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Kerrville, Texas
Kerrville, Texas
Out of all the places in the 13 states that are in the path in the total solar eclipse on April 8, this town in Texas Hill Country is one of the spots where it will be dark the longest—nearly 4 1/2 minutes. It’s also one of three cities where NASA will live stream the celestial event. (Indianapolis and Cleveland are the others.)
Beginning at noon on the 8th, the town is holding a free Kerrville Eclipse Festival in Louise Hays Park. You can stick around after the eclipse to enjoy family-friendly entertainment. Come the weekend before to enjoy more eclipse festivities. If you’re bringing the kids, stay at Jellystone Park Camp Resort Guadalupe River in Kerrville—the brand recently won a 2024 Good Housekeeping Family Travel Award.
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Evermore Orlando Resort, Orlando, Florida
Karen Cicero
If you want to spend spring break in Walt Disney World with the kids and the grandparents, try the new Evermore Orlando Resort. Four bedroom, four bathroom “flats” with a full kitchen and comfortable living room are tailored made for multi-gen groups. There are no stairs for grandparents to manage, and one bedroom is designed especially for kids with bunk beds and multiple faucets. Bigger groups can rent a house that has up to 11 bedrooms.
While Evermore is just about a 15-minute ride to Disney parks, plan to spend at least one or more days on property swimming and building sandcastles at the beach. Yes, the resort brought in sand from another part of Florida and sculpted its own shoreline. Older kids will love paddle-boarding or kayaking in the lagoon as well as chilling out on the hammocks and hanging egg chairs. Perfection.
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Los Angeles, California
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This spring, Tinseltown will sparkle even more than usual, especially for couples who gravitate to arts and culture. The Getty—known for its art collection—will open three new exhibits in April, including one that features the works of a brilliant female sculptor.
Time your visit to coincide with The Los Angles Times Festival of Books on April 20-21. Featuring books from all genres, including comics, the festival includes more than 100 panel discussions from authors and celebrities. Stay at the new Aster Hotel in Hollywood, which has an outdoor pool, pilates studio and 35 chic suites.
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4
Canyon Point, Utah
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A desert oasis in a valley at the border of Utah and Arizona, Canyon Point provides a dramatic setting for a wellness-focused glamping adventure—and, thanks to mild temperatures, April is one of the best months to experience it.
Surrounded by towering mesas, Camp Sarika at Amangiri offers 10 canvas-topped pavilions, each with a private plunge pool. Outdoor yoga and meditative sessions help you feel even more connected to the natural beauty. At the on-site spa, treatments, like Utah Salt & Clay, draw upon local resources to leave you in pure bliss.
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Cape Cod, Massachusetts
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Welcome back, whales! In mid-April, these beloved creatures start migrating to the summer feeding grounds off the coast of Cape Cod. Be among the first to see them by spending an afternoon aboard the Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch cruise, which resumes on April 13.
The cruise is guided by a naturalist who takes part in yearly training to be up-to-date on the ever-changing marine habitat. Other fun stops on a Cape Cod weekend include the Whydah Pirate Museum, Atlantic White Shark Center and Cape Cod’s Children’s Museum. Stay at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club, which has heated indoor pools and direct access to the Cape Cod Rail Trail, ideal for hiking and biking.
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London, England
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Thinking about taking the kids to London this summer? Going over their April spring break instead may literally save you thousands. Roundtrip flights in April cost a few hundred dollars less than summer options—and, for a family of four, the airfare savings alone could amount to more than $1,000.
Hotel prices are usually lower as well compared to peak summer times. While many European hotels only sleep two per room, the reasonably priced St. Ermins Hotel, Autograph Collection offers a spacious Family Room with two queen beds plus a trundle, so it comfortably sleeps five. There are also two bathrooms—a real time-saver for getting everyone out the door for a day of sightseeing. Once the base of spy operations, the historic hotel is now part of the Marriott Bonvoy program so you can use and redeem points there.
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Chicago, Illinois
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No foolin’, opening day at Wrigley Field takes place on April 1. Spend a long Easter weekend in Chicago, ending your visit with an afternoon Chicago Cubs vs. Colorado Rockies game.
Since most kids will still be on Easter break, they won’t have to miss any school! You won’t have any trouble filling a weekend with family fun in the Windy City. Navy Pier! Flyover, a sensory attraction that might remind you of Disney’s Soarin’, just debuted across from the Chicago Children’s Museum. The Peter Pan musical is also playing in the city’s Broadway district from March 26-April 7. If you want to stay close to Wrigley, make Hotel Zachery your home base. It has views of Wrigley Field and lots of baseball memorabilia.
Prefer to stay near Navy Pier? Opt for Sable at Navy Pier, Curio Collection by Hotel, which is just a short walk away from the children’s museum and iconic Ferris Wheel.
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Boston, MA
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If you have a teen who is interested in going to college in the Northeast, explore Boston over spring break. From Berklee College of Music to MIT, more than two dozen institutions of higher learning are scattered around the Boston area.
Since college students generally have spring break in March, the campuses will be full of students, which will give your family a better idea of what to expect. Intersperse college tours with sightseeing, walking the Freedom Trail and eating your way through Quincy Market. Stay at the Verb, a retro hotel that won’t break the bank (the college tuition will do that!). With a record-player in all rooms, 1,800 vinyls you can borrow, and a temperature-controlled outdoor pool, it will pass your teen’s vibe check.
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Washington, D.C.
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Taking PTO on Easter Monday because the kids are off school? Head to the nation’s capital for cherry blossom-peeping on the National Mall. The pink petals are predicted to reach peak bloom just a few days before, and there should be plenty left on the trees. Keep tabs on the flowers with this Bloom Cam. Or, even better still, spend all of Easter weekend in DC. Filled with shops and restaurants, the historic Georgetown area is a perfect home base for families.
Pick up incredible cookies at Levain bakery — the line in DC seems to be a little shorter than in the OG location in NYC. Tugooh Toys has you covered for last-minute Easter basket fillers while gorjana’s fun charms and earrings are perfect for grad or Mother’s Day gifts. Two-story townhouses with kitchens at Rosewood Washington D.C. in Georgetown provide plenty of space to celebrate as a family.
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North Lake Tahoe, California
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It’s prime fishing season at the largest mountain lake in North America! Fish tend to be more active in in spring and early summer, making it easier for you to reel in trout. Plus, you won’t have as many crowds to contend with in April. Book a guide or charter who can help you sort through the regulations and direct you to the best fishing spots. Stay at the recently renovated Cedar Glen Lodge Resort, which is in a convenient location for hiking, star-gazing, and, of course, fishing.
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Bali, Indonesia
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If Bali is on your family’s bucket list, plan your trip for spring break. There’s less chance of rain, humidity is low and — most of all — the beaches are less crowded than the summer months. Only 20 minutes from Bali’s International Airport, The Laguna Resort & Spa offers family-friendly accommodations, including two-bedroom villas with private pools. Crafts and other activities will keep kids entertained when they’re not building sandcastles at the beach.
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Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Tulips make a trip to Amsterdam even more appealing. This month, millions of the colorful perennial flowers pop up in the city, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for exploration. Must-see sites include the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House and, for tulips in particular, Keukenhof Gardens. Stay at the Pulitzer Amsterdam, which is nestled among the city’s canal. The hotel is a cluster of more than two dozen restored and modernized 17th and 18th century houses, offering uniquely designed guest rooms with a focus on Dutch craftsmanship.
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13
Palawan, Philippines
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If you’re dreaming of a remote, romantic getaway — and let’s be honest, what couple isn’t? — look no further than this archipelago province of the Philippines. With April temperatures ranging between 80 and 90 degrees and very little rain, the weather couldn’t be better for a springtime escape.
Stretching 260 miles, the island is known for its incredible biodiversity, including the famous Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park. The protected area encompasses one of the world’s most remarkable cave systems. Honestly, we can’t think of a better place to spend Earth Day on April 22. Amanpulo, a luxury beach resort that offers a variety of aquatic adventures, could be your hideaway for the week. Activities like kite surfing and kayaking are right there, but we won’t judge if you spend your time just lounging around.
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Beaches Resorts, Multiple Locations
Beaches Resorts
April is Autism Awareness Month, and families whose children have special needs will find a warm welcome at Beaches Resorts. Its three locations in the Caribbean—one in Turks & Caicos and two in Jamaica—have autism-certified kids’ clubs for all ages so there’s no question whether a child with special needs can attend.
What’s more, as part of the brand’s Sesame Street programming, there are meet-and-greets with Julia, the character who has autism. A Good Housekeeping tester visited the location in Negril last summer and reported that the kids’ club staff we were patient and attentive to her daughter who has autism. “The food, facilities and service for everyone in our family was great too,” she noted. If your child has special needs, sign up for the Sunflower Lanyard Program to make your airport experience better, no matter where you’re traveling.
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15
Dallas, Texas
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Springtime in this part of The Lone Star State is spectacular, especially for art lovers. April is Dallas Art Month, which means the city is teeming with activities that appeal to those with a thirst for creativity and culture. Visitors can check out the Dallas Art Fair and view a robust selection of contemporary artworks presented by leading national and international galleries.
When it’s time to turn in, check into HALL Arts Hotel for an artfully luxurious stay. As the first hotel in the Dallas Arts District, the property is home to a diverse collection of compelling works of art including floral artwork by Clare Woods and Nekisha Durrett.
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16
Lisbon, Portugal
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Beat the throngs of tourists that are sure to descend upon this capital city during the summer. Lisbon in April is prime time for travelers who want to admire the pastel-colored buildings. Districts like Baixa, the historic downtown area and Chiado, a bustling neighborhood with high-end hotels and premium retailers are top destinations for travelers. If you’re bringing the family, stay at Martinhal Lisbon Chido Luxury Apartments, which has bespoke amenities and a kids’ club.
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17
Curtain Bluff, Antigua
Curtain Bluff Antigua
Not only did this all-inclusive luxury resort recently get a glow-up, it’s having a flash sale that extends into April. All of its 72 rooms and suites are refreshed, plus there’s a new adults-only area complete with infinity pool and expanded its wellness spaces. For this flash sale, guests will receive a 35% discount on stays that equal four nights in multiple room categories on most dates until April 10, 2024.
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San Diego, California
Hotel Del Coronado
Can’t decide to head to a city or a beach for the kids’ spring break? Get the best of both worlds in San Diego. Stay right on the beach in neighboring Coronado at the legendary Hotel del Coronado. You can opt for the original, 135-year-old hotel, a newly renovated beach villa, or the Shore House, winner of a 2024 Good Housekeeping Family Travel Award.
With a full kitchen featuring high-end appliances, wrap-around porch and multi-bedroom options, the Shore House is an excellent choice for traveling with extended families. Set aside a day or two of your trip to explore the famed San Diego Zoo and museums at Balboa Park.
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19
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Wind Creek Spa
For a girlfriends’ getaway in the tri-state area, meet up at Wind Creek, about 90 minutes from both New York City and Philadelphia. Its luxe new spa includes relaxation pools, saunas, aromatherapy steam rooms and swinging egg chairs over a wading pool. The latter is the perfect place to chat with your friends after one of Wind Creek’s signature facials or massages. Time your trip to line up with a concert in the event center—for instance, Grammy winner Dionne Warwick is performing on April 19. Wrap up the night with a cocktail at the property’s new bar.
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Santa Barbara, California
Paul Mann
This So Cal spot hosts one of longest-running Earth Day celebrations in the country—it’s been going strong since 1970. This year’s festivities, taking place on April 27-28, features live music, an eco marketplace, Kids Corner and even a green car show. Stay at The Steward, a new hotel on five acres of land that embraces green initiatives. such as not utilizing single-use plastics, and has a historic fitness barn.
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