Looking for cheap spring break ideas

[Neesy228]

I realize that this is a very open-ended question, but I'm curious to see if you can come up with something that I haven't. I need a good family oriented trip destination!

Details:
We have a week off for spring break, and I'm trying to figure out a budget trip for my family of 5.
We are in PA, and will mostly likely be driving because of cost, so I don't think we could possibly muster more than...12-15 hours driving time.
We won't be going to Disney because we are planning a big trip in the fall.
We are looking for something with some great family activities that aren't super expensive.
I am NOT a cold weather person - so activities like sledding, skiing, hiking in the snow are not on my radar.
We've done D.C. several times, as well as Baltimore. NYC is out because it stresses me out too much with my young kids (ages 11 to 5)....

Do you have any ideas on great locations? Somewhere you've been that your family really enjoyed? I could use some help! I'm really stumped on this one.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

 

[HeatherC]

How about Myrtle Beach? May not be super warm, but can still be on the beach and lots to do around there. Plus a lot of the resorts have indoor water park facilities.

A couple other ideas are also Hilton Head Island, SC and Pigeon Forge, TN?

If you don't mind a farther drive...the gulf coast of the Florida Panhandle.

Or...one of the big indoor waterparks in the Wisconsin Dells?

Hope this gives you some ideas!

 

[Darcy03231]

Busch Gardens in VA. My kids loved it there. You could take a day and drive over to the beach.

 

[luv2mickey]

St Louis,
weather should be nice by April. Lots of free family things to do.
Grants Farm and the Zoo are free. Then there is The Magic House, St Louis Science Center, the Arch that are cheap.

 

[HeatherC]

If you are considering Busch Gardens, just make sure to check their hours beforehand. When we went in April for school break, they were only open on the two weekend days. They began opening daily later in the month.

Williamsburg is great anyway.

 

[tweedlemom]

Boston

 

[luvmy3]

I'm not sure what you mean by cheap, but I found the price of renting an RV was pretty reasonable for our spring break dates. I'm trying to plan a drive to Mammoth Caves National Park in Kentucky.

 

[melissapealo]

Two years ago we went to an indoor waterpark over spring break. Nearby there was a place that had go-carts,laser tag, mini golf, bowling and roller skating. So between the water park and extra activities near by the kids had a blast. Not sure if that's something that appeals to you as you may live close to one of the indoor parks in PA.
I would also say Myrtle Beach, lots of activities to do.

 

[ADisneyQueen]

Kalahari waterpark in Sandusky, Ohio, the Cleveland zoo and indoor rainforest, Cleveland science center.

If you're on the west side of PA the drive is only a few hours.

 

[Kitchensink]

Kalahari waterpark in Sandusky, Ohio, the Cleveland zoo and indoor rainforest, Cleveland science center.

If you're on the west side of PA the drive is only a few hours.

Also in Cleveland is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a brand new aquarium.
There are many beautiful museums in the University Circle area as well.

 

[marmalade]

I've been considering this place http://www.seacrestmyrtlebeachresort.com/. It's right on the beach and looks very kid friendly.

 

[Natalie's Mommy]

Two years ago we went to an indoor waterpark over spring break. Nearby there was a place that had go-carts,laser tag, mini golf, bowling and roller skating. So between the water park and extra activities near by the kids had a blast. Not sure if that's something that appeals to you as you may live close to one of the indoor parks in PA.
I would also say Myrtle Beach, lots of activities to do.

we are doing splash lagoon

 

[smitch425]

St Louis,
weather should be nice by April. Lots of free family things to do.
Grants Farm and the Zoo are free. Then there is The Magic House, St Louis Science Center, the Arch that are cheap.

This X 1,000,000!!! I suggest hitting the Missouri Botanical Gardens. It is the most beautiful place I have ever been to, and I've been to Paris. Our kids loved it. All of the above attractions are awesome, as well. We spent 4 days there and wished we would have stayed longer. We plan to go back soon. It was such a surprise. Didn't expect it to be that fun.

 

[tzolkin]

I'm not sure what you mean by cheap, but I found the price of renting an RV was pretty reasonable for our spring break dates. I'm trying to plan a drive to Mammoth Caves National Park in Kentucky.

The last two years we've done small trips right after the kids get out of school stopping a few days somewhere on our way out to visit DH's grandparents in IL.

The first time we went camping and to Mammoth Cave. We stayed at the Jellystone campsite. There were a lot of children's activities and a fun pool slide.

Last year we went to the Columbus Zoo. It was more fun than I had expected. They have an area with rides and there is also a waterpark (which we would have had to stay an extra day to do). We stayed at the Chase Suite Hotel which was very inexpensive, had a full kitchen, and is pet friendly. (We had just adopted our dog before the trip.) We would consider spending a few days here again the next time we visit family.

 

[100AcreWood]

I agree, Busch Gardens is a great idea. We have season tickets and go 4 times a year typically. The park is awesome and there is plenty to do for all ages. Also, it's super clean like Disney. They are doing a promotion right now where you can buy an all summer pass for the same as a single day admission. It starts March 24th and ends Labor Day. That's a good deal! You can usually find pretty decent hotels cheap. I've heard the Comfort Suites on Bypass is pretty nice but haven't stayed there myself.

 

[melissapealo]

we are doing splash lagoon

We haven't been there yet. We stayed at Six Flags Great Escape Lodge in Lake George, NY. There was plenty for the kids to do. Most of their shops in town are seasonal though and weren't open yet so not much shopping.

I've heard that Splash Lagoon is alot of fun.

I've been considering this place http://www.seacrestmyrtlebeachresort.com/. It's right on the beach and looks very kid friendly.

Have you looked at Dunes resort too? They have an indoor waterpark which is nice considering the weather in April may not be warm enough for outside water play.

 

[marmalade]

We haven't been there yet. We stayed at Six Flags Great Escape Lodge in Lake George, NY. There was plenty for the kids to do. Most of their shops in town are seasonal though and weren't open yet so not much shopping.

I've heard that Splash Lagoon is alot of fun.



Have you looked at Dunes resort too? They have an indoor waterpark which is nice considering the weather in April may not be warm enough for outside water play.

Thanks! Now I am contemplating going there for presidents week.

 

[njziggy]

I agree, Busch Gardens is a great idea. We have season tickets and go 4 times a year typically. The park is awesome and there is plenty to do for all ages. Also, it's super clean like Disney. They are doing a promotion right now where you can buy an all summer pass for the same as a single day admission. It starts March 24th and ends Labor Day. That's a good deal! You can usually find pretty decent hotels cheap. I've heard the Comfort Suites on Bypass is pretty nice but haven't stayed there myself.

That is a FANTASTIC deal! Can you tell me where you found it? Can you purchase tickets online? TIA

 

[living20057]

That is a FANTASTIC deal! Can you tell me where you found it? Can you purchase tickets online? TIA

I just looked on there website and the tickets are $67. You can also do Water Country for all summer for $48. It is definitely a good price Unfortunately it is about a three hour, so I would have to get a hotel. Even if we go for two weekends. We can get our moneys worth.

 

[100AcreWood]

That is a FANTASTIC deal! Can you tell me where you found it? Can you purchase tickets online? TIA

Yes it's a crazy good deal! They did the same thing last year. It made me so mad I had season tickets . You can order online.