5. St. Lucia
This is paradise for active families with older kids, and spring offers the ideal weather, before tropical storms brew in June. Hikers and cyclists have miles of trails: Millet Bird Sanctuary Trail, 1,000 feet above the sea, is moderately challenging, while Forestierre Rainforest Trail is gentler. Cas en Bas and Vieux Fort beckon experienced windsurfers, and equestrians should contact Gros Islet's International Riding Stables with rides for all levels. Any visit should include exquisite Marigot Bay (where Dr. Doolittle was filmed), and 100-year-old Castries market with crafts, spices, and tropical foods. History and nature abound on Pigeon Island, a 40-acre park with ruins, trails, and a museum/interpretive center.
Read our Family Travel Guide on St. Lucia.

4. Lafayette, Louisiana
Spring in Lafayette is packed with family activities and events. Learn about Cajun culture at Vermillionville, where interpreters and craft demonstrators bring Cajun life and history alive. Watch for ‘gators on an Atchafalaya Basin Swamp Tour at McGee's Landing. Take factory tours at Avery Island, the only place in the world that makes Tabasco sauce. The island also has amazing gardens, wildlife, and bayous. Dance like a local at Randol's Restaurant and Cajun Dancehall, and check out Lafayette's family-oriented concerts and festivals, including Downtown Alive, most Fridays in March and April, and Pyromania XIII, an arts weekend of artisan demonstrations and hands-on instruction for the public, in early April.
Read more about travel to Lafayette.

3. San Diego, California
San Diego is a no-brainer for a family spring fling. Among the many reasons: Surf's up! The San Diego Surfing Academy has year-round lessons for all ages. Balboa Park, with 1,000-plus acres, 15 museums, and the city's stellar zoo is a must-visit. Ride the ferry to Coronado and bike miles of paths, or glide through waterways on a real gondola (singing optional). Old Town Trolley Tours offers laid-back sightseeing for families with young children; those with older kids should check out GoCar Tours' mini "talking" cars that combine vehicle and tour guide. Rent a kayak in La Jolla and explore coastal sea caves.
Read our Family Travel Guide on San Diego.

2. Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Often times, March is Colorado's snowiest month, so think powder. And think Snowsaver Packages—ten percent off lifts and lodging until March 30; 20 percent off from March 31 to April 6. Buy a five-day adult lift ticket and kids 12 and under ski free. Steamboat has five kids-only lifts, a kids terrain park, plus childcare for kids ages six months to six years. And, unlike the dead of winter, spring break is a great time for kids to hit the slopes, as temperatures are warmer and the sun shines longer. Oh, and did we mention tubing, Gondola Adventure Zone trampoline, Gyro Chair, and sleigh rides? For something totally different, ages 16 and up can get "20 tons of fun" test-driving bulldozers and other big equipment at Dig This! Have a family blast at the March 17 St. Patrick's Day Torchlight & Fireworks, or simply relax at Old Town or Strawberry Park hot springs.
Read more about travel to Steamboat Springs.

1. Riviera Maya, Mexico
Akumal, south of Cancun, is a Caribbean haven with postcard-perfect waters. One favorite snorkeling spot rife with marine life is Yal-ku Lagoon (bring your own gear). Xcaret, a Disney-esque "Eco Maya" theme park, features snorkeling, butterflies, cultural activities, and more, and Xel-Ha, another park, also has excellent snorkeling. One of Mexico's most kid-friendly Mayan ruins is compact Tulum, the only ruins on the water. Families with older kids should book tours to Coba to climb the 122 vertigo-inducing stone steps of Nohoc Mul pyramid, and to UNESCO's Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. If you wish to thank a Mayan along the way, say "Yuutbuotik."
Read our Family Travel Guide on the Riviera Maya.