14 Best Places to Visit in April with Kids in the US
Looking for the perfect April getaway with the kids? We’ve rounded up 14 amazing spots where kids can run wild, learn cool stuff, and parents can actually relax (yes, it’s possible!).
Plus, we’re sharing our favorite family-friendly hotels and local secrets that’ll help you dodge the tourist traps and find the real gems.
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1. Zion National Park, Utah
Utah’s most visited national park serves up jaw-dropping red rock formations and kid-friendly adventures when spring temperatures hit the perfect hiking range.
The snow has melted, making trails accessible without winter gear, and you might spot newborn animals and migratory birds like the California condor.
Kids can splash in the Virgin River, bike through Zion Canyon without fighting summer crowds, and earn their Junior Ranger badge at the Nature Center.
Where to Stay: Zion Lodge, the only hotel inside the park, offering historic cabins with private porches and prime stargazing opportunities.
2. Orlando, Florida
Spring Fiesta in the Park kicks off Orlando’s festival season at Lake Eola Park with free live music, artisan vendors, and dedicated kids’ zones.
The EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival adds extra magic with stunning flower sculptures and garden-fresh treats.
Insider Tip: Book an Easter Eggstravaganza photo session at ICON Park – they offer special spring backgrounds without the usual holiday crowds.
Where to Stay: Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, where kids get treated like VIPs with welcome gifts and access to a 5-acre water park.
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3. Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona shows off its family-friendly side in spring before the summer heat kicks in.
The Desert Botanical Garden wows kids with towering cacti and educational programs, while the Arizona Science Center keeps young minds buzzing with over 300 hands-on exhibits.
Families can cool off at the Hilton Phoenix Resort’s four-acre water park or spot baby animals at the Phoenix Zoo.
Insider Tip: Visit the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park early in the day when temperatures are cooler and lines for the vintage train rides are shorter.
Where to Stay: Arizona Biltmore, a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architectural gem featuring a massive pool that kids absolutely adore.
4. San Francisco, California
The City by the Bay serves up fog-free days perfect for family adventures. Kids can get up close with butterflies in the California Academy of Sciences’ four-story rainforest, spot sea lions at Pier 39, and bike across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Insider Tip: Reserve free planetarium tickets as soon as you arrive at the California Academy of Sciences – they tend to go quickly.
Where to Stay: Hotel Del Sol in the Marina District is a fun, colorfully painted boutique hotel that provides free cookies, milk, and pool toys for kids.
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5. Moab, Utah
Moab becomes a natural playground in April. Kids can follow dinosaur tracks, splash in Mill Creek’s swimming holes, and jam out at the Rotary Park with outdoor musical instruments.
The weather is perfect for exploring Arches National Park, where little ones can join the Junior Ranger program and learn about the park’s iconic formations.
Insider Tip: Start your Arches visit at the Visitor Center to watch a short film about how the arches formed – it makes the whole experience more meaningful for kids.
Where to Stay: Springhill Suites by Marriott Moab, featuring two pools, three hot tubs, and a kids’ canyon with a splash pad.
6. Cocoa Beach, Florida
Cocoa Beach rolls out the red carpet for families in April with perfect beach weather and endless adventures.
Kids can catch their first wave at beginner-friendly surf spots or explore the massive Ron Jon Surf Shop, complete with fascinating fish tanks.
The Wizard of Oz Museum adds a magical twist with cutting-edge projections and interactive exhibits. For active kids, the Cocoa Beach Skate Park offers epic bowls and half-pipes.
Where to Stay: The Resort on Cocoa Beach, featuring two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens and a fantastic pool with a reasonably priced Tiki Bar.
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7. Portland, Oregon
Portland blooms into life in April with cherry blossoms painting the Japanese American Historical Plaza and tulips creating rainbow carpets at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival.
Kids go wild for the hands-on exhibits at OMSI, where they can peek through submarine periscopes and touch real torpedoes.
The Oregon Zoo’s 64 acres showcase everything from African savannas to rainforests, plus a cool solar-powered train.
Insider Tip: Hit the Portland Saturday Market for live music, street performers, and amazing food trucks.
Where to Stay: Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel, offering family-friendly cottages and complimentary Micro Kickboard scooters for exploring the waterfront.
8. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
April brings perfect beach weather to Hilton Head, where dolphins play in the waves and adventure awaits around every corner.
Kids can zip through the air on parasailing adventures or spot ancient live oaks at the Coastal Discovery Museum.
The Sandbox Children’s Museum keeps little ones entertained on rainy days.
Insider Tip: Visit the Kids’ Zone at the Discovery House for fun scavenger hunts and puppet-making activities.
Where to Stay: Sonesta Resort, featuring the Just Us Kids Club with daily activities and ‘Dive-In’ movies by the pool on Saturday nights.
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9. Colorado Springs, Colorado
Garden of the Gods serves up jaw-dropping sandstone formations and kid-friendly trails in April, with perfect temps for outdoor exploration.
The Mining Museum lets kids sparkle under UV lights in the gem room and watch massive mining machines in action.
For rainy days, City Rock climbing gym gets those wiggles out with auto-belays perfect for beginners.
Where to Stay: Kinship Landing, offering custom-designed bunk beds for kids and comfy queen beds for parents in their Family Suites.
10. New York City, New York
The Big Apple in April offers perfect spring weather and blooming cherry blossoms in Central Park.
Kids can earn their Junior Ranger badges at multiple sites, catch Broadway shows made just for little ones, and explore the mind-blowing Children’s Museum of Art.
The new Pier 26 Playground offers epic slides and water features, while the magical SeaGlass Carousel in Battery Park sends kids spinning in luminescent fish-shaped pods.
Insider Tip: Skip the crowded shuttle buses in Central Park and rent bikes instead – it’s the best way to cover more ground with energetic kids.
Where to Stay: The Peninsula New York, where kids get their own mini teepee and can join the Camp Peninsula program complete with s’mores and scavenger hunts.
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11. Grand Canyon, Arizona
The South Rim comes alive in April when trails are clear of snow and baby animals start appearing.
Kids can follow dinosaur tracks, splash in creek pools, and join the Junior Ranger program to learn about the canyon’s incredible geology.
The Bright Angel Trail offers perfect morning hikes for families, while the Grand Canyon Railway adds Wild West entertainment with mock train robberies and singing cowboys.
Insider Tip: Visit the Yavapai Geology Museum first – their 3D models make the canyon’s formation fascinating for young minds.
Where to Stay: Yavapai Lodge offers family rooms that sleep up to 6 and easy access to the canyon rim, plus a fun food court kids love.
12. Estes Park, Colorado
Spring brings baby elk sightings and perfect hiking weather to this charming mountain town.
Kids can test their courage at the Open Air Adventure Park, ride the historic Aerial Tramway for bird’s-eye views, or try their hand at geocaching adventures.
The YMCA of the Rockies offers endless family activities from archery to campfires.
Insider Tip: Visit the Taffy Shop on Elkhorn Avenue to watch mesmerizing taffy-pulling demonstrations and sample unique flavors.
Where to Stay: The Estes Park Resort offers lakefront rooms and fun lawn games with stunning mountain views.
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13. San Diego, California
April’s perfect weather makes this coastal city a family paradise. The new Mission Bay playground is a total game-changer, while the Birch Aquarium’s Little Blue Penguins exhibit (the only one in the Western U.S.) delights kids of all ages.
Don’t miss the Padres games at Petco Park, where Gallagher Square offers picnic spots and a brand-new playground for pre-game wiggles.
Insider Tip: Hit Coronado Beach for calm waters and tons of space for kids to run wild.
Where to Stay: Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront, offering suites with full kitchens and complimentary bikes for family adventures.
14. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
April brings perfect beach weather and endless family fun to this coastal hotspot. Kids can zoom down water slides at Family Kingdom Amusement Park, spot sea life at Ripley’s Aquarium, or join the Dragon Boat Festival celebrations.
The Boardwalk buzzes with street performers and family-friendly entertainment, while the new Pavilion Park offers two separate areas for different age groups.
Insider Tip: Visit Broadway at the Beach early in the day to avoid crowds and catch the best views from the Broadway 360 Observation Wheel.
Where to Stay: Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark features water attractions including two giant slides and a year-round indoor waterpark.
