Cheap Spring Break Trips for Family Vacations

Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on

Visit DC in the spring for warm temps and maybe even cherry blossoms. Photo by m01229 via Flickr

Traveling during spring break can be expensive, but there are plenty of options for cheap spring break trips if you know where to look. Many cities and destinations cost a bit less but don’t scrimp on the family attractions, including top museums, eateries, beaches, and amusement parks.

In-the-know families also deploy a few tricks to plan fun spring break family vacations without blowing their mortgage payment, from scoring secret deals to compromising a bit on the location.

Read on for some of our favorite hacks for cheap spring break trips, including great budget-friendly destinations throughout the US. If a longer trip is not in the cards, check out your local guide to family day trips and weekend getaways. And, read our post on how to plan cheap, amazing, and affordable family vacations for even more money-saving ideas.

Panda Fest Comes to Atlanta for the First Time

Submitted by Melanie Preis on

Enjoy the tastiest, cutest foods at next month's Panda Fest at Atlantic Station. Image courtesy Panda Fest and 360 Media

The pandas are coming...the pandas are coming to Atlanta! Panda Fest is exactly what you think it is — a panda-themed festival celebrating the traditions of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) cultures. Occuring across three days, April 4-6, this New York-based event makes its Atlanta debut with activities, food stalls, live performances, a market fair, and more. Check out the details below and get ready for an awesome spring festival!

50 Spring Festivals and Fairs in Orlando for Kids and Families

Submitted by Charlotte B on

During Epcot's International Flower and Garden Festival, families can enjoy beautiful gardens, elaborate topiary displays, and more. Photo courtesy of WDW

Get the whole family outside this season to enjoy spring festivals happening all across Orlando and Central Florida! Whether you're looking for the excitement of theme park celebrations, such as Universal's Mardi Gras and Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival, tasty adventures at the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City and the Blueberry Festival in Mount Dora, or eco-friendly Earth Day festivities in downtown Orlando, St. Cloud, and Casselberry, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Explore the Best Science Museums for Kids in DC: Educational Fun for All Ages

Submitted by Rebecca Singer on

Did you know that the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is bigger than 18 football fields? Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress

As a city known for its world-class museums, it’s no surprise that Washington, DC is a go-to destination for families looking for fun, educational, and interactive science exhibits for kids. From children’s museums and science centers to Smithsonian museums on the National Mall, DC’s best science museums invite kids to explore the wonders of space, examine dinosaur fossils, and try out hands-on experiments.

Read on to discover some of the best science museums for kids in DC. Then find more of the fun museums for children DC has to offer, from DC museums for toddlers to the children's museums DC is known for, in our Washington, DC Museum Guide.

Looking for more educational activities for kids to try at home? Our Guide to Science Experiments for Kids has you covered!

Best Children's Museums for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on

Enjoy art in the great outdoors at Storm King Art Center. Photo by Janet Bloom

Westchester and the Hudson Valley have great museums that will entertain and educate your kids, whatever they're into—be it animals, science, firefighting, nature, or art. All of the museums we've rounded up below offer exhibits and family programs that let kids (and their grown-ups) learn, explore, and appreciate new viewpoints. 

Read on for more about these cultural gems, each of which can be included as part of a family day trip, and be sure to check our Museum Guide for Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids for more. 

Best Long Island Science Museums for Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Voit on

Encourage an introduction to STEM education at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM

Science museums for kids on Long Island promote interactive learning with hands-on exhibits, workshops, and creative classes. These nature centers and museums teach kids about everything from astronomy to zoology. Whether your kids enjoy exploring nature on a wooded trail or studying marine life at the beach, we have you covered.

Our list of the best science museums on Long Island highlights incredible STEM and STEAM classes. Many of these science museums run summer camp programs and after-school experiences for kids of all ages. Some are even part of the library card perks programs, so check ahead with your local library about free passes before your visit. 

Read on for all the details to plan your next science museum adventure. For more fun ideas, check out our list of family-friendly museums and our Guide to Classes for Long Island Kids. 

Best New Jersey Science Museums for Kids

Liz Alterman's picture Submitted by Liz Alterman on

The Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium at the Liberty Science Center is the largest in the Western Hemisphere.

At New Jersey's state-of-the-art science museums, fun and learning collide, helping kids engage with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) topics at an early age. 

From mind-blowing minerals to awe-inspiring archeology and astronomy exhibits—with plenty of hands-on learning opportunities for all ages—these science museums for kids are as entertaining as they are educational. Read on for more info about the 14 best science museums in and near New Jersey.

Be sure to check out our Guide to Museums and Art for New Jersey Kids for more info on the Garden State's cultural institutions, including our rundown of The Best New Jersey Zoos and Aquariums to Visit with Kids.

Top Kid-Friendly Science Museums in New York City

Submitted by Yuliya Geikhman on

Kid can immerse themselves in the Connected Worlds Exhibit at the New York Hall of Science. Photo by David Handschuh

Curious kids and budding scientists have so many options when it comes to science museums for kids in New York City. From the well-known American Museum of Natural History to smaller museums with interactive science exhibits for kids, there are tons of spots for toddlers through teens to get scientific in New York City. Whether they're into ecology or archaeology, there are plenty of educational activities for kids in NYC. We've rounded up the best science museums for kids in New York City that the whole family can enjoy together.

Get more great geeky inspiration in our Guide to Science Experiences for Kids and find more cool children's museums in NYC in our NYC Kids Guide to Museums, Galleries, and Exhibits.

Best Things To Do with Kids this Weekend in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on

Enjoy a colorful celebration of Holi at Shake it Off this weekend. Photo courtesy of the event

Looking for the best things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

Kids can get messy making gooey, sticky slime and learn the basic chemistry behind the process at Slime Fest Weekend at the Westchester Children's Museum. Or learn about Indian culture at a Holi Art Party at Shake it Off, featuring Holi art projects, bounce time, mango lassi making, and Bollywood dancing.

Families can also get a head start on St. Patrick's Day celebrations at the annual White Plains St. Patrick's Day Parade, or enjoy one of the many maple sugaring events in the area, including the annual Maple Fest at the Ashokan Center.

Read on for all the great things to do this weekend for kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.