Spring time is getting closer. Kids are out of school and families are looking to enjoy some much needed time away from the daily grind. Here are a few ideas for great March family friendly vacation destinations by US region.
Southwest: Grand Canyon
Everyone should visit this destination at least once during their lifetime. The Grand Canyon, noted as one of the seven wonders of the world, features breathtaking views and a little adventure. While still a bit cold this time of year, the South Rim is open year-round for those wanting to experience the 18-mile-wide, colorfully landscaped canyon. Accommodations inside the park must be booked well in advance so if you're just beginning your planning, there are plenty of hotel accommodations nearby that will not kill your budget; Valle, Arizona (30 miles), Red Lake, Arizona (43 miles south), Williams, Arizona (60 miles south) and Flagstaff, Arizona (80 miles southeast). The park offers bike rentals, horseback riding, hiking and sightseeing. A museum and visitor center provide an opportunity to learn more about the geology and history of the canyon. The Grand Canyon railway tour also delivers beautiful scenery not seen from the highway and entertainment between Williams and the South Rim. Pink Jeep Tours, helicopter tours and skydiving for parents who are a bit more adventurous.Northwest: Seattle
While not necessarily a warm springtime destination, Seattle offers loads of activities and fun for families. Accommodation prices range and can meet any family budgets. This large Pacific Northwest city boasts one of the most recognized landmarks, the Space Needle. Take an elevator ride up the 605- foot structure for spectacular views of downtown, Puget Sound, the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges and the beautiful 14,410-foot Mount Rainier. Nearby you will find the Museum of Pop Culture, Sci-fi Museum, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle Children's Museum, Pacific Science Center and more. Touring the city by land and sea on a Ride the Ducks tour is sure to provide fun for the kids. Visit the famous Pikes Place Market and step off a side alley to be amazed, and a little grossed out, at the gum wall. The Seattle Aquarium and Seattle Great Wheel are a short walk. This is also a great time for whale watching in the San Juan Islands.Southeast: Gulf Shores, Alabama
For those families looking for warmer weather during spring break, the Gulf Shores may be perfect for you next destination. With an average temperature of 71 degrees during March, beaches are open for business. Families can opt for staying in a hotel, condo or renting one of the many available beach houses where the beach sand touches your doorstep. Just playing at the beach or an outing to the zoo are sure to give the kids some excitement for your vacation. The Wharf, in Orange Beach, alone can provide plenty of entertainment from the tallest gulf coast Ferris Wheels, mini golf, movie theatre to the Hummingbird Zipline Course. The Wharf also features plenty of shopping and dining opportunities. Nearby Fort Morgan offers picnicking, nature areas, a boat launch and fort tours. With dolphin cruises, fishing, parasailing, OWA Amusement Park in nearby Foley, the Gulf Shores offer so much to do with only a week to get it all in!Northeast: Hershey, Pennsylvania
Also known and Chocolatetown, USA, Hershey is a sweet treat for all ages. If you're looking to splurge, the 1933 Hotel Hershey is the place to stay. With only a 5-minute car ride to Hersheypark, this hotel was the dreamed up by Mr. Hershey himself. This hotel offers an 18-hole golf course (open in April through November), kid's activities, Hershey Character's siting and onsite dining and shopping. There are plenty of other hotel accommodations close if this hotel doesn't meet your budgetary requirements. Hersheypark Amusement Park and Hershey Chocolate World are a must see when visiting this destination. Explore this town with a free chocolate tour ride, create your own candy bar or ride on the trolley tour. The butterfly atrium at Hershey Gardens and the Hershey Story Museum will bring whimsy and smiles. Located only an hour outside of Hershey, Pennsylvania sits Gettysburg where you and your children can relive history in one of the most infamous battles in our country.With so much to see and do in these destinations, your family is guaranteed a memorable Spring Break!