The Top Four April Break Family Destinations
Don’t look now, but spring is right around the corner. When you hear the phrase “spring break”, fun in the sun and sand might immediately come to mind, but for families there’s a world of other options today. From adventure, education, nature, to water fun, there’s many April options to create quality bonding time and lifetime memories.
Tenerife
Whether you’re looking to take a splash at the #1 waterpark in the world, explore volcanic views, repel off waterfalls, or learn about coffee cultivation, our list is sure to have something your entire family will enjoy.
A paradise for families, Tenerife boasts a year round warm climate, fully equipped beaches and family-friendly accommodations. Take a splash at Siam Park, a Thai-themed water park offering exhilarating rides in exotic surroundings. Ranked #1 in top water parks in the world by Trip Advisor, drift along the longest lazy river or take a nap on the 9,500 m2 white sand beach.
Spend the next day at the Loro Parque (voted #1 zoo in Europe by Trip Advisor). A memorable wildlife park and aquarium, Loro Parque is home to the largest collection of parrots in the world, as well as orcas, sharks, sea lions and dolphins. At night, it’s time to unwind and discover constellations underneath Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak at 12,198 feet above sea level.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is an educational vacation unlike no other, where real-world experience and adventure becomes one. Home to one of the most bio diverse parks on the planet, the Manuel Antonio National Park is full of lush tropical forests, lagoons, mangroves and pristine white sandy beaches. Some of the frequently viewed residents include white-faced and howler monkeys, two and three toed sloths and iguanas.
Costa Rica is also known for being a booming beach town. Home to the International Quicksilver Championship, Jaco beach is a hot spot in Costa Rica. Not a pro? Don’t worry. Playa Jaco has smaller waves for those just learning.
If you want to expand on your adventure, go zip lining at the Arenal Volcano- one of the most popular destinations to visit in Costa Rica. Exploring the view of the volcano from above the trees is truly a unique experience. Another volcano to add to your bucket list is the Peas volcano. When the mist and clouds part, you’ll see the sulfuric, bubbling, green rain at the bottom, surrounded by rising smoke and steam.
Azores
A four-hour flight from the East Coast, the Azores is an inexpensive destination for families. A nature lovers’ paradise, the Azores is filled with hiking trips for older kids and canyoneering (when you jump, slide and repel off waterfalls). After experiencing with adventure, relax in the hot springs on the island of St. Michael. End the night and satisfy your sweet tooth with a traditional Azorean dessert pastry, Queijadas de Feijão from Vila Franco do Campo.
Columbia
This closest South American getaway to the United States is an educational and adventurous getaway. Safe, affordable and perfect weather conditions allow Columbia to grow the best coffee in the world. Over April break, educate your family at a coffee planation, or indulge in theatre and visit popular museums at Bogaton, Columbia’s capital.
If you’re an adventure junkie family, expand your horizons by hiking or going on a donkey ride at the Cocora Valley. Or, go zip lining over the coffee plantations. Don’t forget to visit Parque Nacional del Café, an amusement park based on coffee.
While Columbia is filled with adventure and education, it’s also a colonial city full of upscale beaches, restaurants and shopping. For luxury restaurants and high end shopping, visit the G Zone in Bogota, a gastronomical area. If mom wants to relax and enjoy herself at the beach, take a day trip to Cartagena, a Spanish style city full of gorgeous beaches.
