Spring Break Doesn’t Have To Be A Snooze For Parents

Spring Break can either be music to your ears after a long winter or something that, as a parent, you totally dread. For us, it’s a split down the middle. It’s great to have some time off from the school run, and to spend so much time with your kids, but, let’s face it – the days can be LONG! Which is why whether we’re at home or away, we like to have a game plan for Spring Break – and make sure both kids and adults are happy and entertained at all times (with some room for adventure, of course). It’s tough pleasing everyone – but, with our suggestions there should be something for both parents and kids alike.

THE ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT
This is the way to go if you have more than a couple of little ones to keep track of—and Hawaii is always a hit. It doesn’t have to be all themed birthday parties and the Moana soundtrack on repeat. The Montage Kapalua Bay in Maui has ziplining, luaus and snorkeling tours for the kids (and adults!) It also has an incredible spa and 5-star restaurants. There is a kids program replete with arts and crafts, games and hula hooping – this is especially useful for when the parents want to partake in a food and wine tour. Pack your matching Mini and Kids abaya so you can always find one another, even on the same property you never do know when you might need to locate your brightly dressed kid!

UPON THE MOUNTAIN
Take the fam to a national park and pitch a tent! The kids will feel like it’s an adventure and the parents will have the added benefit of nature’s calming effect to bring everyone down a notch. If you’re really brave, make it “adventure time” and outlaw screens for the week. We love the idea of going to the Grand Canyon. It’s the sort of trip that’s more fun with a group, the kids will be completely in awe of the natural phenomenon—and odds are so will you! It’s a sight everyone should see at least once, and your kids will remember it for a lifetime.

I LOVE IT WHEN WE’RE CRUISIN’ TOGETHER
Ok, we know this is potentially a tough choice for some of you. Loud, packed with people and dressed-up Disney Characters everywhere you look? This could be some parents’ worst nightmare. But there is something for literally everyone – and Disney even has its own private island called Castaway Cay. If Disney isn’t your cup of tea, Norwegian Cruises offer activities like rock-climbing, rappelling walls, and climbing cages. They have bowling and water parks, live music shows and loads of different restaurants for even the pickiest eaters to be content!

FOR THE HISTORY BUFFS
The 50^th anniversary of the death of Martin Luther King is in April, so it’s a perfect time to take the family south to learn about the Civil Rights movement. Take a road trip from Atlanta to New Orleans: en route visit the Rosa Parks Museum, the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis or the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson. Although a road trip with the kids isn’t always top of the list, this is a good one for older kids who love history – plus you’ll be able to eat some pretty incredible southern food along the way. Another idea for a road trip in the region? Drive from Atlanta to Savannah and then over to stay on Kiawah Island. The Kiawah Island Resort has pristine beaches, golf courses, a spa and three pools. For kids, they have glassmaking, tie-dyeing, guided nature hikes, fly-fishing lessons, and archery.

A CITY-BREAK DOESN’T HAVE TO BREAK YOU
It’s tough work dragging your kids all over a city and dealing with museum crowds. And the onus to always be doing something may make it sound more like a work trip than a getaway – but stay with us. Thanks to hotels like The James in NYC and The Four Seasons in Boston you can have a real vacation and enjoy everything these cities have to offer. The James affectionately refers to their kid’s program as “Lil’” – and the lils will definitely be impressed. They have their own rooftop pool, which is really a unicorn situation in New York (and perfect for our Gabi One Piece), They have a kids room service menu, pre-loaded iPads, classic board games, and a milk and cookies turndown service. The Four Seasons, on the other hand, can set up “glamping” (glamorous camping) for your kids, so they’ll feel like they’re on an adventure and not in a boring old hotel room. The parents can enjoy the city whilst the kids stay entertained.