Taking the Kids: Going on spring break

Eileen Ogintz, Tribune Content Agency on Mar 2, 2023

There’s nothing like a blue-sky day at a snow resort. And there’s no better time than spring when the weather is warmer to enjoy the slopes and the mountains, especially this year with so much snow. Enjoy a mega resort like Vail or take your snow bunnies to a smaller local (and cheaper) resort a drivable distance from your home. Many pro athletes started at just such resorts. Check out our Fun in the Snow section for ideas. Save up to 30 percent at Deer Valley Resort in Utah (just remember, no snowboarders allowed). With one of the longest ski seasons in the country, Mt. Bachelor, the largest snow resort in the Pacific Northwest, makes for a great spring skiing destination with celebrations, including ski and ride competitions, weekly live music, and multi-day van-life festivals.

If you have golfers in the family, you know that Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular East Coast destinations for golfers (90 courses) because it’s affordable, the season is long and the non-golfers will enjoy the 60 miles of beaches. Also consider North Myrtle Beach with eight golf courses and eight mini golf courses, affordable accommodations, plenty to do on the beach and where families love the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex complete with batting cages, a 25-acre lake, floating obstacle course and three playgrounds. But there are plenty of deals to get kids out on the course elsewhere.

Calling all theme park fans. Super Nintendo World has just opened at Universal Studios Hollywood — an entire themed area. Coming this spring to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is Big Bear Mountain, the park’s longest coaster. It travels through the Smokies looking for Big Bear. From March 11 through April 8, celebrate the 50th anniversary of “I Will Always Love You,” one of Dolly Parton’s biggest hits, with a festival celebrating the art of songwriting. Those heading to SeaWorld San Diego can check out Arctic Rescue, the longest and fastest straddle coaster on the West Coast. Hop on your snowmobile and ride to the rescue of Arctic animals.

There’s no need to stay home if your family includes someone with special challenges. Certainly, it’s not easy to travel, but the good news is more places are becoming more inclusive. Look for theme parks like Sesame Place in San Diego and the Peppa Pig Theme Park in Florida, hotels, museums and more that have become Certified Autism Travel Centers.

Happy spring!

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(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow TakingTheKids on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments. The Kid’s Guide to Philadelphia and The Kid’s Guide to Camping are the latest in a series of 14 books for kid travelers published by Eileen.)