In March, the majority of Texas schools will soon have Spring Break. Countless excellent destinations are situated just a few hours from the state's major cities. Whether you want to hit the slopes, unwind on a sunny beach, embark on a memorable cruise, enjoy a resort, or explore a vibrant city, your dream vacation is within easy reach. Here are five of my favorite ideas for a family friendly spring break vacation just a short trip from Texas

Angel Fire, New Mexico, is an easy drivable destination and is the perfect family friendly destination if you want to ski this Spring break. With its beautiful landscapes and numerous activities, Angel Fire is an ideal getaway for those seeking adventure or relaxation. Here are some highlights:

• Situated only a few hours away from major cities such as Albuquerque and Santa Fe, you can opt to fly there and drive to Angel Fire. It's also a straightforward drive from most major Texas cities. We've traveled there numerous times, and it's an easy ten to eleven-hour drive for us from the Dallas area, and even closer if you life in Amarillo or West Texas.

• It has stunning mountain views with the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets you have ever seen.

• The mountain isn't very large, but it offers numerous ski runs suitable for all skill levels. Grab your lift tickets and check out the snow conditions here. Additionally, there's a fun tubing area, a kids sledding area, an excellent ski school, and a bunny hill, making it ideal for the entire family to have fun in the snow.

• There are numerous accommodation options from cozy cabins to vacation rentals, several offer easy access to the mountain

Angel Fire is a budget friendly ski destination that is fun for the whole family.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

You may not think of Alabama when you picture your perfect beach vacation, but maybe you should! Alabama offers 32 miles of sugar white sand beaches and there are numerous activities for the entire family, plus it's located within a day's drive of most Texas major cities. Here are a few things to consider:

• Located between an 8 to 12 hour drive from most major cities in Texas, Gulf Shores is easily accessible for a fun beach vacation. Also, starting in May 2025 some US cities will fly direct to Gulf Shores International Airport on Allegiant Airlines.

• The white sand beaches and clear, clean ocean water paint the picture for the perfect day at the beach.

• There are limitless water activities to enjoy, including snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, boating, kayaking, parasailing, fishing, sailing, dolphin cruises, and more! Fun for the whole family!

  
  

  

  
  

• And if you get tired of the beach and ocean activities, there is plenty to do outside of the water including shopping, mini-golf, helicopter rides, museums and more.

• You will definitely want to visit The Wharf which offers endless family-friendly events and activities plus great shopping, dining, laser tag, a ride on one of the largest ferris wheels in the Southeast with spectacular views, and so much more!

• Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer numerous excellent accommodations from hotels and condos to vacation homes you are sure to find the ideal spot for your upcoming beach vacation!

For a relaxing and enjoyable family-friendly beach getaway that is both accessible and budget-friendly, Gulf Shores, Alabama, is the perfect spot for your Spring Break vacation!

Big Cedar Lodge, Missouri

Located in the beautiful Ozarks on Table Rock Lake, Big Cedar Lodge offers everything and more you might want in a fun family friendly vacation and it is in an absolutely beautiful location! Discover it here:

• Located just over six hours from Dallas and about ten hours from Houston and Austin, the Ozarks are the perfect place for a fun adventure filled Spring Break for everyone in your group!

• You will never get bored and will probably decided you didn't have enough time at this massive resort that offers endless activities. Depending on what type of vacation you are looking for, you can relax and unwind or jump right in and discover all of the on property amenities and scheduled activities. Plus, there is plenty to do around the area outside of the resort.

• From March - May they are offering what they call, Adventure in the Great Outdoors, which encourages you to unplug, connect with nature and take in the natural beauty of the Ozarks. During this time, they have put together a list of activities in addition to what they always offer.

• Fill your days with almost anything you can imagine

  • There are multiple swimming pools and hot tubs throughout the resort.

  • The Bass Pro Shop Long Creek Marina is located on property and offers water sports, boat rentals and fishing guides.

  • Fun Mountain is kids dream come true with 50,000 square feet of fun! Choose from glow in the dark underwater themed bowling, laser tag, arcade games, go carts, a ropes and zipline course and more! And if you want to enjoy a date night or the spa, they offer childcare for kids 4-12 years of age!

  • Are you a golfer? There are five incredible golf courses designed by golf legends including, Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, and Tom Watson to name a few. There are two 18-hole championship courses, a 19-hole championship course, 9 and 18 hole par 3 course and a 13 hole walking course! I have played the Par 3 courses a couple of times, and they are not easy but they are beautiful and a lot of fun!

  • An award-winning 18,000 square foot spa offers luxurious treatment rooms and a full-service salon. Check out this tour of the amazing spa and get ready to indulge yourself!

  • Take a 2.5 mile ride in a golf cart as you explore waterfalls, beautiful rock formations and the inside of Lost Canyon Cave where you will discover a four story waterfall and the "Bat Bar" where you can order a drink! It is a lot of fun!

  • The Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium is a must do day trip from the resort! It was voted by USA Today readers as America's Best Aquarium, and I would personally agree, it is really cool!

  • They pride themselves on offering some of the finest dining experiences around and offer a variety of restaurants from casual to fine dining.

• Accommodations: The lodge offers 362 accommodations from rustic log cabins and lakeside cottages to golf course accommodations and hotel rooms at the lodges. They even offer "glamping" and camp style accommodations as well as luxury multi bedroom villas style cottages for larger groups.

With so much to see and do, your Spring Break at Big Cedar Lodge promises to be an unforgettable experience filled with adventure, relaxation, and the chance to reconnect with nature and loved ones. Make sure to plan ahead and take advantage of the special packages and deals available during the season, ensuring that your getaway is not only enjoyable but also economical. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a little bit of both, Big Cedar Lodge is the perfect destination to create lasting memories this Spring Break!

Book a cruise from Galveston, Texas

Several fun cruises depart from Galveston on various ships, heading to exciting destinations ranging from Mexico to the Western and Southern Caribbean, ensuring you'll find the perfect cruise for your group. Discover the possibilities:

1. Royal Caribbean provides a variety of exciting ships with voyages of different lengths to the Western Caribbean and Mexico. Their ships are stunning and offer plenty of activities for the whole family! We embarked on a cruise during a recent Spring Break from Galveston, visiting Roatan, Honduras, Cozumel, and Costa Maya, Mexico, along with enjoying two entertaining days at sea! Royal Caribbean is among one of my preferred cruise lines and is at the top of my list when suggesting cruises to friends and family. They recently opened a new state of the art terminal when they welcomed the state's largest cruise ship, so boarding their ships has gotten better and much more efficient.

2. Norwegian Cruise Line offers seven and 14 day cruises to the Caribbean as well as the Dominican Republic and St. Thomas.

3. Carnival Cruise Line offers cruises as short as 2 days and up to 10+ days and they are well known for being more affordable than other cruise lines, but also offer fewer amenities.

4. Disney Cruise line sails from Galveston! They offer 4, 6 and 7 night cruises. The 7 night cruise is one way so you can end in Puerto Rico and enjoy some time there as well. Disney cruises include character experiences, waterslides, Broadway quality shows and more.

5. Princess Cruises roundtrip from Galveston to Mexico and the Western and Southern Caribbean they offer 4 - 12 day cruises with multiple port of calls. They are offering some great discounts with up to 40% off and a free room upgrade.

   
   

Cruising for Spring Break is fun for everyone and you get the opportunity to not only experience all that the ship has to offer, but also visit some really cool destinations. One of my most memorable Spring break vacations with my teenage daughters was on board a Royal Caribbean cruise!

New Orleans, Louisiana

NOLA, N'Awlins, The Big Easy, Crescent City, whatever nickname you want to give it, New Orleans is a popular lively destination and can be fun for all ages! Discover why everyone loves this unique vibrant city and why it's a great option for Spring Break from Texas:

• It is a relatively short day trip from most major Texas cities, in just under 8 hours from Dallas and 6 hours from Houston you can be in New Orleans.

• This remarkable city has something for everyone and provides a unique cultural history unlike any other place.

• The nightlife is always happening and they are well known for their vibrant music scene, especially jazz.

• They serve the finest Creole cuisine available and provide a range of other culinary choices, many of which have won awards.

• Spend some time in the French Quarter to take in the city's architecture which reflects its rich historical heritage.

• They offer festivals all year long, it is like the party never ends in NOLA

• You can explore their many museums and attractions for days and not take it all in

  • Take a ghost tour, go shopping, bar hopping, check out Jackson Square, visit an above ground cemetery, watch the street performers, take a horse drawn buggy tour of the city, relax at one of their beautiful parks, and so much more!

• Several excellent hotels, resorts, and distinctive accommodations are available in the city to suit your group and plans.

Everyone should visit and experience New Orleans at least once in their life! There is truly no other city quite like it.

Pick any one of these five amazing options for your next Spring Break Vacation, and you will undoubtedly find yourself immersed in an unforgettable experience that exceeds your expectations! Texas' central location, strategically positioned in the heart of the southern United States, offers easy access to a plethora of remarkable destinations that cater to every type of traveler. Whether you want to enjoy the majestic mountains, unwind on the sun-kissed beaches, or experience the fun of a thriving city, there are many options conveniently reachable from Texas. For those who crave the great outdoors, the stunning mountain ranges of New Mexico or Colorado are just a short drive away, offering breathtaking views, fun ski towns, and an opportunity to reconnect with nature. If you prefer the soothing sound of waves and golden sands, the beautiful beaches along the Gulf Coast await you, providing the perfect backdrop for relaxation, water sports, and beachside fun. Alternatively, if you are drawn to the hustle and bustle of urban life, there are several cities within Texas and beyond, that offer so much to do and see. Each destination presents its own unique charm and activities that are sure to create lasting memories. As you plan your Spring Break getaway, I encourage you to consider the many experiences and adventures that await you, there is something for everyone. Happy planning, and I wish you a very fun and safe Spring Break filled with joy, laughter, and adventure!

What's your favorite destination for Spring Break? I'd love to hear your ideas and experiences, as I'm always on the lookout for my next adventure!