Spring Break Road Trips from the Midwest That Actually Work with Kids

You want to take your kids somewhere on spring break, but flights are outrageous.

Then you start adding it up…airfare, a rental car, and higher hotel prices because it’s peak season.

And that doesn’t even include attractions and food.

Suddenly the total makes you wonder if it’s even worth trying this year.

If that’s how you’re feeling, you’re not alone.

Here’s the good news: spring break doesn’t have to mean flying somewhere expensive.

Some of our favorite spring break memories have been simple road trips from the Midwest.

No airport stress. No rental car lines. Just destinations that actually work with kids and don’t require a second mortgage.

If flying isn’t realistic this year, there are so many fun, family-friendly options right in your backyard.

Why Spring Break Road Trips Just Make Sense for Midwest Families

We live in the middle of the country, which means we’re within driving distance of a lot of really great places.

And with a family of six, that matters.

From here, we can reach mountains, big cities, beach towns, and outdoor adventures without ever stepping foot in an airport.

There are so many places that feel different from home but are completely doable by car.

Road trips also give us control. We pack what we need. We set the pace. We stop when someone’s hungry or needs a break. We can build our days around one main activity instead of trying to squeeze everything in.

For our family, that flexibility is often what makes spring break feel manageable and actually enjoyable.

Here are the spring break road trips from the Midwest that we’d confidently recommend to another family.

Spring Break Road Trips from the Midwest

Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, TN

If you want mountain views, fresh air, and built-in entertainment, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are one of the best spring break road trips from the Midwest.

In early spring, you get mild weather that’s perfect for exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park without the heavy summer crowds.

Waterfalls are flowing, trails are manageable for kids, and the scenery alone makes it feel like you truly got away.

What makes this area especially great for spring break is the variety.

You can plan your day around one big experience like exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visiting Anakeesta, spending time at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, or wandering around The Island in Pigeon Forge.

There’s enough built-in entertainment that you don’t feel stuck if the weather shifts.

Cabins give families space to spread out, and the drive from much of the Midwest is long enough to feel like a vacation but still very doable over a day or split travel days.

If you’re considering this area for spring break, I share all of my tips, favorite attractions, and where to stay in my post, Ultimate Guide to Visiting Gatlinburg with Kids.

And if you’d rather have everything organized for you in one place, my guide, The Ultimate Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge Guide for Families ,walks you through exactly how to plan your trip without overcomplicating it.

Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga is one of those destinations that feels different from the typical Midwest road trip, in a good way.

You’ll definitely do some driving while you’re there, even if you stay downtown. But everything is close and the traffic is manageable, so getting from one attraction to the next never feels like a big ordeal.

What really sets Chattanooga apart are the unique attractions.

Riding the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway up the mountain is an experience all on its own.

Ruby Falls is one of those stops that really stands out. It’s not every day you walk through a cave and end up at a massive waterfall underground.

And our absolute favorite is Rock City. The views, the rock formations, and the winding paths feel completely different from anything else we’ve done on a spring break trip.

The Tennessee Aquarium is another standout and a great option if you want something fully indoors.

It’s one of those places where you can easily spend a few hours and not feel rushed.

Chattanooga’s pace is laid-back. You can see really cool, memorable things without feeling like you’re running from one massive theme park to another.

That balance is what makes it such a strong spring break option.

If you’re planning a visit, I share more details and additional stops in my post on 7 Incredible Things to Do in Chattanooga.

Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado Springs is one of those spring break trips that feels adventurous but still realistic with kids.

You can start your day at Garden of the Gods, walking easy trails with those giant red rocks rising up all around you.

You can drive up Pikes Peak or ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway and stand at 14,000 feet with views that are hard to describe until you see them in person.

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is another major highlight. It’s built into the side of a mountain, so you’re looking out over incredible scenery while exploring the exhibits. It feels completely different from a typical zoo visit.

The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum adds something unique to the mix. It’s interactive and inspiring, and it balances out all the outdoor time.

And one of the most memorable experiences for me was visiting Royal Gorge Bridge & Park.

Walking across that suspension bridge high above the canyon was equal parts thrilling and slightly nerve-wracking. It’s the kind of experience you’ll never forget.

Colorado Springs has a laid-back rhythm.

You can do something really cool each day and still end the afternoon feeling relaxed instead of worn out.

That balance is what makes it such a strong spring break option from the Midwest.

Branson, MO

We love Branson because there is truly so much to see and do, especially for families.

Silver Dollar City is one of the most doable theme parks we’ve visited.

It’s big enough to feel exciting but not so overwhelming that you feel exhausted by mid-afternoon.

In the spring, the weather is usually mild, which makes walking the park much more enjoyable than peak summer heat.

Beyond the theme park, the Branson Strip is packed with fun museums and interactive attractions that are easy to pop into without committing your entire day.

We also enjoy visiting Branson Landing to walk along the water, catch the fountain show, and browse the shops.

There are also plenty of shorter activities that are perfect for spring break pacing, like miniature golf, mountain coasters, and quick entertainment stops.

Add in a huge selection of family-friendly restaurants, and you’ve got more than enough to keep spring break full and fun.

If you’re planning your trip, I map out exactly how to structure your time in my 3-Day Branson Itinerary for Families.

And if you’re still deciding on accommodations, I share our favorite options in Where to Stay in Branson with Kids.

Branson is an easy drive for many Midwest families and offers enough variety to make spring break feel like a real trip, not just a long weekend.

St. Louis, MO

St. Louis is one of the best-value spring break trips from the Midwest.

One of the biggest perks is how many major attractions are free.

The Saint Louis Zoo is consistently ranked as one of the top zoos in the country and doesn’t charge admission.

The Saint Louis Science Center and Gateway Arch National Park are also great options when you’re deciding what to do each day.

Another family favorite is Grant’s Farm.

Admission is free, and while there’s a parking fee and small charges for optional activities like camel rides or the carousel, it’s still very affordable overall.

If your kids have energy to burn, City Museum is the place to go.

It’s part playground, part climbing structure, part art installation, and it feels different from any other museum stop.

If St. Louis is on your list, I break down everything from attractions to neighborhoods in my St. Louis with Kids: Ultimate Family-Friendly Travel Guide.

And if you’re looking for a convenient place to stay downtown, we’ve had a great experience at the Drury Plaza at the Arch.

St. Louis works especially well for spring break because you can mix free attractions with a few paid highlights and easily fill several days.

It’s compact enough to get around without major traffic stress, and for many Midwest families, it’s a very manageable drive.

Kansas City, MO

We’ve actually spent spring break in Kansas City before, and there is always a lot going on.

A big highlight is Union Station Kansas City, which houses Science City

Science City is one of our favorite science museums. The layout is unique, the exhibits feel different from your typical science museum, and there’s even outdoor space for kids to move around.

The College Basketball Experience is another fun, interactive stop that feels different from your typical museum.

You also cannot skip Crown Center. It’s almost like its own little spring break hub.

Within walking distance you’ll find LEGOLAND Discovery Center Kansas City, SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium, the Hallmark Visitors Center which is free, Kaleidoscope which is also free, Crown Center Showplace, and even the Museum of BBQ. You can easily spend a full day in that area alone.

The Kansas City Zoo is another strong option in spring when the weather is mild, and the National WWI Museum and Memorial offers incredible skyline views for older kids.

Kansas City works well for spring break because you can mix indoor and outdoor attractions, free and paid activities, and build days that feel full without feeling frantic.

If you’re planning a visit, I lay everything out step-by-step in my 3-Day Kansas City Itinerary for Families.

And if you’re looking to save money, I also share 12 Free and Almost Free Family-Friendly Things to Do in Kansas City.

For lodging options, I break down the best areas and hotels in Where to Stay in Kansas City.

For many Midwest families, it’s an easy drive that still gives you plenty to do.

Omaha, NE

Omaha is only about two hours from us, but it always feels like a real getaway. It’s absolutely worth the drive, even if you’re coming from farther away.

First of all, the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Need I say more?

It’s consistently ranked as one of the best zoos in the country, and I would agree.

Between the Desert Dome, indoor rainforest, aquarium, and massive outdoor exhibits, you can easily spend a full day there without feeling bored.

Staying near the Old Market area makes the whole trip feel even more special. If you’re deciding where to book, I share our favorite spots in Where to Stay in Omaha with Kids.

You can walk to dinner, explore the riverfront, and enjoy Omaha’s incredible downtown parks without constantly getting back in the car.

We love walking across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, finding Omar the Troll, and spending time along the riverfront. I share more details in my Omaha’s Heartland of America Park and Riverfront Guide.

The Durham Museum and Lauritzen Gardens are also great stops if you want to mix a couple of extra things into your trip.

Omaha works for spring break because the zoo is incredible, but it’s not the only reason to go.

The downtown parks, riverfront, and other attractions are why we keep going back.

If you’re planning a visit, I map out exactly how to structure your time in my Omaha 3-Day Itinerary for Families.

It’s easy, walkable, and packed with more than most people expect.

Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN

Going north for spring break might not sound like the obvious choice. But hear me out.

The warmth and energy inside Mall of America more than makes up for any cooler weather outside.

The mall truly is a destination in itself, and you can easily make your spring break feel extra special simply by spending a couple of days here.

The highlight of the Mall of America for us is Nickelodeon Universe, the full indoor amusement park right in the center of it all.

Our older boys head straight for the roller coasters, my youngest loves the Paw Patrol play area, and everyone still thinks it’s so cool to ride a Ferris wheel inside a mall.

Beyond the amusement park, you’ll find the Crayola Experience, SEA LIFE at Mall of America, miniature golf, rock climbing, FlyOver America, the Museum of Illusions at Mall of America, and more.

And honestly, part of the fun is the stores. LEGO, M&M’s, Toys R Us, and so many others make it feel exciting for kids in a way your local mall just doesn’t.

There are also excellent dining options and multiple hotels within walking distance, which makes the entire trip easy to manage. You can park once and not think about logistics again.

If you’re looking for a spring break that feels fun and contained, Minneapolis is a surprisingly strong option.

Chicago, IL

Chicago can definitely be a bit of a coin flip when it comes to spring weather, but it’s absolutely worth considering.

What I love about Chicago for spring break is there’s never a shortage of things to do.

You have big, well-known stops like the Field Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Shedd Aquarium. Each one can easily take up most of a day, which makes planning simple.

You can walk around Navy Pier, explore Lincoln Park Zoo or Brookfield Zoo, and head up Willis Tower for those skyline views that make the trip feel special.

If the weather cooperates, the Chicago Architecture River Cruise is such a unique way to see the city.

I’m also a sucker for the double decker bus tours. It’s an easy way to cover a lot of ground with kids without wearing everyone out.

And you really can’t skip Cloud Gate in Millennium Park and time at Maggie Daley Park.

It’s the kind of place where kids can just run and be kids in the middle of the city.

And of course, you have to work in Chicago-style pizza. Our family loves pizza, and there’s just something so enjoyable about sitting down to a deep-dish pie after a full day of exploring.

Chicago works well for spring break because you can mix major indoor attractions with outdoor exploring if the weather allows.

There’s enough variety that everyone finds something they’re excited about.

Dallas—Fort Worth, TX

Dallas–Fort Worth is definitely a longer drive from the Midwest, but it feels completely different once you get there.

Warmer weather, wide open spaces, and a mix of big attractions make it a strong spring break option.

We’ve visited before and really loved the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.

It’s hands-on, well laid out, and actually keeps kids moving instead of just looking at exhibits.

The boys also loved visiting The Star in Frisco.

Running and playing on the replica turf field was such a simple highlight, but it made the trip feel different from our typical Midwest stops.

We’ve been to the Dallas World Aquarium as well.

On our upcoming spring break, we’re staying near the Fort Worth Stockyards, which should add a completely different Western vibe to the trip.

We’re also planning to visit Peppa Pig Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth for our four-year-old, which makes this destination work especially well if you have a wide range of ages.

Dallas works well for spring break because there’s enough variety to keep older kids busy while still finding something special for the younger ones.

It’s a little bit of a commitment drive-wise, but once you’re there, you can easily fill several days with completely different types of experiences.

Tulsa, OK

Tulsa is not a huge, flashy spring break destination. And that’s exactly why it works.

We’ve stopped there on the way to Dallas, and we’ve also driven down just for a short spring break paired with Kansas City.

It’s the kind of place that’s perfect for a couple of days. Simple. Affordable. Easy.

The real reason to go is The Gathering Place. You can easily spend half a day there and the kids still aren’t ready to leave.

The play structures are so unique that you honestly look at them and think, “How cool is this?”

They can ride the Blue Heron slides, explore the seven connecting towers that feel like a giant castle, and climb through the Skywalk Forest.

It naturally sparks imaginative play and feels more like an adventure than just a playground.

We also made a few classic Route 66 stops while we were there, including the Blue Whale of Catoosa, the Golden Driller, and Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios.

The Blue Whale is a bit outside Tulsa, but it’s an easy detour and totally worth it.

When it comes to food, Mother Road Market is a great option.

It’s a laid-back food hall with a variety of choices, so everyone can pick what they’re in the mood for.

And if you want another indoor stop to mix into your day, Discovery Lab is a fun, hands-on option.

If you’re planning a visit to Tulsa, I share more ideas in my post on Explore Tulsa: 9 Must-See Free Attractions.

Tulsa isn’t a week-long, over-the-top destination. But for a relaxed, low-pressure spring break getaway, it’s a really solid choice.

30A, FL

30A is definitely the longest drive on this list, but if you’re craving warm weather and beach time, it’s hard to beat.

We spent a few days exploring the area with our four boys and instantly understood why families go back year after year.

The sand is soft and white, the water is that clear emerald color you see in photos, and the pace just feels slower.

If you’ve never been to 30A before, I explain what it is and what you’ll find in each town in my guide, What is 30A: A First Timer’s Guide to Florida’s Scenic Beach Towns for Families.

Seaside is by far my favorite town along 30A. I feel like I’m in this little magical world when I’m there. It’s truly picture-perfect, but still laid-back enough to enjoy with kids.

We could easily spend hours just walking around, grabbing lunch at Airstream Row or Pickle’s Burger and Shake, and soaking it all in.

We also make a point to visit Alys Beach. The architecture is incredible, and the Alys Beach Playground is such a great stop for kids.

We’ll often stop at The Big Chill too. It’s an open-air food hall along 30A with lots of food options and open space, which makes it an easy place to hang out with kids.

30A works for spring break because it’s simple.

Beach in the morning. Bikes in the afternoon. Dinner outside. Repeat.

If you’re planning your trip, I map everything out in my 4-Day 30A Itinerary for Families.

And if you’re still deciding where to stay, I share our favorite areas in Where to Stay in 30A for Families.

It’s not about packing your days with attractions. It’s about being outside and letting everyone unwind after a long Midwest winter.

It’s a longer drive, but if warm weather is the goal, this one delivers.

How to Choose the Right Spring Break Road Trip for Your Family

Spring break doesn’t have to look a certain way.

It doesn’t have to involve flights, beach resorts, matching outfits, or checking off some bucket list destination you saw on Instagram.

It just has to work for your family.

If warm weather is what everyone needs after a long Midwest winter, head south to Dallas–Fort Worth or make the longer drive to 30A.

If you want something simple with a shorter drive, Omaha or Kansas City can feel like a real getaway without the added stress.

If your family loves scenic views and outdoor adventure, Colorado Springs or Gatlinburg might be exactly what you’re craving.

And if you’re looking for something affordable and low-pressure, Tulsa is a solid, easy option.

But here’s my two cents: you don’t have to check any boxes.

Spring break doesn’t need to be over-the-top to be meaningful. It doesn’t need to live up to some ideal version of what everyone else is doing.

Sometimes the best trips are the ones where expectations are realistic, the schedule isn’t packed, and everyone just enjoys being somewhere different together.

Spring break is what you make of it.

Pick the trip that fits your budget, your energy level, and your season of life right now. That’s the one that will feel worth it.

One Last Thing

No matter where you head this spring break, choose what works for your family right now.

It doesn’t have to be the farthest drive or the warmest destination. It just has to feel doable.

Once you decide where you’re going, having a simple plan makes everything easier.

If you want help mapping out your days without overcomplicating things, my Travel Itinerary Planner is the exact system I use for our trips. Get it below.

May you LOVE your adventure. KW