Plan your spring break with our special section!

And check out our annual guide to Fun in the Snow

Sun or Snow?  

Maybe your kids are angling for a getaway to a favorite city. Maybe you want to squeeze in a little fun amid a week of college touring.  Check out our Spring Break section for lots of ideas.

Here are eight to get you started:

1.   GATHER THE GANG FOR A PRIVATE ADVENTURE TRIP.  Good chance it won't cost extra if you put two families together. Explore the rivers and national parks of the West with O.A.R.S. this year on a guided family adventure vacation.  Since 1969, O.A.R.S. has been the leader in first-class rafting, sea kayaking & multi-sport adventures. Be one of the first to book your 2014 adventure and save up to 10% on most trips.   

2.    INVITE THE GRANDPARENTS to join you on a cruise.  Opt to go from a port near your home-there are more than two dozen to choose from around the country-and avoid the hassle and expense of flying.  Opt for three days or a week. The website of the   Cruise Lines International Association  can help you find a travel agent near your home who is a certified cruise expert and can help you choose a ship that is right for you.  Our annual cruise section  can tell you what each major line has for families.

3.     TRY AN ALL-INCLUSIVE. In the Caribbean and Mexico, Palladium Resorts has just introduced the new Play at Palladium with Raggs family program  complete with the five Raggs TV characters, who serve as on-site ambassadors, hosting Mini Club activities, poolside events, a disco party, breakfasts and a 50-minute live show spectacular called the Raggs Pirate Show.  Beaches Resort is celebrating 10 years of its partnership with Sesame Street with a year-long program with new stage shows, parades, and the introduction of Oscar the Grouch.     

4.     Explore a foreign city before the summer crowds descend. Airfares might be cheaper too.   See what I wrote about joining a free tour in Paris led by locals.  

5.     Head to Washington DC where most of the city's attractions and museums are free.  Come in March for the city's famous Cherry Blossom Festival.  My Kid's Guide to Washington DC from Globe Pequot can help the kids lead the way.

6.     Start the Baseball Season early at spring training, games in Florida and Arizona. You'll find special packages close to every stadium-and plenty to do when the games are done.

7.     Build a trip around American history whether in Virginia's Historic Triangle of Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown, or in New York State where a new Path Through History website enables you to plan around themes like the War of 1812, Women's Rights, Sports History, Civil Rights and more.

8.     Have some fun in the snow when the days are sunny, the temperatures warmer and there are plenty of deals. Check out our FUN IN THE SNOW section. Kids 12 and under ski free at Keystone Resort every day of the 2013/14 winter season without any blackout dates. (Families must stay two or more nights in one of Keystone's numerous owned and operated accommodations.) At the Aspen resorts kids stay, rent, ski and even eat  free  all March and April (as long as you book in advance and purchase lodging and a three day adult lift.)