Last Updated on September 19, 2025 by Tami
Spring break and summer vacation are the times when you and your family can spend some quality time together away from home to see and experience something new and great. If your kids are in school, giving them a fun experience with the whole family, while also giving you a break from the daily grind at work, will help build lasting memories for everyone. But with so many great places to choose from for your next family trip, picking an exciting location for your limited time together can seem challenging. However, regardless of how long your vacation lasts, there are plenty of resources available to help you make each family vacation unique and memory-filled. Go ahead and plan some family fun for your next school break!
Choosing a unique and special destination
When it comes to planning a family vacation, there are certain locales that spring to everyone’s mind. But if those places are on everyone else’s list, they are going to be crowded, which will reduce the amount of fun your family can have. With that in mind, choosing a destination that is not overcrowded can be as easy as searching the internet. You know the types of activities your family will enjoy, and the time you will be taking your vacation.
If you do not already have a general idea of where you want to go, you will be surprised at the number of unique options available for your trip. Even if you are limited in your locale, due to time, distance, or cost, you can probably find two or three options that will check several of your must-haves. You may not find everything that some of the more popular spots offer, but having more space available for your family to enjoy themselves will make for a special and memorable family vacation.
Keeping your four-legged friend safe
When you take your family on a trip during a break from school, there is no reason why your dog should miss out on the fun. If you are heading to the beach or pool as a part of your family fun and your pooch is going to be tagging along, you should make sure he is just as safe as your human kids. Most dogs love the water and can have great fun splashing and playing alongside you and your kids. But just because they love water, they may still get hurt or sick in the waves. Likewise, make sure the whole family stays hydrated and energized with balanced snacks, and consider ways to reduce sugar intake during the trip to keep everyone feeling their best.
Keeping your dog safe around water is just one area you will want to be aware of. If you and your family are planning other outdoor activities, such as hiking or biking, make sure your dog is in good shape to participate. This includes not just his physical stamina, but taking along plenty of cool, clean water for him to drink, and maybe a few treats for good measure. Not all places will let you have your dog off a leash, but that does not mean you cannot enjoy the fun and keep your dog safe during outdoor activities on your family vacation.
Spending time indoors or outdoors
Most breaks from school are during the warmer months. That means you most likely are considering locations that offer outdoor activities, like hiking or swimming. But just because your vacation is taking place when the weather is nice, you should not discount indoor activities. Depending on the age of your kids, doing things that give them an outlet for their energy within the confines of an indoor space will probably make for a unique vacation.
When you are planning a trip for the winter break, you should not only consider indoor activities. The brisk, clear air of winter can bring rejuvenation, and your family might get a lot of enjoyment out of skiing a new slope or snowshoeing through the wilderness. Make sure everyone is dressed appropriately; packing the right clothing for outdoor conditions can make a big difference in comfort and safety. Another spectacular option for a wintertime vacation is visiting hot springs, where everyone can enjoy a good, long soak in the springs and enjoy some serious relaxation.
Dealing with the unexpected
No one wants to think about things that could go wrong on a family outing. But even if you don’t want to think about it, being prepared for those unexpected scenarios can help alleviate stress during planning and make for a better trip overall. When considering things that could happen on any family trip over spring break or summer vacation, it is probably a good idea to think about what could happen on the road. You may be traveling by air to your destination, but you will likely be doing some driving to get around to various locations on your itinerary, and driving opens up the possibility of getting involved in a car accident.
You will want to plan for sufficient insurance, know your routes well, and only drive during good road conditions. Doing a little research ahead of time will help you be more confident about where you are driving — as well as where to park your vehicle safely. Family fun and safety must be your priority.
Keeping it all real
Family vacations are supposed to be about making memories together with those you care most about. As your kids get older, they may appreciate all the memories they have from past family trips and look forward to making new memories on the next trip. There are a lot of things to consider when planning your trip, and having a solid plan is one aspect of a good vacation. However, the most memorable part of the trip for your kids will be the family fun they have. That said, you should not be too focused on the minutiae of your vacation during a break in your kids’ school year.
Ashley Nielsen
Ashley Nielsen earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration Marketing at Point Loma Nazarene University. She is a freelance writer who loves to share knowledge about general business, marketing, lifestyle, wellness, and financial tips. During her free time, she enjoys being outside, staying active, reading a book, or diving deep into her favorite music.
