Hop on a plane for a March break to remember
Ski slopes. Theme parks. Museums. And Niagara Falls. Let’s make these March school holidays extra special.
This March, why not take a trip and have the vacation of a lifetime with the family! Searching for March break inspiration? Take a look at our top 10 destinations and get that trip booked.
Last-minute March break vacations
Book an unforgettable March break in 2024
With March break running from Monday 11th March to Friday 15th March in 2024 and the kids off school for a week or two, now is the time to get planning your vacation. Instead of doing the usual March break activities, why not explore a new location close to home or even further afield?
London could be calling. Central Park in NYC is ready and waiting. Or Montreal and its kid-friendly activities is always a great option. Taking a trip at March break is a chance to bond with the family, see somewhere new or just break away from your routine. Let’s do it.
Top 10 March break destinations
From theme parks in Orlando to the beaches and zoo of San Diego. And from history in London to skiing in Banf. These are our top 10 destinations to visit this year, and a few March break ideas for some inspiration when you get there.
Orlando
Theme Park capital of the world
Florida, USA
Head south for warmer weather and the trip of a lifetime for the kids (and adults too). A vacation in Orlando is all about the theme parks, with the city home to around 18 in total. If you’ve never been before, you can’t beat the classics.
We’re talking days spent exploring Disney World, with its Magic Kingdom Park, Animal Kingdom, and two water worlds. Universal Studios is the place for film buffs, with its CityWalk, Volcano Bay and of course the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Look out for:
- Avatar Flight of Passage at Disney World
- The doughnuts at Voodoo Doughnuts at Universal Studios
- Bottlenose dolphins at SeaWorld Orlando
San Diego
More than the zoo
California, USA
Come for the world-renowned zoo, stay for the family-friendly attractions. This southern Californian city is made for visiting with kids. The century old zoo is a must and will take you a day at least to explore its 100 acres – we love the cuddly koalas and the celebrity pandas.
Don’t miss the Village Playground for the kids. Spend the rest of your time in San Diego exploring Balboa Park with its kid-friendly museums, the seaside amusements at Belmont Park, Birch Aquarium and Legoland California.
Look out for:
- San Diego Zoo’s Village Playground
- The museums in Balboa Park
- The world’s smallest penguins at Birch Aquarium
San Diego is the craft beer capital of America, with 150+ breweries.
The city is renowned for its Mexican cuisine.
Beach lovers can explore over 70 miles of coastline.
Vancouver
Close to home
Vancouver, USA
A little closer to home, Vancouver is packed with things to do with the kids during March break. There’s Granville Island with its kids’ market and waterpark. Inquisitive minds will love Telus World of Science and the OMNIMAX films on one of the world’s largest dome screens.
Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage around Stanley Park and spend a day with the animals at Vancouver Aquarium. Then hop on the SeaBus to North Vancouver to explore Lonsdale Quay Market and head up to Grouse Mountain on the Skyride or check out the heights of the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park.
Look out for:
- The 70m high Capilano Suspension Bridge
- The local Pacific Octopus at Vancouver Aquarium
- The photo ops of the mountains on the SeaBus
London
An unforgettable trip
Greater London, UK
Take the trip over the Atlantic for an unforgettable March break in London. England’s capital has kid-friendly attractions aplenty. Head up high for 360° views over the city from the London Eye. Go back in time with a trip to the Natural History Museum and meet your favourite celebrities in wax form at Madame Tussauds.
Take in the sights of Big Ben and Buckingham Palace and stretch your legs in Green Park or Hyde Park. Then finish up with a magical visit to Warner Bros. Studio to explore The Making of Harry Potter. Don’t miss the butter beer!
Look out for:
- The view of Tower Bridge from the London Eye
- Sophie the Stegosaurus at the Natural History Museum
- Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley
Insider tip:
London loves a free museum. You’ll find most of the museums in the capital have free entry. You can spend hours wandering the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, or the British Museum without eating into your budget. Just bring a few pounds for a donation and you’re good to go.
Banff
Hit the slopes
Alberta, Canada
With the ski slopes in Banff enjoying peak conditions up to mid-April, March break is the perfect time to strap on some skis and hit the mountain with the kids. Aside from skiing, there are so many family-friendly things to do. There’s the chance to see grizzly bears at the Grizzly Bear Refuge, the treasure hunt at Whyte Museum and the natural history at Banff Park Museum. Plus, when the snow falls there’s tobogganing in town and ice skating indoors.
Look out for:
- Boo the Grizzly Bear at the refuge
- The Banff Gondola ride to Sulphur Mountain
- Tobogganing at Spray Meadows Hill
Niagara Falls
Imposing and magnificent
Ontario, Canada
This imposing sight is sure to impress the whole family. This group of three waterfalls are the most famous falls anywhere in the world, and something every Canadian needs to see once in their lives. Take them in from the usual viewing platforms, get up close on the Hurricane Deck in the Niagara Gorge itself or take to the waters on the Maid of the Mist. While you’re here also check out the water parks, Clifton Hill, and the Butterfly Conservatory in the Botanical Gardens.
Look out for:
- The emergence window at the Butterfly Conservatory
- The Niagara SkyWheel on Clifton Hill
- Fallsview Indoor Waterpark
New York City
The Big Apple in March
New York State, USA
Make the short trip to New York City and you’ll feel like you’ve landed in another world. One of yellow cabs, honking horns, packed sidewalks and buildings that keep on going up. Exploring the Big Apple with kids is ideal for March break. Head up the Empire State for those world-famous views, stroll through Central Park, hit up the American Museum of Natural History, sample a slice of classic NYC pizza and catch a show on Broadway. Plus, there are the museums, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the Yankees and more.
Look out for:
- The Hall of Biodiversity at the Museum of Natural History
- The views from the Empire State
- A slice at Joe’s Pizza
Cancun
Beaches and history
Mexico
Hit up Cancun’s beaches for a spot of sunshine on your March break. Spectacular white sand, turquoise waters and toasty temperatures are all here. But Cancun’s not just the Spring Break capital you’ve read about. And it’s more than just beautiful beaches. Go under water and snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park, get wet and wild on the water slides of Ventura Park, head to the natural water and theme park, Xcaret, or take a day trip to learn about Mexico’s ancient civilisations. Don’t miss the Cancun Underwater Museum (MOSA) either.
Look out for:
- A Cancun pirate ship tour
- The Kamikaze slide at Ventura Park
- Snorkelling the Great Mesoamerican Reef
The region around Cancun has a rich Mayan heritage.
The Maya Barrier Reef is the second largest in the world.
Most of Cancun’s beaches are made from crushed coral.
Montréal
Historic and fun
Québec, Canada
The city’s rich history and European charm offers a unique experience right here in Canada. Whether you’re in Montreal all week or a few days, head to Upla – North America’s largest trampoline park. Check out the Biodome or explore the Montreal Science Centre. Make sure you spend some time soaking up the atmosphere on Rue Wellington before visiting the Ecomuseum Zoo. We love the Illusion Theatre too.
Look out for:
- Montreal’s 10 free museums
- The Planetarium, next door to the Biodome
- The new Insectarium, home to 3,000+ insect species
Washington DC
Not just educational
DC, USA
For an educational and fun March break, Washington DC is ready. The capital of the USA has plenty to teach young minds with visits to the National Museum of American History, National Mall, Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial on the agenda. The Smithsonian National Zoo is a must-see if you’re in DC for the first time, whilst the United States Botanical Garden and Beauvoir Outdoors Playground are perfect for kids. The International Spy Museum is a unique attraction where kids under 10 can sign up to take on secret missions and test their spy skills.
Look out for:
- The ziplines and jungle gym at Beauvoir
- Interactive exhibits at the Children’s Garden in the Botanic Garden
- SparkLab at the Museum of American History
Whether you want some educational fun, relaxing or adrenaline action, March break is the time to do it. There are dream locations close to home in Canada, in the US or across the pond in the UK. Take your pick.
Thinking of travelling for March break? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels, and car hire deals for your next trip.
