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With Spring Break just around the corner, the time has come to pre-plan your trip. If you’re traveling with kids, especially multiple age groups, planning how to keep them entertained on spring break is as important as deciding where to go. We’ve put together a comprehensive list of tips on traveling for spring break with kids, to help guide you through the chaos that it can bring!

Pre-Flight Essentials

Pack Smart:

Good quality luggage is an investment for your kids and can help to make preparing for travel fun, especially with the selection of branded options available on the market. Colorful rolling suitcases such as the Samsonite Disney range or Trunki are a great way to involve kids in the preparation process.

Personalizing luggage is another way to get kids excited for a spring break adventure; make an activity out of getting them to decorate their luggage using stickers or funky travel tags.

If you’re feeling especially brave, you can even ask your kids to pack their own case – with supervision of course! If the whole case is too much, then get them to choose a favourite cuddly toy, item of clothing, or book to bring. Involving kids in this process will give them a great activity to participate in and a sense of ownership.

Snacks Galore: 

It’s essential to pre-pack some delicious and filling snacks to keep little tummies happy. Trail mix, fruit pouches, cheese sticks, and crackers are great options to have on hand. A refillable water bottle is also recommended to keep everyone hydrated, especially when dealing with plane air-conditioning. Involve your kids in the planning!

Entertainment on Demand: 

Movies and entertainment are key to keeping the kids occupied when it comes to traveling for Spring Break. Shorter flights often don’t provide in-flight entertainment, so it’s a good idea to invest in electronics where you can download movies, games, and audiobooks. Specialized children’s tablets are available on the market, or if you’re feeling old school, why not dig out a portable DVD player with car chargers as optional activities for kids?

Activity Kits: 

Travel-sized versions of popular board and card games are also great for keeping the kids entertained when you travel. Think etch-a-sketch, travel bingo, or jigsaw puzzles (though try to avoid anything with small pieces, as they’re likely to get lost along the way). Why not pick up a few activity books with stickers, as these are usually a hit with little ones. You could even treat them to their choice of new book or magazine.

Make Pit Stops Count:

Driving to the airport can become long and tedious, especially if you’re traveling from afar to your nearest airport. Choose a scenic spot on your journey for a small picnic to break up the journey. You could even book one of our ParkSleepFly hotel & parking lot packages so you can all get a much-needed night’s rest before your morning flight to your spring break vacation spot.

Take-off to Touchdown

Embrace the Window Seat: 

Try to snag a window seat on the plane and let your kids enjoy “cloud spotting” or watching the sky for other planes. Packing binoculars can encourage some excitement for your spring break trip, keeping the kids awe-inspired during the flight while giving them a tech break too.

Get Creative with Travel Games: 

“I Spy” is another popular in-cabin game you can participate in, especially when surrounded by travel-themed clues. Other fun travel games include tic-tac-toe and hangman.

Destination Adventures

Plan Age-Appropriate Activities: 

Make sure you do lots of research when planning aspects of your trip that can cater to children’s interests. Museums and zoos are popular for springtime, offering an indoor/outdoor adventure and giving you a break from spring showers or the sun. Check reviews before you visit so you’re armed with information on queuing times and facilities, and make sure the attraction is open on the day you plan to visit to avoid disappointment.

Get Crafty: 

Art activities for kids are also ideal when it comes to planning your spring break vacation. Travel-sized craft kits and art supplies can go alongside a stroll and picnic, keeping them entertained between taking in the sights. Crafting souvenirs of the places you’ve visited gives kids a fun souvenir to take home too! For older kids, why not encourage them to write a holiday diary or create a scrap book with tickets and mementoes from the holiday?

Embrace Downtime: 

Downtime can also help with relaxation and winding down amped-up little ones. Make sure to pack books, coloring books, and other mentally stimulating activities that will help everyone get a good night’s rest throughout the trip.

Worried about parking hassles for your spring break trip? Pre-booking your ParkSleepFly hotel and parking package can ensure a good night’s rest before you travel. Sleep soundly, fly out, and spring into adventure!

And if you’re traveling through this period take a look at our Spring Break airport hotel deals & coupons to see if you can save yourself some money.

If you’re expecting your first child and fear that your traveling days are over, we understand your concern. Some people’s worst nightmare is having to board a plane with kids in tow and there is no shortage of myths associated with traveling as a family. But we’re here to debunk those myths and give you actionable tips to help you realize that family travel isn’t just feasible, it’s downright magical!

Traveling with Kids: Debunking Travel Myths

Myth #1: It’s too difficult to travel with a baby!

Truth: If we’re being honest here, just being the proud owner of a baby means you already know that it’s difficult no matter what you do. But, traveling is no more cumbersome than heading to the grocery store. And truth be told, traveling with a baby is much easier than traveling with a toddler! Babies sleep a lot and they aren’t yet mobile. So although you’ll be doing more carrying, you’ll be doing much less chasing around.

Millions of Americans are expected to travel for Independence Day this year, take a look at some of our top destinations inspired by all things Red, White and Blue.

Red

Red Canyon – Utah

Part of the Dixie National Forest, Red Canyon is a great place for a hike this Independence Day! Following the red theme, this location is perfect for the avid explorer, with deep canyons to walk or bike through. The Visitor Center offers free maps showing where to hike or bike in Red Canyon and where to stop for a festive 4th of July picnic. If you’re traveling to Red Canyon for Independence Day, pre-book your airport parking lot space from your departure airport with ParkSleepFly!

Golden Gate Bridge – San Francisco

One of the tallest and longest suspension bridges in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge is a sight to be seen at any time of year, but extra special on Independence Day. The red hue of the bridge allows passing water vessels to see this extraordinary addition to San Francisco Bay. This remarkable structure becomes an even better place to spend the 4th of July, with a magnificent firework display over the water. If you’re flying to San Francisco from Chicago, check out the ParkSleepFly parking options available from O’Hare Airport.

White

Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

Celebrate true Independence by visiting South Dakota and seeing the iconic Mount Rushmore. This 60-foot Memorial features George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Each president represents one of the four key characteristics of the U.S. including, birth, growth, development and preservation. This once-in-a-lifetime trip features the monument itself, a half-mile walking trail and a museum and dining area. Flying to Mount Rushmore from New York has never been easier, and ParkSleepFly has a range of parking options available at JFK. Pre-book now to avoid disappointment!

Big Snowy Mountains, Montana

Experience the actual white of the American flag by exploring the Big Snowy Mountains in Montana this Independence Day. The ‘Big Snowies’ are the perfect place for an activity-filled weekend, whether walking with the family or taking snaps of the spectacular mountains. There are many different hiking options, including the Ice Caves Loop, or for something less strenuous, the Promontory Point via Crystal Lake. If you’re heading from Detroit to the Big Snowies, check out the options available on ParkSleepFly for your airport parking lot space at Detroit Wayne County Airport.

Blue

Crater Lake, Oregon

For a more serene option for celebrating American Independence, we highly recommend a boat out on Crater Lake. This volcanic crater in south-central Oregon is the perfect place for a gentle boat trip. The deep gorgeous blue water can be misleading, however, as it is known for being very cold! Designated swimming areas are available for those wanting to explore out on the lake. For a family-fun affair, taking a boat out for fishing activities is also highly recommended, with both Kokanee Salmon and Rainbow Trout available for catching. Flying in from Boston Logan airport? Check out pre-booked airport parking options available with ParkSleepFly before you jet off.

Lake Tahoe, Michigan

This serene lake is the perfect place for a picnic by the water, summer paddleboarding or, for the more adventurous, jet skiing. Lake Tahoe crosses over both California and Nevada, so traveling from both sides is always an option. This family-fun day out is a must to take advantage of the perfect weather conditions for Lake activities, as well as enjoy a delicious Independence Day-themed lunch together. If you’re traveling into the US for Independence Day, flying from Canada is a great choice. Make sure to pre-book your airport parking at Montreal Airport to not delay your trip. 

Other Activities for Independence Day

Visiting the White House is the ultimate day out on Independence Day. Expect a historic tour of the grounds and a spectacular fireworks display later in the evening. From BBQ hotdogs to sweet treats for dessert, you don’t want to miss out on this ultimate 4th July celebration in the Capitol. 

Things to Remember for Independence Day Travel

The biggest thing to remember if you’re traveling by plane this Independence Day is to pre-book your lot space at the airport. You can make big savings by booking in advance. Here at ParkSleepFly, we have a range of airport parking options available for you to choose from. Being prepared with a lot space already booked means you can relax, knowing your vehicle is safe at the airport, allowing you to escape, explore and celebrate this 4th July weekend!