Taking the Kids: Doing spring break safely

Got your backpack? Reusable water bottle? Especially this year, consider getting outdoors for spring break. The more time you can spend outdoors, the safer you’ll be, public health experts suggest. But that doesn’t necessarily mean a backpacking or RV trip, although those options can be a lot of fun.

You can hit the slopes or the links. Try a new roller coaster or two. Explore a national park you haven’t visited before. Learn something new about America’s first president at Mount Vernon, George Washington’s home, as we celebrate Presidents’ Day.

With our partners at Family Travel Forum, we have just published Spring Break Ideas to Meet Every Family’s Wish List.

Of course, travel this year is more complicated because of the pandemic. If you are heading out of the country, make sure you have the latest information on what is required for entry. Know that you and children over 2 will need to present a negative COVID-19 test taken no earlier than 24 hours before returning to the U.S. Consider N95 masks designed to achieve a very close facial fit that protects from airborne particles, especially if you are flying. Consider travel insurance that will cover your expenses in the case one of you tests positive.

Now that you’re ready, let’s get out there and have some fun! There are more than 25 new Orlando experiences in 2022.

Orlando is launching year-round, complimentary one-on-one planning sessions with vacation experts making it easier than ever for travelers to plan a visit. Resources include a dedicated Facebook group, a refreshed Visit Orlando app, and easy access to information on VisitOrlando.com, featuring the latest safe travel guidelines, events calendar, attraction ticket and hotel deals.

This help will come in handy when choosing where to go. There are more than 25 new Orlando experiences in 2022. Coaster lovers will be at Ice Breaker, SeaWorld Orlando’s first launch coaster, opening this month. The ride features four launches, both backward and forwards. (Also new is reserved seating at shows, unlimited front of the line access, including one-time priority access to Ice Breaker for $29.99.)

For the youngest theme park goers, the world’s first Peppa Pig Theme Park also opens this month at LEGOLAND Florida Resort with rides, interactive attractions, fun live shows, themed playscapes and more. The park will open as a certified autism center and will feature a newly designed ride vehicle for increased accessibility for children in wheelchairs.

Nearby, Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex will open at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in March. The 50,000-square-foot, multi-level attraction will feature a showcase of NASA and commercial spacecraft hardware with immersive displays, as well as a “journey” through space. The Kennedy Space Center is also a perfect place to see a rocket launch. Check the schedule and try to time your visit around a launch.

Have you been to Moab, Utah, famous for — Arches and Canyonlands National Parks? Moab’s red rock formations, hiking and mountain biking are perfect for outdoors-loving families and social distancing. We loved the family-owned Whispering Oaks Ranch, located about 20 miles southeast of Moab. At nearly 8,000 feet elevation with spectacular views of the La Sal Mountains, Utah’s second-tallest range, there is plenty of hiking nearby, even four ponds on the property where you can fish (catch and release) or canoe. There is also a playground. Becoming Junior Rangers can be a terrific way for kids to engage and learn about the parks. Booklets can be downloaded from either park’s website (Arches or Canyonlands) or picked up at visitor centers.

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