Top Spring Break 2015 Destinations Near South Florida For Families

Spring break is the lovely time of year when hormonal co-eds leave the safety of their dormitories in favor of a week of debauchery in a sunny locale. If you're a parent looking for some quality time with your children on a nice family vacation, that sounds terrifying. The last thing you need is your child telling their teacher about how they witnessed a keg stand on spring break. So here is a list of a few locales that are under seven hours away that promise you fun in the sun, the beach and, more importantly, the peace that your family craves on a spring vacation.

Orlando, FL
Orlando, FL 32802
(407) 246-2121
www.cityoforlando.net

When people think family, they immediately think Orlando. It's the theme park capital of the United States with Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World located just blocks from each other. There's plenty of shopping, fine and affordable dining and there's always something to do for all ages. In addition, the crowd typically consists of other high school children, middle schoolers and younger, since the more mature spring breakers opted for the beach. So pack your fanny packs and your patience for a week of fun at an amusement park.

Nassau/Paradise Island, Bahamas
Paradise Island, Bahamas
(954) 236-9292
www.bahamas.com

Florida happens to be close to everywhere you want to be and the Bahamas is no exception. Nassau and Paradise Island, Bahamas are only 185 miles from Miami and a short cruise ride or island ferry away. While there, your children can play at the Atlantis Hotel and Casino's 141-mile water park featuring two water slides that actually go through a real shark lagoon. Parents can sample one of the many casinos and fine dining options and children can take advantage of the area's lush beaches and crystal blue waters. Unfortunately, it's impossible to avoid the spring breakers at this destination, but you can escape them by taking a short car ride over to explore the capital of the Bahamas, Nassau.

Naples/Marco Island
Marco Island, FL 34145
(239) 225-1013
www.paradisecoast.com

Naples and Marco Island are located two hours west of Miami on Florida's Paradise Coast. Marco Island is the largest of the 10,000 islands and boasts amenities like golfing and some of the best beaches in all of Florida. Wildlife lovers will love its close proximity to the Everglades and animal lovers can take a walk on the wild side at the Naples Zoo. The best part of all is that not only is this serene and secluded locale perfect for families, but you are unlikely to run into spring breakers unless they are local. So have a ball and discover all that the paradise coast has to offer.

Related: Best Up-And-Coming Travel Destinations Of 2015

Islamorada
Islamorada, FL 33036
(800) 352-5397
www.fla-keys.com

Key West is synonymous with spring break, which is exactly why you can't go there. Instead, head two hours north of Key West and two hours south of Miami to a sleepy little town called Islamorada. This town is located on the Overseas highway, so seeing the sun rise or set over the ocean is just a matter of crossing the street. There are plenty of local bars and restaurants serving the best seafood you've ever had and your younger children will have a blast a swimming with the dolphins at the Theater of the Sea. Top off the vacation with plenty of swimming, fishing, snorkeling and basking at the beach and you've got a cozy and quiet family vacation.

Hollywood Beach
Hollywood, FL 33022
(954) 921-3600
www.hollywoodfl.org

Hollywood Beach is a great place to take the family for spring break. There are tons of family activities like the five-person family bike, rollerblading, fishing, swimming and more. Plus, it's only 25 minutes to the spring break mecca, South Beach, and 15 minutes to Fort Lauderdale. So you can experience a little bit of the traditional spring break and then leave when things get too wild. Unfortunately, you will not be able to avoid the crowds at Hollywood Beach because it's frequented by Canadian snowbirds, locals and other spring breakers. But you can always head 20 minutes west to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino to take a break from the beach.

Related: A Day In Hollywood Beach

Niema Hulin was born in Newark, NJ but raised in Lexington, South Carolina for the bulk of her formative years. In 2002, she moved to Miami after graduating from the University of Florida. Since then, Niema has worked in film, television and commercials as a Production Assistant and Production Coordinator. Some of her films have included Bad Boys II and I Am Number IV. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.