park is here, complete with multiple hiking trails and beaches, and snorkeling is abundant. Stay in a vacation home to save money!

Ventura, CA:

channel Islands

Just an hour north of Los Angeles, Ventura County West is an easy-to-reach section of the California coastline. Families get both seaside charm and inland adventure. Don’t miss the whale migration at this time of year, taking place through mid-April. When we visited, we used Island Packers; rates start at $37 for adults and $27 for kids. Time your visit right, and you may also see the Celebration of the Whales Festival (March 20, Oxnard) or the California Strawberry Festival (May 21 & 22, Oxnard). Either way, definitely head out to the Channel Islands!

Zihuatanejo, Mexico:

blue venado beach club

I’d never heard of Zihuatanejo until it was recommended by Pint-Sized Pilot: see the top 10 things to do in this Mexican beach destination! This authentic, non-touristy resort village is quiet, scenic, and affordable with local eats. Visit Zihuatanejo markets, enjoy its festivals, and play in its beaches. It’s located on the Pacific side of Mexico, by Ixtapa.

Loreto, Mexico:

Located on the gulf side of Baja California, Loreto is a great pick for families who want to find an alternative to the all-inclusive resort scene. Walking On Travels recommends finding accommodations in town in her Loreto travel guide, to take advantage of local dining opportunities and the town vibe. Snorkeling, whale watching, and swimming is not far away!

Ski destinations:

Haven’t gotten enough ski days in yet? I’m with you! Some of our favorite spring break ski destinations are smaller, hometown resorts that won’t break the bank.

June Mountain:

june-mountain-teepee

Located adjacent to Mammoth Mountain in Northern California, smaller June Mountain offers affordable lift tickets and lessons amid the most scenic runs out there. In the backyard of Yosemite National Park, June also has a very friendly atmosphere…the lodge is cozy and warm, the instructors cheerful and not rushed, and the lift lines are usually nonexistent. Stay near Mammoth to get the best of both worlds!

Angel Fire:

Heading to New Mexico this spring break for some warm sunshine and some skiing? Get both by combining a trip to Santa Fe with a stay at Angel Fire. Trekaroo recommends this ski resort because of its great amenities for families at The Lodge and the ability to night ski here (a big plus for teens). For spring breaks without much snow, there’s a wide variety of summer activities at Angel Fire as well.

City destinations:

We love city vacations, and during spring break, we like to head somewhere that’s less likely to have frigid temperatures and snowstorms. These outside-the-box ideas fit the bill!

Seattle, WA:

seattle great wheel

Blog With 2 Kids in Tow recommends Seattle and neighboring Bainbridge Island as a temperate getaway with both an city and outdoor-venture vibe. Kids love taking the ferry, checking out the city markets, and burning energy in the excellent city parks. If the weather turns rainy, as it does in this part of the state often, several high-quality kids museums and science museums await.

Tallahassee, Florida:

Don’t overlook Tallahassee for family fun in a warm-weather environment. Family Travels on a Budget recommends this nature-studded city for its zip-lining, kayaking, and hiking. Wakulla Springs State Park offers river boat tours, and in the winter and early spring, it’s possible to spot manatees as they migrate up the river. Horseback riding and lighthouse tours are also on offer for families.

Bonus spring break pick:

The Burren, Ireland:

Ireland Family Vacations, the expert on all things families and Ireland, recommends this unique part of Ireland specifically during the spring. During this low-tourist season, families can spot baby animals in nature sanctuaries, go on cliff walks, and try kid-friendly foodie tours. Learn more at Ireland Family Vacations!

Want even MORE ideas? Here are an additional 18 spring break destinations!

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County Line Orchard

The following pit stop is submitted by reader Erica Smith.

Hobart Indiana’s County Line Orchard is located right on the Lake and Porter county line, and offers all kinds of outdoor activities in the autumn season. Kids can pick apples, press cider, and visit the Kids’ Farm, featuring a mini-maze, play areas, bee yurts, animals, and more. A full-sized corn maze and country store will keep older kids and adults happy, too!

Date last visited: Fall 2010

Distance from the interstate: One hour from I-94.

Hours of operation: Store: 8 am to 6 pm daily. Kids’ Farm: 10 am to 6 pm daily.

Admission cost: Families can purchase admission to individual attractions, or save money on an all-access pass ($10). Full admission information is found at the County Line Orchard site.

Dining options: The orchard houses a full grill, a picnic area, a donut shop, and a country store. Trust me, you won’t go hungry! (Their donuts are highly acclaimed locally!)

Directions: The orchard is located at 200 South County Road in Hobart Indiana. From I-80 & 94, take exit 15A, or from I-90 (the Indiana Toll Road), take exit 21 (Ripley Ave.) At the second stop light (approximately 3 miles), turn left (east), staying on Rt. 6. At the third stop light, turn right (south) onto County Line Road. The orchard is one mile ahead just past a stop sign, on the right (west) side of the road.

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

The following pit stop is submitted by reader Erica Smith.

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is located along the shores of Lake Michigan and is easily accessed from I-94. With 15 miles of beach, outdoor activities, and park programs, there’s plenty for families to do. Stop for a few hours en route on I-94, or make it an overnight!
Indiana dunes

Things to do: Hike the sand dune of Mt. Baldy, then reward yourself with a swim at the bottom of the trail, or spend the day at either Central Beach or Kemil Beach in Michigan City. For more area hikes, stop by the Indiana Dunes visitor’s center (directions below). Don’t forget to enroll kids to become Junior Rangers!

Date last visited: Summer 2011

Distance from the interstate: Several minutes from I-94.

Hours of operation: Most locations are open sunrise to sunset.

Admission cost: $6.00 per car, per day. Camping fees are $15.00 per night.

Dining options: There’s great picnicking at Lake View, located at the NW corner of Lake Front Drive and Broadway Street in Beverly Shores. Restaurant dining is available in all towns, as are convenience stores and grocery stores.

Overnight options: Dunewood Campground offers 75 sites (both tent and hook-up).

Directions: Families can access the national lakeshore via I-94, the Indiana Toll Road, I-80/90, U.S. Highway 20, Indiana State Highway 12, and various state roads. Check the official page for full driving directions. The visitor’s center is a good place to start: it’s located on Highway 49 between highways U.S. 20 and Interstate 94.

Fair Oaks Farms

This review of Fair Oaks Farms has been submitted by Nicole Wiltrout of Arrows Sent Forth.

A stop at Fair Oaks Farms in northern Indiana is a great opportunity to teach your kids where their milk, cheese and ice cream comes from. Fair Oaks Farms is one of the largest dairy farms in the country. You’ll see cows being milked on a mass scale. Often, you’ll get to see a calf being born in the birthing room. While it’s not an organic farm and the sheer number of cows being raised there (30,000+) can be a bit overwhelming, the farm is committed to sustainable practices. It’s a chance to see what life is like on a real, working farm.

Fair Oaks

Fair Oaks Farms is also great because it’s one of the few stops on the three-hour stretch between Chicago and Indianapolis that offers kids something to do. Anyone who has traveled this stretch of road knows that it’s quite rural and lacks entertainment options or pit stops beyond fast food restaurants and gas stations. Read more about Nicole’s experiences at Fair Oaks Farms here and here.

Distance from the nearest interstate: Less than one mile from I-65

Date last visited: September, 2010

Hours of operation: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Central time)

Admission cost: To take the Dairy Adventure tour, cost is $10 for adults and $7 for kids 3-12. In addition to the tour, this includes access to the Mooville play area (a large dairy farm-inspired outdoor playground) and the Dairy Fun Room, an indoor exhibit space devoted to educating kids about dairy farming.

The tour itself is probably not ideal for kids three and under. Our little guy (18 months old at the time) got pretty squirmy, although he did enjoy getting to see the cows. Next time we visit, we’ll skip the bus tour and spend more time letting him explore the playground and the Dairy Fun Room.

Fair Oaks

Dining options: If the admission price is beyond your budget, you should still plan a stop at the Cheese Factory building on the property. Here you can get Fair Oaks cheese, ice cream, milk, grilled cheese sandwiches, and other gifts. We ordered some delicious grilled cheese sandwiches and bought some of their cheese cubes to snack on the road. There is also a Subway at this exit.

Website: http://www.fofarms.com

Directions: Take I-65 to Exit 220 (Winamac/SR 14). Fair Oaks Farms is located just west of the exit. You can see the big barns from the highway and there are plenty of signs to direct you.

Nicole Wiltrout is a stay-at-home mom (who rarely stays home) and lives in Columbus, Indiana. Nicole writes about adventures at home and away with her husband and two-year-old son at http://arrowssentforth.com. You can also find her on Twitter at @arrowssentforth. She loves Hoosier road trips and is an Expert Blogger for the state’s tourism blog, the Indiana Insider at Visit Indiana. 

Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo

Children's zoo

Image via Wikipedia

3411 Sherman Blvd.
Fort Wayne, Indiana

Rated one of the top ten zoos in the country by Parents magazine, Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is a must-see family attraction in the greater Fort Wayne area. What’s to love? The 40 acres of exhibits (well-suited for small legs!), the 1500 animals to view, the ongoing educational programs and conservation efforts of the park, and rides like the SkyFari and Zoo Train! With three distinct ‘lands’ plus an Indiana Farm and aquatic area, there’s more than enough to do, whether you stay for a few hours or all day.

Date last visited: May 2010.

Distance off the interstate: Just a couple minutes off I-69!

Hours and Admission Prices: Seasonal! Open daily 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. from April 24-Oct. 10, 2010. Prices are $13 for adults and $8 for children over age 1. (Be aware: rides are extra…you pay for them with tokens, carnival-style. Be ready to pay extra for those attractions.)

Bathrooms: Located on-site.

Website: Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo

Directions: Take I-69 Exit 111A. Follow Lima Road south. After crossing Coliseum Blvd., follow Wells Street, which forks to the right. At the stoplight, turn right onto Franke Park Drive. At the 3-way stop, turn left onto Sherman Blvd. to the Zoo entrance.

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