FYI American television: families take spring break trips too. We’re just not going to shake our rumps or wrestle in whipped cream while we do it. (Well my kids will, if given the opportunity…)
What will your family do with your week off (besides not go to Padre or Cancun)? I’ve got my faves—none of which include a half-naked riot of intoxicated college students and outrageous hotel price jacks.
San Diego, California
Arguably the most kid-friendly city in America, any college kids here are always outnumbered by families. March marks the tail end of whale-watching season, so get an excursion in if you go. And of course, hit the other legendary San Diego staples: Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, and a little something called Legoland, California. Specific to March: The California Half-Iron Man Triathlon is March 27, and so is Kids Day at The Flower Fields (which will be in full, frangrant bloom). Deals: Amazing ones on stays and plays at SanDiego.com.
Wisconsin Dells
My husband once tried to do a college spring break at the Dells. “Very disappointing,” he said. Why? The place was not full of comely college maidens. It was full of kids. Sounds perfect for us now. In case you haven’t heard, the Dells is highly concentrated with America’s best water parks. But there’s also great skiing and tubing nearby, so sporty families will have the time of their lives in swimsuits and in skis. Deals: All kinds, at the official website.
Washington D.C.
You’ll treat your children to national history and give them the gift of democracy on a D.C. spring break. And, you might be there for the National Cherry Blossom Festival too, March 27 – April 12. All of D.C. puts their best, family-friendly foot forward these two weeks to celebrate the 3,000 cherry trees the city of Tokyo gave us back in 1912. And on Family Day (March 27) you’ll see Japanese performances, try on Japanese clothes, and make your own origami creations. The Smithsonian Kite Festival is this weekend too, so go fly a kite at the Washington Monument while you’re at it. Deals: On lodging and such at Washington D.C.’s official website.
Party on, families.
—Meredith
