Spring break is finally upon us! This exciting time of year looks different for everyone, depending on one’s stage in life. For example, if you are in college or in your 20s, this is your time to shine. On the other side of things, for parents of young children, you might want to sit down for this one, because we need to have an honest chat about what your spring break will look like.
There are a couple of hard truths that need to be acknowledged. First and foremost, you must understand that traveling with children isn’t quite the same as a vacation. It is more accurately described as a trip. Repeat it with me: “A vacation with kids is not a vacation, it’s a trip!”
This mantra is the key to a successful spring break with young kiddos. I can see seasoned parents nodding in agreement, but even the most experienced among us can get caught off guard, myself included. As a result, we must take this a step farther: Not only is it a trip, but it’s essential to have realistic expectations.
My friends, the expectations are low – and I mean really low. Do not go into spring break envisioning your littles quietly building sandcastles while you and your significant other sip mai tais and joyfully engage in adult conversation. Such illusions of grandeur will just set you up for a major fail!
High hopes can spark disagreements between parents, epic meltdowns (from both adults and children), and could potentially derail the entire experience. This is a cautionary tale and comes without judgment because this is something I know from experience.
Understanding the difference between a vacation and a trip is crucial because, of course, there are exceptions when a family trip can feel like a true getaway, but the price tag is high. If your family is galivanting off to an all-inclusive tropical resort or jaunting away to a luxurious hotel with childcare services, you are stepping into vacation mode.
But these scenarios are rare gems! Those vacations are like unicorns – magical and rare. If you’ve planned and been able to execute one of these unicorn vacays, please enjoy because (for the majority of us) they aren’t the norm.
The “Good Enough” Spring Break
Let’s talk about spring break trips for those of us who haven’t had months to plan or who don’t want to travel far with tots in tow. I’m here to champion the idea of meaningful trips that are enjoyable but not extravagant – trips that are great but not grand in scale. There are no first-class flights or luxurious five-star hotels here. I’m talking about taking a trip with your family that gets you out of your routine, strengthens your bonds, and keeps your budget (somewhat) intact – without requiring extensive planning.
Let’s embrace the concept of a “good enough” spring break trip. Now, “good enough” does not mean “subpar.” These days it doesn’t necessarily mean “cheap” either! It simply means finding joy and satisfaction in where you are, with what you have, and who is with you.
You must read the room and know your audience. If your audience is an infant, maybe skip the plane ride – unless you are eager to experience feelings of shame and judgment at the mercy of strangers. Otherwise, car trips with babies are far less demoralizing.
If your crew includes a toddler, a day trip might be more manageable. Toddlers can be both adorable and challenging travel buddies. They often need their familiar “stuff” nearby, can be picky eaters, have little patience, and one small misstep can lead to a meltdown. They are truly the toughest audience, no matter where you go.
I’ve been lucky enough to experience both once-in-a-lifetime vacations and simple family trips, and one thing is clear: Whether it’s a magical unicorn vacay or just a quick trip, the quality time spent with family is what truly matters. It is precious, no matter the destination. So, do not worry if your spring break plans are lacking. There are plenty of fantastic destinations within driving distance that can offer an unforgettable “good enough” spring break experience that doesn’t take months and months to plan! Following are a few of my picks.
Staycation: Hilton Head Island
If you feel like you’ve missed out on planning a spring break adventure because you’ve been buried in diapers and school drop-offs, don’t fret. You can still enjoy a fantastic staycation – right here at home.
There’s so much you can do! You could rent bikes and explore Sea Pines Resort, stopping off at the Gregg Russell Playground in Harbour Town. Or, if you’re in the mood for something more educational, pack a picnic and head to Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, then take a walk down to Fish Haul Beach to collect shells and maybe even some shark teeth. Older kids might enjoy a visit to the Coastal Discovery Museum, which offers free exhibits of local art and artifacts, nature trails and gardens, and a butterfly habitat, as well as nature and cultural programs for a small fee.
The options are endless; just choose activities that break from your usual routine.
Good Enough Contingency Plan:
How about loading the kids into the car and treating them to ice cream for dinner at Hilton Head Ice Cream? Yep, you heard that right – ice cream for dinner! I once did this during a particularly chaotic phase when I was juggling toddlers and an infant, and my kids still talk about it. Do this multiple times throughout spring break and your kids will think you’re the coolest parent ever!
Amelia Island, Florida
Amelia Island is just a short drive, under three hours, from Hilton Head, making it a fantastic getaway not too far from home.
While it shares some similarities with our island, Amelia boasts unique scenery and familiar family-friendly activities. If you’re after a resort vibe, the Omni Amelia Island is a great choice. This hotel is particularly great for kids, featuring a massive pool with fabulous ocean views, snack bars, cabanas for rent, and live music. It offers all the fun of a tropical resort without the distance of the tropical islands.
Good Enough Contingency Plan:
Prepare for potentially long lines at the poolside restaurant. During our visit, the kids were getting antsy, but we weren’t ready to leave the pool area. So, we decided to DoorDash Chick-Fil-A right to our lounge chairs. It was a lifesaver! I can’t say for certain if the hotel was on board with our little dining arrangement, but we kept our expectations low – what were they going to do, kick us out?
St. Simons Island, Georgia
Just a quick two-hour drive away, St. Simons is another great beach destination that is fairly close by. The Pier Village serves as the heart of the town, lined with an array of shops, restaurants, and attractions like the St. Simons Lighthouse and Neptune Park, which features fun water activities and mini golf for the kids. This area is easy to explore and, if you’re fortunate, your trip might coincide with the popular monthly Crafts in the Village market.
Good Enough Contingency Plan:
If you find yourself needing some entertainment after wandering around, head over to the Pier – meaning the actual pier that extends over the water. It’s bustling with fishermen who spend their day casting lines and reeling in all sorts of fish and even sharks, while pelicans dive into the water to snatch up leftover bait. The kids will be captivated by all the activity and eclectic mix of characters strolling by. It’s definitely a memorable stop on your St. Simons adventure.
Hunting Island Lighthouse
Beaufort
One of my favorite day trips with little ones is to the lovely city of Beaufort, which is super easy to reach from Hilton Head and Bluffton via Hwy. 170. The Waterfront Park is a fantastic stop, featuring a great playground that will keep the kids entertained. Surrounding the park are delightful restaurants and ice cream shops, making it simple to hop from one spot to another, especially with tiny tots in strollers. For a special spring break experience, consider taking a carriage ride or renting a golf cart to explore. Downtown Beaufort is perfect for strolling!
Good Enough Contingency Plan:
If you’re looking for an additional fun stop, just a short drive from downtown is the Kazoobie Kazoo Factory, which was a huge hit with my kids. I had no idea such a place existed, but it’s definitely a unique experience! The kids thoroughly enjoyed the factory tour, where they learned how kazoos are made and even got to create their own. It’s a fantastic pit stop either on the way to Beaufort or as you’re leaving.
