Family Friendly 2012 Spring Break Locations
If your family wants to take a vacation for spring break 2012, don’t worry – there are plenty of spring break deals in places that won’t break the bank and won’t be swarmed by college students, either. Whether you are looking for some fun in the sun, an outdoor adventure, or a trip that’s both fun and educational, here are six family friendly travel ideas, complete with spring break hotels to consider.
With all there is to do in Hershey, a week might not be long enough. Hershey’s largest attraction is Hersheypark, a chocolate themed amusement park with roller coasters, children’s rides, and a boardwalk. Nearby, families will find fun at Hershey’s Chocolate World, taking a virtual chocolate factory tour and making their own candy bars.
The Hershey Lodge in Hershey is one of the best spring break hotels for families, offering guests discounts and complimentary shuttle service to Hersheypark, an indoor pool, Hershey character appearances, and a Wii room.
Home of the famous Riverwalk, San Antonio offers mild weather in the spring and diverse entertainment options. See dolphins, penguins, even alligators at SeaWorld Adventure Park, or take a swim in Six Flags Fiesta Texas’ wave pool, one of the largest in the country. For more water rides, visit Splashtown Water Park for spring break deals, with fifty water rides and attractions.
First time visitors to San Antonio may want to stay on the Riverwalk, a walk along the San Antonio River flanked by spectacular restaurants and great shopping. The Riverwalk Marriott Courtyard is family friendly, with an in-hotel restaurant and an outdoor pool. El Tropicano hotel is also located on the Riverwalk, with a retro vibe, exclusive river taxi access for guests, and an outdoor pool.
Or you can stay at the Four Points by Sheraton San Antonio Downtown and enjoy further discounts available exclusively to MHNSaves members at select MHN member properties.
Families vacationing over spring break 2012 will find Williamsburg offers educational opportunities for adults and the younger set. Colonial Williamsburg is the “world’s largest living museum”, with actors staffing exhibits, historic buildings, and working trade shops. After learning about colonial times, families can visit Busch Gardens Amusement Park, with rides for all ages.
If you plan on staying in Williamsburg, the Great Wolf Lodge offers an immersive experience with cabin-themed rooms, an indoor water park, MagiQuest facility, and an “ice cream spa” for kids. Also in Williamsburg, King’s Creek Plantation offers guests amenities that cater to the entire family, with an indoor Aquatic Center and a spa for parents.
Branson prides itself on being a family destination. There are many caves in and around Branson, and most are well-lit with stairs and handrails making them family accessible. There are also cruises and fishing on the many local lakes. Indoors, Branson offers family activities from laser tag to entertainment shows, as well as several unique museums, including the Dinosaur Museum and the Titanic Museum.
If you’re staying in Branson, review The Stone Castle Hotel. Located on Table Rock Lake, it offers a game room, free hot buffet breakfast, and two indoor pools. You might also want to check out Still Waters Lakefront Resort for spring break deals, with a game room, playground, and several outdoor swimming pools completed by an island oasis.
Amelia Island is one of few beach front towns in Florida that is a family friendly destination even during spring break, and the small community offers vacationers true relaxation. Visitors can take a Segway tour to visit birds, turtles, and dolphins in their natural environment, or take a horseback ride on the beach. Afterwards, families can just sit back and relax.
There are several spring break hotels on Amelia Island. The Ritz Carlton Amelia Island is an ocean front property that offers everything you would expect from a Ritz Carlton property. On the other side of Amelia Island, Hampton Inn and Suites is located downtown, close to fine dining and shopping; guests enjoy free continental breakfasts and swimming pool access.
Active families will enjoy all that Steamboat Springs offers, but be aware that most activities in Steamboat Springs are outdoors. Besides skiing, visitors enjoy tubing and hot air balloon tours. Returning to their hotel, families can enjoy hot chocolate around the fire – no matter which hotel you choose, most in Steamboat Springs have fireplaces in the lobby.
The Steamboat Grand is a family oriented hotel with entertainment on premises, including a heated outdoor pool, arcade games and DVD players in all rooms. Close to the hot springs that give Steamboat Springs its name is the Highmark Steamboat Springs, which offers indoor and outdoor heated pools as well as a secure storage area for skis and snowboards.
With so many family friendly options, it’s time to start planning your family’s spring break 2012 vacation!