Spring Break Spots For DFW Families

Spring break means recreation and rest for families in North Texas. So where are the best places to head out when you have a week off? Here are a few suggestions that can entertain, enchant and solidify time with your family this spring break.

Leave South Padre Island for the college kids. North Padre Island is much more peaceful and family-friendly. The northern part of this famous isle is easily one of the cleanest and most pristine beaches in Texas. To get there, you must get to Padre Island National Seashore, the world's longest section of undeveloped barrier island. This long stretch of clean water and sand can be driven down, camped on (with a permit) or just visited for the day when staying in a nearby town that is also family friendly like Port Aransas.

San Antonio is one of the main tourist cities in the United States for a reason. The Riverwalk and the Alamo are inspiring any time of year. There are plenty of other attractions as well including a trip down Mission Trail, which leads the way to exploring all five Spanish Missions, including the Alamo. La Villita Market is also great for families to rediscover the colorful culture of San Antonio. This Texas Hill Country favorite is also the site of Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Sea World, the Planetarium, the San Antonio Botanical Garden, Sunken Gardens and the famous San Antonio Zoo. As an extra bonus, just a short drive from the city, one can make a pit stop at the original Schlitterbahn Water Park Resort in New Braunfels.

Galveston Island has something for every member of the family. For the adventure-seeker, there are surf lessons right on the beach. For the history buff, the family can check out the Elissa, a historic ship open to the public. Everyone loves food and the beach, but the history lover will also enjoy walking through the 1886 Bishop's Palace or the equally enchanting opera house. Another unique find is the Oil Rig Museum, located right in the bay, a highlight not found anywhere else. If that's not enough, there are also dolphin viewing tours and ecological tours to fill out the spring break week.Related: 5 Reasons To Visit DFW For Spring Break

If you are willing to make it a road trip, southern New Mexico offers the White Sands National Park. As far as the eye can see, this park is landscaped with mountainous dunes of pure white sand. The sand draws in multitudes of visitors every year and makes for gorgeous photos with family and friends. These gypsum sand dunes are thousands of years old but have only more recently become recognized as a national monument worthy of preservation and protection. The drive from Dallas/Fort Worth is considerably farther than the other options, however there is no place quite like White Sands National Park.

Hot Springs, Arkansas, only about a three-hour trip by car from DFW, is an excellent option for families. With official natural areas, a walk-able historic downtown and real hot springs, this area is the ideal option for outdoorsy families who prefer quiet hikes to rowdy city strolls. From the numerous art galleries to the museums, there is no shortage of things to do for your clan. One of the best location attractions is the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, offering views for miles and miles around from over 1,200 feet over sea level. Hot Springs even has horse racing and camping. There is no shortage of family adventures to be had in Hot Springs.Related: Best Campgrounds Around Dallas / Fort Worth