The adventures you take with your grandchildren are experiences they’ll never forget. For your next family trip, leave their parents at home. “Skip-gen” travel with only the grandparents and grandkids is becoming more common. Based on the 2019 Boomer Travel Trends study, 15 percent of Boomers are planning a skip-gen vacation this year. And you should, too!
This spring break, pick up your grandkids and head to a new place. Give the kids a new memory, and something to brag about to their friends when school is back in session. Here are the top spring break ideas for families in 2019:
Joshua Tree National Park, California
If your grandchildren love sci-fi, make a trip to Joshua Tree. Unusual fuzzy trees dot the sparse desert landscape. Joshua Trees are spiny and stout, with branches at all angles. They’re often called something out of a Dr. Seuss book, which will delight your grandkids. Between tours and odd sights, there are tons of things to do in Joshua Tree.
Things to Do:
- Take the Keys Ranch Tour. The tour recounts the lives of Bill and Frances Keys, who prospered in the harsh Mojave Desert.
- Check out the San Andreas Fault. You can also see the strange Skull Rock
- Stop into Pioneertown, located near the park. Built as an Old West Hollywood set, it is now a quaint tourist attraction.
Ready to put your feet up? Check out the top Joshua Tree hotels.
Luray, Virginia
One of the best gifts you can give is a sense of adventure. Take the kids on a Luray vacation, and hike through the Blue Ridge Mountains. And not to worry if you have little ones with you. There are plenty of easy trails.
Things to Do:
- Explore Luray Caverns, the largest caverns in the eastern United States. Look up to ceilings that tower 10-stories high.
- Stop in for an ice cream cone at Stephan’s Sugar Shack.
- Go for an art walk in the city. There are plenty of murals and public art around town.
Stick around for a while. Book one of the top Luray hotels during your stay.
Sanibel Island, Florida
Looking for seashells is a time-honored tradition. And that’s exactly what Sanibel Island vacations offer. When you’re wondering where to go during spring break with family, the answer is always the beach!
Things to Do:
- Rent bikes from Billy’s Rentals. The shop offers child-size bikes, so everyone can enjoy.
- Did you know there’s only one seashell museum in the country? Stop into the National Shell Museum when you’re on Sanibel Island. You and your grandkids will learn about mollusks and shells from around the world.
- Walk through the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society and view the wild protected lands.
Stay by the seaside when you book the best Sanibel Island hotels for your family.
Corpus Christi, Texas
Corpus Christi vacations are top-notch for spring break. Why? A little something called Hurricane Alley Waterpark. You’ll feel like a kid yourself when you slide down the water tubes. The park opens for select weekends in March.
Things to Do:
- Test your skills at Galaxy Glow Mini Golf. The course is space-themed, which the children will love.
- If you have the older grandkids with you, head to the Riddle Room. This escape room is full of clues you can figure out together.
- Go to the beach. It’s simple and cheap, and absolutely perfect for a long afternoon.
Find a place the whole family will enjoy. Browse the top hotels in Corpus Christi, TX.
Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon, vacations are practically designed for rainy days. So if it’s raining during spring break, you know where to go. The city is full of museums and bookstores to keep the grandkids entertained for hours.
Things to Do:
- Discover the exhibits at Portland Children’s Museum. Your grandkids will learn more about space, nature, and art.
- If it’s sunny, visit the famous Portland Japanese Garden. The trails are beautiful for picture-taking.
- Check out the enormous children’s and young adult sections at Powell’s Books. It’s the world’s largest independent bookstore, and one of the top things to do in Portland.
Ready for a break? Find the top Portland hotels for the family.
San Antonio, Texas
You’ll enjoy some of the warmest spring break weather during a San Antonio vacation. Temperatures average in the high 60s and 70s F between March and April. With good weather and tons to do, you’ll understand why it’s one of the best spring break destinations for families.
Things to Do:
- Ride the rollercoasters at Six Flags Fiesta®. There are thrilling rides for the older kids and special rides for the younger kids.
- See the sea creatures at the San Antonio Aquarium. It’s considered one of the top things to do in San Antonio.
- Attempt to make a new world record when you visit the Guinness World Records® Museum.
Rest up for the next day’s adventure. Discover the top hotels in San Antonio.
Traverse City, Michigan
Enjoy the great outdoors when you take the kids on a Traverse City vacation. Start the adventure along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Then look for Petoskey stones, which are unique leopard-spotted rocks. A collection of these make for excellent spring break souvenirs.
Things to Do:
- Explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The park includes blooming wildflowers and popular beaches.
- Go on a picnic at one of the many parks in the city. Options include Traverse City State Park, Clinch Park Marina, and Hannah Park.
- Teach your grandchildren about science when you visit Great Lakes Children’s Museum.
Stay near all the action. Book the best hotels in Traverse City.
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City vacations offer something for everyone. Whether you want to spend time with animals or run around a laser tag arena, you can find it here.
Things to Do:
- Visit the penguins and gorillas when you explore the Kansas City Zoo.
- Outlast the competition when you and your grandchildren team up at Jaegerz Laser Tag.
- See a show at The Coterie. This family-friendly playhouse puts on performances for all ages.
Looking for a place you can all agree on? Check out the top hotels in Kansas City, KS.
Lake Tahoe, California
Ski season tends to run longer here than you’d expect. You’ll still have plenty of fresh powder during spring break. Find the perfect Lake Tahoe vacation package, and teach your grandkids how to ski.
Things to Do:
- Skate together or take a lesson at South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena.
- Show the kiddos how to ski on the bunny hills.
- Check out the views below when you ride the Heavenly Gondola up to the mountaintop.
Make yourself at home. Look for the best Lake Tahoe hotels in town.
Where should you take the grandkids on vacation this year? These spring break destinations are the best for a reason. Leave their parents at home, and make memories your grandchildren will never forget.
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