There’s a certain magic surrounding spring break as it gives families a much needed chance to take a refreshing time-out from the usual hustle and bustle following the holiday season. For one week each spring, parents and children from around the country pack their bags and head off for some new adventures, and like most of us, we want to do it on a budget -or at the very least, we want to get the most bang for our buck. Well, let’s see if my experience living in a few wonderful places can help to shed some light on great spots to settle in for some fun.
I grew up in Pennsylvania and as such I have an endearing fondness for the Keystone State. White winters and gorgeous summers were the stuff of great memories, but what about March when you’re in between seasons? Here are a few suggestions:
Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, PA
Harrisburg is not only the State Capital, but it’s also an excellent launch pad for many destinations. Aside from the hours of history and culture to be found in and around the downtown area, Harrisburg is only a short drive from popular destinations like Hershey, Gettysburg, and Lancaster, making it a great launch pad for a lot of budget friendly adventures. Last, but certainly not least, take advantage of the seemingly endless amount of hiking trails and outdoors activities that provide hours of fun, while staying easy on the wallet.
http://www.visithersheyharrisburg.org/index.asp
Pittsburgh, PA
While Pittsburgh often gets overshadowed by its rival, Philadelphia, it’s actually a sparkling gem for families looking for fun and adventure. This beautiful city is fully stocked with amazing family activities including museums, amusement parks, learning opportunities, and outdoors fun. Western Pennsylvania generally has a low cost of living, so take advantage of great hotel rates and local dining opportunities!
http://www.visitpittsburgh.com/things-to-do/family-fun/
Upstate New York
While I haven’t lived in New York state, I have spent plenty of time there and let me tell you, upstate New York is a nature lovers paradise! While some travel blogs boast about the fun of New York City for spring break, just a few nights in a downtown hotel can lay waste to a holiday budget. Let’s look a some ideas that are a little easier on the wallet, while providing a lifetime of memories.
Finger Lakes Region, NY
The Finger Lakes are a series of glacial lakes along the southern tier of upstate New York. I’ve spent plenty of time in this region and I’m always better off for it. While they are well-known for summer fun swimming in the lakes, what makes this region spectacular actually lasts year-round. You’ll find plenty of hiking opportunities, culture and history, with great little towns to explore along the way. My favorites are Hammondsport along Keuka Lake and Watkins Glen State Park on Seneca Lake! This area can provide days of family fun on a budget, especially during the off-peak season.
Lake George, NY
Lake George is an icon of Upstate New York. Like much of the North East during the late winter season, Lake George takes on a special feeling of winter tradition and activities. Built on a legacy of providing family entertainment in the Adirondacks, there is a wide range of both indoor and outdoor adventures for New Yorkers of all ages (there’s even an indoor water park)! Like most destinations in the North East, take advantage of the off-peak season rates for maximum savings!
http://www.visitlakegeorge.com/home
Texas
Having spent most of my life enjoying the North East, our family is now comfortably situated in the Lone Star State. Texas is not only a great state for family fun, its low cost of living makes it a great place to enjoy spring break on a budget. As America’s second largest state, there’s no end to the possibilities.
Austin, TX
Any talk about fun in Texas has to include Austin. While Austin is known for its nightlife and music, it’s also bursting with family friendly attractions. The fun in the Austin area doesn’t end with the city itself; you’ll find amazing hikes through the surrounding Hill Country, not to mention a plethora of wonderful little towns nearby, like Fredericksburg, that are well worth a visit.
http://www.austintexas.org/visit/
Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, TX
The Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex (DFW) is an enormous family-friendly center for year round fun. There are parks, nature centers, museums, entertainment venues, and an endless array of activities to satisfy every member of the family (there’s more to do here that you could possibly fit into a week). From the standpoint of budget, the wide variety of options in DFW and fantastic highway infrastructure make it easy for parents to plan full days of activities that are easy on the wallet. My advice would be to find a hotel off of Interstate 30 in the Arlington area for the easiest access to everything the area has to offer, not to mention the price advantage of not staying in downtown Dallas or Fort Worth.
Spring break is an opportunity to take time away from the usual grind and reconnect with your family. I sincerely hope that you are able to take some time away from everyday life and relax with your loved ones, building memories and enjoying a few well earned smiles.