2022’s Best Spring Break Destinations With Kids

What’s the best way to beat the winter blues? Having Spring Break family vacations to look forward to. Well-planned spring travels will give you and your kids the chance to take advantage of time away from school and work, and we’re here to tell you that fantastic travel options abound south of the border. Favorite family trips include the Brazilian Amazon, the Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica, and Colombia, to name a few. These destinations pack a healthy dose of sunshine and adventure, the perfect cure for cabin fever.

Check out these best Spring Break destinations with kids for superior hospitality, sublime natural landscapes, and abundant wildlife viewing.

Go Wild in the Brazilian Rainforest

Where to go on Spring Break? Choices abound, but one of our fave spots remains the Amazon rainforest. The rainforest ecosystem teems with life, containing thousands of tree species and upwards of 50,000 other types of plants. Each tree hosts myriad flora and fauna, from bromeliads, mosses, and orchids to sloths, birds, and monkeys. What’s the best way to see it? A family-friendly Amazon River cruise.

A river cruise is perfect for those seeking a one-of-a-kind adventure that’s immersive, safe, and surprisingly affordable. This mode of travel lets you unplug and bond as a family as you participate in swimming, paddle boarding, fishing, hiking, and much more. Despite endless opportunities for adventure, the river also nurtures relaxation, whether you’re savoring the sun on deck or taking advantage of an inviting river beach.

The rainforest receives plenty of precipitation year-round. The wet season spans from January through April in most places. This makes springtime an excellent time to visit. River levels are high, guaranteeing accessibility to many parts of the rainforest. But there are still beaches uncovered, and you and your family might get a chance to release baby turtles as part of our conservation efforts in the area. Showers are powerful yet brief, and you’ll enjoy cooler temperatures and plenty of chances to observe wildlife.

Coastal and Marine Exploration in Baja, Mexico

The abundance of marine wildlife in Baja, Mexico, will stagger you and your family. From brown pelicans to California sea lions, dolphins to orcas and gray whales, your family will marvel at the parade of sea life just beneath the Pacific Ocean’s surface. In particular, the Sea of Cortez offers refuge to five of the world’s seven endangered species of sea turtles and an astonishing 900+ species of fish!

The spring months mark a fantastic time to visit when opportunities for whale watching in Magdalena Bay and Laguna San Ignacio soar. California gray whales migrate more than 10,000 miles between summer feeding grounds in the Arctic and southern Baja peninsula’s coastal lagoons. Laguna San Ignacio, off the southwest coast of Baja, contains shallow, protected, warm waters ideal for calving nurseries.

California gray whales flourish here. Lucky visitors will enjoy breathtaking encounters with these gentle giants. And we guarantee your children will learn more about the importance of conservation in five minutes on the water than many hours spent in a classroom. Find out why Jacques Cousteau referred to this marine environment as “The World’s Aquarium.”

Get Back to Nature in Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands

If you’re looking for an unforgettable vacation destination that’s only a few time zones away, Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands are your answer. For the ultimate travel experience on Spring Break’s limited vacation time, consider taking a water-based tour. Start your vacation at Ristorante Aquelarre, where you’ll enjoy tasty cuisine before heading out in search of one of the islands’ most iconic residents, the giant tortoise. Then it’s off to Puerto Ayora to catch a zodiac to your cruise ship.

The cruise experience involves non-stop action, from snorkeling and wetsuit fittings to the daily rhythms of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On the small island of Sombrero Chino, take a short coastal hike in the company of sea lions. Enjoy salt life on the beach or embark on a snorkeling adventure off the coast. On Bartolome Island, scope out penguins, more sea lions, and lava lizards during a leisurely walk.

Enjoy a zodiac ride around Santa Cruz Island and Eden Islet, where you’ll see more of the region’s vibrant wildlife, including blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and exceptionally friendly sea lions. Snorkeling will bring you closer to local sea life, as does a ride in a glass-bottomed boat. And that’s just a taste of the Ecuadorian adventure you can savor during a one-week stay.

Go “Pura Vida” in Costa Rica

Find out what the “pura vida” lifestyle is all about during a Spring Break family vacation to Costa Rica. From delicious cuisine to the sunny dispositions of locals, you’ll find plenty to fall in love with while touring this Central American gem. Multigenerational travel is the norm here, so your family will enjoy plentiful kid-friendly amenities and many warm welcomes along the way. Costa Rica delivers big when it comes to families who prize adventure, nature, and culturally enriching experiences.

The dry season lasts from December through April, which means optimal weather conditions for family travelers and pleasant 70-degree temperatures. Sunny days invite participation in outdoor activities like whitewater rafting in Sarapiqui and ziplining in La Fortuna’s Arenal Volcano National Park. Enjoy picturesque views of La Fortuna Waterfall with its natural pool. Because of the area’s volcanic activity, natural hot springs dot the foot of the mountain and include the thermal Tabacón River.

Or, opt for a beach adventure in Costa Rica’s province of Guanacaste. One of our favorite destinations is Carillo Beach where families enjoy spectacular marine views nad unspoilt expanses of palm-tree-lined sand. Best of all, this big, beautiful beach attracts fewer people than Palaya Samara, making it one of the nation’s hidden gems. Make your family’s stay perfect by booking rooms at the Hotel Punta Islita, featuring breathtaking scenery and luxurious amenities. We also love the Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo where your family will savor the natural splendor of Culebra Bay surrounded by eco-friendly amenities.

Situated on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio National Park is a true jungle paradise. Your family will find plenty of outdoor activities in one of the world’s most gorgeous parks, from stunning beaches to lush jungle hiking trails. Manuel Antonio also proves abundant in wildlife, including iguanas, sloths, capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, and howler monkeys.

Explore our Costa Rica Family Adventure for more details.

Explore Colombia’s Kid-Friendly Culture

Colombia has become a family-friendly travel hot spot in recent years, and you’ll see why on a vacation to this charming nation. What’s one of our favorite kid-approved attractions? The Parque Arvi, a fun cable car ride from Medellín. The park offers hiking trails for all ages and skill levels and plenty of inviting picnic spots. Rent a boat to take full advantage of the park’s beautiful lake, check out the 4D cinema, or go on an adventurous climb in the surrounding forests.

Next, head to Bogotá to explore the nation’s capital. If your itinerary allows, make sure to spend a Sunday in the city at the Bogotá Ciclovia. This stretch of roadway shuts down once a week to make way for pedestrians, bicyclists, and rollerskaters. We recommend renting bikes or packing rollerblades so that you can head out on a one-of-a-kind family excursion. Along the way, check out local shopping experiences and savor regional cuisine. Don’t forget about a visit to Colombia’s nearby coffee region on an ultra-luxe tour, too.

And when you’re ready to amp up the thrill factor? Make your way to San Andrés, a lovely Caribbean island conveniently close to the mainland. Enjoy the sun, sand, and surf of the island’s best beaches. Then, savor a snorkeling adventure and witness the underwater spectacle of San Andrés’ coral reefs where sea turtles, rays, and fish thrive.

Best Spring Break Destinations With Kids

Imagine Spring Break 2022 on an Amazon River cruise in Brazil, gray whale watching in Baja, or island hopping in the Galapagos. Of course, these are just a few of the options available in Central and South America. Whether you opt for Colombia, Costa Rica, or somewhere else, you’ll enjoy smaller crowds and more chances to get back to nature. Ready to put your spring travel plans in high gear? We can help. Let’s chat about the best Spring Break destinations with kids in 2022.