Easter inspiration - 11 Breaks for Every Family!

Picking an Easter break destination can be tricky, as every year travellers are bombarded with options. Not to worry, we’ve compiled a list of 11 family-friendly Easter holiday ideas that will please even the grumpiest teenager! From a ski paradise in Meribel to Disney road trip magic further afield, there’s something for every family. What’s more, the 18th and 21st of April are bank holidays, so travellers get a week's break for just three days' leave.

Ski Trips - Catch the Best of the Spring Snow

Family Ski Magic in the Fairytale Resort of Méribel, France

Méribel is not just for experts, it’s the ultimate base for an epic family ski holiday. 50% of the Les 3 Vallées area is graded blue or green, making it perfect for young children. The resort's renowned ski schools – offering English-speaking lessons – combined with Méribel village's fairytale feel, mean skiers are onto a magical family trip. Méribel also offers a new beginner's zone, located just to the right of the Rhodos bubble, this area features a covered moving carpet, allowing first-timers to find their ski groove. There is also a dedicated sledging zone for non-skiers. Save the faff this winter and stay at one of Méribel’s many ski-in-ski-out hotels to avoid the manic morning rush. The charming chalet-style Hotel Mont Vallon is right on the slopes and close to the ski school. The hotel also boasts a kids club and indoor pool. On top of all this, the Méribel family pass offers two adults to take up to six children aged 5-18 on the slopes, with everyone qualifying for a child price. 

Family rooms at Hotel Mont Vallon start from €320 per night in April, and flights to Geneva from London in April start from €68 return - www.meribel.net/en

Family Fun On and Off the Slopes in Aspen Snowmass, Colorado, USA

Aspen Snowmass is the perfect destination for a family ski holiday this Easter, offering the ideal blend of adventure, relaxation and endless activities. For children, there’s no better place to learn to ski than the world-renowned Aspen Snowmass Ski and Snowboard School, with its dedicated instructors and gentle beginner slopes at Buttermilk and Snowmass. Families can explore all four of the resort’s world-class mountains, taking full advantage of the Kids Ski Free programme for children under six. Young thrill-seekers can tackle the exciting Parks & Pipes Snowmass Terrain Park, enjoy free s’mores every afternoon at Snowmass Base Village or Snowmass Mall and hop on the Elk Camp Gondola for a scenic ride to Elk Camp for Ullr Nights, which take place twice a month. The resort also offers an array of family-friendly accommodation, such as Limelight Hotel Snowmass or Limelight Hotel Aspen, featuring indoor rock climbing walls and games centres.

Return flights from London Heathrow to Denver with United Airlines in April start from €864 - www.aspensnowmass.com

Valencia, Home to Europe’s Largest Aquarium

With its sunny climate and just a quick flight away from most major UK airports, Valencia is the perfect family holiday destination. Its flat, pedestrian-friendly streets make exploring easy, whether you’re wandering through the Turia Garden or discovering the historic old town. Younger children will love the Oceanogràfic, home to rescued beluga whales and Europe’s largest aquarium. This July, Valencia celebrates the 550th anniversary of the modern rules of chess and is hosting the Valencia International Chess Open. Whether you're exploring museums, Mediterranean beaches, or immersing yourself in history, Valencia offers a memorable family adventure. visitvalencia.con/en

Enjoy breaks from €174 per person with Thomas Cook - www.visitvalencia.com/en

United States

A holiday after the holiday for the whole family, Florida’s Paradise Coast - Naples, Marco Island & the Everglades

Make full use of the Easter break and combine an exciting theme park holiday in Orlando with a laidback adventure in Florida’s Paradise Coast - Naples, Marco Island and the Everglade. Relax along 30 miles of pristine white sand beaches such as the South Marco Beach, an easily accessible destination with plenty of family-friendly amenities. This tranquil spot offers opportunities for shelling, sunbathing and spotting local wildlife, paired with breathtaking sunset views.  Families wanting a break from the sun can experience a host of arts and cultural attractions including a visit to Artis-Naples, home of The Baker Museum and the Naples Philharmonic.

Check out the ongoing Florida Contemporary exhibition which features artists of diverse interests and backgrounds from various locations throughout Florida, or opt for a Make and Take family workshop to create works inspired by the art on display in the various museum exhibitions - paradisecoast.com.

Book a stay at the newly opened The Perry Hotel Naples with room rates from €258 per night in April. Return flights from London Heathrow to Miami with British Airways in April start from €661. Naples is a two-hour drive from Miami.

Cowboy holiday fun for the whole family at Rainbow Trout Ranch, Colorado 

Rainbow Trout Ranch combines the best of the Colorado Rockies with the enchantment of nearby New Mexico. Located in the beautiful secluded Conejos River Valley at 9,000ft, the 5-star ranch features vast amounts of unspoiled countryside that lends itself to outdoor recreation. Something for every member of the family, activities include horseback riding, fishing, archery and white water rafting. At the end of each day, families can enjoy the atmosphere of the western log cabins and share stories with other guests over home-cooked meals. Rainbow Trout Ranch is just a 44-minute drive from Denver - www.colorado.com.

A six-day stay with all food and activities included costs €2,677 in spring for adults and €2,262 for children. Return flights to Denver from London in April start from €479 with United Airlines. 

Science and space exploration in Houston, Texas

Houston offers the perfect family escape, blending adventure, discovery and fun. Start by visiting the award-winning Houston Zoo and the Houston Museum of Natural Science, where kids and adults alike can marvel at wildlife and explore interactive exhibits. Space enthusiasts will love Space Center Houston, home to real space capsules and behind-the-scenes tours of NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

For outdoor fun, stroll along Kemah Boardwalk or unwind in Hermann Park with train rides and picnics. Don’t miss the Children’s Museum of Houston for hands-on learning with 90,000 square feet of interactive bilingual exhibits, or the Downtown Aquarium for an unforgettable underwater experience.

With a Houston CityPASS, you can enjoy these attractions at a fraction of the cost, making your family holiday both exciting and affordable. Family rooms at the Hotel Zaza start from €346 per night in April. 

Return flights from London Heathrow to Houston with British Airways in April start from €1053. visithouston.com

A Family Road Trip in California – Celebrate 70 Years of Disneyland

Enjoy a 14-day family holiday in the Golden State starting in the iconic city of San Francisco where you’ll visit the infamous Alcatraz Island and enjoy views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The road trip begins as you depart San Francisco heading south along the Pacific Coast Highway, while enjoying the sunny beaches of the SLO CAL region. Journey onward to Los Angeles where you can enjoy visiting Disneyland in Anaheim which celebrates its 70th anniversary with the theme Happy bringing new entertainment this year. Following the glitz and glam of Los Angeles, stop off at Surf City USA, otherwise known as Huntington Beach, for your dose of surfing. End your trip in sunny San Diego spotting some sea lions around La Jolla Cove. visitcalifornia.com

Travel Bag offers family holidays to California starting at €1,800 per person, based on two adults and two children under 12 - www.visitcalifornia.com

Explore the Best of the Outdoors for the Whole Family in Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona

A hidden gem city located in the White Mountains on the eastern side of Arizona, a trip to Pinetop-Lakeside is perfect for families who desire to spend all day exploring nature. With more than 50 lakes and 800 miles of rivers, families can swim, fish and kayak from one lake to the next, enjoying the wonderful summer weather. Pick a trail, whether that be on foot or via mountain biking, horseback riding or ATVing, with countless paths awaiting to immerse visitors into the world’s largest Ponderosa Pine Forest. After spending time in nature's playground, stop by the White Mountain Family Fun Park, to race go-karts and compete in mini-golf. Stay under the stars when camping at one of the city's campsites or sleep in comfort at The Kull B&B, which has cosy and rustic-themed suites. 

The Kull B&B offers its Garden Bungalow suite from €286 per night. Flights with British Airways in April start from €818 return - www.visitarizona.com

Explore the behind-the-scenes of film production at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, West Hollywood

Offering free general admission for children under 17, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is a must-visit attraction when in West Hollywood. Walk through the immersive exhibits which feature the creation process of some of the most iconic Hollywood films. The museum also offers family-friendly programming such as drop-in workshops inspired by the ongoing exhibitions. Suitable for families with children aged two and up, all workshops are free with museum admission and available on a first come first serve basis. Visitors can also catch the Family Matinees which feature family-friendly films every Saturday at 11am. 

Book a stay at The 1 Hotel West Hollywood from €347 per night based on two adults and two children under 12.

Return flights to Los Angeles with British Airways in April start at €401. visitwesthollywood.com

Pittsburgh – A Family-Friendly US City with a New Direct Flight from London

With British Airways offering nonstop flights daily from 31 March, visiting the colourful western city of Pennsylvania has never been easier. An affordable U.S. city destination for families interested in hands-on experiences and educational exhibitions from ages six and up, Pittsburgh (aka KidsBURGH) has a plethora of diverse and ever-growing attractions and experiences for children. From thrills at Kennywood amusement park - which is home to two of the fastest and tallest coasters in Pennsylvania  including the Steel Curtain Rollercoaster in Steelers Country, to educational exhibitions in the heart of the city, such as Moonshot Museum allowing visitors to watch Lunar landers being built, and The seven story museum dedicated to the pop artist Andy Warhol with screen printing opportunities -  Pittsburgh is filled with fun for all the family. visitpittsburgh.com 

Fly with British Airways to Pittsburgh International Airport from London Heathrow for €571 return in World Traveller. Family rooms at the TRYP Wyndham Pittsburgh start from €137 per night - www.visitpittsburgh.com

Australia

An Outdoor Easter Adventure in New South Wales, Australia

New South Wales is the ultimate destination for an active Easter family holiday, perfectly timed with the two-week break. The region offers a diverse range of outdoor adventures that showcase its stunning natural beauty.

From swimming with dolphins in Jervis Bay and snorkelling with seals at Montague Island to zip-lining above lush rainforests at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures, there’s something for every thrill-seeker. Families can also explore Australia’s largest moving sand dunes in Port Stephens, enjoy a scenic paddlesteamer cruise along the Murray River, or go kayaking in Cape Byron Marine Park.

For those who prefer the mountains, the Blue Mountains offer breathtaking views, thrilling rides, and ancient caves.

Family rooms at The W Sydney start from €361 per night in April. Return flights from London Heathrow to Sydney with British Airways in April start from €1,523 - www.sydney.com