8 family-friendly spring break activities around the globe

As winter drags to a close, we can’t help but daydream about the warm days to come. With spring break just around the corner, families that have been cooped up by the cold are starting to think weigh their time-off options. And while we appreciate the satisfaction of spending that week off cleaning out the garage, maybe this year it can wait until school’s out for the summer. Ditch the chores and embark on a new adventure. From island treks on the Galapagos to underground adventures in the mountains off Australia, here are our picks for the best family-friendly spring break vacations around the globe.

Guided Tour of Isla Seymour Norte with Hiking & Lunch

Inspire your kids to pursue a career in biology with an adventurous journey to Isla Seymour Norte in the Galapagos Islands. Spot iguanas in the shade of spiky opuntia cacti, look for the turquoise feet of blue-footed boobies, and keep your eyes peeled for rare frigatebirds cruising overhead. Trek along the rugged coastline to the sounds of barking sea lions, scan the water for nurse sharks from elevated perches, and enjoy a tasty lunch in the shade of a bursera tree while you savor the sights of this remarkable and untouched landscape.

Whistler Ski Rental Package with Delivery

Not ready to give up on winter? Double-dip with a trip to the snowy slopes of Whistler Blackcomb for some late-season skiing. Embrace the convenience of packaging your lift ticket with your rental and avoid the hassle of packing ski gear for your entire family. Fun fact: Whistler’s snowfall is highest in March, averaging 7.9 feet (2.4 m). Can you say fresh pow-pow?

Island Ting: Full-Day Snorkel & Sailing

Seek out a tropical triathlon in Key West on this full-day adventure that includes sailing, snorkeling, and kayaking. Start the day with a delicious breakfast of muffins and quiches, and then sail out over vibrant coral reefs while you finish your coffee and the kids down their last gulp of juice. When you’re ready, pop on a mask and snorkel and dive in to check out the long bodies of sleek trumpetfish, the bold bands of butterflyfish, and the technicolor yellows and blues of queen angelfish. Dry off before you settle in for a buffet-style lunch, and then end the day paddling a kayak through lanes of mangrove forests.

Go San Diego Card: up to 40 Attractions in 1 Card

A successful family vacation is often dependent on being flexible. No one wants to fly the kids down to Disneyland only to discover that Jimmy is terrified of mice. With the Go San Diego Card, your trip to America’s Finest City is sure to go off without a hitch. Hedge your bets and save some money with included admission to all the city’s can’t-miss attractions, including SeaWorld, LEGOLAND®, the San Diego Zoo, and the USS Midway Museum. In between attractions, you can even enjoy special discounts at local restaurants and retailers.

Underwater Submarine Adventure

A submarine journey to the depths of Kona Harbor is the perfect way to introduce little ones to the wonders of an underwater world. It’s also a great opportunity to embarrass your kids by yelling, “Dive! Dive! Dive!” From your seat, peer out large port windows to catch sight of coral-covered shipwrecks, schools of tropical fish, and graceful sea turtles. Knowledgeable crew members provide narration as you quietly glide along the ocean floor, reaching depths of nearly 100 feet (30 m).

German Spy Museum Admission

Bring your teenagers to the German Spy Museum for a crash course in sneaking around that you’ll almost certainly regret. With over 350 exhibits chronicling spy techniques used since the first century, everyone in your family is sure to pick up a few pointers. See spy tools used during the Cold War, get up close to James Bond’s favorite gadgets, and practice your hacking skills on modern digital devices.

Blue Mountains & Jenolan Caves Day Tour

Take a day trip out of Sydney to wind through a stunning landscape of sandstone cliffs topped with dense green forests. Spot deep gorges, emerald lakes, and rainbow-hued waterfalls along the way. Stop off to let the kids pore over quirky souvenirs in charming mountain towns, and then take a break from the heat with a subterranean adventure in the limestone chambers of Jenolan Caves. Check out underground rivers, snap photos of dramatic stalactites, and then return to the surface to head back to Sydney.

Skyline Gondola with Luge Ride

Put the fun back into mountain climbing by ditching the walking—and carrying toddler—portion entirely. From Queenstown’s mountain-framed center, head to the Skyline Gondola for a view-packed ride to the top of Bob’s Peak. Near the top, hop off to transition to a chairlift that carries you to the start of a thrilling luge track. Pick your speed, challenge your kids to a race, and then push off for a curvy high-speed ride to the bottom. Declare victory, grab a family photo with the snow-dusted peaks of The Remarkables as a backdrop, and then enjoy a gentle gondola ride back to Queenstown.