Best Places to Go in April for Families: Top 5 USA Spots

April is the month when the United States shakes off winter and remembers how to be beautiful. The crowds of spring break haven’t fully descended, the temperatures are Goldilocks-perfect in most places, and the country puts on a show—cherry blossoms in the capital, wildflowers in the desert, baby animals in national parks.

After more family road trips than I can count (including one where my youngest asked “Are we there yet?” approximately 47 times in two hours), I’ve learned which destinations deliver actual magic for all ages. These five best places to go in April for families balance kid-friendly fun with genuine grown-up appeal. Everyone wins.

Before You Go: April Family Travel Reality Check

April is a transitional month across the US. That means:

• Weather varies wildly. The same week could bring 80°F in Texas and snow in the Rockies. Pack layers everywhere.
• Spring break crowds are real. Many schools schedule breaks in March or April. Research your destination’s timing and book early.
• Prices spike during holiday weeks. Easter week and public school breaks mean higher flights and hotels.
• National parks are waking up. Facilities are open, roads are clear of snow, and crowds haven’t peaked yet.

The five spots below account for all of this. They’re chosen for April-specific magic—things you can only see or do this month.

1. Washington, D.C.: Cherry Blossoms and Free Museums

Peak bloom for the National Cherry Blossom Festival typically hits late March through early April. When it does, Washington transforms into a pink-and-white dreamscape.

The Jefferson Memorial framed by blooming trees is the kind of view that makes kids stop complaining and just stare (briefly, before they resume complaining).

Why April Works:

• The weather is usually perfect for walking—60s and 70s, low humidity.
• All Smithsonian museums are free, making it affordable for families.
• The city is designed for monument-hopping, which kids surprisingly enjoy when framed as a scavenger hunt.

Family-Friendly Highlights:

The Tidal Basin Walk: Start at the Jefferson Memorial and walk the full loop. Let kids run ahead on the wide paths. Stop constantly for photos. The pink petals falling like snow will be a core memory.

National Mall Monuments: Turn it into a game. Who can spot the Washington Monument first? How many steps to the Lincoln Memorial? The WWII Memorial has fountains kids love.

Smithsonian Museums:

• National Air and Space Museum: Always a hit. See the Wright brothers’ plane and Apollo modules.
• Natural History Museum: The Hope Diamond and dinosaur hall. The insect zoo lets kids hold (supervised) creepy-crawlies.
• American History Museum: Dorothy’s ruby slippers, the original Star-Spangled Banner.

National Zoo: Free, part of the Smithsonian, and pandas are (hopefully) back by 2026. Check panda cam before you go to build excitement.

Where to Stay:

• Splurge: The Willard InterContinental. Historic, beautiful, and walking distance to the Mall. Kids are treated like VIPs.
• Mid-range: Hotel Hive. Tiny rooms but fun, modern, and affordable for D.C. Rooftop bar (adult evening reward).
• Budget: Stay in Arlington, Virginia, across the river. Metro access is easy, hotels are cheaper.

Where to Eat with Kids:

• Founding Farmers: Kid-friendly comfort food that adults actually enjoy. The donut bites are legendary.
• Ben’s Chili Bowl: A D.C. institution. Chili dogs and milkshakes. The U Street location has history and character.
• Eastern Market: On weekends, grab food from vendors and eat on the lawn. Kids can run, parents can breathe.

Reserve monument tours (Washington Monument, Capitol) months in advance. They sell out. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing tour is fascinating for older kids—free but requires tickets released weeks ahead.

Pro Tip

Cherry blossom tours and monument tickets sell out fast. Book your family’s D.C. experiences now.

2. San Antonio, Texas: River Walk, Missions, and Fiesta

San Antonio in April hits a sweet spot—warm but not scorching, and the city’s biggest party happens this month. Fiesta San Antonio runs for 10 days in April, a massive celebration with parades, food, music, and enough chaos to entertain kids for hours.

Why April Works:

• Average highs in the 80s—perfect for water activities.
• Fiesta adds a layer of excitement that regular tourism misses.
• The River Walk is fully operational, with boat tours and outdoor dining.
• Spring break crowds have dispersed.

Family-Friendly Highlights:

The River Walk: Take a boat tour first thing—it orients you to the city and kids love the boat ride. Then explore on foot. The restaurants along the water feel magical, especially at night when lights reflect off the water.

The Alamo: Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, you have to go. The grounds are free, and kids can run the perimeter. The history is genuinely interesting for school-age children who’ve learned “Remember the Alamo!”

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park: A hidden gem. Four Spanish colonial missions besides the Alamo, connected by a 10-mile bike/walking path. Rent bikes (trailers or tag-alongs available) and ride between them. Mission San José is the most beautiful. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site—impress your friends later.

Fiesta San Antonio (if your dates align):

• The Texas Cavaliers River Parade floats down the River Walk—boats, music, spectacle.
• Fiesta Fiesta kicks things off with food and entertainment.
• NIOSA (Night in Old San Antonio) has cultural villages with food and activities. Older kids love the energy.

SeaWorld San Antonio: Open in April, with rides, shows, and animal encounters. Buy tickets online in advance for significant discounts.

Where to Stay:

• Splurge: Hotel Emma at the Pearl. Gorgeous, historic, with an incredible pool and restaurant. The Pearl district is quieter but wonderful.
• Mid-range: Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort. Pool with a lazy river—kids will never want to leave.
• Budget: Drury Plaza Hotel on the River Walk. Free hot breakfast and evening snacks save a fortune. Indoor/outdoor pool.

Where to Eat with Kids:

• The Guenther House: Breakfast in a historic flour mill. The pancakes are ridiculous. Watch the river float by.
• Mi Tierra Café y Panadería: Open 24 hours, Christmas decorations year-round, a bakery case that makes kids’ eyes bug out.
• The Pearl food hall: Multiple options so everyone chooses. Outdoor seating with lawn space.

The River Walk has stairs everywhere. A good stroller is essential for little legs. The boat tours are fun but short—don’t expect a long excursion.

Pro Tip

A lightweight, easy-fold stroller is a San Antonio essential. This Babyzen Yoyo folds carry-on size and handles River Walk stairs beautifully.

3. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona: Shoulder Season Perfection

The Grand Canyon in summer is a test of patience—crowds, heat, and limited parking. In April, it’s a completely different experience. The South Rim opens fully, temperatures are pleasant (50s-60s during the day), and the crowds haven’t reached peak insanity.

Plus, the canyon gets occasional spring snow flurries, dusting the red rocks in white—a photographer’s dream.

Why April Works:

• South Rim facilities are open, North Rim still closed (opens in May).
• No summer heat means hiking is actually pleasant.
• Shoulder season = fewer people, easier parking, more peaceful viewpoints.
• Potential for dramatic weather—snow, sun, and rainbows are all possible.

Family-Friendly Highlights:

Mather Point: Your first view of the canyon. It’s accessible, paved, and will make everyone gasp. Let kids process the scale—it takes a minute for brains to comprehend something that big.

Grand Canyon Visitor Center: Junior Ranger program pick-up here. The booklet keeps kids engaged, and they get a badge at the end. It’s free and excellent.

Shuttle Bus System: Free, easy, and kids love riding buses. The Hermit Road route (March-November) takes you to multiple viewpoints without parking hassles. Hop on, hop off.

Easy Trails:

• Rim Trail: Paved, flat, goes for miles. Walk as much as your kids can handle.
• Trail of Time: A geologic timeline embedded in the Rim Trail. Kids can walk a million years in minutes (literally—each meter represents a million years).
• Grand Canyon Railway: From Williams, Arizona (90 minutes south). Take the train to the canyon, stay overnight, train back. Kids adore the train, and it’s a full experience.

Desert View Drive: East from Grand Canyon Village. Stop at Grandview Point, Moran Point, and finally the Desert View Watchtower. Climb the tower for 360-degree views. Picnic areas along the way.

Where to Stay:

• In the Park (book 13 months ahead): El Tovar Hotel is historic and gorgeous. Bright Angel Lodge is more affordable and still historic. Phantom Ranch (at the bottom) requires lottery reservations and serious hiking.
• Tusayan (just outside park): The Grand Hotel. Pool, comfortable rooms, shuttle to the park.
• Williams (60 minutes south): More affordable options. The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel packages with train tickets.

Where to Eat with Kids:

• El Tovar Dining Room: Fancy but family-friendly. Breakfast here is a treat.
• Bright Angel Lodge Fountain: Quick, casual, ice cream.
• Food trucks in Tusayan: Several options, outdoor seating, easy.

Elevation is real—the South Rim sits at 7,000 feet. Kids may tire faster, get winded, or have mild altitude symptoms. Take it slow, hydrate constantly, and don’t push.

Pro Tip

Best Time in April: Mid-to-late April for best weather odds. Early April can still have snow closures.

4. Orlando, Florida: Theme Parks Without the Meltdown

Hear me out: I know Orlando is obvious. I know it’s crowded. I know it’s expensive. But April is genuinely the smart time to do it, and with the right strategy, it can be the family trip your kids remember forever.

Why April Works:

• Spring break crowds thin out by mid-to-late April.
• Temperatures are in the 70s-80s—hot but not July/August brutal.
• Parks are fully operational with all attractions running.
• Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival is in full swing—gorgeous topiaries, kid-friendly activities.

Family-Friendly Highlights:

Magic Kingdom: Obviously. Arrive at rope drop, leave by 1 PM when crowds peak and heat builds. Swim, nap, return for evening. This single strategy prevents 90% of theme park meltdowns.

Epcot: The Flower & Garden Festival adds scavenger hunts (kids love the Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration), food booths with kid-friendly options, and stunning gardens. Test Track and Soarin’ are the big rides.

Animal Kingdom: Best park for younger kids. The Safari is morning magic when animals are active. Dinoland is pure kid chaos. Pandora at night is genuinely breathtaking.

Universal Studios: For families with older kids (8+). Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade are immersive in ways that make Potter fans cry. Book early admission to experience them before crowds.

Beyond the Parks:

• Disney Springs: Free, live music, amazing people-watching, the world’s largest Disney store.
• Icon Park: The Wheel, aquarium, mini golf. Easy half-day.
• Kennedy Space Center: An hour east. If your kids love space, this is non-negotiable. See actual shuttles, meet astronauts, touch moon rocks.

Where to Stay:

• On-property Disney resorts: The theming, transportation, and early park access justify the cost for many families. Value resorts (Pop Century, Art of Animation) are affordable and fun.
• On-property Universal resorts: Early admission to Wizarding World is worth it for Potter fans.
• Off-property (save money): Hotels near Disney Springs or along I-Drive. Free shuttles are often available.

Where to Eat with Kids:

• Skipper Canteen (Magic Kingdom): Adventurous but kid-friendly, hilarious servers, never as crowded as other MK restaurants.
• Sci-Fi Dine-In (Hollywood Studios): Eat in “cars” watching cheesy sci-fi clips. Kids are mesmerized.
• Homecomin’ (Disney Springs): Chef Art Smith’s southern cooking. Fried chicken, donuts, moonshine for parents.

Use Rider Switch. If one adult waits with a child too small for a ride, the other adult rides, then swaps with NO WAIT. This saves hours.

Pro Tip

A cooling towel is a Florida essential. These Mission cooling towels activate with water and stay cool for hours.

5. Charleston, South Carolina: Southern Spring at Its Finest

Charleston in April is what Southerners mean when they talk about “spring.” The azaleas explode in every color, the weather hits that perfect 70-degree mark, and the city emerges from winter ready to charm visitors.

For families, it offers a slower pace than theme parks with plenty to keep kids engaged.

Why April Works:

• Peak azalea bloom—the city looks like a botanical garden.
• Perfect walking weather—not too hot, not too cool.
• Fewer crowds than summer.
• Beach weather at nearby islands.

Family-Friendly Highlights:

Magnolia Plantation: The gardens in April are spectacular—azaleas, camellias, reflecting pools. Kids love the nature tram (alligators!) and the petting zoo. The house tour is interesting for adults; kids can explore grounds.

Boone Hall Plantation: The avenue of oaks is one of America’s most photographed spots. The pumpkin patch in fall gets attention, but spring is equally beautiful. Farm animals, produce fields, history tours.

Waterfront Park: The pineapple fountain is made for kid photos. Let them run, cool off, watch boats on the Cooper River.

Carriage Tour: Kids love horse-drawn carriages. The guides tell stories, not just dates. Book Palmetto Carriage Works for longer tours with better guides.

Beach Day: Isle of Palms or Folly Beach are 20-30 minutes from downtown. April beach weather is perfect—warm enough to play, not so hot you melt. Folly Beach has a laid-back vibe; Isle of Palms is more family-resort.

Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry: Excellent for younger kids (ages 1-8). Hands-on exhibits, a pirate ship, and an art studio. Perfect for a rainy afternoon.

Where to Stay:

• Splurge: The Dewberry. Mid-century modern gorgeous, central, with a rooftop that makes adults happy.
• Mid-range: French Quarter Inn. Walkable, complimentary breakfast and wine hour (parent win).
• Family-friendly: Beachside at Isle of Palms. Rent a condo through Airbnb/VRBO for full kitchen and beach access.

Where to Eat with Kids:

• Hominy Grill: Legendary breakfast. The “Big Nasty” (fried chicken biscuit with gravy) is famous. Kid portions available.
• Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit: Tiny, line out the door, worth it. Kids love the mini biscuits.
• Ted’s Butcherblock: Sandwiches, picnic tables, outdoor seating. Grab food and eat at Waterfront Park.

Charleston is old. Sidewalks are uneven, streets are cobblestone in parts. A sturdy stroller with good wheels is essential. Baby carriers work better for very little ones.

Pro Tip

Best Time in April: Mid-April for peak azalea bloom. Early April for slightly fewer crowds.

What to Pack for April Family Travel

The Universal Essentials:

• Layers. April is unpredictable everywhere. Everyone needs a sweatshirt/jacket, even in Florida (evenings cool down).
• Rain gear. Showers happen. Packable ponchos for everyone weigh nothing.
• Comfortable walking shoes. This is non-negotiable. Broken-in shoes only.
• Reusable water bottles. Save money, stay hydrated.

Destination-Specific:

• DC: Stroller with sun shade, scavenger hunt printout
• San Antonio: Swimsuits (pool/hotel), hats for sun
• Grand Canyon: Sunscreen, lip balm, altitude snacks, warm hats/gloves (mornings cold)
• Orlando: Cooling towels, rain ponchos, portable fan
• Charleston: Bug spray (spring bugs emerge), beach gear

A good family travel backpack organizes everything. This Osprey Poco carries a toddler plus all your gear for hiking days.

Frequently Asked Questions

April is the month when America remembers how to be beautiful. From cherry blossoms in the capital to wildflowers at the Grand Canyon, from Fiesta fireworks in Texas to azaleas in Charleston, the country puts on a show. And for families, it offers that rare combination: good weather, reasonable crowds, and experiences that actually work for all ages.

These five best places to go in April have been tested by my crew—through meltdowns and magic moments, forgotten snacks and remembered sunsets. They deliver.

Save this guide. Book something. April is waiting.