MARCH BREAK FAMILY GETAWAYS

Check out these fun spring break ideas available at some popular U.S. destinations.

It comes around like clockwork—the annual March Break holiday is a popular time for family vacations when kids and teens are off from school during the spring break session. Whether you want something that’s a quick hop across the border or a destination that speaks road trip or plane ride, we’ve got March Break ideas!

CLOSE TO THE BORDER

In Vermont, Smugglers’ Notch Resort offers the Maple Vacation Experience (March 14–29) with tasty food and beverage samplings, gifts for the kids and sugar on snow during a weekly carnival. The family-friendly resort is also home to award-winning children’s ski and snowboard programs, a zip-line canopy tour, a childcare program plus a Canadian-at-par offer. vermontvacation.com/lodging-deals/ canada-at-par

March Break is “play” time at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York. One of the nation’s leading family museums, the interactive collection includes exhibits on DC Super Heroes, the Sesame Street gang and Imagination Destination where kids let loose to create role playing in inspiring settings. museumofplay.org

In Oregon, the Portland Children’s Museum encourages little ones to push aside boundaries and create using their imaginations. Budding contractors use kidfriendly tools and hard hats to tear down walls and play with plumbing. There’s a “pet hospital” where young animal lovers perform check-ups on stuffed furry toy puppies and examine real cat and dog Xrays. portlandcm.org

In under a two-hour drive from Boston, Massachusetts in Springfield you will find the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden. The garden’s three sculpture groupings depict Yertle the Turtle, the Cat in the Hat and more of the good doctor’s timeless characters. seussinspringfield.org

PLANE, TRAIN AND CAR ROAD TRIPS

The South Carolina coastline is a popular March Break road trip for families. In 2020, Myrtle Beach is rolling out the red carpet for the 60th Annual Canadian American Days (March 14–22). Adventuresome kids may want to tackle a treetop adventure or ride the Skywheel. There is the Ripley’s Aquarium, horseback riding, family-friendly museums and more mini golf than could be played in a week. Many coupons and discounts for Canadians are available. visitmyrtlebeach.com/things-todo/events/can-am-days/

For many families, a March Break trip to Kissimmee or Orlando, Florida is an annual highlight. For many it will be the first chance to experience the two new Star Wars adventures at Walt Disney World Resort: Rise of the Resistance and Galaxy’s Edge. Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure have welcomed two new attractions: Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the new coaster, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. At Seaworld Orlando you get to walk down Sesame Street, a new fun-filled attraction where guests can explore the iconic neighbourhood, visit Mr. Hooper’s store, stop by Big Bird’s nest, or sit on the famous 123 Stoop and meet favourite friends from Sesame Street including Elmo, Cookie Monster and Big Bird in this new themed land. Seaworld Orlando is also offering a Canadian Resident Deal with savings of up to $30. visitorlando.com and

experiencekissimmee.com

Family-friendly Denver, Colorado is loaded with kids’ activities. The Denver Museum of Nature & Science’s Discovery Zone has handson playtime from archaeological sandpits to moving water features. The Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus encourages young ones to “explore, imagine, investigate and create.” There’s an arts creative space, a 3 ½-story “mountain” and a new Adventure Forest, a 150-metre long outdoor aerial adventure course and immersive art installation. denver.org

Woodward Park City in Utah boasts both indoor and outdoor action sports venues for March Break and winter adventure. There’s lift-accessed snowboarding, skiing and tubing with all-access tickets, day sessions, lift tickets, drop-in sessions, day camps, lessons and special events.

woodwardparkcity.com

Deep in the heart of Texas is familyfriendly San Antonio. The downtown River Walk means you can ditch the car and experience the old town, the Alamo and other historic missions. Nearby is Seaworld San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Morgan’s Wonderland, the world’s first amusement park designed for kids with special needs. Visit the Botanical Gardens while you’re in San Antonio for fun, handson, safe places to play in nature, developing healthier, happier kids and families.

visitsanantonio.com

PHOTO: Take a thrilling rollercoaster ride known as Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. Visit Orlando