4 Family Vacations for Spring

Need to getaway after a long winter? These family-friendly destinations are sure to please.

Thanks to the photographers for sharing their shots with Creative Commons!

Oahu, Hawaii

Sun and sand are always a top attraction for kids. But Oahu has much more to offer! (Photo by LuxTonnerre)

• Hike Diamond Head and awe at the 360-degree view of the island and ocean.

• Bring a blanket to Waikiki Beach for moonlight movies & luaus.

• Get the know local inhabitants & international critters at the Waikiki Aquarium, Honolulu Zoo, or Sea Life Park.

• Chanel your inner Hula dancer at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

• If the ocean isn’t big enough, make a splash at the Wet’n'Wild water park.

• Pay your respects at the WWII Memorials at Pearl Harbor – only  45 minutes from Waikiki.

• Trace history the fun way at the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center.

South Island, New Zealand

Experience NZ's surreal South Island like the rainforest glacier, Franz Joseph (Photo by olmed0)

• Daredevil in the family? Jetboat into the Kawarau Gorge canyons near Queenstown.

• Grab an ice pick and tackle Franz Joseph glacier. All ages can enjoy aerial views from a plane, while kids 8 years and older can join in the hike.

• You won’t need a to golden ticket to get into Cadbury World Chocolate Factory. Go on, indulge your sweet tooth!

• Glimpse glimmering glow worms in darkened caves at Te Anau.

• Cruise past stunning scenery at Milford Sound in Fiordland.

• Say “Hi” to the locals on the Otago Peninsula - albatross, fur seals, sea lions, and penguins.

Barcelona, Spain

Take in the scenery at Catlunya en Miniatura where they've got the best architecture in the city - scaled down (Photo by surfzone)

• “Oooh” and “Ahh” at Belliago-like fountains of Barcelona, Font Magica (Magic Fountains).

• Climb a cable car to the city’s castle, Montjuic, where kids will also love the Museum of Comics & Illustration.

• Test your nerves on rollercoasters and rides at Tibidabo Amusement Park.

• Kids aren’t usually nuts about architecture, but Gaudi’s world famous Sagrada Familia will be wild enough to keep them interested.

• Bounce around Bubbleparc – kids will love the reverse bungee or floating in a bubble

• Fe, fi, fo, fum! Kids will feel like giants at Catalunya en Miniatura, the largest miniature complex in the world.

Chicago, Illinois

Kids can capture a self-portrait in Millenium Park (Photo by brand0con)

• Strike a pose and capture a self-portrait at the city’s infamous “bean” (Cloud Gate at Millenium Park).

• Roar with lions at Lincoln Park Zoo – it’s free! – and explore the park while you’re there.

• Catch the Cubs at a home game and go behind-the-scenes at the Wrigley Field Tour.

• Stand the the shadow of Sue, the most complete T-Rex on display, at the Field Museum.

• Build and create at Legoland Discovery Center in Schaumberg, about 30 minutes outside the city.

• Rent bikes for a two-wheel adventure around town, taking in architecture and enjoying the spring air.