We're starting to pipe dream about spring break the first week of ApriL and I'm looking for suggestions for locations. We're in Michigan and I'd prefer to limit driving to 1200 miles away. We've considered New Orleans, but we're open to other suggestions as well. The kids will be 14, 12, 8. We're looking for something warm but it doesn't have to be swimming weather necessarily. We like to visit busy areas but prefer to stay in a calmer location.We've recently visited the Smokies, NYC, DC, and Disney, so those locations are out. Where's your favorite place for spring break with kids?

what about going to Washington D.C. for the cherry blossoms and some history?

2chiefsRus wrote:what about going to Washington D.C. for the cherry blossoms and some history?Great suggestion but we'll be there at the end of April for my son's 8th grade fieled trip.

Walt Disney World in Florida! Fort Wilderness is a great campground, but expensive, yet definitely worth it. But, be aware that not all Spring Breaks are at the same time. There are rolling spring breaks so it is hard to avoid the crowds. I have been to New Orleans twice and love it - as an adult. It is not a place for kids.

New Orleans would not be the place to take kids - in our opinion. :)If you can get reservations, Gulf Shores, Alabama would be the place I'd choose. The state park there is great and has full hookups. The beach and town are a nice bike ride. Great places to eat; shrimp off the boats; lots to do in the area, including the Air Museum in Pensacola - a nice day trip.

I second Gulf Shores! Gulf State Park has full hookups. We were there in March last year and their huge beautiful pool was open. Beach is gorgeous.

Spring break with kids | Good Sam Community

2chiefsRus
Explorer
Oct 21, 2016
what about going to Washington D.C. for the cherry blossoms and some history?
michigansandzil
Explorer
Oct 21, 2016
2chiefsRus wrote:
what about going to Washington D.C. for the cherry blossoms and some history?

Great suggestion but we'll be there at the end of April for my son's 8th grade fieled trip.
Two_Hands
Explorer
Oct 21, 2016
Walt Disney World in Florida! Fort Wilderness is a great campground, but expensive, yet definitely worth it. But, be aware that not all Spring Breaks are at the same time. There are rolling spring breaks so it is hard to avoid the crowds. I have been to New Orleans twice and love it - as an adult. It is not a place for kids.
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Oct 21, 2016
New Orleans would not be the place to take kids - in our opinion. :)

If you can get reservations, Gulf Shores, Alabama would be the place I'd choose. The state park there is great and has full hookups. The beach and town are a nice bike ride. Great places to eat; shrimp off the boats; lots to do in the area, including the Air Museum in Pensacola - a nice day trip.
shayerk
Explorer
Oct 21, 2016
I second Gulf Shores! Gulf State Park has full hookups. We were there in March last year and their huge beautiful pool was open. Beach is gorgeous.
shayerk
Explorer
Oct 21, 2016
This year we are going to James Island County Park, Charleston South Carolina in March. I have never been there so am not speaking from experience but on paper it looks like it might be great for your family.
michigansandzil
Explorer
Oct 21, 2016
2gypsies wrote:
New Orleans would not be the place to take kids - in our opinion. :)

If you can get reservations, Gulf Shores, Alabama would be the place I'd choose. The state park there is great and has full hookups. The beach and town are a nice bike ride. Great places to eat; shrimp off the boats; lots to do in the area, including the Air Museum in Pensacola - a nice day trip.

Any suggestions for campgrounds in Golf Shores? The state park is full.
I checked there before considering New Orleans. We've never been to NO but I thought we might all enjoy paddling the bayou, taking a ride on the paddle boat on the Mississippi, visiting a plantation, going to the aquarium, etc.

Is it not appropriate at all like Vegas? I wouldn't even let my kids walk the strip in the day in Vegas.
Merrykalia
Explorer
Oct 21, 2016
We went to Gulf Shores for a few days before and after a cruise the year of the oil spill and we wanted a pool, so we stayed at Island Retreat. The sites were smaller than the state park, but it was quiet at night and had a pool, which our daughters used a couple of times a day.

I think if you call the state park, they have some sites that are "first come, first served" and they are not reservable.

Have something available "IF" you can't get a site at the state park.

That would be our suggestion for spring break - we have done it several times and we have been able to swim at least one or two days during each trip. It's not hot, but it is usually in the mid-high 70s for at least a day or two. On other days, it was in the 60s and not quite warm enough for swimming.
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Oct 21, 2016
Here are the Gulf Shores parks:

http://www.rvparkreviews.com/regions/alabama/gulf-shores

We always stay at the state park so can't help out. There are paddling bayous in the area, also. There's a day trip small ferry ride. Google for other activities. You'll find lots.

I'm sure you can find kid-friendly things in New Orleans but it just doesn't strike me as family-wholesome as Gulf Shores. Perhaps if you stay out of the French Quarter it would be better. Yes, you see all kinds in New Orleans just like Vegas. Some may disagree.
sch911
Explorer
Oct 21, 2016
There are many places all along the gulf coast. Our favorite for years has been Topsail Hill SP in Santa Rosa Beach near Destin, FL. We have reservations for the week you're looking for ourselves. But here's the problem, we have to reserve 11 months in advance to get the week we want. You never know there can be cancellations, and the FL state parks all keep some sites open for walk up use. Good Luck.