articles

10 Great Spots to Visit for a Spring Break Getaway With Your Family

March 5, 2019

Looking for some last minute ideas for getaways over a school break? We asked our Macaroni Kid publishers for last minute getaway ideas, and boy did they deliver! Here are 10 great ideas for family getaways around the United States, most at spots off the beaten path: 


Northeast

Cape Cod, Massachusetts 

Where to stay: The Cape Codder Resort and Spa in Hyannis has a wave pool, a 3-story water park lighthouse, and water slides. There's also a spa to pamper mom and dad. 

Where to eat: Cooke’s Seafood, family-owned for more than 40 years, is famous for its fried seafood and is sure to be a hit with the kids!

What to do: Visit the Whydah Pirate Museum in nearby Yarmouth, where you'll find real pirate treasure pulled up off the outer Cape. Also don't miss the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, where you can feed butterflies, walk inside a whale, and, on nice days, walk to the mudflats.

--Layni Loumiotis-Hook, publisher of Macaroni Kid Cape Cod

Want to know more about family-friendly events and experiences on Cape Cod? Check out our Cape Cod Macaroni Kid edition!


Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Where to stay: Gettystown Inn Victorian House Lincoln Suite has a view of the spot where Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address and is within walking distance of many historical sites. Rooms also have fully equipped kitchens -- a great perk for families!

Where to eat: Gettysburg has tons of amazing restaurants to pick from, but Historic 1776 Dobbin House Tavern is one of our family favorites! Not only is there amazing food, but my kids love it because there's a secret underground railroad hideout. 

What to do: There is so much United States history to be found here! Visit the museums and the battlefield sites, of course. Also, if you have younger kids, don't miss Explore and More, a children's museum where younger kids love playing, learning, and creating. It occupies a historic seven-room house and is a great place for younger kids to work off some energy. You also won't want to miss Mister Ed's Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium, a roadside attraction filled with 12,000 figurines, circus souvenirs, toys, and much, much more. 

--Sarah Frane, publisher of Macaroni Kid Gettysburg-Hanover, Pennsylvania

Want to know more about family-friendly events and experiences in Gettysburg? Check out our Gettysburg-Hanover Macaroni Kid edition!


Jamestown, New York

Where to stay: The Chautauqua Harbor Hotel opened in Celoron, N.Y., in the summer of 2018 and is located right on the shore of picturesque Lake Chautauqua. Mom and dad will enjoy the complimentary morning coffee and tea bar on every floor and nightly turn-down service, while the kids will love the indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Where to eat: You'll feel like you're in the middle of nowhere -- because you are -- but Pine Junction is worth the (short) drive. A giant log cabin in the middle of the woods, this hidden restaurant draws people from far and wide for its food and ambiance. You'll often find live music and an outdoor fireplace roaring. Tell the kids to save room for dessert and surprise them with an order of Moose Balls -- chocolate and peanut butter balls, of course.

What to do: The National Comedy Center opened in Jamestown (which also happens to be -- not coincidentally -- Lucille Ball's birthplace) in 2018 and has become a destination for fans of comedy worldwide. With more than 50 interactive exhibits, it's a fascinating place to spend the day with kids! You'll also find Peek'n Peak Resort & Spa, which offers day passes to its indoor and outdoor pools, along with seasonal family fun ranging from an aerial adventure course to Segway rentals.

--Kara Murphy, publisher of Macaroni Kid Erie, Pennsylvania

Read more about Kara's family trip to the National Comedy Center!

Midwest


Medina, Ohio 

Where to stay: Children 12 and over are welcome at The Spitzer House, a charming bed and breakfast located within walking distance of the quaint Medina square for shopping and entertainment. Prefer a hotel? Consider the brand new Comfort Suites in Brunswick, about 15 minutes north of Medina. Your kids will enjoy their indoor pool and free breakfast bar!

Where to eat: Breakfast to dinner is great at Twiisted Burgers & Sushi, a family-friendly establishment that is always giving back to their community! Looking for a quick stop? Visit Cool Beans Cafe on the Medina square. For a sweet treat try A Cupcake a Day or The Honey Bee Bakery.

What to do: The Medina Square is the center of activity in this town and often features fun events for families, thanks to the work by Main Street Medina. You also won't want to miss the three-season Medina Farmers Market on Saturdays, where you can check out the selections of local meats and veggies, chat with artisans, and listen to live entertainment. Love the holidays? Celebrate Christmas all year at Castle Noel, a museum of all things Christmas! 

--Erica Roth, publisher of Macaroni Kid Medina

Want to know more about family-friendly events and experiences in Medina? Check out our Medina Macaroni Kid edition!


Kalamazoo, Michigan

Where to stay:  Stay at the Radison Plaza Hotel downtown, which is within walking distance of must-see attractions and a lot of great restaurants.

Where to eat: Michigan is home to a huge microbrewery scene and Kzoo (as the locals affectionately call this town) is home to one of the most famous, Bell's Brewery. Their built-on restaurant, called the Eccentric Cafe, features an outdoor beer garden and patio, along with an interesting menu. Try the Anchovy Soldiers or the Michigan Cherry Bacon Burger. Kids, meanwhile, will find a menu just for them, featuring favorites like grilled cheese and hot dogs.

What to do: The Kalamazoo Museum offers free general admission and features hands-on and ever-changing exhibits, along with planetarium shows, crafts, lectures, and musical performances. The Air Zoo is a one-of-a-kind aviation museum. It houses 100 historic aircraft, along with flight simulators, an experience theater, amusement rides, hands-on exhibits, and a restoration program for WWII planes rescued from the bottom of Lake Michigan.

--Sarah Sims, publisher of Macaroni Kid Michigan editions in Huron Valley, Novi, and Livingston

Want to know more about family-friendly events and experiences in other parts of Michigan? Check out: Macaroni Kid Huron ValleyMacaroni Kid Novi, and Macaroni Kid Livingston.

South


Gulf Shores, Alabama

Where to stay: There are several hotel complexes along the shore, all of which are family-friendly. One family favorite is the Phoenix All Suites Hotels, which offers condo-style amenities in a beachfront hotel. Some of the rooms even offer bunk beds.

Where to eat:  The Hangout is a family favorite, with its views of the beach, foam parties for kids, live music, and fish tacos. You also won't want to miss The Yard Milkshake Bar, where your imagination is the limit! 

What to do: There's the beach, of course. But there's so much else too! Take the kids horseback riding at Oak Hollow Farm, where you'll all enjoy the gorgeous backdrop while riding on more than 300 acres of trails. If you have a kid crazy for U.S. history, make sure to tour the USS Alabama Battleship.

--Tiffany Olmstead, publisher of Macaroni Kid Monroe-West Monroe, Louisiana

Read more about Tiffany's family trip to Gulf Shores!


Lynchburg, Virginia

Where to stay: Hampton Inn & Suites offers big rooms (including family suites), along with an indoor pool and free breakfast. Bonus: pets are welcome too!

Where to eat: Choose the Market At Main for breakfast, where kids will love the stuffed French toast, and La Villa Italian Restaurant for dinner, where kids will enjoy pizza or spaghetti while you can dine on more sophisticated Italian specialties like Chicken Bellagio or Zuppe de Pesci. Both restaurants are locally owned, have great food, and welcome kids!

What to do: Amazement Square is a can't-miss kids' museum with four floors of fun -- including a zip line and a climbing tower. On a nice day, visit Riverside Park where kids will love the train-themed playground or playing at the Sprayground seasonal water play area. Or venture out of town -- a short drive will take you into the Blue Ridge Mountains, where you can hike and play at several outdoor attractions. 

--Sandy Wallace, publisher of Macaroni Kid Lynchburg, Virginia

Want to know more about family-friendly events and experiences in Lynchburg? Check out our Lynchburg Macaroni Kid edition!

 

Folly Beach, South Carolina

Where to stay: Tides Folly Beach offers a heated oceanfront swimming pool with an outdoor bar and lounge, making it the perfect spot for the whole family to unwind. You can also book eco-tours and rent Jet-Skis right in the hotel itself.

Where to eat: Rita's Seaside Grille has the laid-back beach vibe just right. They even serve their kid meals in upside down Frisbees that you get to take back to the beach with you. Later, splurge on a chocolate bubble waffle for a one-of-a-kind treat at Dolce Banana Cafe.

What to do: Fly a kite on the beach and hunt for fascinating sea life in the tide pools. You'll also love spending a day in Charleston, just a 20-minute drive from Folly Beach, where the South Carolina Aquarium gives you a peek into the deep, and the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry inspires imaginative play.

--Sara Yaniga, publisher of Macaroni Kid Chicago Midtown, Illinois 

Want to know more about family-friendly events and experiences in the Charleston and Folly Beach area? Check out our Charleston Macaroni Kid edition.

West


San Juan Islands, Washington 

Where to stay: Choose from log cabins, canvas tents for glamping, yurts, and even an Airstream at Lakedale Resort at Three Lakes near Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Want a more traditional place to stay? Rosario Resort & Spa on Orcas Island is right on the water and offers sunset, whale watching, and kayak tours, along with a full-service spa.

Where to eat:  The islands are known for amazing restaurants, so you really can't go wrong! A family favorite is Van Go's Pizzaa great place for kids, with a playhouse made out of driftwood that's a perfect spot for imaginations to take over while kids wait for their meal. Also don't miss the Bakery San Juan, where kids (and you!) can indulge a sweet tooth with fresh pastries and cookies.

What to do: An inter-island ferry takes visitors to several of the islands in the San Juans for free. You can also find plenty of businesses offering whale watching tours. Also don't miss great hiking in Moran State Park and Mt. Constitution, both on Orcas Island. San Juan Island's Friday Harbor is a cute little town with an awesome Whale Museum. Want to do whale watching from shore? Lime Kiln State Park is the perfect spot.

--Melinda Larke, publisher of Macaroni Kid NW Seattle, Washington

Seattle is just a three-hour drive from the San Juan Islands! Want to know more about the family-friendly events and experiences in Seattle? Make sure to follow Macaroni Kid NW Seattle!


Evergreen, Colorado

Where to stay: Comfort Suites Golden West on Evergreen Parkway is nestled in the trees and provides beautiful views. The kids will love the heated indoor pool! Want more of a mountain cabin feel? Check out Bears Inn Bed & Breakfast which features 11 uniquely themed rooms and suites, along with a more private two bedroom cabin. 

Where to eat: Try the Buffalo Burger at The Wild Game Entertainment Experience, which, along with a family-friendly menu, also offers entertainment like bowling, an arcade, and ping-pong. You also won't want to miss trying a mountain pie at local favorite Beau Jo’s Colorado Style Pizza. You'll be dipping your crust in honey in no time!

What to do: If you're there during the cold months, enjoy outdoor ice skating on Evergreen Lake, named by CNN as one of the top 10 most beautiful skating rinks in the world. In the warmer months, take a walk around the lake -- you never know when you might run into an elk or deer! Also don't miss Evergreen’s historic Main Street, where you can visit boutiques like Seasonally Yours, where you'll want to try their famous homemade fudge. Kids will also enjoy painting pottery at Go Paint!

Want to know what’s happening in Evergreen when you visit? Check out our Evergreen Colorado Macaroni Kid edition for family-friendly events! 

Looking for more great family-friendly travel options? Come hang out with us at Macaroni Kid Family Travel!